The Unsung Athlete

In this episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Clay Udley—athlete, MMA fighter, coach, gym owner, and proud father—for a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and legacy.

Clay takes us from his childhood competing in backyard competitions, to college football, to the pro MMA ring, and ultimately to building a gym rooted in inclusion and community. Along the way, he reflects on the mindset of once an athlete, always an athlete, the lessons passed down from his mother, and the deep joy and responsibility that comes with parenthood.

This episode is about more than sport—it’s about identity, perseverance, and the impact we leave on others. Clay reminds us that setbacks are simply setups for growth, and that true legacy is measured by how many lives you help rise along the way.

If you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or anyone committed to personal growth and continuous improvement, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and challenge you to keep moving forward.

In this deeply moving episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Kristi Udley—mother, wife, athlete, and co-owner of Mark 44 Martial Arts Academy.

Kristi shares her powerful journey of identity, resilience, and rediscovering herself through sport—from growing up in a competitive athletic family, to heartbreak after not making the volleyball team, to finding strength again through Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and lifting as a powerful woman and mother of three.

Kristi dives deep into:

• What it means to reclaim your identity as an athlete later in life

• Navigating imposter syndrome as a woman in a male-dominated sport

• Building a gym culture rooted in safety, belonging, and community

• Motherhood, postpartum depression, and finding your way back to yourself

• Creating women-only training spaces that restore confidence and self-worth

This episode is a reminder that you don’t need medals, spotlights, or accolades to matter. Some of the strongest athletes are the ones quietly showing up—raising families, building communities, and fighting for themselves every single day.

✨ If you’ve ever questioned whether you still “count” as an athlete—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend, the one and only David Koll.

David is the kind of person who lights up every room he walks into. A loving dad, an incredible husband, and a bright, steady presence in this world, he brings heart, humility, and grit to everything he does. Outside of work, David is pure Minnesota spirit — from time on his land hunting and fishing, to hitting the golf course, to diving into home projects with full enthusiasm. And long before all of that, he lived and breathed baseball… a passion that carried him through his college years and shaped the athlete — and person — he became.

I am so excited to finally have him on the show, to unpack his journey, and to share the story behind the incredible human so many of us admire. Tune in — you won’t want to miss this.

In this episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Jonathan Carone — dad, coach, and entrepreneur. Jonathan is the founder of Healthy Sports Parents, a podcast and social platform helping parents lead their kids through youth sports without losing their minds. With a background in student ministries and experience across every level of youth athletics, from rec leagues to Division I play, Jonathan brings a unique perspective. His ultimate “why” is powerful: to help parents raise great humans, not just great athletes. That mission is what The Unsung Athlete is all about, and I can’t wait for you to hear his story.

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Coach Khalil Shakeel—Army veteran, author of A Better M.A.L.E., and Ft. Bragg Boxing Hall of Famer. From headlining "Friday Night Fights" to mentoring young men for over 20 years, Coach Khalil continues to lead with purpose. As the founder of Ambition Boxing Academy in Fayetteville, NC, he still trains before sunrise—and wears pink every day in memory of his beloved wife and her battle with breast cancer. It’s an honor to share his journey of service, strength, and heart. This is one you don’t want to miss.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Angela Lewis, a former professional basketball player who stood an incredible 6'1" at just 12 years old! Beyond the court, she's authored The Game Changing Assist and Post Moves, powerful guides helping athletes navigate life after competition. With a new book on the horizon aimed at uplifting the next generation, Angela's mission continues to evolve. From coaching hundreds of athletes to being recognized for excellence in sports communications, her impact is felt far and wide. I can't wait to share her story! Welcome to the voice of another incredible Unsung Athlete.

In this episode, we kick off Season 2 of The Unsung Athlete Podcast, with the legendary Coach Justin "Gus" Kratzke of Burnsville Martial Arts Academy — a lifelong martial artist, mentor, coach and husband. For nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed Gus build his dream gym, shape generations of athletes (including my own daughters), and lead with heart, discipline, and compassion. His story is one of passionate pursuit, legacy, and transformation — it is my absolute honor to share his story with you.

This month we welcome Willie Little, entrepreneur, philanthropist, coach and unsung athlete to the show. Willie inspires youth through his non-profit, Athlead, an organization that gives youth an opportunity to succeed in track and field and in life. You won't want to miss Willie's story as he dives into what it means to be a father, to be a coach to many, and to navigate the mental health challenges of being an athlete.

In this episode, Zoe Jackson, an 11 year old unsung athlete, brings wisdom beyond her years, fearlessly telling her story and voicing inspiration and advice that I know will capture the hearts of youth and adult athletes alike.  If you have young athletes in your life who want to be inspired to live in their strength and stand up for themselves and their friends, make sure they listen to Zoe's story.  Not only will you hear her athletic story, you will hear how she approaches bullying and a world of unknowns.  I am so honored to post this episode featuring my brave and brilliant daughter, Zoe Jackson.

In this episode, I sit down with Kurt Hartmann of ProFitness Training in Eden Prairie, MN... dad to three beautiful girls, husband and multi-level blackbelt martial artist. Kurt dives into his insatiable curiosity for movement, sparked by life-changing events and mentors who made sure he didn't miss his chance to become the man he is today. You won't want to miss Kurt's inspiring story!