In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik welcomes AJ Shavell, a coach and content creator, to discuss his journey of self-discovery, the importance of overcoming fear, and the insights he has gained through coaching and content creation. AJ shares his experiences with meditation, self-awareness, and the challenges he faced during the pandemic, which ultimately led him to help others through coaching and writing. The conversation delves into the themes of resilience, leadership, and the significance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. AJ Shavell and Nik also explore the principles of success, leadership, and personal growth through the lens of sports figures like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Nick Saban & Tom Brady. They discuss the importance of leading by example, the necessity of continuous growth, and the power of discipline in overcoming adversity. 

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with AJ:

Twitter: x.com/coachajkings

AJ's Newsletter: thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com/

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Nik Atanackovic interviews Jonathan Abrams, author of 'Boys Among Men', discussing the evolution of high school basketball players transitioning to the NBA. They explore the impact of players like Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the influence of social media on modern players. The conversation delves into the significance of the 1996 NBA draft and the circumstances that shape player development and success. The consequences of draft decisions, the evolution of NBA rules regarding high school players, and the impact of Sonny Vaccaro in linking shoe deals to the league are also discussed.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Jonathan:

Twitter: x.com/Jpdabrams

Buy "Boys Among Men": mzn.to/3Cr214D

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of The Victory Degree podcast, Drew Hanlen, a renowned basketball skills trainer, shares his journey from a passionate young basketball player to training NBA stars. He emphasizes the importance of consistency over intensity, the value of hard work, and the significance of time management. Drew discusses his experiences training players like Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum & Joel Embiid and the impact of organizational support on player development. He also shares insights from his journey as a basketball trainer, emphasizing the importance of hard work and opportunity. Drew also highlights the evolving coaching techniques in basketball, the human side of NBA players, and the impact of sports betting on fan perception. He concludes by discussing his upcoming book, 'Stop Bullshitting Yourself', which aims to help individuals improve their mentalities and achieve their goals.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Drew:

Twitter: x.com/DrewHanlen

Instagram: instagram.com/drewhanlen/

Buy "Stop Bullshitting Yourself": amzn.to/3PyzVr1

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this conversation, NBA reporter Yaron Weitzman discusses his book 'Tanking to the Top,' which chronicles the Philadelphia 76ers' rebuilding process under Sam Hinkie. The discussion covers the motivations behind writing the book, the team's struggles before Hinkie's arrival, the philosophy of tanking, Hinkie's unique approach to management, and the importance of understanding players as individuals. Yaron also provides insights into the complexities of sports management and the human elements that influence player success. The conversation also touches on the business aspects of basketball and the future of audacious strategies in sports management.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Yaron:

Twitter: x.com/YaronWeitzman

Buy "Tanking to the Top": amzn.to/4h1eNWb

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this engaging conversation, David Fales shares his journey from an under-recruited high school player to a successful quarterback at San Jose State and his experiences in the NFL. He discusses the challenges of quarterback recruitment, the importance of organizational fit, and the influence of great quarterbacks like Drew Brees on his game. Fales emphasizes the multifaceted nature of quarterback success, highlighting the need for strong support systems and the right coaching environments. He reflects on the emotional toll of being cut and signed multiple times, the importance of preparation, and the mental health aspects of being a high-performing athlete. David also discusses the home field advantage cold weather teams have, his training camp experiences in Miami, and insights into notable quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, Jay Cutler, and Sam Darnold. Lastly, Fales highlights the importance of being in the right situation for success and the often unseen factors that contribute to a player's career trajectory.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with David:

Instagram: instagram.com/fales10/

Twitter: x.com/DavidFales

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's an Olympic Gold Medalist, world champion, and huge fan of Ikea and the Vancouver Canucks. Jerome Blake is carving his own unique path through the world of track and field while simultaneously trying to reinvigorate its popularity. 

In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Olympic gold medalist Jerome Blake shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Jamaica to becoming a professional athlete in Canada. He discusses the cultural differences he faced when moving to Canada, his discovery of sprinting, and the mental preparation required for high-stakes competitions. Jerome emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the unique aspects of track and field that keep him motivated. Blake also reflects on the emotional aftermath of winning a gold medal and the challenges of athlete popularity in track and field including the need for disruption in track and field, drawing parallels with the LIV Golf model. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sports to engage audiences and market athletes effectively.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Jerome:

Instagram: instagram.com/_jeromeblake/

Twitter: x.com/_Jeromeblake

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's a former 1st round pick of the San Diego Chargers, reality TV star, and present day entrepreneur. Larry English joins the pod to talk through his journey to football, experience building his own company & brand, and much more!

In this conversation, Larry English shares his journey from growing up in Aurora, Illinois, to becoming a first-round draft pick. He discusses the importance of family support, his early passion for football, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Larry emphasizes the significance of viewing the NFL as an opportunity rather than a career, reflecting on the average lifespan of an NFL player and the realities of injuries and competition. He also recounts his decision to attend Northern Illinois University and the challenges he faced during his college career, ultimately leading to his success as a pass rusher. Larry hits on the importance of unlocking one's potential, the power of fun in achieving success, and the significance of preparation and non-attachment to outcomes. Larry shares insights on resilience, communication, and the journey of overcoming labels like 'bust' in sports. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt discussion about the fulfillment of fatherhood compared to a career in football, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and serving others.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Larry:

Instagram: instagram.com/larryenglish_/

Twitter: x.com/LarryEnglish57

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's an Olympian, world champion, and huge Tennessee Titans fan. Trevor Bassitt joins the pod to talk through his journey from Bluffton, Ohio to the world stage.

Trevor Bassitt is a 400m hurdler who won Bronze at the 2022 World Championships and recently represented team USA in the Paris Olympics. 

In this conversation, Trevor shares insights about his upbringing in Bluffton, Ohio, emphasizing the importance of community and accountability. He reflects on the strong work ethic instilled in him by his parents and how it shaped his approach to sports. Trevor recounts his initial struggles with hurdles and his eventual success in high school track, leading to his decision to pursue athletics in college. He delves into his experiences as an Olympian, discussing the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Village, the pressures of competition, and his reflections on performance. He also touches on the misconceptions surrounding Olympians, the challenges faced by young quarterbacks in the NFL, and even delves into a light-hearted debate about Nickelback's music. Throughout the discussion, Trevor emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and resilience in the face of challenges, while also expressing excitement for future competitions and the journey ahead.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Trevor:

Instagram: instagram.com/trevorbassitt30/

Twitter: x.com/TrevorBassitt30

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

The most iconic sportswriter in America today - Jeff Pearlman joins the pod to talk through the 02' Lakers, 90's Cowboys, and plenty of other iconic sports stories. 

Jeff Pearlman is an American sportswriter who has written nine books that have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list: four about football, three on baseball and two about basketball. He authored the 1999 John Rocker interview in Sports Illustrated. 

In this conversation, Jeff shares his unique journey as a New York Jets fan, the expectations and disappointments that come with it, and his insights into sports writing and storytelling. He reflects on Kobe Bryant's early years and his complex relationship with Shaquille O'Neal, and delves into Phil Jackson's coaching philosophy. The conversation also touches on the controversial Kings vs. Lakers 02' playoff series and rapid-fire stories about the NBA draft, Walter Payton, and the 90s Cowboys.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeff_pearlman/

TikTok: tiktok.com/@jeffpearlmanauthor

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

The NFL season is at the halfway point and so it was only right to bring back Aaron Schatz to discuss his thoughts on the season thus far.  

Aaron is currently the Chief Analytics Officer at FTN Fantasy and also writes for ESPN+. He has studied the world of advanced NFL stats for 20+ years, is the creator of DVOA, and votes for the All-Pro & MVP awards each year. 

In this conversation, Nik and Aaron delve into the current state of the NFL, focusing on the NFC Championship contenders, the impact of offensive masterminds, underperforming teams, quarterback development strategies, MVP candidates, and their Super Bowl predictions. They analyze various teams' chances of making the playoffs, the effectiveness of different coaching styles, the importance of quarterback performance in team success & analyze the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills as key contenders in the AFC, while also exploring the potential of rookie quarterbacks and the competitive landscape in the NFC.

Other Episodes You May Enjoy:

Josh Dobbs

Spotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXu

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVB

George Mumford

Spotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaR

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBR

Dr. Jim Loehr

Spotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Connect with Aaron:

Twitter: x.com/ASchatzNFL

FTN Fantasy: ftnfantasy.com

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree