The Victory Degree

By Nik AtanackovicSports

The Victory Degree episodes

July 01, 2025 From Playing Under Nick Saban To First Round MLB Draft Pick: This is The Untold Story of Josh Booty
Josh Booty has lived a life most athletes only dream of—drafted in both the NFL and MLB, mentored by legends, and tested by the toughest environments in sports. In this episode, he opens up about the raw realities behind the headlines: the pressure of being a two-sport phenom, what it really takes to win in a place like Cleveland, and the mindset Nick Saban demands from his players. Josh shares powerful reflections on self-discipline, youth sports culture, and how icons like LeBron James shaped his worldview. This conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom on fearlessness, competition, and becoming your best self on and off the field.
Connect with Josh:
Twitter: x.com/JoshBooty10
Instagram: instagram.com/joshbooty10/
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree
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
1 hr 19 min
June 24, 2025 Quentin Lake On: Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford, Self-Belief, 49ers Rivalry + Why Rams Are UNSTOPPABLE
In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake for a raw and insightful conversation. From his grind at UCLA to proving himself as a late-round NFL draft pick, Lake opens up about the mindset it takes to survive and thrive in the league. They dive into the lessons he learned from his NFL father, the power of discipline and daily routine, and what it really means to lead as a team captain. Quentin also shares his thoughts on the Rams' rising offense, navigating pressure, and how staying grounded fuels long-term success.
Connect with Quentin:
Twitter: x.com/quentin_lake
Instagram: instagram.com/qlakee/
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
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
1 hr 15 min
June 16, 2025 Cesar Ruiz On: Childhood Tragedy, IMG Academy, Drew Brees, Death Threats & Jameis Winston
In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Cesar Ruiz shares his journey from playing football in his backyard to becoming a first-round pick in the NFL. He discusses the importance of enjoying the game, overcoming pressure, and the impact of family and loss on his career. Ruiz reflects on his experiences at IMG Academy and the University of Michigan, emphasizing the significance of routine and discipline in achieving success. He also opens up about the challenges of being an NFL player, including the expectations and sacrifices that come with the territory, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.
Connect with Cesar:
Instagram: instagram.com/ceesruiz/
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
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
1 hr 8 min
June 09, 2025 Marcel Reece On Tough Childhood, Raiders' Culture, JaMarcus Russell, Tom Brady + NFL Career
What does it really take to lead—in football, business, and life?
In this raw and insightful conversation, former NFL fullback Marcel Reece opens up about the sacrifices behind success, the power of leadership, and the emotional cost of chasing greatness. He shares hard-earned lessons from the locker room to the boardroom, reflects on loss, resilience, and the human side of athletes, and reveals why proving your supporters right matters more than silencing your critics.
From the culture of the Raiders to the misunderstood brilliance of Tom Brady, Marcel delivers a powerful reminder: greatness isn’t just about what you win—it’s about who you become in the process.
Connect with Marcel:
Twitter: x.com/Celreece45
Instagram: instagram.com/celreece45/
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
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
1 hr 32 min
June 02, 2025 Cassius Marsh Tells ALL: Bill Belichick, Overcoming Injuries, NFL Politics, Trading Cards & Marshawn Lynch
In this episode, Cassius Marsh takes us inside the NFL—from childhood dreams to the grind of pro football. He opens up about overcoming injuries, learning from the Super Bowl with the Seahawks, and the politics of the draft. Marsh also dives into team culture, coaching styles, and the mental toughness needed to navigate constant change. Now an entrepreneur in the trading card world, he shares how football shaped his mindset, the role of family in his journey, and why Marshawn Lynch left a lasting impact.
Connect with Cassius:
Twitter: x.com/KingCash_7191
Instagram: instagram.com/cassiusmarsh/
Cash Cards Unlimited: cashcardsunlimited.com/
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
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
1 hr 12 min
May 26, 2025 The Hidden Cost of Success: Confidence, Pain & the Psychology of Winning | Jon Giesbrecht
What separates elite athletes from the rest? Mental performance coach Jon Giesbrecht breaks down the truth about mindset, resilience, and the hidden cost of success. In this episode, we dive into why self-talk matters, how suffering fuels growth, and why mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll learn how to build confidence, stay present under pressure, and develop the inner game that actually wins.
Connect with Jon:
Twitter: x.com/PlayFreeBball
Instagram: instagram.com/playfreebball/
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
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
1 hr 10 min
May 12, 2025 The SHOCKING Truth About Success From a Private Equity Millionaire Turned Ultra Athlete | Gordo Byrn
In this episode, Gordo Byrn shares his transformative journey from a thriving career in private equity to a life grounded in endurance sports, personal fulfillment, and emotional growth. He opens up about the internal struggles of making major life changes and how self-reflection, small daily improvements, and the ‘Thousand Day Rule’ helped him redefine success. Gordo discusses the mental and emotional demands of Ultraman racing, the importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence, and the lessons he’s learned from parenting and sport. His story is a roadmap for anyone seeking sustainable progress, deeper relationships, and a more meaningful life.
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 Gordo:
Twitter: x.com/feelthebyrn1
Instagram: instagram.com/feelthebyrn/
Time Article: truewealth.substack.com/p/whats-the-cost-in-time
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
1 hr 21 min
May 02, 2025 SHOCKING Mindset Tricks Drew Brees & Jordan Love Use—NFL Trainer Reveals All! | Todd Durkin
In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Todd Durkin dives into why mindset is the ultimate game-changer—especially in sports. He tackles the battle against negative self-talk, the power of confidence and flow state, and how pressure and social media shape an athlete’s performance and identity. Drawing on years of coaching NFL stars (like Jordan Love, Drew Brees & more), Todd reveals the human stories behind the headlines, shares strategies for embracing discomfort and breaking mental barriers, and reflects on his own journey building lifelong bonds with elite performers. He also introduces his new book, Coaching Greatness, and outlines the vision behind ImpactX Performance, his franchise designed to foster growth and support for athletes and anyone striving to level up.
Ready to win the inside game? Your mindset is your ultimate power play.
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 Todd:
Twitter: x.com/ToddDurkin
Instagram: instagram.com/todddurkin/
Buy "Coaching Greatness": amzn.to/4iHWSUE
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
1 hr 8 min
April 22, 2025 Built Different: Inside the Mindset of Sports' Most Overlooked Stars | Tyler O'Shea
In this conversation, Tyler O'Shea, founder of Joker Mag and author of The Underdog Mentality, joins Nik to explore the power of underdog stories in sports. From being cut from his middle school baseball team to building a platform that champions overlooked athletes, Tyler shares how self-belief, resilience, and storytelling fuel both personal growth and cultural impact. They dive into the traits that define successful underdogs, highlight figures like Michael Jordan, Bryce Harper, and Howie Roseman, and discuss the challenges creators face in staying focused and consistent. The result is a powerful reflection on adversity, motivation, and redefining success.
If you’ve ever felt underestimated, this one’s for you.
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 Tyler:
Twitter: x.com/OSheaSEO
Subscribe to The Joker Mag: newsletter.jokermag.com/subscribe/
Buy The Underdog Mentality: amzn.to/4it7lDt
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/
Twitter: x.com/victorywithnik
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w
1 hr 3 min
April 11, 2025 Hard Work Isn’t Enough: What High Performers Really Do Differently - Alan Stein
In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, host Nik Atanackovic welcomes high-performance coach and speaker Alan Stein, Jr. They discuss Alan's journey from a passionate basketball player to a corporate keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in one's work, the significance of childhood excitement, and the concept of work-life harmony over balance. Alan shares insights on identifying personal strengths and the necessity of self-care, while also addressing the misconceptions surrounding the grind culture. Alan also touches on finding personal rhythm, the importance of hard work, embracing uncertainty, living in the present, overcoming mental obstacles, training confidence, and prioritizing quality over quantity in high performance. He emphasizes the need for individuals to define their own paths and metrics for success, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with uncertainty and the necessity of self-awareness.
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 Alan:
Twitter: x.com/AlanSteinJr
Instagram: instagram.com/alansteinjr/
Website: alansteinjr.com/
Connect with Nik:
Instagram: instagram.com/nikatanackovic/
Twitter: x.com/nik_atan
YouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree
59 min