My guest in this week's episode is Doug Wells. He is the photographer for Grand View's athletic teams, which he calls the perfect retirement gig. His work has featured in Sports Illustrated, during his career and he traveled to Super Bowls and the Olympics. The actual reason why all of those experiences were fun and why he is still active is what he shared in our conversation.Now, here's my conversation with Doug Wells!

To kick things off after a well-deserved summer break, Ispoke with Mitchell Barrett, keeper for Bradley University, and Tomas Butkovic, goalkeeper at Drake University. During the summer, we played together for West Texas FC and sat down to talk about the very special position of goalkeeping, how we approach perceived pressure and why we ultimately enjoy it so much.

Now, here’s my conversation with Mitch Barrett and TommiButkovic.

My guest in Episode 28 is Diego Robles. Diego plays soccerfor the University of the Incarnate Word. He is currently part of West Texas FC and the nation’s leading goalscorer in this USL2 season.

In our conversation, we speak about the importance andinfluence of his family, what it takes to deliver as a striker and how he sees his career progressing. Next to that, he also shares how he deals with pressure, what gets him into the right mood before games, and the meaning behind hiscelebration.

Now, here’s my conversation with Diego Robles.

My guest in Episode 27 is Kanata Taira. Kanata is a JapaneseD1 soccer player. He is currently playing for West Texas FC and previously played for a college in Hawaii.

In our conversation, we speak about growing up in Tokyo,soccer in Japan, and his decision to play in the United States. Next to that, he also shares the difficulties of learning English in Japan, and what he likes to do in his free time.

Now, here’s my conversation with Kanata Taira.

My guest in Episode 26 is Maria Luiza Chaves. Malu is acommunications major, part of her university’s volleyball team, and she is interning with West Texas FC, covering most of the club’s media presence.

In our conversation, we speak about the value of social media for sports teams, what she believes are important skills, and what the main goal of online content is. Next to that, she also shares her career aspirations and the challenges she faces as an international student.

Now, here’s my conversation with Malu Chaves.

My guest in Episode 25 is Zachary Buchanan. Zach is majoringin sports broadcasting and is the commentator of West Texas FC’s home games.

In our conversation, we speak about his ambitions as acommentator, where his passion for soccer comes from, and why he is confident he will find his place in the sports industry. He also opens up about happenings that impacted his life and now serve as major motivation.

Now, here’s my conversation with Zach Buchanan.

My guest in Episode 24 is Stephen Alexander. Stephen is thedirector of business development at Tall City Brewing and in charge of sponsorships.

In our conversation, we speak about Tall City being the mainjersey sponsor of West Texas FC, the value of sportsBusiness DevelopmentDirector sponsorships, and the uniqueness of the brewery’s relationship with the soccer team. Stephen also shares his knowledge and experience as a marketing professional in the beer industry.

Now, here’s my conversation with Stephen Alexander.

My guests in Episode 23 are Brian Hodnett, Chris Hague, andLuke McDonald, the creators of La Tormenta. La Tormenta is the supporters group of West Texas FC, a soccer club in Midland, Texas.

In our conversation, they share how it all started, why impacting the community is one of their biggest goals, and how special the atmosphere on gameday really is. Next to that, we also speak about the development of soccer in the US and the challenges of fandom in summer league.

Now, here’s my conversation with La Tormenta.

My guest in Episode 22 is Brandon Orellana. Brandon is theowner of ia.soles19, a shoe selling and reselling company, which he started when he was still in high school.

In our conversation, Brandon shares how the whole journeystarted, how he was able to scale the business, and what ultimately got him to fully commit. Next to that, we also speak about balancing running a business while still in school, how at least some university classes had value for him, and what sacrifices he had to make to grow his company.

Now, here’s my conversation with Brandon Orellana.

My guest in Episode 21 is Nik Rule. Nik is the commissionerof the NAIA’s Heart of America Athletic Conference, and one of the most visionary leaders I have talked to.

In our conversation, Nik shares how he became an athleticdirector before his 30th birthday, what it takes to lead an athletic conference, and his bold ideas to transform small college athletics. Next to that, what I appreciate even more, Nik opened up about his struggles as a young person in leadership positions, how he deals with self-doubt, and talks about defining moments of his career.

Now, here’s my conversation with Nik Rule.