What The Hell Do I Do Now?

Danny Robison is our guest this week. Danny is a former Montana State Bobcat men’s basketball player and he joins the podcast to share his experience leaving competition. Danny speaks about his journey dealing with injury, utilizing his support system, and how he has identified the structures he needs in his life. Danny currently lives in Denver, CO and works as an engineer.

Dr. Hope walker joins us this week to share her experience leaving soccer and the impact this transition had on her mental, physical, and emotional health. Hope played soccer at College of Charleston and during this time managed injuries, burnout, and the drive to find new hobbies. During this episode we discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people that know you well, taking time away from sport, continuing to set goals in your life, and being open to new experiences. Hope is now working with the pediatric population as a physical therapist in Charleston, SC.

Dr. Matt Frakes joins the podcast this week to share his experience leaving sports as a player and re-entering the world of sports post competition. Matt is a leader in the world of sports nutrition, working with both collegiate and professional athletes by providing crucial research around the importance of nutrition for high level athletes. We chat about how his experiences growing up shaped him to provide perspective to his life now, which he is able to provide through mentorship and connection to the athletes he works with.

Suzi Vallez Sheldon is a former College of Charleston Cougar who reflects on her experience finishing collegiate soccer. Suzi speaks to the importance of putting your eggs in multiple baskets, and the power of exploring other identities. She highlights the value that each individual adds to a team, and that no matter how you get somewhere, it is important that you are there. Suzi currently resides in Charleston, SC with her family.

This week on the podcast, Sarah Cardamone joins us to share her journey after leaving collegiate soccer. After completing her fifth year at the College of Charleston, she stayed in the sports industry, working in public relations for a professional soccer team. During COVID, she transitioned out of sports to become a financial advisor. Sarah reflects on how leaving collegiate athletics impacted her and how she continues to navigate that experience.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Chelsea Gamble Hoffman! As a former lacrosse player, coach, mom, entrepreneur, and mentor, Chelsea shares her personal journey of transitioning out of competitive sports. She offers valuable insights and practical advice for student-athletes navigating life beyond the game—covering everything from entering the job market, to self-compassion, to leveraging personal networks for new opportunities.

This week on the podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Elle Truax! Elle joins us from Hood River, OR, to share her journey of retiring from competitive freeride skiing and discovering a new passion. Elle discusses how competition made a lasting impact on developing and refining her values. After stepping away from the sport, she channeled her creativity into hat-making—ultimately founding Björkstam Hat Co. in Crested Butte, CO. What started as a curiosity-driven pursuit has grown into a brand rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and the spirit of learning. Next time you're in Crested Butte, be sure to check out Björkstam Hat Co.!

Dr. Bitsy Cairns joins us this week and discusses her journey leaving Rugby. After a stint with the US Women's National Team, Bitsy decided to hang the cleats up. She is now a chiropractor and living in Denver, CO with her husband. Bitsy is candid in sharing her experience leaving rugby, and how this has impacted her relationship with herself, her body, and her mind over the past couple of years.

Sarah Meister joins the podcast this week to share her experience leaving collegiate volleyball. After leaving Mizzou, Sarah pursued a career in public relations. Sarah talks about her decision to leave PR and in turn, pursue mental health counseling and become a therapist. Sarah lives and works in Chicago, IL, working with student athletes daily and helping to support their experience during collegiate sport as well as exiting sport.

Kelsey, former goalkeeper at the University of Mount Olive, joins the podcast this week!! Kels finished her soccer career and immediately went into graduate school to study athletic training. After an unexpected shift in her career expectations, Kels found herself in Crested Butte, CO. An avid snowboarder and worldwide traveler, Kels shares her experience leaving sport as well as the lessons that she learned throughout her career.