From U to You

I am super excited to be back this week and welcome my best friend Jenna to the show! We came up with the idea for this episode while at the beach and spontaneously recorded it. In it, we talk about our summer "bucket list" (for travel) and our summer goals. We also talked about Jenna's job and how it evolved to her staying in Rhode Island. Stay tuned for more Jenna content! We love you guys and hope you get a laugh from this episode. Jenna - jenna.knight - https://www.instagram.com/jenna.knight/Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/(Summer) Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1DRpWPrOPrcFSydtJxMraG?si=mn4I58kmShi9iuo4vzwykw

I am back this week with a very special guest, my cousin, Spencer! I got to interview Spencer while I was home for MDW. This is a valuable and unique conversation, as Spencer has experienced so much around sport since a young age. He pursued soccer at the Division I level. Although he had many highs, Spencer was constantly faced with adversity and made the decision to transfer twice. We talk about the transfer process, how to make the decision and how to have hard conversations. Ultimately he persevered and graduated in 2019. After graduating, Spencer traveled a bit and landed a great job. I'm so proud of him and honored to have him on the podcast. You can find him and the pod below!Spencer - Spencerward11 https://www.instagram.com/spencerward11/Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

Today's episode is my first life advice Q&A! I asked listeners to submit questions on Instagram and I cover a majority of them in this episode! A lot of questions on college, advice to my younger self, etc. I'd love to do this more so look out for the next one on the From U to You Instagram which you can follow below!Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward -  https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

I'm back this week sharing my top life lessons and takeaways. This episode is in honor of my 23rd birthday which I celebrated last week! Although I don't know everything or have it all figured out just yet, I wanted to share some of the experiences and beliefs that have formed me into who I am today. It's a short and sweet episode that I hope you guys find value in and enjoy!My top 3 books -A Purpose Driven Life: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-What-Earth/dp/031033750XResisting Happiness: https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/resisting-happiness/RHAP.htmlAnxious for Nothing: https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Nothing-Finding-Chaotic-World/dp/0718096126Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

I am back this week and joined by a very special guest, Dan Lucas! Dan is a certified personal trainer and the owner of Perfectly Fit, a small group and personal training fitness facility in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Dan also played Division 1 soccer at the University of Rhode Island. In this interview, Dan shares advice for former athletes and non-athletes on the importance of fitness and nutrition. Dan shares insight on how different forms of workouts can help you achieve specific goals. We discuss the importance of habits, but also moderation, and learning to practice what is more sustainable. Be sure to check out our social media to see Dan, the Perfectly Fit facility, and a typical workout at PFit!You can find Dan and Perfectly Fit below!Perfectly Fit: https://www.perfectlyfitri.com/Instagram: @perfectlyfitri - https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyfitri/Dan: @dnoluc11 - https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyfitri/Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

The pressures athletes face are greater than ever before. Not only to perform at their sport, but to be a stellar student and all around person. It feels like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. We are seeing an increase in anxiety and depression among athletes, a problem that's been weighing on me for a long time. We need to bring awareness to student-athlete mental health which was my inspiration for this episode. In this episode, I share the small systems and strategies that helped me persevere through college athletics. Everyone has their own struggles and journey, but I hope these 5 tips help current and former athletes alike. Thank you for listening and helping to raise awareness!Things Mentioned - NBC News Article - https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/suicide-stanford-soccer-star-katie-meyer-forces-us-confront-perfectionism-ncna1291690Mind Gym book - https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Gym-Athletes-Guide-Excellence/dp/0071395970Victoria Garrick Ted Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdk7pLpbIlsInstagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

On today's episode I'm joined by a dear friend and fellow former athlete from Bryant University, Stephanie Mirando. Steph played softball at Bryant, where she also majored in Marketing and Communications. I met Stephanie last year and we became fast friends, as we related on many subjects since transitioning out of sport and into corporate life. We give into these topics which include:Choosing a major/career path and how to do that at only 18 years old on top of school and sportsClimbing the corporate ladder and how it relates to winning in sportImposter syndrome and leadershipUpon graduating, Steph attended grad school and has had a successful career in marketing. This episode is a great resource for current students and those early in their career who are looking for deeper meaning and the right fit for their work.Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@stephmirando - https://www.instagram.com/stephmirando/@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

I am back this week talking about the mental transitions I have experienced since graduating and ending sport. These include identity outside of sport, gauging how you are doing without quantitative feedback, and finding fulfillment in your next chapter. Many resources are referenced in this episode you can find below!Things Mentioned - Resources on Ukraine - https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-amid-russian-attacks/story?id=83156472https://globalnews.ca/news/8645877/ukraine-correct-pronunciation/HBR article - https://hbr.org/2019/04/the-biggest-hurdles-recent-graduates-face-entering-the-workforceAtlantic article - https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/05/how-choose-fulfilling-career/611920/Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward -  https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

In today's episode I finally sit down and talk about the physical challenges I have faced upon ending sport. The areas that have physically impacted me are: exercise/working out, food/nutrition, and routine/the structure of my day. I hope athletes and nonathletes alike can relate in trying to figure out what works for them in these realms. I took the opportunity to unpack my eating disorder for listeners, as it's been mentioned a few times, but hasn't been fully explained in an episode. I reference numerous resources that have helped me in these areas you can find below!Items Mentioned - Breaking Free from Emotional Eating - https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Free-Emotional-Eating-Geneen/dp/0452284910The Transition Playbook for Athletes - https://www.amazon.com/Transition-Playbook-ATHLETES-Athletes-Sports/dp/0578500876A Purpose Driven Life - https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-What-Earth/dp/031033750XInstagram - @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

In this episode I'm joined by Courtney Solek. Courtney runs a food and lifestyle Instagram with over 30k followers called apaigeofpositivity, and that's what Courtney is - a positive, inspiring influencer in her space. We discuss eating disorder recovery, navigating social media & comparison, and working a modern corporate job. I highly encourage you to check out Courtney below!Find Courtney below- Blog: A Paige Of Positivity | Healthy and Delicious RecipesCourtney's Eating Disorder Journey blog post: https://apaigeofpositivity.com/my-eating-disorder-journey/Instagram: https://instagram.com/apaigeofpositivity?utm_medium=copy_link

On this chatty, solo episode I introduce you guys to some major themes that have evolved in my life over the past couple years around resistance and becoming the best version of yourself. I then move into to talking about goal setting, tips to set goals/intentions at any time throughout the year, and share my 2022 goals with you. Lastly, I wanted to share some easy ways to reset when you're feeling in need of a refresh. Things Mentioned –IKEA Alex Desk - https://www.ikea.com › alex-desk-w...ALEX Desk, white, 393/8x187/8" - IKEAResisting Happiness book - Buy Resisting Happiness | Dynamic CatholicSkinny Confidential episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-skinny-confidential-him-her-podcast/id1093028505?i=1000549152564Little Words Project bracelets - Little Words Project | A Shareable, Trackable BraceletSelf care journal - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/self-care-insight-editions/1128935658 Instagram - @fromUtoYoupodcast – https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

On today's episode we are joined by Judy McDonnell. Judy is a Professor of Sociology and Sport Studies Coordinator at Bryant University. She earned her doctoral degree in Sociology at Brown University and a bachelor's degree at Cornell University. Teaching is Judy's passion and most of her courses focus on understanding social inequality and advancing social justice. I took her Sociology of Sport class my senior year at Bryant. Judy was one of the individuals who inspired me to start this podcast. In this episode we discuss the paradoxes of sport - how we can love sport, but how it also has a darker side. She defines the two types of control athletes undergo: ideological and direct social control. We touch upon body-image, inequities, the power imbalance between athlete and coach, and the NCAA allowing athletes to benefit from name, image, and likeness.  Things Mentioned - Fair and Foul Book- https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Foul-Beyond-Myths-Paradoxes/dp/1442248440Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward -  https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

In this episode, I introduce you to the podcast and what you can expect from it! I've played sports my entire life and recently ended my volleyball career, as I graduated from Bryant University May 2021. I've experienced a whirlwind of emotions and have been navigating the transition since - from moving from Michigan to Rhode Island, discovering the workouts I actually like, how to eat to fuel my body, what my identity is as a non-athlete, and what my purpose/passion are. I am fortunate to know so many knowledgeable people in this space, I wanted to share them with you! Additionally, I'll be sharing my personal experiences and strategies I have implemented to make the transition smoother. I look forward to continuing on this journey with you all! Things Mentioned - Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/@erikamward -  https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/