Sports + Life + Balance

Raised in Poverty + Dance Prodigy = Black Principal American Ballet TheaterOn this episode of SLB, John Moffett speaks with Ballet Prodigy, Best-Selling Author, and the first African American Principal Dancer for the American Ballet Theater, Misty Copeland. Tune in to hear Misty tell her story, including her childhood adversities, her experience being a minority in the dance industry, and her path to success. Learn more about Misty by visiting https://mistycopeland.com/And check out her books: https://mistycopeland.com/store/Season Sponsor: ROKA Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.

Driving Impact + Creating Profit = Founder, Angel City Football ClubJoin host, John Moffet, on another episode of SLB featuring our special guest, Julie Uhrman! From D1 athlete to Co-Founder and President of the Angel City Football Club, Julie is driving a major change in the world of women's sports. You won't want to miss this episode as Julie dives into how the pioneering women's professional soccer team was formed and how they're continuing to make a difference in the community.

Olympic Baseball Gold + Major League Pitcher = Missing Right HandJoin host John Moffet as he speaks with Major League Baseball legend Jim Abbott! Even after being born without his right hand, Abbott found his passion for sports early and persisted in being the best, despite his limitations. Hear Abbott's journey from his high school team to the big leagues as a Yankee. Read Jim's book, Imperfect: An Improbable Life:https://a.co/d/6ZR833A 

Athlete Rights Activist + Olympic Rower = World Record Masters CyclistJoin John Moffet as he interviews Athlete Rights Activist, Olympic Rower, and World-Record Masters Cyclist Jan Palchikoff. Listen in as she talks about her journey in Olympic rowing, from finishing fifth in double sculls in the 1976 Summer Olympics to qualifying for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team. 

On this week's episode of SLB, join host, John Moffet, as he listens to Paralympic Gold Medalist, Brad Snyder, talk about what made him the man he is today. From his childhood dreams, serving in the Navy, wounded in combat, to his victory at the 2012 London Paralympic Games… Brad never failed to make the most of his recovery.If you'd like to find out more about Brad Snyder's life-journey, check out his book, "Fire in My Eyes," or visit his website. Season Sponsor: ROKA Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.

Join John Moffet as he interviews World Champion Diver turned Sports Psychologist, Dr. Megan Neyer. From a small town in Kentucky, to Southern California, Neyer trained at the legendary Mission Viejo Aquatic Center with the U.S. Olympic Coach and greatest diver of all time, Greg Lougainis. Listen in as she talks about her journey in Olympic Diving and the battles she faced along the way. Season Sponsor: ROKA Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.

We're back this week with yet another special guest, Steve Mesler! As an Olympic Gold Medalist in Bobsledding, CEO of Classroom Champions Foundation, and U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Board Member, Steve talks with John about the long-life influences of being a world class athlete. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

This week on SPORTS+LIFE+BALANCE, we welcome Bonnie Blair a speed skater and one of the most decorated Olympians of all time. At 16 years old, Bonnie qualified for the U.S. Olympic trials the first time she raced the 500 meters. Join John Moffet as he speaks with Bonnie about her climb to the top! 

On this week's episode, John sits down with five-time Paralympic medalist, Lex Gillette! Hear from Lex himself about his experience with sudden blindness at a young age and how he overcame this to get where he is today. Keep up with Lex:https://lexgillette.com/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

Best Selling Author and Extreme Marathon Swimming Pioneer, Lynne Cox, joins John Moffet on a special episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE. From breaking multiple world records, and cross-channel swimming around the world, to publishing seven books, Lynne shares her inspiring life story.Pick up a copy of Tales of Al: The Water Rescue Dog:https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Al-Water-Rescue-Dog/dp/B09HVCDK7W/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

Legendary Figure Skater and Cancer Survivor, Scott Hamilton, joins John Moffet on SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE to share his journey to Olympic Gold. From a sickly childhood to a battle with cancer, Scott has defeated all odds to become the man he is today. 

This week on SPORTS+LIFE+BALANCE, John meets with a dynamic duo, siblings Brooke and Kurt Hanson. Tune in to the story of Brooke, an Olympic Gold and Silver Breaststroke Medalist, and Kurt, a Sports Broadcaster, a sibling pair who grew up on the beaches of Australia as part of the Hanson Family surf-lifesaving dynasty.Brooke and Kurt would like to dedicate this episode to their late Grandfather, John Mills, who passed away at the age of 94 after this episode was recorded. Before his death, John was awarded Life Membership of The Surf Life Saving Australia - the highest honor in Australian surf sports. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/Season Sponsor: ROKA Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.

On the Season 3 premiere of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Greg Bonaan shares the tragedy that changed his perspective on lifeguarding and ultimately inspired him to create and produce the first television show to reach one billion viewers worldwide — the entertainment juggernaut called Baywatch. Greg Bonann is an American lifeguard, television producer, director, writer, and showrunner. He is best known for co-creating the internationally syndicated television series Baywatch, which ran for eleven seasons, and was listed in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most widely viewed TV series.Watch Baywatch on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Baywatch-Season-1/dp/B07M7TB6KVThanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE returns this summer with 12 more exciting guests. You won't want to miss these special guests, from all-star Olympians to trail-blazing thought leaders and entertainment titans. Subscribe today!

In the season 2 finale, John Moffet is joined by the Marathon Goddess, Julie Weiss.  Tune in to hear the story of how running helped Julie overcome deep depression and gave her a purpose after her father's sudden death from pancreatic cancer.  Julie channeled her grief into a commitment to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money and hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer.  Learn more about Julie Weiss:https://marathongoddess.com/https://www.instagram.com/marathongoddess/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

John Moffet is joined by award-winning sportswriter, best-selling author, journalism professor, and columnist for NBCOlympics.com, Alan Abrahamson.In today's SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE episode, Alan shares the story of how he set his sights on becoming a sports journalist from a young age and worked relentlessly to achieve his dream. Alan has now covered 11 Olympics, including this past summer in Tokyo.  And with more than 30 years of telling in-depth stories of athletes and the games, he provides a unique point of view of what the culture of sports means to all of us.  Learn more about Alan Abrahamson:https://twitter.com/alanabrahamsonhttps://www.3wiresports.com/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

In today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by French Olympian, Australian Olympian, United Kingdom Coach, and United States Synchronized Swimming Chief Executive Officer,  Myriam Glez.On the podcast, Myriam shares stories from her international journey through sports and her new mission to help athletes transition out of sports and into fulfilling and balanced lives.  Learn more about Athletes Soul: https://www.athletessoul.org/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

In today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by Willie Banks. The inventor of the famous “rhythmic clap,” three-time Olympian Willie Banks has contributed to the sport as both an athlete and contributor for over forty years, and currently serves as an elected member of the World Athletics Council.Learn more about Willie Banks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsjjapan/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

John Moffet is joined by Sue Enquist, a UCLA Hall of Fame softball player, coaching legend, educator, and sports consultant.In today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Sue shares her journey to 11 National Championship titles as a player and then as a coach — the most in collegiate history!  You'll also learn about her "second chapter" after coaching that lead her to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Learn more about Sue Enquist:http://www.sueenquist.com/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

In this episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by Craig Hummer, an Emmy-nominated sports broadcaster, author, lifeguard, and former professional ocean Ironman champion. Craig has covered more than 60 sports in his 25-year broadcasting career, has been the host or done play-by-play at 5 Olympic and Paralympic Games, spend five years broadcasting from the Tour de France, and has been the voice of professional bull riding since 2006.Tune in to hear the unlikely story of a kid from Ohio who made his dreams come true in the lad of real-life Baywatch. Follow Craig Hummer on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/craighummer/ Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

In today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by Sami Jo Small, a Canadian Olympic gold medal-winning goaltender and 4x world champion.  Sami Jo shares the story of the first time she ever played on an all-women hockey team leading up to the 1998 Nagano Olympic games. She went on to make two more Olympic teams, won four world championships, and had a long career as a pro, both as a player and manager. Sami Jo's story is also filled with personal struggles and heartbreaks… and just like in life, it's how we deal with that adversity that counts the most.  Pick up a copy of "The Role I Played" by  Sami Jo Small: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-role-i-played-sami-jo-small/1136574805Thanks to our episode sponsor, ROKA! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

In this episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by figure skating duo Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner.  Tai and Randy competed in the 1976 winter Olympics, won 5 consecutive U.S. Championships, and were World Champions in 1979. They were favorites to win Olympic gold at the 1980 games in Lake Placid, New York, until a freak injury took them out of the competition.  Tune in to hear Tai and Randy share how it felt to have their heartbreak unfold on live television around the world… destroying their Olympic dream and denying them what everyone assumed was their destiny. Follow Tai Babilonia on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tai_babilonia/Follow Randy Gardner on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gofiguredocumentary/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

John Moffet is joined by Candace Cable, a nine-time U.S. Winter and Summer Paralympian, a pioneer in paralympic sports, and a global disability activist. In today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE,  Candace shares the story of how she found herself adrift, depressed, and addicted to drugs after a life-changing car accident that left her paralyzed.  After months in rehab, she enrolled in Long Beach State where she discovered her knack for swimming and wheelchair racing. Since her first Paralympics in 1980, Candace has won twelve medals including eight golds in track racing, cross-country, and alpine skiing. She has won an unprecedented 84 marathons around the globe including six victories in the Boston Marathon… and in 2019 Candace was inducted into the U.S. Olympic + Paralympic Hall of Fame. Read more about ableism from Talila "TL" Lewis:https://www.talilalewis.com/blog/january-2021-working-definition-of-ableismLearn more about the #WeThe15 Campaign: The We The 15 campaign is a 10-year campaign to bring people with disabilities into an equitable space in the world in all areas. It's something people will want to be a part of as we create inclusion for all. It's led by the International Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics, Deaflympics, and Invictus Games. This sports lead campaign has all the human rights organizations, UN, and major businesses on board.https://www.wethe15.org/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

John Moffet is joined by Steve Smith, a two-time Stanford national water polo champion and space shuttle astronaut. In today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Steve shares his road to becoming an astronaut through years of setbacks and obstacles. You'll also learn about the near-death experience at 15 years old that changed the trajectory of his life. Learn more about Steve Smith: https://www.astronautstevesmith.com/ Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

John Moffet is joined by Brandi Chastain, an American soccer player, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold-medalist, coach, and sports broadcaster.In today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Brandi shares the pivotal moment when she discovered that her immense talent could only take her so far. You'll hear how throughout her career, through all the setbacks and injuries, she was always guided by a single powerful force: love. Follow Brandi Chastain: https://www.instagram.com/brandichastain/ Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka. https://www.roka.com/

For over two decades, Phil Keoghan has been the face of thrilling international travel. Host of The Amazing Race, co-creator of CBS's Tough as Nails, and avid ultra-distance biker, there's no doubt that Phil Keoghan is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the adventure-sphere. On the Season 2 premiere of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Phil shares insight into the dangerous circumstances that launched his passion for world adventure.Follow Phil Keoghan: https://www.instagram.com/philiminator/https://twitter.com/philkeoghanhttps://www.facebook.com/phil.keoghan.1https://www.youtube.com/buckitwithphilkeoghan Watch Tough As Nails on CBS:https://www.cbs.com/shows/tough-as-nails/Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

Season 2 of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE is back right after the Tokyo Olympics! Subscribe today so you don't miss another round of guests with fresh perspectives about how lessons from sports enhance our lives. 

John Moffet is joined by Donna de Varona, an Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer, pioneering sports broadcaster, and history-making activist for women in sports. At age 13, Donna de Varona was the youngest member of the United States swimming team at the Olympic Games Rome 1960. She broke 18 world records by the age of 17 and won two gold medals when she competed in the 400-meter individual medley and the 4x100 freestyle relay at the Tokyo 1964 Games. On today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Donna shares how her Olympics experience put her on the path to fight for women's participation in sports and athlete's rights at our nation's capital. 

Before she became a Masters World Track Cycling Champion and everyone's favorite Peloton instructor, Christine D'Ercole dreamed of a life in the performing arts. The only problem? Nobody would book her.  On this episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Christine shares her story of how cycling transformed her life and what the immense pressure to be "perfect" taught her along the way.  Ride with Christine on Peloton: https://www.onepeloton.com/instructors/bike/IAMICANIWILLIDO Learn more about Christine:https://christinedercole.com/https://www.instagram.com/iamicaniwillido/https://www.facebook.com/christinedercolefitness/

John Register is a two-time Paralympian, Army veteran, author, and lifelong athlete.  He qualified for the Olympic Trials twice in track and field and seemed destined to compete on the 1996 Olympic Team.... that is until one misstep over the hurdle changed his life forever. Today on SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John shares his story of how he used athletics to overcome one of the greatest challenges in life, earn a Paralympic silver medal, AND set the American long jump record with a distance of 5.41 meters (17.8feet).Follow John Register: https://twitter.com/JFRegisterhttps://www.facebook.com/teaminspire10/https://www.instagram.com/JohnFRegister/ Check out John Register's podcast, Life's New Normal:https://www.blogtalkradio.com/lifesnewnormalpodcast 

John Moffet is joined by Ann Meyers Drysdale, a basketball legend and pioneer in women's sports. Ann has achieved countless "firsts" for women in sports throughout her extraordinary career, including becoming the first woman in history to sign a contract to play in the NBA. On today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Ann shares her journey of "firsts" and how she stayed on the cutting edge of women's basketball.  Pick up a copy of Ann's book, "You Let a Girl Beat You?" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/379ireW

On today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by Dick Fosbury, the famous Olympic high-jumper who created one of the longest-standing innovations in sports history known as the "Fosbury Flop." Dick became world-famous on that fateful day and the trajectory of his life changed forever. For more information about Dick Fosbury, check out his book "The Wizard of Foz" — https://amzn.to/2MS6wLx

On this episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by Cliff Meidl — a skilled kayaker who survived a horrific construction accident and went on to compete in two Olympic games.  Cliff shares how he fought back during his darkest days and what can happen when you persevere through your biggest challenges. 

On today's SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE episode, John Moffet is joined by 13-time Paralympic medal winner Chris Waddell. His story begins with a life-shattering ski accident at the age of 20 and turns into an incredible story of athletic achievement that made him the most decorated male para-skier of all time. 

On today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by John Naber, a former competition swimmer, 4-time Olympic gold medalist, and tv commentator.  With decades of Olympic experience, as a former athlete to his current place on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic committee, John knows what it takes for an athlete to truly succeed at the Olympic games. Today, he shares the sacrifices he made for his sport and how his gold medal wins changed his life's trajectory. 

John Moffet is joined by Betsy Mitchell, the first female Director of Athletics at the California Institute of Technology. Betsy is an Olympic gold and silver medalist and a passionate advocate for women in sports. On today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, Betsy candidly shares her unvarnished perspective on the current state of collegiate athletics in America.

On today's SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE episode, John Moffet is joined by Rich Roll, a renowned podcaster and ultra-marathon athlete. With over half a million social media followers and 26 million podcast downloads, Rich is famous for his plant-powered wisdom and meaningful conversation. But before he got to where he is today, Rich had to overcome a crippling addiction. Tune in to hear his story in a way he's never shared it before. 

On today's episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by Valerie Kondos Field, the former head coach of UCLA Women's Gymnastics. Miss Val shares insights from her mentor Coach John Wooden and tells the story of how she led her team to 7 National Championships culminating with a fairy tale ending to her legendary career.

In the premiere episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by actor and producer Timothy Olyphant. You probably know him as Seth Bullock in Deadwood, Raylan Givens on Justified, Cobb Vanth from The Mandalorian, or another iconic character on TV. But long before he became a bonafide Hollywood star, Timothy was a Division 1 athlete at USC.  

Hosted by 2-time US Olympian and Emmy winning producer John Moffet, Sports + Life + Balance goes behind-the-scenes with your favorite athletes to hear the untold stories from pivotal moments in their careers, and how athletics has shaped and transformed their lives. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you might learn a thing or two. Subscribe today so you don't miss our premiere episode starting Thanksgiving weekend.