The Sideline Perspective Podcast

Haloti Ngata is a former Professional Football player. As a defensive tackle he played in college for the University of Oregon, earning Consensus All-American honors. Haloti was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played for the Ravens for nine seasons (winning a Superbowl and being selected for the Pro Bowl five times), before being traded to the Detroit Lions before the 2015 NFL season. Haloti was also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles for one season in 2018 before retiring. He currently lives with his family in Park City Utah, enjoying life and staying active.Connect with Haloti:Instagram: @hngata92---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveConnect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

What does dedication, accountability, commitment, and consistency have to do with each other? They're all key to success in both athletics and entrepreneurship. The grit we develop through competition can serve us well when it comes to paving our own career path in life after sport - and entrepreneurship can be a great place to start.Kasten is a former professional Windsurfer and current coach working to help athletes embrace the world of entrepreneurship. Through her own journey in athletics to capital investment to entrepreneurship she has learned the value of translatable skills and is passionate about sharing that insight with others.Connect with Kasten:Instagram: @kastenspethmannLinkedIn: Kasten SpethmannClubhouse: Kasten SpethmannWebsite: https://www.yourstartuplife.com---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveConnect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Ralph DeQuebec is a bilateral above-knee amputee after being injured in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device or (IED) while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2012. He is a Purple Heart recipient, a 2018 Paralympic gold medalist. His story from battle field to hospital bed to the world stage is nothing short of inspiring… Connect with Ralph:Instagram: @mrbenjaminboom & @weareallonestoryTwitter: @mrbenjaminboom---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Karl Arvidsson is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of California, Berkeley. At Cal, he was a part of three Pac-12 Team Championships as well as an NCAA Team Championship in 2019. Individually, he was a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic team member, a two-time NCAA qualifier, an Academic All-American, and culminated his career by being named an All-American in his Senior season. Unfortunately, his final collegiate competition, the 2020 NCAA Championships, were cancelled due to the Pandemic. Connect with Karl:Instagram: @karvidsson4---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

"You know what you need to accomplish [as an athlete] so you focus on the task at hand, but you don't really know what's going on with yourself emotionally. I always thought there was something wrong with me because of what I was feeling at the time... and it took me years to undo all that stuff."Bridget was an Oregon Cheerleader for four seasons during the Oregon Football reign and Game Captain her senior year. She cheered in three BCS Bowl Games, including the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and the 2011 BCS National Championship Game. Bridget later pursued her dream of dancing at the professional level and was an NFL Cheerleader for the San Diego Chargers. Bridget is a passionate advocate for mental health and spreads awareness through her social media platform and podcast After Orange Slices. Connect with Bridget:Instagram: @bridgetcase_Twitter: @bridgetcase_Tik Tok: @bridgetcasePodcast: After Orange SlicesTwitch: @bridgetcaseWebsite: https://www.afterorangeslices.com ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

"Injuries are such a common thing in the sport - if you get through a ski racing career without a major injury, you're probably not pushing it hard enough... I knew it was going to come, and because of that, when I got hurt, I'd already jumped that hurdle of understanding that season ending injuries happen and I was at the point of 'ok, what's next?'"Jimmy Krupka was born in Boston, MA and grew up on the slopes of New England, ultimately attending the Green Mountain Valley School and living nearby in Fayston, VT. He has spent the last five years training with the US Ski Team and attending Dartmouth College part-time. He spends his free time surfing small waves and hosting the Arc City podcast, a ski racing show. Connect with Jimmy:Instagram: @jimmy_who_Podcast: Arc City Podcast---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Bryn Drescher is a mental conditioning coach to NBA, NCAA and elite high school athletes across the country. Bryn started her journey into mental conditioning when she walked onto Michigan State University's competitive track and field program. She competed at the highest level of college sports before leaving early to pursue her career She began coaching elite athletes and has worked with  D1, D2 top NBA players. What separates Bryn is that she addresses the whole athlete so that they can get the necessary competitive edge combining skills of their physical game and elevating their mental game.Connect with Bryn:Instagram: @bryndrescherClubhouse: @bryndrescherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryndrescher ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Kassie & Sondra met playing college volleyball for the University of Toledo.  A dynamic duo both on and off the court, they saw each other through the ups and downs of college life and beyond. Now, ten years later (and their friendship stronger than ever), they've teamed up to tackle a new opponent: the unspoken topics we face in athletics. They founded The Unspoken Arena to give a safe space and a voice to the often stigmatized conversations in sport. Whether it be mental health, body image, equality, or identity - they are covering it on their badass and important platform.Learn more about The Unspoken Arena:Instagram: @theunspokenarenaPodcast: The Unspoken Arena---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

We all have a mix of masculine and feminine qualities in us, but our athletic experiences and sport culture tend to push us to favor one over the other (any guesses which? ... ahem, masculine). In this episode Q and Mac dive into why that is, the benefits of finding a balance between the two, and the impacts of that balance on transitioning to life beyond sport. Get ready to hear about ringing phones, sandboxes, redefining success, and owning your authentic self!Q is a mindset and performance coach and Founder & CEO of World Class; he's a former dual sport D-1 athlete with Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Northwestern University. His passion for supporting ex-athletes comes from his storied experience with the concussion crisis in sport. Having battled Post-Concussion Syndrome for 6 years, the pivotal shift in his recovery came when he shifted his mindset from procrastinating & perfectionism to bold action & ownership of his identity. This subtle, yet powerful shift is what he instills in clients today via 1-on-1 coaching, group programming, and large-scale trainings & workshops, preparing world class athletes for world class leaders.Connect with Q:Website: https://www.q-williams.com/ Instagram: @qwilliams__---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

"After almost 25 years of high-level competition sports, I am about 1 year into healthy-retirement (those first 2 were brutal). While claiming to “be an athlete” no longer feels like me, I know I am athletic… I am still able. Who I am and what I am capable of did not cease alongside my career and this I get to celebrate. There is still so much learning and feeling to be had along this journey and I sincerely hope for joy through it all; for all."Brooklyn is a retired athlete from a career that included being a DII Heptathlete, All-American Women's Professional Football Player and a 3x TeamUSA Bobsled Medalist. While still loving an athlete-focused lifting program, Brooklyn has expanded her love for sports to include riding her dirtbike, backcountry snowboarding, backpacking, trail running and embracing the freedom of saying, “yes” to random adventures. She is learning that retirement includes intentional healing both cognitively and physically and credits her faith for the strength to journey towards a fulfilling future; still as an athlete.Connect with Brooklyn:Instagram: @brooklynholtonRead Brooklyn's Story: https://thesidelineperspective.com/grief-when-love-has-nowhere-to-go/---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Anyone who's had a career in competitive sports knows the journey isn't linear. We can go from the highest highs to the lowest lows in an instant - but it's not about how high or low we are, it's about how we respond to it. Kaitie's story is one of perseverance, self-reflection, and the courage it takes to discover who you are beyond your sport. She's been through all kinds of different seasons on her bike and the hills she's climbed along the way have only made her stronger.Kaitie is Wisconsin born and Colorado based. Kaitie has been racing Cyclocross professionally for the past ten years with Cannondale / Cyclocrossworld.com. So far in her career, she has stood on eight World Cup podiums and represented the United States at the Cyclocross World Championships nine times.  Aside from the bicycle, she is passionate about mental health, yoga, outdoor adventures with her husband and dogs, skiing, trail running, managing properties with her husband Luke, and reading.Connect with Kaitie:Instagram: @kaitiekeough---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

What does it mean to be "All In" - to commit yourself wholeheartedly to something and then to have to shift gears and re-orient? For Natalie it's about backing yourself, having confidence in your abilities and your values, and always believing the risk will be worth the reward. Today's episode covers Natalie's journey from hockey player, to snowboarder, to crossfitter, all while pursuing goals as an entrepreneur and mindset coach. There's not much this girl hasn't done and hearing her experiences in her own words is both enlightening and inspiring!Natalie Allport is a former national team snowboarder, multi-sport athlete, and lifelong entrepreneur. She hosts the ALL IN with Natalie Allport podcast, runs a marketing agency in the sports/athlete space, and is a passionate advocate for mindset and athlete mental health. Connect with Natalie:Instagram: @natalieallport & @theallinproject & @93agencyWebsite: https://natalieallport.com & https://93agency.com Podcast: The All In Podcast---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

"Even if you're in the back of the line, lead yourself and you'll be surprised who follows."Coming from a family full of football players, Ky can't remember a time when he wasn't surrounded by the game. It wasn't a straightforward path to achieving his dreams of playing college football but with grit and perseverance he walked on to Dartmouth's Division 1 program and earned the status of Captain by his Senior year. On today's episode Ky reflects on how that journey shaped the person he is today and the aspects of his athletic career that have followed him into life beyond sport.Connect with Ky:Instagram: @kyranmc3---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Kim is a former NCAA Division I swimmer where she competed at The University of North Carolina. In her athlete career, she struggled with depression in retirement and has since dedicated herself to dig deep into what it means to be an athlete so she can help others who may be struggling on their own journey. She founded Everything Athletes, an online refuge for competitors, where she offers the resources and tools needed to thrive in sport.Learn More About Kim & Everything Athletes:Instagram: @everythingathletesdotcom @kimcarducciWebsite: https://www.everythingathletes.com/Facebook: Everything AthletesPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introduction-to-kim-carducci/id1541556960?i=1000499841965 ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Dan Nycholat is the founder of Gelvio, an online marketplace for snacks and drinks. Prior to starting Gelvio, Dan attended Dartmouth college where he played ice hockey and studied economics. After graduating, he spent 2 years playing professional ice hockey, 3 years working in finance, and then finally jumped to the world of startups.    Learn More About Dan & Gelvio:Instagram: @gelvio_us @dnycholatWebsite: https://gelvio.com/ (you'll be able to order snacks as soon as they officially launch - which is SOON!)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snackngrind/---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

What happens when it's time to move on from a high flying adrenaline sport like aerials skiing? How do you ensure that you land on two feet on the other side of the transition? Alex Bowen's answer: planning ahead, staying connected with friends, and not taking life too seriously (just yet).Alex did his first backflip at 15 at the one and only Buffalo Ski Club and has been hooked on air ever since. After graduating from high school in 2010 he moved to Utah with dreams of making the U.S. Aerial Ski Team and going even bigger. Alex has recently retired from World Cup Level competitions and is pursuing his teaching license at Westminster College, SLC.Learn More About Alex & Aerials Skiing:Instagram: @flowinbowenAerials Skiing 101: https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org/news/aerial-skiing-101---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Leeann Passaro played elite club soccer throughout her childhood and into high school before continuing on to play at Washington & Lee University. The Division 3 athlete experience allowed Leeann to dive into other passions, as well as study abroad for a full semester in Australia, where she picked up the sport of rugby. After graduating this past May, Leeann began a full-time teaching job at a private school in Florida, where she also coaches two varsity sports. Leeann also serves as the Chief Operations Officer at The Hidden Opponent, a non-profit founded by social media influencer, Victoria Garrick, to eliminate the stigma of mental illness in athletes. Learn More About Leeann & The Hidden Opponent:Instagram: @leeannp27 @thehiddenopponentWebsite: https://thehiddenopponent.com Facebook: The Hidden OpponentVictoria Garrick's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdk7pLpbIls ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Today's episode is a conversation with Nikki Bondura all about her transition from competing in Golf to working in sports media. Her story reminds us that success is not always linear and good things come with hard work, patience, and perseverance...Nikki played golf at Sacramento State, where she was also a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Host of Go Green Army TV. Upon graduation, she created Nikki B Golf where she reviews anything and everything golf including products, travel, fashion, and fitness. Nikki currently works as a Social Media Correspondent for Golf Channel, Host for Max Prep's Play Like A Girl, and Ambassador for Adidas Golf and California Family Fitness. Learn More About Nikki:Website: https://www.nikkibgolf.com/ Instagram: @nikkibgolf & @nikkibacademy---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

The "bigger, faster, better" athletic mindset around training is something that helps us to be successful at our sport. But what happens when we're no longer in that competitive zone or required to perform? What does strength and fitness look like then? As a strength coach and former competitive athlete, Deacon advocates for finding a sustainable lifestyle around training after sport.Deacon Andrews is a dad first and foremost that loves being out in the mountains and chasing the stoke that comes along with both those things.  He has built a career around helping others enjoy life outside of the gym by making them more durable and prepared for those adventures.Learn More About Deacon and The Wrecking Crew:Instagram: @thewreckingcrew2020Instagram: @sisustrong---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

"I had not intentionally chose the sport because I loved it, but because I happened to be good at it. As this phase of my life drew to a close, looking forward to what lay in store next felt both exhilarating and agonizingly scary. This time I knew I had to be intentional about searching for a purpose, but I had no idea where to begin..."  - AmyThis episode is a Story Session - where athletes who have written for The Sideline Perspective website read their reflection in their own words and reflect back on what it meant to process that time of transition in their lives.Amy is a former Canadian national swim team member, D1 athlete at Dartmouth College, and Academic All-Ivy. She competed on the national and international stages throughout her career, including the 2012 Olympic Trials, and was captain of the Dartmouth Swimming & Diving team her senior year. Her 16 year career ended in 2017 when she graduated college, though she has remained an avid recreational athlete. Today, she lives in New York City and works in brand strategy consulting. More about Amy:Read her story: https://thesidelineperspective.com/shifting-purpose-and-purposeful-shifts/---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveJoin Our Community Platform: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/ Connect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Hanna played Division I hockey at Bemidji State University, and graduated as a senior captain with a BSc in Business Administration, Emphasis in Marketing. Following graduation, she played professional hockey in Sweden (SDHL) for HV71 while completing her Master of Business Administration (specialization International Marketing). As she holds dual citizenship with Canada and Sweden, she was also fortunate enough to attend the Swedish Women's National Team Pre-Olympic Training Camp (June 2017).While high-level hockey came to a close, the professional doors started to open, and it was time to start the job hunt. Though she knew that being an athlete would be pretty attractive to some employers in addition to her resume, she noticed that there were no “boxes to check” when it came to showcasing her unique background and skills gained through high-level sport on the traditional job sites. This is when Post Game Professions came to fruition.Learn More About Hanna and Post Game Professions:Website: https://postgameprofessions.com/Instagram (personal): @hannamoherInstagram (travel): @thepassportprofessionalInstagram (PGP): @postgameprofessions ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveOnline Community: https://the-sideline-perspective.tribe.so/

Welcome back to The Sideline Perspective podcast! We kick off Season 2 with Amanda Johanson, a former gymnast and aerials ski jumper. She competed at the University of Denver from 2007-2011 on a full ride scholarship. After graduation she moved to New Zealand and coached elite gymnasts to the Commonwealth games, World Championships, and Pacific Rim. She has her bachelors in graphic design and is currently working towards her MA in psychology as she juggles being a new mama to a little boy! We discuss why coaching can be such an attractive next step for retiring athletes, how it can impact our transition, and why it's not for everyone… ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveConnect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

Mac and Sam talk about the behind the seasons of creating Season One of The Sideline Perspective Podcast. They touch on highlights from both a host and listener point of view and even reveal some exciting previews of Season Two and other developments at TSP.A note from Mac:"Thank you to all the listeners and subscribers that make this show such a rewarding experience! The conversations I've been able to have with guests have been life changing and I hope you guys as listeners feel the same. Let's keep supporting each other as totalteammates and get through these crazy times together. Catch you next season!"---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveConnect with Mac: mac@thesidelineperspective.com

It can be hard to navigate our bodies as they change throughout our athletic career. In some cases body image relates to performance... and in other cases it doesn't. We have to dodge societal expectations, personal narratives, expectations of coaches and teammates, and more - it can get a little overwhelming. What happens to that athlete-body relationship when we leave our sport? In Ellen's experience it can get mixed up even more...Ellen Renk is a multi-passionate athlete and entrepreneur in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.  As a Health & Lifestyle Coach and a Speaker, she helps current and former athletes gain confidence in food, their bodies, and their worth outside the gym.  She's passionate about starting conversations and raising awareness about the topics that nobody ever addressed with her.  Conversations that - had she had when she was younger - could have drastically changed and improved her performance and her life.  Through her speaking, programs, and 1:1 coaching, athletes develop confidence to make decisions that allow them to perform better in their sport, and be happier with who they are and in their life. Learn More About Ellen:Website: https://ellenrenk.comInstagram: @ellenrenk---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Every athlete in the world right now is sidelined due to COVID - how are we coping with it? How are we finding opportunities to train, to learn, and improve in our sport while balancing concerns for our mental health and physical safety. It's a fine line, one that Frankie dives into in this week's episode.Frankie graduated from Dartmouth College in 2018, where she played on the D1 Varsity women's rugby team and had the opportunity to represent the USA on the Collegiate All-American rugby team and the US Women's National Team. After graduation, she moved to Northern England to continue her rugby career and pursue her Master's. Upon completion of her degree, she moved back to the US, got a job in medical education in New York City, and immediately joined the New York Rugby Club. She was developing a balanced routine that allowed her to work full-time, while still train at a high level when Covid-19 sidelined her and her teammates. As Vice-President of her team, she represents the New York Rugby Club on the board of the Women's Premier League for USA Rugby, where she is helping to shape what a safe return to play plan could look like for all players across the US. During quarantine, she is navigating what it means to motivate herself to train on her own while not knowing when she will be able to return to her sport, working from home, and discovering new passions. Connect with Frankie:Instagram: @francescabsands---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

"As competitive athletes we're not here to just have a good time, we're here to push ourselves, to see how good we can be. I believe it's that tension, that time whether felt in the last 10 meters of sprints or during slow motion rehab exercises, that makes us actually better." - JulesThis episode is a Story Session - where athletes who have written for The Sideline Perspective website read their reflection in their own words and reflect back on what it meant to process that time of transition in their lives.After graduating from Dartmouth where she played women's rugby, Jules now lives in Boston and works in brand development and imagery. You can find her running along the Charles, playing for Beantown Rugby, and volunteering for various art organizations around the city! Connect with Jules:Instagram: @julllessssssLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juleswheaton/Read her stories: https://thesidelineperspective.com/the-paradox-of-pushing-yourself-slowly/https://thesidelineperspective.com/seven-ways-to-stay-sane-on-the-sideline/---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

No matter what our sport, our competition status, or our current day to day looks like, one thing is for sure: we could all use more recovery in our life. Whether focused on physical recovery from an injury or mental recovery from the stress of life, Team USA Kayaker and health expert Anna Terry encourages us all to find little ways to slow ourselves down and tune in to what our minds and our bodies are asking of us.Anna Terry is an athlete performance and wellness expert who specializes in muscular health and mobility. Her experience as the Director of Integrative Health at Dartmouth College Athletics, the Director of Athlete Care at Killington Mountain School, and member of the US Ski Team medical pool has informed her philosophy. Anna believes that a well rounded approach balancing effort, rest, nutrition, and mindset is crucial to optimize performance. As the founder of Total Athlete Care, Anna is making the expertise she has cultivated through over 18 years of experience working with developing athletes through olympic champions available to individual athletes and teams worldwide.Connect with Anna:Website: https://www.totalathletecare.comInstagram: @totalathletecareEmail: anna@totalathletecare.com---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thesidelineperspective)

Sports bring people from everywhere together - let's not take that for granted. Let's not shy away from the tough conversations when it comes to uncovering the stories and the experiences of the people we call our teammates. It may be uncomfortable, but learning to lean in to these dialogues can be one of the most valuable skills you gain in athletics and in life.Trajuan resides in Dallas from the University of New Mexico — where he was a former student-athlete (running back and linebacker), football coach, and academic advisor. With a Masters in Sport Administration, Tajuan also served as the Director of the Lobo Leadership Academy, where he lead a team in developing implementing, and facilitating leadership curriculum for current student-athletes. Trajuan previously served in Research & Development for Prime U and is now the Sports and Mental Health chair for the Minority Psychology Network a non-profit organization based out of Los Angeles. Connect with Trajuan:Twitter: @tra_briggsThe Trajuan Briggs Community IMPACT Scholarship---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Cletus Coffey is a former professional and world champion athlete. After a career playing football in the CFL and Arena Football Leagues, Cletus won a Master Track and Field World Championship for Team USA. He has coached football and track & field on all levels, and has trained high performance athletes for over 20 years. He currently uses his experience as an athlete, coach, and entrepreneur to help sports leaders, athletes, and former athletes reach their highest potential both on and off the field.Learn more about Cletus:Website: https://www.cletuscoffey.com/Instagram: @cletuscoffey Podcast: The Recovering Athlete ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

"We often underestimate our capacity to reinvent ourselves.That's it. It's that simple. We are not the people we were 1 year ago, 2 years ago, 10 years ago…heck, even 2 days ago! And yet, a major life change can knock us off of our feet and make us feel like everything is over. But what if it wasn't? What if reinventing ourselves is something we already know how to do? What if realizing that simple fact would change everything?" - ChrissyThis episode is a Story Session - where athletes who have written for The Sideline Perspective website read their reflection in their own words and reflect back on what it meant to process that time of transition in their lives.Chrissy Papetti is a former competitive dancer, appearing at the 2008 World Tap Championships to represent the USA, earning her BFA in Dance the University of Michigan, and performing on the Michigan Dance Team at the D1 level of collegiate athletics. Following her dance career-ending injury of a hip labral tear, Chrissy went on to earn her Master's in Occupational Therapy, specializing in Lifestyle Design and Lifestyle Medicine. Throughout her prolonged injury recovery, she found a fascination with the brain/mind, the body, and health/wellness, soaking in everything she could get her hands on related to medicine, psychology/coaching, and self-discovery. Today, Chrissy is fusing her personal and professional experiences to support athletes, performers, and high-achieving individuals who were sidelined from the life they thought they were meant to live so that they can find a fulfilling way forward with nothing holding them back.Learn more about Chrissy:Read her story: https://thesidelineperspective.com/if-theres-one-thing-a-sidelined-athlete-needs-to-hear-its-this/Instagram: @chrissypapettiWebsite: https://www.chrissypapetti.com---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Being sidelined is a mental battle - one that life asks you to show up for every day during recovery. During rehab the reps count, but so does the fight against the voice in your head saying “is this worth it?” If we look at the whole journey at once, our answer might be “no,” BUT if we look at it day by day, if we embrace the process and pull from our reservoirs of patience and discipline, we find there is always a way to get back on our feet… or skis in Avital's case.Avital Shimko is a World Cup Mogulist on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team. She is 24 years old, from the Upper West Side of Manhattan and has been competing since the age of 6 (out of Stratton, Vermont), and has since moved to Park City, UT to be able to train with the National team. She has had a different journey than most, as you can imagine coming all the way from New York City, and patience has played a big roll in her career. Tune in to find out more about Avital, her patience, and what has brought her to where she is now.Learn more about Avital:Blog: https://talthemogulskier.comInstagram: @avishort---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Quitting gets a lot of shame in the sports world but this episode with Molly O'Connor flips that idea on its head. What if instead of shaming the individuals who walk away from their sports, we acknowledge the courage and independence it takes to move on to a future of the unknown. When our sport is so closely tied to our identity, that choice can be crippling to make, but what else do we do when we feel our heart, mind, and passion being drawn elsewhere?Molly is the founder and CEO of Molly T., a first of its kind, patented sports bra that adjusts to change with fluctuating breasts and workout routines.  A former D1 athlete, O'Connor was frustrated by the lack of supportive options and set out to create one sports bra capable of adjusting to every woman's unique level of support without compromising fit, function, or fashion. Made from recycled materials, the eco-friendly design's unprecedented approach to support allows the wearer to customize the amount of compression, as desired, to accommodate a wide range of motion for all different shapes and sizes (currently available in S-XXL).Learn more about Molly and the Molly T. Brand:Website: https://wearmollyt.comInstagram: @wearmollyt---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Lani is a former division 1 basketball player from the university of vermont and was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. She is a mom of two girls, wife, teacher, coach, and recent cancer survivor. She is passionate about supplying people with the tools to thrive combining sport and positive psychology and particularly passionate about empowering girls through sports and mental skills programming and her nonprofit, Strong Girls United. Learn more about Lani:Website: www.sgunitedfoundation.org or www.lanisilversides.comInstagram: @stronggirlsunitedFacebook: @SGUnitedFoundation---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

James Leath is a mental performance coach and the founder of Unleash the Athlete. With a bachelors in communication, a masters in Performance Psychology, and almost 20 years of coaching experience, James teaches leadership, character, and mental resiliency to elite performers in sport, theater, and business through keynotes, workshops, and online courses. He has worked with many organizations, including MINDBODY, The American Heart Association, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Green Bay Packers. Before the NBA season ended early, he was with the Chicago Bulls.Learn more about James and Unleash the Athlete:Website: http://unleashtheathlete.com/Instagram: @unleashtheathleteFacebook: Unleash the AthleteTwitter: @UTAthlete---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Former Ohio State football player Jarrod Barnes reflects on authenticity and what it's meant in his athletic, personal, and professional career. Jarrod's knowledge and love of sport started at a young age and ultimately allowed him the opportunity to compete and coach at the highest levels in college football. Following his athletic career, he used this same passion to launch a startup called Prime U, and alongside his team, would go on to work with clients across the NFL and NCAA. Jarrod currently works as the Manager of Former Player Marketing & Engagement with the Los Angeles Rams. In his role, he works to integrate former players as brand ambassadors into the overall marketing, sponsorship, and fan engagement strategy of the organization.---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Meghan Duggan is a three time Olympian (winning Gold in 2018 at Pyeong Chang), a 7 time IIHF champion, and a 6 time Four Nations champion. She is currently taking the season off from her role as Captain of the US Women's Ice Hockey team so she and her wife Gillian can anticipate and adjust to arrival of their son. In this episode, recorded in December of 2019, Meghan reflects on what it means to transition to a new role and take on a new identity in her preparation for motherhood. Follow Meghan on Instagram: @mduggan10---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Katie was a competitive synchronized swimmer for many years before retiring from the sport to pursue her career as a dietitian. After struggling herself with her own nutrition as a recently retired athlete, Katie founded Spada Strong Nutrition LLC with the hopes of helping fellow former athletes transition their nutrition with ease in life after sport. Grounded in the intuitive eating principles, Katie focuses on helping athletes tune back into their bodies, learn how to fuel themselves for success in life after sport, and feel their best!Read more on the 10 Principles of Intuitive Eating hereCheck out more about Katie:Website: https://www.spadastrongnutrition.comInstagram: @fueling.former.athletes---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Kikkan Randall is a lot of things - a 14 year member of the US Ski team, a mom, a cancer survivor, an entrepreneur, and, alongside Jessie Diggins, the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport of Cross Country Skiing. This episode dives into all aspect of her life and the ways in which community has supported her in skiing, in battling cancer, and now, in whatever she tackles next!Check out more about Kikkan:Website: https://kikkan.comInstagram: @kikkanimal---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thesidelineperspective)

College graduation is a natural time to transition in many aspects of life. We leave behind our life as a student, and for many of us, it also means leaving behind our life as a competitive athlete. This seemed like the path Taylor Ng was bound to take as she wrapped up a dominant career at Dartmouth College, finishing as captain of the squad and named All-Ivy First Team for the third year in a row. As she settled into the work force however, she realized she had some unfinished business left on the court... This episode sits down with Taylor as she recounts her journey getting back into the game competitively and what it means to now be able to call herself a professional tennis player.---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspectiveSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thesidelineperspective)

This episode is a Story Session - where athletes who have written for The Sideline Perspective website read their reflection in their own words and reflect back on what it meant to process that time of transition in their lives.Erika is a former alpine ski racer who suffered a career ending concussion during her time racing at St. Lawrence University. Her injury ultimately resulted in her decision to transfer to Montana State University where she is currently studying Nursing and coaching the ski team at Big Sky Resort. She is very involved in the sailing world in the summertime, and has been a Captain for Sail Caribbean in the British Virgin Islands and Leeward Islands for the past 2 summers, entering her 3rd summer this year. Erika's reflection is a great example of the times when unexpected difficulties can set us on new and exciting courses in our lives.---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Doug is a former downhill ski racer whose career saw him as a two time national champion, two time Olympian and World Championship medalist. His historic bronze medal in Bormio Italy was the first ever medal for a male American Downhill racer and has been celebrated with his induction to the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame earlier this year. Since his time on the slopes, Doug created ELITEAM in 1991, with a desire to pass on his winning knowledge of world class sports to future generations. He is still actively involved in every level of the ski industry as broadcaster, ski celebrity, motivational speaker, product consultant and coach.Check out Eliteam:Website: https://eliteam.comInstagram: @eliteamdigdeep---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

This episode is a Story Session - where athletes who have written for The Sideline Perspective website read their reflection in their own words and reflect back on what it meant to process that time of transition in their lives.Elena graduated from Dartmouth College in 2018 and has spent the last several months exploring new perspectives with global travel before settling in Seattle, WA as a tech program manager. A former Division 1 Ice Hockey player, she ended her career early to find a more balanced athletic life. She now runs, hikes, skis, bikes – anything that gets her outside – and continues to develop her identity as a balanced athlete in her daily life. She hopes to encourage other young professionals to get outside, take risks, and chase their out-of-office passions.---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

This episode features a conversation with Ryder Stone about what's gone through his head a week after leaving football, finishing up his last season as a professional football player for the Montreal Alouettes. He was drafted 38th overall in the 2018 CFL Draft after graduating early from Dartmouth College with an Environmental Studies degree. He played two years in the CFL, and in that time had shoulder surgery on his labrum at the end of the 2018 season and suffered two serious concussions that sidelined him for the last 4 games of his first season and over half of his last season. He's decided to step away from football due to his injuries. These are some of his first thoughts since his last day with the team.---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Dr. Alex Cohen is a Senior Sport Psychologist for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Working primarily with winter sports, Dr. Cohen provides sport psychology consultation and counseling for national teams, athletes and coaches at the Olympic Training Centers, at various National Governing Body training sites and at national and international competitions.As a licensed psychologist and certified sport psychology consultant, Dr. Cohen assists coaches in creating mastery performance environments that promote psychological and physical skill acquisition and execution. He works directly with athletes to maximize performance readiness through consistent preparation, enhanced resilience, and mindful self-regulation, helping athletes to focus on the right things, at the right time, every time.Check out the Career Thoughts Inventory ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Relationships run through every aspect of our time in athletics. This episode feature's Amanda McGrew, founder of Playoff Dating App and a former college basketball player from Santa Monica, California. She played for four years at the University of Rhode Island and a fifth year at Umass Lowell. She has been teaching PE and coaching basketball back home in Los Angeles for the past 9 years, and a couple years ago, she decided to launch Playoff - a dating app for current and former college and professional athletes. Her athletic career has played such a huge role in her life and her development, and she feels that finding someone who shares that life experience and mindset can truly be invaluable. Playoff currently has thousands of athletes on the platform, and Amanda's ultimate goal is to get Playoff into the hands of the athletes in the Olympic Village next summer in Tokyo!Check out Playoff:App Store: Playoff - Athlete DatingWebsite: https://www.playoffdatingapp.comInstagram: @playoffdatingapp---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

Shannon (Bowles) Doleac is a former gymnast who was a member of the US National Team and 9-time All-American at the University of Utah. As an undergrad at Utah, Shannon earned a degree in Exercise and Sports Science as well as Psychology before going on to get a Masters in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism from Tufts University. She has since moved back to Utah with her husband Mike and their two kids and is the Owner of Primal Peak - a nutrition blog and coaching business. We talk about her career as an athlete, how nutrition got on her radar, and what her philosophy is around a balanced life-style and diet after retiring from a competitive athlete career.Find Shannon at:Website: https://primalpeak.comInstagram: @primalpeak---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective

As athletes who've competed at a high level, we know what it's like for our sport to take center stage … but when we step off that stage, and we leave our sport, we're left to ask ourselves “who am I?” and “what next?” Without sports to drive our path and purpose, the “real world” can be a scary place to navigate. It's time we start navigating it together.This podcast will dive into the real experiences of life after sports and in doing so, bring together a community of Total Teammates who support each other not just in athletics, but in life. ---Learn more about The Sideline Perspective:Website: http://thesidelineperspective.comSubmit Your Story: http://thesidelineperspective.com/submit/Instagram: @thesidelineperspective