Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast

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Our mission is to explore the inspirational journeys of former wrestlers and how the sport changed their lives. By stitching together stories of sacrifice, triumph, defeat and perseverance, we take the listener deep inside the world’s oldest sport.

Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast


    • Mar 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 504 EPISODES

    4.9 from 1,053 ratings Listeners of Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast that love the show mention: ryan warner, gable, inside trip, ryan does an amazing, sport of wrestling, asher, smiths, wrestlers, martinez, competitors, great wrestling, bridge, wrestling podcast, wrestling fan, randy, outstanding podcast, documentary, amazing stories, thank you for giving, legends.


    Ivy Insights

    The Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast is an incredible podcast that dives deep into the world of wrestling and the impact it has on people's lives. Hosted by Ryan Warner, this podcast brings in guests who share their fascinating stories and experiences in the sport. With each episode, listeners are reminded of the significant influence wrestling has had on them personally and how it has shaped their character. Whether you are a fan, coach, or wrestler yourself, this podcast is a must-listen.

    One of the best aspects of The Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast is the wealth of knowledge and insight provided by its guests. Each episode is packed-full of fascinating information that offers unique perspectives on wrestling and life as a whole. Ryan does an amazing job getting to the heart of these stories and allowing them to unfold naturally. From discussing brutal workouts to sharing inspiring moments of triumph, there is always something to learn from each guest's journey.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its ability to inspire and motivate listeners. Hearing about the resilience and grit required in wrestling can reignite the flame within individuals, pushing them to work harder in their own pursuits. The stories shared by these titans of the sport serve as reminders that success comes from dedication, hard work, and overcoming obstacles.

    One minor downside to this podcast is that at times it may focus too heavily on specific aspects or individuals within the sport. While these topics may be interesting for avid fans or those deeply involved in wrestling, it may not capture the attention of more casual listeners who are looking for a broader range of content.

    In conclusion, The Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast is an exceptional show that provides incredible insights into wrestling and its impact on individuals' lives. Ryan Warner does a phenomenal job as a host, asking thought-provoking questions and allowing guests to tell their stories authentically. If you love wrestling or are simply interested in hearing inspiring tales from remarkable individuals, this podcast is definitely worth your time.



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    Latest episodes from Wrestling Changed My Life Podcast

    #503 Bryan Medlin - NCAA Recap, US Open, Saitiev's Passing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 56:33


    Bryan Medlin joins the podcast to talk about the NCAA tournament, the upcoming freestyle season, as well as the late passing of the great Saitiev.

    #502 James Mangan - Executive Director of Beat the Streets Nationanl

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 53:46


    James Mangan is the executive director of Beat the Streets National.

    #501 Roger Reina - Penn Head Coach on Epic Rock Climbing Survival Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 59:47


    Coach Reina returns to the podcast to share an incredible story from a rock climbing expedition during the summer of 2023.

    #500 Bo Bassett - U17 World Champ, U20 Bronze, 3x Super 32 Champion

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 52:34


    Bo Bassett is a high school phenom. He's won 3 Super 32 titles and is a multiple-time world medalist. Enjoy!

    #499 World Championships Recap with International Guru Bryan Medlin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 77:08


    Bryan Medlin is the head coach of the Illinois RTC.

    #498 Jason Nolf - 3x NCAA Champ for Penn State talks Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 45:14


    Jason Nolf joins the podcast to talk about his retirement, battling Kyle Dake, and his early years at Penn State.

    #497 Rob Eiter - 1996 Olympian, Former Penn Head Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 55:36


    Rob Eiter is a 1996 Olympian and former head coach at Penn.

    #496 Donnie Vinson - Buffalo HC, Former Cornell Head Associate

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 41:03


    Donnie Vinson is the head coach at the University of Buffalo. Previously, Donnie was the associate head coach at Cornell.

    #495 Rollie Peterkin - Podcast Update & Plans for the 2024/2025 Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 52:03


    Rollie Peterkin is a friend of the program, a co-creator of the audio documentaries, and a graduate of the Wharton Business School. Rollie was a Fargo champ and a 4x NCAA Qualifier for Penn. Enjoy!

    #494 Matt Gentry - 2x Olympian, NCAA Champ, HC University of Chicago

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 52:11


    Matt Gentry is a 2x Olympian and the first NCAA champion in Stanford wrestling history. This past summer, Matt was named head coach at the University of Chicago.

    #493 Ben Askren - Olympian & 2x Hodge Winner on His New Book Extreme Balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 57:53


    Ben Askren joins the show to discuss his new sports psychology book, Extreme Balance. Buy the book now on Amazon!

    #492 Dan Gable talks Olympics Recap, David Taylor, & Spencer Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 74:58


    Dan Gable is a 15x NCAA D1 Champion coach. As a wrestler, he was a 2x NCAA champ for Iowa State, 1971 World Champ and 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist. Enjoy!

    #491 Kendall Cross - Olympic Deep Dive

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 95:56


    Kendall Cross is an Olympic Gold Medalist and 2x Olympian.

    #490 Bryan Medlin - OLYMPIC PREVIEW EPISODE!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 63:14


    In this episode, Coach Medlin and I preview the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    #489 - Beat the Streets Full Circle Series - Jessica Kemgne: Full Circle Award Recipient

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 33:38


    This episode is the first episode of a new series - The Beat the Streets National Full Circle Series - where we interview Full Circle scholarship recipients. This episode is with Jessica Kemgne. Enjoy!

    #488 Clint Matter - BTS Philly Chair, Wall Street Legend, Penn NCAA Qualifier

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 55:20


    Clint Matter is the founder and chair of BTS Philly. Clint wrestled for Penn in the mid-1990s, graduated from Wharton, and went on to have a successful career on Wall Street.

    #487 Paul Glynn - Dan Gable / Iowa Alum, State Champion,VP of Sales

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 89:57


    Paul Glynn is the VP of sales at Stryker. He was an Iowa state champion and wrestled for Dan Gable and the Hawks in the 80s.

    #486 Jered Cortez - 4x IL State Champ, 2x Fargo Champ, PSU Graduate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 58:57


    Jered Cortez is an Illinois legend. A 4x state champ and 2x Fargo champ, Jered went on to wrestle at Penn State. Enjoy!

    #485 Johnni DiJulius - Ohio State Alum , 3x OH State Champ, BASE Jumper

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 71:41


    Johnni DiJulius is one of the top wrestling clinicians in the country. He wrestled for Tom Ryan at Ohio State and was as 3x Ohio State Champion. He's also an avid BASE Jumper. Enjoy! To book a clinic with Johnni - contact Johnni on Twitter or Instagram.

    #484 Mike Zadick - Olympian, World Silver Medalist

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 71:38


    Mike Zadick is an Olympian, world silver medalist and multiple-time All-American for Iowa. He's currently fundraising for his non-profit, Benchmark Wrestling, to build a stand-alone wrestling facility in Augusta Montana. You can donate to the cause here: https://www.benchmarkwrestling.org/

    #483 Matt Hickey - Chief Revenue Officer at Securiti, Hofstra Wrestler

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 53:43


    Matt Hickey is the Chief Revenue Officer at Securiti. Matt grew-up wrestling on Long Island and competed collegiately at Hofstra under coach Tom Ryan.

    #482 Rock Harrison - 2024 NCAA Finals Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 57:13


    Rock Harrison is a wrestling analyst for ACC and ESPN.

    #481 Ben Reiter - Beat the Streets National Executive Director

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 62:17


    Ben Reiter is the Executive Director of Beat the Streets National.

    #480 Frank Popolizio - Update form Journeymen Wrestling Founder

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 69:27


    Frank Popolizio is the founder and head coach of the Journeymen Wrestling Club.

    #479 Neil Erisman - Little Rock Arkansas Head Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 55:08


    Neil Erisman is the head coach of the Little Rock Arkansas wrestling team.

    #478 Henry Cejudo - Olympic Gold Medalist, 2x UFC Double Champ

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 116:07


    Henry Cejudo is an Olympic Gold medalist and one of four double champs in UFC history.

    #477 Terry Brands - Full Interview from The Henry Cejudo Experiment

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 70:14


    This interview is with Terry Brands and was recorded for the audio documentary The Henry Cejudo Experiment. Enjoy!

    #476 Pat Smith - The First 4x NCAA Champion in D1 History

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 59:26


    Pat Smith is the first 4x NCAA champion in division one history. He's been instrumental in growing wrestling in Arkansas and now runs a wrestling academy near Little Rock. Enjoy!

    #475 Rich Tavoso - Wall Street Legend, Former Princeton Wrestler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 66:48


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Rich Tavoso is a Wall Street legend and the former Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, Head of the Global Arbitrage & Trading. Rich wrestled at Princeton and has been a mentor to many wrestlers on Wall Street. Enjoy!

    #474 Mike Powell - Executive Director, Beat the Streets Chicago

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 69:16


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Mike Powell is the Executive Director of Beat the Streets Chicago. Prior to that post, Coach Powell was a HOF coach for OPRF, winning multiple team titles and top 10 national rankings. Enjoy!

    #473 Trent Hidlay - U23 World Silver & 3x All American for NC State

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 55:36


    Trent Hidlay is a 3x All American for North Carolina State. He's a U23 World Silver Medalist and one of the pound-for-pound best collegiate wrestlers on the planet. Enjoy!

    #472 Haley Augello - 2016 Olympia and World Team Member

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2023 36:57


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Haley Augello is a former Olympian (2016) and World Team Member (2017) for the red white and blue. Haley recently announced her comeback and is training with Izzy Style in Chicago.

    #471 Earl Smith - Intermat Site Editor & 2x Journalist OTY Winner

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 64:06


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Earl Smith is the site editor for Intermat. He's one of the leading experts on high school and NCAA wrestling. Enjoy!

    #470 Seth Gross - NCAA Champ, World Team Member, Wisconsin AC

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 69:04


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Seth Gross is an NCAA champion, 2x NCAA finalist, and former World Team Member. He's currently the Assistant Coach at Wisconsin. Enjoy! * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #469 David Taylor - 3x World Champ & Olympic Champ

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2023 59:29


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE David Taylor is the 2023 World Champ and 2021 Olympic champ. He's the most decorated international wrestler in Penn State history with 3 world titles, and is aiming to become a 2x Olympic champ next summer in Paris at the 2024 Olympics. Enjoy! * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #468 Logan Stieber - 4x NCAA Champ, Hodge Winner, World Champ

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 72:30


    Logan Stieber is a 4x NCAA Champion for Ohio State. He's also a World Champ and multiple-time World Team Member. Logan is currently the assistant coach at Ohio State. Enjoy! * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #467 Pat Cummins - 2x Penn State All American, UFC Veteran

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 78:29


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Pat Cummins is a former 2x All American for Penn State and a UFC veteran. He famously fought Daniel - DC - Cormier on a week's notice at UFC 170. He did all of this despite being a walk-on! Enjoy! PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #466 VITO GOES DOWN - Week 2 Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 25:18


    This deep-dive episode covers all of the upsets and news from Week 2 of the college season. We cover Vito's loss, Ohio State's big win, and news from Iowa. Enjoy!

    #465 DEEP DIVE - IHSA Cancels 1995 State Tournament

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 19:03


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE This deep-dive episode covers the IHSA's cancellation of the 1995 IHSA state wrestling tournament. This highly controversial decision has been talked about for years within Illinois circles and we're excited to share this story with our larger audience. * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #464 Zain Retherford - World Champ, 3x NCAA Champ for Penn State

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 38:58


    Zain Retherford is the 2023 World Champion. He's a former 3x NCAA champ and 2x Hodge Award Winner for Penn State's Cael Sanderson. Enjoy!

    #463 Jon Reader - Wisconsin Associate Head Coach, NCAA Champ

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 52:03


    Jon Reader is the associate head coach for Wisconsin. As a wrestler, he was an NCAA champ and 3x All American for Iowa State. Reader was coached by Bobby Douglas, Cael Sanderson and Kevin Jackson.

    #462 Jim Gibbons - Executive Producer of The Dual, NCAA Champion Wrestler & Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 68:13


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Jim Gibbons is the executive producer of The Dual, a docuseries on the historic dual between Iowa and Iowa State in February 1986. The Dual will be available for streaming in mid-November. Jim is also a commentator for the Big 10 Network and is a former NCAA champion wrestler and coach for Iowa State. In 1987, his cyclones ended Dan Gable's streak of consecutive NCAA team titles and became the first Iowa State team to win an NCAA team title in a decade. (Photo: Tony Rotundo / Wrestlers Are Warriors). * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #461 Myles Amine - Self Reflection, Getting Out of a Rut & Austin Gomez

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 80:16


    Myles Amine is a 2023 World Bronze medalist, 5x All American for Michigan, and an Olympic Bronze Medalist. In this episode, we talk about Myles' recent performance at the 2023 World Championships. We also talk about Austin Gomez's transfer to Michigan. (Photo: Tony Rotundo / Wrestlers Are Warriors). PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #460 Recapping the World Championships with Bryan Medlin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2023 85:15


    Bryan Medlin joins the show to recap the 2023 World Championships. Coach Medlin is the personal coach for Zane Richards and head coach of the Illinois RTC. Enjoy! * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by CauseMatch. Fundraise smarter, and widen your donor base and inspire larger gifts with peer-to-peer fundraising provided by CauseMatch. Go to https://lp.causematch.com/wrestling-clubs-demo/ to schedule your first peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.

    #459 Brent Metcalf - Iowa State Coach, 2x NCAA Champ

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 29:39


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Brent Metcalf is the Assistant Coach at Iowa State, where he's been for the past seven years. As a wrestler, Brent was a 3x NCAA finalist and 2x NCAA champ for Tom Brands and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Enjoy! (Photo: Tony Rotundo / Wrestlers Are Warriors). * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #458 Rob Koll - UNC Head Coach, NCAA Champion

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 51:27


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Rob Koll is the head coach of UNC. He was previously the head coach at Stanford and Cornell, where he built a dynasty coaching the likes of Kyle Dake, Yianni D, Gabe Dean and Vito Arujua. Coach Koll was an NCAA champ and 4x All American for UNC back in the 80s. * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by NCAA Champion Teague Moore's business, The Wrestling Consultant. When should a Sophomore plan on calling and talking to a college wrestling coach? When should a Junior plan their official campus visit? Can they plan an unofficial visit? Does a Senior need to complete NCAA Eligibility Center registration if they have not taken an official visit? The Wrestling Consultant can answer these and many more questions for you. Set up a consultation today!

    #457 John Heffernan - St Eds Head Coach, 2x All American for Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 64:27


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE John Heffernan is the head coach at St. Ed's in the Cleveland area. St. Ed's is one of the most storied high school programs in the country, winning 11 national titles and 35 Ohio state titles since 1978. As a wrestler, John was an Ohio state champion and 2x All American for Iowa. * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by CauseMatch. Fundraise smarter, and widen your donor base and inspire larger gifts with peer-to-peer fundraising provided by CauseMatch. Go to https://lp.causematch.com/wrestling-clubs-demo/ to schedule your first peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.

    #456 Chris Perry - Oklahoma State Asst Coach, 2x NCAA Champ

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 34:18


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Chris Perry is the assistant coach at Oklahoma State. As a wrestler, Chris was 2x NCAA Champion for the Cowboys. He's also the nephew of the great John Smith and brother to Mark Perry - 2x NCAA champ from Iowa.

    #455 Doug Schwab - UNI Head Coach, Olympian, NCAA Champion

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 61:56


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Doug Schwab is the head coach at UNI. As a wrestler, Coach Schwab was an NCAA champion for Iowa and an Olympian in 2008. Doug's Olympic teammates include Daniel Cormier, Ben Askren, and Henry Cejudo. Enjoy! (Photo: Tony Rotundo / Wrestlers Are Warriors) PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by CauseMatch. Fundraise smarter, and widen your donor base and inspire larger gifts with peer-to-peer fundraising provided by CauseMatch. Go to https://lp.causematch.com/wrestling-clubs-demo/ to schedule your first peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.

    #454 Teague Moore - NCAA Champ, Former College Head Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2023 67:35


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Teague Moore is an NCAA champion for Oklahoma State. He's a 3x All American and former PIAA state champ. Teague wrestled internationally for the Gator Wrestling Club before becoming the head coach at both Clarion and American. Today, Teague owns a wrestling consultancy business for kids and parents looking to wrestle in college. Enjoy! * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by CauseMatch. Fundraise smarter, and widen your donor base and inspire larger gifts with peer-to-peer fundraising provided by CauseMatch. Go to CauseMatch.com/Wrestling to schedule your first peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.

    #453 Hardell Moore - 2x Oklahoma State All American & Founder of OWA

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 58:33


    ABOUT THIS EPISODE Hardell Moore is a 2x All American for Oklahoma State, is the founder of the Oklahoma Wrestling Academy, and currently serves as the director for Team Oklahoma. He's also a TV commentator for ESPN+ for Oklahoma State home duals. Hardell was previously on the podcast via episode 178. Enjoy! * PRESENTING SPONSOR This Episode is presented by CauseMatch. Fundraise smarter, and widen your donor base and inspire larger gifts with peer-to-peer fundraising provided by CauseMatch. Go to CauseMatch.com/Wrestling to schedule your first peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.

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