Pre-Zero Sports Talk

Send us Fan MailIn Episode #107 of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, Sid Bensalah sits down with Phil Cohen, Co-Founder and COO of Simplifyber, U.S. Air Force veteran, MIT Sloan MBA, serial entrepreneur, and former semi-professional hockey player.This long-form conversation goes far beyond advanced materials. Phil shares how life is shaped by the questions we answer “yes” to, why luck follows commitment and work, and how hockey, military service, Afghanistan, MIT Sloan, China, startups, and fatherhood shaped his view of leadership.Phil breaks down the lessons he carried from sport and the Air Force into entrepreneurship, including the importance of clear roles, trust, care, fast decision-making, and what he calls expectations, accountability, direction, guidance, and attention. He also explains why entrepreneurship feels like a team sport, and why startup leadership can bring more sleepless nights than military service.The conversation also explores Simplifyber’s origin story with Maria Intscher-Owrang, the realities of fundraising, and how their cellulose-based liquid fiber molding platform aims to simplify manufacturing, reduce waste, localize production, and move sustainability from a marketing message to a performance outcome.Sid and Phil also discuss sports event waste, the future of localized manufacturing, America, community, family, fatherhood, and Phil's advice to young builders: when people get in your way, go around them.For full show notes, timestamps, and links, visit the episode page here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/beyond-plastic-phil-cohen-on-simplifyber-leadership-and-the-future-of-manufacturin/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailLeadership transformation, deliberate practice, human potential, coaching, trust, resilience, and high-performance culture are central to this conversation with Chris Majer.What does it really take to transform your life, your leadership, or your team?In Episode #106 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Chris Majer, founder of the Human Potential Project, CEO of The Majer Factor, transformational speaker, and author of The Power to Transform.Chris has spent more than four decades working with Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, military leaders, Special Forces units, coaches, and organizations seeking real cultural change. In this conversation, he explains why transformation does not come from motivation, talent, or one-day seminars. It comes from deliberate practice, coaching, feedback, trust, and the daily choices that shape who we become.This episode explores leadership transformation, human potential, high-performance teams, trust under pressure, performance psychology, lifelong learning, and why success becomes more meaningful when it is connected to purpose, service, and contribution.Learn more about Chris Majer: https://chrismajer.comOrder The Power to Transform Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/the-power-to-transform-why-practice-beats-motivation-chris-majer/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailLeadership under pressure, faith, purpose, burnout, identity, communication, marriage, and the cost of success are central to this conversation with David Petrash.In Episode #105, Sid Bensalah sits down with David Petrash, a U.S. Navy veteran, former nuclear submarine reactor operator, entrepreneur, pastor, leadership speaker, and founder of Ripple of Faith Leadership.From life aboard nuclear submarines to leadership in business, ministry, marriage, and family life, David shares hard-earned lessons on pressure, communication, accountability, surrender, and the ripple effect our lives leave in others.This is a raw and honest conversation about leadership from the inside out. David reflects on burnout, achievement addiction, ambition, emotional exhaustion, faith, identity, and why true success cannot be separated from purpose, presence, service, and the people closest to us.The episode explores what pressure reveals about character, why great leaders focus outward, how communication builds trust, and why letting go of control can become one of the hardest and most important leadership lessons.Order David’s book: The Ripple of FaithFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/the-ripple-effect-leadership-purpose-the-cost-of-self-david-petrash/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted, but still feel exhausted, disconnected, and empty inside?In Episode #104 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Nicole Anderson, leadership coach, burnout expert, and founder of The Kaler Group.Nicole shares her personal journey through burnout, health struggles, motherhood, achievement addiction, and the process of redefining success beyond titles, productivity, and external approval.This conversation explores burnout, emotional exhaustion, leadership pressure, parenting, identity, women in leadership, work-life integration, ambition, recovery, boundaries, and how high achievers can pursue success without losing themselves.Burnout, leadership pressure, high performance, parenthood, identity, work-life integration, and purpose are central to this conversation with Nicole Anderson.Learn more about Nicole Anderson: https://thekalergroup.comOrder Mindfully Successful: https://margoboster.com/mindfully-successful/Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWill AI replace people, or will poor leadership create the real damage?In Episode #103 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Stephanie Sylvestre, CEO and Co-Founder of Avatar Buddy AI, for a human-centered conversation about AI, leadership, layoffs, entrepreneurship, community, and the future of work.Stephanie explains why AI should amplify people rather than replace them, how digital mentors and AI agents can support self-esteem and self-agency, and why the erosion of the middle class is one of the biggest risks in the AI era.This episode explores human-centered AI, AI and leadership, job displacement and layoffs, digital mentors, AI in education and farming, entrepreneurship, women in AI, deepfakes, community trust, and the kind of future we are building.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/ai-wont-replace-humans-but-bad-leadership-might-stephanie-sylvestre/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a team, company, or culture depends too much on one leader?In Episode #102 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Björn Vikard, leadership advisor and former COO, for a deep conversation on succession, trust, systems thinking, founder dependency, and high-performance culture.Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across Sweden, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, Björn shares practical lessons on cross-cultural leadership, rebuilding broken trust, organizational culture, and the reasons great teams collapse when leadership becomes overly centered on one individual.This episode explores leadership succession, founder dependency, trust, systems leadership, cross-cultural management, gemba leadership, communication, family-owned businesses, sports development systems, AI’s impact on leadership, humility, self-awareness, and accountability.Learn more about Björn: https://bjornvikard.com/Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/leadership-beyond-the-leader-with-bjorn-vikard/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat do sports teach us about leadership, pressure, character, and life beyond the game?In Episode #101 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Jonathan K. Osborne, former Division I basketball player and federal prosecutor, now a leader in white-collar defense and internal investigations.Jonathan shares how grace, grit, and humility shaped his journey from athlete to attorney, and how sports build discipline, identity, composure, service, and leadership under pressure.This conversation explores sports leadership, athlete identity, preparation, failure, losing, servant leadership, legal pressure, NIL deals, contract risks, morality clauses, AI ethics in legal practice, faith, purpose, and why progress and service remain powerful sources of hope.Learn more about Jonathan K. Osborne: https://jothebasketballawyer.com/jonathan-k-osborne-esq/Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/grace-grit-humility-what-sports-teach-you-about-life-and-pressure/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when success, achievement, and external validation are still not enough?In Episode #100 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Dr. Jack Groppel, sports science pioneer, author of Mountains Within, and former leader at the Human Performance Institute.Jack shares his deeply personal journey from a childhood shaped by pressure and a lifelong drive to prove himself, to confronting what he calls achievement addiction, the pursuit of success without true peace or identity.This conversation explores sports science, elite performance, faith, identity, fatherhood, fear, purpose, resilience, character, adoption, Mount Kilimanjaro, and learning what really matters beyond achievement.Learn more about Dr. Jack Groppel: https://jackgroppel.net/Order Mountains Within on AmazonFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/i-spent-my-life-trying-to-prove-myself-until-i-found-what-really-matters/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhy does U.S. soccer produce so many players, yet still struggle to build a true performance-driven development system?In Episode #99 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Alex Lubyansky, founder of Detroit Metro FC and former European Sporting Director, for a direct conversation on U.S. soccer, pay-to-play, youth development, governance, money, and the future of football in America.Alex explains how the pay-to-play model often prioritizes income over talent, how incentives shape behavior at youth and professional levels, and why the U.S. soccer system differs from merit-based football cultures in Europe and South America.This episode explores U.S. soccer development, pay-to-play, grassroots access, promotion and relegation, MLS, college soccer, football culture, club identity, performance pressure, governance, and whether the 2026 World Cup can create lasting change.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/why-u-s-soccer-fails-pay-to-play-money-and-the-truth-about-football/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailHow do you rebuild your life after losing both hands and parts of your feet?In Episode #98 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Scott Martin, award-winning soccer coach, educator, disability advocate, and author of Play From Your Heart.After a life-threatening infection led to septic shock, a month-long coma, and the loss of both hands and parts of his feet, Scott was forced to rebuild his life, identity, confidence, and purpose from the ground up.This conversation explores resilience, adaptive sport, soccer coaching, leadership, parenting, adoption, disability advocacy, empathy, accountability, identity after trauma, and why coaching is not about control, but about helping people learn, grow, and play from the heart.Learn more about Scott Martin: https://librarytalespublishing.com/collections/scott-martinFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/play-from-your-heart-scott-martin-on-losing-his-hands-and-rebuilding-through-sport/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat if dyslexia is not a disability, but a different way of processing information that many schools still do not understand?In Episode #97 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, dyslexia researcher, educator, and founder of DyslexiaClasses.com.After being assessed at roughly a first-grade reading and writing level in college, Russell turned his personal struggle into a 20-year mission to rethink dyslexia, learning systems, and how parents, teachers, and coaches can better support dyslexic students.This conversation explores dyslexia research, neurodiverse learning, education reform, Russell’s front-brain learning model, word analysis, writing improvement, parent-led success stories, coaching dyslexic athletes, sports and motivation, AI as a research tool, and the institutional resistance facing new learning methods.Learn more about Russell: https://DyslexiaClasses.comFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/the-dyslexic-advantage-from-first-grade-reading-to-a-better-learning-system/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailHow can an outsider perspective help sport become more strategic, responsible, and impactful?In Episode #96 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Josephina Oji, Global Director of Impact, Sustainability, and Transformation, for a conversation on sport, sustainability, leadership, governance, equity, and long-term impact.Josephina shares her squiggly career journey from law, human rights, diplomacy, government policy, criminal justice reform, and health equity into global sports strategy. She explains why fresh perspectives can challenge traditional thinking and help sport move beyond compliance toward real strategic value.This episode explores sustainability in sport, impact leadership, sports governance, social responsibility, fan behavior, storytelling, gender equity, emerging markets, golf’s transformation, strategic partnerships, representation, AI, and why sport can become a powerful vehicle for global change.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/josephina-oji-the-outsider-advantage-in-sport-sustainability-leadership-and-impact/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhy do so many men feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who they are meant to become?In Episode #95 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Maxim Shapiro, men’s purpose coach and founder of Forward Motion Coaching, for a raw conversation on men’s purpose, depression, identity, effort, self-leadership, and rebuilding real community.Maxim shares how years of drifting, negative self-talk, and playing it safe led to deep dissatisfaction. In his early 40s, a jarring awakening pushed him to move from Massachusetts to California, start a business, commit to a long-term relationship, and rebuild his life through effort, honesty, and discipline.This episode explores modern masculinity, men’s mental health, self-leadership, depression, authentic identity, effort over results, digital disconnection, dopamine culture, jiu-jitsu, community, belonging, and practical steps for moving from stuck to alive.Support the show hereFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/modern-masculinity-crisis-how-men-reclaim-purpose-and-self-leadership-maxim-shapiro/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat if your body is the real business plan behind your leadership, clarity, and long-term performance?In Episode #94 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with performance coach Tom Waite to discuss executive health, athletic training for leaders, burnout prevention, strength training, recovery, and sustainable performance.Tom works with executives and founders using athletic training principles, biometric data, strength work, nutrition, and recovery systems to help high performers lead with energy, clarity, and purpose.This episode explores executive performance, health for leaders, early signs of burnout, strength training for longevity, nutrition, wearable data, morning routines, travel habits, recovery, decision-making, and the need for feedback systems for both body and mind.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/your-body-is-the-business-plan-training-leaders-like-athletes/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show. Support the show: Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat does the future of women’s sports require from coaches, leaders, media, and communities?In Episode #93 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Angela R. Lewis, former Division I basketball player, championship-winning coach, author, and leadership consultant.Angela discusses the growth of women’s sports, visibility, role models, media coverage, pay equity, athlete development, and why character matters more than performance alone. She also shares her V6 framework, which helps athletes move from valley to victory through trust, resilience, identity, and personal growth.This episode explores women’s sports, coaching, equity, leadership, basketball, media representation, athlete identity, faith, resilience, youth sports, and strategies for building a more supportive and equitable sports culture.Learn more about Angela R. Lewis: https://angelarlewis.comFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/angela-lewis-on-coaching-equity-and-leading-the-future-of-womens-sports/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show. Support the show: Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an overlooked event problem becomes a national business opportunity?In Episode #92 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with David Sauers, co-founder of Royal Restrooms, entrepreneur, and event innovation leader.David shares how one frustrating experience at a Shakespeare festival in Savannah, Georgia, led to the creation of a luxury restroom franchise now operating in more than 50 U.S. markets. He also discusses event logistics, franchising, customer experience, leadership, faith, service culture, and building businesses that solve real problems.This episode explores event experience, entrepreneurship, clean infrastructure, sports and event operations, value-based selling, franchising, customer service, brand loyalty, leadership, faith, and why details people often overlook can shape the entire guest experience.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/rethinking-restrooms-david-sauers-on-innovation-leadership-and-event-experience/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show. Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWant to stop three-putting and build more confidence on the green?In Episode #91 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Bob Labbe, retired engineer and author of Putting by the Numbers, to discuss golf putting, lag putting, consistency, confidence, and a simple method for improving your game.Bob shares how frustration on the green became a 25-year journey combining engineering logic, basic arithmetic, real-world practice, and emotional focus. His approach requires no gear, no swing change, and no complicated system.This episode explores golf putting tips, lag putting, distance control, pre-shot routines, putting confidence, mindset, practice habits, aging in golf, lowering your handicap, and why progress is possible at any age.Grab your copy of Putting by the Numbers hereFull episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/fix-your-putting-game-with-bob-labbe/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show. Support the show: Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailHow do faith, family, and purpose hold up when suffering becomes real?In Episode #90 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Dr. Matthew Kutz, global leadership expert, scholar, prostate cancer survivor, and founder of Battle for the Bulge, for a powerful conversation on cancer, faith, resilience, identity, and leadership through adversity.Diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer, Matt shares how pain became a teacher, how hope deepened through suffering, and how faith, family, marriage, fatherhood, and community helped him keep moving forward.This episode explores prostate cancer, resilient leadership, faith in the face of adversity, emotional growth, vulnerability, marriage, fatherhood, community support, the EPIC framework, the Battle of the Bulge, legacy, and finding purpose in pain.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/dr-matthew-kutz-on-resilience-faith-leadership-through-cancer/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.Support the show: Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailHow do you rebuild your life and career after loss, grief, and professional setback?In Episode #89 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Kandace Kalin, former elite synchronized swimmer, founder of O2 Sports Insurance, and purpose-driven entrepreneur.Kandace shares how competitive sport shaped her discipline, structure, and resilience, and how grief, wrongful termination, and personal loss pushed her to rebuild her career with deeper purpose.This episode explores athlete-to-entrepreneur transformation, female leadership, sports insurance, women in business, resilience after loss, identity after athletics, mental health in the workplace, parenting, purpose, and building a mission-driven company that supports athletes and communities.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/from-setback-to-ceo-kandace-kalins-playbook-for-rebuilding-after-loss/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailHow can sport use storytelling, strategy, and purpose to create real social impact?In Episode #88 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Radha Balani, Partner and Director of Strategy at Think Beyond, to discuss purpose in sport, sports storytelling, commercial growth, community impact, and measurable change.Radha explains why sport cannot fake purpose, how storytelling connects fans to values, and what it takes to turn corporate language into real action. She also shares lessons from major clubs and brands, including Liverpool FC, and explains the shift from philanthropy to shared value.This episode explores purpose in sport, sports strategy, storytelling, social impact, sustainability, fan engagement, gender inequality, women’s sports, athlete activism, shared value, leadership integrity, and how sports executives can build impact with credibility.Full episode details:https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/how-storytelling-drives-purpose-in-sport-with-radha-balani-of-think-beyond/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailCan the kitchen teach leadership, empathy, gratitude, and legacy?In Episode #87 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Janet Irizarry, founder of My Mindful Kitchen, for a heartfelt conversation on family meals, food waste, mindful cooking, sustainability, and the values we pass on through daily routines.Janet shares her journey from owning restaurants to launching a food advocacy movement, sparked by a powerful line in her son’s college essay: “There was never food in the house.”This episode explores family meals, mindful cooking, reducing food waste, food insecurity, emotional intelligence, sustainability, climate impact, eating local and seasonal, gratitude, parenting, leadership, legacy, and how the kitchen can become a classroom for values.Full episode details: https://prezerosportstalk.com/podcast/family-meals-food-waste-mindful-cooking-janet-irizarry/If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.Fuel our Mission Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode, host Sid Bensalah is joined by Joshua Harrison, co-founder of Leaf Island and co-director of the Center for the Study of the Force Majeure. Together, they unpack how cities around the world can use nature—not just to survive climate stress—but to regenerate and thrive.This isn't theory. It's about real solutions already in play.We explore:Turning recycled Styrofoam into high-performance green roof soilRethinking urban metabolism using modular plant systemsConfronting the empty promises of COP climate summitsAnd how clean progress can start on your rooftop—not in a faraway boardroomJoshua brings sharp insight from the field, from composting in NYC to working with island communities in the Caribbean, blending systems thinking, urban ecology, and creative storytelling into one timely conversation.00:00 How Cities Can Cool Themselves: Climate Design with Joshua Harrison  00:32 Composting and Recycling in Cities  02:20 UN Climate Conference and Environmental Irony  02:54 Indigenous Protests and Global Climate Events  04:04 Challenges of Hosting Global Conferences  07:05 Introduction to Joshua Harrison  07:36 The Role of Nature in Urban Regeneration  09:24 Cultural Development in the Caribbean  19:22 Climate Migration and Global Inequality  30:03 The Importance of Storytelling in Climate Systems  35:22 Innovative Green Roof Solutions  38:54 Introduction to Bioactive Soil  39:21 Hydroponics vs. Traditional Soil  39:53 Benefits of GaiaSoil™  41:09 Urban Greening and Climate Impact  44:33 Economic and Community Benefits  48:40 Challenges and Solutions for Green Cities  52:06 Leadership and Climate Action  56:01 Youth Activism and Global Climate Efforts  58:51 Reflections on Climate Leadership  01:06:50 Hope for the Future  01:10:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and deeply personal episode, Sid Bensalah sits down with Mark Motsenbocker, a seasoned executive, mentor, and author of “Searching for Father: Lessons From a Son’s Journey.”Mark opens up about the life-altering loss of his parents in a tragic car accident when he was just 8 years old. With raw honesty, he shares how that trauma shaped his journey, and how his grandmother and a series of father figures stepped in to guide him toward leadership, character, and faith.The conversation goes far beyond personal grief, touching on universal themes like fatherlessness, community support, resilience, mentorship, faith, and legacy. From boardrooms to backyards, Mark’s life story is a masterclass in turning suffering into service, pain into purpose, and hardship into hope.00:00 – Searching for Father: Legacy, Loss & Leadership00:12 – A Tragic Loss and Its Impact00:45 – The Role of Grandmother01:07 – Fatherlessness: A Silent Epidemic05:21 – Community Support and Resilience08:47 – The Power of Presence and Giving10:43 – Influence of Father Figures13:09 – Acts of Kindness and Community32:46 – Teaching Values to the Next Generation39:20 – Coping with Loss and Discovering Optimism42:00 – The Power of Hope and Faith49:24 – Leadership and Mentorship01:03:09 – Family, Legacy, and Living with Intention01:05:06 – Writing and Publishing “Searching for Father”01:14:57 – Final Reflections and Timeless WisdomKey TakeawaysFatherlessness is a silent epidemic. Mentorship matters.Grief can shape character when met with love and presence.True leadership is about consistency, humility, and service.Legacy lives in everyday acts of kindness and giving.Faith, family, and community are the pillars of lasting impact.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailMiles Reynolds, a sports entrepreneur, founder, and president of Legendary Sports Construction, host of the Pickleball Builders Podcast, and board member of Southern Nevada Pickleball, has become one of the most influential voices in America's fastest-growing sport. With experience in business development, community outreach, and youth engagement, Miles has helped elevate pickleball from a backyard activity into a cultural and commercial movement.In this conversation with Sid Bensalah, Miles shares his experience of surviving colon cancer, his commitment to staying grounded in faith and gratitude, and how pickleball has influenced his family life.He offers his perspective on youth development, what makes a pickleball community thrive, and the sport's potential to become an Olympic event.00:00 – The Pickleball Boom: How Miles Reynolds Is Building More Than Courts00:01 – Introduction and Welcome00:04 – The Rise of Pickleball00:58 – Sustainable Growth in Pickleball02:11 – Miles Reynolds: A Journey in Sports Entrepreneurship10:35 – The Impact of the Pandemic on Pickleball20:01 – Challenges and Costs in Building Pickleball Courts26:31 – Personal Stories and Family Moments30:02 – A Surprise 50th Birthday Party31:52 – The Importance of Youth Engagement in Pickleball35:06 – Promoting Pickleball in Schools37:46 – Pickleball as a Corporate and Community Activity40:02 – Surviving Colon Cancer: A Life-Changing Experience44:26 – Faith and Resilience Through Adversity50:06 – The Ideal Pickleball Community53:41 – Pickleball's Olympic Potential55:29 – Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights58:37 – Final Thoughts and AdviceThis episode combines sports, leadership, community, and resilience into a story that inspires and informs. Whether you're a fan, coach, builder, or just curious about pickleball, there's something here for you.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailChris Baron is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, Series Producer for National Geographic and the BBC, and host of the No Ordinary Monday podcast.He has filmed in some of the most extreme environments on the planet. From volcanoes to minefields, from deep caves to active war zones, his career is defined by curiosity, courage, and calculated risk. In this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah dives into Chris’s transition from molecular microbiology to documentary filmmaking and what it takes to lead, observe, and create under pressure.This conversation explores how fear can be a tool, why leadership matters most in chaos, and how real innovation often happens where no one’s looking.Pre-Zero Sports Talk brings you stories of sports, leadership, faith, performance, coaching, community, innovation, and clean progress from Sweden to the world.00:00 Intro00:01 Meet Chris Baron, From Science to Storytelling01:40 The Journey from Lab to Lens07:43 Challenges and Lessons in Documentary Filmmaking17:46 Leadership in Extreme Conditions24:37 Creative Problem Solving in Filmmaking30:58 Audience and Success in Documentary Production35:08 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity35:59 The Thrill of Facing Fears37:25 Diverging Views on Horror Films41:23 Understanding Fear, Helpful vs Harmful42:41 The Inspiration Behind No Ordinary Monday45:14 Memorable Podcast Conversations48:38 The Interfaith Church Experience51:20 Passion vs Purpose in Filmmaking52:55 The Realities of Working in Television01:02:05 Finding Wonder in Science and Nature01:06:50 Reflections on Life, Death, and Purpose01:09:13 Hope for the Future01:10:27 AI in Filmmaking01:14:36 Embracing AI, Challenges and Opportunities01:16:09 Lightning Round, Quick Questions01:21:02 Closing ThoughtsSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Sid Bensalah sits down with Sandy Cohan, an elite mindset architect, former professional hockey coach, global keynote speaker, and best-selling author of the UNSHAKABLE: 99 Rules series.Together, they unpack what it really takes to perform under pressure—on the field, in the locker room, at home, and in life. Sandy shares how true confidence is built over time, not through hype or hustle, but by doing the reps, reflecting on mistakes, and recovering with purpose.From youth sports to elite performance, this episode offers practical tools, real-life stories, and valuable insights for anyone in sports, leadership, or high-performance roles.00:00 Flip the Switch: Building Grit, Belief, and Mental Clarity with Sandy Cohan00:04 Building Confidence: Reps, Reflection, and Recovery01:26 Exploring Mental Performance in Sports02:05 Sandy Cohan’s Journey and Insights02:39 The Importance of Mindset in Sports06:58 Leadership and Clarity in Team Sports09:51 Flipping the Switch: Compete Mode11:50 The Seven Pillars of the Mental Edge Blueprint13:34 Focus and Grit: Keys to High Performance15:01 Handling Pressure and Mental Toughness20:53 Identifying and Preventing Burnout31:39 Parental Support in Youth Sports38:44 Reframing for Problem Solving39:47 The Ride Home After a Game41:22 Staying Quiet and Letting Kids Process44:27 Coaching Parents and Young Athletes46:05 Common Mistakes Parents Make47:30 Understanding Athlete Psychology49:39 Socioeconomics in Sports Development52:54 Building Belief and Confidence59:52 Sandy's Book Series: Unshakeable01:10:05 Lightning Round Q&ALearn more → https://www.mentaledgehockey.com/Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Sid Bensalah welcomes Lesle Lane, founder and lead photographer at Studio 13 in Indianapolis and a former U.S. national-level figure skater. Lesle’s story blends high performance, artistic leadership, and entrepreneurial grit.From her early mornings on the ice to reimagining a third-generation photography business, Lesle unpacks the mindset, mentorship, and moments that shaped her purpose. She reflects on failing a skating test seven times and how that grit carried over into running a creative business, mentoring photographers, and leading with authenticity.You’ll also hear her take on gender bias in the creative industry, how she’s embraced AI in commercial photography, and what legacy means when balancing personal standards with community impact.00:00 From Ice Rinks to Industry: Lesle Lane on Discipline, Legacy & Leadership01:07 Leslie Lane's Background and Early Passion for Skating01:40 The Discipline and Independence of Skating03:31 Lessons from Coaches and Dealing with Failure06:47 Transition to Photography and Overcoming Business Challenges10:57 Balancing Personal and Professional Life25:28 Taking Over the Family Business27:34 Challenges of Being a Female Photographer29:28 Proud Achievements and Milestones31:45 Navigating Gender and Age Bias33:40 Advice for Women Leaders35:34 Importance of Mentorship37:49 Adapting to Technological Changes44:09 Personal Legacy and Impact48:11 Lightning Round Q&AKey TakeawaysSports can teach lifelong discipline and leadershipGrit is built through failure and tested in businessCoaching others reveals more about yourselfBeing a female leader in commercial photography requires courage and clarityAI is changing the creative space, but not replacing human visionMentorship isn’t optional; it’s a responsibilityLegacy is built moment by moment, with intentionSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn episode #80, Sid Bensalah discusses with Marat Omarov, founder of The ARK, a regenerative village in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, to explore one of the most radical life changes ever featured on the show.Born and raised in Kazakhstan during the collapse of the Soviet Union, Marat shares how his early life in a strict, hierarchical system of military school, government service, and major political projects like Expo 2017 ultimately left him burned out and disconnected.What followed was a complete reset: moving away from structured power to rediscovering freedom in Mexico and eventually establishing a community based on regenerative living, shared ownership, and purpose-driven leadership in Costa Rica.Together, they explore:The difference between sustainability and regenerationWhy Traditional Leadership Models Are FailingHow The ARK challenges current beliefs about land, ownership, and successThe mental and emotional toll of high-performance careers, and ways to recoverReal stories of transformation from people who have visited or joined The ARK00:00 Why Marat Omarov Left It All to Build a Regenerative Future in Costa Rica00:01 Introduction and Greetings01:59 Marat's Early Life in Kazakhstan04:04 Military School and Early Leadership06:43 Struggles and Realizations08:35 Return to Kazakhstan and Political Involvement17:09 Burnout and Transition to Mexico21:10 The Birth of ARK27:29 Living in Costa Rica28:07 Reflections on Mexico and Costa Rica29:01 The Concept of Regenerative Living29:46 Sustainability vs. Regeneration30:45 Expo 2017 and Public Understanding40:01 Challenges of Hierarchical Structures46:52 The Vision for the ARK Community48:56 Future of Living and Leadership50:58 Lightning Round Q&ASupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn episode#79, host Sid Bensalah talks with Tareq Nazlawy, CEO of the sports-tech startup Trace and former Senior Director of Digital Strategy at Adidas. Tareq explains how he's closing the gap between elite sports brands and the 99% of fans who never enter a stadium by turning live sports moments into personal, digital experiences fans can truly own.From launching Adidas' CONFIRMED app to leading the Into the Metaverse NFT drop, and now building Trace in partnership with the ATP Tour, Tareq discusses the future of sports, storytelling, and the power of digital fandom.We explore leadership transitions from corporate to startup life, the emotional value of blockchain collectibles, and how Trace is rethinking global fan engagement across sports like Formula One, tennis, and beyond.00:00 – From Adidas to Trace: Changing the way fans connect01:35 – Tareq’s journey from Adidas to entrepreneurship04:28 – Lessons from leadership in the corporate world07:23 – The origin story of Trace11:49 – What Trace really is: fan connection through digital ownership20:14 – Partnering with the ATP and early feedback26:14 – Growing Trace: challenges and vision33:46 – Building emotional connection with fans34:19 – Turning passive fans into active participants35:44 – Why D2C in sports is hard38:29 – Market strategy & reaching global fans42:05 – Entering new sports verticals: motorsport, football, more46:10 – Understanding new patterns in sports consumption50:50 – Engagement differences: F1 vs. Tennis54:50 – What fan connection could look like in 203059:59 – Lightning Round: favorite moments, advice & more01:05:36 – Final thoughts on legacy, leadership & fandomSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Sid Bensalah is joined by Carlee Wolfe, a coach, inclusion strategist, and Paralympic pipeline leader with nearly 20 years of experience in volleyball and athlete development.From working with USA Sitting Volleyball to volunteering with the Bennett Blazers at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Carlee has championed access to adaptive sports at every level. She also led impactful initiatives in leadership development and organizational effectiveness at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and Under Armour, always focusing on helping individuals and teams succeed.This conversation dives deep into:What it takes to create fair access to sportsHow community programs act as drivers of inclusionThe visibility gap in Paralympic coverageCoaching Beyond Performance MetricsAnd why purpose, rather than titles, should guide leadershipFrom grassroots programs to global competitions, Carlee shares personal stories and practical insights that reflect what clean progress looks like in action.00:00 Game Changers with Carlee Wolfe01:29 Carlee’s Career and Adaptive Sports06:17 Talent Identification in Adaptive Sports10:10 Challenges Faced by Adaptive Athletes12:49 Holistic Coaching in Adaptive Sports17:35 Community Programs as Equity Engines23:44 Elevating Adaptive Sports Coverage27:39 Paralympic Athlete Struggles29:52 Building Infrastructure and Equity34:07 Vision for the Future36:18 Financial and Policy Support39:29 The Role of Media and Sponsorship45:52 Lightning Round50:59 Final ThoughtsExplore the Bennett Blazers Program: Kennedy Krieger InstituteDiscover more from Move United: moveunitedsport.orgMeet the USA Sitting Volleyball Team: usavolleyball.orgSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailNavigating college admissions has never been more complicated, especially for student-athletes. In this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah meets with Shellee Howard, a global college strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of College Ready, to explore the truth behind scholarships, NIL, and the mental stress faced by young athletes today.Shellee shares her personal journey from guiding her son to Harvard debt-free to helping thousands of families make smarter, more intentional college decisions. They explore the myth of the “full ride,” the emotional impact of the NIL era, and why sports should be a tool for growth rather than a financial gamble.Whether you're a parent, coach, or student, this episode features real stories, valuable insights, and practical takeaways to help you prepare not just for college but for life after the game.00:00 Beyond Scholarships: Coaching Student-Athletes for Life01:17 Meet Shellee Howard: A Journey to College Ready04:33 The Challenges of Scholar Athletes06:30 The Financial Realities of Athletic Scholarships09:11 Case Study: Water Polo Athlete's Journey13:42 Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Wins24:57 Navigating College Affordability25:47 Trump’s Executive Order on NIL26:47 Parental Guidance in College Selection29:22 The NIL Debate and Its Implications37:34 Challenges for Female Athletes in Admissions43:03 Growing College Ready into a Movement48:06 Lightning Round: Personal Insights50:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents- Learn more about Shellee hereSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailLynn Colepaugh, a former bass guitar player, strategist, storyteller, and human AI collaborator, joins Sid Bensalah to discuss her fascinating career shift from touring with a Jimi Hendrix cover band to running a strategy agency. Lynn shares insights on transitioning from the music industry to marketing, managing burnout, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and the pivotal role of AI in her current work. She also reflects on how athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs can protect their performance by focusing on personal well-being. The episode explores Lynn's perspectives on AI's impact on education, its potential to improve personal and professional lives, and offers guidance for those considering AI adoption. Lynn emphasizes the importance of starting where you are, understanding your personal goals, and balancing ambition with well-being. This insightful conversation touches on themes of identity, community support, innovation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.00:00 Morning Greetings and Autumn Anticipation00:28 From Musician to Marketing Strategist02:48 Touring Challenges and Burnout05:19 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome05:59 Redefining Identity Beyond Music09:30 Parallels Between Artists, Athletes, and Entrepreneurs12:24 Supporting Student Athletes and Artists15:52 Burnout: A Systemic Issue17:16 The Reality of Fame and Substance Abuse27:04 Balancing Career and Personal Life36:21 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership39:42 Collaborating with AI40:32 Avoiding AI: Personal Reflections41:11 AI in Content Creation and Music43:17 Personal Experiences with ChatGPT44:52 AI's Role in Personal Support50:07 AI in Sports and Coaching57:55 AI in Education: Challenges and Opportunities01:02:18 The Future of AI in Schools01:12:04 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights01:16:25 Final Thoughts and FarewellLearn more about Lynn → https://cyberprarmy.comSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to nurture and guide kids through the challenges of a changing climate? In this episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Bridget Shirvell, award-winning journalist and author of Parenting in a Climate Crisis. Drawing on her reporting, conversations with climate scientists, educators, and psychologists, as well as her own experiences as a parent, Bridget shares how families can move beyond fear and foster resilience, curiosity, and hope in the next generation.Together, they explore the everyday challenges parents face, from children’s curiosity about electric cars to balancing sustainability choices without falling into perfectionism. Bridget highlights why small actions matter, how nature builds emotional strength, and the role of schools, sports, and community in preparing climate-aware citizens. She also opens up about her writing process and how she transformed years of research and personal experiences into a practical guide for parents.If you’re a parent, coach, or community leader looking for real stories, actionable advice, and encouragement to raise climate-strong kids, this conversation is for you.00:00 Parenting in a Climate Crisis: How to Nurture Resilient Kids00:06 Discussing Children's Curiosity01:27 Introducing the Guest: Bridget02:06 Inspiration Behind the Book02:37 Parenting and Climate Crisis05:46 Addressing Climate Fears08:54 Mental Shifts for Parents13:17 Engaging with Children on Climate19:41 Supporting Systems: Schools and Community21:44 Student-Led Sustainability Initiatives24:15 Rebranding Sustainability24:51 COP Conferences and Climate Action28:28 Electric Vehicles and Sustainability30:00 The Writing Process40:48 Climate Preparedness for 203042:06 Hope for the Next Generation43:12 Lightning Round Q&A47:52 Final Thoughts and FarewellTo learn more about Bridget Shirvell and her work, visit: https://breeshirvell.comSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 74, host Sid Bensalah talks with Bishop Kevin Foreman, founder of Harvest Church and a strong voice in faith-based leadership, civic innovation, and whole-person coaching. Broadcasting from Sweden to the world, this conversation explores how grit, faith, and performance shape lives and communities.Bishop Kevin shares his journey from modest beginnings, explaining how business setbacks led to a breakthrough in his ministry, and how sports coaching principles influenced his leadership style. From creating a digital-first church community to shaping public policy in Denver, his story combines purpose, resilience, and modern leadership grounded in core values.We examine the link between spiritual growth and physical transformation, the importance of responsible digital platform use, and how faith leaders can empower marginalized communities while navigating political and civic spaces. Whether you're a coach, athlete, leader, or someone seeking meaning in performance and service, this episode offers valuable insights with global relevance.00:00 Lead With Grit: Coaching, Faith, and Community with Bishop Kevin Foreman01:51 Early Life and Influences05:45 Sports and Discipline08:49 Building a Real Estate Empire11:52 Founding Harvest Church20:53 Embracing Digital Ministry34:54 Civic Leadership and Policy Change39:05 Late Night Leadership39:37 Balancing Public Leadership and Spiritual Voice40:10 Politicians and Faith44:00 Empowering the Marginalized45:29 Religion in Public Schools52:11 Personal Transformation Journey58:13 Global Digital Reach01:03:49 Lightning Round Q&A Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Jim Caruso, Chief Innovation Officer at One Elevate, about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the sports industry. Jim brings a fresh perspective from his journey through enterprise tech and advertising, into helping global sports leagues solve real-world challenges with real-time data.Together, they unpack how AI can elevate strategy, optimize the fan experience, and change how sponsors connect with teams and audiences—without losing the human element.Key Topics:AI's role in enhancing live fan experiencesHow tech solves the “last mile” in data strategyReal examples of AI improving decision-makingSponsorship, branding & predictive marketingThe future of human + AI collaboration in sportsTimestamps00:00 How AI Is Changing Sports Strategy00:50 Sid’s Intro & Jim’s Background02:19 Jim’s Unconventional Journey05:40 AI as a Tool in Sports Innovation14:26 Personalizing the Fan Experience34:33 Smarter Sponsorship & Brand Fit40:51 Negotiation, AI & Human Intuition41:46 Predictive Tools for Fan Behavior43:21 Sports Marketing: ROI Measurement44:33 AI + AdTech in Live Sports50:10 Smarter Decision-Making in Sports55:23 The Global AI Innovation Race01:01:07 The Future of Sports x AI01:03:53 Lightning Round: Fast Takes01:12:17 Closing Thoughts🎙️ Subscribe & Listen: https://prezerosportstalk.com📲 Watch the full interview on YouTube + SpotifySupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn Episode #72, Sid Bensalah talks with Kevin Pallaoro, CEO of Teton Waters Ranch, to challenge everything you think you know about beef, methane, and sustainability.From his upbringing on a Colorado cattle ranch to leading one of America’s most purpose-driven grass-fed beef companies, Kevin shares a grounded and unfiltered look at regenerative ranching, the truth about methane, and what it really takes to produce meat that heals both people and the planet.They dive deep into:The myths behind cattle and climate changeHow soil health connects to human healthGreenwashing in the meat industryWhy regenerative ranching isn’t a trend, it’s a return to accountabilityWhat it means to lead with integrity in an industry built on volume and speedPlus, Kevin opens up about the economic challenges of sustainable beef, the labeling loopholes, and how Teton is working to make better beef more accessible to everyday families.Whether you're a skeptic, rancher, athlete, or just someone trying to eat better, this conversation offers clarity in a sea of confusion.Episode Timeline:00:00 – The Beef Debate: Regenerative Meat & Climate00:01 – Morning Routines & First Coffee01:52 – Guest Intro: Kevin’s Ranching Roots05:13 – Questioning the Meat Industry Status Quo07:57 – Why Regenerative > Industrial11:34 – What “Regenerative” Really Means22:20 – Incentives & Real Challenges in the Field25:33 – Methane, Media & Misinformation38:54 – Can Regenerative Scale Economically?41:04 – Raising Cattle Responsibly42:20 – Teton’s Mission: Affordable, Ethical Beef45:26 – Label Claims vs. Real Practices49:40 – Integrity-Driven Leadership in Ag58:48 – Policy Roadblocks & Food System Realities01:17:55 – Final Thoughts & Call to ActionSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode#71 host Sid Bensalah chats with Greg Lothian, an accomplished athlete, therapist, biomechanics innovator, and founder of Acculete. Greg discusses his journey from varsity sports to private practice, revealing pivotal moments that led him to redefine rehabilitation methods. The conversation explores the challenges of traditional rehab, the importance of long-term commitment, and the need for evidence-based practice. Greg elaborates on his unique approach to client care, emphasizing comprehensive assessments, reconditioning stages, and the power of real-time data. The episode concludes with insights into his personal experiences and practical advice for emerging physical health practitioners.00:00 Introduction and Ultra Marathon Discussion00:47 Meet Greg Ian: Athlete, Therapist, Innovator01:30 Challenges in Traditional Rehab03:56 The Importance of a Year-Long Commitment19:19 Acculete: Revolutionizing Rehab with Technology30:43 Addressing the Root Cause of Pain31:57 Industry Standards and Symptom Therapy34:12 Treating Clients Like Elite Athletes37:44 The Vitality Pathway Concept43:32 Stages of Reconditioning49:00 Defining Success in Physical Therapy53:19 Embracing AI in Physical Therapy55:03 Lightning Round Q&A57:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 70 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah welcomes Louis De Jaeger—author and global regenerative agriculture advocate—to explore how soil health impacts human performance, nutrition, and sustainability. Louis shares powerful insights from his book, SOS Save Our Soils, emphasizing the urgent need to regenerate 550 million hectares worldwide to ensure food security and combat climate change.Discover how soil quality directly impacts gut health, nutrition, mental clarity, and physical performance.From the hidden dangers of pesticides and the challenges of corporate farming, to actionable solutions for athletes and communities, Louis provides real-world stories and practical guidance to drive positive change. 00:00 Save Our Soils: Food, Farming & Performance00:12 The Importance of Rain for Agriculture00:50 Soil's Connection to Human Health01:58 Introducing Louis De Jaeger02:29 Regenerating 550 Million Hectares: Louis’s Mission04:12 Experiences with Desertification07:29 Challenges & Solutions in Soil Regeneration10:06 Health Benefits of Regenerative Farming13:23 Political and Economic Barriers16:05 The Role of Microorganisms in Soil Health33:45 Regenerative vs. Organic Farming35:38 Nutritional Advice for Athletes38:55 The Plastic Dilemma: Health vs. Environment40:14 Challenges in Adopting Regenerative Practices41:33 Influence of Lobbyists and Market Demand44:06 Impact of Pesticides on Communities45:20 Corporate Agriculture & Greenwashing47:47 Community Action Against Pesticides53:34 Farmers' Struggles and Protests56:07 Debunking Myths About Feeding the World58:29 Urgency of Soil Regeneration01:02:33 Writing ‘SOS Save Our Soil’01:11:19 Lightning Round: Quick Questions with LouisJoin Louis and Sid to discover practical ways athletes, communities, and individuals can support healthier soils, improved nutrition, and better performance.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply inspiring episode, host Sid Bensalah talks with Kate Grant, CEO of the Fistula Foundation and author of the memoir No Woman Left Behind. Kate shares her remarkable journey from Capitol Hill and Madison Avenue to leading a globally respected nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity to women suffering from obstetric fistula across Africa and Asia.Through stories from the field, Kate demonstrates how smart compassion—empathy paired with strategy can drive systemic change in women’s health and explain why empowering even one woman can uplift entire communities. She also discusses the leadership challenges she has faced, the importance of trust-based partnerships, and how her advertising background has contributed to the development of one of the world’s most effective global health organizations.Timestamps00:00 – Smart Compassion, Women’s Health & Global Leadership00:18 – The Ripple Effect of Healing One Woman01:33 – Meet Kate Grant & Fistula Foundation02:03 – Her Life-Changing Visit to Ethiopia03:42 – From Corporate Branding to Humanitarian Action08:59 – Real-World Challenges in Nonprofit Leadership12:22 – Redefining Compassion: Effective Altruism & Results22:17 – Trust-Based Partnerships Across Africa32:49 – Scaling with Integrity, Staying Mission-Driven35:38 – What Fistula Surgery Involves41:34 – Health as the Foundation of Women’s Empowerment44:38 – Kate’s Principles on Leadership & Resilience48:05 – What’s Next for Fistula Foundation57:20 – Lightning Round: The Human Side of Kate Grant- Kate Grant’s inspiring memoir, No Woman Left Behind, is now available on Amazon. All proceeds support life-changing surgeries through the Love a Sister program. Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah sits down with veteran coach and educator Darren Ault, author of Out of Bounds. They explore the growing crisis of parental interference in youth sports, how power dynamics inside school systems fail coaches and players, and what authentic leadership, accountability, and community support should look like in today’s sports culture. This episode is a must-watch for coaches, parents, educators, and anyone passionate about youth development through sports.00:00 – Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk w/ Darren Ault00:39 – What inspired Out of Bounds, and why Darren wrote it03:31 – Real-life challenges coaches face with parental politics06:48 – How schools fail coaches: Inside Darren’s suspension11:30 – Community support vs. silence: Who stands up for truth?13:59 – Leadership under pressure: Where school systems break33:54 – Lessons from Extreme Ownership for coaches and educators37:41 – How school boards can adopt high-accountability models41:26 – Teaching discipline and resilience in today’s youth43:02 – What NIL means for parents, scholarships, and player pressure48:00 – The mental toll of modern coaching in high school sports56:42 – What parents & coaches must understand to help kids thrive01:01:24 – Writing the book: Healing, reflection, and storytelling01:07:09 – Lightning Round: Darren gets personal01:13:22 – Final thoughts on leadership, integrity, and redemptionSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this must-listen episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah sits down with George Dom, aviation executive, author, and former Blue Angels Flight Leader and Topgun instructor. Together, they explore what it takes to build high-trust, high-performance teams in some of the most demanding environments on earth.George shares how trust, character, and competence can transform a group of individuals into an elite, resilient team capable of excellence under extreme pressure. Drawing from his experience leading combat missions, commanding squadrons, and performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers with the Blue Angels, George brings powerful lessons on mental resilience, accountability, empathy, and communication.They unpack George’s acclaimed book High-Trust Leadership, diving into his five pillars of trust and why proactive trust-building is essential for leaders in sports, business, and beyond. George also reflects on the challenges of writing and editing his book, the impact of movies like Top Gun on the fighter pilot community, and the leadership trends he sees shaping the future.Whether you’re a coach, athlete, entrepreneur, or executive, this conversation is filled with real, actionable insights that will elevate your leadership game.00:00 High-Trust Leadership and Peak Performance00:28 Introduction to George Dom02:14 George Dom's Leadership Journey04:13 Lessons from the Blue Angels08:20 The Importance of Trust17:34 Building High-Performance Teams27:08 The Five Pillars of Trust35:50 Writing the Book38:01 Developing Mental Resilience39:41 Training for G Forces41:53 The Power of Visualization45:21 Balancing Trust and Accountability46:57 Empathy in Leadership52:13 Creating a Culture of Feedback58:55 Emerging Leadership Trends01:01:48 Lightning RoundListen now and learn how to lead with trust, even when the stakes couldn’t be higher.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, Sid interviews Frank Kelly III — former athlete, CEO of Kelly Benefits, coach, author, and faith-driven leader — to explore the deep links between sports, faith, business, and legacy.Frank shares about growing up in a mission-focused family, how his time in Japan changed his perspective on success, and why spiritual grounding is essential in both the boardroom and the locker room. He reflects on servant leadership, loss, family, and how Scripture guides his leadership of over 500 people today.We also explore the role of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, his inspiring writing journey, and his reaction to the historic election of Pope Leo XIV,  the first American Pope.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro and Guest Welcome02:29 – Pope Leo XIV: Faith meets history05:10 – Mission-driven family values06:18 – Athletic journey at Cornell10:02 – From performance to purpose13:18 – Wrestling with faith and identity16:10 – Saying “yes” to the family business19:23 – Lessons from Japan and redefining success23:14 – Running a scripture-guided business32:13 – Family legacy and faith at scale34:10 – Prayer, succession, and future vision37:45 – Losing well and resilience40:58 – The FCA story and empowering youth47:20 – His books: Influence, The Creator’s Game, Look & See53:43 – Restoring community and connection58:47 – Lightning Round01:03:04 – Final thoughts and outroKey Takeaways:Faith and family are powerful leadership toolsResilience is shaped more by loss than by victoryServant leadership isn’t soft — it’s strategicYour business can reflect your beliefs — and still growLegacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you build dailySupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Bryant & Rebecca Haines, the visionary co-founders of PixSeat—a revolutionary platform turning stadium crowds into synchronized, interactive experiences using fans' smartphones.From the spark of inspiration at an Alabama football game to live testing in arenas, Bryant and Rebecca walk us through their entrepreneurial journey, filled with technical challenges, creative breakthroughs, and a mission to change how fans connect with live events. PixSeat isn't just about spectacle; it's about meaningful engagement, crowd unity, and even real-time safety solutions, such as alerts for human trafficking.We explore how PixSeat is positioned to transform the live event landscape, with an eye on major launches, international expansion, and possible integration at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The Haines also reflect on their startup journey—navigating the pandemic, refining their pitch, building relationships with investors, and staying true to their mission-driven values.This episode is a must-listen for sports tech enthusiasts, event innovators, and anyone inspired by what’s possible when passion meets purpose.Key Moments:00:00 – Meet Bryant & Rebecca Haines01:54 – The idea that sparked PixSeat06:15 – How the tech works + innovation deep dive10:38 – Real-world testing & stadium integration18:30 – What sets PixSeat apart from competitors33:01 – Using technology for social impact38:09 – The fundraising story43:12 – Vision for the 2028 Olympics45:50 – Engineering challenges and creative solutions59:51 – Lightning Round: Meet the minds behind PixSeat1:15:38 – Final thoughts & contact info🎧 Tune in and discover how PixSeat is turning fans into the show.📲 Visit PixSeat.com to learn more.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Sid Bensalah interviews Brant Stachel—psychotherapist, massage therapist, and high-performance coach—on the overlooked mental side of athletic success. From Olympic hopefuls to weekend runners, Brant shares how mental resilience, emotional safety, and process-driven growth unlock true potential.You’ll hear Brant’s journey from struggling athlete to performance coach, practical frameworks like IGNITE for mental strength, and why focusing on “we-go” instead of ego builds better teams.Whether you're an athlete, coach, or simply looking to sharpen your mental game, this episode delivers real stories, science-backed insights, and tools to help you win from within.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:42 – Brant’s Journey02:33 – Defining Mental Resilience08:08 – Process Over Outcome16:37 – IGNITE Mental Training31:49 – Safe Spaces for Athletes37:43 – Managing Pressure40:18 – Visualization & Mindfulness45:22 – Team vs. Individual Mindsets48:04 – Coaching Mistakes49:46 – Bouncing Back After Loss01:01:29 – Lightning Round01:04:26 – Outro👉 Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes: https://prezerosportstalk.com-  Follow Brant: https://milestonewellness.caSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Phil Pelucha, a former professional footballer turned sports business strategist and founder of the Pelucha Sports Academy.From being homeless at 14 to building a global 8-figure consultancy, Phil’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and bold leadership. He shares how sports saved his life, why he created a means-tested academy to empower underprivileged athletes, and the leadership lessons that translate directly from the pitch to the boardroom.Phil also reveals how he helps businesses scale from six to eight figures, his mindset around fear and growth, and how his academy model is expanding into India and South America. This episode is packed with real stories, sharp business advice, and personal insights that will inspire athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders alike.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Phil’s Journey02:39 – Founding the Pelucha Sports Academy04:13 – Building a Means-Tested Model09:14 – From Struggles to Success: Academy Stories21:34 – What Sports Teach Us About Leadership31:39 – How to Scale Businesses Fast40:22 – Thinking Bigger and Facing Fear43:20 – Mental Health in High-Pressure Roles45:31 – Advice for Facing Life’s Challenges46:31 – What Businesses Can Learn from Elite Teams51:19 – Lessons from Liverpool FC01:01:54 – Global Vision for the Academy01:07:28 – Lightning Round: Personal Insights01:13:19 – Closing Reflections🎧 Whether you’re a coach, CEO, or athlete, this episode will leave you motivated to lead, grow, and create impact.👉 Learn more about Phil Pelucha and his work at https://billionairesinboxers.comSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti—sports psychology consultant, former professional ballet dancer, and host of the Passion for Dance podcast—to explore what it takes to perform under pressure in dance.From overcoming perfectionism and burnout to building confidence and redefining success, Chelsea shares real-life stories and practical strategies that help dancers train their minds like athletes. Whether you're a performer, coach, parent, or athlete, you'll find powerful insights on mental resilience, goal setting, and emotional regulation. Discover why dancers experience performance anxiety, how to bounce back from setbacks, and why mental skills are as crucial as physical ones. Chelsea also explains the difference between mental health and mental toughness, and how anyone can develop both. Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Background00:56 – Transition from Ballet to Sports Psychology06:40 – Setting Goals and Measuring Success10:07 – Overcoming Perfectionism and Building Confidence21:56 – Handling Performance Anxiety and Burnout28:17 – Recognizing Small Wins29:36 – Managing Parental Pressure in Youth Sports33:33 – Handling Rejection in Dance35:49 – Mental Health vs. Mental Toughness38:57 – Applying Mental Training Beyond Dance46:15 – Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights53:27 – Final Thoughts and Advice🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.Episode Quote: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." — Viktor Frankl👉 Learn more about Dr. Chelsea Pierotti:🌐 Website: chelseapierotti.com🎙 Podcast: Passion for Dance📸 Instagram: @dr.chelseapierottiSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah sits down with author, historian, and strength advocate Haley Shapley to unpack the forgotten stories and modern realities of women in fitness. Drawing from her acclaimed book Stronger Like Her, Haley takes us on a compelling journey through history, culture, and the pursuit of physical power, beyond aesthetics.From the surprising role of the bicycle in women’s emancipation to trailblazers like Kathrine Switzer, Pudgy Stockton, and Serena Williams, Haley shines a spotlight on women who defied norms and redefined what it means to be strong.They explore:Cultural myths that held women back from sportThe evolution of strength training and CrossFitRepresentation, body image, and the media’s roleGender equity in sports—including the fight for equal payWhy inclusivity in fitness is more important than everHaley’s personal journey, fitness philosophy, and writing processHaley also shares practical insights on building strength, her challenges with upper body training, and the more profound message she hopes young girls take from her work: You are stronger than you think.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:41 The Bicycle & Women’s Independence06:23 Kathrine Switzer’s Marathon Moment13:02 Social Barriers & Fitness Media22:04 The Power of Role Models in Sport26:18 Behind Stronger Like Her29:27 Haley’s Strength Training Journey32:23 Gender Equity & The US Women’s Soccer Team39:58 The Future of Women’s Fitness42:38 Lightning Round51:02 Final Thoughts🎧 Watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Episode Quote:“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” — Ayn Rand📲 Connect with Haley at haleyshapley.com and follow her on Instagram @haleyshapley.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan Mail- CONTENT WARNING -"This episode contains open and honest conversations about mental illness, substance use, and suicide. Some of these stories may be difficult to hear. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if needed."In Episode 60, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Tyler Kania, former rugby player, author of The Maniac with No Knees, and a raw, unfiltered mental health advocate. What follows is one of our most vulnerable and powerful conversations yet.Tyler opens up about his journey through undiagnosed Bipolar I Disorder, life-altering injuries, institutionalization, suicide attempts, and the road back to rugby. He shares how writing his book during a manic episode helped him process trauma, find purpose, and advocate for others living with severe mental health conditions.This episode is a deep dive into resilience, identity loss, and what it takes to survive when everything falls apart—and how rugby, community, and storytelling helped Tyler pull back.00:00 Content Warning00:01 Introduction to Tyler Kania00:59 Tyler’s Journey into Rugby01:20 Future Projects & Writing02:35 Leadership and Fly Half Role03:37 Super Bowl Thoughts04:32 Pre-Injury Dreams and Ambitions07:18 Mental Health Struggles08:49 Return to Rugby15:35 Bipolar Disorder Journey23:51 Support from Community26:54 Writing The Maniac with No Knees29:53 The Writing Process and Mania30:26 Structuring the Book31:12 Challenges and Introspection31:44 Support and Editing32:20 Understanding the Journey34:00 Mental Health Hospital Experience35:07 Outpatient Therapy36:15 Transition to Coaching37:35 Mental Health in Sports38:52 Stigma in Male Athletes40:35 Support for Players45:06 Personal Growth and Success47:57 Lightning Round54:27 Final Thoughts & Contact Info- Learn more about Tyler → https://www.tylerkania.com/🎧 Listen now on all platforms and watch the full video on YouTube and Spotify.📩 Subscribe, share, and leave a review—your support helps us keep telling stories that matter.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Roman Fischer, a high-performance coach dedicated to transforming lives through fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Roman shares his personal story—from early struggles with self-confidence and mental health to building a meaningful career coaching others.The conversation explores how fitness became a lifestyle for Roman, what sparked his transformation, and how he now helps others achieve the same. Topics include building long-term habits, the role of nutrition, the mindset behind sustainable change, and practical tips for busy people. Roman also shares insights on training different age groups, debunking common fitness myths, and the benefits of online coaching.This episode offers honest, straightforward, and actionable advice designed to help listeners achieve lasting health improvements through discipline, consistency, and clarity of purpose.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Roman Fischer00:53 – Roman's Early Fitness Journey03:46 – Transforming Fitness into a Lifestyle26:37 – Building Long-Term Fitness Habits39:51 – Calories In, Calories Out44:13 – Debunking Fitness Myths46:10 – Supplements vs. Whole Foods50:51 – Training Different Age Groups53:17 – Online Coaching vs. Traditional Training56:11 – Daily Exercises for Everyone58:54 – Future Projects and Goals01:00:09 – Final Fitness Wisdom01:01:22 – Lightning Round Q&A01:05:37 – Closing RemarksLearn more and connect with Roman Fischer → Website romanfischerofficial.com👉Social: @romanfischerofficial on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedInIf you enjoy this episode, rate, review, and subscribe to the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast. New episodes every week.Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Erich Archer, Emmy-winning TV producer, AI innovator, and creative force behind 1623 Studios, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of sports storytelling and media.Erich shares his remarkable journey — from discovering his love for media as a teen to producing sports and reality TV and pioneering AI-driven content creation. The conversation dives deep into how AI transforms creative workflows, breaks production barriers, and opens new ways to engage sports fans.We explore the real-world opportunities and challenges of using AI, its role in personalizing sports content, and how creators can balance technology with emotional authenticity. Whether you’re a media professional, sports fan, or curious creator, this episode delivers insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:45 Erich Archer’s Early Inspirations02:22 Journey into Sports and Television03:57 Embracing AI in Storytelling06:25 The Impact of AI on Content Creation10:05 AI Tools and Techniques14:39 Challenges and Opportunities in AI-Driven Media26:33 AI in Video Production26:56 Emotional Depth in AI Content28:41 AI Tools for Content Creation33:09 AI in Sports Storytelling38:24 Future of AI in Media45:23 Lightning Round Q&A51:29 Final Thoughts and AdviceWhat You’ll Learn:How AI empowers solo creators to do the work of full production teamsWhy emotional depth still depends on human creativityHow sports teams can leverage AI for fan engagement and new revenueTips for creatives on integrating AI into their work and staying ahead of disruptionLearn more about Erich Archer → Website: cgacreative.comSupport the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/