PODCAST · sports
Purpose After Sports
by Mikki O’Neal
Welcome to Purpose After Sports, where we interview athletes to share their post-sport journeys and explore how they’re reinventing what it means to compete.
Episodes
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Train the Mind Early: Mental Health and Resilience in Sports with Dr. Kim O’Brien
Content note: This episode includes a thoughtful discussion of mental health, suicidal thoughts, and suicide. Please listen with care. This conversation is intended for education and awareness and is not a substitute for professional mental health support. In this episode, Dr. Kim O’Brien shares...
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The realities of overseas basketball life
In this episode, Eli shares his journey from JUCO to professional basketball, highlighting the importance of discipline, resilience, and adapting to challenges. Mikki explores Eli's experiences with sports, overcoming setbacks, and transitioning into coaching, offering valuable insights for...
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Empower Women in Sports
In this episode, Dr. Tayler Onion shares her journey from a farm town in Illinois to becoming a sports management professor and podcast host. She discusses the importance of self-advocacy, identity, and representation for women in sports, offering valuable insights for aspiring athletes and...
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You Don’t Need More Confidence—You Need to Train It | Lindsey Nadler
Lindsey Nadler, a former Division I softball player and founder of Elite Mental Edge, shares insights on the mental side of sports, pressure handling, and building resilience. This episode explores how mental training can transform athletes' performance and well-being.
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Unlocking Athlete Potential: How Sports Skills Translate to Career Success
Lawson Hall shares his journey from a young football enthusiast to a college athlete, and now an entrepreneur helping student-athletes transition into the workforce. Discover insights on athlete mindset, overcoming injuries, and leveraging sports skills for career success.
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The GPS for Recruiting: How Find My Team Guides Athletes
Barb Smith shares her journey from college athlete to coach and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, fit, and strategic planning in the college recruiting process. Discover practical advice for athletes and families navigating the complex world of sports recruitment and...
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From Soccer Star to a Purpose-Driven Life: Kendall Kloza's Journey
Kendall shares her journey from high-level soccer athlete to life after sports, highlighting the importance of identity, faith, and finding new passions. This episode offers insights into overcoming mental and physical challenges, leadership lessons, and embracing growth beyond athletics.
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From College Softball to Coaching: Bella's Journey
Bella shares her journey from college softball player to coach, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work, the importance of passion, and how athletes can navigate their sports careers and transitions effectively.
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From Football to Funny: Shawn Lee's Journey of Resilience
Former athlete Shawn Lee shares his journey from football to comedy, highlighting resilience, grit, and the importance of embracing change. Discover how he overcame adversity, shifted his mindset, and found purpose beyond sports.
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Injury, Recovery and Resilience - Grace Telepak's Story
In this inspiring interview, Grace Telepak shares her journey from college basketball to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, overcoming injury, and embracing her identity beyond sports. Discover her insights on resilience, mentorship, community, and redefining success in fitness and life.
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From College to Pro to What’s Next: Olivia Nash's Story
In this episode of Purpose After Sports, Mikki O’Neal sits down with former professional basketball player Olivia Nash to talk honestly about the athlete journey, from early competition to college basketball, playing professionally overseas, and the emotional reality of stepping away from the…
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Mental Health, Bodybuilding & Identity with Former D1 Softball Athlete Chanel Schweer
Former Division I softball athlete Chanel Schweer joins Purpose After Sports to talk about life after competition, athlete identity, bodybuilding, mental health, and learning to find balance beyond sport. This episode is an honest conversation about pressure, purpose, and evolving as an athlete…
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Resilience in Sports: Zach Cummings' Story
Zach Cummings’ journey is the definition of perseverance. In this episode of the Purpose After Sports Podcast, Mikki O’Neal sits down with former college basketball player and creator Zach Cummings to unpack the real story behind the highlights. Zach opens up about losing his mother to cancer at…
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Transformational Coaching in Sports: Tex McQuilkin's Journey
In this episode of the Purpose After Sports podcast, Mikki O’Neal sits down with Tex McQuilkin, a former Division III lacrosse player turned strength and conditioning coach, speaker, and leadership educator. Tex shares his journey from athlete to transformational coach, breaking down lessons on...
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Who Am I Without the Game? From Athlete to Therapist with Erica Curry
In this episode of the PAS podcast, host Mikki O’Neal sits down with Erica Curry, a licensed therapist and former Division I athlete, to explore the often-overlooked side of the athletic journey, mental health and identity beyond sport. Erica shares her story of transitioning from gymnastics to...
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How to Bounce Back Stronger | Alan Stein Jr.’s Playbook on Discipline, Feedback & Growth
In this episode of the PAS Podcast, Mikki O’Neal sits down with Alan Stein Jr., former basketball performance coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author — to unpack the mindset strategies that help athletes and leaders thrive. Alan shares lessons from working with some of the game’s best…
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Bailey Ortega: Life After LSU Volleyball, Mental Health, and Finding Confidence Beyond the Game
In this episode of Purpose After Sports, Mikki O’Neal sits down with Bailey Ortega, former LSU volleyball player, to talk about her athlete journey, mental health, and what life looks like beyond the game. Bailey shares what it was like growing up in a sports family, her transition from…
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Unlocking Potential Through Vulnerability
In this episode of the Purpose After Sports podcast, we sit down with Addison Stoller, former Division I basketball player turned Functional Health and Human Performance Coach. Addison shares her journey of leaving the game, finding her voice, and the critical role of vulnerability in unlocking...
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Navigating Burnout and Mental Health in Sports: Tessa Grossman's Journey
From playing Division 1 softball at Dartmouth to becoming a college strength & conditioning coach, Tessa Grossman shares her powerful journey of resilience, transition, and growth. She opens up about facing burnout, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and the very real mental health struggles...
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From Athlete to Advocate: Nicolle Skoien's Journey
In this episode, Nicolle Skoien shares her journey from being a Division 1 basketball player to becoming an academic advisor and counselor for student-athletes. She discusses the challenges faced during her athletic career, the importance of preparing for life after sports, and how the DISC...
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From Volleyball to Wrestling: Mia’s Journey
In this episode, Mia shares her journey from being a Division I volleyball player at Ohio State University to transitioning into independent wrestling. She discusses her early love for volleyball, the challenges of injuries, and the mental resilience required to navigate life after sports. Mia...
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From Softball to Athletic Trainer: Delaney Taylor’s Journey Beyond the Game
In this episode of Purpose After Sports, we sit down with Delaney Taylor — former softball player at Drake University and now Assistant Athletic Trainer at Bradley University. Delaney shares her path from being an All-MVC athlete to working behind the scenes to support today’s student-athletes.…
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From JUCO to D1: Coach Brigs' Inspiring Journey
In this episode of Coach Brigs shares his inspiring journey from JUCO athlete to D1 football player and now a coach and entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges faced during his JUCO years, including the struggle for food and the determination to succeed. Coach Brigs reflects on his experiences…
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Navigating Mental Strength and Resilience
In this conversation, Amy Morin, a licensed psychotherapist and bestselling author, shares her journey of personal loss and how it shaped her understanding of mental strength. She discusses the importance of vulnerability, the challenges of self-doubt, and the significance of having a purpose in...
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From Track Athlete to Pacers DJ: Iman Tucker’s Journey of Purpose, Adversity & Impact
This week on Purpose After Sports, we sit down with Iman Tucker, an award-winning DJ, former collegiate track athlete, and two-time cancer survivor whose story goes far beyond the turntables. 🎙 Who is Iman Tucker? Before becoming the official DJ for the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and IU...
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Overcoming Adversity in Sports: Jared Martino's Story
Season 2 Kickoff 🎙️Football player Jared Martino joins host Mikki O'Neal to talk about the challenges of college football, injury setbacks, mental resilience, and finding purpose beyond the game.
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Jackie Carmichael X PAS
This week, we sat down with Jackie Carmichael to dive into his journey. From tough decisions to unexpected full-circle moments, his story is a testament to how life unfolds in its own way. Sports played a major role in his path, but he also shares wisdom on embracing the joys and possibilities…
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Bailey Coffman X PAS
This week, we’re excited to welcome Bailey Coffman! She had an incredible athletic career and is now embracing life after sports head-on. While staying connected to the game, she’s navigating a completely new role. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear her story!
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Back to the Gym: Answering Common Questions Former Athletes Have About Working Out
Welcome back! This week’s episode is all about answering your questions as a former athlete navigating the transition back into working out. Adjusting to life after sports can be challenging, but finding what works for you in the gym should be an exciting and empowering journey. We sat down with...
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Allie Matters X PAS
This week, we had an amazing conversation with the head women’s volleyball coach at Illinois State University! She shared how volleyball became a big part of her life, the power of wearing your emotions proudly, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. There were plenty of laughs...
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Mary Frahm X PAS
This week’s podcast guest, Mary Frahm, left me truly inspired. Not only was she a great athlete, but she’s also built a remarkable coaching career by staying true to her values and making a meaningful impact. Her program is helping athletes shape their lives for the better. Mary’s journey is one...
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Billy Mote X PAS
This week’s episode is live, and you’re not going to want to miss it! Billy shares his not-so-easy journey with baseball, from multiple surgeries to finding positivity through it all. We also dive into his post-sports journey, career, and how he’s helping athletes build confidence in themselves…
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Jordan Peterson X PAS
This week’s episode features former Illinois State University swimmer Jordan Peterson! She opens up about her journey through the highs and lows of sports, how she overcame burnout, and the excitement she feels for the next chapter in life after athletics.
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Megan Harrington X PAS
Check out our latest episode featuring Megan Harrington, ISU Gymnastics Assistant Coach! She opens up about her journey into coaching, the challenges of transitioning out of sports, and why sometimes stepping back is necessary to rediscover yourself. Don’t miss it!
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Steven Lee X PAS
Tune into this week’s episode as we catch up with former collegiate wrestler Steven Lee! He shares his journey balancing life as a student-athlete while being enlisted in the military, and his experience coaching the next generation right after college.
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Savannah Hooker X PAS
We sat down with former gymnast Savannah Hooker to explore the challenges of overcoming mental blocks and navigating identity shifts after sports. Savannah opens up about finding a new career, rebuilding confidence, and using the skills she developed as an athlete to thrive in life beyond...
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Kyonn X PAS
In our latest episode, Kyonn, a former track athlete, opens up about his sports journey, including the ups and downs of transferring schools and the tough decisions that come with it. He shares how he’s navigating life after sports, staying active, and pursuing his career goals. Tune in to hear...
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Kai Bates-Diop X PAS
An episode you won’t want to miss! After facing an unimaginable event, Kai was able to shift his perspective and find optimism in what life has to offer beyond sports. His journey is a true inspiration and a reminder that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it might just be opening the door to...
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Bree O’Neal X PAS
Meet Bree O’Neal, our amazing nutritionist, and my sister. Having her on the PAS team is such a gift. Bree’s passion for nutrition shines through in how she helps others fuel their bodies with knowledge and confidence, empowering them to feel supported and strong in their journey. In this…
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Emma Utterback X PAS
We’re back, and this time I had the privilege of sitting down with Emma Utterback! She opened up about her journey as an athlete, the lessons learned along the way, and how her spirituality helped guide her through life after sports. Emma's an incredible athlete with even better stories to share....
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Chad Hobbs X PAS
In this episode, we catch up with gym owner and retired athlete Chad Hobbs! We dive into journaling tips, navigating life after college athletics, and the ups and downs of starting a business. Join us for an honest discussion on building resilience, balancing career shifts, and discovering…
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Welcome to Purpose After Sports
Welcome to Purpose After Sports, where athletes find their purpose beyond the game. I’m Mikki O'Neal, a former collegiate basketball player, and like many of you, I once felt lost after my sports career came to an end. But through conversations with fellow athletes and my own journey of...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Purpose After Sports, where we interview athletes to share their post-sport journeys and explore how they’re reinventing what it means to compete.
HOSTED BY
Mikki O’Neal
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Purpose After Sports have?
Purpose After Sports currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Purpose After Sports about?
Welcome to Purpose After Sports, where we interview athletes to share their post-sport journeys and explore how they’re reinventing what it means to compete.
How often does Purpose After Sports release new episodes?
Purpose After Sports has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Purpose After Sports?
You can listen to Purpose After Sports on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Purpose After Sports?
Purpose After Sports is created and hosted by Mikki O’Neal.
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