The Athletes Podcast
by David Stark
Pro athletes and the coaches behind them, on what it actually takes. Host David Stark sits down with NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA, PWHL and Olympic athletes, strength coaches, sport psychologists and nutrition experts to get the real story: the training, the setbacks, the mindset and the habits that hold up under pressure. Guests include Brooks Laich, Shane Greene, Bruce Boudreau, Vincent Trocheck, Dr. Jim Afremow and Chong Xie. New episodes every Tuesday. Educate · Entertain · Inspire.
Episodes
-
Emma Gentry, Lauren Messier & Jess Kondas: Three Roads to One Locker Room (Ep. 292)
A draft pick, a 10-day contract and a reserve-list call-up, all in one locker room. Toronto Sceptres Emma Gentry, Lauren Messier and Jess Kondas sit down in person to compare three very different roads into the PWHL and what it takes to stay ready for your moment. We talk pro habits, playing...
-
Dr. Jim Afremow & Phil White: The Daily Champion’s Mind (Ep. 291)
We sit down with Dr. Jim Afremow and Phil White to break down what actually holds up under pressure, from quick resets in the training room to the daily habits that build a champion identity. We share practical tools for fear management, self talk, recovery, and boundaries so you can compete with...
-
Shane Greene: Stop Doing the Game and Start Playing It (Ep. 290)
We sit down with MLB reliever Shane Greene for an honest talk about how pro athletes really grow, from minor league side hustles to big league mentorship and mindset. We dig into why “doing the game” can hold players back, how to compete with a clear head, and what it takes to build a life beyond...
-
Brandon Schultze: Train Smarter, Not Harder (Ep. 289)
Brandon Schultze and Dave challenge the usual way people label exercises and show how smarter exercise selection, grounded in movement quality, changes results for athletes and everyday clients. We also run a real-time assessment of shoulder, hip, and squat mechanics to show how small constraints...
-
Rachelle Hamvas: Performance Starts With Sleep, Not More Caffeine (Ep. 288)
We talk with Rachelle about making wellness simple so you can perform well in sport and in real life, starting with sleep, recovery, and calm focus. We get practical about hormone-aware performance for women, why sublingual spray supplements feel fast and convenient, and how to build a flexible...
-
Danica Maynard & Hayley McDonald: NCAA to PWHL Dreams (Ep. 287)
We sit down with Dani and Hayley at a Calgary development camp to talk about what it takes to jump levels in women’s hockey, from NCAA decisions to the daily grind behind the scenes. We dig into pace, recovery, culture, and mindset, then finish with simple advice any young athlete can use right...
-
Brooks Laich: The Best At Getting Better (Ep. 286)
We sit down with retired NHL forward Brooks Laich to talk about the moment he decided at thirteen that hockey was no longer just fun, it was a mission. We get real about confidence, leadership, sacrifice, and how he now channels that same competitive drive into World Playground to help people...
-
Heidi Cannon: Golf, Grit and Daily Habits (Ep. 285)
22% of a pro draft tied back to one week, one trip, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work, and that’s where our minds go first: what does consistency actually look like when the schedule is chaos? We’re fresh off the Canadian Open and the PWHL draft, and we use that momentum to talk about the...
-
Josh Rutherford & James Stolar: Relationships Matter More Than Followers (Ep. 284)
We sit down with Josh Rutherford and James Stolar to talk golf content, golf trips, and the unglamorous work that turns views into real opportunities. We get into mountain golf, viral moments, scoring mindset, and why relationships matter more than follower counts. • relationship building as the...
-
Brock Leitner: From Pro Motocross Crash to Elite Adaptive Golf (Ep. 283)
A pro motocross career can end in seconds, but the will to compete is harder to break. Brock Leitner takes us back to June 12, 2022, when a crash left him paralyzed at T6, and walks us through the exact moment he realized his legs were gone from the equation. What hits hardest is how clearly he...
-
Dan Braun: When Rehab Becomes Real Performance (Ep. 282)
We sit down with Dr. Dan Braun to talk about training that actually moves the needle, from breaking plateaus with simple strength work to using isometrics with a real plan. We also dig into return-to-sport decisions, why rehab often stops at pain relief, and how sleep, breathing, and nutrition...
-
Rei Halloran: Turning a Distant Dream Into Olympic Reality (Ep. 281)
We sit down with Olympic goalie Rei Halloran right after she represents Team Japan and talk through what the Games actually feel like from inside the village. We dig into the work, mindset shifts, and support system that carry her from being overlooked in Division III to believing she belongs on...
-
Heidi Cannon: From Bikini Champion to Golf Addict (Ep. 280)
We play a nine-hole simulator round with Heidi Cannon while tracing how a bikini champion turns contest discipline into real gains in golf. Along the way, we get honest about fittings, long drive pressure, social media distortion, and the slow fundamentals that beat every shortcut. • how Heidi…
more -
Mac Boucher - #279 - From Self-Taught Swing To Global Golf Creator
We sit down with Mac Boucher to unpack how a self-taught swing, bold shot shapes, and a course-first creative style turned golf into a joyful career built on intention and integrity. Mac shares strategies for pressure, boundaries with haters, and advice for athletes who want longevity. • curving...
-
From Overtraining To Sparta Score: How Data, Consistency, And Recovery Drive Performance - #278 ft. Cole Hergott
Join David Stark & Cole Hergott, the S&C coach at Trinity Western University. We explore how better beats more, why consistent full-body training outperforms grind culture, and how a simple, repeatable Sparta Score keeps hundreds of athletes focused on the right improvements. Cole shares…
more -
Inside Performance Science With The Lakers’ S&C Coach Dr. Brandon Pentheny - Episode #277
Join us on episode #277 featuring Dr. Brandon Pentheny as we unpack how to turn messy sports data into clear coaching decisions, why outliers can’t be your standard, and how to separate capacity from utilization so training actually transfers. We also dig into lifting before practice, tendon...
-
The Secret of Athleticism with Chong Xie - Episode #276
Episode #276 features Chong Xie, Founder @hyperarchfascia_training and Therapy ® (HFT). Chong is a Clinical Fascia Researcher, Performance Coach for the Pros in MLS, NFL, and NBA. We challenge muscle-first thinking and show how fascia, the body’s tension network, drives elastic power,...
-
From Hockey Gyms To Life Skills: Building Athletes Who Endure with Mike Pickles
Join David Stark & Mike Pickles as we share how smart, simple training builds confidence and keeps athletes healthy while cutting through the noise of gimmicks and hype. Mike reflects on lessons from coaching hundreds of kids and why life skills matter more than making the pros. • origins in...
-
From Mat Pressure To Peak Performance With Coach Sean Spence
We talk with BJJ athlete and coach Sean Spence about building real confidence under pressure, smarter training without burnout, and why “framing” chaos works on and off the mat. We also dig into cross-training, youth development, and how longevity can live with peak performance. • Sean’s path…
more -
Why Consistency Beats Talent And Shiny Tools In High Performance with Mark Fitzgerald- Episode #273
We explore how elite performance is built on consistency, smart prioritization, and a network that protects long-term availability. Stories from NHL rooms, Kelowna’s rise as a training hub, and a candid look at captaincy, data, and mental health show what actually moves the needle. • playing the...
-
Fueling Young Athletes The Right Way with Clark Hardman
Clark Hardman, CEO of Thread Performance, joins us to rethink how young athletes fuel growth, focus, and safe strength. We dig into trust, bioavailability, multi-sport benefits, and why snack bars and kids’ menus need a hard reset. • mission to build youth-specific supplements • why processed…
more -
How A Hockey Injury Sparked A Global Adventure, A Reality Show, And A New Training Philosophy
A torn ACL sparks a pivot to Prague, an elite training internship, and a national reality challenge that reshapes how we coach and compete. We launch the Two‑Minute Warning, debate sports’ hottest questions, and map the real rise of women’s sports with on-the-ground proof. • ACL tear as catalyst...
-
How Sandra Abstreiter Became Germany’s No. #1 Goalie & plays in the PWHL
Sandra Abstreiter shares how film study, better fueling, and smarter gear choices helped her rise to Germany’s starting job and a PWHL roster. We swap stories from the PWHL takeover tour, dig into mindset for starters and backups, and unpack how small gains stack into big jumps. • jumping from...
-
Running Across Canada: Mindset, Pain, and Presence with Dave Proctor
We sit down with ultra runner Dave Proctor to unpack how he ran across Canada, what attention and meditation did for his performance, and why the finish line mattered less than the steps that got him there. The talk moves from ego and validation to stillness, doubt, and the craft of stacking...
-
Cal Dorohoy - The Fairway Co. Long Drive Tour Across Canada
Cal Dorohoy, founder of Fairway Co and director of Innovation for VaynerSports, joins Dave to discuss the ambitious Fairway Long Drive Tour across Canada and the intersection of athletics and entrepreneurship. • Cal created Fairway Lager after identifying the untapped opportunity to own the…
more -
Luke Way reveals why 70% of athletes are limited by their breathing capacity.
Luke Way, founder of Isocapnic Technologies, reveals how respiratory limitations affect athletic performance and how proper breathing training can unlock significant performance gains. • Approximately 70% of athletes are functionally limited by their respiratory systems, meaning they physically...
-
Shea Emry - 2 x Grey Cup Champ / World Long Drive Championships
Shea Emry shares his remarkable journey from being a two-time Grey Cup champion in the CFL to competing in World Long Drive Championships, hitting golf balls over 400 yards with a specialized 48-inch driver. His story demonstrates how elite athletes can successfully transition between sports,...
-
The Quad Queen Maddie Warren - Episode #265
Maddie Warren joins us for a brutal leg workout and shares her journey from teenage undereating to powerlifting to becoming a bodybuilder who travels the world. She opens up about finding balance, building confidence, and pursuing personal growth on her own terms. • Training with heavy hip…
more -
Cooling Your Palms Could Be the Edge You're Missing in Training
Evy Lyons from Apex Cool Labs explains how palm cooling technology is revolutionizing athletic performance by cooling blood and muscles during intense activity. • Palm cooling accelerates recovery in competition and training by utilizing hands as the body's natural radiators • Our palms get 10...
-
Pro Basketball Player Brian Wallack talks Shoulders, Social Media & "Success" - Episode #263
Brian Wallack shares his journey from professional basketball player in Spain to Gymshark athlete and social media fitness influencer with half a million followers. His transition reveals how he's now able to inspire more people through fitness content than he ever could have on the basketball...
-
The Goalie Therapist's Playbook - Dusty Imoo - Episode #262
Dusty Imoo, also known as "The Goalie Therapist," shares his journey from professional hockey goaltender to mental performance coach, offering insights on managing stress and finding balance in high-performance situations. Drawing from his 15-year career, most recently coaching with the Los…
more -
Cruz Oguz on Training, Identity, and Social Media - Episode #261
Cruz Oguz, dubbed the most athletic kicker in the country prior to entering the NCAA, shares his multifaceted approach to athleticism through football, track, and tricking while creating his social media content. • Creates and edits all content himself, recently upgrading equipment to enhance...
-
From Addiction to Advocacy: April Hutchinson's Journey - Episode #260
April Hutchinson, a three-time Team Canada record-holding powerlifter, shares her journey from childhood athlete to women's sports advocate after being suspended for speaking biological truths about male competitors in female categories. • Sports served as therapy through difficult times…
more -
Why Every Kid Should Learn How to Defend Themselves - Siddhartha Bhat - Episode #259
Siddhartha Bhat, a 14-time Team Canada Taekwondo national champion, shares his journey from being a troublemaking child to becoming one of Canada's most decorated martial artists. He explores the discipline martial arts instilled in him and why he believes every child should learn some form of...
-
From Montreal to Paris - Sprinting Through Life: Marie-Eloise Leclair's Olympic Journey
Marie-Eloise Leclair shares her journey from a Montreal athlete to becoming a Canadian Olympian competing in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics. National Record Holder 13x All-American D2, her story weaves through early sports experiences, collegiate decisions, Olympic village insights, and…
more -
The Future of Women's Hockey with Eleni Demestihas - Episode #257
Eleni Demestihas, Director of Hockey Operations for Cookstark Management, shares her journey from law school to becoming an agent for women's hockey players and offers insights on the explosive growth of the PWHL. • Began as a law school graduate who wanted sports industry education without...
-
From Quitting Hockey to Olympic Ice with Paris O'Brien - Episode #256
Paris O'Brien shares his remarkable journey from quitting hockey at age 15 to becoming the Chinese national hockey goaltender and Olympian. His story demonstrates how stepping away from sport temporarily can sometimes be the catalyst for future success when combined with passion, hard work, and...
-
Beyond the Rink: Converting Athletic Discipline into Business Success with Doug Lynch - Ep #255
Doug Lynch, former professional hockey player turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from the ice to founding innovative performance apparel company Filium and how the relationships built through sports became the foundation for his business success. • Began playing hockey at age three in...
-
The Hybrid Game: Linus Karlsson Talks Hockey & Jeeps
Linus Karlsson joins us from our new Pioneer Auto Group Jeep studio to discuss his hockey journey from Sweden to North America and the challenges of adapting to a different style of play. Linus shares insights about his NHL experience while revealing the mental aspects of professional hockey that...
-
Jillian Weir's Unique Path From Water Polo to Olympic Hammer Throw - Episode #253
Discover the inspiring journey of Jillian Weir, an Olympic hammer throw athlete who excels in her sport and provides insights into competing against strong rivalries and personal adversities. Jillian highlights her non-traditional path from various sports to hammer throwing as well as the...
-
Richie Bullbrook: Canada's #1 Skateboarder - Ep. #252
Richie Bullbrook shares his journey from a young skateboarder inspired by cartoons to a competitive athlete vying for Olympic recognition. He discusses his family's role in his development, the emotional impact of his father's passing, the reality of imposter syndrome, and his commitment to...
-
Nick Bowins & Dan Marrazza: The Role of Social Media in Sports - Episode #251
This episode focuses on the critical role of social media for athletes in building their brands and connecting with fans. Nick Bowins and Dan Marrazza discuss strategies, share insights on the evolving digital landscape, and emphasize the necessity of authenticity and intelligent engagement for...
-
Wyatt Moss: 50 States Marathon Challenge - #250
Wyatt Moss shares his inspiring journey of completing 50 marathons in 50 states within a year, emphasizing the importance of mindset, faith, and community support. He highlights how the philosophy of "Misogi," which focuses on striving for greatness in each day, propelled him through physical and...
-
3 x Olympian Liz Gleadle's Innovative Approach to Athlete Development - Episode #249
Three-time Olympian and motivational speaker Liz Gleadle joins us for the second time on the show for an insightful conversation about her groundbreaking holistic approach to athlete training. Here is the link to her course: https://www.skool.com/peak-performance-accelerator-1215/about The first...
-
Rising to the Top: Erin Routliffe's Journey in Doubles Tennis - Episode #248
Celebrate the incredible journey of Erin Routliffe as we chat about her rise to the pinnacle of doubles tennis. From her early days with the Caledon Free Tennis program to clinching the US Open doubles title in 2023, Erin's story is one of resilience, passion, and triumph. She candidly shares how...
-
Unleashing Human Potential: Endurance, Recovery, and Mental Resilience with Sach Latti - #247
Get ready to be inspired by Sach Latti's astonishing endurance journey as he shares his experience of running 60 kilometres every day for 60 days. We explore the incredible mental strength and dedication required for such a feat and discuss his next ambitious goal of running across Canada as the...
-
Building Perfect Sports with CEO Bruce Colero - Episode #246
Episode #246 features Bruce Colero, the visionary founder of Perfect Sports Supplements. Bruce walks us through his extraordinary transition from a career as a dedicated athlete to a significant player in the sports supplement industry. With over 25 years of experience in fueling athletes, he...
-
Building Elite Athletes at Kinetic Haus with Dante Martella - #245
High-performance athletic training is not all equal as we learn from our guest Dante Martella, the visionary behind Kinetic House in Toronto. Discover how Dante turned his dream into a reality, creating a state-of-the-art performance center and sports therapy clinic that has significantly…
more -
Mariam Abdul-Rashid & Duan Asemota - From Olympic Dreams to Everyday Quirks: Insights with Canadian Track Stars #244
Unravel the exhilarating world of track and field with Canadian Olympians Mariam Abdul-Rashid and Duan Asemota, fresh from their experiences in Paris. They invite us into their lives, sharing the electrifying energy of the Olympic Village, where four years of dreams are packed into a whirlwind...
-
Jerome Blake - Canada 4 x 100M Relay Gold Medalist - Episode #243
Jerome Blake joins us for an exhilarating 243rd episode capturing his journey from high school tracks in Jamaica to the top of the Olympic podium in Paris. Experience the heart-pounding moments of the 4x100m relay final where Jerome's composure was tested by a near baton disaster, and learn how…
more
About this show
Pro athletes and the coaches behind them, on what it actually takes. Host David Stark sits down with NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA, PWHL and Olympic athletes, strength coaches, sport psychologists and nutrition experts to get the real story: the training, the setbacks, the mindset and the habits that hold up under pressure. Guests include Brooks Laich, Shane Greene, Bruce Boudreau, Vincent Trocheck, Dr. Jim Afremow and Chong Xie. New episodes every Tuesday. Educate · Entertain · Inspire.
Hosted by
David Stark