The Examined Athlete
by Clay Reichenbach
A podcast where athletes, coaches, and experts explore ideas bigger than sport.Great athletes are special. Without question they’re unique. Their lived experiences are difficult for most of us to even imagine. However, that is not what interests us. At The Examined Athlete, we spend time exploring ways high performers are like everyone else, celebrating their victories while taking an intimate look at the challenges and setbacks we all face.Our goal is to challenge consequential ideas with love, understanding, and curiosity, allowing our guests to share their journey and take us beyond their athletic talent. We encourage individuals to share stories much bigger than sport, challenge the status quo, and lean into the messiness of human psychology. The last thing you’ll hear on The Examined Athlete is ‘shut up and dribble’. We want athletes, coaches, and experts to ‘put down the ball and speak honestly’. This is The Examined Athlete.
Episodes
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EP 42 - James Casey (NFL Alum, Cincinnati Bengals Coach)
In this episode, Clay speaks with James Casey. James is a 7-year NFL veteran, spending time with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos. Currently, he is the tight ends coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. Drafted by the Chicago White Sox out of high school, James spend 4 years…
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EP 41 - Kyle Vitale (Heterodox Academy)
In this episode, Clay speaks with Kyle Vitale, PhD. Kyle is the Director of Programs at the Heterodox Academy (HxA). HxA is a nonpartisan nonprofit formed as a response to the rise of orthodoxy within scholarly culture. HxA works to improve the quality of research and education by promoting open...
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EP 40 - Christina & Crystal Tegbe (54 Thrones)
In this episode, Clay speaks with Christina Olufunmike Tegbe and Crystal Oluwamayowa Tegbe. Christina is the founder and CEO of 54 Thrones and Crystal is the company’s Chief of Staff. 54 Thrones is a beauty brand that celebrates the richness of the 54 diverse nations across the African continent....
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EP 39 - Matt Flaherty (Ultramarathoner)
In this episode, Clay speaks with Matt Flaherty. Matt is a professional ultramarathoner (50 – 100-mile races). He is a past ultra-champion and placed second in the 2021 Leadville 100. In this episode, Matt and Clay walk through Matt’s journey into professional ultramarathoning, his decision to...
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EP 38 - Dr. Gwen Bradford (Philosopher)
In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Gwen Bradford. Gwen is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of Graduate Studies at Rice University. She works in value theory and normative ethics, focusing on achievement, meaning, uniqueness, perfectionism, well-being, and ill-being. Gwen’s…
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EP 37 - Danny Southwick (Psychologist - Talent, Grit)
In this episode, Clay speaks with Danny Southwick. Danny is a psychologist and doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania. Where he is studying under, and publishing work with, Dr. Angela Duckworth, the wildly influential psychologist and author of the best-seller, Grit. Danny’s research...
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EP 36 - Bobby Bramhall & Nate Headley (Who's on First? Everything a Baseball Parent Needs to Know)
In this episode, Clay speaks with Bobby Bramhall and Nate Headley. Bobby and Nate are the co-authors of Who’s on First? Everything a Baseball Parent Needs to Know. Who’s on First? is a ‘how-to’ manual designed to help young athletes and their parents navigate the baseball journey from tee-ball to...
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EP 35 - Dr. Mikki Hebl (Psychologist)
In this episode, Clay speaks with Rice University’s Martha and Henry Malcolm Lovett Professor of Psychology, Dr. Mikki Hebl. Mikki is an applied psychologist whose research focuses on workplace discrimination and the ways both individuals and organizations can remediate such discrimination and...
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EP 34 - Caroline Burckle
In this episode, Clay speaks with Caroline Burckle. Caroline was a two-time National Champion, multiple-time All-American, and 2008 NCAA Swimmer of the Year at the University of Florida. She represented the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 4x200 meter...
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EP 33 - Beautiful Conversation
In this short episode, Clay shares an essay describing what he calls ‘Beautiful Conversation’ and encourages us all to seek out consequential conversations, see the best in one another, and emphasize common humanity.
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EP 32 - Victoria Stambaugh
In this episode, Clay speaks with Victoria Stambaugh. Victoria is an Olympic Taekwondo athlete who represented Puerto Rico in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic games. Victoria describes her nonlinear journey through 6 knee surgeries, falling short for the Rio and London games, and finally finishing her race...
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EP 31 - Desmond Blair
In this episode, Clay speaks with Desmond Blair. Desmond is an artist, adaptive athlete, and mentor to individuals, young and old, with limb differences. Desmond was born without hands to a single mother in the projects of east Dallas, yet he has gone on to become an exceptionally talented…
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EP 30 - Dr. Michael Sierra-Arevalo
In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Michael Sierra-Arevalo. Michael is a sociologist, criminologist, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. He is an expert on police, gangs, guns, and violence prevention and serves on the City of Austin’s...
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EP 29 - Dr. Anne Shadle
In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Anne Shadle. Anne is the Director of Mental Performance for the New York Jets and a certified mental performance consultant at Shadle Performance Institute where she has worked with USA Track & Field, USA Baseball, and the International Amateur Athletic...
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EP 28 - JP Abercrumbie
In this episode, Clay speaks with JP Abercrumbie. JP is the Executive Associate Athletics Director for Culture & Engagement at the University of Notre Dame, where she is responsible for leading the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for Notre Dame Athletics. JP and Clay discuss all things...
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EP 27 - Bobby Tudor
In this episode, Clay speaks with Bobby Tudor. Bobby is a Retired Partner at Perella Weinberg Partners, the founder and former Chairman of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co, a philanthropist, and dedicated husband and father. Bobby is widely recognized as a leader in the Energy advisory and investment...
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EP 26 - John Edward Heath
In this episode, Clay speaks with John Edward Heath. John is a veteran of the United States Marines, an amputee, adaptive athlete, Paralympic hopeful, mental health advocate, and motivational speaker. John takes listeners through some of the most difficult moments along his journey including his...
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EP 25 - Keith Murphy
In this episode, Clay speaks with Keith Murphy. Keith is an Army veteran, an adaptive athlete at the Adaptive Training Foundation, and a dedicated husband and father. Keith and Clay walk through Keith journey including his time in the military, the tragic accident that cost him his leg and nearly...
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EP 24 - Sean Pendergast
In this episode, Clay speaks with Sean Pendergast. Sean is the lead host of the top-rated morning drive show on Houston’s Sports Radio 610. He is also the host of the Houston Texans’ pre and post-game show, the nationally syndicated Sean Pendergast Show on CBS Sports Radio, a writer for the…
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EP 23 - Jason Grubb
In this episode, Clay speaks with Jason Grubb. Jason completed a mental and physical transformation at 38 years old to become one of the fittest men on earth. He is a two-time CrossFit Champion, coach, entrepreneur, and father of 4. Jason and Clay walk through Jason’s early journey into therapy...
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EP 22 - Charles Austin
In this episode, Clay speaks with Charles Austin. Charles is an Olympic Gold Medalist in the high jump, 3x Olympian, 3x World Champion, 9x US Champion, NCAA Champion, USA Track & Field Hall of Fame Member, and the current American and Olympic High Jump Record Holder. Charles and Clay walk through...
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EP 21 - Melody Mennite
In this episode, Clay speaks with Melody Mennite. Melody is a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet, celebrating 20 years with the company in 2021, and also a dedicated mother. Melody and Clay discuss the world-class ballet performed in Houston, dedicating a life to ballet at a young age,...
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EP 20 - Kenny Thompson Jr.
In this episode, Clay speaks with Kenny Thompson, Jr. Kenny is a public affairs executive at PepsiCo and serves on the Board of Directors of the Women's Congressional Policy Institute and the Board of Trustees at Texas Christian University. Prior to his time at PepsiCo, Kenny held several…
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EP 19 - Dr. Danielle King
In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Danielle King. Dr. King is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Rice University. She focuses the majority of her professional time on the study of RESILIENCE. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation and...
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EP 18 - Randy Hawks
In this episode, Clay speaks with Randy Hawks. Randy is a co-founder and managing director at Claremont Creek Ventures, and a dedicated husband and father. He has been in the technology space for nearly 50 years, spending the bulk of that time working with, leading, and investing in start-up...
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EP 17 - Cali Werner
In this episode, Clay speaks with Cali Werner. Cali is a family and behavioral therapist, author, and an elite-level marathoner. While Cali excelled on the track, she also struggled with obsessive compulsive disorder throughout her life which compelled her to dedicate her professional career to...
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EP 16 - Dr. Sandy Parsons
In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Sandra Parsons. Dr. Parsons is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and the Director of Pedagogy for the psychology department at Rice University. Sandy started an initiative at Rice to change the perception of...
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EP 15 - Dr. Zachary Dreyfuss
In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Zachary Dreyfuss. Zach is a critical pulmonary care physician at Dallas Pulmonary & Critical Care P.A., and a dedicated husband and father. In a weighty but educational episode, Zach walks through what life has been like for a physician battling COVID-19 in…
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EP 14 - David Vobora
In this episode, Clay speaks with David Vobora. David is a former St. Louis Ram and Seattle Seahawk linebacker who founded The Adaptive Training Foundation. ATF is a 501c3 that provides access and inclusion to individuals living with physical or traumatic impairments by empowering them through...
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EP 13 - Charlie Curtis
In this episode, Clay speaks with Charlie Curtis. Charlie is the leader of an enormous community built around fitness, friendship, and support. He is an entrepreneur, coach, former collegiate football player, and a dedicated husband, father, and friend. Charlie and Clay walk through Charlie’s...
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EP 12 - Lance Berkman
In this episode, Clay speaks with Lance Berkman. Lance is a 6-time MLB All Star, World Series Champion, Comeback Player of the Year, and member of the Houston Astros Hall of Fame. Lance and Clay explore Lance's journey from start to finish, discuss sharing a laugh with the Obamas, exchange Wayne...
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EP 11 - Nicole Zapoli
In this episode, Clay speaks with Nicole Zapoli. Nicole is 4-time State Champion and Junior Olympian in gymnastics, 2-time Fitness America Champion, US Powerlifting Champion, CrossFit Champion, California Bench Press Record Holder, and a dedicated Mom. Nicole and Clay discuss burnout, eating...
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EP 10 - Funmi Jimoh
In this episode, Clay speaks with Funmi Jimoh. Funmi is an Olympic long jumper, three-time world championship team member, and entrepreneur. Funmi and Clay discuss growing up in a multicultural environment, embracing culture, self-confidence vs. self-doubt, mental struggles, health & unhealthy...
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EP 9 - David Pierce
In this episode, Clay speaks with David Pierce. David is the Head Baseball Coach at The University of Texas at Austin, a Baseball America National Coach of the Year, Big 12 Coach of the Year, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Coach Pierce opens up about pivotal moments in his life,...
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EP 8 - Wade Barrett
Wade is a former professional soccer player, coach, ultra-marathoner, dedicated husband and father. Wade speaks with incredible honesty and authenticity; covering his journey through professional soccer and ultra-marathoning, off the field struggles while captaining the Houston Dynamo, his...
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EP 7 - Rodd Newhouse
In this episode, Clay speaks with Rodd Newhouse. Rodd is a Wealth Manager focusing on managing wealth for private clients, concentrating largely on sports and entertainment professionals. Prior to starting his wealth management firm, Rodd held multiple positions in NFL front offices and played…
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EP 6 - Eden King
In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Eden King. Eden is the Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Psychology at Rice University where she focuses her research on equitable and effective management of diverse organizations. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is enthusiastic wife and mother to two...
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EP 5 - Major Jordan Enger
Major Jordan Enger is a US Army veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. With an incredible amount of honesty, Jordan shares his story of survival after being critically injured by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. He speaks...
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EP 4 - Jeff Tarpinian
Jeff Tarpinian is a former NFL football player, who played for the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Iowa Hawkeyes. Jeff and Clay discuss Jeff’s journey from start to finish including how an undrafted rookie made a Super Bowl bound Patriot’s team, coming back from brain surgery, what…
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EP 3 - Dan Krutka
Dr. Dan Krutka is an Associate Professor of Social Studies Education in the Department of Teacher Education and Administration at the University of North Texas. Dan and Clay discuss the purpose of education, the difference between a successful education and a great education, self-confidence,...
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EP 2 - Lennie Waite
Dr. Lennie Waite is a Performance Psychologist and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. She Chairs the Sport Psychology Services for USA Track and Field, is an assistant professor at the University of St. Thomas, Olympian who represented Great Britain in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, a…
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EP 1 - Philip Humber
In this episode, Clay speaks with Philip Humber. Philip is a former major league baseball player, three time collegiate all American, College World Series Champion, first round draft pick, one of only 23 individuals to throw a perfect game in the major leagues, husband, and father. Philip and…
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The Examined Athlete Trailer
A podcast where athletes, coaches, and experts explore ideas bigger than sport. Launching in June 30, 2021!
About this show
A podcast where athletes, coaches, and experts explore ideas bigger than sport.Great athletes are special. Without question they’re unique. Their lived experiences are difficult for most of us to even imagine. However, that is not what interests us. At The Examined Athlete, we spend time exploring ways high performers are like everyone else, celebrating their victories while taking an intimate look at the challenges and setbacks we all face.Our goal is to challenge consequential ideas with love, understanding, and curiosity, allowing our guests to share their journey and take us beyond their athletic talent. We encourage individuals to share stories much bigger than sport, challenge the status quo, and lean into the messiness of human psychology. The last thing you’ll hear on The Examined Athlete is ‘shut up and dribble’. We want athletes, coaches, and experts to ‘put down the ball and speak honestly’. This is The Examined Athlete.
Hosted by
Clay Reichenbach