The World Of Sports

My guest in Episode 19 is Andre Leandro. Andre is a studentand Volleyball All-American at Grand View University. In our conversation, we speak about his late beginnings involleyball, the real reason he started with the sport, and what impresses him most about his teammates. Andre also shares how his role within the team changed as a senior and his future plans with volleyball.Now, here’s my conversation with Andre Leandro.

My guest in Episode 18 is Jacob Butz. Jacob is a student atGrand View and also the university’s mascot, named Viktor.In our conversation, we speak about his passion for mascotting, his early beginnings as a high-school freshman, and how he became one of the most successful collegiate mascots at the national tournament for mascots. Jacobalso talks about how being a mascot ties in with his future as a teacher and how it feels to have all eyes on him in costume.Now, here’s my conversation with Jacob Butz.

My guest in Episode 17 is Andjela Prijovic. Andjela is a studentand a wrestling All-American at Grand View University. In our conversation, we speak about her youth in Serbia, howa wrestling career with ups and downs led her to the United States, and her recipe for success at the 2026 wrestling national tournament. Andjela also opens up about how working with a therapist transformed her life, gave her a new perspective, and ultimately brought back the fun to wrestling.Now, here’s my conversation with Andjela Prijovic.

My guest in Episode 16 is Grace Richardson. Grace is a studentand a dancer at Grand View University.In our conversation, she shares her unique journey of becoming a college dancer, the role confidence played in her development, and how that journey has made her the person she is today.  We also speak about dancing at Grand View, theteam’s great work ethic, and a controversial national tournament.Now, here’s my conversation with Grace Richardson.

My guest in Episode 15 is Pietro Piacenza. Pietro is an international student from Italy and my teammate on the Grand View soccer team.In our conversation, he shares how he coped with strugglesthroughout his soccer career and how his decision to move to the US challenged but also benefited him. Pietro also shares his favourite memories from playing at the National Tournament and why he thinks our team was successful in winning the Championship.Now, here’s my conversation with Pietro Piacenza.

My guest in Episode 14 is Garavous Kouekabakilaho, however, everyone knows him as GK. GK is a 3x Wrestling National Champion and a member of the United States’ U23 World Team.In our conversation, he gives an insight into his mind, how hissophomore season was a turning point for his career, and what it took for him to reach the level he’s at. GK also opens up about his faith, his childhood in the Congo, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on life in the United States.Now, here’s my conversation with GK.

My guest in Episode 13 is Troy Plummer. Troy is the AthleticDirector and Vice President at Grand View University. In our conversation, he gives an insight into his job as anathletic director, how he ended up in the position, and what it took to turn Grand View's athletic department into an NAIA powerhouse. We also speak about the life value of athletics, his relationship with success, and his approach to life.Now, here’s my conversation with Troy Plummer.

My guest in Episode 12 is Jackson Waring. Jackson played quarterback for Grand View University and led the Vikings to two National Championships.In our conversation, he opens up about the cut-throatfootball business, what his recent success means to him, and how he learned to deal with adversity. We also speak about the importance of faith and how it is the foundation of everything in his life.Now, here’s my conversation with Jackson Waring!

My guest in Episode 11 is Dr. Scott Bull. Dr. Bull is aprofessor of Business, focusing on Sport Management, at Grand View University. He previously worked in Minor League Baseball and the NFL.In our conversation, Dr. Bull shares his experiences ofworking in the high-pressure NFL environment, what it takes to host a Super Bowl, and stories of future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald. We also speak about the underlying questions that led him to pursue a teaching career, what he wants students to take away from his classes, and Dr. Bull shares his philosophy of life.Now, here’s my conversation with Dr. Scott Bull.

My guest in Episode 10 is Alecson Deschamps. Alecson is a tennis player at Grand View University. In our conversation, he shares his insane lifestyle as a teenagetennis player, how he deals with pressure on the court, and what influenced his decision to pursue a college career rather than a professional. We also speak about his upbringing in a German town in Brazil, as well as his plans for and his perspective on his future.Now, here’s my conversation with Alecson Deschamps.

My guest in the ninth episode is Ethan Horner. Ethan is a strength and conditioning coach at Grand View University and took his first steps in the profession at the University of Iowa.In our conversation, Ethan shares his experiences ofinterning in one of the nation’s most highly regarded strength and conditioning departments and how studying is different at a school with over 30.000 students. We also dive into the workings of strength and conditioning, his approach, and what he enjoys most about his job. Now, here’s my conversation with Ethan Horner.

My guest in the eighth episode is Samantha Holbert. Samplayed softball for Embry-Riddle and Grand View, and is also the Graduate Assistant for the sports information director at Grand View University.In our conversation, Sam talks about her perception of college sports, especially softball, her struggles with previous athleticexperiences, and how her move to Grand View created some of the best experiences of her life. We also spoke very openly about mental struggles and the mental side of sports. This is a truly deep and meaningful conversation, and I appreciate Sam for being so open and honest with the addressed topics.Now, here’s my conversation with Samantha Holbert.

My guest in the seventh episode is Leonardo Rodrigues. Leois an esports player and student at Grand View University.In our conversation, Leo talks about his lifestyle while playing League of Legends professionally, his struggles with the stigma around being an esports player, and what he enjoys most outside of esports. We also touch on his perspective on life, what he is most proud of and his desire to help others. At the same time, this was the episode I shared the most laughs on out of any I’ve done.Now, here’s my conversation with Leonardo Rodrigues.

My guest in the sixth episode is Mariana De Carvalho. Marianais an All-American volleyball player and student at Grand View University.In our conversation, Mariana shares her ambitions of playingvolleyball professionally, her struggles with playing in the United States, and what she loves to do off the court. We also dive deep into the mental component of playing volleyball and how a healthy mindset helped her reach the next level as a player.Now, here’s my conversation with Mariana De Carvalho.

My guest in the fifth episode is Samuel Weller. Samu is a football (or for my American friends, a soccer) freestyler and a student at the Technical University of Munich. He is a German champion in freestyle and performed in front of football legends and the most powerful person in Germany.In our conversation, we talk about his beginnings as a freestyler, what he enjoys most about the sport, and his relationship with soccer. We also discuss his goals in life, his drive to keep pursuing his academic career and an alter ego he created for football freestyle.Now, here’s my conversation with Samuel Weller.

My guest in the fourth episode is Karoline Ortiz. Karoline is a wrestler at Grand View University and part of Puerto Rico’s national team.In our conversation, we talk about her journey in wrestling,how she deals with major setbacks, and how special it is to wrestle for her country. Moreover, Karoline opens up about a past abusive relationship, her future career aspirations, and her biggest goals.Now, here’s my conversation with Karoline Ortiz.

My guest in the third episode is Todd Bailey. After spendingseveral years as a sports anchor, reporter, and photographer, Todd currently works in marketing and video production at Grand View University.In our conversation, we talk about his journey throughsports media, the uncertainty before landing a full-time position, and the professional values that are most important to him. Todd shares valuable insights on storytelling, what really matters in video production, and practical advice for anyone interested in sports media.Now, here’s my conversation with Todd Bailey.

My guest in the second episode is Ginevra Spinelli. Ginevra plays soccer at Grand View University and studies Media and Communications.In this conversation, we talk about her journey of growing up as a girl playing soccer in Italy, the prejudice she had to face along the way, and how those experiences shaped her both on and off the field. Ginny also shares how she learned to deal with setbacks once she arrived in the US. Aside from soccer, we dive into her career aspirations in sports media, her goals for the future, and the cultural differences she has experienced between Europe and the United States.

My guest in the inaugural episode is soccer player Herman Furumo.We talk about his soccer journey, from growing up with a father who played professionally to joining the academy of Champions League club Bodø/Glimt, and playing senior-level football at just 15 years old. Herman opens up about the doubts and struggles that came with early expectations, and how his path eventually led him to playing college soccer. Offthe pitch, we also dive into his love for traveling, the books that have had a meaningful impact on him, and how those experiences help him mentally — both on and off the field. Enjoy!