After The Athlete

In this solo episode, it’s just us, Lexi and Danika, talking through how much athletics have changed since we stepped away from competition.We break it down across every level, from youth sports to college, diving into early specialization, increased pressure from parents and social media, and how kids are developing at a faster rate than ever before.We also get into the biggest shifts at the high school and college levels, including recruiting, NIL, and the reality of the updated conferences.Beyond structure, we talk about the cultural changes too, including body image, the shift from aesthetics to performance, growing attention on mental health, and the evolving landscape of women’s sports.As always, thank you for listening! Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠

In this episode, we’re joined by Gabby Gramont, Miss Colorado, whose path as an athlete has taken some unexpected and inspiring turns.Gabby grew up involved in track, cross country, and dance before casually walking onto a Division I ice hockey team. She’s the kind of person who seems to be good at just about everything she tries, and her journey definitely reflects that. After an injury ended her time in the sport, she stepped into a new chapter through pageantry, going on to compete in Miss America this past year, where she won the preliminary fitness award. That experience also brought her back to dance in a full-circle kind of way.We talk about her unique path, navigating change after sport, and continuing to find new passions along the way. Enjoy!Connect with Gabby on Instagram: @gabby.gramontFollow Miss Colorado on Instagram: @missamericacoLearn more about Miss Colorado here.Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin Broadwell, a former collegiate volleyball player who turned one of the hardest parts of being an athlete into the focus of her work.After playing at CSU Pueblo and LSU, Caitlin found herself facing the same question so many athletes do… what now? That question led her to become a mental health therapist, Athletics Case Manager, start the Hanging Up the Jersey podcast, and eventually publish the Hanging Up the Jersey workbook to help athletes navigate life after sport.We talk about her experience transitioning out of volleyball, the identity shift that comes with it, and how she’s now helping other athletes through that same process in a real, tangible way. We love this episode, and we hope you do too!Connect with the Caitlin on Instagram: @cait.be.wellConnect with Caitlin on LinkedIn herePurchase Hanging Up the Jersey here on AmazonConnect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of After the Athlete, we chat with Dale Garland, the Run Director of the Hardrock 100. Before leading one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the world, Dale was an ultrarunner himself—pushing limits on the trails and even helping open the Colorado Trail through his own miles. After an injury brought his running career to an unexpected end, Dale was forced to redefine his identity and relationship with the sport he loved. Instead of walking away, he found a new purpose—helping build, shape, and lead a race that represents grit, community, and the true spirit of endurance.We talk about the transition out of running, what it means to stay connected to your passion in a new way, and how sometimes your next chapter ends up being even bigger than your first. Enjoy!!Learn more about the Hardrock 100 here: hardrock100.comConnect with the Hardrock 100 on Instagram: @hardrock100runConnect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to Season 2 of After the Athlete! We hope everyone is having a great 2026 so far. To kick things off, we’re joined by Jake Stewart and Mike Daniels, founders of Locker Room 2 Boardroom, a nationwide network dedicated to helping former athletes find opportunities, community, and just have access. They are also committed to helping college athletes bridge the gap between being and athlete and the real world. We discuss Jake and Mike's backgrounds as athletes, what their transition out of sports looked like, as well as how they started LR2BR. We are so excited to be back with new episodes every other Thursday. Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Learn more about Locker Room 2 Boardroom here: lr2br.comConnect with LR2BR on Instagram: @lockerroom2boardroomConnect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out Locker Room 2 Boardroom on YouTube⁠

HO HO HO AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! We have a short bonus episode for you today with the sister of all sisters, the one and only, Angi Reed. We are chatting all about our holiday season, favorite Christmas movies, songs, and doing some holiday trivia. Just a fun, athletics-free episode! We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season, we will see you in 2026!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to our “Season 1.5” recap! We’re breaking down our 11 guests from this season, revisiting our 3 solo episodes, and talking about the themes that came up again and again. It’s the perfect episode to catch up, reflect, and laugh with us.We’re so excited to bring you Season 2 in early 2026! We hope you all have an amazing holiday season :) See you soon!Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For Stine Emrick, soccer was everything, until an injury changed her plans. What followed was a new chapter built on resilience and finding purpose beyond the field.Now the Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for Utah State football, Stine helps athletes build both physical strength and confidence in who they are outside of sport. In this episode, she opens up about her journey from player to coach and how she’s using her experience to shape the next generation of athletes.Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Stine on Instagram: @stine_emrick

Annika Lucas knows what it takes to perform at the highest level—on and off the snow. A former Olympic and World Cup cross-country skier for Team Great Britain, Annika has since built a remarkable second act as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Dementia Practitioner, consultant, and more.In this episode, Annika opens up about her journey from Olympic athlete to professional and entrepreneur. She shares what it was like to step away from competitive skiing, how she found purpose in supporting active aging, and why she’s passionate about helping athletes re-engage with their sport in new ways. Now, as she returns to the Olympic stage as a commentator, Annika reflects on the importance of identity, reinvention, and finding joy beyond her sport.Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Annika on LinkedInFollow Annika's cute dog on Instagram: @dukelikespointing

Nicole Mendes has lived just about every athlete’s dream. She won national championships at Oklahoma, represented Team Mexico in the Olympics, competed professionally, and has had opportunities as a softball analyst for ESPN. But after a decorated softball career, she faced a new challenge: figuring out who she was once the game was no longer her whole world.In this episode, Nicole opens up about her transition out of softball, finding purpose beyond the field, and building her business, Chalk Talks, to help other athletes strengthen their mental game. It’s a real and honest look at what happens when the game ends and how you can channel that same drive into whatever comes next.Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠Follow Nicole on Instagram: @nicole_mendes__Connect with Nicole on TikTok: @nicole__mendes__

This week on After the Athlete, we’re joined by Sarah Lauren — a former Division II volleyball player who went from walk-on to earning a full-ride scholarship at Northwest Missouri State University. After graduation, Sarah faced the tough reality of life without sports, but found her way back through coaching, earning her Master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology, and ultimately launching her own consulting practice, now called EmpowerHER.In this conversation, Sarah opens up about betting on yourself, building a business from the ground up, and how her experiences as an athlete shape the way she now supports both current and former athletes. We also dive into her transition from player to coach, her passion for helping athletes strengthen their mental game, and a lot more. Enjoy!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠⁠Follow Sarah on Instagram: @say_hey_rahFollow EmpowerHER on Instagram: @empower_her_official_Follow Sarah on TikTok: @say.hey.rah

Every former athlete has asked themselves this question (even if it’s just in the back of their mind): Did I peak in college? In this episode, we open up about what “peaking” looked like for us—the adrenaline of game day or competing, the identity that came with being D1 athletes, and the abrupt drop-off once the crowds and recognition disappeared. We talk about the identity gap that follows, the pressure of comparison, and what it felt like to wonder if our best years were already behind us.But we’ve also learned that peaking doesn’t have to be one moment in time. We share the new “peaks” we’ve found since leaving sports—whether it’s career wins, building balance in our lives, or just enjoying moments with family and friends. This conversation is a reminder that your best years aren’t in the past—you get to choose what your next peak looks like.Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠

This week on After the Athlete, we sit down with Andy Ogide — former pro basketball player turned financial advisor. Andy played over a decade internationally, competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics with Team Nigeria, and was a standout at Colorado State University (go Rams!). Now, he’s helping athletes navigate their finances, NIL deals, and life beyond the game.We dive into Andy’s journey from the court to the financial world, the cultural highs and challenges of playing overseas, and what he wishes today’s athletes knew about managing money. Plus, we get his unfiltered take on NIL, the biggest financial mistakes young athletes make, and the advice he has for preparing for life after sports.Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠⁠@aftertheathlete⁠⁠Follow Andy on Instagram: @andyogideFollow Andy on LinkedIn: @andyogide

This week, we’re talking with legendary softball coach Kelly Ford and award-winning filmmaker Carolyn Coal about their powerful documentary Getting On Base. The film follows the Cal State Fullerton softball team through a season that highlights the pay gap, lack of media coverage, and limited professional opportunities for female athletes.We dive into what’s changed — and what hasn’t — since Title IX, how storytelling can shift the conversation around women’s sports, and the movement this documentary is fueling for women’s professional softball. Enjoy!Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠@aftertheathlete⁠Follow Getting on Base on Instagram: @gettingonbaseWatch Getting on Base on the Triple Crown Sports Network here.

It's just us two today! In this episode, we share our own perspectives of making the transition from being an athlete to working with athletes. We discuss why we chose to stay connected to the sports world, what we've learned, and how things have come full circle.From the adrenaline of competing to the pride (and nerves!) of watching athletes we now coach or work with, we talk about the big differences on either side of the sidelines.Whether you're a current athlete, a coach, or someone thinking about staying in sports in a new role—we hope you enjoy this conversation.Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@aftertheathletepodcast⁠Connect with us on TikTok: ⁠@aftertheathlete

From the tennis court to the pickleball court, Joey Farias has lived multiple athletic lives—and we’re diving into all of it on this episode of After the Athlete.A former top-ranked junior tennis player, Joey once competed against legends like Novak Djokovic and Juan Martín del Potro. But after injuries forced him to step away from tennis, he discovered pickleball—and found not just a new sport, but a whole new purpose.We talk about his early identity as a high-performance athlete, the emotional toll of career-ending injuries, and what it took to find joy in sport again. Joey shares how he’s redefined success, built a meaningful new career, and emerged as a leader in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. He also talks about what excites him most about the future of the game and his work with our friends at Triple Crown Sports and PickleCon. Listen now—we think you’re going to love this one.Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: @aftertheathletepodcastConnect with us on TikTok: @aftertheathleteFollow Joey on Instagram: @joeyfariaspickleball

We are SO excited for you all to hear this one! In this episode, pro gymnast Gracie Kramer joins After the Athlete to share her journey from elite gymnast to global media host—while still “flipping for a living” on social media.We talk about the pressure of earning a perfect 10, winning an NCAA Championship with UCLA, and navigating the transition out of college athletics while building a new identity beyond the mat.We loved this conversation with Gracie so much, and we hope you do too! Also, stay tuned for more information about Lexi's big news and check out her website here. Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram: @aftertheathletepodcastConnect with us on TikTok: @aftertheathleteFollow Gracie on Instagram: @gracie.kramerFollow Gracie on TikTok: @graciekramer8

Today on After the Athlete, we’re joined by Dr. Kirsten Cooper—former U.S. Ski Team member, national champion with the University of Colorado, and now a clinical psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant.After stepping away from elite alpine skiing, Kirsten earned her Master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She’s worked with the USOPC and U.S. Ski Team, and now supports athletes, teams, and high performers in her private practice.In this conversation, we dive into identity loss after sport, the mental health challenges many athletes face, and how to redefine success beyond competition. Enjoy!Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram⁠@aftertheathletepodcast

Today we’re joined by Casey Gutting, CMO of Triple Crown Sports—the company behind events like the WNIT, the Cancun Challenge, and a big reason we were able to bring After the Athlete back!From college and pro basketball to working in TV and film (yes, including Hannah Montana), Casey’s post-sports path has taken some unexpected turns. He also has coached, worked in athletic departments, and now leads in sports marketing—bringing a full-circle perspective on life after athletics. We loved this conversation and think you will too!Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it's the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram@aftertheathletepodcast

Lexi and Danika here! We’re BACK and have teamed up with the Triple Crown Sports Network to bring After the Athlete back to life, and we’re so stoked to tell you all about it. In this first episode, we’re catching you up on everything that’s happened since we last hit record: moving states, new jobs, new coaching opportunities, and more. We’ve got an incredible lineup of guests coming your way soon—but for now... welcome back!Follow, rate, and leave us a review—it’s the easiest way to support the pod and help other former athletes find us!Connect with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast

In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane and reflect on 3 different eras of our lives so far- youth/high school, college, and post-college/current adulthood. We talk about what we were like in each stage, how we’ve changed, and what we’ve learned. Listen in to find out why this one gets a little unexpectedly ✨sentimental✨🥹 To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) We're also now on TikTok, follow us at @aftertheathlete

In this episode, we are chatting about all of our favorite products, clothing brands, house items, and more! We love when we see others share their must-haves, so we wanted to do the same! Between our everyday workout gear, current favorite books, and can’t-live-without skincare items, we’re passionate about our recommendations. No gatekeeping around here! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) We're also now on TikTok, follow us at @aftertheathlete P.S. some exciting news from Lexi in this one!

In this day and age, social media is huge! In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons as well as our thoughts on social media. We share some of our own experiences with all of the platforms and what we’ve learned from it. Listen now- link in bio! To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) We're also now on TikTok, follow us at @aftertheathlete

We're back with a fun one this week! In this episode we share our unpopular opinions that can be controversial, including food, activities, music, etc. We also have a very special guest, the other half of the Reed sister duo, Angi! Listen to this (what we think is) amusing episode now! To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) We're also now on TikTok, follow us at @aftertheathlete !

In this episode, we are talking about all things nutrition! We share each of our experiences and journeys when it comes to food, what we've learned, and what works for us now. Then we dive into what we think about all of the fad diets. From Keto to TikTok trends, we dish out all of our opinions!  To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #aftertheathlete *Trigger Warning: Discussing food can be a sensitive topic for some* *We are not licensed nutritionists and these are only our personal opinions and what works for us*

In this episode of After the Athlete, we discuss everything about friendships. This means the good, the bad, and the ugly! We talk about growing apart from friends, the signs of a toxic friendship and how to deal with this, and making friends as an adult. We also talk about how bullies are still apparent to those growing up, in the work place, and across social media. Listen now and join the discussion! To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #aftertheathlete

New year new us? We’re back and better and most exciting of all…WE’RE REVAMPING! On this episode of After the Athlete, we dive into our 2023 goals, mindset, and visions both individually and as a group. We also talk about our 2023 Bucket list that we are eager to complete! Big things are happening this year and we are so excited to share and for you all to follow along with us on the journey!  To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #AfterTheAthlete

In this episode, we chat about adjusting to new schedules post-athlete life and dealing with stress/being busy (which explains why it’s been a minute since our last episode)! We address the topics of creating new routines, time management, work-life balance, and more (and admit to not having completely figured it all out yet!) We also each share our tips and favorite ways to cope with and reduce stress. If you’re finding yourself feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and BUSY in your post-athlete life, this episode is for you!  To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #AfterTheAthlete

In this episode, we are joined by Katie Spada (@fueling.former.athletes)! Katie was an artistic swimmer at THE Ohio State University and is currently a registered dietitian and nutritionist who specializes in helping former athletes ditch food guilt and improve their relationship with their bodies.  Katie talks with us about why she chose to specialize in working with former athletes, why former athletes often experience issues with food and body image, and how we can overcome those challenges to enjoy our post-athlete lives guilt-free and without restriction! Katie drops a ton of great knowledge and advice in this episode so trust us, YOU DEFINITELY WANT TO GIVE THIS ONE A LISTEN!  TW: In this particular episode, we do discuss some heavy topics that can be triggering involving disordered eating. To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #AfterTheAthlete

In this episode, the girls discuss their transitions from college student-athletes to entering the working world. They talk about the hardest parts, the best parts, and learning to apply the skills and experiences gained from years of sports to their current lives and careers. They also give some advice on making the transition and how to find and choose the right job for you. This is a big part of your mid-20s whether former athlete or not, so make sure to give this one a listen! To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #AfterTheAthlete

In this episode, the girls chat with their FIRST EVER GUEST- Jackie Ireland! Jackie played Division I soccer at Merrimack College in Massachusetts from 2016-2020. She has since grown a following on her social media account (@gymin_with_jac) where she shares workouts and recipes, but also keeps it real with posts about things like body image, mental health, and self love. The girls dive into a discussion about how to navigate your changing body post-sport, the pros and cons of social media, and how to deal with poor body image days, among other things. To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #AfterTheAthlete

Welcome back to the second episode of After the Athlete! In this episode Lexi, Danika and Brooke scrape the surface and talk about the initial transition and the biggest struggles they each went through. Listen in to see how they each found their new athlete identity, finding the joy in working out again and how they make new friends and connections in the next chapter. To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #AfterTheAthlete

Welcome to the first episode of After the Athlete! In this first episode, Lexi, Brooke, and Danika introduce themselves and share what inspired them to create this podcast and the vision for it moving forward. Listen in to hear how we all met, how each of us got into sports, a glimpse into what our journeys looked like as collegiate athletes, and where we all are now in our lives after the athlete. To support us you can subscribe, rate, and review After the Athlete podcast on Apple and Spotify! And make sure to follow along with us on Instagram @aftertheathletepodcast :) #AfterTheAthlete