The Human Athlete

Welcome to The Human Athlete. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Kaiser, a Wisconsin native, PGA Class A professional, and one of the state’s top golf instructors. Jeff shares his journey from picking up a club at age four to competing at the collegiate and national levels, and how the lessons learned along the way shaped his successful career as a coach and mentor. We explore his transition f...

Welcome back to The Human Athlete . This episode features Keaton Nankiville, a former Wisconsin Badger basketball standout and European pro turned venture investor. Keaton shares his journey from growing up immersed in Madison’s basketball culture to competing overseas and eventually building a career in venture capital, focusing on sports and technology. We explore how his identity as an athlete...

On this episode of The Human Athlete , we sit down with Taylor Mehlhaff—former NFL kicker, Wisconsin Badgers standout, coach, and entrepreneur. Taylor shares his journey from small-town South Dakota to the NFL, the pressures of being one of the few kickers drafted, and lessons learned through both triumph and hardship. We dive into his transitions from athlete to coach to life beyond football, exp...

On this episode of The Human Athlete , we sit down with Julie Raeder, a former standout multi-sport athlete from Oostburg, Wisconsin. Julie helped lead her high school to multiple state appearances before becoming the all-time leading scorer at Cardinal Stritch University. But her story doesn't end with on-court accomplishments. Julie shares her journey through the challenges and triumphs of high...

Welcome to The Human Athlete! In today’s episode, we sit down with JJ Koval a former professional soccer player turned entrepreneur and dentist. JJ shares his unique journey from growing up in Camarillo, California, through his collegiate soccer experience at Stanford University, and on to being drafted into Major League Soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes. After a professional career that includ...

Welcome to The Human Athlete , where we explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals who have achieved excellence both on and off the field. In today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Tupac, a highly respected volleyball coach with over 20 years of experience, who has impacted the game across four continents. From coaching Division I teams to mentoring Olympians, Jesse’s story is one of resil...

Today, I’m joined by Jeff Mack, a former linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers who played under Barry Alvarez from 2000 to 2003. A four-year starter, team captain, All-Big Ten selection, and co-MVP of the 2002 Alamo Bowl, Jeff's athletic career laid the foundation for everything that followed. After a brief opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings, Jeff built a successful career in banking and mortga...

In this episode of The Human Athlete , two-time Olympian, national champion, and Wisconsin Badger Kelsey Ki shares her journey from a multi-sport childhood to competing on the world stage in the discus throw. Kelsey reflects on her unique athletic career, including working with the same coach from youth sports through the Olympics, and discusses the realities of competing in an Olympic sport that...

Welcome to The Human Athlete. Today, we talk with Chris Streveler, a former professional quarterback whose path from undrafted college player to CFL standout and NFL competitor is a story of resilience and determination. Chris reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his football career, the value of teamwork, and the lessons he’s carrying into life after the game. Now a coach and mentor, he’s d...

Welcome to The Human Athlete, where we explore the lives and insights of extraordinary figures from the world of sports. In today’s episode, Jared sits down with legendary coach Jane Albright, whose impact on women's college basketball is both wide-reaching and deeply transformative. From her beginnings as a standout player at Appalachian State, to coaching under Pat Summitt at Tennessee, and lead...

Jared welcomes Alex Erickson-former NFL wide receiver, Wisconsin Badger, entrepreneur, and dedicated family man for a candid conversation about life beyond the gridiron. Alex shares his inspiring journey from his small-town Wisconsin roots, through his walk-on days at UW, to carving out a nine-year professional career in one of the world’s most competitive sports environments. Alex and Jared dig d...

Welcome to The Human Athlete podcast. Today, we sit down with Keith Wilford, a mental health and wellness educator at YSC Academy, founder of the Wilford Movement, and former All American lacrosse player at Widener University. With over 20 years of experience coaching, counseling, and mentoring student athletes, Keith helps young people grow not just in athletic performance, but as leaders navigat...

On this episode of The Human Athlete , host Jared Markiewicz talks with Peyton Sewell, a former Division I volleyball player at the University of North Dakota. She shares her late start in the sport, rise through competitive volleyball, and the highs and lows of collegiate athletics—including burnout, coaching changes, and losing her passion for the game. Peyton also opens up about building a larg...

Welcome to The Human Athlete. In today’s episode, host Jared Markiewicz sits down with Mariah Dunham—a seasoned basketball coach, former collegiate athlete, educator, and lifelong learner. Mariah’s journey takes us from her early days as a standout high school player in Wisconsin, through earning three letters at the University of Wisconsin and starring at Northern Michigan University, to her curr...

Welcome to the debut solo episode of The Human Athlete , hosted by Jared Markiewicz! In this kickoff, Jared dives deep into the journey of elite athletes as they transition beyond the world of competitive sports and rediscover purpose, passion, and excellence in life after athletics. Jared shares his own personal story about shifting identity—from being a hands-on coach to stepping into new roles—...