Louie Stec's Simple Podcast

Iowa Hawkeyes starting center Logan Jones joins the show to share his incredible journey from Council Bluffs High School to becoming one of the top centers in college football. Originally recruited to Iowa as a defensive lineman, Logan made the switch to the offensive line and has since developed into a leader of the Hawkeyes offense and a projected NFL Draft pick. In this episode, we talk about h...

Sam LaPorta is a Pro Bowl tight end for the Detroit Lions and one of the NFL’s fastest-rising stars. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Sam made history in his rookie season with 86 receptions, 889 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns — becoming the first rookie tight end in NFL history to hit all three marks. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and selected to the 2024 Pro Bowl. B...

Nick Phelps was a backup punter at the University of Iowa when his life changed in an instant — a devastating leg injury on the field left his bone protruding through the skin. Doctors said he might never walk the same again. What followed was a journey of resilience: three surgeries, a year away from football, and a complete rebuild — physically and mentally. Not only did Nick return to the field...

0:00 Introduction 3:00 Starting as a true freshman 6:00 Losing the ability to snap 14:06 Signing with the Chicago Bears 23:43 The business of the NFL 25:58 How did you start snapping 33:48 The mental battle of being a long snapper 37:23 Who will be the Hawkeyes next Head Coach? 41:11 What are the best weather conditions for a snapper? 45:11 Most hated team in the Big-10 53:11 Grass vs Turf 56:11 G...

In this episode, I sit down with Grace Stec , a newly minted nurse who recently returned from an unforgettable medical trip to Kenya . Grace shares what she experienced while working alongside local healthcare providers, the cultural differences that opened her eyes, and how the people she met gave her a new perspective on life, gratitude, and community. 0:00 - Introduction 1:20 How Grace got sick...

In this episode, we dive into how AI tools like Google Veo could be the final nail in Hollywood’s coffin, explore the powerful legacy of the Comanche tribe, and break down the absurd state of modern politics. From ancient warrior culture to cutting-edge tech, this one covers it all. 0:00 - Introduction 3:00 Dogs 8:40 Ai Taking Over 20:03 Starved Rock State Park 28:50 The Comanche 37:00 Starting a...

In this episode we take a deep dive into the journey of Kaevon Merriweather, a hard-hitting safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From his unconventional path to college football at Iowa to earning a spot in the NFL, Merriweather’s story is one of grit, resilience, and heart. We break down what makes him a rising talent on the Bucs’ defense, how his leadership is already turning heads, and why fans...

Fres Oquendo is a Puerto Rican-American heavyweight boxer with over two decades of experience in the ring. Known for his slick footwork, iron chin, and relentless work ethic, he’s faced off against some of the biggest names in boxing, including Evander Holyfield, James Toney, and John Ruiz. Throughout his career, Fres fought for multiple world titles and became a symbol of perseverance in one of t...

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski to talk about his huge transfer from South Dakota State , what it’s like adjusting to the Big Ten , and his mindset heading into the 2025 season. Mark opens up about winning national championships at SDSU, why he made the move to Iowa, and what Hawkeye fans can expect from him this fall. We also dig into leade...

Episode #52 out now. Dr. Robert Renteria is a U.S. Army veteran, award-winning author, national civic leader, and now a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. He’s running alongside James Menderick, who’s campaigning to be the next Governor of Illinois. Dr. Renteria has dedicated his life to sharing his journey from the streets of East L.A. to global stages, using his books and outreach pr...

Quinn Schulte is a former Iowa Football player. Quinn, who is currently a free agent after earning a rookie mini-camp invitation from the Las Vegas Raiders. In this episode, we delve into Quinn's remarkable journey from a walk-on at Iowa to becoming a key leader in the Hawkeyes' secondary. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 203 total tackles, six interceptions, and 13 pass breakups. We discuss...

Episode #50 out now. Henry and Michael Marchese are both former Big Ten football players. Henry played at the university of Iowa from 2017-2021 playing as a wide receiver and Michael played at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2017-2022 playing as a linebacker and tight-end. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. 0:00 - Introduction 0:24 Start to the NFL Draft 6:20 Sh...

Episode #49 out now. Julian Love is the starting safety for the Seattle Seahawks and a first-time Pro Bowler. Before joining Seattle, he played for the New York Giants, and prior to his NFL career, he was a standout defensive back at Notre Dame, where he became a consensus All-American and set the school record for career pass breakups. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. 0:00 -...

Tory Taylor is the starting punter for the Chicago Bears. Tory was drafted in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft from the University of Iowa. In college Tory was named a First-Team All-American and also being named the Ray Guy award winner, given to the nations top punter. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. EPISODE LINKS: Tory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torytaylor9/...

Ethan Hurkett is a defensive end at the University of Iowa. Ethan will be a senior this year finishing his last season with the team making it his 6th year. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. 0:00 - Introduction 0:24 No More Walk On’s 4:20 New Eligibility Rules 8:00 Playing at Xavier 14:00 Dealing with Injuries 19:21 Run Game or Pass 24:00 Gable Stevenson’s Loss 28:02 Picking up...

Luke Lachey is a football player and plays at the tight end position. Luke just finished his last season at the University of Iowa and has recently just finished testing at the NFL combine. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. 0:00 - Introduction 0:24 Performance at the NFL Combine 6:12 Being recruited by Iowa 10:26 College football in 2020 16:00 Fall Camp 20:21 Craziest Away Game...

Tim Racki is the head coach of Nazareth Academy. Coach Racki has won a total of 10 state championships in Illinois. He secured four titles with Addison Driscoll High School from 2001 to 2004. Since joining Nazareth Academy in 2005, Racki has led the team to six state championships, with the most recent in 2024. The first 3-peat in school history. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast...

Samson Evans is a football player and plays at the running back position. Samson has played at Eastern Michigan and the University of Iowa. He also played at Prairie Ridge High School leading his team to back to back state titles with a record of 28-0. Full episode linked in bio. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to stay tuned in for weekly episodes! 0:00 - Introducti...

Des Mulrooney

Michael Buchanan is a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots. He played college football at the University of Illinois before being drafted by the Patriots in the 7th round. He now trains defensive linemen, helping shape the next generation of football talent. Follow him at [@MikeBuchananHandle]. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to st...

Steve Gray is a strength and conditioning coach and owner/founder of Base Fit Performance. Steve is launching this spring Built for Speed where he will be doing sports performance training, private coaching, and adult training. Full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to stay tuned in for weekly episodes! 0:00 - Introduction 0:24 Growing a Successful Program 10:03 Great Play...

Nate Oquendo is a former football player and current coach/owner of the program OL Mafia. OL Mafia is one of the top programs in the country for developing offensive linemen at the high school, collegiate, and professional level. Nate Previously played college football and at Western Illinois and provides his story after college football in this week's episode. Follow OL Mafia with the following l...

Demetri Brillakis is a former Football player and former teammate of Louie. Demetri and Louie talk about life after football is over. Subscribe to stay tuned in for weekly podcasts! 0:00 - Introduction 1:34 Traveling To Different Countries 15:45 Growing Up in Tough Environments 15:00 Life Post Football 30:00 The Status of the NBA 38:00 Tom Brady Wanted to Be a Chicago Bear 43:35 Best Time to Be Bo...

Vinny Cerone is a Stand up Comedian in the Chicago land area. He currently works the Comedy Vault in Batavia Illinois. Follow Vinny on instagram @vinnycerone Subscribe to stay tuned in for weekly podcasts! 0:00 - Introduction 0:24 First Time Doing Stand Up 7:00 Overnight Sensations 11:00 Norm Macdonald Stories 20:00 Getting Opportunities on Stage 30:00 Tough Crowds 36:12 Moving out of Chicago 44:0...

Sam Stec is a football player and plays as a center and an offensive tackle. Sam just completed his senior year with Nazareth Academy after winning 3 state championships in a row.