The Athletes Podcast

What if you could transform your training regimen to mimic real game scenarios and elevate your performance? Join us as we sit down with Zack Zillner, the dynamic sports performance coach for the University of Texas women's basketball team. Learn from Zack's inspiring journey, from overcoming an Achilles injury to running marathons, and his extensive experience with NCAA champions. Hear...

What does it take to shine both on the basketball court and in the digital world? Dakota Rivers from Florida Gulf Coast University is here to share his journey from local courts in Fort Myers to being a standout in the March Madness College Slam Dunk competition. Dakota reveals the rigorous training behind his jaw-dropping athleticism, the community spirit at FGCU, and the personal stories that fu...

Ever wondered how early physical activity can shape a young girl's confidence and resilience? Tune in as we chat with the incredible McKiya Mazur , better known as @movewithmck on Instagram. This dynamic athlete shares her inspiring journey from the St. FX hockey rink to now jumping into the Hyrox competition circuit. McKiya’s story of overcoming significant injuries such as a concussion, bro...

What does success mean to you? Fiona Hatton hosts David Stark, the host of The Athletes Podcast, for a quick discussion that goes beyond traditional notions of success. From humble beginnings interviewing athletes in his college bedroom to now inspiring thousands daily, David offers a fresh perspective on doing meaningful work with passionate people. We explore his journey and the pivotal role of...

Can a team-based format elevate Canadian track and field to new heights? Last week, we sat down with Quinn Lyness, the Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) founder, to uncover the innovative approach poised to revolutionize the sport. Modelled after the success of Formula One and other major team sports, Quinn's vision brings a fresh and competitive edge to track and field. We'll break...

Episode #231 promises to transform your understanding of athletic performance and recovery through the cutting-edge device, the Narwhal . Learn about Apex Cool Labs ' palm cooling technology with co-founders Evy Lyons and Ariel Paul . Sparked by a Huberman Lab podcast, gain exclusive insights into how this remarkable tool is optimizing the game for elite athletes, including NHL player Zach Hy...

What if a single TikTok video could change your life forever? Meet Sabrina Oostburg, a remarkable Belmont track and field athlete who unexpectedly catapulted to social media stardom after a video of her doing pull-ups went viral. In this episode, Sabrina candidly shares her journey of balancing her dual roles as a student-athlete and social media influencer. You'll get an insider's look...

A record-breaking 700-pound EQ bench press and a meteoric rise in powerlifting and arm wrestling? Join us as we sit down with Ashleigh Hoeta, an extraordinary athlete who has not only shattered records but also defied the odds by overcoming personal adversities including a stroke. You'll hear firsthand about her journey from her gymnastics roots to becoming the women's Oceania champion i...

Join us as Toni Rodriguez, from a freshman starting out in the sport to LSU volleyball star to and now, professional beach volleyball player. Toni shares her journey through the competitive sports world. Dive into the lessons she's learned about discipline, resilience, and mastering life's agreements both on and off the court. In this episode, Toni discusses her transition to pro sport,...

Join us as we dive into a masterclass on endurance with the inspiring Liam Redmond . This episode goes beyond basic training tips; it's a deep dive into how running and strength training complement each other. Liam and David explore the essentials of nutrition, from carb-loading to crafting the perfect recovery plan, ensuring you're prepped for the long haul. We'll also tackle the m...

When it comes to the fitness industry, it's not all about the numbers on the weights or the treadmill. Lee Boyce and David Stark discuss the power of creating strong client relationships, the role of a well-rounded knowledge base, and the critical balance between professional demands and personal well-being. This episode isn't just about how to stay in shape; it's a blueprint for li...

Ever wonder how athletes juggle the demands of multiple sports at an elite level? Kaitlyn Ross and Madison Willan , prolific multi-sport competitors in hockey, and baseball, uncover the intricacies of chasing glory across various playing fields. Wrapping up our chat, a poignant discussion emerges about the evolution of women's sports and the aspirations that come with it—from dreaming of prof...

Evan Birch is an ultra-runner whose story of mental and physical endurance will captivate and inspire you. From competitive soccer to trailblazing through the world of ultra marathons, Evan's dedication to conquering the unthinkable—a near-300-mile run at the Speed Project —reveals the transformative power of pushing past your known boundaries. Embarking on an epic run from the bustling stree...

Imagine the raw determination it takes to excel as a Navy SEAL, then channelling that same tenacity into creating a fitness empire. That's exactly what Randy Hetrick, our latest guest and the ingenious mind behind TRX Training and Outfit Training, has accomplished. In this riveting conversation, Randy takes us from the wrestling mats and rowing regattas of his college years, through the harro...

Unlock the secrets to peak metabolic health and disease prevention with our latest guest, Dr. Nick, aka @thefittestdoc on Instagram. His captivating insights debunk the myths surrounding fad diets and strategically align your carbohydrate intake with your workout regimen for optimum results. Check out his website here ! As we chat with Dr. Nick, you'll be equipped with hormone-focused, data-d...

Have you ever considered what sets elite athletes apart from the rest? Dr. Ben Sporer, with his rich background in sports performance and physiology, joins us to unravel the intricacies of achieving peak athletic excellence. From his early days as a lacrosse enthusiast to his pivotal roles with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and as a consultant, his journey is a testament to the power of passion pivot...

Experience the transformative journey of athletic training with Justin Roethlingshoefer, former NHL performance coach and the innovative mind behind Own It, as we venture through a paradigm shift from one-size-fits-all fitness programs to the world of highly individualized training solutions. Witness the power of personalization in our latest session, where Justin and I push through an intense wor...

Episode 219 of the show features Mariam Abdul-Rashid, a dynamic Canadian athlete whose life journey mirrors the hurdles she conquers on the track. From academic achievements to athletic triumphs, Mariam's story embodies resilience and ambition. Travel with us under the Miami sun as Mariam shares her electrifying experiences, from hurdling in her family's hallway to setting personal bests...

In this special episode, we're en route to Supplement King's 100th store opening in Victoria with Perfect Sports, alongside the World's Strongest Man, Mitchell Hooper, and guest Kate, in the AP Ford Pickup Truck. Dive into an inspiring conversation with host David Stark as we explore Mitchell's journey to the pinnacle of strength sports, uncovering the resilience and dedication...

Episode #217 features Devan McConnell , the High-Performance Director for the Arizona Coyotes. From his earlier days working with Mike Boyle to developing his High Performance Model at UMASS, to being a leading expert in high-performance sports, Devan shares invaluable insights and advice for athletes of all levels. Explore the intricate world of athletic development and the crucial role of passio...

Kayti Simonson is a lawyer and hybrid athlete out of Alberta, Canada. Kayti shares her experiences navigating the competitive world of athletics alongside academic pursuits, shedding light on the pressures of societal timelines and the importance of aligning actions with goals. Beyond personal growth, Kayti shares her perspectives on fostering community, tackling contentious issues, and the inters...

Episode 215 features Christian Dyer, a USA rugby player and health & wellness fanatic shares his journey from a sports-focused all-boys school to the peaks of professional rugby. Learn about his disciplined approach to training, smart nutrition, and mental strength, and how these elements combine for peak performance. Christian also discusses the importance of mental health, resilience, and co...

Meet Karla, Carrie, Carolyn, and Dala – four Canadian Masters athletes who are redefining what it means to compete with time. They're not just running; they're leading a movement that proves passion doesn't age, and every finish line is the start of a new challenge. In this episode, we dive into the world of Masters Track, where age grading levels the playing field, allowing seasone...

Ever wondered what fuels the tenacity of high-performance athletes and the therapists who keep them at their peak? This episode brings you an inspiring conversation with a former athlete turned manual osteopath, whose journey from environmental science to sports therapy is nothing short of extraordinary. With firsthand experience in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL, our multifaceted guest peels back the lay...

Embarking on a remarkable journey of endurance, both in sport and in life, Parker Olson joins us to share his tale of triumph over trials. Imagine the perseverance it takes to live out of a Japanese pop-up camper, all while building a burgeoning food brand from scratch ( Forij ). Parker's narrative is a vivid illustration of the tenacity required for marathon runners and innovative entreprene...