The GO EARN IT Podcast

Shane Sparks welcomes Cole Konrad, a wrestling legend from the University of Minnesota and an undefeated Bellator champion in MMA. Konrad discusses his journey from being a top high school heavyweight to achieving collegiate wrestling glory and making a mark in the MMA world. Timestamps College Sports Achievements with a Former Athlete (0:02) Wrestling Success, Motivation, and Dedication (1:01) Hi...

Shane Sparks sits down with Matt Valenti, a distinguished figure in collegiate wrestling and athletics administration. Valenti shares insights from his journey as a multi-sport athlete in high school to becoming a two-time NCAA wrestling champion for the University of Pennsylvania. He’s now working at his alma mater as a Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Leadership and Development. The conve...

Join Shane Sparks as he delves into the inspiring journey of Anthony Cassar, from his singular New Jersey state championship to clinching the NCAA heavyweight title with Penn State. Cassar shares his transition into MMA, the mental and physical preparation that propelled him to success, and the lessons learned from setbacks. Timestamps Passion, Grit, and Perseverance in Wrestling and MMA (0:02) Ca...

Shane Sparks sits down with wrestling legend Tommy Rowlands, discussing his illustrious career from high school dominance to international competition. They delve into Rowlands' rivalry with Steve Mocco, his Olympic journey, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Timestamps Wrestling Career with Two-Time State Champion Tommy Rowlands (0:02) Wrestling Career, High School State Titles, and Coll...

In this episode, Shane Sparks welcomes Doug Schwab, a three-time All-American, national champion at Iowa, 2008 Olympian, and the head coach at the University of Northern Iowa. Schwab shares his insights on wrestling, coaching, and life, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, discipline, and the impact of great mentors. Key Points Discussed Schwab's Wrestling Journey: From his early experience...

Shane Sparks sits down with wrestling legend Mark Ironside, a Cedar Rapids native known for his remarkable career at Iowa and his dynamic role in the KXIC wrestling broadcast team. Ironside was a four-time All-American at Iowa from 1995-1998 and was a two-time NCAA champion, claiming titles in 1997 and 1998 at 134 pounds. Ironside was the 1998 Dan Hodge Trophy winner. Sparks and Ironside delve int...

Shane Sparks jumps into Episode 10 of the Go Earn It Podcast with current Stanford assistant coach Ryan Deakin. A native of Broomfield, Colorado and a two-time high school state champion at Legacy High School, Deakin qualified for the NCAA championships five times at Northwestern. He was a four-time All-American, placing three times and was named first-team All-American in 2020. He won a 2022 NCAA...

Shane Sparks sits down with Mark Hall, a distinguished wrestler known for his six individual state championships and tenure as a four-time All-American at Penn State. Now an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania, Hall shares insights from his extensive wrestling career, the impact of his coaches, and the mental strategies that have shaped his approach to the sport. Timestamps Wrestling...

Shane Sparks welcomes Dom Bradley, a two-time All-American from the University of Missouri and recent winner of the U.S. Senior Nationals. At 34, Bradley has qualified for his fourth Olympic Team Trials. The episode delves into his extensive wrestling career, techniques, personal growth, and the unique challenges of competing at an elite level in his mid-thirties. Timestamps Wrestling Techniques a...

Join host Shane Sparks as he engages with Alex Dieringer, a Wisconsin native and renowned wrestler with an impressive record as a four-time NCAA Division I All-American and three-time NCAA Champion. They delve into a range of topics covering Dieringer's wrestling journey, from his preparation and mental toughness to his experiences at Oklahoma State and beyond. Timestamps Wrestling Preparation and...

Shane Sparks hosts Patrick Glory, the 2023 NCAA Champion from Princeton University, in a conversation that covers Glory's wrestling journey, his approach to mental toughness, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his career. Timestamps Wrestling Background and Identity (0:02) Wrestling Career and Mental Toughness (3:16) Mental Preparation and State Championship Wins in Wrestling (6:39) Colleg...

In this episode of The GO EARN IT Podcast, host Shane Sparks sits down with multiple-time NCAA wrestling All-American, Alex Marinelli from the University of Iowa. Marinelli shares insights and stories from his remarkable wrestling career, reflecting on intense rivalries, personal growth, and the lessons learned both on and off the mat. Episode Timestamps: 0:03 - The Intensity of the Iowa-Iowa Stat...

Shane Sparks talks with multiple-time All-American and recent Bill Farrell International winner Trent Hidlay of NC State. A three-time All-American, Hidlay has finished second, fifth and fourth in his first three seasons in the Wolfpack lineup. Learn more about his with Shane Sparks on the GO EARN IT Podcast.

In this insightful episode, Shane Sparks sits down with Chris Perry, a decorated wrestler and current assistant coach at Oklahoma State. Perry, a four-time Big 12 champion, delves into his wrestling journey, discussing everything from his father's influence and high school challenges to the pressures of college wrestling and the importance of mental toughness. Wrestling with Chris Perry, 4-Time Bi...

Join host Shane Sparks as he engages with Nick Lee, a member of Team USA's men's freestyle wrestling team. Lee, a two-time NCAA Champion and five-time All-American at Penn State, delves into his wrestling journey, the influence of his family and faith, and the experiences that have shaped his career and personal growth. Nick Lee discusses the intertwining of family values, language, and his wrestl...

In this episode, Shane Sparks sits down with Stevan Micic, the 2023 Men's Freestyle Wrestling World Champion from Serbia. They dive deep into Stevan's wrestling journey, from his high school days to becoming a world champion. Topics range from mental preparation and memorable matches to the challenges of winning an NCAA championship and balancing life and wrestling. Timestamps Wrestling Career and...

Trailer/introduction for the Go Earn It Podcast, hosted by award-winning wrestling broadcaster Shane Sparks.