The Human Athlete

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—...