The Playbook with Colin Jonov

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to optimizing your health and athletic performance with the power of algae nutrition. Join us as we sit down with Catherine Arnston, founder and CEO of Energy Bits, to explore the incredible benefits of spirulina and chlorella. Discover how these superfoods, rich in bioavailable protein and essential nutrients, can enhance high-protein diets like keto and carniv...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how going barefoot could improve your game on and off the field? Join us as we chat with Rex Sunahara, the Cleveland Browns' long snapper, who shares his unique take on minimal footwear inspired by his father and NFL colleague Mack Hollins. Rex gives us a peek into his pre-game rituals, honing his mental and physical readiness by soaking in the energy of the fie...

Send us Fan Mail  Inside linebackers coach Michael Weick and I revisit those electrifying moments from the football field and share how they've shaped both our careers and personal lives. Join us as we navigate the emotional highs and lows of balancing demanding professions with family milestones, like that first nerve-wracking parent-teacher conference. Our conversation is a heartfelt explor...

Send us Fan Mail Are sports just games, or are they arenas for deeper societal issues? Join us as Dr. Mitch Abrams, a sport and forensic psychologist, pulls back the curtain on how language and perceptions of masculinity shape professional sports. Words like "bitch" and "asshole" take on new meanings in this context, challenging athletes and the public to reconsider their conno...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you reach your breaking point but decide to turn it into a breakthrough? Join us for a profound conversation with Tre Tipton, who courageously shares the moment he stood on the edge, contemplating life and death, only to find a reason to step back and embrace self-love. Tre delves into the journey of competing against oneself and the transformative power of self-...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when an athlete transitions from the roar of the stadium to the quiet life post-retirement? Alex Presley, former Major League Baseball player and now Sportsnet Pittsburgh analyst, takes us through his inspiring journey, from his humble beginnings at Ole Miss to a decade-long career in the big leagues. Alex’s story is one of determination, perseverance, and the unexpec...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Andy Isabella, the talented NFL wide receiver currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he shares the pivotal moments that have shaped his career and personal growth. From his surprising second-place finish in the Biletnikoff Award during his senior year in college to the powerful practice of writing down goals, Andy opens up about the m...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what happens when a former MLB player channels his competitive spirit into new arenas? Michael "The Fort" Mckenry joins us to share his journey of staying active after retiring from professional sports, illustrating the endless possibilities of pursuing fresh passions. Hear the inspiring tale of a man who found his love for running later in life and became...

Send us Fan Mail What truly drives an Olympian? Aron McGuire, CEO of USA Bobsled and Skeleton, joins us to unravel the fascinating contrasts in athlete motivations—be it the burning ambition for gold or the honor of representing one's country. Together, we navigate the grueling path to elite performance, emphasizing the fusion of genetic predisposition and environmental conditioning that shap...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to achieve greatness in the world of professional sports? Former MLB catcher, World Series champion, and Olympian Ryan Lavarnway has some answers. Ryan opens up about his journey through the tumultuous world of professional baseball, sharing insights on resilience, dedication, and the personal sacrifices that came with chasing his dreams. He recounts how moving 6...

Send us Fan Mail Could diet sodas be the healthier choice in the battle against sugar's adverse effects? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Kyle Baum, a registered nurse with a background in exercise science and nutrition, as we dissect the myths surrounding artificial sweeteners. We challenge the fear-mongering prevalent on social media by scrutinizing studies often conducted under...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about what it takes to achieve Olympic success and maintain resilience through life's challenges? Join us as we sit down with Natalie Wideman, Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist for Team Canada softball. Natalie shares her journey of relentless dedication, the strategic decisions that fueled her success, and the critical importance of aligning actions with words—a pri...

Send us Fan Mail Can relentless hard work alone truly lead to excellence? Join us as we challenge this pervasive myth with insights from Brian Miles, the Major League Mental Performance Coach for the Cleveland Guardians, and Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist and executive in professional sports. This episode is a refreshing take on hustle culture, emphasizing the crucial role of recovery a...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an extraordinary journey with Tony Hoffman, a former BMX prodigy who spiraled into addiction, faced the depths of prison, and emerged as an Olympic coach and sought-after mental health speaker. Tony’s story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, discipline, and a profound shift in mindset. We'll uncover how prison became the pivotal moment that sa...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how reducing screen time and embracing the habit of reading can transform your life? Join us as we sit down with Terry Grossetti, the dynamic owner of Grossetti Performance, who shares his remarkable journey from feeling digitally overwhelmed to setting the impressive goal of reading 75 books a year. Terry dives into the negative impacts of high screen time and how i...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to mastering discipline and hard work with Brian Kight, the mastermind behind DailyDiscipline.com and a revered coach to coaches. Ever wondered how to separate your emotions from your actions to achieve your greatest goals? Brian shares his transformative journey, guided by Mike Rowe's grandfather's wisdom: "Don't follow your passion, just al...

Send us Fan Mail What if experiencing both joy and disappointment is the secret to an athlete's ultimate success? Join us as we explore this concept with special guests Bhrett McCabe and Brady Howe, who share the untold stories of how elite athletes like Rory McIlroy and LeBron James navigate the emotional highs and lows of their careers. You'll learn how these athletes regulate their em...

Send us Fan Mail How does a life motto inherited from a father's battle with polio shape a career in competitive figure skating and judging? Meet Amelia Keene, a former figure skater turned US figure skating judge, who embodies resilience with her steadfast principle of "just get up." Her journey is marked not only by her own competitive experiences but also by her empathetic approa...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a game-winning play is crafted in the heat of an overtime thriller? Tune in as we sit down with Coach Joe Moorhead, head football coach at the University of Akron, who takes us behind the scenes of Fordham's unforgettable 2014 victory against Bucknell. Relive the nail-biting moments, including the iconic sluggo route to Tebucky Jones, Jr., and gain exclusive...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how top athletes unwind off the field? Tune in as we chat with Amari Gainer, the dynamic linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders, who offers a glimpse into his world beyond the gridiron. Amari shares his passion for gaming, recounting his competitive online matches with teammates like Jared Verse and Trey Benson, and how streaming has become a significant part of his li...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling life beyond the sports arena with our special guest, Sam Card, a former Pitt softball star turned Fortune 100 executive, and now the visionary CEO of Success Beyond Game Day. Discover how Sam made the brave leap from a lucrative corporate career to follow her passion, aiming to leave a lasting legacy. Sam shares her wisdom on prioritizing fulfill...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how an Olympic gold medalist handles the pressure of high-stakes competition? Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Connor Fields, who opens up about his emotional journey to winning gold in BMX. Connor sheds light on how he managed self-doubt and self-sabotage, and reveals the unique mental strategies that propelled him to the top. Learn how daily pressure...

Send us Fan Mail Can balancing identity and acceptance really boost athletic performance? Join us as we welcome Dr. Kacey Oiness and Dr. Brett Haskell, two distinguished psychologists in sport and performance psychology, who share their expertise on this compelling subject. Leveraging their backgrounds as collegiate athletes, they provide unparalleled insights into the pressures and complexities o...

Send us Fan Mail Madison Hock opens up about the whirlwind experience of becoming a new mother to twins while balancing her career as a sports reporter for Bally Sports Southwest. She shares candidly about the immense joys and challenges that come with parenting, touching on how she and her husband prepared for this monumental life change. Madison also highlights the unique personalities of her da...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a pastor turns YouTube show host and American Ninja Warrior contestant? Join us for a captivating conversation with Johnathan Morin, who shares his journey of living with purpose through his faith in Jesus. From leadership in the family to extraordinary feats on national TV, Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of intentional living and trusting in a...