The Unsung Athlete

In this episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast , I sit down with Clay Udley —athlete, MMA fighter, coach, gym owner, and proud father—for a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and legacy. Clay takes us from his childhood competing in backyard competitions, to college football, to the pro MMA ring, and ultimately to building a gym rooted in inclusion and community. Along the way...

In this deeply moving episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast , I sit down with Kristi Udley —mother, wife, athlete, and co-owner of Mark 44 Martial Arts Academy . Kristi shares her powerful journey of identity, resilience, and rediscovering herself through sport—from growing up in a competitive athletic family, to heartbreak after not making the volleyball team, to finding strength again through Mu...

In this episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast , I’m joined by my dear friend, the one and only David Koll. David is the kind of person who lights up every room he walks into. A loving dad, an incredible husband, and a bright, steady presence in this world, he brings heart, humility, and grit to everything he does. Outside of work, David is pure Minnesota spirit — from time on his land hunting and...

In this episode of The Unsung Athlete Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Jonathan Carone — dad, coach, and entrepreneur. Jonathan is the founder of Healthy Sports Parents , a podcast and social platform helping parents lead their kids through youth sports without losing their minds. With a background in student ministries and experience across every level of youth athletics, from rec leagues to...

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Coach Khalil Shakeel—Army veteran, author of A Better M.A.L.E. , and Ft. Bragg Boxing Hall of Famer. From headlining "Friday Night Fights" to mentoring young men for over 20 years, Coach Khalil continues to lead with purpose. As the founder of Ambition Boxing Academy in Fayetteville, NC, he still trains before sunrise—and wears pink every day in me...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Angela Lewis, a former professional basketball player who stood an incredible 6'1" at just 12 years old! Beyond the court, she's authored The Game Changing Assist and Post Moves , powerful guides helping athletes navigate life after competition. With a new book on the horizon aimed at uplifting the next generation, Angela's mission conti...

In this episode, we kick off Season 2 of The Unsung Athlete Podcast , with the legendary Coach Justin "Gus" Kratzke of Burnsville Martial Arts Academy — a lifelong martial artist, mentor, coach and husband. For nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed Gus build his dream gym, shape generations of athletes (including my own daughters), and lead with heart, discipline, and compassion. His story is...

This month we welcome Willie Little, entrepreneur, philanthropist, coach and unsung athlete to the show. Willie inspires youth through his non-profit, Athlead, an organization that gives youth an opportunity to succeed in track and field and in life. You won't want to miss Willie's story as he dives into what it means to be a father, to be a coach to many, and to navigate the mental health...

In this episode, Zoe Jackson, an 11 year old unsung athlete, brings wisdom beyond her years, fearlessly telling her story and voicing inspiration and advice that I know will capture the hearts of youth and adult athletes alike.  If you have young athletes in your life who want to be inspired to live in their strength and stand up for themselves and their friends, make sure they listen to Zoe's...

In this episode, I sit down with Kurt Hartmann of ProFitness Training in Eden Prairie, MN... dad to three beautiful girls, husband and multi-level blackbelt martial artist. Kurt dives into his insatiable curiosity for movement, sparked by life-changing events and mentors who made sure he didn't miss his chance to become the man he is today. You won't want to miss Kurt's inspiring story...

In this episode, I am honored to sit down with the one and only Marla Martin. Marla's story connects the dots from being a mother, a cancer survivor and a lifelong athlete. She gives insights into how we can continue to leverage our athletic mindset when life challenges us beyond what we think we can handle. Be ready to think differently about being an athlete and showing up everyday without e...

As we enter the winter months, I wanted to bring two of my very favorite people together to help us all look at our busy lives and find ways to slow down, to rest and to heal. Nealee and Kelsey bring a refreshing perspective to what an Unsung Athlete really is, valuing balance so that we can continue to show up to our craft, our lives and our world.

In this episode of the Unsung Athlete Podcast, Shannon Rose dives into the social, emotional and mental load that we carry as Unsung Athletes. We have built lives that depend on us showing up each and everyday, without excuse, yet we rarely acknowledge what it takes to continually support that life, including our own athletic ambitions. Be ready to face the hard truths of our own choices and our o...

In this episode, I get the rare opportunity to sit down with my very own MMA coach and mentor, Nakita Kratzke. Nakita is the definition of quietly determined, always showing up for herself and the world around her, with conviction. From an early age she knew she needed to work for the things she wanted and work she did. Nakita gives insight into what it's like to continually build your dream aroun...

In this episode, I dive into the combat athlete and dad world of Jereme Bates. Jereme is a dad to three young athletes and my long-time martial arts training partner. Jereme knows that when life gives you a second chance, you better show-up and take it full on. This episode is sure to inspire you no matter what stage of life you are at, to get up and get moving, feeling grateful everyday for all t...

In this episode I sit down with my fellow kick-ass training partner and fighter, Amanda York. Amanda has built her life the way she wants it... out of hard work, dedication and persistence. She shares her secrets to being a lifelong athlete in a world that doesn't always make it easy. Get ready to be inspired!

In this episode I talk with the one and only Brad Dalton, who embodies the unsung athlete spirit in all he does. Brad uncovers the secrets to being your BEST self, including heart-touching stories about his life, his son and his coaching experiences. You don’t want to miss this!

In this bonus episode, I share my interactions with a young girl who was brought up to believe that she couldn’t do sports or be physically active because of her gender.

In this episode, Shannon Rose, host of the Unsung Athlete Podcast, shares her athletic origin story, how she became an athlete and why she considers herself a lifelong athlete, grinding to be better each day, without excuse.

We are the unsung athletes! If you train your body, mind and spirit everyday, without excuse, then this is the community for you.