• Why I Walked Away from a Pro Baseball Career in My Prime
    Oct 23 2024

    🎙️ *From Pro Athlete to Coach: Navigating Life After Sports | No Former Athlete* 🎙️


    In this episode, we sit down with Todd Mitchell, a former Division I baseball player who was drafted by the New York Yankees, to explore the highs and lows of athletic life and the emotional transition after retiring from sports. Todd shares his journey, from being a top-tier athlete to coaching the next generation of players, and how the lessons learned on the field translate into everyday life.


    We dive deep into topics like:


    • The emotional challenges of stepping away from competitive sports 🏅

    • Finding new purpose and identity beyond being an athlete 🔍

    • The importance of being a well-rounded person, not just a player 🌱

    • Coaching young athletes and cultivating a positive mindset 🏆

    • How sport prepares you for the inevitable wins and losses in life 🎯


    Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone navigating change, this conversation is full of relatable insights, valuable life lessons, and tips on how to embrace new roles as life evolves.


    🔔 Don't forget to **like, subscribe**, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more inspiring stories from former athletes and experts!

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    35 mins
  • Retired National Champions: "We Still Feel We Have to Earn Our Showers!"
    Sep 13 2024

    🎙️ In this episode, I’m joined by my former college basketball teammate, Ellie Pearson, for a deep dive into life after sports. 🏀 We explore the emotional and mental challenges that come with leaving behind an athletic identity, including the grief, the struggle to find new routines, and the ways that competitive drive never really fades. Ellie opens up about her journey, from the highs of winning a national championship to the unexpected challenges she faced once the games ended. She shares how moving to San Francisco, discovering yoga, and embracing the importance of rest have helped her redefine success and fulfillment. Whether you’re a former athlete or someone curious about the transition from sports to the ‘real world,’ this conversation is packed with insights, relatable experiences, and practical advice. Don’t miss out on this candid and inspiring discussion!

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    48 mins
  • 67 Years Old: Why It's a Mistake to Call Yourself a Former Athlete
    Aug 29 2024

    In this episode of No Former Athlete, we sit down with Kurt Swearingen, a retired multi-sport athlete who has seamlessly transitioned into a successful career as an educator. Kurt shares his journey from the football field and baseball diamond to the classroom, discussing how his identity as an athlete continues to influence his life today in retirement. We dive into topics like the enduring competitive spirit, the challenges of aging while staying active, and why he chose not to pursue coaching despite his athletic background. Kurt also reflects on the rituals that still connect him to his sports days and offers valuable insights into how the athlete’s mindset can shape all aspects of life. Whether you're an athlete, a no former athlete, or just curious about the lasting impact of sports, this episode is full of inspiration and wisdom. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great conversations!

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    45 mins
  • "The Comparison to Former Self Is Tough" Retired Swimmer on Stress Dreams and Transition to Ironman
    Aug 24 2024

    In today’s electrifying episode, we’re joined by Jack Burgeson, a retired swimmer whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Jack didn’t start swimming until high school, yet he propelled himself to become a collegiate swimmer at DePauw University and is now a dedicated triathlon enthusiast in between his work as a physician. Tune in as Jack shares the adrenaline-pumping highs and gut-wrenching lows of his athletic career, the critical choices that defined his path, and how he continues to fuel his competitive fire long after leaving the college pool. Discover the mindset that keeps him going and why he believes once an athlete, always an athlete.

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    1 hr
  • Team USA Athletic Trainer on Championship Wins, Identity, and Purpose
    Jul 25 2024

    Today on the No Former Athlete Podcast, we’re joined by 2019 World Cup gold medal-winning athletic trainer, Katie Donnelly. Katie reveals how she transitioned from an active kid trying out every sport imaginable (after School Sports Specialist anyone?) to becoming a vital part of the support staff for professional athletes on the world stage. She shares her conflicted experience immediately following a World Cup victory, and opens up about the complexities of athlete identity, including the extreme highs and lows that often come hand and hand with competition. We discuss the camaraderie and sense of purpose often found in sport, and Katie's insights into the mental and emotional toll of injuries, the sacrifices made for the grueling schedule on the road, and the process of finding a new identity after sports.

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    41 mins
  • He Transitioned from Pro Athlete to Entrepreneur. The Truth About Identity with Chris Eversley
    Jul 18 2024

    In this episode, we sit down with Chris Eversley, an athlete from the South Side of Chicago who played professional basketball internationally, and has now fully bet on himself and his skills as an entrepreneur. Chris shares his experiences, challenges, and triumphs, revealing the resilience and perseverance that have defined his life.


    This episode is packed with insights into the mental and physical demands of being an athlete, the importance of family and community support, and the transition from sports to a successful career beyond the court.


    Connect with Chris and Overtime Solutions:

    • LinkedIn: Overtime Solutions
    • Instagram: @overtimesolutionsllc
    • Website: overtimesolutions.com
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    42 mins
  • The Truth About Perfectionism, Self Compassion, and Body Autonomy from a Retired Dancer
    Jul 11 2024

    Today on No Former Athlete, we explore the inspiring journey of Alison Wiley, a retired competitive dancer who has faced the complexities of athletic identity, body autonomy, and the transition to motherhood. Alison shares her early beginnings in ballet, her experiences with competitive dance growing up, and her time on her college dance team. She opens up about the struggles of leaving the dance world, the grief associated with losing that part of her identity, and her ongoing battle with perfectionism.


    Alison candidly discusses how becoming a mother reignited her passion for dance, the pressures of societal expectations, and the challenges of balancing a career and reconnecting with passions. She delves into the emotional and physical impacts of intense athletic training, the lasting effects on body image, and her efforts to find joy and fulfillment in movement once again.


    Tune in to hear Alison's reflections on resilience, the pursuit of new dreams, and the importance of grace and self compassion. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone experiencing identity shifts, looking to reconnect with their passions, or interested in the powerful stories of athletes beyond their competitive years. Join us for this heartfelt and motivational conversation with this no former athlete.


    More from No Former Athlete:

    ⁠https://www.instagram.com/noformerathlete/⁠

    ⁠https://www.noformerathlete.com/

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    35 mins
  • Women Can’t Play Full Court! How Jill Hutchison Forever Changed Women’s Basketball
    Jun 21 2024

    Welcome to the very first episode of the No Former Athlete Podcast! Today, our host Erin McGinnis has the pleasure of chatting with Jill Hutchison, a true pioneer in women's basketball. Jill opens up about her incredible journey from being an athlete to becoming a coach and eventually finding her way into retirement.

    She shares the ups and downs of advocating for women's sports since the 1960s, the transformative impact of Title IX, and her groundbreaking role in proving that women could play full-court basketball.

    During this heartfelt conversation, Jill dives into the evolution of women's sports, drawing from her personal experiences and storied coaching career. She talks about her unwavering passion for promoting gender equality in sports and the emotional journey of transitioning from coaching to retirement. You'll get an intimate look at the life of this legendary Women's Basketball Hall of Famer and be inspired by her enduring legacy.

    Join us on the No Former Athlete Podcast as we celebrate Jill's remarkable story and explore the profound impact she's had on women's basketball.If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us reach more athletes like you and continue bringing you inspiring stories. Your feedback makes a difference!

    More from No Former Athlete:https://www.instagram.com/noformerathlete/ https://www.noformerathlete.com/

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    48 mins