Life Beyond Labels is a space to embrace all the qualities, emotions, and stories that connect us as humans—beyond the labels that often define us. We all have them: jobs, titles, roles in relationships, and other parts of our outer identity. But here, we’re digging into what it means to go beyond those labels and dive into topics that affect us and connect us, regardless of the labels we wear. Join Kelsey O’Connor as she shares insights from her own life and brings on guests for authentic c ...
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Kazsource Inc Podcasts
Sports got us together in the first place, but in this podcast, sports are the backdrop for way bigger conversations!
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Athlete Advocacy with Dr. Scott Lynch
1:03:14
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1:03:14In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey talks with Dr. Scott Lynch, a former Director of Athletic Medicine at Penn State, who shares his story of advocating for athlete safety. Dr. Lynch discusses the challenges he faced in prioritizing player health over coaching pressures and the systemic issues in college sports. He emphasizes the importan…
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Steve Whitsitt on Connection, Authenticity, and Life Beyond the Lens
1:13:50
1:13:50
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1:13:50In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with photographer Steve Whitsitt, who shares how his shyness inspired him to challenge himself and pursue photography as a way to connect with others. Steve reflects on his time in the military, the path that brought him into photography, and the personal growth he’s experienced along the way.…
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5 FROGS: Brenda K. Reynolds on Navigating Life Transition Fog
47:51
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47:51In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with Brenda K. Reynolds—international coach, TEDx speaker, and author—about navigating major life transitions and building resilience in uncertain times. Brenda shares how various life events (an unexpected divorce, the 2008 financial crisis, sending children off the college, and others) were …
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Struggle Into Strength: Tom Smalley’s story of resilience and life beyond OCD
46:58
46:58
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46:58In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with Tom Smalley, MS, CMPC, for a candid conversation about mental health, OCD, and turning pain into purpose. Tom opens up about his diagnosis with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the impact it’s had on his life, including a time when he faced a toxic environment and bullying from coa…
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How the NBA Made the Lakers Worth $10 Billion | Audible Style
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4:53The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic in a deal that stunned the league — months before the franchise was sold for a record-setting $10 billion. Coincidence? Or did the NBA help engineer this moment to inflate the Lakers’ value before the sale? Of course they did. In this SportsE original, we breakdown the timing and strategy behind one of …
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A Sunshine State of Mind with Michele Doty
43:07
43:07
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43:07In this deeply heartfelt episode of Life Beyond Labels, host Kelsey O’Connor sits down with longtime family friend, Michele Doty. Michele shares how her world shifted when she was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, but how she continues to show up with honesty, gratitude, and joy. Rather than being defined by her diagnosis, she talks about h…
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Embracing Unexpected Endings: Discovering Meaning in What Feels Like Failure
27:11
27:11
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27:11Just because it ended differently than you expected doesn’t mean you failed. In this episode, we’re diving into navigating unexpected endings, especially when the ending feels like a failure. It’s hard to talk about what happens when the door shuts on a dream, goal, career, or relationship. What happens when you’ve done everything you can, but ther…
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A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
54:23
54:23
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54:23“Sneaker” Steve Patino shares his journey from sneaker enthusiast to footwear industry innovator, discussing how his passion for shoes evolved into a mission to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing. “Sneaker” Steve is the founder of Ales Gray. Chapters: 00:00 – The future of business and creating a positive legacy 01:02 – Working for free at a s…
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Beyond the Resolution: A Way to Stay Inspired All Year
20:24
20:24
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20:24You know that feeling when you kick off the New Year with ambitious goals and an endless to-do list? Everything feels possible until life happens. One skipped step turns into two, and suddenly, you’re off track, wondering where the spark went. In this episode, Kelsey shares her personal New Year’s Eve practices, including TWO types of resolutions: …
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Entrepreneurship, Athletics, and Alumni Networking with Rob Finkelstein
29:34
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29:34In this episode of the Life Beyond Labels podcast, host Kelsey O'Connor interviews Rob Finkelstein, CEO and founder of Alumni Direct. Rob shares his journey from being a collegiate athlete to an entrepreneur, the challenges of transition when your kids no longer play sports, and the importance of building community through alumni connections. Rob s…
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Calm Amid the Chaos: Finding Stillness When Life Speeds Up
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18:01Hi friends, in this episode, we will talk about a common topic that sounds easy and seems simple but can be hard to implement into our lives: staying present. In this episode, I’ll share personal anecdotes and strategies I use to appreciate the moment and incorporate mindfulness into my day when life seems to race by me. Categorizing these into 8 s…
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The internet is filled with “how to” guides, but what if it isn’t that simple? In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s important not to be discouraged by how-to advice that seems to hand all the answers on a silver platter. We’ll discuss the importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to personal growth and success. Thr…
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Empowerment, Sports, and Storytelling with Sydney Supple
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33:51In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Sydney Supple. Sydney is infectiously energetic, strong, committed, and generously kind. She empowers others through her work in sports and storytelling. Sydney Supple is a former D1 Softball player at Northwestern University and a current sports broadcaster. Kelsey and Sydney talk about Sydney's journey in sp…
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Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today
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51:12What happens when an NBA All-Star hangs up his jersey? In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Eric connects with Gordon Hayward, a former player for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Now an entrepreneur and family man, Gordon shares his perspective on what it means to move on from professional sports and …
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In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Marques Ogden. Marques is hardworking and motivated — he strives to inspire people through his positive mindset and powerful story. Marques Ogden shares how he went from living the dream as an NFL player and building a multimillion-dollar business to losing it all and rebuilding his identity and career. After …
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In this episode, we dive into the idea that labeling our experiences can sometimes make us wonder if our best days are behind us. We challenge the whole concept of "the best years" by chatting about how we can look at our lives through a more balanced lens rather than just a lowlight or highlight reel. Your best days are not behind you, and, no, yo…
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10 Self-Talk Tips: Labeling the Voice in Your Mind for Positive Change
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23:30In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, we’ll talk about 10 practical ways to be kind to your mind, let go of the need for external validation, and improve your self-talk to improve your life. What to Expect: 10 ways to improve not only how you talk to yourself, but how you see yourself. The voice you will have to listen to the most throughout your …
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Behind the Scenes of Iconic Sports Moments with Legendary Producer Bob Steinfeld
58:58
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58:58Featured Guest: Robert “Bob” Steinfeld, Emmy Award-Winning Sports Producer, Author of 3…2…1…We’re On the Air “The people that make it to the top respect the work of those around them.” – Bob Steinfeld “You’ve gotta dominate where you can.” — Tim Duncan to Bob Steinfeld “Every game has a story.” – Bob Steinfeld Go behind the camera with Bob Steinfel…
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Welcome to Life Beyond Labels In our VERY first episode of Life Beyond Labels, we’ll explore what it truly means to be defined by more than just our external accomplishments, roles, jobs, or titles. While we often find ourselves influenced by things like our careers or relationships, this episode will focus on embracing our authentic selves and bui…
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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote we…
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Athlete Mindset | Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O'Connor
32:22
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32:22In this powerful episode of Athlete Mindset, “Who You Are, Not What You Do,” host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Kelsey O’Connor, a motivational speaker, former D1 student-athlete, and recent North Carolina State University social work graduate. Kelsey shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery following a career-ending h…
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Sports Betting Uncovered: Explosive Growth, Advertising, and Addiction
15:48
15:48
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15:48This is the Sports Betting Uncovered podcast series. Part of The Sports Backdrop podcast on SportsE Media. Welcome to the high-stakes world of sports betting as we explore its explosive growth and the shadowy underbelly of addiction. Our fearless podcast host, Chaz, uncovers the journey from prohibition to proliferation and the price we’re paying f…
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Athlete Mindset | Angela Lee Pucci's Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution
33:37
33:37
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33:37In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Angela Lee Pucci, a retired professional MMA fighter, six-time MMA world champion, and founder of Fight Story. Angela Lee opens up about her journey from the world of combat sports to becoming a mental health advocate. She shares her personal experiences with s…
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Athlete Mindset | Find Your Yes with Brandi Chastain
1:00:41
1:00:41
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1:00:41In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with soccer legend Brandi Chastain to explore her journey from youth soccer to international stardom. Brandi discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including her famous penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, overcoming injuries, and the impact of mentorship and leadershi…
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In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we discuss youth sports mental health dynamics, focusing on how youth sports parents impact their children’s mental health. We discuss the pressures placed on young athletes, the role of parents and coaches, and the significance of emotional intelligence and resilience in sports. This episode features Lisa Bo…
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Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup
2:56
2:56
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2:56This is an audible-style blog post on the rise of soccer in the United States. Welcome to the Sports Backdrop podcast. This episode focuses on the factors propelling soccer’s growing popularity in the US especially with the World Cup coming to North America in 2026! Soccer will be a top 3 sport in the US because of the following: Efficient Game Dur…
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Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author
10:25
10:25
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10:25The Ohio State University impact — it is significant. We’re not talking about endowments or alumni, although they play a part. We’re talking about something way bigger—a shared passion. In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Jerald Kasimov tells the story of his Ohio State roots and how we all have shared passions and excitement in something. Jerr…
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TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports
10:34
10:34
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10:34In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we focus on the innovative world of the TGL Golf League, Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s latest venture aimed at revolutionizing how we experience golf. With high-tech simulations and fast-paced competition, TGL seeks to attract a new generation of fans by making the sport more entertaining and accessible. We…
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Lisa Bonta Sumii on the Importance of Therapy
11:37
11:37
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11:37An Athlete Mindset special episode featuring Lisa Bonta Summi’s thoughts on the importance of therapy. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii discusses the following topics: The importance of seeking out a mental health professional. Therapy does not make you weak, and you don’t have to tell everything to your therapist. You can engage in preventative t…
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Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports
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5:55This is an audible-style blog post on embracing the now in sports — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Championship or Bust.” And it focuses on why the moment matters. Exploring the universal sentiment of sports fans’ championship aspirations across various cities and sports levels. We highlight the statistical improbabi…
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Athlete Mindset | Danita Johnson, D.C. United, President of Business Operations
30:22
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30:22In this empowering episode of Athlete Mindset, we’re honored to host Danita Johnson, a trailblazer in the world of sports. As the President of Business Operations for D.C. United, Danita brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the forefront. We discuss the core themes of consistency, communication, and commitment. And then expl…
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Audible Style | Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming
2:44
2:44
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2:44This is an audible-style blog post on Amazon Prime regional sports streaming — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Amazon Prime Saves Bally Sports and Sports Fans Everywhere.” This episode explains Amazon Prime’s transformative role in sports media and its impact on fans and blackout restrictions. Topics touched on in Ama…
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Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts rage about the fol…
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Duke University’s Approach to Athlete Mental Health with Dr. Aaron Goodson
51:29
51:29
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51:29Meet Duke University’s Dr. Aaron Goodson, the driving force behind Duke University’s Mental Health and Performance Department. In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we explore the vital significance of embedding clinical mental health and mental performance consultation services within athletic departments, the importance of racial and ethnic represe…
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Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma
33:02
33:02
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33:02This episode features Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center, Derek Bylsma. This episode is about bringing lived experience to clinical work, suicide prevention and awareness, and addressing the mental health stigma that still exists today. In this Athlete Mindset podcast, Derek also discusse…
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Allison Schmitt | 10-Time Olympic Medalist on Mental Health
37:27
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37:27Allison Schmitt, a professional swimmer and 10-time Olympic medalist shares her journey in swimming, her experiences at the Olympics, and her passion for sports and mental health. In this episode: Allison shares the profound impact her cousin’s tragic suicide had on her — it’s what fueled Allison’s passion for mental health. Allison talks about fee…
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Saviors & Sports | NFL International, QB Talk, Cleveland, and the city of Pittsburgh
8:17
8:17
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8:17Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts rage about the fol…
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Young CEO of Publicly Traded Company on RJ Barrett and Ja Morant
4:53
4:53
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4:53A short conversation with Saagar Govil, the young CEO of Cemtrex (NASDAQ: CETX). CEOs and athletes may be in the limelight, but just like everyone else, they are people. This CEO happens to be a New York Knicks fan. So naturally, we talk about RJ Barrett and Ja Morant — including their rise to stardom, expectations, and perception in the media-vers…
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Why This Former Athlete Believes In Podcasts
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7:03Podcasts have become an influential medium in the sports world, bridging gaps between athletes, enthusiasts, and the media. It goes deeper than that though. Former athletes, for example, have so many stories to share. In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we discuss why podcasts resonate so powerfully today, and specifically why this former athle…
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Simplifying Sports Science and Overcoming Adversity with Dr. Erik Korem, Founder of AIM7
39:14
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39:14In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we’re joined by a sports scientist who is bridging the gap between data and action in the wearable tech and mHealth space, Dr. Erik Korem. With over 15 years of experience as a High Performance director in collegiate football and the NFL, and as the founder of AIM7, Dr. Korem uses his in-depth knowledge and e…
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Mississippi State University + Dr. James Barnes | Education, Youth Sports, and Marketing Insight
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44:01At the intersection of sports and business sits Mississippi State University’s associate extension professor of economics and online marketing coach, Dr. James Barnes. Dr. James Barnes is a Storybrand Certified Marketing Guide, the Director of the Bricks-To-Clicks Marketing Program at Mississippi State University, a youth basketball coach, and an a…
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In this episode of The Sports Backdrop podcast, we chat with Chris Heivly, a successful entrepreneur (co-founder of MapQuest), and an ardent lover of hockey. Chris resides in the Raleigh, North Carolina area — after spending 10 years in the bustling city of Chicago (and before that, the northeast). This hockey goes south episode is about growing up…
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Across the Atlantic, there is a unique sports culture. And no matter what side of the Atlantic you are on, England’s or the USA’s, the sports culture is fascinating. Everything from relegation, history, depth, drafts, transfer windows, passion, youth sports, and much more. In the latest episode of “The Sports Backdrop” podcast, Eric Kasimov of the …
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This is a unique guest-hosted episode of the Sports Backdrop. And it’s all about life after sports… Athletes to Entrepreneurs. Recently I have had the opportunity to connect with and spend time with Rob Finkelstein, all thanks to Tim Claiborne and his Lockerroom sports group. Rob is the CEO & Founder of Alumni Direct. And he is the host of the podc…
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Saviors & Sports | NFL Sunday Ticket and Rooting for Losers
19:11
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19:11Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts rage about the fol…
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In this eye-opening episode, we discuss the ever-growing sports betting market, exploring its potential for growth, innovation, and profitability. We also tackle the darker aspects of the industry, such as the impact on mental health, sports betting addiction, and the potential for corruption. Tune in as we break down the latest trends and analyze …
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The Unstoppable Drive of Dre Baldwin | Basketball & Entrepreneurship
1:02:40
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1:02:40In this power-packed episode of The Sports Backdrop podcast, we explore the life and mind of Dre Baldwin, also known as Dre All Day. From his humble beginnings as a self-taught basketball player to becoming a successful entrepreneur and content creator, Dre shares the principles, dedication, and determination that have fueled his unstoppable drive …
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The Future of Sports Betting with Frontrunner’s Neil Zhang | A $231 Billion Industry!
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1:00:01The world of sports betting is ridiculously big. According to Statista, the global sports betting industry reached $231 Billion in 2022. And it’s growing fast! We have to talk about it… In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we chat with Neil Zhang, the founder and CEO of Frontrunner. Frontrunner is a trailblazing decentralized sports prediction m…
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Coach Jim Tressel’s Legacy: A Buckeye’s Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver
1:00:59
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1:00:59The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with Ohio State Buckeye, Nate Oliver. Nate was a key member of the 2007 to 2011 Ohio State Buckeye football program under legendary coach, Jim Tressel. Nate and Lisa discuss the influence of life-changing mentorship on collegiate athletes. (a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a…
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Coping With Emotions After Witnessing the Damar Hamlin Traumatic Event
46:33
46:33
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46:33At this point, we’ve all seen or at least heard about what happened in the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football game in early January 2023. Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety for the Bills suffered cardiac arrest after what seemed like a routine tackle. Damar collapsed on the field in front of millions of people watching. Such …
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