Best Ryan Gonsalves Podcasts (2025)

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148: Jimmy Gavin - When the Ball Stops Bouncing: Navigating Life After Seven Years in European Basketball 54:06

8d ago54:06

54:06

Send us a text Jimmy Gavin’s path took him from crushing self-doubt and a life-changing health diagnosis in high school to seven seasons of pro basketball across Europe, through a humbling tech-sales gig, and now into a leadership role directing sports initiatives. Along the way, he discovered that raw honesty, relentless hustle, and a tight-knit s…

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147: Lexi Chambers - Defying Limits: From Amputee to World Record Holder 45:31

15d ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text In this episode Ryan sits down with Lexi Chambers, an adaptive athlete who has shattered expectations and set multiple world records—all while using a standard NHS wheelchair. After a below-the-knee amputation due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Lexi refused to let disability define her. Instead, she turned to endurance spo…

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146: Jess Borg - How the Olympic dream led to unexpected career paths and a mission to help other athletes 1:01:15

22d ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Send us a text What happens when an 8-year-old’s Olympic dream doesn’t pan out? For Jess, a former elite taekwondo and boxing athlete, it meant reinventing herself—twice—while battling concussions, identity crises, and the harsh realities of transitioning out of sports. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How a diagnosis of low muscle tone led her to t…

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145: Gavin Freeman: How Elite Athletes (and You) Can Master Decision-Making and Career Transition 59:23

29d ago59:23

59:23

Send us a text In today's episode, we dive deep into the real psychology behind career transitions, decision-making, and finding your true path after sport — and why it’s way less logical and way more emotional than you think. We are joined by Gavin Freeman, a sports psychologist, MBA lecturer, and corporate strategist who shares fascinating storie…

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144: Greg Philips - Your Attitude Decides Your Altitude – The Relentless Mindset of a Champion Swimmer 1:09:29

1M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

Send us a text Greg's journey isn't your typical athlete-to-executive story. This is about what happens when you walk away from elite sport cold turkey (for 10 years), then suddenly find yourself pulled back in – while building a career, starting a family, and even stepping into a boxing ring. In this episode, we get raw about: That moment a 24-hou…

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143: Aleisha McCall: Building a Business - Lessons from an Athlete Entrepreneur 52:05

1M ago52:05

52:05

Send us a text Aleisha’s journey from elite synchronized figure skating to founding a rockstar media company is inspiring, and a masterclass in translating athletic discipline into business success. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we dive into the gritty reality of career transition: the identity crises, the $35,000 gamble that changed everyt…

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142: Rachel Lewis: "Why Can’t We Dream Bigger?" – Olympic Sacrifice, Identity, and Life After Sport 59:55

2M ago59:55

59:55

Send us a text What happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the Olympic dream becomes a memory? For Rachel Lewis, the transition from elite athlete to "what’s next?" wasn’t just a career shift—it was an identity crisis, a financial struggle, and ultimately, a mission to change the game for future athletes. In this raw and inspiring conversatio…

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141: Marnie Wills: Sport, Business, and AI: You Never Lose, You Only Learn 46:11

2M ago46:11

46:11

Send us a text In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Marnie—a former dual international athlete (representing England in both netball and touch rugby), mum of two, and entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing early-years sports education and AI adoption in business. Marnie’s story is one of relentless determination, adaptability, and learning to thrive…

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140: Kuhoo Garg: Blinded By Sporting Excellence - From World #34 to Indian Police Service 53:02

2M ago53:02

53:02

Send us a text When Kuhoo Garg tore her ACL during her comeback tournament after COVID, little did she know this injury would redirect her life's purpose. As a former world #34 badminton player representing India, Kuhoo had dedicated everything to her sport—sacrificing normal college experiences, social connections, and career exploration in pursui…

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139: Tarek Moustafa - Who Are You When the Game Ends? 59:59

2M ago59:59

59:59

Send us a text In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Tarek Moustafa, a passionate advocate for personal development and athlete well-being. Tarek shares his unique journey from being a young boy diagnosed with autism to becoming a mentor, educator, and podcast host. Through his work in schools and his podcast Life in Sport, Tarek is dedicated to …

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138: Andrew Farley - How Chance Conversations Lead To Great Things: From Rugby to Corporate 1:11:41

3M ago1:11:41

1:11:41

Send us a text In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew, a former elite rugby player who carved out a 15-year career across Australia, Wales, Ireland, and France. From captaining teams in Europe to managing operations for a global engineering company, Andrew shares how the lessons learned in rugby—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—translated …

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137: Mikel Thomas: How I Overcame Injuries and Adversity to Find Purpose 1:10:10

3M ago1:10:10

1:10:10

Send us a text In today's episode, we sit down with Mikel Thomas, a three-time Olympian whose journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From his humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago to the global stage of the Olympics, Mikel's story is one of triumph over adversity, both on and off the track.…

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136: Christine Ngeve - From College Athlete to Mental Health Advocate and Career Coach 49:25

3M ago49:25

49:25

Send us a text In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Christine Ngeve, a former multi-sport college athlete turned mental health advocate and career coach for athletes. Christine’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preparing for life beyond sport. From her days as a three-sport athlete at univer…

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135: Mithula Umakanth - From International Badminton Star to Finance Scholar 55:18

3M ago55:18

55:18

Send us a text Transitioning out of a professional sports career is never easy, and for former international badminton player Mithula Umakanth, it was a journey of loss, self-discovery, and reinvention. In this episode, Mithula shares her raw and inspiring story - moving from the highs of elite sports to the uncertainty of finding a new career path…

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134: Mack Horton - Creative Advertising and Embracing Life Beyond Swimming Gold 50:20

4M ago50:20

50:20

Send us a text What happens when an Olympic gold medalist swaps the pool for the office? On this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of former world-class swimmer Mack Horton as he transitions from elite athlete to corporate professional. Mack opens up about the surreal experience of announcing his retirement from professional swimming and…

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133: Rachel Howard - What is a Dual Career: International Goalkeeper and Adidas Leader 1:03:32

4M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Send us a text What do you do when life throws 25 shots your way? If you’re Rachel Howard, you save them, earn MVP, and rewrite the playbook for success on and off the pitch. From New Zealand’s national goalkeeper to General Manager of the Pacific Region at Adidas, Rachel has mastered the art of rising to the challenge and leaving a lasting impact …

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132: Evan Bush and Julian Gonzalez on Reinventing Careers After Sports 58:17

4M ago58:17

58:17

Send us a text What happens when your career in sports—or any field you’ve poured your soul into—comes to an end? How do you prepare for life after the spotlight? In this episode, we’re exploring these pivotal questions with Evan Bush, a 16-year Major League Soccer veteran and one of the league’s oldest active players, and Julian Gonzalez, a former…

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131: Lewis Paris - How to Build a Fitness Brand From the Ground Up: Community, Exploration and Leadership 1:01:54

4M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Send us a text What if you let life’s twists guide you instead of forcing the next step? For Lewis Paris, this mindset turned an ACL injury into the foundation of a thriving fitness empire. From dreams of a football career to spinning records as a DJ in Greece, Lewis’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of following li…

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130: Shreya Saksena - Rifle Shooting and Sports Psych: finding dual career balance 50:33

4M ago50:33

50:33

Send us a text Imagine standing perfectly still, focusing on a target 50 meters away as your heartbeat slows to match the rhythm of your breath. Now, picture doing this while navigating the chaos of moving continents, mastering a new language, and building a life with your partner—all while staying true to your identity as an elite athlete. What do…

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129: Karen Brown - Revolutionising Athlete Safety and Sports Pharmacy 51:44

5M ago51:44

51:44

Send us a text What happens when elite sports and cutting-edge medicine intersect? Ryan invites Karen Brown, to the show. Karen Brown is an award-winning pharmacist and former Queensland Firebirds netball star transforming how athletes approach health, performance, and safety. Through Batch Tested, Australia’s leading platform for rigorously tested…

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128: Anne-Marie Martin - From Professional Dancer to Franchise Owner, Diddi Dance 53:20

6M ago53:20

53:20

Send us a text What does it take to turn a lifelong passion into a movement that’s redefining dance for young children across the UK and beyond? Meet Anne-Marie Martin, the founder of Diddi Dance, a pioneering dance program that’s bringing rhythm, fun, and early childhood development into one dynamic package for kids under five. Once a professional…

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127: Channing Chasten - From Pro Soccer to Author and Motivational Speaker 38:59

6M ago38:59

38:59

Send us a text Channing Chaston, famously known as the 1% Kid, shares the secrets behind his extraordinary journey from dreaming of playing college soccer to becoming a pro athlete with Phoenix Rising. Discover how Channing's mantra of "1% better every day" drove him to overcome the challenges of a rigorous recruitment process and unexpected coachi…

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126: Erin Cafaro - From Olympic Rowing to Psychology 1:06:59

6M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

Send us a text Erin Cafaro, a former elite athlete turned neuropsychologist, joins us to share the incredible journey sparked by her father's diagnosis with vascular dementia. She opens up about the powerful influence of personal experiences on career transitions, illustrating how curiosity and passion can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. L…

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125: Josh Perry - From BMX Pro to Embracing New Challenges 50:00

6M ago50:00

50:00

Send us a text What happens when a BMX champion swaps the adrenaline rush of biking for the tranquil greens of golf? Join us as Josh, a former professional BMX athlete, narrates this unlikely transformation. After a brain tumor diagnosis, Josh reevaluated his life priorities and took the bold step to transition into a sport where every swing is bot…

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124: Andrew Mewing - From Elite Swimmer to Thriving Construction Law Entrepreneur 53:46

7M ago53:46

53:46

Send us a text Imagine balancing rigorous training with law school, missing out on the Olympics by just one spot, and still building a legal career that has taken Australia by storm. Today, Ryan is joined by Andrew Mewing, a former Australian swimmer turned co-founder and partner of a leading law firm Batch Mewing Lawyers specializing in constructi…

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123: James Hilovsky - Franchising 101 for Athletes 42:32

7M ago42:32

42:32

Send us a text How do athletes' skills on the field translate into successful franchise ownership? In this episode, we sit down with franchisee broker James Hilovsky from California. James shares his unique insights on the natural fit between athletes and franchising, explaining how the structure, teamwork, and coaching inherent in sports prepare a…

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122: Damon Mclean, From Jamaican Triple Jump Star to Sales Leader 1:02:14

7M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Send us a text From Triple Jumping in Jamaica to sprinting up the ranks in the tech industry, today’s guest has mastered the art of reinvention. As a former Jamaican World and Commonwealth Games track and field star, Damon McLean competed alongside some of the best, pushing his limits on the global stage. He is no stranger to high stakes and high p…

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121: Skye Eddy - From Professional Soccer to Empowering Parents in Youth Sports and Real Estate Success 45:28

7M ago45:28

45:28

Send us a text Ever feel like the sidelines of youth sports are more of a battlefield than a fun space? Between stressed-out coaches, over-involved parents, and young athletes caught in the middle, finding a balance can seem impossible. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Skye Eddy, a former elite goalkeeper and the visionary behind Soccer Parenti…

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120: Malvin Kamara - When your First Dream Dies, What’s your Next Move? 56:07

7M ago56:07

56:07

Send us a text What happens when a promising football career is suddenly cut short and the real world comes calling? In this episode, Malvin Kamara reveals the untold story of his rise and fall in professional football, and how the same drive that once fueled him on the field helped him reinvent himself as a successful entrepreneur. From playing fo…

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119: Myriam Robitaille - From Professional Indoor Volleyball in Europe to Beach Volleyball and Tech Startup Success 45:41

8M ago45:41

45:41

Send us a text In today’s episode, we dive into the mind of Myriam Robitaille, a Canadian professional beach volleyball player who is redefining what it means to be an athlete. For Myriam, sport is more than just physical prowess; it’s a mental battlefield that pushes the limits of the human spirit. From being scouted at 14 to dominating the indoor…

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118: David Watters - From Tech Innovator to Transforming Inclusive Gay Rugby Globally 48:18

8M ago48:18

48:18

Send us a text In honor of LGBTQ History Month, Ryan is excited to speak with David Watters, an LGBTQ+ rugby player, innovation consultant, and business coach based in the UK. While many of our guests transition from sports to other fields, David's story is unique: he transitioned from the boardroom to the rugby pitch. Now playing for the Airmill W…

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117: Marilyn Okoro: Olympian to Shaping Inclusive Leadership - Navigating Cultural Expectations and Systemic Change 1:06:12

8M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Send us a text What if the toughest streets of Stonebridge, Northwest London, were the unlikely training ground for a future Olympian and corporate leader? In this episode, Ryan dives deep into the life and career of Marilyn Okoro, a British track & field athlete, 800m specialist, and Athlete Welfare Change Maker. She represented Great Britain at t…

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116: Hannah Campbell-Pegg - From Olympian Luge to Leading Climate Change Research 51:57

8M ago51:57

51:57

Send us a text What happens when an Olympian transitions from competing on the world stage to tackling global challenges like climate change? Join us as we welcome Hannah Campbell-Pegg, a former Australian Olympian in Luge, who shares her riveting journey from competing in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games to her current life balancing a PhD, …

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115: Anna Pixner - Speed Skateboarder to Championing Gender Equality in Extreme Sports 32:28

9M ago32:28

32:28

Send us a text What does it take to skateboard at 100 kilometers per hour down treacherous terrains while breaking gender barriers? Join Ryan today as he sits down with Anna Pixner, Austria’s fastest woman on skateboards. Anna is a two-time world champion in downhill speed skateboarder, coach, writer, and advocate for greater recognition and equali…

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114: Staciana Winfield - From Olympic Gold to Navigating Olympic Stress Syndrome 54:15

9M ago54:15

54:15

Send us a text Staciana, a gold medalist from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, shares her journey from a determined young athlete to teaching, coaching and becoming an author of The Stolen Dance An Olympian’s Perpetual Search for Healing from Trauma and Grief. Staciana also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster following her Olympic triumphs. Learn a…

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113: Jori Davis: From Pro Basketball to Bringing Transparency to Athlete Management, Agents and Contracting 1:11:03

9M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Send us a text In today's episode, Ryan dives deep with Jori Davis, a seasoned professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, whose journey spans over 13 years, nine countries, and four continents. From the early days in New Orleans, Davis realized the importance of independence and self-reliance, especially in the competitive world of sports …

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112: Reinventing Life After Rugby: Baden Kerr's Path to Teaching and Coaching Success 1:14:01

9M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

Send us a text Imagine having your dreams shattered by physical pain and emotional turmoil, only to find a new path that offers profound fulfillment. That's exactly what happened to our guest, Baden, a former professional rugby player whose career was marked by broken fingers, concussions, and the discovery of arthritis. Baden shares his compelling…

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111: George Taylor - Overcoming Early Retirement from Rugby Concussion to Family Business 44:43

10M ago44:43

44:43

Send us a text What happens when a career in professional sports comes to an abrupt end? Meet George Taylor, a retired Scottish rugby player who faced this exact dilemma. George shares his inspiring journey from the rugby field to the world of finance, detailing how he navigated this significant life transition. He talks about the lessons he learne…

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110: How Will Hooley Created a Plan to Enjoy Rugby and Transition into Media 1:02:25

10M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Send us a text This week on the 2ND Wind Academy podcast we welcome Will Hooley, who shares his journey from the rugby field to becoming a technical director for Major League Rugby in the United States. Will opens up about his reluctance to follow conventional career paths and how his passion for storytelling led him to this new and exciting profes…

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109: Georgia Takarangi - Balancing Pro Netball and The Path to Clinical Psychology 48:24

10M ago48:24

48:24

Send us a text Georgia, an outstanding netball player from New Zealand, transitioned from a mixed-sport upbringing to achieving International status at 24. She opens up about her journey, sharing the trials, triumphs, and the relentless perseverance that propelled her to where she is today. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the life of an ath…

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108: Gage Yesbeck - How College Sport Prepared Me for the IT Sector 47:41

10M ago47:41

47:41

Send us a text How does a college athlete pivot from sports to a successful career in IT and entrepreneurship? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gage Yesbeck, a former college basketball player whose competitive spirit led him to an unexpected acting role on the Apple TV show "Swagger," produced by Kevin Durant. Gage offers invaluable advi…

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107: Andy Cramond - How I Built a New Career from Concussions to Investments 49:37

11M ago49:37

49:37

Send us a text Meet Andy Cramond, a former Scottish rugby player who turned his struggles with concussions into an early opportunity to plan for life after sports. In this episode, Andy opens up about his journey, sharing how he juggled late-night study sessions to earn online degrees in accountancy and business, all while pursuing his passion for …

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106: Rahhim Shillingford - From College Football Star to Real Estate Success: Leveraging Sportsmanship for Career Triumph 37:25

11M ago37:25

37:25

Send us a text Ever wondered how to balance multiple passions and career paths successfully?Featuring Rahhim Shillingford, this episode showcases his extraordinary journey from college football star to a licensed broker in New York. Rahhim dives deep into the invaluable lessons in accountability, goal-setting, and confidence that sports instilled i…

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105: Simone Ragusi - How to Make the Move From Player to Coach: Mentorship and Growth in Italy and Ireland 41:55

11M ago41:55

41:55

Send us a text What happens when a seasoned rugby player takes on the challenging yet rewarding role of a coach? Join us as we welcome Simone Ragusi, an Italian rugby veteran who has transitioned from player to coach, bringing with him years of experience and enthusiasm. With a career spanning 12 years, including stints in Wales and Ireland's elite…

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104: Dorian Pickens - From Professional Basketball to a Thriving Career at Fanatics 1:04:27

11M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

Send us a text Dorian Pickens, a former professional basketball player, transitioned from the court to a thriving career in the sports business world. How did Dorian weigh the uncertain prospects of the G League and overseas play against the opportunities in real estate? Join us as Dorian shares his transition story, emphasizing the pivotal role of…

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103: Carla Ryan - From Cycling Champion to Athlete Manager: Navigating Passion and Career Change 50:11

11M ago50:11

50:11

Send us a text From living on a friend's floor to conquering the world of professional cycling, Carla's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we uncover the sacrifices she made, including financial struggles and overcoming severe injuries, to achieve national championship status. You'll hear how Carla juggled her academic pursuits with …

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102: Alex Klein - Navigating Athletic Pivots and Embracing the Olympic Dream 41:43

12M ago41:43

41:43

Send us a text From the basketball court to the icy bobsled tracks, Alex's story isn't one you hear every day. Tune in as we traverse the thrilling and transformative journey with our guest, whose leap from dunking basketballs to steering sleds is a masterclass in grit and adaptability. The conversation delves into the depths of what it takes to re…

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101: Taj Dashaun - How a Sense of Falling Short Lead Me to Thrive After Sports 49:42

12M ago49:42

49:42

Send us a text Today’s episode marks our 101st episode of the podcast. So what's better than creating a 101 of Athletic Career Transition. In this episode, Ryan, along with Taj Dashaun, founder of Thrive After Sports Life, peel back the layers of the athletic mindset, sharing their own pivots from competitive play to carving out new professional id…

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100: Allana Ferguson and Jeremy Latimore - How to Embrace Life Beyond the Game: From Rugby Star to Broadcast and Business Success 1:09:24

12M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Send us a text When the stadium lights dim and the roaring crowds become a memory, what's next for the athlete whose life was once defined by the game? Our 100th episode marks a celebration of such journeys, featuring Allana Ferguson, a former professional rugby league and rugby union player, now an Australian sports commentator, radio personality,…

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99: Frances Garcia - How to get into EdTech: From Rallying on the Court to Innovating in Education 43:52

1y ago43:52

43:52

Send us a text Imagine stepping off the court for the last time, your identity as an athlete hanging up its jersey as you prepare for the 'real world.' Frances recounts this very passage, discussing the emotional toll and the resilience required to pivot from the structured life of an athlete to the unpredictability of the job market. Frances is a …

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