The Athlete Angle - Flourish in Life After Sports

What is up guys! Welcome back, this is part two of my conversation with my friend Ian Miller. We covered a lot in the last episode and now we’re diving right back into it. Ian starts off with giving his thoughts on what it means to hold your sport with an open hand. We also talk about what an effective mindset looks like playing your sport now that you’re retired. He mentioned going in with curiosity and giving yourself grace when you learn you might not be able to throw as hard or kick a ball the way you once did or whatever it is you and your sport. Listen to the end, Ian gives insightful advice for anyone that is facing this transition right now. Find Ian Miller --> LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ian-miller-3a0241160 IG: @imillertime_96 Follow The Athlete Angle --> IG: @theathleteangle @mcbell96 Tiktok: @theathleteangle **Don’t forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps gets the show in front of people that really need it! :)

Hey what’s up guys! Welcome back…I caught up with one of my friends Ian Miller. We had such a great conversation about what it looks like to be a good beginner. As former athletes, we’re faced with this season post sport where you must learn how to adapt to doing new things. We’re coming from this expectation to master our sport which is realistic. We spent the last 18ish years of our lives honing in on our craft. But that’s not the case when you retire. I believe learning how to begin a new season, hobby, career, etc well is a key part of transitioning to life after sport. Ian also walks me through what it’s like to gain perspective after being injured and how to play your sport again but this time for fun. Find Ian Miller --> LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ian-miller-3a0241160 IG: @imillertime_96 Follow The Athlete Angle --> IG: @theathleteangle @mcbell96 Tiktok: @theathleteangle **Don’t forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps gets the show in front of people that really need it! :)

What’s up guys! Welcome back to part 2 of my story! I Had the honor of being interviewed by my interns about my story of transitioning into life after sport post soccer. This episode continues to cover topics like dealing with losing your identity post sport, learning how to take the skills your learned as an athlete and use them in a different sport (soccer to pickle ball), learning how to transition seasons well in life, to learning how to approach the season of transition with self-discovery, and curiosity and really relearn how to start a new season well. You’re going to want ot listen to the end, I share memorable highlights from my playing career! Follow The Athlete Angle --> IG: @mcbell96 @theathleteangle Tiktok: @theathleteangle **Don’t forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of people that really need it! :)

Hey Hey! Welcome back and get ready for the first episode of season 2 of The Athlete Angle! We did something a little different this time. My interns Hannah and Lauren interviewed me about my story. They asked tons of great questions ranging from managing the emotions that come with transitioning out of your sport to finding a new why in the gym to learning how to find friends outside of your sport. These are lessons that I’ve picked up along the way that have worked for me and wanted to bring into the light. If you resonate with these lessons or topics we discuss, please a review and subscribe. If you know a friend that could benefit from listening to this show, please share! It helps me build more content like this and helps others with the complicated transition into life after sports. Follow The Athlete Angle! IG: @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 TikTok: @the_athlete_angle **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of people that really need it! :)

What is up guys, Happy 4th! It’s been a minute since I’ve published an episode so thanks for being patient with me! Hopefully it built the anticipation for part 2 of my conversation with Cam Dobbs. If you loved the first part of her story, you’re going to LOVEEE the 2nd part. Quick disclaimer, if you haven’t listened to part 1 of this conversation I encourage you to go back and listen to the previous episode first. Believe me it’ll make way more sense. If you’re like heck no MC, I only want part 2 I got you… Cam is a retired D1 collegiate volleyball player. She came from a family of collegiate athletes and had the privilege of playing at her dream school, University of Miami. Cam suffered multiple concussions which eventually ended her volleyball career and left her in one of the most difficult seasons she has ever faced. In the middle of this season is where she learned the power of “playing where you’re feet are.” In this episode, we tackle what it looks like to transition out of your sport, and how you can apply the concept of playing where your feet are. Find Cam Dobbs here --> PWYFA Play Where Your Feet Are™ Podcast PWYFA Play Where Your Feet Are™ Book Now Available on amazon + website; merch out on website! http://playwhereyourfeetare.com/ All links here: https://linktr.ee/PWYFA Personal IG: @cam.dobbs Follow The Athlete Angle --> IG: @theathleteangle @mcbell96 Tiktok: @theathleteangle **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of people that really need it! :)

What’s up guys! Welcome back, I’m so excited for you to hear this episode. I had the opportunity to talk with Cam Dobbs. Cam is a retired D1 collegiate volleyball player with a heck of story! Cam came from a family of collegiate athletes and had the privilege of playing at her dream school, University of Miami. Freshman year of college, Cam had everything you could think of that you would want in a collegiate program…from amazing team chemistry, championship level volleyball program, a top tier broadcast journalism program, amazing teammates, tight relationships with her teammates you name it, she had it. Sophomore year was the exact opposite. Her athletic career was riddled with injuries, and she was constantly fighting for a starting position on the court. After suffering two previous concussions, Cam suffered her third in a 12 month period which ended her career. This started the worst season of her life that she had ever experienced. During this season Cam had to relearn to do basic functions, she battled with every concussion symptom you could imagine from constant headaches, light sensitivity to an emotional roller coaster of depression, anxiety. In the middle of this season is where Cam started to learn about the power of playing where your feet are. One of the things Cam mentioned during this period of her life that I think really nails the idea of a healthy perspective in the middle of a storm is this…she said there is purpose in your pain whether you are in the valley or on the mountain top, you can impact someone. We also talk about her journey with comparison and what it means to be fully confident in yourself as you are. Another great one liner Cam said was this, “I think confidence is mixing contentment with commitment to continue to progress.” Find Cam Dobbs here --> PWYFA Play Where Your Feet Are™ Podcast PWYFA Play Where Your Feet Are™ Book Now Available on amazon + website; merch out on website! http://playwhereyourfeetare.com/ All links here: https://linktr.ee/PWYFA My personal IG: @cam.dobbs Follow The Athlete Angle --> IG: @theathleteangle @mcbell96 Tiktok: @theathleteangle **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of people that really need it! :)

What’s up guys! Welcome back! This week’s episode was bomb…I had the opportunity to talk with Mark Scott who is a NBPA agent and founder of Crown Madison. Mark and I talk about his introduction into football, his recruiting journey, false expectations of playing at the colligate level. We spent some time talking about how his time at SC State University changed the trajectory of his life and how that experience helped him restructure his priorities when it came to pursuing football at an elite level. We talked about the pain of losing your identity in sports and what Mark did during that time to find a new passion and direction for his life. One thing he said that I loved was, “My goal changed from being a high-level player to a high level professional.” We got real and talked about how feeling like a failure during this transition and what to do with the pressure of feeling like you have to answer this question, “what am I going to do with the rest of my life?” Mark also gives insight into how he has turned his pain of not achieving his dreams to go pro into a new passion of helping athletes transition into life after sports with confidence. Find Mark Scott here --> Website: www.crown-madison.com IG: crownmadisonsports Featured Course: Athlete Career Transition Minicamp (course) on the teachable platform Follow The Athlete Angle --> IG: @theathlete angle @mcbell96 Tiktok: @theathleteangle *Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of the people that really need it :)

What’s up y’all! Welcome back to the Athlete Angle. We are going to jump back into the conversation with Aaron Machbitz. Aaron continues to share new ways of finding moments in the in between that retired athletes can take advantage of by just being still. We discussed how after athletics, an athlete’s schedule can free up and open spaces for new things, or just time to relax! Aaron shared some amazing tips and positive advice for retired athletes to use while transitioning into life after sports. We discussed how Aaron takes jujitsu classes as a new form of competition and works on breathing exercises as a small part of how he works on his mental health. He also gives tangible examples on how to build habits that benefit our mental health. Some practices Aaron talks about include going for a walk, going to the gym, meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling. Life as an athlete can often be fast paced, little to no breaks, and extremely stressful. Aaron and I talk about how someone can flourish in life after sports with this mindset, even while working through heavy emotions! Find Aaron Machbitz here--> Instagram: @aaronmachbitz Website: aaronmachbitz.com Podcast: Something for Everybody! Follow The Athlete Angle Here --> Instagram: @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 TikTok: @theathleteangle *Don’t forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of the people that really need it :)

What’s up y’all! Welcome back to The Athlete Angle. On this episode I had the privilege of having Aaron Machbitz on the show to talk about the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges that came with his transition into life after sport. Aaron is a former Division I baseball player, pro wrestler and now mental health advocate. After losing his sister to suicide, Aaron walked through a season of loss, both in his identity as an athlete and the loss of a loved one. This brought him to a new season of life where he turned his pain into his purpose. Aaron found a passion for advocating for mental health and has been encouraging and inspiring others through his podcast, Something for Everybody! and non-profit, You are Loved in an effort to reach those who are struggling. Find Aaron Machbitz here🡪 Instagram: @aaronmachbitz Website: aaronmachbitz.com Podcast: Something for Everybody! Follow The Athlete Angle Here Instagram: @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 TikTok: @theathleteangle *Don’t forget to like this show and leave a review! This helps get the show in front of the people that really need it :)

What’s up y’all! Its been a minute but I’m back with a great episode to kick off the new year. I talked with Vice President of Recruiting for Capstone Hospitality and former collegiate golfer, Sara Diaz. Sara shares how her exposure to golf at The First Tee impacted her career and opportunities she found herself in down the road. We discuss how golf brought her sister and her together and the role she played in her sisters life once Sara retired. We also talk about how being curious and finding something else that motivates you can help you with transitioning into life after sport. Sara touches on her career path since her retirement and how she’s thrived in her role at Capstone Hospitality. Find Sara Diaz here --> Instagram: @saradiaz178 Learn more about Capstone Hospitality here --> Instagram: @capstone_hospitality https://www.capstone-hospitality.com/careers Follow The Athlete Angle here —> Instagram: @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 Tiktok: @theathleteangle *Don’t forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of the people that really need it :)

What’s up guys! Welcome back to The Athlete Angle. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We’re jumping back into my conversation with one of my best friends Katlyn Holmes. We continue to discuss what building a foundation looks like, why it is important to be your authentic self and how finding good community is a continuous journey. Katlyn gives us insight on how she manages her freedom as an adult post sport and what it looks like to maintain balance in her life. We talk about how to build grace into your life, especially during the first few years of retirement and the importance of perspective in the process. My favorite quote from Katlyn is this: “…I love photography and a lot of the reason I don’t do that… anymore is because of comparison….just start, just start and just do it… really just don't let it steal your joy.” Follow Katlyn--> Instagram: @Katlynholmes15 Tiktok: @katieholmies Connect with The Athlete Angle! @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps get the show in front of the people that really need it. :)

What’s up guys! Happy Holidays! Welcome back to The Athlete Angle. Today we’re chatting with one of my best friends, Katlyn Holmes. Katlyn was a collegiate softball player recruited at the top of her class. She was the starting pitcher and broke records at her high school. Colleges started recruiting her in middle school! Unreal. We dive into her origin story and what it was like to have her identity associated with softball at such a young age. We discuss Katlyn’s journey on separating her identity from her performance, (which is ingrained in us as athletes) and how she began to rewire her mind to think differently about her identity outside of softball. Stick around for part 2 of our conversation next week we continue to discuss the challenges of creating an identity outside of your sport, what to do with the freedom that comes with retirement and lots more! Connect with Katlyn--> Insta: @Katlynholmes15 Tiktok: @katieholmies Connect with The Athlete Angle--> Instagram: @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps the show get in front of people that really need it! :)

What’s up guys! Welcome back to another episode of The Athlete Angle. I had the privilege to talk with former pro basketball player and fellow Gator, Patric Young. Patric and I talked about the importance of making friends outside of your team while you’re still in school and how this can help you gain perspective about the world outside of your sport. We covered how the injuries he endured while he was playing helped redefine his priorities in life outside of basketball, and what he did when he decided to retire. One of those things to pay attention to was his mindset coming into this transition. One of his quotes that I thought was os good and such a good reminder is that “there is no such thing as an insignificant season.” We covered how treating people well will pay dividends for you later, the kind of mindset he had walking into a job for the first time post sport, and the hallmarks of good community. Check out Patric Young --> The Patric Young Foundation - Py4foundation.org Instagram: @patricyoung4 Follow The Athlete Angle --> Instagram: @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps the show get in front of the people that really need it :)

What’s up guys, welcome back to another episode of The Athlete Angle. This week we’re diving into Cory Camp's origin story. We talked about when he discovered his passion for swimming, the dreams he had from himself and the challenges he faced in his career and in retirement. We get into how his success in the pool led to a lack of confidence outside of the pool and his struggle to identify himself as more than a swimmer. The challenges did not stop there. When Cory retired he struggled with motivation and shares how he found a way to learn more about himself and take advantage of The Flow. Check out Cory Camp —> Instagram: @corycamp Tiktok: @foreverathlete Website: www.foreverathletesocialclub.com Follow me on Instagram --> @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 **Don’t forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps the show get in front of the people that really need it :)

What’s up guys! Welcome back to another episode of The Athlete Angle. I caught up with my friend and Athlete Transition Coach, Taj Dashaun. If you’re looking for some tangible advice on how to transition well post sport, save this episode! Taj walks us through his mindset going into college football at Stony Brook University, how he managed his unmet goals…or didn’t. We dug deep into who he was when he retired and the action he took to start building a life outside football. Probably my favorite part of this episode is our conversation around cultivating clarity and chipping away at the uncertainty of life. I think the most interesting part is our convo around starting over and changing our mindset to view this season of transition as discovery rather than looking at it through a pessimistic lens. Stay to listen to the end! Taj surprises me with questions about my story and challenges post soccer. To Connect with Taj Dashaun--> Podcast - Thrive After Sports Links to all podcast platforms: https://www.podpage.com/thrive-after-sports-w-taj-dashaun/ Website: tajdashaun.com Instagram: @tajdashaun LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tajdashaun/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQgi_hDXaP5-6OtX_Nyf4A Follow The Athlete Angle for weekly highlights and announcements --> @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps the show get in front of the people that really need it :)

Today, we’re chatting with Alex Fodera. Alex played soccer at the University of Connecticut and played pro in multiple countries. We got deep y'all... We talked about her career ending injury which led into a season of depression and an eating disorder. We also talked about her passion for aerial performance and how this helped her learn about herself outside of her sport. You’re gonna want to listen till the end because Alex gives some KILLER advice on how to rediscover your identity in life after sports. Let’s dig in! To connect with Alex --> Instagram @AZFode3 Follow The Athlete Angle for weekly highlights and announcements --> @the_athlete_angle @mcbell96 **Don't forget to like this show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps the show get in front of the people that really need it :)

What’s up guys! Thanks for joining me for the first episode of the Athlete Angle! I am welcoming on a very special guest, Katie Spada. She is the owner of Spada Strong Nutrition which is a nutrition coaching business that teaches former athletes how to fuel for life after sports. She holds a master’s degree in Nutrition from Northeastern University with a concentration in Sports and Fitness. Katie competed as an elite level synchronized swimmer on the national team and collegiate level before retiring and pursuing her career as a dietitian. I had the privilege to talk to Katie about her time as a collegiate athlete and the impact that had on her career as a dietitian. We discuss the narrative of body image in sports, why we struggle with body changes post sport and how to separate our worth from the way our body looks. We switched gears and discussed how to make guilt free food choices that both support our nutritional needs and still allow us to enjoy food—like the chocolate covered bananas in my freezer right now! Lastly, Katie shared some simple yet powerful advice that helped her to transition into life after sports. Let’s dive in! Find Katie on Instagram --> @fueling.former.athletes Work with Katie --> spadastrongnutrition.com/work-with-me Follow The Athlete Angle Instagram --> @the_athlete_angle *If you loved this podcast, write a review and don't forget to hit subscribe!