Ever heard of the Ralston Rule? Many have not, in fact, some call it an urban legend, but the rule is intact today due to what Dennis did? Do you agree with the action he took?

Dennis Ralston paid a high price for life as the U.S.’s No. 1-ranked tennis player three straight years in the ’60s. The expectations that nearly crushed him were the least of it. Dennis has won and lost at Wimbledon, has been Ranked in the Top 3 in the world and has had the success a tennis professional could only dream about.

However all of that put aside, Dennis is a legend, a legend who is able to communicate the successes and challenges of life on and off the court. Dennis Ralston had the first of 16 knee operations when he was 18. The last two, a replacement for each knee, were a half-century later. As if that weren’t enough, tennis also took his left leg just below the artificial knee. The physical cost came to 16 knee operations, the first when he was only 18. The last two, a replacement for each knee, were a half-century later. The irony is that his parents encouraged him not to play football due to potential knee injuries.

Ralston was one of the so-called “Handsome Eight” who changed the face of the sport, taking it from amateur to professional. One of the original bad boys of tennis. He went from “Dennis the Menace” to captain and coach of champion U.S. Davis Cup teams. A member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

The man who coached Chris Evert in the ’80s and Yannick Noah and Gabriela Sabatini in the ’90s and SMU for more than a decade. Ralston says he isn’t trying to prove anything by playing occasionally. He still hates losing. It annoys him that he can’t get to shots. But he’s glad he can play. He likes the notion that it might inspire the disabled.

He appreciates the opportunity to share his experiences and knwledge about his addiction, hoping that by opening up about his experience he can educate others. And he still loves tennis. Even after all it’s cost. As Dennis says, “I don’t ever want to retire. I couldn’t retire.”

Significant Credit to Kevin Sherrington, from SportsDayDFW and on Twitter @KSherringtonDMN for almost all of this story and biography. Well-written Kevin.

Robin and an entire bar full of people in New York City is held hostage in the scariest moment of her life.

Robin is a corporate lawyer turned Ambassador of Sweat, running coach, cycling instructor, and ultra marathoner.

SHUTUPANDRUN, her blog, is for athletes who think medals are the highest form of Bling. She believes in the mantra: We sweat with swagger on the streets of our cities; and we never sacrifice style for function. Fueled by the ethos that there is no finish line, Robin’s life's mission - redefine, reform, and rethink possibility through movement.

Robin is a former social media producer for Nike Women, coaching athletes is her passion. One time she ran 5 marathons in 5 days across Utah. Her to do list has one thing on it: do epic s*@t. 

Sweat is magic and transforms lives. When Robin not training for ultra marathons, she coaches endurance athletes of all levels at S10 Training and teaches indoor cycling at Revolve NYC, Peloton and Reebok. Prior to pursuing health and wellness, Robin graduated magna cum laude from New York University and Villanova University School of Law. The fine print: RRCA certified running coach, NASM certified personal trainer, and Schwinn spin instructor.

Hailing from Cuban and Puerto Rican parents, Robin believes the sun and booty shakes are good for the soul. 

Let's listen to her and then, as she say’s it best, “Let’s play!”

Thanks to Robin and the bio she shares on her website robinarzon.com for this information, much more well-written than I could have ever produced!

Andi Hardy discusses a "I am not going to be last" mentality with us as she describes her first Spartan Race experience.

Andi Hardy, the "Barbed Wire Queen of Green" runs some of the toughest races in the world. But it all came with a price. A Price of having to live through being teased as a young girl, a price of finding her way and not always feeling as though “she fit in”. However, sports and the camaraderie of sports have, in essence, blessed Andi with a 360-degree discovery of who she is and who she wants to be around. The only difference is this time it is by her own choosing. 

She has just started training again for Spartan Races, after a few months off for reflection. Andi uses her mantra of "How bad do you want this" to always push for that extra step, set or mile. She loves obstacle races so much that she even works for an obstacle race company, Spartan Race!

As a child Andi was shy and withdrawn but always pushed to the limit in sports. Andi also had knee problems that required multiple surgeries and lacked self-confidence in her younger years and found that if somebody told her she could not do something she would often believe them.It was not until her later life that she learned to defy the naysayers and push beyond what everyone, including herself, though she was capable of doing.

Listen in to Andi tell of breaking through that wall of pessimism in her first race and surpassing many of the other runners. Let her inspire you to go that extra distance by asking yourself "How bad do I want this?"

Want to know what really happens on Shark Tank. Listen as Julie takes you through her journey while pitching her brand, Slawsa to the Sharks!

Julie Busha was born in Cincinnati, OH but has also lived in Troy, MI and Sarasota, FL She graduated Academic All-American in cross-country and track at Winthrop University, with 3 departmental honors in health and a physical education degree and the Order of Omega.

Post graduation, Julie was recruited by the sport-marketing giant, IMG and then worked primarily in the NASCAR industry. In 2007, Spring Cup MASCAR Champion, Bobby Labonte asked Julie to leave their respective agencies and help build his sport marketing company, which she did and served as Director of Marketing until the end of 2010 when Julie left the industry to pursue a new life as an entrepreneur.

Fortunately, Julie had built many connections and called General Mills, a 9.5-year client while working in the NASCAR industry. A few phone calls and many hours, weeks and years of hard work later, Julie was off to the races. Thankfully Julie, from her experience playing sports as well as her calling to play with transformers over Barbie Dolls, learned how to manage and face the challenges and grit from her athletic experiences that would later help her perceiver in her new endeavor. Today Julie has launched and runs one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Perhaps you've heard of it: Slawsa! If not, you will soon.

Julie moved from NASCAR to being a guest on Television's hottest show, Shark Tank with a product that will make your mouth water. Now in almost 6000 stores nationwide, Slawsa is taking the country by storm. But the path, like sports, was not easy. Overcoming odds, miscommunication, under-performing teammates, being told no; all of this has paved the path to her success today.

Do not miss this story: sports, an underdog story and great food, what could be better?

What Did Red Sox Manager Terry Francona And Butch Share During The 2007 Red Sox World Series Run?

Butch Stearns is veteran media broadcaster and long time Boston sports personality. Behind the man on the camera or microphone, Butch is a sincere and caring individual who has dedicated his life to understand his role as well as to maintain a simplistic approach, passed down from his father, “to just think.” In his tenure as a Sports Broadcaster Butch has worked for affiliates for many major Television and Radio networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN and FOX as well as Sporting News Radio, Entercom and Clear Channel. He has covered 10 Super Bowls, 6 NBA Finals, 3 World Series and countless other major sporting events including when the Red Sox traveled to Tokyo. Currently, Butch is the Chief Customer Officer of The Pulse Network. The Pulse Network is a content marketing platform.

Jeff shares an exclusive story of playing a round of golf with coach Jimmy Valvano. Wait until you hear what happened!

Coming out of High School, Jeff Ruland and Magic Johnson shared the honor of being two of the top prospects in the country.. While Jeff could pound the boards inside and shoot like a hawk outside, Jeff is a man of dignity, transparency and passion. Listen to man who earned his way to the top despite many obstacles that attempted to keep him down.

Today, Jeff reflects on his journey with a no-nonsense attitude, but one that is inspiring and proves that adversity will most always be a catalyst for a mindset of success. A 6'11", 280 pound center, Jeff went from Sachem High School in Suffolk County, New York, to Iona College on a basketball scholarship and played for coach Jim Valvano. Jeff was the big gun on the Gaels' 1979-1980 team that beat eventual national champion Louisville 77-60 at Madison Square Garden during the regular season and compiled a 29-5 record en route to a number 19 national ranking, the best in the school's history.

After his playing days, Jeff became an assistant coach under the Philadelphia 76ers Fred Carter during the 1993-94 NBA season. He then returned to coach at his alma mater, Iona. Today he is a professional scout with the Washington Wizards.

Lauren Challenges The CEO of Nike And Respectfully Demands Nike Uses Real Athletes As Opposed To Models For Their Ad Campaigns.

Lauren Fleshman Grew up in CA where she was a State champ in both cross-country and track. As a student-athletes at in college at Stanford University, Lauren is now considered one of most decorated and consistent NCAA athletes in Stanford and NCAA history and recently become a Stanford Hall of Fame inductee in 2013. Lauren has been extremely successful in promoting her brand, including a long running relationship with Nike. Lauren left Nike in 2013 for an opportunity to compete for a start-up women's running apparel company called Oiselle. Lauren is also the co-founder of Picky Bars, an athletic lifestyle health food brand that seeks to motivate, educate, and inspire active people to live an awesomely athletic life. 

When Lauren has a minute to sit down from being a wonderful mom and wife, she is an accomplished writer, having authored a women's training diary. She is also a contributing editor at Runners World and writes a column called "The Fast Life." Above all, Lauren is most extremely of the platform she has built where she has developed a sincere affinity for writing for her award winning blog at asklaurenfleshman.com. where she is know to write in a candid and open style.

An un-drafted Hockey Player, Jeff Halpern began his NHL career in 1999 with the Washington Capitals. He was the first member of the Capitals to be born and raised in the Washington, DC area. 

With a mindset to always stay in the moment, Jeff has played 15 years in the NHL with 7 different teams. Although to some he may seem like a journeyman, to most he is the hard-nosed, put your head down and lead-by-example teammate, one whom many an NHL team would love to have on their roster. 

Graduating from Princeton with an academics-first attitude, Jeff considers himself fortunate to play in at the collegiate level, provided hockey was barely played in or around DC back in the early 1990’s. 

Jeff Halpern is one of the hardest working players in the game and his 15 years in the league is proof. As a former Capitals and Team USA Team Captain, Jeff shares what it is like to make a true career out of a game he loves.

Joe De Senaa an Exclusive Access, Joe vs. Wall Street vs. The Lion In Africa: Who Would Win?

All too often we spend our waking hours trying to find and stay comfortable in our own lives.  We look for short cuts, gadgets, and processes to make things easier, seeking what we consider personal fulfillment.

We believe that there are things we can do and things that we can’t, and we become conditioned to that distinction.  It creates our everyday reality and it makes us feel secure, because we think we know what to expect of the world and what to expect of ourselves.  

Enter Joe De Sena, the man who will turn that world upside down. Growing up in Queens, Joe’s mother valued healthy eating and living and passed on that value system to Joe. It’s been well-documented that he worked hard growing up and ultimately got to Wall Street, where he made his mark and made himself a small fortune.  

He moved his family to Pittsfield, Vermont and quickly entrenched himself and his family in the local landscape.  Joe moved to Vermont in an attempt to get back to the way things used to be. It’s also well documented that Joe turned an interest in endurance racing into a passion.

His racing resume is the stuff of legends – over 50 ultra-events overall and 12 Ironman Events in one year alone.  Most of his races are 100 miles or more with a few traditional marathons in the mix.  (He once said that my running a 26.2 marathon distance was “adorable.”).

Spartan intends to wake up the world up and save humanity, one racer at a time if need be.  It’s a race meant to challenge, to push, to intimidate, to test and even to break those brave enough to try, and it was designed by seven people who know what that feels like.  “Fun run” doesn’t apply here.  It’s about being uncomfortable, overcoming obstacles and finding out what’s possible when what you expect of yourself is everything.  

In the words of Joe himself: “The phrase ‘I can’t’ doesn’t mean anything to me anymore, not because of my ego but because I know anything is possible.” (excerpt by Spartan Blog)

What's it feel like to take off the shoulder pads after 19 years in the NFL. Equally important, what's it like for other teammates hear Matt declare this statement and reality.

Matt Stover is a man of faith, dedication and team. A two-time Super Bowl Champion and a Ring of Honor Baltimore Raven, Matt’s success was as much talent as it was maintaining the proper approach, discipline and mindset to become a long time veteran professional athlete. The key to Matt, as you will learn in this episode, is his ability to be conscience of perspective and to focus on what is important as well as on how to understand the role he had both playing and now being a father and community philanthropist. Matt could have kicked 1 field goal or the 471 he actually did make; either way, Matt’s journey is the ultimate depiction of how sports and the life lessons learned both playing and reflecting back on them can and will affect you.

As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, Matt Stover was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore Ravens, with whom he played for 13 seasons. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2009 to replace injured kicker Adam Vinatieri. Stover announced his retirement from football on May 25, 2011 with the Baltimore Ravens. At the time of his retirement, he was the last remaining member of the original Cleveland Browns still active in the NFL, and was also the last Raven to have played for the franchise before the team moved from Cleveland. He retired as the NFL's fourth all-time leading scorer.

Listen to Tim as he speaks to his father at the hospital. Amongst tears and the realization he is now paralyzed and never to play football again, Tim and his Dad share a special and extremely important moment together in that hospital room.

Tim Strachan was born & raised in Kensington, MD where he still resides today with his wife, Leslie, and 2 children, Sophie (5) and Olivia (4); On top of that he lives within a six-block radius of his immediate family—his parents, 3 brothers and their wives and kids. Tim attended DeMatha Catholic High School and was the Quarterback for 2 WCAC Championships ('91 & '92) and also played Basketball for Morgan Wooten. In 1993, Tim was pre-season All-American; ranked as one of top 5 Quarterbacks in the nation per numerous publications such as Tom Lemming and Street & Smith; alongside other notable names such as Peyton Manning.

However, Tim broke his neck when he did what millions of others do every single day. He dove into a wave at the ocean. This accident occurred at Bethany Beach, DE, one week prior to pre-season camp his Senior year. Although Tim was unable to play Football ever again, both Coach Paterno from Penn State and the University Maryland honored their scholarship offers to Tim, a gesture Tim still appreciates to this day. Tim eventually decided to attend the University of Maryland and served as the assistant coach for 4 years before graduating in 1999; He then went on to graduate from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2004 with his J.D. degree that he put to work as Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2005 to 2008.

When Tim is not working with the Senate Committee, he is a well-known Color Analyst for Maryland Radio Network with Johnny Holliday as well as an Independent Professional Motivational Speaker. Tim is a great man, from a great family and I am fortunate enough to still call Tim a friend today, 30 years after playing with and against him as a child.

In these can't miss exclusive access parts of the episode, Dave McGillivray shares two stories. The first is about the 2013 Bombing and the second about a determined young woman who ran the shortest distance in the Boston Marathon, but with the biggest heart of all those whom have run before or after her!

Dave McGillivray is and has been the Race Director for the Boston Marathon for 27 years and counting. Dave is also a philanthropist, an author and an athlete. In 1978, he ran across the U.S. to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. And over the course of his life he has run 140,000 miles and 129 marathons. In fact, every birthday, since the age of 12, he runs the miles associated with what age he has turned. How do you celebrate your birthday? 

Prepare to be motivated and inspired from a man whose personal motto is “it’s my game, so it’s my rules.”

Dave’s journey will take you back to when he first ran the Boston Marathon at the age of 17, but quit not too far into the race; only to be encouraged by his grandfather to come back strong the next year. And strong he did. Many decades later, Dave has run the Boston Marathon with or without the other competitors (listen to his episode to find out what that means) and sticks to his core values, one that is dear to his heart: “It’s all about participation, not so much the competition!”

There is no better guest to have on episode to have on this Podcast than Dave, one year after the horrific 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing incident. An incident that left great people dead, many more injured and an entire country shocked. While Dave shares those same sentiments, you will hear a man who has been the road to ensuring the safety and excitement of what the Boston Marathon will once again offer to thousands if not millions of people in 2014.

This Episode is dedicated to those who sadly passed on that day of April 15, 2013:

Sean Collier ; Krystle Marie Campbell ; Lu Lingzi ; Martin William Richard and their families and loved ones We will not forget you. Boston Strong!

Team Hoyt and Exclusive Access, Dick Hoyt Shares Multiple Stories: War In Honduras, The Bruins Captain Chara, Meeting President Reagan, Winning An ESPY With A Congrats From Ben Afflek And Holding The Stanley Cup During A Dinner With The Bruins.

Together- You Can Do Anything!

Rick Hoyt uses a wheelchair.  That has not stopped him from living a very full and amazing life.  He, along with his dad, Dick, have formed “Team Hoyt” and they have competed around the world doing marathons and triathlons. 

The Hoyts have competed in over 1100 athletic events in the last 34 years.  They have run in 70 marathons - 31 of them being the Boston Marathon.  They have also completed in 252 triathlons, 6 of them being Ironman distance events.

Dick, 73, is a retired Lt. Colonel, having served in the military for 35 years.  Rick, 51, is a graduate of Boston University with a degree in Special Education. 

Rick was born in 1962 as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and as a non-speaking person – but despite these disabilities, Rick’s mind and spirit have always been strong.  His family supported his quest for independence and inclusion in community, sports, education and the workplace, culminating with his graduation from Boston University. 
 
Dick travels the country doing corporate and community presentations, educating the public about disability awareness and promoting the Team Hoyt motto, “Yes You Can”.  Through his presentation, Dick shares his lifelong commitment to changing attitudes and educating others on the world of disabilities. He and his family have seen an impact from their efforts in the area of public attitude toward people with disabilities. Before I introduce Dick, I just want to say how honored I am along with the rest of Who Are You Nation, to have you join us on our podcast as I know we are all going to learn a lot of life lessons, from your journey through 34 years of racing with your son Rick.

An 18 year old NHL Hockey Player with his girlfriend sitting in the passenger seat, with the roof down in his Convertible Car...but then an older gentleman walks by. What happened next?

As Doug so appropriately states it, "When I (he) was playing hockey, it was all about being the best in the world. Now, it is all about being the best for the world."

Doug's journey began playing against Wayne Gretzky and with Mario Lemieux. But while those names were and still are important to Doug today, this interview is not about names or hockey so much as it is about the mindset of surviving trauma and how one, through Doug's research and personal stories, can tap into your subconscious mind to succeed and live!

Doug is a remarkable man who had to completely revamp his life and discover his inner-self after a major injury, including over 200 bones broken in his neck and back, left him physically and emotionally shattered. But rebuild is exactly what he did. Although the past few decades have been challenging in more ways than one, Doug has harnessed his positive energy and directs it to those who want it and need it. Doug references his most recent book, a soon-to-be bestseller in Canada, "The Trauma Code" which lays a foundation for providing the proper tools for understanding fear, overcoming fear and conquering fear overcoming.

Fear along with other critical emotions and challenges every human being faces at some point in their respective lives, is addressed in Doug's book in a concise, no-nonsense approach. By using the lessons he learned from sports and reflecting back to being an 18-year old NHL star in Los Angeles, CA, Doug, in his own has been able to "reverse-engineering" his mindset and method of approach to life following his injury and has now become a true leader. A leader not in sports as he once was, but in motivational speaking, helping others in dire need of emotional and physical support, and in the power of the brain. Doug accomplishes all of this with an explanation and understanding of who we truly are as people and then how to capture the "potential" from within, potential we all have, but oftentimes never use.

Doug’s story is full of emotional and insightful comments about his own journey and how he has dealt with some of the biggest challenges in his personal and professional life. Who Are You Nation: This interview with Doug Smith is one you will most assuredly remember for some time.

Doug’s story will move and inspire you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I continue to do even to this moment as I have listened to it at least times now. 

Kerri Pottharst shares the message from her success coach as she trained for the Gold Medal in The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. She also tells us what one does with 2 Olympic Medals once they are won. Where do you put those things anyway?

From a young age Kerri Pottharst knew that sports were the best thing for her and her future life.  She competed in Beach Volleyball in the Olympics with her teammate Natalie Cook and won a bronze medal in 1996 and then a gold medal in 2000. She has also been a commentator in the last two Olympic games and a motivational speaker for over 10 years.

One of her sponsor's once challenged her during a somewhat "down" period in Kerri's life with the direct statement of "It's a long time in a pine box!" Kerri, always one to bounce back, took this statement head on and adjusted her mindset in a direction of positivity and a "take positive action now" approach from that day forward. Listen as Kerri reflects back on her tremendous experiences playing in the Olympics, especially competing in extreme adverse situations. Situations that forced her to take a step back and recognize that her outlook, drive, passion and mindset were critical components to success, more so even than her physical talents.

Kerri was able to translate a message and understand that the only way through a tough situation is to take it head on and make the best out of it at all time. In fact, when asked the question during the interview regarding a challenging moment, her candid reply was, "I try my best to remove all negativity in my brain and my life, so although it creeps in from time-to-time, I have a hard time remembering challenges.

Kerri Pottharst is a true champion in Australia and a pioneer in the sport of women's Beach Volleyball. Listen to her educate us about how she learned how to make the adjustment between the difference of playing in front of a United States and a chanting crowd to years later when she won the gold and competed in front of the home crowd in Sydney.

You will also learn from her stories as she references conversations and stories about great athletes Pat Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt, Kerri Walsh, Misty May, Monica Seles, and others. Whether it is in gardening or in coaching, Kerri Pottharst loves to see everything grow.  A great interviewee and a wonderful person, Kerri has a wealth of information to motivate and inspire. This is an interview that you do not want to miss! 

Billy Joe Tolliver, 12-Year NFL QB, takes us WAY behind-the-scenes with two stories. Story one is about his affinity and love for legendary Coach Mike Ditka. The second story is an incredible description of what happened the day Joe was introduced to his new team upon being drafted. Let's just say that Billy Joe Tolliver had some fun that day.

Billy Joe Tolliver is one of a kind. This interview absolutely cannot be missed. Joe’s story will captivate you like it did me. With his humor and his 110% open and honest approach to every word he says, Joe shares his amazing journey of growing up in the small town of Boyd, TX with 800 people, many whom had houses with dirt floors. He also allows us into his childhood where he had a father with an incredible work-ethic, but, as Joe shares, a little heavy on the bottle, a loving mother with an incredible sense of humor and lastly, the day when all of his brothers and sisters all spent Thanksgiving day in jail.

While growing up was potentially dissimilar to many others’ experiences as a child, Joe didn't know any different until he headed off to College.  It is no secret that the work Joe put into both sports and the physical work he did in his job (as a teenager), in order to help make a living for the family, shaped his drive and mindset forever. A drive that ultimately dominated nearly every free second of his day to either work or play, paving the way for a 12-year career in the NFL.

Joe provides fantastic stories of the San Diego Chargers, his prominence in baseball including throwing 12 no-hitters in High School, and so many familiar names in sports: Mike Ditka, Jerry Rice, Bobby Beathard, Tommy Lasorda, Jason Sehorn, Trent Dilfer, Andre Rison, Quadry Ismael, and even commentary on the current NFL Playoffs* and quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning. Joe shares his insights on what the one's role should be; as well as how to be a great parent and coach and the importance of practice and commitment. Simply said, this is a great episode with Billy Joe Tolliver.

Joe is a "throw back guy" and his brutal but open honesty is guaranteed to make a positive impression on all of Who Are You Nation! At the very least, I will assure you of one thing...you will laugh at almost every story he tells as Joe shares his narrative like no other guest to date.

*This interview was conducted right before Super Bowl XLVIII, hosted in New York City at Giants Stadium

Why it's important when athletes and celebrities take the time to stop, engage and interact with their fans. It's really what being a fan and athlete is all about! 

Roy Scott is the CEO of H3 (Healthy Hip Hop) Enterprises, and also a talented writer, producer, rapper and entertainer. After choosing the streets over sports in high school Roy made a name for himself as the hip-hop artist, "Marcc James".

Listening to music with his son, Roy decided to shift his talents to send a positive message and make a serious adjustment to his approach, recognizing that the world is not all about him. Roy partnered with former Podcast Guest,  Reggie Gray, also knows as "Reggie Regg The Magic Man" to form H3TV, promoting healthy music and a healthy lifestyle. Now H3TV has partnered with The LeBron James Family Foundation to promote healthy living through movement and music.

Who Are You Nation: Join in as we speak with Roy and discuss his ideas for living healthy; and possibly see if we can get him to come up with a new jingle for our Podcast.

David shares a story of when his team took a trip to Rome, but when they were about to head back, they had realize a coach was missing.

David Hobson works for Manchester United as one of their top scouts. He went from delivering milk for eggs and not even liking "soccer" as a child to being a scout for an international powerhouse team. Manchester has 365 Million supporters around the "world" and is one of the most well known brands in the "sports world."

Listen to David share stories about his early soccer experience, his life-changing event after a bout with bacterial meningitis and what it takes to bounce back from such a scary situation. David also breaks down the "United States" vs. the "United Kingdom" approach of "parenting" and "coaching," as he explains the basics.

Who Are You Nation: prepare to gain some wonderful insight into the world of soccer from both a coaching and scouting perspective. To be the best, learn from the best, so you may want to take David’s advice: “Always aim as high as you can, and ensure that you always do to the best of your ability.”

Charles shares the story of the day his son, Cameron decided on his own, to leave the house and pursue a career in Hollywood...without telling mom or dad.

Ron shares a story of sitting down with the kind and big-hearted baseball star, Kirby Puckett in the clubhouse.

"Ron Shapiro" When I reason with a man, I spend 1/3 of my time thinking about what I will say and 2/3 thinking about what he will say." by Abraham Lincoln.

Working for his father as a child, in the basement of his father’s company warehouse, Ron’s DNA and fabric is melded by understanding the meaning of hard work and growing up in the “school of hard knocks.”As a first generation American, Ron has had a significant impact on so many people, companies and foundations that it’s not a secret his success comes from being a great listener and knowing how to speak and negotiate with others by following the mantra of the great Stoic Philosopher Epictetus who said, “God gave us two ears and one mouth, therefore we should listen twice as much as we talk.”

In this exclusive interview, Ron reflects on the life lessons he learned growing up in Baltimore, MD enjoying his childhood and playing “Wire Ball” and “Step Ball”, as well as the tools he that he learned to eventually align him with incredible people and sport’s legends such as Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, Jim Palmer and Joe Mauer.

While All Stars and Hall of Famers are significant, Ron truly believes they are not to be overshadowed by the most important part of life, which is being a good person but following the message and phrase he coined, “Dumb is Smart and Smart is Dumb.” Join Ron as this episode takes us on a journey from childhood to playing baseball at Haverford to present day, where Ron has recently written popular and soon to be bestselling book, “Perfecting Your Pitch.”

When it all gets boiled down, Ron is a team player in every sense of the word; and as Ron graciously states during the interview, “if I am going to be considered a success, I will only be so because of the people I work with.”

Jerry, a humble man, shares that he is a man of consistency and one based entirely off of the concept of being a team player.

It has been said: of all the players Wilt Chamberlain faced, when asked who he hated facing the most, he said Jerry Lucas.

Jerry Lucas wasn't particularly tall or bruising, nor was he a great leaper, but his name can be found at the top of any list of great rebounding forwards in NBA history. The 6-foot-8 Lucas hauled close to 13,000 rebounds for an average of 15.6 per game, the fourth-best career mark in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Bob Pettit.

In 1979, Lucas was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was an NBA All-Star seven times, a member of the All-NBA First Team three times, and a Second-Team selection twice. His efforts earned him a spot on the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team and Lucas still looms large in the memories of NBA fans.

But Jerry left the Knicks with 3 years still left on his contract. Why? He had a calling off the court and that was to provide positive energy to everyone he encountered as well as to become one of the world’s leading academic experts on education and especially how children may improve their memory and learning. True to his word upon retirement, Jerry has spent the past 3 decades preparing to launch a learning tool and platform, which he will do so on Kickstarter, as a leading authority on memory training and learning systems.

The Lucas Learning System will launch Doctor M’s Universe, on a Kickstarter Campaign this week, a visual-based learning platform that will undoubtedly change the lives of millions. But most importantly Jerry continues his journey the same way it started, as the ultimate team player.

John Wooden once mentioned "I don't like to lose, but if I have to lose to a player who plays like Jerry Lucas plays I feel better about it, because he is the most humble and team players he has ever seen in his life." That defines Jerry Lucas.

Olympia speaks to her persistent attitude a a child as well as more about her Success Coaching and Educational Endeavors.

Olympia Scott is a native of Los Angeles, CA and attended St. Bernard High School where she participated in a variety of extra-curricular activities especially student government, basketball, and track and field. in 1998, Olympia was picked 11th overall in the WNBA draft.

Her most significant professional accomplishments, however, are her two WNBA World Championships she won with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005 and again in 2007 with her current team, the Phoenix Mercury. She is the first player in WNBA history to win 2 WNBA World Championships with 2 different teams.

As a mother, 10 year WNBA veteran, and therefore, a role model in the community, Olympia recognizes her responsibility to give back. It is her goal to enlighten, educate, and inspire others through education, basketball, fitness, humor and just forward-thinking in general. 

You may be surprised what Anwar’s favorite pre-game music was, despite growing up in the Hip Hop and Rap Music Era.

To some, Anwar McQueen’s journey seems nothing short of heroic. To Anwar, it was just living life. Growing up in one of Washington DC’s toughest neighborhoods in the 80’s was no cake-walk but being offered a scholarship to St. Albans School for Boys, the breeding ground for congressmen, senators and Washington’s elite provided an entirely new type of challenge.

Anwar took that challenge head on, succeeding in academics and athletics while leading the St. Albans basketball team to city-wide dominance, even beating nationally renowned DeMatha High. He gained admission to the University of California, Berkeley where he continued his basketball career.

At Cal, the 6”-1” guard was also recognized for his feats off the court.  In 1994, his first year as a collegiate student-athlete, McQueen won the award for Best Academic Effort two years in a row and was given the Coaches' Award which recognizes outstanding leadership. As a true Student-Athlete at Cal, Anwar guided the Golden Bears to the NCAA Tournament three times in four years and graduated with a degree in Sociology.

Following 7 years of coaching both at the NCAA Division 1 level and at the High School Level, Anwar now enters his sixth “season” at Sportstec and is currently Vice President of Sales in the United States.

With one of the best winning percentages in all of the NCAA, including all sports and all levels, is there a reason why Coach Dave Hixon stays at a small Division III School in Western Massachusetts?

This fall Dave Hixon will enter his 38th season as the head coach of the men’s basketball team of his alma mater, the Amherst College Lord Jeffs. As a two-time National Coach of the Year. Dave has molded the Amherst basketball program into one of the best in the nation. He and his father, former Andover High School coaching legend Wil Hixon, were inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. With a 693-252 overall record, Hixon's .733 winning percentage is among the highest in NCAA history.

Awards and statistics are great, however, Dave is a veteran and a man who truly believes that to compete is to “run it right up the middle” and not avoid the challenges or the challenging conversations. Dave is a realist and one who requires the student-athletes on his team to set the goals for both the team and themselves. This includes a process where each member of the team ranks one another privately, in order to provide the coaching staff with tools to use to work with in order to best help the team.

As one of the finest coaches in the game, Dave instinctively knows that to consistently win, requires a discipline that everyone has to do whether they want to or not, but also a level of maturity which, as Dave defines it, is to focus and attain success because you want to, not because someone else asks you to do it.

This episode is a great example of making proper adjustments as a coach and understanding each role on the team. This approach has helped the Amherst Basketball team win multiple National Championships, including the latest one in 2013. That 2013 championship was not so much insured by talent as it was by the formation of a single unit that understood and had the blue-chip approach and mindset to compete with the best as well to recognize the important role of athletics within the context of academics. 

He may not be sending players off into the NBA, but Coach Hixon is a man of character whose greatest achievement is his ability to coach and mentor his players and help transition them as successful team players in life, well beyond the basketball court at Amherst College.

Pat Carroll was born into a household and neighborhood of athletes. His grandfather, father and brother helped Pat grow into the man he is today. Most impressive was his grandfather, who coached basketball for 50 years and shared his half-of-a decade of knowledge with Pat, as reflected on the signatures he wrote to Pat which stated, always “Keep Hustling; Keep Shooting"! 

Pat was able to take the roller coaster ride of athletics with the support of his coaches and mentors on how to adopt the proper mindset: that the wins and the loses help you grow as a team and an individual. From a young man to leading the NCAA in 3-point shooting, to playing professional basketball, Pat relied on a positive attitude to achieve his goals and finally walk off the court without regret, but more importantly the with lessons of a lifetime. Lessons that continue to drive him today.

While in college and heading into March Madness and the NCAA Basketball Tournament, Pat played on the team at St. Josephs with teammates Jameer Nelson and Delonte West that went 27-0 during the regular season. Expectations were high for a National Championship. But it all ended on a three pointer.

Listen to Pat’s reflection on a loss that continues to have an impact on his life today. Especially as he gained perspective and learned from that experience in relation to all of his other previous and future experiences from that night.

President of the Cleveland Indians, Mark Shaprio is close friends with GM of the Atlanta Hawks. How did this relationship begin and why does Mark's story relate to the Cleveland Indians?

Ted Barrett, Crew Chief and Veteran Umpire in Major League Baseball, shares his personal experience of what it is like to be an Umpire in 3 Perfect Games; 2 of them as the Home Plate Umpire.

Ted Barrett is a veteran Major League Baseball Crew Chief Umpire. Think it's an easy job? Think you could be one? Think you know what's happening behind-the-scenes? Well, here is your opportunity to listen to one of the best. The son of a football coach and a former college football player turned amateur boxer, Ted stands over 6'4" and 225 pounds, but his true size is generated from his heart, his faith and his love for his craft as an umpire. Having umpired 3 Perfect Games in his MLB career, two behind the plate, Ted share fantastic stories! 

Being an umpire is being part of a team, a team that is so often scrutinized on every pitch, play and inning. Confidence, leadership and a sense of understanding that the game is bigger than the any one umpire, player or manager, Ted maintains balance through his consistent nature. While most baseball fans would think the job of an umpire is simply a necessary part of the game, Ted explains the relationships he has made on and off the field. More importantly Ted discusses respect, endurance, youth sports, parenting, coaching and chemistry. 

Although some see Ted and other umpires or referees as, how Ted explains a robot, everyone involved in sports should focus their energy on the "controllables" and a positive attitude instead of on, what seems to be, the easy target. 

Ted Barrett. The journey of a man who climbed the ladder as a young man, multi-sport athlete, sparring partner, crew chief and overall leader on the baseball field; this is a can't miss interview whether you enjoy sports or not.

George Will goes behind the scenes with his a story of good friend, President Ronald Reagan and a discussion you will not want to miss.

George Will is a mastermind of baseball – but he is not a player or a coach. Rather, George is a Pulitzer-prize winner and one of the most well-known and respected columnists and sports authors in America. George has authored over a dozen books including Men at Work, one of the best selling baseball books ever, and his most recent book about Wrigley Field called, A Nice Little Place on the North Side. The Wall Street Journal once called George "perhaps the most powerful journalist in the country."

George believes in continuous learning and staying within oneself. Preparation, Anticipation and Attention to Detail – these are not just words and phrases, but essential ingredients to excellence.

George uses some of baseball’s greatest names like Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, Orel Hershiser, and Tony La Russa, among many others to point out the connection between sports and life in an unforgettable interview.

George Will: he will never wear a major league uniform, but he is undoubtedly one of the greats and a true spokesman for the life lessons of sports and our Country’s National Pastime.

Ben takes us behind-the-scenes to a conversation he had with President and CEO of the Red Sox, Larry Lucchino, prior to Game 4 of the 2004 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Was that the magic that led the team to 4 straight wins to go on and win the World Series?

Mark Shapiro is one of the most well known executives not only in professional baseball, but also in the world of sports. Among Mark's long litany of achievements, he was honored and Named Executive of the Year Twice and is currently the President of the Cleveland Indians. But Mark’s road to success continues to be due to his overall kindness and ability to relate and treat everyone with respect and dignity. 

Mark’s overarching life lesson stems from the basic philosophy of knowing what you can control, and then controlling it. Driven at a very young age to have a job and understanding the value of hard work, Mark never shied away from a challenge. In this interview, Mark provides a unique perspective on culture, organization, prioritization, and balance, as well as the importance of accepting and facing challenging decisions. Mark explores the leader profile and explains what it takes to separate oneself through hard work, discipline, and a focused attitude. 

Of quick note: this interview was conducted during the Fall of 2013, as Mark was overseeing the Cleveland Indian’s run towards a potential Major League Baseball Wildcard Playoff berth.

Ben Cherington From a one-stoplight town in New Hampshire to the bright lights of Fenway Park Ben stood center stage. He did so with a team of bearded men on the evening of October 31, 2013 and joined the rest of "Red Sox Nation" in a celebration no Bostonian had seen on the hallowed grounds of Fenway Park since 1918.

Yes, on that stage, Ben stood with players such as David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester and Dustin Pedroia, but as the live television cameras broadcasted historic images to fans around the world, showing a man with a smile wearing a World Series tee shirt and hat, his family and friends saw so much more.

I have been fortunate enough to personally know Ben Cherington as a friend and a teammate. It was no surprise to me when I read in a recent article in our Alma mater, Amherst College Magazine that Ben stated, “I (he) wanted to get off the stage as quickly as possible” in response to the question of how “he felt on that podium that evening”.*

As a young and successful competitor, Ben’s sports journey began on the ice and on the diamond as a two-sport athlete. However, sidelined by two devastating injuries in high school and then college, he was forced to stop playing baseball, the game he came to love. Then there was a choice, one that sports so often and unfortunately presents, which was whether to walk away or embrace the challenge he faced.

It was at that time and through those experiences Ben learned a life lesson from sports: nobody, other than himself, was going to tell him when or how to stop.

Ben Cherington, a teammate, a friend, a leader, a world champion, and perhaps most importantly of all, a man who learned important lessons from sports that helped him succeed in so many facets on and off the field.

Of quick note, this interview was recorded two weeks prior to the start of the 2013 playoffs, providing a unique perspective to hear Ben’s thoughts as the team prepared for their World Series run. Also, this was one of my earlier interviews – so please excuse the imperfections you may hear during this audio recording.

*These statements and quotes are paraphrased from the Amherst College Alumni Quarterly Magazine, Amherst, MA

Sandy Alomar Jr. was an All-Star Major League catcher who shares stories from his life as well as the secrets from the mound in this tremendous interview that every baseball player, parent and fan should listen and learn. Son Of Big Leaguer Sandy Alomar Sr. Young Sandy Learned How To Be A Leader On and Off The Field.

Sandy Alomar Jr. played Major League Baseball for close to 20 years, winning multiple awards and selected as a 6-time All Star for the American League. His most dominating performance was during the 1997 playoff run and ultimately in the World Series.

Sandy’s leadership defines so much of who he is and originates from how he was raised in a small town in Puerto Rico. Sandy grew up with an attitude of doing things only one way – the right way! First and foremost Sandy was focused on being a person of character. He learned from an early age to learn his role and understand how he could contribute. And Sandy did a fantastic job of contributing!

Sandy shares many stories, including playing ball as a child, under the bleachers of major league stadiums, with Ricky and Barry Bonds while their respective fathers played professionally.

Sandy ended up playing with and against some of the greatest names in his era such as Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, and Benito Santiago. Despite all of his successes, Sandy always deflected credit to others and emphasized the importance of listening, learning and teaching.

Sandy Alomar Jr., is a man who understands priorities and is the ultimate leader in every sense of the word.

The reality is in the details. So, listen to Sally go behind-the-scenes with how she has always enjoyed asking the odd questions to those she interviewed. Find out what she learned about Tiger Woods, Pete Sampras, Tour de France Cyclists and Pat Summitt.