Optimize Your Game, a Podcast from the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute

Heisman winner and Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard shares what it takes to reach—and stay at—the top. From the power of mentorship to the value of surrounding yourself with high performers, Desmond offers hard-earned insights on human potential. He also reflects on an unexpected lesson from a conversation with a professional ballerina, revealing what elite performers across fields have in common.You can learn more about Desmond at DesmondHoward.com.

Join Dr. Lee Kaplan in an electrifying conversation with Christine Coppola—marathon swimmer, 3X Ironman finisher, HR pro, mom, and unstoppable force. Christine takes us inside the grueling mental and physical battle of tackling some of North America’s toughest swims, from the 28.5-mile 20 Bridges Swim to the Catalina Channel’s eerie, overnight 20-mile stretch. From mastering visualization to surrendering control, to conquering open-water fears (yes, sharks!) and to the science of fueling while swimming, this episode is packed with lessons in resilience. Tune in and get inspired to push past your own limits. Follow Christine's journey on Instagram @christinejcoppola13/

A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Milagros Cubelli, Chief Marketing Officer of the Miami Sharks professional rugby team. We discuss what makes rugby a distinct culture – in terms of athletic performance, the spirit of competition, and within the Global sports community – and how the brand is cultivating a new fanbase in South Florida. You can learn more about the Miami Sharks at MiamiSharks.com.

A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Jordan-Elizabeth Long, Principal Soloist with the Miami City Ballet. We discuss the discipline and vision that led Jordan from childhood ballet in Blacksburg, Virginia to the Royal Swedish Ballet and European stages, and to becoming the Miami City Ballet’s Principal Soloist. We also discuss her choice to earn an MBA at the University of Miami, what goes inside pointe shoes, and “the work” that takes place backstage – appearing completely effortless to the audience. You can learn more about Jordan on Instagram @Jordan.Elizabeth.Long, and at MiamiCityBallet.org.

A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Chris Pavon, Senior Manager, DCC Community Engagement with the Miami Dolphins. An icon within the South Florida and broader performance cycling community, Chris is now responsible for widening the Dolphins Cancer Challenge’s reach and impact within the local community. We discuss with Chris the components of high performance in cycling (including bike tech), keys to evolving from casual to performance cycling, and why cycling is at the heart of the DCC. You can learn more about the DCC at dolphins.donordrive.com.

A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Dr. Ricardo Komotar, renowned Neurosurgeon and Co-Director of the Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute. Dr. Komotar is an international leader in pioneering strategies for brain tumor surgery and treatment, performing nearly 700 surgical procedures each year using cutting-edge techniques that remove tumors with the least impact on the patient and their daily lives. Dr. Komotar has authored hundreds of articles and chapters about his research and has served as an advisor on numerous national boards, medical societies, and committees. We discuss with Dr. Komotar the value of doing difficult things, how peak physical and mental performance impact professional performance, why he cold plunges before 6am every morning, and the importance of mind-frame in overcoming difficulties. You can learn more about Dr. Komotar at UMiamiHealth.org/Sylvester, and follow him on Instagram or on X.

A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Jacqueline Kasen, Senior Director of Group Fitness at Anatomy Fitness, strength & performance coach and speaker on a mission to guide individuals toward surpassing their own limitations to achieve greatness. Jacqueline has also embraced the challenges of mountaineering and exploration, setting her sights on conquering the prestigious Explorer's Grand Slam. She has already experienced a climbing expedition to Aconcagua, Argentina – the highest mountain in the Americas. We discuss with Jacqueline what “peak performance” looks like, the value of feeling discomfort and embracing difficulties, the importance of recovery, and why we should all say “yes” to climbing the mountains in our daily lives. You can learn more about Jacqueline at @KasenFitness on Instagram.

A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Zach Ripic, postdoctoral associate with the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences at the University of Miami. We discuss with Zach the methodology being researched and developed by his collaboration with the Sports Medicine Institute and Kinesiology to measure an injured athlete’s physiological and psychological readiness to safely return to play – what we’re calling The Miami Score. This episode touches on what we’re learning about the relationship between emotional/mental confidence and quality of movement, and its implications for athletes and active individuals of every level recovering from an injury. You can learn more about The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences at the University of Miami at kin.edu.miami.edu.