Raising Athletes

In this inspiring episode, Kirsten sits down with Shelli Johnson — entrepreneur, leadership consultant, adventure guide, and founder of Epic Life Inc. — to explore what it truly means to live an authentic and meaningful life. From building a Yellowstone-based tourism company and award-winning travel platform to guiding leaders and individuals through the “wild terrain” of their own personal growth, Shelli shares the lessons she’s learned about purpose, resilience, and finding your way back to yourself.Drawing from thousands of miles walked through wilderness and life itself, Shelli opens up about how nature became her greatest teacher and why walking has become a powerful tool for reflection, healing, and leadership. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about alignment, courage, and creating a life that feels deeply true to who you are.

Christine Brennan is one of the most respected voices in sports journalism—and in this episode, she brings decades of insight, fearless reporting, and a deep understanding of the modern sports landscape to the conversation.A longtime columnist for USA Today and commentator for networks like CNN, Christine Brennan has covered everything from the Olympics to the biggest stories shaping college and professional sports. She’s also the author of the bestselling On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, a powerful and timely look at the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark and the cultural shift happening across women’s sports. The book explores Clark’s unprecedented impact on the game, from record-breaking performances to skyrocketing fan engagement and media attention.In this episode, Christine shares her perspective on the evolving world of sports—from the pressures facing young athletes today to the role of parents, media, and culture in shaping the youth sports experience. Drawing on insights from her latest book, she dives into the “Caitlin Clark effect,” the rapid growth of women’s sports, and what it all means for the next generation.This conversation is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes looking to better understand the bigger picture of sports—and how to navigate it with purpose, perspective, and integrity.

In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Andrew Simpson, renowned mindset coach, creator of The Winning Athlete Formula, and author of The Unstoppable Athlete: 12 Keys to Unlock Your Full Potential, The Youth Truth, and 7 Mindset Hacks to DOMINATE in Sports and Life. Andrew breaks down how athletes can build unshakable confidence, develop mental toughness, and create habits that translate to peak performance both in competition and everyday life. Whether you’re a youth athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation delivers practical mindset tools and powerful reframes to help athletes overcome pressure, stay consistent, and unlock their true potential on and off the field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jake Thompson is the founder of Compete Every Day and a keynote speaker specializing in competitive mindset and leadership performance training across sales-led, construction, nonprofit, and corporate teams. But before building a global movement, Jake was drifting—overweight, drinking too much, and living without purpose. A single book pushed him to rewrite his story and commit to daily 1% improvements that rebuilt his health, habits, and mindset. As people noticed his transformation, Compete Every Day was born—first as motivational shirts sold from his car, then as a worldwide brand now reaching leaders and high performers in 62 countries. Jake has since impacted over 100,000 leaders, authored three books, and built a top 1% global podcast with more than 2 million downloads. Today, Compete Every Day stands as a message, method, and movement empowering people to rise above excuses, pursue greatness, and beat who they were yesterday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Kirsten breaks down five powerful tools young athletes can use to handle big emotions and stay grounded in high-pressure moments. Whether you’re facing pre-game nerves, in-game frustration, or the mental rollercoaster of competitive sports, these simple practices help you reconnect to your purpose, calm your body, and bring out your best performance. Listeners will learn how to remember their WHY, use intentional breathing, practice mindfulness, protect their sleep, and create a personal reset strategy for when the moment feels overwhelming. These tools can be used anytime, anywhere—and build confidence from the inside out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Turner, a devoted mother of motorcross riders and thriving realtor. Nicole opens up about the lessons she carried from racing into parenting and business, the resilience required to navigate major life pivots, and how she continues to redefine success on her own terms. If you want an inspiring look at transitioning identities, chasing new goals, and building a meaningful life after sport, this conversation delivers powerful insight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Kirsten sits down with Opal Bird of Wake Forest Women’s Basketball. From leading Australia’s U17 National Team to back-to-back gold medals at FIBA Oceania (2023) and FIBA Asia (2024) to representing her country at the U19 World Championships, Opal’s leadership and composure have shone on every stage she’s stepped onto. Before heading to the U.S., Opal was a force with the Centre of Excellence in the NBL1, averaging 9.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, and she recently joined the Bendigo Spirit of the WNBL. Her global impact continued with appearances at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp and the NBA Global Academy Women’s Games, showcasing her skill among the world’s elite young athletes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Kirsten is joined by Nicolette Caneda, former Manhattan College soccer player, who opens up about her journey as a student-athlete and the lessons she’s learned both on and off the field. Nicolette shares her personal experience of overcoming an eating disorder, the impact it had on her relationship with the game, and the steps she took to prioritize her mental health. She also reflects on the influential role her father played as a coach, shaping her approach to competition, discipline, and resilience. Through honesty and perspective, Nicolette highlights how self-awareness, support, and open dialogue can help athletes navigate the pressures of sport and build a healthier foundation for performance and well-being. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.