Especially for Athletes Podcast

This week, we sat down with former University of Utah basketball player and current high school basketball coach Doug Meacham for a deep and inspiring conversation sparked by comments from professional golfer Scottie Scheffler. After winning a major tournament, Scheffler said that while victory brings excitement, his true fulfillment comes from faith and family—not trophies. He shared that he’d rather be remembered as a great fathe...

Every athlete has felt it—the quiet voice that says “I don’t belong here.” In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, we tackle imposter syndrome head-on and explore the power of self-talk in building unshakable confidence.

Shad shares personal stories, insights from athletes like Tanner Allen and Michael Jordan, and compelling neuroscience that proves what you say to yourself matters. Whether you’re stepping into a big...

Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash said it best: “The process is what wins.” In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, we unpack why process over outcome is more than just a motivational phrase—it’s a way of life for elite athletes and strong individuals.

Dustin and Chad reflect on lessons from Steve Nash, bestselling author James Clear (Atomic Habits), and past podcast guests like Brennan Schooler, Ally Gomm, a...

What does it take to become one of the nation’s top collegiate gymnasts? For Taylor Christopulos, the answer is found not just in routines and repetitions—but in mindset, resilience, and service.

In this episode, Taylor, the 2025 Nissen-Emery Award winner (often called the “Heisman of Gymnastics”), shares his journey from Layton, Utah, to Nebraska’s NCAA team, his Olympic aspirations, and the unseen grind that defines success. He r...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Dustin and Shad break down a powerful interview with NBA legend Charles Barkley that covers anger, blame, and the moment Barkley decided to stop playing with bitterness and start playing for the right reasons. Barkley shares a raw and honest story about how unresolved anger and the desire to “prove people wrong” nearly defined his career—and how one moment of reflection helped...

In episode #141 of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Ally Gum, a track athlete currently running at Duke University. Ally shares her incredible journey from being a Provo Bulldog in Utah to competing at the University of Utah, taking a break to serve a mission in Boston, and ultimately transferring to Duke University to finish her collegiate career. Along the way, she’s learned invaluable lessons about resilienc...

In episode #140 of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we tackle a powerful and emotional topic: bullying. We explore the critical role that athletes, coaches, and parents can play in addressing and preventing bullying, especially in schools. Through a video that went viral, we dive deep into the heart of bullying, the leadership shown by a young boy standing up to bullying, and how athletes can help in these situations.

Key Takea...

In episode #139 of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we tackle a tough moment many athletes face, the heartbreak of being cut from a team. Whether you’ve just experienced this setback or are coaching athletes who have, this episode is for you. We explore how to respond with resilience, work ethic, and perseverance, using the stories of remarkable athletes like Doug Meechum, Elsie Murphy, and Jeff Griffin.

Key Takeaways:

1. Res...

In this episode, we sit down with BYU football standout Connor Pay just days before the NFL Draft as he prepares to begin his professional career. Connor shares powerful insights about the path to greatness—how it demands sacrifice, repetition, and a willingness to embrace the boredom of consistency. From mastering the art of snapping a football to leading the offensive line with precision, Connor opens up about the behind-the-scen...

In episode #137 of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we break down a postgame interview with Coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars after their dramatic victory over Duke. In this interview, Coach Samson exemplified three of the core principles we emphasize at Especially for Athletes: resilience, preparation, and competing without contempt.

We dive into the key lessons that can be learned from his approach to coaching and l...

In episode #136 of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Zettler, former Texas A&M football player and current Georgia Southern coach, and his father Brian Zettler, a legendary athletic trainer who’s worked with the Dallas Cowboys, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks. Together, they share profound insights into what it takes to leave a lasting legacy in sports—not through stats or accolades, but through persever...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad and Dustin explore a powerful message from Clemson Tigers coach, Dabo Swinney: “Let the light inside of you always be brighter than the light shining on you.” This principle aligns perfectly with the core of Especially for Athletes, where we emphasize the importance of athletes using their “sportlight” not just to impress, but to uplift and bless others.

We discuss the si...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad and Dustin dive into the power of embracing your role within a team. They reflect on the valuable lesson from Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, who shared his thoughts on resilience, teamwork, and the importance of accepting your role, even when it’s not the one you hoped for.

The conversation focuses on how athletes can contribute to the team’s success, no matter wher...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad and Dustin dive into the crucial topic of fan behavior—specifically, how student sections can bring energy and excitement to a game without crossing the line into hatred or disrespect. Using the recent incident at a BYU vs. Arizona basketball game as a backdrop, they discuss the impact of negative fan behavior and the importance of maintaining respect for both the game an...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad and Dustin dive into the powerful principle of consistency—a key factor that separates long-term champions from those who only experience short-term success. While motivation may spark action, it’s consistency that truly leads to growth and achievement.

Drawing insights from Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Utah Valley wrestling coach Adam Hall, and legendary football coac...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad and Dustin dive into the important concept of likability vs. status popularity, discussing how the principles of kindness and genuine relationships can have a lasting positive impact. The conversation is sparked by the wisdom shared by Kyle Collinsworth, former BYU basketball star, who advises high school students to “put down cool and pick up kindness.”

They explore an a...

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we focus on the core principle of resilience. Shad and Dustin reflect on the inspiring story of Mason Sawyer, a former Utah Mr. Basketball and now high school coach, whose life was changed forever after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of his wife, children, brother, and nephew. In the face of such unimaginable loss, Mason found strength in the life lessons he...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we dive deep into one of our core principles—compete without contempt—and explore how challenging it can be to live this principle during intense moments, especially when faced with constant, classless chatter from rivals.

Dustin and Shad discuss the heated Arizona vs. Arizona State basketball rivalry game, where Coach Bobby Hurley of Arizona State refused to shake hands with ...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sheldon Martin to discuss the importance of planning in achieving success, reducing stress, and ultimately winning the hour. As a doctor of behavioral health, Dr. Martin offers valuable insights into how planning can benefit our mental health, improve performance, and help athletes, coaches, and parents manage their time effectively.

We explore the concept...