Shows
StepsPeter Nelson II | Grit Over Grind, Faith-Driven Living, and Redefining SuccessWhat does it look like to live with grit — not just grind?In this powerful conversation, Peter Nelson II(co-founder of SISU Lifestyle) opens up about the values that drive his life: faith, family, resilience, and purpose. We explore what true grit means, why “the grind” is a trap, how to build weekly systems that actually work, and the rhythms Peter uses to lead his family, relationships, and business.You’ll hear stories about launching his YouTube channel after years of hesitation, a stunning example of his father’s recovery after a stroke, and why Peter beli...2025-05-081h 06
StepsSteps #16 - Monica Strohschein - The Importance of Community in SportsIn this conversation, Steve and Monica Strohschein explore the multifaceted journey of life, reflecting on personal growth, the importance of empathy, and the challenges faced in sports, particularly volleyball. They discuss the impact of mental health on athletes, the significance of coaching philosophies, and the joy found in playing grass volleyball. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and support in both personal and athletic endeavors, highlighting the diverse experiences that shape individuals. In this engaging conversation, Monica discusses her journey in volleyball, the challenges of training on different surfaces, and the creation of her volleyball brand, Folgen. She...2024-10-241h 38
StepsSteps #16 - Mitch Sadowsky - The Importance of a Long-Term Vision Embracing Change and Taking RisksTodays episode of Steps explores the theme of purpose and balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Mitch Sadowsky discusses how his purpose is his family and providing a better life for them. He grapples with the challenge of being away from his family to work and finding a balance between his calling as a strength coach and being present for his children. Steve shares his own experience as a father and the importance of setting an example for his kids while articulating the greater calling on his life. The conversation also touches on the topics of career progression, self-reflection, and...2024-10-101h 27
Steps#15 - Colin Jonov - Mindset and Self-Discovery: Navigating Life's ChallengesColin Jonov, founder of Athletic Fortitude, shares his journey as a former athlete and how he has learned to cope with injuries and setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of channeling negative emotions into positive energy and developing a dynamic identity. Colin discusses the role of fear and other people's opinions in shaping our mindset and how he has used an alter ego to overcome challenges. He also explores the balance between gratitude for past achievements and the desire for continued growth. Colin's insights highlight the power of mindset and self-discovery in navigating life's challenges. Colin Jonov discusses the concept...2024-09-261h 13
StepsCarly Wopat - Beach Volleyball Athlete & FirefighterToday’s guest on Steps is Carly Wopat (INSTAGRAM) Carly is currently a Professional beach volleyball athlete who got her start on the indoor side of the game. In our chat we discuss her journey from an early age and her recruitment to Stanford. While at Stanford Carly suffered the loss of her twin sister, Sam. We talk about this moment in her life and how it affected her, along with how it has shaped her view on how she lives her life. We also dig in on the transition from Indoor to beach volleyball and how the dream of...2022-09-281h 38
StepsAnna Rantala - Beach Volleyball Athlete, Creative Soul & ExplorerTodays guest on Steps is Anna Rantala. Anna is a professional beach volleyball player who hails from Finland. She is one of many athletes who end up making their way to the United States each year to attend a university while participating in athletics. In our conversation we discuss her journey with this including all the highs and lows that can be associated with moving to a new country at the age of 18. From there her story only gets better as she transitions to a new sport, kind of, and how this transition has led her to experience some...2022-09-141h 40
StepsJeremy Roueche - DJ (LA Lakers, AVP & Olympics) & Music ProducerJeremy Roueche is a man immersed in the world of music. Jeremy is a DJ, yes I said it, a DJ. He has been responsible for playing music at some of the most important venues and events on the planet. If you've ever been to an LA Lakers game, the Olympic Beach Volleyball matches, NCAA Women's Volleyball Final 4 or FUDS (IYKYK) you may have heard DJ Roueche crafting the mood and the vibe with the beats that he mixes together. In addition to DJ'ing Jeremy is an accomplished and amazing music producer who is just one half of The...2022-08-311h 39
StepsSydney Moore - Advocate, Athlete & Amazing HumanSydney Moore is one of the most inspiring guests that we had the honor of talking with on Steps. We discuss everything from Sydney's youth journey and her love of basketball to what made her decide to quit playing a sport that she grew up loving and picked up a new sport that she had no experience with. Along this journey she began to understand the power of manifestation along with challenges in her own mental health. Now Sydney uses the power of her journey to advocate and mentor in the realm of females in sports and Title IX...2022-08-171h 32
StepsBaby Steps - People and PerceptionsOn this episode of Baby Steps, I give my thoughts on O.P.P. - Other Peoples Perceptions (of us). We as people and a society spend so much time on what people. think about us as opposed to becoming clear on what it is and how we want to live our lives. This is something that even myself struggle with at times. People like Gary Vee speak about this subject all the time and it's something that I believe that all of us could learn from and work toward improving on. Rather than putting pressure on others and...2022-04-2810 min
StepsBaby Steps - It's Ok To Not Be OKThis is the 1st episode of something i've initially called, Baby Steps. There are so many things that come up in my interviews that could be talked about through a different lens. That's what I'm going to do with Baby Steps, chat about real things and give my personal thoughts and anecdotes along the way. The goal is for them to be short, digestible and hopefully thought provoking. In this episode, I speak about how it's OK to not be OK along with some of my learnings and experiences with therapy. This is not meant to be advice, more...2022-03-3011 min
StepsGary DeFranco - The Land, The Fighters & The RukisGary DeFranco is a Television Executive Producer for The Ultimate Fighter & Street Outlaws. Additionally, Gary is the President of Max Glow Media, MMA and Records! Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio Gary has seen so much in his years on this earth. From FBI raids to performing on stage with Bone Thugs & Harmony to Interviewing the best fighters in the world, Gary has a life’s story that is worth sharing. Currently living in Las Vegas, NV, we also dig in on how he made his way out to Vegas and what moment set him on that path toward the bright li...2022-03-161h 33
StepsSean Huiet - Personal Journeys, Living your Truth & Skyline Chili Our conversation today is with Sean Huiet. Sean is the Head Volleyball Coach at Texas State University. Sean took over as head coach of the Bobcat volleyball program in 2020 after spending 14 seasons as the assistant/associate head coach. In two seasons at the helm of the program, Sean has accumulated a 51-21 overall record. Originally hailing from Cincinnati, Sean eventually left the Midwest after spending time at Indiana State and Bowling Green State University and found his way to San Marcos, Texas 16 years ago and never left. We discuss Seans journey in coaching and in life and some of...2022-03-021h 17
StepsLucy Crivelli - Sneakers, Metaverse & Creating Your Own LaneOur guest today is Lucy Crivelli. Lucy has a passion for content creation, social media marketing, community events, and pushing industries forward. Lucy is Mexican-born, Los Angeles raised. She came to the US at age 3, fighting through adversities any female minority faces living in underprivileged communities. Lucy’s family is everything to her, she has worked hard to get a degree, and prove that women like her can create space in rooms that were not built for them. As a creative, Lucy has worked leading projects with brands like adidas, Reebok, & many more. Currently, Lucy is the Head of So...2022-02-161h 25
StepsGreg Meade: Serial Entrepreneurship, Family 1st & Putting Down the PhoneOur guest today is Greg Meade. Greg is the CEO of CROSSNET (think a cross between 4 square & volleyball) and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree. Greg hails from the great state of Connecticut which is where he and his co-founders of CROSSNET got their big idea. In our conversation we discuss everything from having the entrepreneurial spirit and how that spirit has helped him keep moving forward through failures that get thrown his way. We also dig a little bit on web3, the metaverse and the NFT space. (DISCLAIMER - neither Greg or I are financial professionals. Additionally, our conversation is...2022-02-0252 min
StepsAmanda Martin: Forest Bathing, Being Honest vs. Being Vulnerable & the Power of Being StillOur guest today is Amanda Martin. Amanda is a native of Nashville, Tennessee. She played Division 1 soccer at Saint Louis University and is a member of the St Louis Athletics Hall of Fame. From there she spent 8 years as a Division 1 soccer coach before transitioning into the corporate space with Deloitte. From the time that she joined Deloitte until now, Amanda has had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many that have been lucky enough to cross her path. Currently Amanda is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruiting Manager for Deloitte and is calling Philadelphia, Pennsylvania home.2022-01-191h 26
StepsLauren Carlini: Forks in the Road, Trying Times & Ninja DefenseLauren Carlini is a professional indoor volleyball player, and a member of the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team. Lauren grew up in Illinois and was a multi-sport athlete until she decided to commit her whole focus on the sport of Volleyball. Her collegiate journey took her to the University of Wisconsin and started off with an extreme high, finding themselves in the National Championship and Lauren earning National Freshman of the Year accolades. Lauren’s college journey was one that many can learn from. She encountered bumps In the road and character building moments that have made her the...2022-01-051h 13
StepsDustin Watten: Evolution, Impact & GratitudeDustin Watten (Instagram) is a professional indoor volleyball player, founder of NoEzyBuckets (Instagram) and all-around amazing human being. In our conversation Dustin and I unpack his journey from Long Beach State University into the pros and competing in the gym with USA Volleyball on the Men’s National Team.While playing professionally Dustin has evolved both his life and his desire to be of service to others. This spawned the creation of NoEzyBuckets (NEB). NEB is a platform where Dusty aims to train the best athletes in the world in their Mind, Body & Performance. In this episode we...2021-12-221h 03
StepsMatt Ginipro: Happiness, Grief and Unexpected DecisionsMatt Ginipro (Instagram Twitter ) is a husband, a father, a volleyball coach (Appalachian State, Virginia, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech) and beer aficionado (Rotation 6 Instagram). Matt joins Steps to discuss how he recently left the Head Coach role at App State, what happened and why it happened. Matt and Steve openly discuss the culture of coaching, how it can lead to unhappiness and what can happen when when unaddressed. Matt also shares how the death of his brother has affected him and how it's never too late to speak to someone about your mental health and well being.....2021-12-081h 30
The Inner Athlete#02 Intention with Steve VenclWhat is happiness? How to live an intentional life? How can athletes apply mindfulness? Why are athletes thought not to feel?Let me introduce this amazing human. Steve Vencl is an experienced volleyball coach, and currently, he is a life coach and a mindfulness consultant. Steve has such a unique way of looking at life and living intentionally. Our conversation inspires me because you genuinely start living differently by paying attention to your thoughts and reactions. Listen to find out how Steve grew up and experienced a massive trauma that led him to this current life he is living now...2021-09-2446 min