Shows
The Victory DegreeHard Work Isn’t Enough: What High Performers Really Do Differently - Alan SteinIn this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, host Nik Atanackovic welcomes high-performance coach and speaker Alan Stein, Jr. They discuss Alan's journey from a passionate basketball player to a corporate keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in one's work, the significance of childhood excitement, and the concept of work-life harmony over balance. Alan shares insights on identifying personal strengths and the necessity of self-care, while also addressing the misconceptions surrounding the grind culture. Alan also touches on finding personal rhythm, the importance of hard work, embracing uncertainty, living in the present, overcoming mental obstacles, training confidence...2025-04-1258 min
The Victory DegreeWhy Winning Starts in Your Mind – The Psychology of Achievement | Steve MagnessIn this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, mental performance coach Steve Magness discusses the intricacies of high performance, focusing on the psychological aspects of choking and the clutch gene. He emphasizes the importance of understanding fear and its impact on performance, using LeBron James as a case study. The conversation also explores the balance between obsession and performance, particularly in the context of youth sports culture in America. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance in success and personal life, the culture of sacrifice in pursuit of success, and the need to embrace failure as a path to...2025-04-011h 05
The Victory DegreeMastering Resilience: Navy SEAL on Life, Leadership, and Mental Strength | Rorke DenverIn this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Rorke Denver shares insights on building a resilient mindset, the importance of self-talk, and the power of hope in overcoming challenges. He reflects on his experiences during SEAL training, particularly Hell Week, and discusses the unique mindset required for special operations. Rorke emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself, the camaraderie among warriors, and the lessons learned from deployments, including finding peace amidst chaos. He concludes with powerful mantras for living a fulfilling life and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.Other Episodes You May Enjoy:...2025-02-161h 12
The Victory DegreeExpert Mindset Principles from Ray Lewis, Michael Jordan, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady & More | AJ ShavellIn this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik welcomes AJ Shavell, a coach and content creator, to discuss his journey of self-discovery, the importance of overcoming fear, and the insights he has gained through coaching and content creation. AJ shares his experiences with meditation, self-awareness, and the challenges he faced during the pandemic, which ultimately led him to help others through coaching and writing. The conversation delves into the themes of resilience, leadership, and the significance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. AJ Shavell and Nik also explore the principles of success, leadership, and personal growth through the...2025-02-061h 13
The Victory DegreeThe High School Players That Changed the NBA FOREVER: Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James & More | Jonathan AbramsIn this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Nik Atanackovic interviews Jonathan Abrams, author of 'Boys Among Men', discussing the evolution of high school basketball players transitioning to the NBA. They explore the impact of players like Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the influence of social media on modern players. The conversation delves into the significance of the 1996 NBA draft and the circumstances that shape player development and success. The consequences of draft decisions, the evolution of NBA rules regarding high school players, and the impact of Sonny Vaccaro in linking shoe...2025-01-251h 08
The Victory DegreeDrew Hanlen ON: Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Joel Embiid, Killer Mindset & NBA Training TacticsIn this episode of The Victory Degree podcast, Drew Hanlen, a renowned basketball skills trainer, shares his journey from a passionate young basketball player to training NBA stars. He emphasizes the importance of consistency over intensity, the value of hard work, and the significance of time management. Drew discusses his experiences training players like Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum & Joel Embiid and the impact of organizational support on player development. He also shares insights from his journey as a basketball trainer, emphasizing the importance of hard work and opportunity. Drew also highlights the evolving coaching techniques in basketball, the human...2025-01-131h 12
The Victory DegreeThe Most Audacious Process in Sports History | Yaron WeitzmanIn this conversation, NBA reporter Yaron Weitzman discusses his book 'Tanking to the Top,' which chronicles the Philadelphia 76ers' rebuilding process under Sam Hinkie. The discussion covers the motivations behind writing the book, the team's struggles before Hinkie's arrival, the philosophy of tanking, Hinkie's unique approach to management, and the importance of understanding players as individuals. Yaron also provides insights into the complexities of sports management and the human elements that influence player success. The conversation also touches on the business aspects of basketball and the future of audacious strategies in sports management.Other Episodes You...2025-01-0642 min
The Victory DegreeDavid Fales Tells All: Playing w/Colin Kaepernick & Jay Cutler, Life as a Backup QB & MindsetIn this engaging conversation, David Fales shares his journey from an under-recruited high school player to a successful quarterback at San Jose State and his experiences in the NFL. He discusses the challenges of quarterback recruitment, the importance of organizational fit, and the influence of great quarterbacks like Drew Brees on his game. Fales emphasizes the multifaceted nature of quarterback success, highlighting the need for strong support systems and the right coaching environments. He reflects on the emotional toll of being cut and signed multiple times, the importance of preparation, and the mental health aspects of being a high-performing...2024-12-091h 29
The Victory DegreeInside the Mind of An Olympic Gold Medalist | Jerome BlakeHe's an Olympic Gold Medalist, world champion, and huge fan of Ikea and the Vancouver Canucks. Jerome Blake is carving his own unique path through the world of track and field while simultaneously trying to reinvigorate its popularity. In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Olympic gold medalist Jerome Blake shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Jamaica to becoming a professional athlete in Canada. He discusses the cultural differences he faced when moving to Canada, his discovery of sprinting, and the mental preparation required for high-stakes competitions. Jerome emphasizes the importance of self-belief and t...2024-12-011h 26
The Victory DegreeLarry English Tells ALL: Dealing w/the "Bust" Label, NFL Experience, Growth Mindset & FatherhoodHe's a former 1st round pick of the San Diego Chargers, reality TV star, and present day entrepreneur. Larry English joins the pod to talk through his journey to football, experience building his own company & brand, and much more!In this conversation, Larry English shares his journey from growing up in Aurora, Illinois, to becoming a first-round draft pick. He discusses the importance of family support, his early passion for football, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Larry emphasizes the significance of viewing the NFL as an opportunity rather than a career, reflecting on the...2024-11-251h 06
The Victory DegreeInside the Mind of a Track & Field World Champion | Trevor BassittHe's an Olympian, world champion, and huge Tennessee Titans fan. Trevor Bassitt joins the pod to talk through his journey from Bluffton, Ohio to the world stage.Trevor Bassitt is a 400m hurdler who won Bronze at the 2022 World Championships and recently represented team USA in the Paris Olympics. In this conversation, Trevor shares insights about his upbringing in Bluffton, Ohio, emphasizing the importance of community and accountability. He reflects on the strong work ethic instilled in him by his parents and how it shaped his approach to sports. Trevor recounts his initial struggles with h...2024-11-161h 26
The Victory DegreeJeff Pearlman ON: The Shaq/Kobe Lakers, 90's Cowboys, Walter Payton, State of Sports Media & Bo JacksonThe most iconic sportswriter in America today - Jeff Pearlman joins the pod to talk through the 02' Lakers, 90's Cowboys, and plenty of other iconic sports stories. Jeff Pearlman is an American sportswriter who has written nine books that have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list: four about football, three on baseball and two about basketball. He authored the 1999 John Rocker interview in Sports Illustrated. In this conversation, Jeff shares his unique journey as a New York Jets fan, the expectations and disappointments that come with it, and his insights into sp...2024-11-101h 15
The Victory DegreeAre the Chiefs Overrated, Best Bet for MVP, NFC & AFC Playoff Landscape + SB Predictions | Aaron SchatzThe NFL season is at the halfway point and so it was only right to bring back Aaron Schatz to discuss his thoughts on the season thus far. Aaron is currently the Chief Analytics Officer at FTN Fantasy and also writes for ESPN+. He has studied the world of advanced NFL stats for 20+ years, is the creator of DVOA, and votes for the All-Pro & MVP awards each year. In this conversation, Nik and Aaron delve into the current state of the NFL, focusing on the NFC Championship contenders, the impact of offensive masterminds, underperforming teams, qu...2024-11-0751 min
The Victory DegreeThe John Elway Story: From High School Prodigy to the Hall of Fame | Jason ColeWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview athletes, authors, coaches, and everyone in-between to get a fresh perspective on the world of sports. Today's guest is Jason Cole - the author of "Elway: A Relentless Life."Jason Cole discusses his biography on John Elway, exploring the quarterback's early life, career challenges, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his success. Cole shares insights into the complexities of evaluating and d...2024-10-311h 51
The Victory DegreeThe Life & Story of America's Most Interesting Athlete: Charles Barkley | Tim BellaWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Timothy Bella - Tim is the author of his book "Barkley" - the definitive biography of Charles Barkley, exploring his early childhood, his storied NBA career, and his enduring legacy as a pr...2024-10-021h 18
The Victory DegreeThe Secrets of Human Performance & Endurance | Alex HutchinsonWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Alex Hutchinson - Alex is the New York Times bestselling author of Endure, a longtime columnist for Outside covering the science of endurance, and a National Magazine Award–winning journalist who has co...2024-09-241h 23
The Victory DegreeThe Man Who Survived Descending Everest Blind and Alone | Brian DickinsonWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Brian Dickinson - Brian served for 6 years as a US Navy air rescue swimmer before he moved to the Pacific Northwest to pursue his passion for extreme sports and mountain climbing. He h...2024-09-101h 26
The Victory DegreeThe Life of Aaron Rodgers: The Most Polarizing Athlete of All Time | Ian O'ConnorWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Ian O’Connor - Ian is the author of his sixth book, “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers.” His previous five books include four consecutive New York Times bestseller...2024-09-0251 min
The Victory DegreeDeShone Kizer UNFILTERED: NFL Struggles, Notre Dame, Browns, Aaron Rodgers & Death ThreatsWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is DeShone Kizer - a former NFL QB who doesn’t need much of an introduction. DeShone was a 4 star HS recruit and was ranked the 9th best dual threat QB in his cl...2024-08-271h 38
The Victory DegreeEddie Lack Tells ALL: Journey to NHL, NHL Scouting Reports, Playing in Vancouver & Goalie PsychologyWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is Eddie Lack - Eddie is a former professional NHL goalie whose playing career involved stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and New Jersey Devils. Eddie’s hockey career starte...2024-08-181h 00
The Victory DegreeLife Changing Insights from Running 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days | David KilgoreWelcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way. Today’s guest is David Kilgore - David may be one of the world’s greatest endurance athletes, but his route to the top is perhaps not what you would expect from an ultra-runner. While David...2024-08-111h 04