The Athlete Lab Podcast

The Athlete Lab Podcast

The Athlete Lab Podcast is your deep dive into what it really takes to develop as an athlete—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you’re chasing your next PR, supporting a young athlete, or coaching the next generation, this podcast brings you conversations with experts, coaches, and athletes who live at the intersection of science, sport, and growth. From training tips and injury prevention to mindset, nutrition, and college prep—we cover the full spectrum of development inside and outside the arena. Welcome to the lab—where athletes are made.

  1. 4 hr ago

    Season 2 / Episode 6: David 'Jacko' Jackson, Breathwork Expert & Former Professional Rugby Player

    What happens when a career-ending injury leads to an entirely new understanding of human performance? In this episode of The Athlete Lab Podcast, host Phil Osaer sits down with David “Jacko” Jackson, a former professional rugby player whose journey from a traumatic brain injury to setting a Guinness World Record is a remarkable story of resilience, recovery, and pushing beyond perceived limits. Jacko’s professional rugby career came to an unexpected end in 2013 following a traumatic brain injury. His challenging road to recovery sparked a passion for understanding the science of breathing and its role in human performance. Now a Master Instructor with Oxygen Advantage, accredited strength and conditioning coach, and author of Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger, Jacko is on a mission to “Make Breathwork Normal” and help people discover how something we do every day can influence performance, recovery, and overall well-being. In this episode, we explore: · The Journey to Professional Rugby: Jacko’s path to the professional level, the injury that ended his career, and the challenges of recovery. · Discovering Breathwork: How his personal recovery journey led him to explore the power of breathing and build a new career. · The Science of Breathing: How breathing techniques can support athletic performance, recovery, and stress management. · 100 Ultramarathons in 100 Days: How Jacko set a men's Guinness World Record by running ultramarathon distances for 100 consecutive days, exploring extraordinary physical and mental endurance while raising awareness for brain injury charities. From rebuilding his life after a devastating injury to accomplishing an extraordinary endurance challenge, Jacko shares what he has learned about resilience, the power of breathing, and the remarkable capabilities of the human body. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply looking for ways to improve your health and performance, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about one of the most fundamental tools we have: our breath. Get your copy of Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger: Breathwork to Transform Your Running:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathe-Smarter-Run-Stronger-Breathwork/dp/1399423118/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Watch & Listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Follow: @theathletelabpodcast | @thebreathrunningcoach Learn More About The Athlete Lab Podcast: athletelabpodcast.com

  2. 26 Oct

    Season 2 / Episode 5: USA Hockey Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Development Bob Mancini

    What does the future of American hockey look like, and how do we continue building on its success? Bob Mancini, Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Development at USA Hockey, joins host Phil Osaer on The Athlete Lab Podcast to discuss the growth of hockey in the United States, the evolving development landscape, and the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of players.   With decades of experience coaching and developing athletes at every level, Bob brings a unique perspective on where the game has been, where it's headed, and what matters most in developing young players.   In this episode: • The Triple Gold Effect: How historic Olympic and Paralympic gold medals for the U.S. men's, women's, and sled hockey teams are creating momentum and opportunities to grow the game. • Victor Mancini's NHL Journey: A father's perspective on his son's path to professional hockey and the lessons learnedalong the way. • The Changing Junior Hockey Landscape: How evolvingpathways and opportunities are shaping decisions for young players and their families. • The Future of Hockey Development: What the new USA Hockey Development League means for player development and Bob's perspective on the overall state of the game.  From grassroots hockey to the NHL, Bob shares insights intothe opportunities ahead, the importance of developing players the right way, and what it will take to build on American hockey's unprecedented success.   Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Follow: @theathletelabpodcast | @usahockey Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com

  3. 19 Oct

    Season 2 / Episode 4: Mental Performance Coach Andie Anastos

    Two sports. Division I competition. Coaching. Counseling. And one big question: how do athletes train the mental side of performance? Andie Anastos joins host Phil Osaer on The Athlete Lab Podcast to share her journey from competing in hockey and basketball at Boston College to coaching and creating Mindset Playbook. In this episode: • Channeling emotions and responding when things don’t go as planned • Her path from hockey to basketball and eventually coaching • What mental toughness really looks like • Why identifying your “why” matters • Confidence, focus, identity, and the mental skills athletes can actually practice • Books, parent questions and helping young athletes grow beyond the game Andie’s message is simple: mindset isn’t something athletes either have or don’t have. It’s something they can train. Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Follow: @theathletelabpodcast | @mindsetplaybook_ Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com

  4. 12 Oct

    Season 2 / Episode 3: New York Times Bestselling Author & High School Hockey Coach John U. Bacon

    Zero goals as a player. Zero wins for the team. Oneremarkable turnaround. New York Times bestselling author John U. Bacon joins host Phil Osaer on The Athlete Lab Podcast to share how he helped transform one of America's worst high school hockey teams into one of its best and the leadership lessons that changed everything.   In this episode:  His unlikely journey from player to coachThe incredible turnaround at Ann Arbor HuronCoaching wisdom, memorable stories and lessons learnedWhy great leaders "water all the plants"The philosophy behind his book Let Them Lead From an 0-22-3 season to a winning culture, Bacon provesthat great leadership isn't just about building better players. It's about building better people. Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | SpotifyFollow: @theathletelabpodcast | @johnubacon564Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com

  5. 5 Oct

    Season 2 / Episode 2: Connor Rutz & Alex Dalou from Detroit City FC

    Metro Detroit roots. A hometown club. Two different paths to the pro game. Detroit City FC’s Alex Dalou and Connor Rutz join The Athlete Lab Podcast to talk about the journeys that brought them to DCFC, the culture inside the club and what fuels their love of the game. In this episode: • Their paths from Metro Detroit to the professional level • What makes DCFC’s culture stand out • Their scouting reports on each other • The passion and impact of DCFC supporters It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the players, personalities and pride that come with representing Detroit. Catch DCFC at Keyworth Stadium. Tickets and info: detcityfc.com Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | SpotifyFollow on Instagram: @theathletelabpodcast | @detroitcityfootballclub @connorrutz @a_dalou21Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com

  6. 28 Sept

    Season 2 / Episode 1: Megan Keller

    Olympic gold medalist and Boston Fleet captain Megan Keller returns to The Athlete Lab Podcast after an unforgettable year, one that included scoring the golden goal for Team USA. Megan joins host Phil Osaer to reflect on the moments behind the medal and what comes next. In this episode: • Scoring the golden goal and what she remembers from the moment • Leadership, captaincy and continuing to grow as an athlete• Training, recovery and her offseason approach • The growth of the PWHL, inspiring the next generation and even an appearance on Saturday Night Live From the biggest goal of her career to the work that continues when the spotlight fades, Megan shares an inside look at life at the highest level of the game. Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Follow: @theathletelabpodcast | @megankeller4 Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com

  7. 24 Jul

    Season 1 Recap

    In this special Season 1 recap, host Phil Osaer reflects on some of the most memorable lessons shared on The Athlete Lab Podcast. Featuring takeaways from Dr. Cheri Mah, Barry Smith, Megan Keller, Adam Eaton, Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, Kate Kelley Schneider, and Dillon Kelley, the episode revisits powerful conversations about preparation, resilience, leadership, recovery, and what it takes to keep growing as an athlete and a person.

  8. 27 Apr

    Episode 30: Jill Lane

    In this episode of The Athlete Lab Podcast, host Phil Osaer sits down with Jill Lane, sought after Sports Nutrition Advisor to the Pros, mom of three and Founder & CEO of the go-to sports nutrition app for student athletes Fueling Champions®, for a practical conversation on how young athletes and sports families can better fuel performance. Hired by Hall of Fame athletes, Super Bowl Champions and industry leading companies, her passion for helping professional athletes, busy sports families and top performance centers around the country get elite sustainable results has become the cornerstone of her business. Jill Lane has worked with 20+ professional athletes and coaches from the NFL, NBA, and MLB, while also managing high-level relationships with pro teams through her consulting work. But what really sets her apart is that she’s lived it herself, she was a high school All-American, an Olympic Development Team member, and competed at both the collegiate and semi-pro levels. She understands what it actually takes to perform, recover, and sustain success and today, she’s on a mission to help the next generation of athletes do exactly that through Fueling Champions. Together, they dive into: • Jill’s journey from athlete to nutrition coach • The biggest nutrition priorities for young athletes • What parents should know about protein and supplements • How her Feed, Lead, Succeed approach helps families support performance together • Simple ways to build healthier routines without overcomplicating nutrition Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers practical takeaways to help support better energy, recovery, and long-term development. Learn more: • The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/) • Jill Lane (https://www.jilllane.com/) | Fueling Champions (https://www.fuelingchampions.co/) Follow us: • Instagram: @theathletelabpodcast • Guest Instagram: @itsjill.lane Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast

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About

The Athlete Lab Podcast is your deep dive into what it really takes to develop as an athlete—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you’re chasing your next PR, supporting a young athlete, or coaching the next generation, this podcast brings you conversations with experts, coaches, and athletes who live at the intersection of science, sport, and growth. From training tips and injury prevention to mindset, nutrition, and college prep—we cover the full spectrum of development inside and outside the arena. Welcome to the lab—where athletes are made.

Information

  • Creator
    The Athlete Lab Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Athlete Lab Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Athlete Lab Podcast

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