The Reinvention Game

Marta Ruszczynska
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Real people. Real turning points. Real stories of starting over. The Reinvention Game is a podcast about what happens when life doesn't go to plan—when the dream you've chased for years changes, fades, or falls apart. Hosted by Marta Ruszczynska, a former tennis player who knows what it’s like to walk away from a lifelong goal, this show dives deep into the messy, brave, and beautiful process of redefining who you are and what you want next. This isn’t about quick fixes or picture-perfect pivots. It’s about honest conversations with people who’ve faced uncertainty, let go of their original dream, and found meaning in unexpected places. Athletes, creatives, professionals—we explore what it takes to rebuild, reroute, and keep going. ✨ Because letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means making space for something new. thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 07/01/2025

    The Human Side of Reinvention: Performance, Purpose, and Moving Forward | Episode 10 with Dr. James Weinstein

    In this episode, Marta Ruszczyńska sits down with Dr. Jim Weinstein to explore the essential elements of reinvention through the lens of his own life experience and a deep commitment to lifelong learning. From his early years in the military to his current work in athlete engineering and human performance, Jim shares powerful insights on identity shifts, resilience, decision-making under pressure, and the quiet strength it takes to start over. This conversation offers a thoughtful examination of how we evolve and what it truly means to build a life aligned with who you are becoming. 02:45 Introduction to Athlete Engineering and Human Performance 05:05 The Role of Mental Strength in Performance 06:22 Key Principles of High Human Performance 09:27 Building Resilience and Adaptability 12:40 Navigating Identity Loss and Life Transitions 17:07 Finding New Goals and Passions 19:00 Core Values and Adaptability in the Military 22:21 Understanding Personality and Performance 23:33 Personalized Approaches to Success 27:22 The Importance of Lifelong Learning 30:45 The Risk of Comparison 31:24 Books That Shape Our Perspectives 33:16 Navigating Life's Decisions 35:33 Overcoming Personal Challenges 37:28 Embracing the Present Moment 38:16 Emotional Moment 40:33 Terminal Sickness Scare 45:38 The Pressure of Happiness 47:07 The Value of Honest Conversations 47:57 Finishing on the Light Note This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    49 min

  2. 06/24/2025

    When Your Identity Is Tied to What You Do—And That Ends | Episode 9 with Olivia (Liv) Jones

    In this conversation, Olivia shares her journey from being a dedicated athlete to navigating life after her sports career. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from gymnastics to diving, and later to cheerleading, highlighting the impact of injuries on her identity. Olivia emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, setting personal goals, and the value of supportive relationships. She also introduces her initiative, Ex-Athlete Era, which aims to help former athletes find their footing in life after their athletic careers. Through her experiences, Olivia inspires others to embrace change, invest in themselves, and redefine success on their terms. 00:44 Introduction to Olivia's Journey 01:30 Early Sports Experiences and Gymnastics 04:30 Challenges in Gymnastics and Transition to Diving 06:30 The Joy of Diving and Aspirations 09:31 The Shift to Cheerleading and Team Dynamics 11:10 Mindset Shifts Through Sport Transitions 13:55 Body Image Issues 17:39 Coping with Injury 18:50 Fears That Came with the Injury 20:55 Identity Crisis 23:00 Reflections on the Journey and Future Directions 27:50 A Journey of Self-Discovery 30:10 Finding Freedom: The Importance of Core Values 33:06 Rebuilding After Sport: The Path to Fulfillment 35:35 Creating a New Era: The Birth of the Ex-Athlete Era 39:50 Courage to Share: The Power of Vulnerability 41:56 Lessons Learned: Growth Beyond Athletics 46:40 Defining Success: From External Validation to Internal Fulfillment 49:44 Rediscovering Identity: Embracing Change and Growth 53:10 Goal Setting: Evolving from Small Wins to Big Dreams 54:24 Life After Sport: Embracing New Opportunities 55:25 The Future of the Ex-Athlete Era: Building a Community This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    57 min

  3. 06/17/2025

    When Burnout Becomes the Breakthrough | Episode 8 with Jenna Konyok

    This week on The Reinvention Game, I’m thrilled to introduce someone who inspires me deeply, not just for the bravery she’s shown in reinventing her life, but for the compassion and purpose that guides her every step: my friend Jenna Konyok. Jenna’s story is anything but ordinary. She once dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, but life took her through a very different current, working in the juvenile justice system, supporting children with complex behavioral challenges, and even spending time inside a prison for her studies. Jenna thought she’d found her calling, until one conversation changed everything and led her underneath the surface. A spontaneous dive trip to Mexico reconnected her to the part of herself she had buried. And from there, everything shifted. Jenna sold all her belongings, worked two full-time jobs to save money, and eventually left behind a stable career to chase her dream: diving with sharks and advocating for marine conservation. In this episode, you’ll hear: •⁠ ⁠How setbacks can make you stronger •⁠ ⁠What burnout taught her about listening to her intuition •⁠ ⁠The importance of second chances—whether for kids, people behind bars, or for yourself •⁠ ⁠How following your passion can drastically change your life Jenna is one of the most grounded yet adventurous people I know. Her story will encourage anyone who’s ever felt stuck, conflicted, or uncertain about what’s next. 🎧 Tune in now and get swept up in her journey After you listen, I’d love to hear from you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    56 min

  4. 06/10/2025

    Course Correction: Finding Yourself in Constant Reinvention | Episode 7 with Mara (Helga Marie Løvenskiold Kveseth)

    In this conversation, Marta Ruszczynska interviews Mara, a former professional athlete turned sailor, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience and transformation. Mara discusses her transition from competitive sports to sailing, the challenges of injuries, and the importance of community and support in overcoming obstacles. She emphasizes the significance of mental health, emotional resilience, and the power of shared experiences in personal growth. Mara's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the joy of helping others succeed. Follow Mara's Journey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmara_/ GGR 2026: https://goldengloberace.com/skippers/helga-marie-mara-lovenskiold-kveseth/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ClassicMara YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1QdzXSreltyMyClAjwWSA Sail Ripple Effect YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC5yQtWj1R--f7TCDpzZ5iXg Sail Ripple Effect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailingrippleeffect/ 00:44 Introduction and Background 2:20 Mara’s Life 02:52 The Journey of an Athlete 05:33 Injuries and Mental Resilience 15:51 Importance of Having a Goal 18:46 Importance of Right Mindset and Self-Belief 20:07 The Role of Environment in Personal Growth 22:29 The Power of Pushing Boundaries 26:24 Emotional Challenges in Competitive Sports 30:06 The Impact of Community on Performance 33:27 Reinventing Identity Through Change 38:36 Finding Goals That Give Purpose 43:20 The Journey of Sailing and Self-Discovery 47:00 Life Lesson 49:50 The Joy of Supporting Others' Success This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    54 min

  5. 06/04/2025

    The Wild Path of Purpose: Growth, Grit, and Finding Her Voice | Episode 6 with Ganyah Goldstein

    In this conversation, wildlife biologist Ganyah Goldstein shares her inspiring journey from aspiring actress to dedicated conservationist. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of visualization and resilience, and the lessons learned from her experiences in wildlife research. Ganyah emphasizes the significance of support from family and mentors, the power of gratitude, and the need for individuals to find their purpose beyond traditional career paths. Her story encourages listeners to pursue their passions and connect with nature, regardless of their current circumstances. 01:35 Introduction to Ganya Goldstein's Journey 02:29 The Spark of Passion for Nature 04:07 Dreams and Aspirations: From Acting to Conservation 06:29 Navigating the Path to Wildlife Conservation 09:27 The Importance of a Gap Year 10:17 Finding Inner Focus and Motivation 11:48 The Power of Visualization 16:14 Dealing with Failure and Resilience 19:20 Lessons from the Gap Year 20:45 Retaking Exams and Overcoming Doubts 26:23 Shifting Dreams and Staying True to Purpose 27:10 The Spark of Research Passion 29:22 Life-Changing Experiences in Borneo 30:45 Lessons from the Animal Kingdom 33:03 Navigating Career Crossroads 35:32 Strategies for Goal Setting 36:55 Embracing Delayed Gratification 40:30 Overcoming Career Uncertainty 44:26 Finding Purpose and Passion 46:40 Reinventing Career Paths 48:57 Anyone Can Work With Wildlfie 50:45 Work With Ganyah This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    52 min

  6. 05/27/2025

    When You Quit A "Perfect" Life To Chase Something Deeper | Episode 5 with Sandra Zumstein

    In this episode of the Reinvent Reinvention Game podcast, host Marta Ruszczynska speaks with Sandra Zumstein, a Swiss-Bolivian freediver, about her journey of self-discovery, cultural identity, and the transformative power of the ocean. Sandra shares her experiences growing up with two distinct cultures, her transition from a stable career in sales to pursuing her passion for freediving, and the importance of family support in her journey. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by women, the significance of embracing one's feminine energy, and the advice Sandra has for young women navigating their own paths. As she looks to the future, Sandra expresses her desire to build a community around freediving and adventure, encouraging others to take risks and follow their passions. 00:47 Introduction to Sandra's Journey 03:37 Growing up with two different cultures 05:07 Future Aspirations and Dreams 06:33 Discovering Freediving 10:05 Breaking Point & Life Before Freediving 16:24 Building Confidence and Trusting Yourself 21:16 Passion Leads to Success 22:06 Upcoming Dreams 23:09 Learning More About Freediving 27:27 Advice on Making Bold Decisions to Change One’s Life 30:43 Upcoming Adventures and Travel Plans 31:48 Getting Started with Freediving 34:13 The Influence of Family on Life Choices 36:16 Embracing Change and New Experiences This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    36 min

  7. 05/20/2025

    When the Uniform Changes, But the Mission Stays | Episode 4 with Francisco Catalá

    In this conversation, Colonel Francisco Catalá shares his journey of resilience, transformation, and leadership, from his early ambitions in volleyball to his successful military career. He discusses the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and finding purpose in life after sports. Through personal anecdotes, he emphasizes the value of family support, the lessons learned from sports, and the significance of embracing change and new beginnings. The conversation concludes with his dreams of traveling the world and sharing experiences with others. Colonel FRANCISCO J. CATALÁ - Bio 00:47 Introduction to Resilience and Leadership 01:53 The Journey from Volleyball to Military 08:55 Navigating Identity and Transition 14:08 Finding Purpose in the Military 16:00 Career Progression and Team Dynamics 22:27 Fostering Resilience in Others 23:56 Embracing Time and Personal Growth 25:37 Embracing Life's Challenges 33:40 Lessons from Sports and Military 34:44 Continuous Learning and Growth 35:56 Advice to My Younger Self 36:54 Navigating Life's Transitions 37:06 Looking Forward to New Adventures This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    39 min

  8. 05/13/2025

    Hitting Reset: What Happens When the Plan No Longer Fits? | Episode 3 with Adam Chan

    In this episode of The Reinvention Game, Marta Ruszczynska speaks with Adam Chan, a former tennis player who faced multiple injuries and transitioned from a sports career to a corporate role at British Airways. Adam shares his journey of resilience, the challenges of letting go of his dreams, and how he found fulfillment in coaching and now in operations planning. The conversation explores themes of identity, uncertainty, and the importance of seeking help during tough times, ultimately emphasizing that reinvention is a continuous process. 00:35 Introduction to Adam's Journey 03:25 Early Aspirations in Tennis 06:00 Injuries and Their Impact 07:00 Transitioning from Player to Coach 09:00 College Experience and Lessons Learned 11:30 Team Dynamics and Personal Growth 15:05 Navigating Life Changes and Moving Back Home 20:00 Corporate Life, Transition, and Reflections on the Past 26:08 Finding Fulfillment in New Roles 31:35 Reinventing Identity After Sports 34:53 Lessons Learned in Resilience and Uncertainty 36:48 The Rewards of Reinvention 38:03 Embracing New Beginnings – Advice for Listeners 38:48 Closing Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    40 min

  9. 05/06/2025

    Leaving the Dream, Losing Direction, Getting Back on Track—Then Finding New York | Episode 2 with Monika Gębarzewska

    In this episode, Marta Ruszczynska interviews Monika Gębarzewska, a former track and field athlete who transitioned into race management. Monika shares her journey from competitive athletics to finding her identity post-sports, the challenges she faced during the COVID pandemic, and her eventual move to New York City. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, the value of teamwork, and the lessons learned from both running and life. Monika emphasizes the significance of pursuing one's passions and the need for resilience in the face of unexpected changes. Chapters 00:35 Introduction to Monika's Journey 01:15 From Dance to Running: Early Aspirations 02:42 Shifting Dreams: From Olympics to College Running 03:30 Athlete’s Life 07:26 The College Experience: Team Dynamics and Growth 11:07 The Impact of COVID-19 on Identity and Career 13:30 Navigating Life After Athletics: Finding New Paths 23:00 Job Search Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Networking 26:20 Navigating Job Search and Networking Success 28:00 Finding Passion in the Marathon Industry 29:29 Transitioning to Life in New York City 31:50 Coping with Homesickness and Embracing Change 33:17 Lessons from Running and Life 35:46 Finding Fulfillment in Daily Life 37:05 Achieving Dreams and Future Aspirations 40:20 Advice for Overcoming Setbacks This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    44 min

  10. 04/29/2025

    This Wasn't the Plan: My Story & The Start of The Reinvention Game | Episode 1

    In the inaugural episode of the Reinvention Game Podcast, Marta Ruszczynska shares her personal journey from being a dedicated tennis player to navigating the challenges of career transition. She reflects on her early passion for tennis, the injuries that halted her progress, and the mental struggles she faced. Marta emphasizes the importance of reinvention and seeks to explore how others have successfully navigated similar paths. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on overcoming setbacks and finding new passions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

    11 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Real people. Real turning points. Real stories of starting over. The Reinvention Game is a podcast about what happens when life doesn't go to plan—when the dream you've chased for years changes, fades, or falls apart. Hosted by Marta Ruszczynska, a former tennis player who knows what it’s like to walk away from a lifelong goal, this show dives deep into the messy, brave, and beautiful process of redefining who you are and what you want next. This isn’t about quick fixes or picture-perfect pivots. It’s about honest conversations with people who’ve faced uncertainty, let go of their original dream, and found meaning in unexpected places. Athletes, creatives, professionals—we explore what it takes to rebuild, reroute, and keep going. ✨ Because letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means making space for something new. thereinventiongamepodcast.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Marta Ruszczynska
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marta
  • Show Website
    The Reinvention Game