Winning the Journey Within

MILICA JOVANOVIC

Hosted by Milica Jovanovic, a professional basketball player with over 20 years of experience in the game, this podcast takes you deep into the emotional, mental, and personal aspects of the athletic journey. Having played in multiple countries and cultures, Milica brings a unique perspective on what it truly means to succeed—not just in sports, but in life.Winning the Journey Within features conversations with athletes, coaches, referees, medical staff, families, and others in the sports world. With insights from accredited psychologists, Milica and her guests share valuable advice and techniques to support emotional healing, personal growth, and resilience. This podcast is designed to help you navigate the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs that come with being a part of the sports world.Join Milica and her guests as they dive into the complexities of life as an athlete. 

  1. Vladimir Jankovic - Episode #29 - Winning the Journey Within

    MAR 9

    Vladimir Jankovic - Episode #29 - Winning the Journey Within

    Born in Belgrade, raised in Greece, Vlado Jankovic has built an 18-year professional basketball career across Europe, playing for Panionios, Panathinaikos, Valencia, Aris, AEK, PAOK, and now serving as team captain at Peristeri BC. But his journey is about more than basketball statistics. It's about facing loss at a very young age, navigating different types of pressure, and building his own identity in a sport that demands everything from you. Now, Vlado is using everything he's learned to help younger players navigate the same challenges - serving as a mentor, a leader, and a guide for the next generation, while still playing. So, we are super excited to see what he does next, after basketball. In this conversation, Vlado opens up about: Growing up between two cultures - Serbian roots, Greek upbringing Facing loss at a young age and how it shaped him Building an 18-year professional career across multiple clubs The different types of pressure athletes face (performance, cultural, identity) Finding his own identity in a demanding sport His relationship with his father and what he learned from him The role his mother played in his journey Fatherhood—his relationship with his son and what he wants to pass on Serving as team captain and mentoring younger players And so much more... 📢 Guest: Vladimir Janković 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support. #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    46 min
  2. Robyn Parks - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #28

    MAR 7

    Robyn Parks - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #28

    rom picking up a basketball at four years old to making history as the first naturalized player on the Greek Women's National Basketball Team—Robyn Parks' journey is one of resilience, faith, and staying grounded through it all. Robyn has played professional basketball across nine countries: Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Mexico, Egypt, and Angola. She's competed in the WNBA and EuroLeague. She's achieved what most athletes only dream of. But through every transition, every struggle, every moment of uncertainty—Robyn has stayed humble, leaned on her family's support, and turned to her favorite tool for overcoming any challenge: conversation with God. In this episode, we talk about: Starting basketball at 4 years old and falling in love with the game Navigating a professional career across nine countries Making history with the Greek National Team Staying humble while competing at the highest level The role of faith and prayer in her journey How family support sustains a long international career Finding home when you've lived everywhere Overcoming struggles through conversation with God What it means to build a career rooted in faith. 📢 Guest: Robyn Parks 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support. #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    30 min
  3. College? Yes, no, or it depends. - Winning the Journey Within x Her Take - Episode #27

    MAR 7

    College? Yes, no, or it depends. - Winning the Journey Within x Her Take - Episode #27

    College? Yes, no or it depends. Your future doesn't decide itself. You do. And honestly? That's terrifying. We get it. Everyone is telling you what to do. Your parents want one thing. Your coach says another. Your friends are going different directions. And you are just trying to figure out what's right for YOU. We made this episode to answer all of the questions you may have. We sat down with those who actually understand what you are going through and have dedicated themselves to have all the information and answers FOR YOU! They are ‪@itsHerTake‬ We are answering: Is college worth it for athletes? What are the real pros and cons? How do you make this decision without regret? What if you are not sure yet? And all of your questions! Your future is waiting. Let's build it together. Guests: ‪@itsHerTake‬ : Aleksa Gulbe, Paula Strautmane and Digne Strautmane 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support. #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    1h 34m
  4. Antonia Delaere - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #26

    MAR 7

    Antonia Delaere - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #26

    Growing up in Belgium, Antonia Delaere fell in love with basketball - and basketball cured her, literally. Her journey took her from youth competitions to representing Belgium on the world's biggest stages, including two Olympic Games and two European Championships. But her success isn't just about physical talent, it's about mental strength, psychological insight, and understanding what it takes to win the journey within. In this conversation, we talk about: An introvert that thrives in supportive environments. Basketball played a crucial role in overcoming childhood asthma. Family support is vital for athletes, especially during challenging times. The journey of becoming a professional athlete involves gradual steps and learning. Cultural adaptation is essential when playing abroad. Psychology helps athletes manage stress and focus on their performance. Setting short-term goals during recovery can aid in mental health. Confidence and self-belief are key to performing well under pressure. Team dynamics and support can significantly impact performance. Mental health awareness in sports is increasingly important. And of course - Belgium Cats! Antonia Delaere is a 2x European Champion, 2x Olympian, and holds a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She understands the athlete's mind from both sides - as someone who's lived the journey and studied it academically. This conversation is real, inspiring, and packed with insights that every athlete, coach, sports fan and parent needs to hear. 📢 Guest: Antonia Delaere 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support. #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    50 min

  5. MAR 7

    Bible Study - Permission to be BOLD - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #25

    Bible Study with Jahyve Floyd and Yvonne Turner Permission to be BOLD What does it mean to truly know God - not just know about Him, but walk with Him daily? In this special Bible study episode, I sit down with two incredible guests to explore faith, identity, and what it means to live boldly for an audience of One. We get real about: Our personal journeys to knowing Christ What our relationship with God looks like right now How God's love shapes our identity, self-worth, and confidence Where we see God in our life paths - the highs and the lows The moments we hit rock bottom and how God got our attention The gifts God has given us and whether we're using them well How our faith translates from life to basketball (and everything in between) We also dive deep into Psalm 23 and Psalm 35 - two powerful scriptures about God's protection, provision, and the boldness He calls us to walk in. This isn't your typical sports psychology episode. This is about the foundation beneath everything - knowing who you are in Christ, understanding how deeply you're loved, and stepping into the calling God has placed on your life without apology. 📢 Guests: Jahyve Floyd and Yvonne Turner 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support. #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    1h 22m
  6. Lorrine Headrick - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #24

    MAR 7

    Lorrine Headrick - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #24

    FAITH, PERFORMANCE & THE MIND What happens when faith meets mental performance? How do Christian athletes navigate the pressure to perform while staying grounded in their values? In this episode, I sit down with Lorrine Headrick - Christian mental performance coach - to explore the intersection of faith, sports psychology, and peak performance. We dive into: -How faith shapes an athlete's mental game -Navigating pressure without losing your identity -The role of spirituality in building mental resilience -Finding purpose beyond the scoreboard -Practical mental performance strategies rooted in faith -Overcoming the fear of failure when your identity is in Christ -How Christian athletes can honor God through their performance Lorrine brings powerful insights on what it means to compete with faith at the center—not as a crutch, but as a foundation for true mental strength. Whether you're an athlete of faith, a coach, or someone navigating the balance between ambition and spirituality, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. 📢 Guest: Lorrine Headrick 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support. #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    1h 3m
  7. Maite Cazorla - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #23

    MAR 7

    Maite Cazorla - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #23

    What does it take to leave everything you know at 14 to chase a dream? For Maite Cazorla, it meant leaving the Canary Islands for Barcelona, then crossing an ocean to play college basketball in Oregon, getting drafted, stepping out on the WNBA court and eventually coming back home and  representing Spain on the Olympic stage. Maite has experienced the highest highs on the court and within her respective teams that she likes to call her second family, but... She's also navigated the sacrifices and loneliness of being far from home, accepting new challenges, learning as a 'sponge' from the legends of this game - simply because that is who she is becoming. In this conversation, she opens up about the mental side of basketball that nobody sees - how she handles pressure, what helped her come back from the tough injury she endured, what keeps her grounded when everything feels uncertain, and why being vulnerable might actually be her greatest strength. This is a raw, honest conversation about the real journey behind the jersey. 📢 Guest: Maite Cazorla 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support. #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    56 min
  8. Mar Rovira - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #22

    MAR 6

    Mar Rovira - Winning the Journey Within - Episode #22

    In this episode, I sit down with Mar Rovira — a former professional basketball player who spent 17 years on the court and is now one of the most respected sports psychologists working with elite athletes. This conversation was so real, so deep. Mar has seen both sides of this journey, and she doesn't hold back. We dive into: Her 17-year basketball career and transition into sports psychology; Why mental health wasn't accepted during her playing days — and how that's changing; The pressure athletes face to be "superheroes" and push through pain; Warning signs of mental distress: sleep issues, negative self-talk, and physical symptoms; The difference between mental toughness and mental health; How self-talk shapes performance at the highest level; Her work with "The Move"—helping retired athletes navigate life after sports; Why clubs are finally recognizing that athlete well-being = better performance. And so much more. Mar shares her unique approach to helping athletes balance high performance with psychological well-being. She emphasizes that during her playing career, sports psychology wasn't widely available — athletes were expected to push through everything. She believes that with proper mental health support, she could have achieved more titles and maintained a healthier professional life. Also, you will appreciate her story of overcoming internal battle she had after retiring from basketball. Today, while awareness is growing, the pressure remains immense. Mar explains how athletes need to recognize physiological signs (sleep disturbances, injuries, stomach issues) and cognitive signs (negative thinking patterns) that indicate they're reaching their limits. And I'm not gonna lie—this conversation felt like therapy for me, in the best way possible. 📢 Guest: Mar Rovira 🎧 Host: Milica Jovanović 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes where we explore the minds of top performers and the strategies that drive success in sports. *This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The content shared in this video is based on general information and personal experience, and should not be considered a substitute for professional sports psychology guidance or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified sports psychologist or mental health professional for personalized advice and support.* #WinningTheJourneyWithin #SportsPsychology #MentalGame #AthleteMindset #HealingJourney #BasketballLife

    1h 17m
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About

Hosted by Milica Jovanovic, a professional basketball player with over 20 years of experience in the game, this podcast takes you deep into the emotional, mental, and personal aspects of the athletic journey. Having played in multiple countries and cultures, Milica brings a unique perspective on what it truly means to succeed—not just in sports, but in life.Winning the Journey Within features conversations with athletes, coaches, referees, medical staff, families, and others in the sports world. With insights from accredited psychologists, Milica and her guests share valuable advice and techniques to support emotional healing, personal growth, and resilience. This podcast is designed to help you navigate the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs that come with being a part of the sports world.Join Milica and her guests as they dive into the complexities of life as an athlete. 

Information

  • Creator
    MILICA JOVANOVIC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Winning the Journey Within
  • Show Website
    Winning the Journey Within