Retreating Forward

Michael Pham
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness

Retreating Forward explores the balance required to be a student athlete and staying healthy, both mentally and physically in sports. Hosted by a national athlete who represented his country while facing the obstacle of school since the age of 13, each episode dives into the habits, mindset, and stories that enables personal growth. Through deep conversations with athletes, students, and experts, we unpack lessons behind different individuals’ success in hopes of benefiting your life and purpose. This is your locker room on the internet to recover, reflect and step up stronger.

Episodes

  1. Jul 24

    Episode 4: Ben Nguyen — Chasing Speed and Education: Life as an Formula 4 Driver Headed to Purdue Motorsport Engineering

    What does it take to race a Formula 4 car while balancing school, exams, and college applications? Formula 4 driver Ben Nguyen joins Michael Pham to discuss his journey through the motorsport ladder and the reality of pursuing racing while still being a full-time student. Ben explains what driving an F4 car at extreme speeds actually feels like, how racing tests drivers physically and mentally, and how they prepare to make split-second decisions under pressure. He also reflects on the sacrifices, risks, and discipline required to progress through one of the most competitive sports in the world. After recently graduating from high school, Ben is preparing for his next chapter at Purdue University, where he plans to study Motorsport Engineering. He shares how he managed racing, training, travel, academics, and college applications—and why education remains an important part of his future in motorsport. Topics discussed include: • Ben’s introduction to racing• Progressing through the motorsport ladder• The experience of driving a Formula 4 car• Physical and mental preparation for racing• Managing pressure, fear, and risk• Balancing racing with school• Applying to Purdue University• Studying Motorsport Engineering• Ben’s future goals in racing Follow Retreating Forward: Instagram: @retreating.forwardYouTube: @retreating.forward Follow Ben Nguyen: Instagram: [LINK] Retreating Forward explores the physical, mental, and personal challenges behind performance. Step Back to Step Up.

    Episode 4: Ben Nguyen — Chasing Speed and Education: Life as an Formula 4 Driver Headed to Purdue Motorsport Engineering

  2. Jun 14

    Episode 3: Alice Nguyen — What Elite Athletes Know About Nutrition That Most Young Athletes Overlook

    2026 starts here. Retreating Forward is back for the new year with a brand-new episode, new conversations, and more exciting stories coming soon. To begin this next chapter, we’re diving into one of the most important but often overlooked parts of athletic performance: nutrition. For our first episode of the year, Alice Nguyen, nutritionist for the Vietnam National Golf Team, joins us to discuss the power of sports nutrition and why physical health is one of the biggest foundations of athletic success. From working with elite athletes in the to making those lessons useful for student-athletes, Alice breaks down how fueling your body properly can change the way you train, recover, and compete. In this episode, we dive into supplements, hydration, weight management, and the importance of understanding what you put into your body. Whether you’re competing at a high level or just trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation is a reminder that performance doesn’t only start on the field, court, or course — it starts with how you take care of yourself. Instagram: @retreating.forward

    Episode 3: Alice Nguyen — What Elite Athletes Know About Nutrition That Most Young Athletes Overlook

  3. 12/26/2025

    Episode 2: Devon Tran — The Biological Habit That’s Quietly Controlling Your Daily Life

    Merry Christmas! Today, we’re unwrapping the secret to a better you. As you celebrate the season, are you ready to gift yourself a better routine? What if your habits aren’t just choices, but biological scripts? In this Christmas Day episode, Devon Tran joins us to delve into the hidden systems that dictate our daily lives. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your academic focus or gain an athletic edge in the coming year, understanding your body is the first step. Join us as we share the tools to master your habits from the inside out and start your New Year with biological clarity! Instagram: @retreating.forward

    Episode 2: Devon Tran — The Biological Habit That’s Quietly Controlling Your Daily Life

  4. 10/30/2025

    Episode 1 Part 2: Anton Lo - The Mentality Required Not Just in Sports, but also in Life's Purpose.

    In part 2 of this episode, we shifted gears to discussing the psychology behind training sessions, time efficiency, what the phrase "Step Back to Step Up" means to each of us and much more! We also went over the questions and topics our followers on Instagram asked/requested in this part of the episode. Join in to hear us answer, give out our honest tips, and practices that you could do to benefit any part of your life! Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/5fed5wch

    Episode 1 Part 2: Anton Lo - The Mentality Required Not Just in Sports, but also in Life's Purpose.

  5. 10/30/2025

    Episode 1 Part 1: Anton Lo - The Pressure of Time, Recovery and Ryder Cup Week!

    In part 1 of this episode, we focused on catching up with the atmosphere of what competing in a golf tournament is really like: the pressure, the school work, and the health. Comparing local competitions like SISAC all the way to one of the biggest tournament this sport has ever had: The Ryder Cup. Tune in to see what it takes to score well, both in exams and on the scorecard. Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/5fed5wch

    Episode 1 Part 1: Anton Lo - The Pressure of Time, Recovery and Ryder Cup Week!
  • 5 Episodes

About

Retreating Forward explores the balance required to be a student athlete and staying healthy, both mentally and physically in sports. Hosted by a national athlete who represented his country while facing the obstacle of school since the age of 13, each episode dives into the habits, mindset, and stories that enables personal growth. Through deep conversations with athletes, students, and experts, we unpack lessons behind different individuals’ success in hopes of benefiting your life and purpose. This is your locker room on the internet to recover, reflect and step up stronger.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Pham
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Pham
  • Show Website
    Retreating Forward