The Human Athlete

Jared Markiewicz
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education

The Stories No One Tells: A podcast about life after competition the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the powerful transformations no one talks about.

  1. Sep 30

    Lessons from the Court: Keaton Nankivil’s Approach to Identity and Performance Beyond Athletics

    Welcome back to The Human Athlete. This episode features Keaton Nankiville, a former Wisconsin Badger basketball standout and European pro turned venture investor. Keaton shares his journey from growing up immersed in Madison’s basketball culture to competing overseas and eventually building a career in venture capital, focusing on sports and technology. We explore how his identity as an athlete shaped his approach to teamwork, resilience, and transition in sports and in life. Keaton discusses the powerful community of college athletics, the challenges of finding purpose after leaving the game, and the enduring value of habits built through years of repetition and hard work. Whether you’re an athlete or not, Keaton’s reflections on excellence, adaptability, and building new skills offer a compelling look at what it means to keep performing at a high level, no matter where life leads. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram. Connect with Keaton Nankivil: linkedIn

    Lessons from the Court: Keaton Nankivil’s Approach to Identity and Performance Beyond Athletics

  2. Sep 15

    Taylor Mehlhaff on Kicking, Coaching and Navigating Life after the NFL

    On this episode of The Human Athlete, we sit down with Taylor Mehlhaff—former NFL kicker, Wisconsin Badgers standout, coach, and entrepreneur. Taylor shares his journey from small-town South Dakota to the NFL, the pressures of being one of the few kickers drafted, and lessons learned through both triumph and hardship. We dive into his transitions from athlete to coach to life beyond football, explore the mental tactics that fuel elite performance, and discuss how Taylor finds purpose as a mentor, business owner, and dad. Join us for an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and thriving after the game with Taylor Mehlhaff. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram. Connect with Taylor Mehlhaff: LinkedIn

    Taylor Mehlhaff on Kicking, Coaching and Navigating Life after the NFL

  3. Sep 8

    Julie Raeder on Embracing Change, Building Community and the Enduring Power of Sport

    On this episode of The Human Athlete, we sit down with Julie Raeder, a former standout multi-sport athlete from Oostburg, Wisconsin. Julie helped lead her high school to multiple state appearances before becoming the all-time leading scorer at Cardinal Stritch University. But her story doesn't end with on-court accomplishments. Julie shares her journey through the challenges and triumphs of high school and collegiate sports, the bittersweet transition away from athletics, the search for purpose and community after the final game, and how she’s found new meaning through teaching, coaching, her faith, and building a career in technology. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone facing life’s transitions, Julie’s insights on resilience, identity, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence will resonate and inspire. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram. Connect with Julie Raeder: linkedIn

    Julie Raeder on Embracing Change, Building Community and the Enduring Power of Sport

  4. Jul 28

    JJ Koval on Redefining Success: Athlete to Entrepreneur

    Welcome to The Human Athlete! In today’s episode, we sit down with JJ Koval a former professional soccer player turned entrepreneur and dentist. JJ shares his unique journey from growing up in Camarillo, California, through his collegiate soccer experience at Stanford University, and on to being drafted into Major League Soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes. After a professional career that included winning a USL regular season title with Sacramento Republic, JJ made the bold decision to retire in his prime and pivot toward healthcare. He’ll walk us through the highs and lows of professional sports, the lessons that translated into dental school, the challenges and rewards of building a dental practice from scratch, and the enduring importance of community and growth mindset in all facets of life. Whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating major life transitions, JJ’s candid reflections offer inspiration and insight into reinventing yourself while staying true to your core values. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram. Connect with JJ Koval: LinkedIn

    JJ Koval on Redefining Success: Athlete to Entrepreneur

  5. Jul 15

    Building Lifelong Skills through Volleyball with Coach Jesse Tupac

    Welcome to The Human Athlete, where we explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals who have achieved excellence both on and off the field. In today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Tupac, a highly respected volleyball coach with over 20 years of experience, who has impacted the game across four continents. From coaching Division I teams to mentoring Olympians, Jesse’s story is one of resilience and adaptation—after a career-ending injury shifted his focus from playing to coaching at a remarkably young age. We dive into Jesse’s unique upbringing in Southern California’s vibrant men’s volleyball culture, the evolution of his coaching philosophy rooted in education and motor learning, and his commitment to positive athlete development. Drawing from his experiences coaching national teams to Olympic medals and guiding youth athletes today, Jesse shares powerful insights on identity, burnout, leadership, and the lifelong skills sports can offer. Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or fan, this episode offers an inspiring perspective on how sport shapes character and community. Join us as Jesse unpacks the lessons he’s learned and the impact he hopes to make—both on the court and beyond. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

    Building Lifelong Skills through Volleyball with Coach Jesse Tupac

  6. Jun 30

    Beyond the Game: How Football Shaped Jeff Mack’s Success in Banking and Life

    Today, I’m joined by Jeff Mack, a former linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers who played under Barry Alvarez from 2000 to 2003. A four-year starter, team captain, All-Big Ten selection, and co-MVP of the 2002 Alamo Bowl, Jeff's athletic career laid the foundation for everything that followed. After a brief opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings, Jeff built a successful career in banking and mortgage lending, where the lessons of football—leadership, resilience, discipline, and relationships—continued to shape his path. In this conversation, we explore the transition out of sports, the impact of mentorship, overcoming setbacks, and what it means to lead with purpose as a business leader, husband, and father of four daughters. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

    Beyond the Game: How Football Shaped Jeff Mack’s Success in Banking and Life

  7. Jun 16

    Life After the Olympics: Discovering Joy, Structure, and Self-Worth Outside Athletic Arenas

    In this episode of The Human Athlete, two-time Olympian, national champion, and Wisconsin Badger Kelsey Ki shares her journey from a multi-sport childhood to competing on the world stage in the discus throw. Kelsey reflects on her unique athletic career, including working with the same coach from youth sports through the Olympics, and discusses the realities of competing in an Olympic sport that often requires athletes to balance training with full-time careers. The conversation explores identity beyond sport, the transition out of competition, and the lessons Kelsey has carried into her work as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She shares her passion for mental health, body positivity, and empowering women and girls to embrace their strengths. Through stories from the Olympic stage and life beyond it, Kelsey offers insights on resilience, purpose, and building a meaningful life after sport. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram. Connect with Kelsey Ki: Instagram

    Life After the Olympics: Discovering Joy, Structure, and Self-Worth Outside Athletic Arenas

  8. Jun 2

    Navigating Change and Adversity: Lessons from Former Pro Quarterback Chris Streveler

    Welcome to The Human Athlete. Today, we talk with Chris Streveler, a former professional quarterback whose path from undrafted college player to CFL standout and NFL competitor is a story of resilience and determination. Chris reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his football career, the value of teamwork, and the lessons he’s carrying into life after the game. Now a coach and mentor, he’s dedicated to helping young quarterbacks grow as athletes and individuals. In this candid conversation, Chris shares insights on leadership, overcoming adversity, and reaching your potential on and off the field. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or pursuing personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons on perseverance, relationships, and embracing the journey. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram. Connect with chris Streveler: LinkedIn

    Navigating Change and Adversity: Lessons from Former Pro Quarterback Chris Streveler
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Stories No One Tells: A podcast about life after competition the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the powerful transformations no one talks about.

Information

  • Creator
    Jared Markiewicz
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jared Markiewicz
  • Show Website
    The Human Athlete