Almost Pro Podcast

Almost Pro
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What happens when the dream of going pro doesn’t go to plan? Almost Pro is a weekly sport podcast sharing the untold stories of past athletes whose careers fell outside the traditional definition of “pro” — where money and fame are attached — alongside the coaches and experts who shaped their journey. Hosted by Laura & Frances, each episode blends raw storytelling, expert insight, and lived experience to unpack what it really means to navigate sport on and off the field. Almost Pro is a sport community built for everyone who knows the story isn’t in the title — it’s in the journey.

  1. 1D AGO

    Life After Basketball: The Power Of Endurance | Ashley Ljesevic

    What happens when your sports dream changes? In this episode of Almost Pro, Ashley Ljesevic shares her experience of chasing Division 1 college basketball — and what it feels like when that path doesn’t unfold the way you thought it would. This is a conversation about the space that follows.When the structure is gone.When the identity shifts.When you’re left asking — what now? From basketball to running, endurance becomes something more than physical — it’s what carries you through uncertainty, change, and the process of figuring out who you are beyond the game. If you’re a past athlete — or someone who’s ever had to let go of a version of your life you thought was certain — this one will stay with you. Connect with Ashley:Endurance Diaries: https://www.endurancediaries.com/The Beginning Of Endless Discovery blog: https://www.endurancediaries.com/blog/the-beginning-of-endless-discoveryAshley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyljesevic/ Explore Almost Pro:Website: https://www.almostpropodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/almost-pro-podcast/ Social Media: @almostpropodcast Subscribe to Almost Pro and join a community of past athletes and industry experts sharing the raw, real, untold stories from within sport.

    40 min

  2. MAR 27

    Do We Overvalue Winning In Junior Sport? | AP Bites

    Welcome to the very first episode of AP BITES. Short conversations on the BIGGEST questions in sport. Today we’re tackling a question that sits right at the heart of junior sport: Do we overvalue winning? Because what we say matters… but what we celebrate matters more. Join us for a short conversation on an issue shaping youth sport participation around the globe. We’d love to hear your thoughts — do you think we overvalue winning in junior sport? Let us know in the comments. If this got you thinking, make sure you click 'follow' — more AP Bites coming.

    6 min
  3. Bridging The Gap Between Talent And Opportunity | The WattleNest Mission

    MAR 19

    Bridging The Gap Between Talent And Opportunity | The WattleNest Mission

    As part of Podcasthon 2026 — a global movement where podcasters dedicate one episode to a charity they believe in — we’re proud to spotlight an organisation creating meaningful impact in Australian sport. In this episode of Almost Pro, we sit down with Rachel Condos-Fields, Founder and CEO of The WattleNest, a purpose-driven organisation bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. Because while talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’t. Rachel shares the story behind The WattleNest and the realities many athletes face behind the scenes — from financial pressure and limited access to resources, to the sacrifices made in pursuit of representing Australia. These are the stories we don’t often hear, but they’re happening every day. The WattleNest is building a community that supports athletes not just in competition, but in life — ensuring talent doesn’t fall through the cracks. Be part of the movement: The WattleNest has launched the “One in 2032” campaign — inviting 2032 Australians to become part of the official cheer squad backing our athletes on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Choose your number and stand alongside these athletes — from $1 to $2032, making it accessible for everyone to be involved. This isn’t just a donation.It’s a chance to be part of an athlete’s journey. 👉 Join the team and secure your number nowhttps://team.wattlenest.com.au/ 👉 Learn more about The WattleNestwww.wattlenest.com.au

    21 min

  4. MAR 13

    What Every Coach Should Know | Emily Kile

    What Every Coach Should Know | Emily Kile In this episode of Almost Pro, we welcome back Emily Kile for a powerful conversation about coaching and the human behind the athlete. After our first episode with Emily, we found ourselves diving deeper into a conversation about equipping coaches with the knowledge and tools to develop not just great players, but great humans too. Then an email landed in our inbox from Emily titled “10 Things I Wish Every Coach Knew,” and we immediately recognised the importance of sharing it. In this episode, we explore some of the ideas behind that list, including: • Shiny Object Syndrome• training for pressure• psychological safety• the dangers of over-relying on data• and why great coaching is ultimately about stewarding humans, not just producing results. This conversation is packed with insight for coaches, athletes, parents, and anyone working in sport. You can also find Emily’s full “10 Things Every Coach Should Know” on our website alongside this episode. Learn more:https://www.almostpropodcast.com Follow Almost Pro:Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @almostpropodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/almost-pro-podcast/ More from Emily Kile:https://www.workzbe.com/https://www.yournerdyfriend.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykile/

    45 min

  5. MAR 6

    How Athlete Skills Transfer Into The Workplace.

    How Athlete Skills Transfer into the Workplace Sport is often said to prepare us for life — building discipline, resilience, and work ethic. But when the jersey comes off, the reality can feel very different. In this episode of Almost Pro, we unpack one of the biggest questions athletes face after sport: what skills actually transfer into the workplace — and what doesn’t? After years spent training, competing, and operating in highly structured environments, stepping into the workplace can feel like entering a completely different world. There’s no playbook, no coach on the sideline, and often no clear path forward. So how do the skills developed through sport translate into professional environments? In this conversation, we explore the mindset shift athletes often face when leaving sport, the challenge of identifying transferable skills, and why traits like adaptability, communication, feedback, and determination can become powerful tools in the workplace. We also ask a bigger question: if sport disappeared tomorrow, what skills would you still carry with you? If you enjoy the episode, follow Almost Pro to stay up to date with all our latest conversations. You can also connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok — @almostpropodcast. Have your own Almost Pro story? Apply to be a guest on the show at almostpropodcast.com

    34 min

  6. FEB 27

    Field Hockey, Golf, and Beyond | Angus Yeates

    Some athletes follow one path. Angus Yeates has followed several and made each one count. From state field hockey in Tasmania to competing overseas in Germany, from seriously pursuing the PGA pathway in golf to building a career with Adidas, Angus has navigated change with a calm confidence that defines this conversation. This episode is about adaptability. About leaning into opportunity. About carrying the discipline, resilience and perspective that sport builds into whatever comes next. We explore the shift between team and individual performance, life overseas, balancing ambition with study and work, and what it means to redefine success as your life expands. Field hockey, golf, and beyond — this is a story about staying open to what’s next.

    37 min

  7. FEB 20

    From Band-Aids to Healing: Trauma, Resilience And Post-Traumatic Growth | Emily Kile

    In sport we talk about mindset, discipline and resilience. But what happens when stress and trauma are shaping performance beneath the surface? In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Kile, physiologist, PhD candidate in psychology, founder of Workzbe and author of Bitter to Better. Together, we explore how the brain and nervous system respond under pressure, why coping can quietly become a performance strategy, and what post-traumatic growth really looks like. We unpack how trauma shows up in high-performing environments, how identity can become fused with performance, and how meaning-making and neuroplasticity allow us to revisit memories and move forward differently. Whether you’re competing, coaching, leading or navigating life after sport, this conversation sits at the heart of what Almost Pro is about. Understanding the human behind the performance. CHAPTERS Understanding Trauma Band-Aid Strategies in Sport Post-Traumatic Growth This or That Learn more from Emily: Website: https://www.workzbe.com/ Book: Bitter to Better Almost Pro isn’t about what you didn’t become. It’s about who you’re still becoming.

    42 min

  8. FEB 13

    Six Foundations To Become A High-Performing Athlete (Part 2) | Dr Damien Taylor

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr Damien Taylor, we continue unpacking the six-part infrastructure that underpins sustainable high performance. Following Part 1’s focus on sleep, nutrition, and exercise, this episode turns to the remaining pillars: quiet time and rest, environment, and community. These elements shape how we regulate ourselves, make decisions, maintain standards, and sustain performance over time — particularly under pressure and through transition. Drawing on decades of experience across elite sport and high-pressure leadership environments, Damien explains how strengthening your internal operating system determines how consistently you show up when it matters most. This is Front-End Leadership™ in action. No shortcuts. No hype. Just practical, evidence-informed principles for those committed to building resilience and real excellence over the long haul. Connect with Dr Damien Taylor:Website: https://www.betheleader.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-damien-taylor-phd-adjunct-professor-founder-director-732b90168/

    39 min
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About

What happens when the dream of going pro doesn’t go to plan? Almost Pro is a weekly sport podcast sharing the untold stories of past athletes whose careers fell outside the traditional definition of “pro” — where money and fame are attached — alongside the coaches and experts who shaped their journey. Hosted by Laura & Frances, each episode blends raw storytelling, expert insight, and lived experience to unpack what it really means to navigate sport on and off the field. Almost Pro is a sport community built for everyone who knows the story isn’t in the title — it’s in the journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Almost Pro
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Almost Pro
  • Show Website
    Almost Pro Podcast