Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal
  • 5.0 (26)
  • WRESTLING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

Welcome to "The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal" where we delve into the world of college and youth wrestling. Join Mike, the head coach of Poway RTC, as he sits down with guests from all levels of the sport, including high school, club, college, and senior-level coaches and athletes. Each week, Mike will bring you insightful discussions on the latest in college and youth wrestling, including training techniques, strategy, and everything in between. You'll hear from some of the biggest names in the sport, who will share their stories and offer their unique perspectives.

  1. Ep. 114 - Adam Fellers

    6D AGO

    Ep. 114 - Adam Fellers

    In Episode 114 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Adam Fellers—a wrestling coach and finance expert—to talk about the intersection of business and wrestling. Adam breaks down why so many coaches lack the business acumen needed to grow and sustain successful programs, and why waiting for outside help isn’t a winning strategy. We also analyze key financial metrics, like fundraising and staff investment, and how they correlate with on-the-mat success at the Division I level. Beyond the numbers, Adam shares insights on how wrestling programs can adopt a more structured, KPI-driven approach to athlete development. If he had the power to change the NCAA system, what would he do? We get into that, plus some rapid-fire fun, including his top book recommendation, Mount Rushmore picks, and more. If you're interested in the future of wrestling from both a competitive and financial standpoint, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

    1h 1m
  2. Ep. 113 - Grant Leeth

    APR 9

    Ep. 113 - Grant Leeth

    In Episode 113 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Grant Leeth, head club wrestling coach at Tarleton State NCWA and founder of Heilung Shoes, to talk about what it takes to build a college wrestling program from scratch. When Grant arrived in Texas in late 2023, there was no wrestling room, no athletes, and no alumni base—just a vision. He walks us through the challenges of getting administrative buy-in, the role of fundraising, and the foundation working to bring college wrestling to Texas. We also discuss the recruiting process, how Texas remains an under-recruited state, and Tarleton's approach to keeping talent in-state. Grant shares lessons learned in his first year, the struggles of delegation, and why winning an NCWA title isn’t the ultimate goal—building a sustainable Division I program is. If you're interested in the future of college wrestling, coaching, or sports entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

    56 min
  3. Ep. 112 - Joe Russell

    APR 3

    Ep. 112 - Joe Russell

    In episode 112 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Joe Russell, Assistant Coach for USA Wrestling, to discuss the evolving landscape of wrestling, from grassroots to international success. Joe shares his thoughts on the importance of RTCs, how USA Wrestling is adapting to the impact of NIL, and what the future of the sport might look like. He also dives into coaching strategies, working with athletes, and the challenges of dealing with officials, along with some personal insights into his experiences traveling the world. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on the present and future of USA Wrestling.

    54 min
  4. Ep. 111 - Vito Arujau

    MAR 26

    Ep. 111 - Vito Arujau

    In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we chat with Vito Arujau, a 1x World Champion and 2x NCAA Champion, about his journey to success in wrestling. Vito shares his experience growing up in New York after immigrating from Belarus, his early struggles with motivation, and how his mindset shifted as he took ownership of his wrestling development. We also discuss his relationship with Yianni Diakomihalis, the challenges of weight management, and how his focus on sports psychology has shaped his career. Tune in for insights on Vito's growth, his approach to competition, and what the future holds for him in wrestling.

    54 min
  5. Ep. 110 - Mark Muñoz

    MAR 19

    Ep. 110 - Mark Muñoz

    In this episode of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Mark Muñoz, Associate Head Coach at Cal Baptist University, as he shares his journey from wrestling to MMA. We discuss his time at Oklahoma State and the surprising connection between California wrestling and Stillwater, Oklahoma. Mark opens up about his transition from wrestling to UFC, recounting a pivotal moment when he was thrown into a sparring session with Randy Couture. He also talks about his coaching philosophy at CBU, emphasizing the importance of mentality, community, and culture in building a successful program. Tune in for a deep dive into Mark's unique journey and his thoughts on the future of wrestling and MMA.

    53 min
  6. Ep. 109 - Dave Bell

    MAR 12

    Ep. 109 - Dave Bell

    In episode 109 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Dave Bell, Head Coach at a public school wrestling program, to discuss his journey from coaching at Bergen Catholic to taking over a public school program. Dave shares his insights on building a championship-caliber team, managing resources, and how he navigated the transition from a private school to a public one. We dive into the importance of sustained success, overcoming challenges, and his approach to fundraising, recruiting, and team culture. Additionally, Dave talks about the coaching staff that helped build his program and how he approaches developing athletes both on and off the mat.

    1h 1m
  7. Ep. 108 - Gabe Arnold

    MAR 5

    Ep. 108 - Gabe Arnold

    In episode #108 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Gabe Arnold, a standout wrestler with a unique journey. Gabe shares the story of how he first stepped onto the mats at just five years old, following in his brother’s footsteps, and how he got hooked on wrestling despite early struggles. We dive into his high school career, discussing his time at Wyoming Seminary, the transition to living away from home, and the lessons he learned along the way. Gabe opens up about the impact of his father’s philosophy on his approach to the sport, his recruiting process, and the mindset required to reach his goals. Plus, we discuss the upcoming Iowa vs. OSU dual and Gabe’s thoughts on mental health in wrestling. Tune in for insights into the life of an elite wrestler and coach.

    1h 3m
  8. Ep. 107 - Keith Gavin

    FEB 26

    Ep. 107 - Keith Gavin

    In episode 107 of the Athletor Podcast, host Mike Malinconico sits down with Keith Gavin, the head coach of Pitt Wrestling, to discuss his approach to building a wrestling program from the ground up. They dive into recruiting strategies, the culture at Pitt, and how NIL is constantly changing the landscape of college sports. Keith also shares how he prepares his athletes for success, offering a unique insight into his own journey and the importance of adaptability, discipline, and passion for the sport. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or wrestling fan, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic and evolving world of collegiate wrestling.

    49 min
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    5
    out of 5
    26 Ratings

    About

    Welcome to "The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal" where we delve into the world of college and youth wrestling. Join Mike, the head coach of Poway RTC, as he sits down with guests from all levels of the sport, including high school, club, college, and senior-level coaches and athletes. Each week, Mike will bring you insightful discussions on the latest in college and youth wrestling, including training techniques, strategy, and everything in between. You'll hear from some of the biggest names in the sport, who will share their stories and offer their unique perspectives.

    Information

    • Creator
      The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal
    • Years Active
      2023 - 2025
    • Episodes
      114
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © The Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal
    • Show Website
      Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal

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