Focus, Faith, and Fueling: The Winning Edge Podcast

SPAN_Athletics
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Winning Edge Podcast – where we share focus, fueling and faith filled stories and strategies to give young athletes the tools they need to become the best versions of themselves – as athletes and individuals. What you eat - and how you think can transform your athletic performance and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fitness enthusiast looking to gain that mental edge and optimize your health, this podcast is for you. Stay tuned for existing guests and information from across the sports world.

  1. 2d ago

    Season 4 - Episode 2: Miles, Mindset, & a Leader's Chase for Greatness

    This episode features varsity captain and nationally recognized center back Britain Floyd, who shares the mindset, discipline, and sacrifices behind her success on and off the field. She discusses her leadership style, mental resilience in high-pressure moments, and the importance of communication, accountability, and growth. Britain also opens up about the demands of elite training, balancing academics with athletics, and navigating the college recruiting process through proactive outreach and networking. Committed to Catawba College, she reflects on finding the right team culture and her goals of playing at the next level while pursuing a future in neuroscience.

    32 min
  2. Season 4 - Episode 1: Full Court Press, What it Takes to Make it as a College Athlete with Ginny Boggess

    May 25

    Season 4 - Episode 1: Full Court Press, What it Takes to Make it as a College Athlete with Ginny Boggess

    What does it take to go from starring on the court to shaping the next generation of players from the sideline? In this episode, former high school basketball standout turned college coach Ginny Boggess pulls back the curtain on the world of college basketball — the recruiting grind, the pressure of athlete development, and how the game itself is changing faster than ever. Whether you're a player dreaming of a college career, a parent trying to navigate the recruiting process, or a coach looking for a fresh perspective, Ginny's journey offers hard-won lessons and an honest look at what it really takes to compete and succeed at the college level. --

    45 min

  3. May 18

    Season 3- Episode 8: Beyond the Shot: How GLP-1 Is Rewriting the Rules of Obesity With Dr. James Hill

    GLP-1 medications have changed the conversation aroundweight loss — but the shot is only the beginning. In this episode, Dr. James Hill, one of the world's leading obesity researchers with over 40 years in the field, breaks down why weight management is far more complex than calories in,calories out. Dr. Hill unpacks how biology actively works against weightloss — from metabolic set points to hormonal signals that drive hunger and fat storage — and why understanding your biology is the first step to lasting change. He then walks through the three pillars of long-term weight maintenancethat apply whether you're on GLP-1 medications or not: nutrition quality, consistent physical activity, and behavioral consistency. Exercise takes center stage as more than just acalorie-burning tool. Dr. Hill explains its critical role in preserving muscle mass during weight loss and why it becomes even more essential for people usingGLP-1s to prevent rebound after stopping medication. Sleep gets equal billing — poor sleep quietly undermines every other effort by disrupting hunger hormones and metabolic function. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Hill addresses the mindsetshift required to move from short-term weight loss to lifelong maintenance — and why so many people fail to make that transition even after significant success on medication. If you've ever wondered what it truly takes to keep weightoff for good, this episode gives you the science and the roadmap.

    45 min

  4. Apr 8

    Season 3- Episode 7: More Than the Scale: Recognizing Eating Disorders in Young Athletes Before It's Too Late with Mandy Tyler

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mandy Tyler, a sports dietitian for the San Antonio Spurs and co-author of the 7th edition of the renowned Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook, to tackle one of the most under-discussed yet critical issues in youth sports — eating disorders. As the pressure to perform, look a certain way, and "make weight" continues to rise, young athletes are increasingly vulnerable to disordered eating patterns that can derail both their health and their athletic careers. Mandy breaks down the warning signs parents, coaches, and athletic staff should never ignore . From restrictive eating and obsessive food behaviors to dramatic weight fluctuations and declining performance. Mandy explains how the culture of sport itself can unintentionally fuel disordered eating, and why athletes are often the last ones to recognize a problem in themselves. We explore the concept of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and why fueling adequately isn't just about performance, but long-term health, bone density, hormonal balance, and mental well-being. Mandy also shares practical strategies for how parents and coaches can open conversations about food and body image without adding pressure or shame. Whether you're a parent on the sidelines, a coach in the locker room, or an athlete yourself, this episode gives you the tools to build a healthier, more supportive sports environment. One where young athletes can fuel to thrive, not just survive.

    37 min

  5. Feb 23

    Season 3 - Episode 6: Protein: The Power Player — What’s New, What’s True, and Why It Matters with Kristen Hicks-Roof

    In this episode host Stacy Bates sits down with guest Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof, RD, PhD, host of the Nutrition Communications Podcast, to unpack how our understanding of protein is changing across all life stages. They break down the new Dietary Guidelines for protein, what “protein quality” really means, and why getting enough—at the right times—matters for muscle maintenance, recovery, and healthy aging. Together, they dig into the differences between animal and plant proteins, how protein influences fullness, appetite hormones, and metabolism, and why spacing protein throughout the day can support energy, performance, and body composition. Stacy and Kristen also tackle listener-favorite questions on protein powders, “too much protein,” bedtime snacks, and simple ways to boost protein with realistic meal-prep and snack strategies. Throughout the conversation, they challenge long-standing nutrition myths and highlight practical, science-backed steps anyone can use to build a more protein-forward plate.

    41 min

  6. Feb 16

    Season 3 - Episode 5: RED-S, Energy Deficiency & Nutrition: Protecting Young Athletes’ Health and Performance with Rebecca McConville

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked challenges in youth sports—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)—and its impact on health, growth, and performance. Our hosts break down how energy imbalance occurs when young athletes don’t fuel enough to match their training demands, leading to hormonal disruption, fatigue, and reduced performance. Listeners will learn how to recognize early warning signs of low energy availability, why proper fueling and recovery are essential, and how parents and coaches can play a powerful role in preventing RED-S. The discussion also explores the influence of social media and diet culture on young athletes’ eating habits and highlights the importance of personalized nutrition plans tailored to an athlete’s unique needs. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete yourself, this episode offers practical strategies to support long-term health, optimal performance, and a positive relationship with food. Key Topics: RED-S, energy deficiency, young athletes, performance, eating disorders, nutrition, sports dietetics, health, parents, coaches

    49 min

  7. Feb 9

    Season 3 - Episode 4: Forecasting the Future of Food & Food as Medicine with Mike Lee

    In this insightful episode, host Stacy Bates welcomes Mike Lee, a renowned expert in food innovation and sustainability, to discuss the transformative trends shaping the future of nutrition and agriculture. Mike Lee, known for his work in trend forecasting and sustainable food systems, shares his expertise on how "food as medicine" is gaining traction and why biodiversity is crucial for a healthier planet. They delve into the significance of soil health, drawing parallels between nutrient-rich soil and athletic performance, and explore how AI is revolutionizing agriculture by enhancing precision and efficiency. Key points include: • The dual nature of food trends: distinguishing between fleeting fads and meaningful movements. • The role of AI in uncovering new nutritional insights and improving agricultural practices. • The importance of translating complex scientific data into actionable consumer behaviors. • How sustainable practices can align with business profitability, creating a win-win for health and the environment. • The potential of the next generation to drive changes in food systems through technology and education. • This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about the intersection of health, sustainability, and technology, offering a comprehensive look at how these elements are reshaping our food landscape.

    51 min

  8. Jan 28

    Season 3 - Episode 3: Omega-3s, Omega-6s & Dairy Fat: Cutting Through the Noise with Dr. Kevin Maki

    In this episode of Focus, Faith & Fueling: The Winning Edge, Dr. Kevin Maki joins SPAN Athletics to unpack what omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids really mean for clinicians, coaches, parents, and athletes who want science-based guidance instead of social media soundbites. We explore how to think about the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, the strongest evidence for cardiometabolic benefits of omega-3s, and what current data actually show about linoleic acid, inflammation, and chronic disease risk. Dr. Maki translates decades of fatty acid research into practical eating patterns, including how to approach fish intake, seed oils, nuts, and when supplementation makes sense for specific populations and active individuals. We then dive into full-fat dairy, the “dairy matrix,” and why newer studies challenge the old low-fat dogma for cardiometabolic health. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Maki offers clear, evidence-anchored soundbites to help reframe fears about saturated fat and seed oils, and highlights key research questions that will shape the future of performance and prevention nutrition.

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Winning Edge Podcast – where we share focus, fueling and faith filled stories and strategies to give young athletes the tools they need to become the best versions of themselves – as athletes and individuals. What you eat - and how you think can transform your athletic performance and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fitness enthusiast looking to gain that mental edge and optimize your health, this podcast is for you. Stay tuned for existing guests and information from across the sports world.

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