Confessions of an Elite Athlete with Midge Purce

Vox Media
  • 4.5 (36)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

What does it really take to be elite? Midge Purce is a champion on the field, but she's also a Harvard graduate with a degree in psychology. In Confessions of an Elite Athlete, Midge sits down with the best athletes in the world to explore their mindset and unseen battles on the path to greatness. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

  1. 6d ago

    Justin Tuck on Starting Over and Financial Literacy

    Midge Purce sits down with two-time Super Bowl champion, two-time All-Pro defensive end, and Goldman Sachs Managing Director Justin Tuck. Justin opens up about transitioning out of the NFL and starting over from scratch in a new career. Justin shares how he strategically leveraged winning Super Bowls to cold-call billionaires and learn about business. He breaks down his path from the football field to Wharton MBA graduate, offering essential advice to anyone who is ready to start over. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & The Reality of Transitioning 01:35 - Welcome Justin Tuck: From Super Bowls to Goldman Sachs 02:42 - Preparing for the End of an NFL Career 05:12 - Cultivating Curiosity & Exploring New Fields 06:51 - Why Finance? Addressing Representation & Financial Education 08:59 - Exploring Real Estate, Media, and Learning from Mentors 11:37 - Capitalizing on Success & The New York "Halo Effect" 13:38 - Deep Waters: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable 15:36 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 18:00 - Grounding Yourself: Never Be the Smartest Person in the Room 20:06 - Developing Resilience and Learning Through Failure 22:42 - Stealing Skills: Watching Film to Gain an Edge 25:35 - Applying Football Film Study to Wealth Management 27:30 - Paying It Forward & Networking with Purpose 29:35 - Creative Networking: How Justin Reached Suite Owners at MetLife 32:06 - Networking Advice for Non-Pro Athletes 35:10 - Building Genuine Relationships Before Pitching Business 37:55 - Patience vs. Urgency in Deal-Making 41:17 - Confidence, Effort, and Knowing Your Worth 44:01 - Knowing When It’s Time to Move On 46:11 - Advice for Career Transitions: Humble Yourself & Listen Loudly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. Sep 15

    USMNT Goalkeeper Matt Freese on Playing in the World Cup & The Minds of Elite Goalies

    In this episode of Confessions of An Elite Athlete, Midge Purce sits down with USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese for an inside look at what it takes to perform on soccer's biggest stage. From finding out he was starting at the World Cup, to mastering penalty kick mind games and maintaining  focus, Matt breaks down the mental and physical demands of elite goalkeeping. Matt shares his unique daily and pre-game routines, including meditation, staying present under intense pressure, and why you have to be a little "weird" to stand between the posts. Plus, he dives into team dynamics and life off the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Sep 1

    The Doctor Who Holds Elite Athletes' Careers in His Hands

    On this episode of Confessions of an Elite Athlete, Midge Purce sits down with her own surgeon, Dr. Riley Williams—Chief of Sports Medicine at HSS and Medical Director for the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and New York Red Bulls. Known across professional sports as "Mr. ACL," Dr. Williams performs nearly 600 surgeries a year, among which are world-class athletes. Together, they discuss why ACL tears are surging among female athletes, and what is the riskiest thing an athlete can do after an ACL surgery. They also break down the truth behind playing on turf versus grass, the risks of early youth sports specialization, and a definitive tier ranking of the absolute worst lower-limb injuries. They also discuss the question on everyone’s mind: is it possible to prevent these injuries?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Aug 18

    Ali Truwit Lost Her Leg to a Shark—16 Months Later She Was on a Paralympic Podium

    Two days after Ali Truwit graduated from Yale University, she was attacked by a shark, fought it off and won. She lost her foot and part of her leg, yet still, somehow, swam 75 yards back to her boat. Just sixteen months later she was standing on a Paralympic podium in Paris with two silver medals. In this episode, Midge Purce sits down with Ali to discuss her path from trauma, to radical self-acceptance, to the Paralympic podium. They dive deep into how our minds can be the biggest barrier to accomplishment, overcoming negative brain loops with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and why we are all far stronger than we think. Ali and Midge also talk about how they met at Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami, overcoming body dissatisfaction, and why Ali is embracing a multi-hyphenate identify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Aug 4

    Performance Expert Explains How To Reach Your Flow State

    What if the moments when everything clicks—when time disappears, focus sharpens, and your best work seems to happen effortlessly—are actually governed by a set of biological rules? Steven Kotler has spent decades studying flow, the altered state of consciousness shared by elite athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, military operators, and high performers across every field. According to Steven, flow isn't a rare gift reserved for extraordinary people. It's a trainable skill built into human biology. In this episode of Confessions of an Elite Athlete, Steven breaks down the neuroscience behind flow, why it dramatically improves performance, and how everyday habits—from constant notifications to cluttered workspaces—can quietly destroy your ability to access it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Jul 21

    The Most Controversial Moments of the World Cup, with Ali Krieger and Charlie Davies

    We are LIVE from Fanatics Fest for a special episode of Confessions of an Elite Athlete. Midge Purce sits down with US Soccer legends Ali Krieger (Two-Time World Cup Champion, NWSL Champion & ESPN Pundit) and Charlie Davies (Former USMNT Player & CBS Sports Pundit) to talk about the best and most controversial moments of World Cup 2026. Ali and Charlie give their expert takes on the harsh realities of VAR, which red cards they thought were fair, and what goes through a player's head when they get a red card. All three weigh in on Folarin Balogun’s Red Card and President Trump’s intervention, Cape Verde’s Lopez Cabral’s stunning goal and precedent-setting celebration, the unmatched greatness of Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland’s off-field personality and supernatural presence on the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Jul 7

    This Electrician Became a Drag Racing Champion (And Says That's Still Not Enough) | Ida Zetterström

    When Ida Zetterström was a kid growing up around the racetrack in Sweden, she believed something simple: work harder than everyone else, and you'll make it. So that's exactly what she did.She became an electrician to fund her racing career. She poured her own money into the sport. She won championships. She became the first woman ever to win her class on a drag bike. She earned a reputation as one of the fastest and most talented drivers in the world. And then she learned a difficult truth: Success isn't always enough.In this episode of Confessions of an Elite Athlete, Ida shares what it's really like to compete in one of the most extreme sports on Earth—driving 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragsters that accelerate faster than fighter jets and rocket ships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. Jun 23

    Sue Bird’s Secret to Longevity: Why Balance Beat the Grind

    At 18 years old, Sue Bird was a top prospect at UConn — until she tore her ACL and thought her basketball career might be over before it ever really began. Instead, the setback became the foundation for one of the greatest careers in sports history: 4 WNBA championships, 5 Olympic gold medals, and a professional career that lasted nearly two decades.In this conversation, Sue opens up about the injuries that shaped her, the pressure of aging in professional sports, and why balance—not obsession—became her greatest competitive advantage. Sue also shares her approach to confidence, why perfectionism can quietly hold athletes back, and the simple phrase she used to break out of slumps when overthinking took over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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What does it really take to be elite? Midge Purce is a champion on the field, but she's also a Harvard graduate with a degree in psychology. In Confessions of an Elite Athlete, Midge sits down with the best athletes in the world to explore their mindset and unseen battles on the path to greatness. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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