Optimize Your Game, a Podcast from the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute

University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute
Optimize Your Game, a Podcast from the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute

The University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute is a trusted health care and research institution caring for active individuals, ranging from elite and youth athletes to weekend warriors. At the core, our mission is to help our patients perform at their best. The Optimize Your Game podcast features conversations between the Sports Medicine Institute’s leader – Dr. Lee Kaplan – and various guests discussing the latest treatments, innovations, research, technologies, and lifestyle practices that are igniting optimal performance among elite athletes and other high-performers in our sphere.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Pushing Limits: Christine Coppola on Marathon Swimming, Mindset & Overcoming Fear

    Join Dr. Lee Kaplan in an electrifying conversation with Christine Coppola—marathon swimmer, 3X Ironman finisher, HR pro, mom, and unstoppable force. Christine takes us inside the grueling mental and physical battle of tackling some of North America’s toughest swims, from the 28.5-mile 20 Bridges Swim to the Catalina Channel’s eerie, overnight 20-mile stretch. From mastering visualization to surrendering control, to conquering open-water fears (yes, sharks!) and to the science of fueling while swimming, this episode is packed with lessons in resilience. Tune in and get inspired to push past your own limits. Follow Christine's journey on Instagram @christinejcoppola13/

    30 min

  2. JAN 3

    Unshakeable: Creating a Culture of Resilience in Baseball and Life

    A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and J.D. Arteaga, head coach for the Miami Hurricanes baseball team. Step up to the plate with this inspiring episode as we dive into the transformative power of resilience. Discover how cultivating a culture of grit and character on and off the field shapes players into stronger athletes and better humans. We explore the pivotal lessons of detaching self-worth from performance, embracing failure (or injury) as growth, and fostering a mindset that transcends the game. Whether you're an athlete, a leader, or someone striving for personal growth, this episode offers profound insights on building resilience that lasts a lifetime. You can learn more about J.D. at MiamiHurricanes.com.

    51 min

  3. 12/12/2024

    Rugby Revolution: Introducing a Global Sport & Performance Culture to South Florida

    A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Milagros Cubelli, Chief Marketing Officer of the Miami Sharks professional rugby team. We discuss what makes rugby a distinct culture – in terms of athletic performance, the spirit of competition, and within the Global sports community – and how the brand is cultivating a new fanbase in South Florida. You can learn more about the Miami Sharks at MiamiSharks.com.

    29 min

  4. 11/01/2024

    Miami’s Tech Transformation: Balancing Vision, Lasting Influence, and Parenthood with Melissa Medina of eMerge

    A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Melissa Medina, Co-founder, CEO & President of eMerge Americas. We discuss the unique role of Healthcare within eMerge Americas’ vision and programming, balancing eMerge’s impact alongside the priorities of parenting 5 children, and the legacy of immigrant families within Miami’s culture. You can learn more about Melissa at eMergeAmericas.com. The 2025 edition of eMerge Americas will take place on March 27 and 28, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

    1h 4m

  5. 10/14/2024

    On "Pointe": The Discipline of Ballet with Jordan-Elizabeth Long, Principal Soloist

    A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Jordan-Elizabeth Long, Principal Soloist with the Miami City Ballet. We discuss the discipline and vision that led Jordan from childhood ballet in Blacksburg, Virginia to the Royal Swedish Ballet and European stages, and to becoming the Miami City Ballet’s Principal Soloist. We also discuss her choice to earn an MBA at the University of Miami, what goes inside pointe shoes, and “the work” that takes place backstage – appearing completely effortless to the audience. You can learn more about Jordan on Instagram @Jordan.Elizabeth.Long, and at MiamiCityBallet.org.

    54 min

  6. 09/24/2024

    The 3 P's of "Peak Performance" and Life After Competition with Stephen Staffieri, Canes Football Alum and All-American

    A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Stephen Staffieri, former Hurricanes football player throughout the 1984 through 1987 seasons, and founder of the podcast "The Game Changer Series”.  We discuss with Stephen how his definition of “peak performance” has evolved from his time as an All-American to his current professional and personal pursuits, how he motivates others to achieve more in their lives (his three P’s), and his advice for anyone wondering about life after competitive sports. You can learn more about Stephen and the Game Changer Series at @thegamechangerseries_ on Instagram.

    59 min

  7. 08/29/2024

    From Casual to Performance Cycling with Chris Pavon of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge

    A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Chris Pavon, Senior Manager, DCC Community Engagement with the Miami Dolphins. An icon within the South Florida and broader performance cycling community, Chris is now responsible for widening the Dolphins Cancer Challenge’s reach and impact within the local community. We discuss with Chris the components of high performance in cycling (including bike tech), keys to evolving from casual to performance cycling, and why cycling is at the heart of the DCC.   You can learn more about the DCC at dolphins.donordrive.com.

    28 min

  8. 07/29/2024

    Building a Team for Optimal (Personal) Performance, High Standards and Cycling with Dr. Stephen Nimer

    A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Dr. Stephen Nimer, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. In his leadership role at the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in South Florida, Dr. Nimer has cultivated a team of more than 250 world-class physicians and researchers to create an environment of excellence and collaboration. He is a physician-scientist who has dedicated his career to conducting extensive clinical and basic science research on treating adult leukemia.   We discuss with Dr. Nimer the importance of focus, purpose, and a culture of high standards in driving optimal performance, the impact of building the right team for professional and personal accountability, the critical role of compassion when caring for patients, and his love of cycling, among other topics. You can learn more about Dr. Nimer at UMiamiHealth.org/Sylvester.

    37 min
See All (18)

About

The University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute is a trusted health care and research institution caring for active individuals, ranging from elite and youth athletes to weekend warriors. At the core, our mission is to help our patients perform at their best. The Optimize Your Game podcast features conversations between the Sports Medicine Institute’s leader – Dr. Lee Kaplan – and various guests discussing the latest treatments, innovations, research, technologies, and lifestyle practices that are igniting optimal performance among elite athletes and other high-performers in our sphere.

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada