Pre-Zero Sports Talk

Sid Bensalah
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, with over 30 years of global sports industry experience, this podcast isn’t about quick fixes or empty talk. It’s a platform for authentic, purpose-driven conversations that go beyond the game to explore how sports can drive positive, actionable change. Born from a passion for impact, Pre-Zero Sports Talk dives into today’s most pressing themes: performance and well-being, leadership, innovation, coaching, community impact, sustainability, regenerative agriculture, governance, geopolitics, and more. Each episode cuts through the noise and greenwashing, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives. This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues — stories that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark transformation. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, business leader, or someone who believes in the power of sport to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you. Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, inspires, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in shaping a cleaner, safer, and more connected world — one episode at a time.

  1. Modern Masculinity Crisis: How Men Reclaim Purpose and Self-Leadership | Maxim Shapiro

    6D AGO

    Modern Masculinity Crisis: How Men Reclaim Purpose and Self-Leadership | Maxim Shapiro

    Send a text Are men facing a modern masculinity crisis? In Episode 95 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Maxim Shapiro, men’s purpose coach and founder of Forward Motion Coaching, for a raw and honest conversation about depression, identity, effort, and reclaiming authentic self-leadership. Maxim shares how years of drifting, negative self-talk, and playing it safe led to deep dissatisfaction. In his early 40s, a “jarring awakening” pushed him to move from Massachusetts to California, start a business, commit to a long-term relationship, and come off antidepressants. What followed was not comfort, but growth. This episode explores: • Why many men feel lost or displaced in today’s culture • The difference between the true self and the performed self • Effort vs results and redefining success • Loving as effort and leadership as presence • Digital culture, dopamine, and declining real community • Rebuilding belonging through hard, shared practices like jiu-jitsu • Practical steps to move from stuck to alive Maxim explains that self-respect grows from consistent effort, not outcomes. Big goals matter even without guarantees. Authenticity requires stillness, breathing, intuition, and the courage to say what is true. 00:00 – Weather Check & Setting the Conversation 02:10 – Depression at 19 and Early Negative Self-Talk 04:26 – Drifting Without Purpose 06:45 – Moving to California and Going All-In 12:22 – Effort Over Results and Self-Respect 18:13 – Big Goals and Redefining Failure 24:10 – What Success Really Means 32:54 – Coaching Men to Open Up 36:19 – Intuition, Stillness, and Authenticity 38:47 – True Self vs Performed Self 42:47 – Masculinity Today and Leadership 46:30 – Digital Culture and Disconnection 49:43 – Rebuilding Community Through Jiu-Jitsu 52:10 – Small Consistent Actions That Create Change 55:44 – Lightning Round 01:01:05 – Viktor Frankl Closing If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.  Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    1h 2m
  2. Your Body Is the Business Plan, Training Leaders Like Athletes

    FEB 13

    Your Body Is the Business Plan, Training Leaders Like Athletes

    Send a text In Episode 94 of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, Sid Bensalah sits down with performance coach Tom Waite to explore why your body is the real business plan for any leader aiming for clarity, resilience, and long-term performance. Tom works with executives and founders, using athletic training principles, biometric data, strength work, and recovery systems to help high performers avoid burnout and lead with energy and purpose. Tom shares his journey from semi-professional athlete to coaching leaders, and explains why many executives miss the earliest signs of declining health. He breaks down the importance of understanding your “why,” how to build feedback systems that guide behavior, and why strength training, nutrition, and recovery routines drive better decision-making and mental sharpness. This conversation blends real stories, practical strategies, and honest reflections on leadership, identity, and sustainable performance. If you want to lead at a high level without sacrificing your health, this episode offers a clear roadmap grounded in experience, not theory. Timestamps 00:00 Your Body Is the Business Plan, Training Leaders Like Athletes 00:01 Introduction and Greetings 00:22 Discussing the Grind Culture 01:21 Introducing the Guest: Tom, the Performance Coach 01:58 Tom's Journey from Athlete to Coach 03:10 The Importance of Health for Executives 03:57 The Missing Element in Executive Health 06:33 Real-Life Stories of Health Transformation 15:27 Identifying Early Signs of Declining Health 17:12 Debating Weight Loss Medications 23:20 Building Effective Health Systems 25:43 Healthy Eating Habits 27:00 The Importance of Wearables 30:06 Morning Rituals for Success 31:52 Strength Training for Longevity 37:27 Travel and Nutrition Tips 41:27 Lightning Round Q&A 45:23 Final Thoughts and Contact Info If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.  Fuel our Mission  Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    47 min
  3. Angela Lewis on Coaching, Equity, and Leading the Future of Women’s Sports

    JAN 30

    Angela Lewis on Coaching, Equity, and Leading the Future of Women’s Sports

    Send us a text Angela R. Lewis, a former Division I basketball player, championship-winning coach, author, and leadership consultant, joins host Sid Bensalah on the Pre-Zero Sports Talk podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of women's sports. The conversation covers visibility in women's sports, the importance of role models, and the growth and investment that drive the game's popularity. Angela delves into her V6 framework, which helps athletes transition from valley to victory, emphasizing character development over performance. She also highlights the significance of trust, resilience, and personal growth in coaching, shares insights on pay equity, and reflects on the impact of media portrayals in sports. Angela's new children's book and her existing publications aim to inspire and empower young athletes, emphasizing courage, heart, and community. The episode offers valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts seeking to foster a supportive and equitable sports environment. Timestamps 00:00 - Angela Lewis on Coaching, Equity & the Future of Women’s Sports 00:01 - Opening & Intro 00:16 - Visibility in Women’s Sports 02:04 - Meet Angela Lewis 03:24 - Her Coaching Journey 07:16 - The V6 Framework Explained 09:46 - Handling Setbacks & Growth 14:39 - Trust in Coaching Relationships 17:52 - Growth of the Women’s Game 21:15 - Media Coverage & Representation 29:29 - Humanizing Athletes 31:53 - Pay Equity: Where We Are 36:52 - Faith, Identity & Resilience 38:08 - Messages for Young Girls in Sports 47:14 - Lightning Round Q&A 50:20 - Final Reflections & Ways to Connect - Learn more about Angela: angelarlewis.com   If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.  Fuel our Mission  Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    52 min
  4. Rethinking Restrooms: David Sauers on Innovation, Leadership, and Event Experience

    JAN 19

    Rethinking Restrooms: David Sauers on Innovation, Leadership, and Event Experience

    Send us a text David Sauers is the co-founder of Royal Restrooms, a visionary entrepreneur and master at turning overlooked problems into meaningful business solutions. From a frustrating moment at a Shakespeare festival in Savannah, Georgia, he sparked an idea that led to a nationwide luxury restroom franchise operating in over 50 U.S. markets. In this episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah explores David’s powerful journey—from building Royal Restrooms out of necessity to expanding into event innovation through ventures such as Pitch Perfect TVs and Savannah Bar Carts. David opens up about: What sparked the businessHow leadership, faith, and purpose shaped his pathThe challenge of educating clients to shift from cost-thinking to value-thinkingFranchising, scaling, and creating a culture of serviceWhy clean infrastructure is central to performance in sports, business, and lifeThis episode is packed with practical insights for event organizers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and anyone building something from the ground up. It’s honest, unfiltered, and full of heart. Timestamps 00:00 – Rethinking Restrooms: David Sauers on Innovation, Leadership, and Event Experience 00:01 – Introduction and Greetings 00:29 – David's Inspiring Journey 02:38 – The Birth of Royal Restrooms 06:12 – Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success 14:40 – Expansion and Franchising 20:20 – Innovative Ventures and Future Plans 22:51 – Event Logistics Insights 24:00 – Shifting Client Mindset from Cost to Value 33:35 – Faith and Leadership 38:17 – Customer Experience and Brand Loyalty 43:47 – Lightning Round: Personal Insights 47:33 – Concluding Thoughts and Legacy If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.  Fuel our Mission  Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    51 min
  5. Fix Your Putting Game with Bob Labbe

    JAN 16

    Fix Your Putting Game with Bob Labbe

    Send us a text In this raw, honest, and wide-ranging conversation, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Bob Labbe, retired engineer and author of Putting by the Numbers, to explore how structure, science, and simplicity can unlock consistency and confidence in your golf game — starting with lag putting. Bob shares how frustration on the green turned into a 25-year journey that combined engineering logic with real-world results. His method requires no gear, no swing changes — just basic arithmetic, practice, and presence. From technical insights to mindset shifts, this episode goes beyond technique and into what it really takes to be a better golfer. Whether you're chasing a lower handicap or just tired of three-putts, this episode gives you tools, stories, and a refreshing reminder that progress is possible — at any age. Timestamps 00:00 – Golf Smarter: Master Lag Putting with Bob Labbe 00:36 – Why putting ruins most golf scores 02:21 – Meet Bob Labbe: Engineer turned golf problem solver 03:15 – From business exit to golf obsession 04:32 – Inventing a method from scratch 06:15 – How math beats guesswork on the green 11:03 – The 25-year road to writing the book 12:37 – Making the science accessible to all golfers 25:33 – Real success stories from everyday players 34:04 – Pre-shot routines and understanding power factor 35:32 – Practice commitment and improvement curve 38:09 – Why this works on any green, anywhere 40:55 – Mindset, confidence, and emotional focus 44:20 – Injuries, aging, and staying in the game 46:38 – What legacy looks like after the game 50:19 – Lightning Round 1:02:23 – Final thoughts and farewell 📘 Grab your copy of "Putting By the Numbers" by Bob Labbe here. If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.  Fuel our Mission  Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    1h 4m
  6. Dr. Matthew Kutz on Resilience, Faith & Leadership Through Cancer

    12/19/2025

    Dr. Matthew Kutz on Resilience, Faith & Leadership Through Cancer

    Send us a text Dr. Matthew Kutz, a global leadership expert, scholar, and prostate cancer survivor, joins Sid Bensalah for a powerful and candid conversation about identity, resilience, and faith in the face of real suffering. Diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer, Matt shares how pain became a teacher and how purpose deepened through adversity. He shares his initial shock, a shift in his mindset, and how faith, family, and community help him navigate dark times. Using personal stories and biblical examples like Joseph and David, Matt reflects on HOPE, emotional growth, and the courage to keep moving forward. Through his EPIC framework and his cancer support foundation, Battle for the Bulge, Matt demonstrates how leadership and vulnerability can coexist. He also discusses emotional intimacy in marriage, staying grounded as a father, and how suffering can shape a legacy. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:26 The Last 5K and Prostate Cancer Diagnosis 01:31 Joseph's Story and Its Lessons 03:40 Personal Reflections on Pain and Faith 08:24 Matt's Journey: From Diagnosis to Treatment 15:05 The Emotional Impact of Cancer 20:00 Facing the Reality of Cancer Spread 28:32 Hope, Faith, and Overcoming Adversity 33:53 David and Goliath: Drawing Strength from Stories 36:43 The Lions and Bears List: Finding Strength in Past Victories 39:10 Community Support and Sharing Stories 40:23 Introduction to the Epic Framework 40:41 Facing the Reality of Cancer Treatment 43:24 Turning Adversity into Opportunity 45:06 The Birth of 'Becoming Epic.' 54:42 Battle for the Bulge: A Prostate Cancer Foundation 58:14 The Importance of Community and Support 01:05:37 Mindset Shift: From Coach to Patient 01:25:37 Marriage Advice: The Importance of Intimacy 01:36:52 Faith Through Adversity 01:59:44 Lightning Round: Quick Insights 02:02:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.  Fuel our Mission  Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    2h 4m
  7. From Setback to CEO: Kandace Kalin’s Playbook for Rebuilding After Loss

    12/12/2025

    From Setback to CEO: Kandace Kalin’s Playbook for Rebuilding After Loss

    Send us a text In this inspiring episode, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Kandace Kalin, a former elite synchronized swimmer and founder of O2 Sports Insurance. Kandace opens up about her personal journey — from the rigor of competitive athletics to the boardroom — sharing how grief, wrongful termination, and profound loss reshaped her career and mission. She discusses how the resilience, structure, and discipline from her swimming career helped her build a purpose-driven business that now champions mental health and athlete support in the insurance world. The episode dives into themes of sports leadership, female entrepreneurship, identity after athletics, and building mentally healthy workplaces — especially in male-dominated industries. Whether you're an athlete, executive, coach, or parent, Kandace’s story delivers a masterclass in rebuilding from rock bottom, leading with empathy, and turning adversity into impact. 00:00 From Setback to CEO: Kandace Kalin’s Playbook for Rebuilding After Loss 03:11 Overcoming Personal Tragedy ‌ 05:13 Lessons from Synchronized Swimming 07:19 Transitioning from Athlete to Entrepreneur 14:24 Challenges and Triumphs in Business 22:15 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry 29:36 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 33:38 Making a Difference Through Sponsorships 35:50 Balancing Parenting and Career 38:05 Teaching Resilience to Children 41:58 Future Goals for O2 Sports Insurance 44:52 Lightning Round: Quick Insights 47:50 Reflections on Resilience and Legacy Topics Covered  Athlete to entrepreneur transformationWomen in the sports businessMental health and workplace cultureLeadership and resilienceParenting and purposeFemale CEOs in insuranceSports career transitionsBuilding mission-driven companiesIf this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.  Fuel our Mission  Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    52 min
  8. How Storytelling Drives Purpose in Sport – With Radha Balani of Think Beyond

    12/04/2025

    How Storytelling Drives Purpose in Sport – With Radha Balani of Think Beyond

    Send us a text In this episode, Sid Bensalah welcomes Radha Balani, Partner and Director of Strategy at Think Beyond, for an honest conversation about purpose, performance, and progress in sport. From her deep experience shaping strategies for some of the world’s most iconic clubs and brands, Radha breaks down how sport can—and should—be a vehicle for social change, commercial growth, and community impact. The episode explores why sport can’t fake purpose, how storytelling connects fans to values, and what it takes to turn corporate talk into measurable action. They discuss bold moves by clubs like Liverpool FC, the shift from philanthropy to shared value, and why data shows purpose-driven brands outperform their peers. Radha doesn’t shy away from hard truths. She calls out systemic issues in the industry, from performative sustainability to gender inequality, and offers grounded, practical advice for sports executives who want to lead with integrity and impact. Timestamps 00:00 How Storytelling Drives Purpose in Sport – With Radha Balani of Think Beyond  01:30 The Role of Sports Beyond Results and Revenue  04:26 The Power of Storytelling in Sports  10:07 Translating Purpose into Action  30:01 The Impact of Purpose on Performance 30:22 From Philanthropy to Shared Value  32:00 Data Supporting Purpose-Driven Companies  33:49 Challenges in the Sports Industry 35:37 Addressing Inequality in Women's Sports  44:00 The Role of Athletes in Social Change  48:26 Advice for CEOs and GMs  50:08 Inconvenient Truths in the Industry 52:23 Lightning Round Q&A  55:59 Closing Thoughts With her trademark mix of honesty, logic, and warmth, Radha gives listeners a clear view of what the future of sport could—and should—look like. Support the show ☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk! Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters. Follow & Engage 🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes 🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Join the Conversation 🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST 🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 LinkedIn → Connect with the Community 🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk 🔹 Substack → Get Exclusive Updates Your Voice Matters! 🎤 Got feedback or a topic idea? We’d love to hear from you → Send your thoughts here 💡 Support the Podcast 👉 Donate.

    58 min
See All (95)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, with over 30 years of global sports industry experience, this podcast isn’t about quick fixes or empty talk. It’s a platform for authentic, purpose-driven conversations that go beyond the game to explore how sports can drive positive, actionable change. Born from a passion for impact, Pre-Zero Sports Talk dives into today’s most pressing themes: performance and well-being, leadership, innovation, coaching, community impact, sustainability, regenerative agriculture, governance, geopolitics, and more. Each episode cuts through the noise and greenwashing, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives. This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues — stories that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark transformation. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, business leader, or someone who believes in the power of sport to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you. Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, inspires, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in shaping a cleaner, safer, and more connected world — one episode at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Sid Bensalah
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pre-Zero Sports Talk
  • Show Website
    Pre-Zero Sports Talk