Spidcast - The Spid Werkz Podcast

Spid Werkz Foundation, LTD
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Spidcast, presented by the Spid Werkz Foundation, is your all-access pass to the world of elite athletics. Our foundation is dedicated to advancing U.S.-based Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, and this podcast is where their incredible stories come to life. Our hosts from the Spid Werkz Board of Directors and Spid Werkz community pull back the curtain on the triumphs and challenges of world-class competitors. We discuss sustainable athletic development, the importance of community in individual sports, and how our athletes embody the core values of high performance and camaraderie.

Episodes

  1. May 7

    Making a Sport Psychology Business with Dr. Erin Ayala (Skadi Sport Psychology) S1E3 Spidcast

    Most entrepreneurs kill their growth by playing it safe — but Erin Ayala’s bold pivot from academia to building Skadi Sport Psychology reveals how embracing risk and authenticity catapulted her into national recognition. Discover the unfiltered journey of a former PhD who turned her passion for sports psychology into a mission-driven practice serving overlooked athletes.In this episode, Erin shares how her background in counseling psychology, combined with her love for endurance sports, inspired her to create a community-focused brand that champions inclusivity and authenticity. You'll uncover her strategic approach to branding through genuine relationships, data-driven marketing, and a deep understanding of her niche. Erin discusses how she identified underserved athletes and crafted a compelling message that resonates across diverse communities, from women and LGBTQ athletes to those with disabilities.We break down:How Erin’s experience in health psychology and her personal athletic journey led to the founding of Skadi, a practice that prioritizes community impact over traditional profit modelsThe unique client avatars she serves — from disgruntled athletes frustrated by toxic sport culture to those recovering from injury or navigating identity shiftsThe power of relationship-building, networking as a strategic growth tool, and the importance of authenticity in marketingHer challenges with licensing regulations and how she ingeniously built a national presence within those constraintsThe lessons learned from expensive marketing mistakes and how they transformed her approach in a competitive, bro-y industryThis episode highlights why understanding your true niche and staying aligned with your values can fuel sustainable growth — even in the chaos of rapid scaling. Erin’s story is a masterclass in intentional branding, community service, and resilience.Perfect for coaches, entrepreneurs, athletes, and mental health professionals eager to forge a meaningful impact without sacrificing authenticity. Whether you're starting a side hustle or scaling a mission-driven practice, Erin’s insights inspire you to craft a brand that’s rooted in genuine relationships and strategic courage.Guest Erin Ayala is founder of Skadi Sport Psychology, a practice dedicated to empowering overlooked athletes and promoting diversity in sports. Her background features a PhD in counseling psychology, experience in elite endurance sports, and a passion for mental health advocacy in marginalized communities.This episode is your blueprint for turning personal values into a powerful business model. Hit play — your growth story starts here.

    1h 12m

  2. Apr 26

    Todd Vogt's and Gemma Wollenschlaeger's Silver Medal at 2023 World Rowing World Championship! S1E2 Spidcast (The Spid Werkz Podcast)

    Welcome to the Spidcast Season 1, Episode 2! In this episode, Stephen Schaefer and Peter Swiek from the Spid Werkz Foundation sit down with Todd Vogt and Gemma Wollenschlaeger and talk about their silver medal the the 2023 World Rowing World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia! In this action packed episode, you'll be treated to a full race recap, an overview of the sport of pararowing, background on Todd and Gemma, and more! Also, we introduce a new segment called "What in Tarnation!?", hosted by Stephen where we talk about something that happened recently worthy of the phrase "What in Tarnation?!". To learn more about our mission, check out our next crop of athletes, or find out how to help, visit us at spidwerkz.com.May the Spid be with you all!

    1h 3m

  3. Apr 3

    Stephen Schaefer Wins El Tour de Tucson! S1E1 Spidcast (The Spid Werkz Podcast)

    Welcome to the Spidcast Season 1, Episode 1!In the inaugural episode of the Spidcast, host Peter Swiek sits down with Dr. Stephen Schaefer, a 2025 Spid Werkz sponsored athlete. Stephen, a semiconductor materials researcher and domestic elite cyclist, dives deep into his 2025 racing calendar, sharing the incredible highs and devastating lows of balancing life, loss, and elite competition.In this episode, we cover:- Stephen’s background, moving from running to cycling at age 27, and his packed 2025 season racing for the Landis Trek team.- The emotional weight of navigating his father’s terminal colon cancer diagnosis just a month before his biggest race of the year.- How sport and training provided a crucial anchor and sense of security during a deeply turbulent personal time.- A tactical breakdown of the 102-mile El Tour de Tucson, from surviving the early crosswinds to launching a massive 40-mile breakaway alongside teammate Nikos.- The poignant, storybook finish of winning the massive 11,000-participant race dedicated to his father, who passed away the very same morning.About Spid Werkz Foundation:The Spid Werkz Foundation supports Olympic, Paralympic, and other elite athletes in traditionally underfunded and underrepresented sports. We help these self-funded athletes bridge support and funding gaps so they can reach their ultimate goals.To learn more about our mission, check out our next crop of athletes, or find out how to help, visit us at spidwerkz.com.May the Spid be with you all!

    1h 11m
  • 3 Episodes

About

The Spidcast, presented by the Spid Werkz Foundation, is your all-access pass to the world of elite athletics. Our foundation is dedicated to advancing U.S.-based Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, and this podcast is where their incredible stories come to life. Our hosts from the Spid Werkz Board of Directors and Spid Werkz community pull back the curtain on the triumphs and challenges of world-class competitors. We discuss sustainable athletic development, the importance of community in individual sports, and how our athletes embody the core values of high performance and camaraderie.

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