The Commits

Jody
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The Commits are a group of exceptional individuals who balance a life of two lives. For some, they are or have previously been collegiate athletes who juggle the demands of their sport with the intensity of completing a degree. For others, they balance the life of performing at the highest level in sports with the many personal or professional endeavours that keep them afloat. But for all, they chose to commit to a life that is coveted yet concealed. This podcast dives deeper than ever before into the lives of collegiate and professional athletes who have a story to reveal with rest of us.

  1. "Still Remain Grateful" Fran Montanez on Finding Peace Through the Grind

    FEB 27

    "Still Remain Grateful" Fran Montanez on Finding Peace Through the Grind

    In this episode, I sat down with Fran Montanez a collegiate baseball player from Puerto Rico to have one of those conversations that starts about sports and turns into something much bigger. We got into what life really looks like as a collegiate athlete, the grind behind the scenes that most people never see, and how he manages to stay grounded through all of it. We talked about the relationships you build along the way, how to connect with the right people, and why those bonds matter more than most athletes admit. Fran opened up about his journey with faith, how it shapes the way he competes and the way he lives, and what it means to trust the process even when things aren't going your way. We also got into the mental side of being a baseball player. The pressure, the preparation, the mindset it takes to show up every single day. On top of that, we touched on life growing up in Puerto Rico, the culture around the game, trends shaping baseball right now, and even the growing conversation around sports betting in athlete culture. However, some of the realest moments came when we talked about family by valuing your time, being present with the people who matter, and not letting the pursuit of the game cost you what matters most. This one is for the athletes, the dreamers, and anyone trying to figure out how to balance ambition with the things that truly count.

    1h 31m
  2. " I Told Them I Would LIVE IN MY CAR!" - What It Really Takes to Compete in Sports Performance

    JAN 23

    " I Told Them I Would LIVE IN MY CAR!" - What It Really Takes to Compete in Sports Performance

    In this episode we sit down with Ashtin Meerpohl, the Director of Sports Performance for Wichita State Men’s Basketball, whose love for sports started at a young age and ultimately became his life’s work. A native of Holton, Kansas, Ashtin played sports growing up before injuries shifted his path from aspiring athlete to elite performance coach. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Education in Community Health from the University of Kansas in 2015, Ashtin began working behind the scenes completing internships at Kansas and The Ohio State University, including time with OSU’s 2016 Fiesta Bowl football team. He then served as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for football at Southwest Minnesota State University, followed by a position as a Sports Performance Assistant back at Kansas before joining Oral Roberts University in 2018, eventually becoming Director of Sports Performance. In 2023 he returned home to Kansas to take on his current role with the Shockers.In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about his journey and timeline, the people who mentored him, the coaches and players he’s worked with, and the hands he’s shaken along the way. We dive into the values he’s seen in those who came before him, the ones who stood out and helped shape his philosophy, and how those same values guide his work today. We also explore his thoughts on faith, relationships, and building culture, as well as deep topics like genetics versus training, the pitfalls of “one size fits all” strength and conditioning programming, and the evolving landscape of NCAA rules and the competitive sports industry. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, athlete, or performance professional, this episode is packed with insight, real-world experience, and hard-earned wisdom for navigating life and performance at the highest levels.

    1h 3m
  3. "This is my advice to the modern athlete" - Friends University Athletic Director Rob Ramseyer

    JAN 23

    "This is my advice to the modern athlete" - Friends University Athletic Director Rob Ramseyer

    In this episode, we sit down with Rob Ramseyer, Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion at Friends University, for a conversation that goes far beyond wins and losses. Rob shares how the same discipline, sacrifice, and intentionality required in sport show up in his most important roles as a husband and father. We unpack the parallels between marriage, fatherhood, and athletics, and why long-term success in any arena demands commitment, humility, and daily work. Rob also offers sharp insight into Gen Z on what they’re navigating, where institutions often miss the mark, and how leaders can better serve and develop this generation. From hiring philosophies and leadership traits to coaching misconceptions and discovering true purpose, this episode is a masterclass on building people, not just programs.

    56 min
  4. Building Character Before Career: Ex Professional Soccer Player Brayan Reyes on Living with Purpose

    10/24/2025

    Building Character Before Career: Ex Professional Soccer Player Brayan Reyes on Living with Purpose

    In this episode, we sit down with Brayan Reyes, a former professional soccer player whose journey took him from the streets of Honduras and the Bronx to the first divisions of Hungary and Honduras, and the USL Championship with FC Tulsa. Brayan’s story is one of grit, faith, and relentless discipline. A true example of how mindset and perseverance can turn humble beginnings into a global career.He opens up about growing up in Honduras, moving to New York at eight years old, and how the city’s parks became his training ground. Brayan reflects on earning a shot in Europe, adapting to new cultures, and returning home to play for Platense in Honduras’s top league before joining FC Tulsa in the U.S. Along the way, he shares the daily habits, values, and routines that shaped his professional success and personal growth.Beyond the game, Brayan speaks openly about his faith, how it grounded him through injuries and struggles, and the lessons he’s carried from each chapter of his career. Filled with powerful stories, raw insight, and motivation, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to make it and stay grounded at the highest level of sport.Press play and hear how Brayan Reyes turned challenges into opportunities, setbacks into lessons, and dreams into reality.

    1h 44m
  5. Beyond the Diamond: Abby Jones on Softball, College Athletics, and Life After the Game

    09/26/2025

    Beyond the Diamond: Abby Jones on Softball, College Athletics, and Life After the Game

    Former University of Tulsa softball standout Abby Jones joins the show to break down the rapid rise of softball, how it stacks up against baseball, and what it truly means to live the college athlete lifestyle. From navigating NIL opportunities to making lifestyle choices that shape success both on and off the field, Abby offers an authentic perspective on the game, growth, and gratitude. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or someone chasing their own path, her reflections will leave you inspired to rethink how you approach life beyond the diamond.

    1h 32m
  6. Is the USL Catching Up to MLS? Former FC Tulsa Head Coach shares his Perspective

    09/12/2025

    Is the USL Catching Up to MLS? Former FC Tulsa Head Coach shares his Perspective

    In this episode, we sit down with Mario Sanchez, former FC Tulsa head coach, to talk about the growth of U.S. soccer. From the rise of MLS and the USL Championship to the hot topic of promotion and relegation. Mario also shares his incredible journey as both a player and coach around the world, the role of family in his life and soccer career, and his insights on how young players should live, train, and prepare to reach the highest levels of the game.

    1h 5m
  7. “James Burries shares Truth About College Basketball, Relationships and the New Era of Athlete Pay”

    08/29/2025

    “James Burries shares Truth About College Basketball, Relationships and the New Era of Athlete Pay”

    After a championship-winning season at SNU, James Burries opens up about his journey from a multi-sport kid to a dominant D1 prospect, the wild nightlife scenes in Arizona and Cali, and the game-changing impact of NIL deals that are reshaping college sports with some players earning more than NFL pros. But that’s just the start. He reveals the untold struggles behind the spotlight, the secrets to staying mentally and physically elite, and why basketball players have an edge off the court that no one saw coming. Plus, you’ll hear his take on college relationships and the power of belief — and a cliffhanger that’ll have you coming back for more.In this episode, we dive deep with James Burries, the 6'7" guard making waves at Southern Nazarene University after leading his team to a championship. James shares the story of growing up playing multiple sports, the mindset and habits that keep him at the top of his game, and the D1 offers that shaped his path.We talk candidly about the nightlife cultures in Arizona and California, revealing how college athletes navigate the social scene while balancing the grind. James breaks down the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports with NIL deals, where some players are now earning more than NFL stars — challenging everything we thought we knew about amateur athletics.Beyond the glitz and glamour, he opens up about the real struggles college athletes face — the pressure, the relationships, and the constant fight to believe in yourself when the odds are stacked high. He also shares why basketball players often stand out among their peers off the court in ways you wouldn’t expect.

    1h 41m
  8. High school athletics has a new look - High school District Athletic Director Matthew Shellenberger

    08/15/2025

    High school athletics has a new look - High school District Athletic Director Matthew Shellenberger

    In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Shellenberger, District Athletic Director at Piedmont Public Schools in Oklahoma, to explore the realities of leading an entire athletic program from the top.With years of experience shaping student-athletes and supporting coaches across multiple sports, Matthew shares his journey into athletic administration, the challenges and rewards of the role, and the leadership values that guide him. We also dive into the mental side of sports—not just for athletes, but for leaders—discussing how worry and doubt can creep into our lives, what to do when it feels overwhelming, and how to build a mindset that thrives under pressure.Whether you’re a young athlete, coach, or someone passionate about sports leadership, this conversation will leave you with powerful lessons on resilience, perspective, and purpose. Topics covered in this episode:* Matthew’s path to becoming a district athletic director* Overseeing athletic operations at the school district level* Leading and supporting coaches & teams* The mental battles leaders and athletes face* Practical steps for overcoming worry and doubt

    1h 20m
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About

The Commits are a group of exceptional individuals who balance a life of two lives. For some, they are or have previously been collegiate athletes who juggle the demands of their sport with the intensity of completing a degree. For others, they balance the life of performing at the highest level in sports with the many personal or professional endeavours that keep them afloat. But for all, they chose to commit to a life that is coveted yet concealed. This podcast dives deeper than ever before into the lives of collegiate and professional athletes who have a story to reveal with rest of us.

Information

  • Creator
    Jody
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jody
  • Show Website
    The Commits