The Next Playbook

Derika Legg

The Next Playbook podcast delves into the post-athletic careers of top-tier athletes, hosted by Derika. Each episode features candid conversations with former Olympians, professional athletes, and collegiate stars who have tackled the challenge of redefining themselves after their sporting careers. Through personal narratives of triumphs and trials, these guests offer insights into their journeys beyond the final whistle. Join us as we explore how these elite athletes forge new paths and continue to make significant impacts beyond their athletic achievements.

  1. 5d ago

    The Garbage First Draft: John Lund on Trying Something New

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this engaging conversation, John Lund shares his unique journey from being a shy, overweight kid to becoming a world champion rower. Lund reflects on the challenges of transitioning to rowing, the mindset required to thrive in a sport that demands perseverance, and his unexpected success in indoor rowing competitions. His story emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the power of saying 'yes' to new opportunities. Lund also highlights the art of storytelling and the significance of engaging an audience, drawing parallels between his athletic experiences and his current pursuits. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to give themselves permission to fail and to pursue interests outside of their primary sport. Chapters 00:00 Cultural Insights: Life in the Nordic Region 05:51 The Path to Rowing: From Shy Kid to Athlete 08:49 The Mindset of a Rower: Embracing Pain and Progress 11:56 Transitioning to Indoor Rowing: A New Challenge 15:01 Becoming a World Champion: The Journey Continues 20:23 The Journey of Continuous Learning 25:27 Overcoming Adversity: The Achilles Story 31:04 Finding New Passions After Sports 34:18 Embracing the Novice Mindset 39:10 The Art of Storytelling and Public Speaking 48:00 The Importance of Trying and Failing Relevant Links & Contact LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/johnjlund  Facebook: www.facebook.com/WifeCarrying  IG: www.instagram.com/vikingjohann  Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast

  2. Jul 21

    Who Am I: Noemi Zaharia on a Life Worth Living

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this conversation, Dr. Noemi Zaharia shares her journey as a two-time Olympian and the impact of her family, particularly her grandparents, on her athletic career. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, the realities of post-Olympic life, and the importance of personal choice in her journey. The conversation highlights the dedication and mindset required to excel in sports, as well as the support systems that play a crucial role in an athlete's success. She emphasizes the need for athletes transitioning from sports to explore various paths and the value of Olympic-level characteristics in leadership. Dr. Zaharia also reflects on the challenges of finding identity after sports and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 03:09 Marriage to an Olympian 06:02 Early Swimming Journey 08:55 Olympic Aspirations and Achievements 11:50 Influence of Family and Values 14:53 Post-Olympic Reality and Challenges 18:09 Transition to Coaching and New Opportunities 28:28 Relinquishing Control in Coaching 30:36 Lessons from Influential Coaches 34:44 The Journey of Education and Empowerment 39:13 Advice for Athletes Transitioning from Sports 44:15 Olympic-Level Characteristics and Leadership 51:21 Empowering Olympians and Legacy 55:49 Finding Identity After Sports Social / Website: LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/noemi-zaharia-edd-oly-79ab018b Instagram: noemi_oly Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

  3. Jun 23

    Own Your Running: Roberto Mandje's Evolution as an Athlete

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this conversation, Roberto shares his journey from a young boy in Barcelona to becoming an accomplished runner and Olympian. He discusses the importance of a well-rounded sports background, the mindset shifts that occurred during his growth as an athlete, and the significance of representing Equatorial Guinea on the world stage. Roberto reflects on the challenges of transitioning through different stages of his athletic career and the importance of maintaining a multifaceted identity beyond just being a runner. He discusses the endurance mindset, the work of Athlete's Soul in helping retired athletes, and his personal challenge of running seven marathons in seven days.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:11 The Journey to Running 05:54 Mindset and Growth in Sports 08:47 Transitioning to the Olympics 11:52 Representing Equatorial Guinea 14:47 Identity and Evolution as an Athlete 18:04 Life After the Olympics 19:43 The Reality of Professional Athletics 22:41 Lessons in Storytelling and Marketing 24:57 Endurance Mindset: Life as a Marathon 29:01 Bridging the Gap: Athlete's Soul 31:18 Seven Marathons in Seven Days: A Personal Challenge 34:46 Coaching: Sharing the Joy of Running 39:50 The Role of a Pacer: Supporting Others 40:06 Evolving Relationship with Running 41:54 Advice for Transitioning Athletes Relevant Links & Contact @robertomandje, website: mandjecoaching.com  Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

  4. Jun 9

    Bet On Yourself: Kenneth Imo's Advice to Student Athletes

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this conversation, Kenneth Imo shares his journey from being a Nigerian immigrant's son to becoming a college football player at SMU. He discusses the identity struggles of being a student athlete, the values instilled by his parents, and the importance of balancing academics with athletics. Kenneth reflects on his experiences in high school football, the recruitment process, and the pressures that come with being a student athlete. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship and personal growth, offering advice to future student athletes about prioritizing their education and understanding their identity beyond sports. Kenneth discusses the challenges of identity shifts after sports, the lessons he imparts to his daughters, and his mission to help current and former athletes navigate their transitions. He highlights the value of mentorship, resilience, and the need to bet on oneself in pursuing personal and professional goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:07 The Identity of a Student Athlete 03:07 Family Values and Immigrant Experience 06:09 The Role of Football in Identity Formation 09:04 High School Football and College Recruitment 12:06 Transitioning to College Football at SMU 14:58 The Pressure of Being a Student Athlete 18:01 Experiencing Game Day and Success 19:54 Shifting Focus to Academics 23:03 Mentorship and Academic Growth 25:56 Advice for Future Student Athletes 27:27 The End of the Game: Embracing Change 31:38 Lessons from the Field: Transferable Skills 37:00 Parenting and Life Lessons: Teaching Resilience 42:13 Identity Shift: From Athlete to Student 50:21 Building a Legacy: Coaching and Consulting for Athletes Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

  5. Apr 28

    Liminal Space: Dawn Sanders on Riding the Wave of Transition

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this episode, Derika speaks with Dawn Sanders, co-founder of Winwell, about the complex journey of athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Dawn shares her personal evolution from a track athlete and England rugby player to a pioneer in "performance lifestyle coaching" at the UK Sports Institute. The conversation delves into the identity crisis that follows retirement, the "silent army" of support staff helping athletes plan for life beyond the field, and how sports organizations can better support their human capital throughout their entire career cycle. Chapters 0:00 Introduction how a LinkedIn algorithm brought Derika and Dawn together. 01:33 Dawn's early athletic career, including her 18th birthday party with Paula Radcliffe. 03:10 The daunting experience of playing for the national team and the resilience required in the semi-pro era. 05:55 Addressing the psychological impact of "hanging up the boots" and the physical changes that follow. 08:38 Replacing the rugby team environment with local field hockey and maintaining social connections. 10:55 Dawn’s 23-year career at the Institute and shifting from "advisor" to "practitioner". 16:21 Breaking down the five phases of transition support and helping athletes find their "why". 26:07 The responsibility of governing bodies and advice for loved ones during an athlete’s transition. 33:01 Dawn’s journey into entrepreneurship and her global goals for the "performance lifestyle movement". 38:13 Final thoughts on being kind to yourself during life's uncomfortable middle zones. Relevant Links & Contact Website: www.winwell.org.uk  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmariasanders  Email: dawn@winwell.org.uk Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TZJyXI39sX3D2S2pvhKAO?si=5ca1ec1154a94b92 Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Next Playbook podcast delves into the post-athletic careers of top-tier athletes, hosted by Derika. Each episode features candid conversations with former Olympians, professional athletes, and collegiate stars who have tackled the challenge of redefining themselves after their sporting careers. Through personal narratives of triumphs and trials, these guests offer insights into their journeys beyond the final whistle. Join us as we explore how these elite athletes forge new paths and continue to make significant impacts beyond their athletic achievements.