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. FEB 3

    Welcome to My House: Lara Dallman Weiss on Prepping for LA 2028

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Lara Dallman Weiss shares her emotional journey as a two-time Olympic sailor, reflecting on her experiences in the sailing community, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges of transitioning between Olympic cycles. She discusses her love for sailing, the significance of mental health support, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence. Lara also looks ahead to her future aspirations, including coaching and supporting younger athletes. She emphasizes the significance of self-care, teamwork, and following one's passion, while also exploring personal goals and the emotional aftermath of competing in the Olympics. Lara offers advice for young athletes and highlights the joy of learning new sports and connecting with others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Emotional Reflections 02:49 The Journey into Sailing 05:54 The Importance of Community and Teamwork 08:59 The Olympic Experience and Personal Growth 11:49 Navigating Transitions and Finding Direction 14:57 Mental Health and Support Systems 17:59 Sacrifices and Life Choices 20:46 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Coaching 29:35 The Journey of an Athlete: Funding and Opportunities 30:30 Manifesting Opportunities: The Power of Intention 32:48 Skills Beyond Sports: The Athlete's Daily Routine 34:57 Self-Care and Performance: Balancing Athletic Goals 36:59 Building Strong Partnerships: The Joy of Teamwork 40:01 Advice for Young Athletes: Follow Your Passion 43:39 Personal Goals Beyond Sailing: Exploring New Sports 46:19 Music and Motivation: The Pump-Up Playlist 47:34 Emotional Aftermath of the Olympics: Processing Experiences 51:38 Final Thoughts: Finding Joy and Connection Relevant Links & Contact IG: Ldallman A link to donate to my sailing: https://ilya.org/donate/hY0w6c3Sgj/about/ Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    49 min
  2. JAN 20

    Talk About It: How Trevor Ruhland Climbed Out of the Darkness

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this episode, Derika interviews Trevor Ruhland, a former collegiate football player at Notre Dame, who shares his journey from a football-focused upbringing to navigating the challenges of college athletics and life after sports. Trevor discusses the significant influence of his parents, particularly his mother, who pushed him to excel in sports and academics. He reflects on the transition from high school to college football, emphasizing the importance of being a multi-sport athlete and the reality of competing at a higher level. Trevor also recounts his decision-making process when choosing Notre Dame over other schools, highlighting the importance of envisioning oneself in a program and the value of a supportive environment. In this episode, Trevor Ruhland shares his deeply personal journey through the challenges of body image and mental health as a former athlete. He discusses how the pandemic provided him with an opportunity to focus on his physical fitness, which spiraled into an obsession with weight control. Trevor reflects on the dark moments of his life when he realized he was lying to himself and others about his health, culminating in a liver biopsy that revealed no medical issues, forcing him to confront the reality of his situation. This pivotal moment led him to seek help and ultimately share his story to help others facing similar struggles. Trevor emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, particularly among young men and athletes. He advocates for open conversations about body image and the pressures athletes face, encouraging listeners to reach out for support when needed. As he navigates life after sports, Trevor discusses finding balance in fitness, building a supportive community, and the significance of being honest with oneself. His journey has inspired him to speak to student athletes and share his experiences, aiming to make a positive impact on those who may be struggling with their own transitions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:43 Growing Up in a Football Family 03:20 The Shift to Collegiate Aspirations 06:13 Advice for Young Athletes 07:58 Choosing Notre Dame 10:20 Evaluating College Programs 12:21 First Weeks at Notre Dame 15:12 The Transition After Football 17:29 Final Game Reflections 19:52 Life After Football and Identity Loss 22:13 The Struggle for Control 24:02 Realizations and Revelations 27:10 Seeking Help and Finding Support 32:09 Destigmatizing Mental Health in Sports 34:14 Finding Balance in Life After Sports 38:35 Building a New Community 40:42 Goals for the Future and Sharing His Story Relevant Links & Contact Trevor Ruhland | LinkedIn Trevor Ruhland (@RuhlandTrevor) / X (3) Facebook Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    46 min
  3. JAN 6

    Fly and Die: Caryn Davies on Coming Out of Retirement

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Caryn Davies shares her journey from discovering rowing at a young age to becoming a three-time Olympian. She discusses the importance of community in sports, the pressures of competition, and the emotional complexities of winning medals. Caryn reflects on her transitions back to normal life after the Olympics, her decision to come out of retirement, and the challenges of building relationships within a team. The conversation highlights the personal growth and resilience required in the face of setbacks and injuries. She reflects on her experiences of vulnerability, leadership, and the joy found in effort, emphasizing that fulfillment comes from relationships and personal growth rather than just achievements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:56 Finding Rowing: A Personal Journey 06:06 Rowing Culture and Community 09:51 The Road to the Olympics 13:58 Medal Reflections: Silver vs Gold 17:48 Transitioning Back to Normal Life 22:00 Coming Out of Retirement 26:05 Building Team Relationships 30:03 Injury and Setbacks 31:28 Building Community and Finding Fulfillment 32:25 Vulnerability in Seeking Feedback 34:03 Navigating Retirement and Career Transitions 39:03 Coming Out of Retirement: Reflections and Intentions 40:31 Rebuilding Community Post-Retirement 42:16 Maintaining a Relationship with the Sport 44:37 The Thomas Keller Medal: Beyond Competition 47:58 Parenting and Encouraging Sports 49:42 Lessons from Rowing Applied to Life 54:31 Living with Joy in Effort Relevant Links & Contact www.caryndavies.com www.podiumlaw.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carynpdavies/ Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    57 min
  4. 12/09/2025

    Welcome to the Party: Trisonya Abraham on the Explosion of Women's Sports

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary Pioneering sports agent Trisonya Abraham joins us to discuss her groundbreaking career. Trisonya recounts her journey from growing up in Compton and discovering volleyball to becoming a National Champion with the legendary Long Beach State "Soul Patrol." She provides candid insights into the demanding transition from collegiate success to playing professionally overseas, highlighting the importance of discipline, networking, and the sheer mental toughness required. As one of the first female agents to exclusively represent women, Trisonya shares how she built her agency from the ground up, the critical role an agent plays beyond contract negotiation, and her exciting plans to launch an academy to train the next generation of women sports agents. The conversation closes with her perspective on the current "groundswell" of women's sports and her powerful message on how athletes can strategically plan for a successful post-playing career. Chapters (Time-Stamped) [00:00] Intro: The current groundswell in women's sports. [02:43] From Compton to College: Trisonya's start in volleyball. [04:00] Winning a National Championship with the "Soul Patrol." [06:33] The Difficult Transition to Professional Player Overseas. [08:23] The Serendipitous Path to Becoming a Sports Agent. [12:47] Intangibles: Translating Athlete Skills to Business Success. [19:04] What an Agent Actually Does: Contract Negotiation and Client Wellness. [22:00] Building an Agency: Trust, Credibility, and Female Focus. [26:18] Future Focus: Launching an Academy for Women Sports Agents. [30:03] The Need for More Women in Coaching and Front Offices. [34:40] The Specialization Debate: Why Trisonya Believes in Cross-Training. [38:38] Advice: How Athletes Can Make Themselves Attractive to an Agent. [40:35] Crystal Ball: Where Trisonya Hopes the Industry Goes Next. [45:47] Trisonya's Superpower: Reading the Room and Networking. [49:19] Final Thoughts and Planning for Post-Playing Life. Relevant Links & Contact Website: www.trisonya.comEmail: trisonya@trisonyaabraham.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trisonya-abrahamInstagram: @trisonya Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    53 min
  5. 11/25/2025

    Play Free: Chris Katrenick on the Power of Development Coaching

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Chris Katrenick shares his journey from being a young football fan to becoming a quarterback at Duke University. He discusses the early influences that shaped his love for football, the transition from high school to college football, and the challenges he faced along the way. Chris emphasizes the importance of preparation, setting goals, and finding balance in life as a collegiate athlete. He reflects on the unique experiences of game day and the significance of community and mentorship in his journey. He emphasizes the need for personal growth and the role of coaching in achieving alignment with one's values. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Metaphors for Life 02:15 The Journey to Football: Early Influences 04:39 Choosing the Quarterback Position 07:31 High School Football Experience 12:19 Transitioning to College Football 19:41 Finding Purpose and Setting Goals 21:49 Game Day Experience at Duke 23:51 Balancing Life as a Collegiate Athlete 26:37 Reflecting on the Last Game 28:22 Navigating Education and Career Uncertainty 30:25 The Journey to Professional Development Coaching 38:34 Helping Athletes Overcome Internal Noise 42:47 Goals and Growth in Coaching Business 45:08 Identifying Readiness for Coaching 48:44 Evolving Relationship with Football 51:46 Final Thoughts and Community Importance Relevant Links & Contact Instagram: @ckatcoaching Website: ckatcoaching.com Newsletter: https://ckat-coaching.kit.com/d50b24feca  Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    51 min
  6. 11/11/2025

    Programmed Different: Andrew Petcash on an Athlete Superpowers in Business

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Andrew Petcash discusses the unique advantages that athletes bring to the  business world, emphasizing their resilience and ability to adapt. He shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey with ProFluence, a company aimed at revolutionizing the sports industry through media, networking, and investment. Andrew reflects on the challenges of starting a business, the importance of human connection in sports, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also highlights his foresight as a key strength in identifying opportunities and shaping the future of sports. Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: From Athlete to Entrepreneur 08:15 Navigating the Transition: Finding Fun in Sports Again 10:32 First Steps into Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Early Ventures 18:00 The Athlete's Mindset: Why Hiring Managers Should Value Athletes 23:23 The Athlete's Edge in Business 26:19 Building ProFluence: A New Era in Sports 28:29 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Lessons Learned 31:11 The Unreplaceable Human Element in Sports 32:23 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 37:40 Foresight as a Superpower 39:35 Goals and Vision for ProFluence Relevant Links & Contact https://profluence.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    47 min
  7. 10/28/2025

    Enforced Limbo: Yona Knight-Wisdom's Advice on Retirement

    Sponsors Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20 Summary In this conversation, Yona shares his journey from a multicultural upbringing to becoming Jamaica's first male Olympic diver. He discusses the influence of his Caribbean heritage, the pivotal moments that led him to diving, and the sacrifices he made in pursuit of his Olympic dreams. Yona emphasizes the importance of parental support, the unique experiences gained through sports, and offers advice for aspiring athletes. He reflects on the significance of representing Jamaica and the personal growth that came with understanding his heritage. In this conversation, He discusses the importance of maintaining perspective during tough times and the decision to retire from competitive diving. Yona also explores life after diving, embracing new opportunities, and his commitment to building a legacy through sports development in Jamaica. Chapters 00:00 Cultural Heritage and Identity 02:57 The Journey into Diving 05:55 Early Competitions and Recognition 09:07 Parental Support and Sacrifices 12:06 The Road to the Olympics 15:02 Sacrifices and Gains in Pursuit of Dreams 18:10 Advice for Aspiring Olympians 20:46 Choosing to Represent Jamaica 24:08 Understanding Heritage and Personal Growth 27:02 Reflections on Olympic Experiences 32:59 The Highs of Olympic Dreams 39:51 Navigating the Lows: Overcoming Setbacks 42:35 Finding Perspective in Adversity 46:57 The Decision to Retire: A Personal Journey 52:17 Life After Diving: Embracing New Opportunities 01:00:27 Building a Legacy: Diving in Jamaica Relevant Links & Contact Website: yonakw.me Instagram: @yonakw Facebook: Yona Knight-Wisdom LinkedIn: Yona Knight-Wisdom TikTok: @yonakw YouTube: @YonaKW Podcast (Apple): Dive Beyond Sport Instagram: @divebeyondsportpod TikTok: @divebeyondsportpod YouTube: Dive Beyond Sport Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog

    1h 5m

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.