Current UCLA Head Men's Basketball Coach Mick Cronin sits down with Kyle and Calvin to discuss his Underdog start in the coaching profession, his 2014 health scare, the importance of his daughter and family, and so much more. Also how he has grown from from his days of not knowing how to use a VCR to now, nine straight NCAA Tournament Appearances!
Elite athletes have doubts, but they also have extreme confidence and belief. Doug Costin has proven that it's not about the path you're given, rather, it's the path you choose. With no major college scholarship offers, Doug has defied the odds as he is now the rookie starting Defensive Tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After getting his teeth knocked out as a walk-on basketball player at Michigan State University. Erik Qualman aka Equalman is now a 5x Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker who's performed in over 55 countries on topics like Digital Leadership, Focus, Socialnomics and so much more!
In 2004 Coach Steve Specht was an Underdog taking over as the St Xavier High School Varsity Head Coach. Fast forward to 2020, 4 state titles later, Coach Specht is viewed as one of the top coaches in the country by his peers and players.
Like many people, Jay Bilas was trying to find his way after college. After playing professionally overseas, and taking on an assistant coach role at Duke, he knew he would need a "job to pay the bills" so he began practicing law full time and broadcasting on the side for $200 a game. He eventually saw a future in broadcasting and the rest is history as he's one of the most decorated analysts in college sports today!
As the Founder and CEO of Focus 3, Tim Kight has helped individuals and organizations build better leaders for over 30 years. He’s helped people like Urban Meyer and organizations like the 2014 Ohio State Football National Championship team. In the fight for his life during 2020, Tim Kight has fought the 3 C’s, Covid, Cancer, and Chemo. E+R=O is a lifestyle and something Tim has perfected since his days of studying John Wooden.
For 20+ years Coach Charlie Turner Thorne has been leading the ASU Women’s basketball program. Coach talks about her WHY and the impact she has on young women. Also about being a teacher and playing the game the right way. Growing up in Los Angeles, her parents lived paycheck to paycheck, so Coach learned early on that grit and determination was the only way!
Orphaned at the age of 12 and almost separated from his 3 brothers, Coach Herb Magee’s life journey could have ended up completely different. Fifty-Four years at the same University, second all times in wins in Men’s basketball history, a 2011 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Member, listen as “The Shot Doctor” gets us well!
Former Green Beret Nate Boyer talks about his tours in Afghanistan and what it felt like to become the oldest Rookie in the NFL at age 34. He also talks about the conversation he had with Colin Kaepernick during his protest. Such a great story with an even greater man!
Coach Ron Hunter doesn’t believe in chasing the next big opportunity. Over the years he has built his programs by finding any little competitive edge and building his culture with like-minded guys and a blue-collar mindset. It’s not about One Shining Moment but creating moments to shine!
In 2015 Coach Jen Welter became the first woman to coach in the NFL. Through football, her goal is to change the world. She believes it’s vital to be the first and not be the last to set up the future for women. Coach Welter is also a doctor in sports psychology and talks about how to sustain excellence and overcome fear and anxiety. Don’t let her 5’2 130 lbs frame fool you, Coach Welter also dominated the women’s football circuit for more than 10 years as an all-time great defensive lineman!...
In 2004 Coach Tom Ryan experienced the unimaginable and something no parent ever wants to go through. His 5-year-old son Teague passed away unexpectedly of an unknown heart condition at the time. Coach Ryan and his wife looked all around and within themselves to try and understand “WHY” this happened to them. Ultimately through faith, they have grown closer with God and Coach shares his journey through public speaking and his new book “Chosen Suffering: Becoming Elite In Life and Leadership” so ...
In 2018 the California wildfires burned 153,000 acres in Paradise CA, about 170 miles North of San Francisco. 86 lives were lost that day in the most destructive fire in California history and the deadliest in the US in 100 years. Coach Rick Prinz of Paradise High School and the entire community had to find a way to help Paradise rise, and football was how they did it! Follow The Underdog Podcast on Social Media: Twitter: @UnderdogPod Instagram: @underdog_pod Facebook: The Underdog Podcast...
University of Washington Head Softball Coach Heather Tarr developed an elite mindset at an early age. Growing up playing baseball with the boys until she switched to softball in high school. She went on to become a walk-on at UW and became a standout player. In 2009 she coached her Alma Mater to a National Championship and has sustained excellence throughout her career.
Although from a small town, he didn’t let that mindset stop him and knowing his roots is what has propelled Arizona State Sun Devil’s Head Baseball Coach Tracy Smith to sustained success. Winning at every stop along his journey, this 2013 National Coach of the year has continued to prove why he’s one of the best in the game! Follow The Underdog Podcast on Social Media: Twitter: @UnderdogPod Instagram: @underdog_pod Facebook: The Underdog Podcast...
From a small town of 2000 people in Eastern Kentucky on the border of West Virginia, Dontae Wright lost his mother unexpectedly during his Freshman year of high school. While also not having a father and essentially raising himself, Dontae used sports as a catalyst to overcome racism and other adverse moments in his life. Follow The Underdog Podcast on Social Media: Twitter: @UnderdogPod Instagram: @underdog_pod Facebook: The Underdog Podcast...
College football, SEC games, Big 12 games – but held corporate jobs as well two total years as a professional football player – 10 in NFL & 2 in USFL Broadcasting started as a side hustle – what advice would you give? Find something you are passionate about. Look inside – if you are going to make the jump commit to it. Even though you like what you are doing still have to find a way to get it down – set a high bar. Preparation in your career – thirst for knowledge. You earn confidence when y...
In this episode, we recap our first year! That’s right we have made it to 1 year. Enjoy some of our favorite moments across our first 49 episodes. This has been a long journey of learning and growing and we hope to see you continue along this journey with us. Follow The Underdog Podcast on Social Media: Twitter: @UnderdogPod Instagram: @underdog_pod Facebook: The Underdog Podcast...
Coach Fickell is a firm believer in finishing what you started. He believes in building a team with a core group that speaks the same language. He also talks about the impact Coach Jim Tressel had on him and the importance of consistency and authenticity. Follow The Underdog Podcast on Social Media: Twitter: @UnderdogPod Instagram: @underdog_pod Facebook: The Underdog Podcast...
After a 23-year coaching career, winning more than 85% of his games and 3 National Championships, Urban Meyer is arguably one of the greatest college football coaches in history. In this episode Coach Meyer talks about his leadership philosophy E+R=O, how he would address the world if it were his team during the pandemic, and having an Above the Line mentality. Follow The Underdog Podcast on Social Media: Twitter: @UnderdogPod Instagram: @underdog_pod Facebook: The Underdog Podcast...
Currently the defensive coordinator at UC – quickly rising to the top. Former OSU player – born and raised in the 937! Huber Heights Wayne – won a lot of games in high school be was raised by a military father. Played for 2 national championships at OSU – could On three teams in 1 year – knees hurting – found the enlarged heart and retired from NFL. Those failures are what make you who you are. Called coach Fickle to get feedback before he found Coach Fickle recruited him and told him he didn’t ...
After blowing out his knee the last game of his senior year, Ryan Kelly didn’t know what the future had in store. Two things he did know was that resilience and character would see him through! Having the foresight to maximize his opportunity, Ryan is now one of the youngest and greatest leaders in his profession. Football fan or not – you’ll love this episode! Follow The Underdog Podcast on Social Media: Twitter: @UnderdogPod Instagram: @underdog_pod Facebook: The Underdog Podcast...
In 1972 a little boy was born and immediately put up for adoption. This week’s guest might have the most dramatic and heartwarming story we or anyone else has ever had the pleasure of sharing. Our guest, Deland McCullough was adopted and raised in Youngstown, OH. Football wasn’t just a thing to Deland, it was the thing that allowed him to escape all hardships he was facing. In true underdog fashion, Deland wasn’t the star athlete from the beginning. He worked hard and had passion. Heck, he even ...
Our guest this week is former GM of both the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals. Currently, Jim Bowden is an MLB Analyst and Insider for CBS Sports HQ, writer for The Athletic, Talk Show Host for SiriusXM’s MLB Radio, and Fantasy Alarm. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Jim shares how his love of sports and a little bit of luck landed his first job with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his words, “ getting rid of my mouth and getting a third ear” is what led to his success. Early in his career, ...
Our guest this week, Joe Oliver needs no introduction to all of our baseball fans and of course Reds nation! Joe had one of the most pivotal at-bats in the Cincinnati Reds history, clinching Game 2 of the World Series ultimately leading to the 1990 World Series victory! Joe caught over 12,000 documented innings between the major and minor leagues, not to mention all of the countless practices and pull pen sessions. After his 19-year career, Joe took 13 years off to raise his children and be a fa...
Our guest this week is Merril Hoge. Some may know him for his time in the NFL as a running back for both the Pittsburgh Stealers and the Chicago Bears. Or for his 20+ year career as an ESPN announcer, but we’ve come to know him as our daily inspiration. If you follow him on social media, you will understand. He spent almost 8 years in the NFL before his career came to a screeching halt. Improper care of a head injury forced him into retirement. Although his love for the game continued as an on-a...
For those of you who don’t know him, we promise you won’t be disappointed! Gary Owen’s life has provided him with a ton of content to say the least. His comedic approach to overcoming adversity is something we should all lean on right now! Growing up in a trailer park in Cincinnati, OH, he joined the US Navy after graduation and served as a Master-At-Arms before starting his career as a comedian. He speaks openly about his family affairs and the many struggles he has had to overcome throughout h...
Our guest this week is head football coach, Chuck Martin. With the odds stacked against him, Coach Martin left a success team at Norte Dame to take over an 0-12 Miami University program in 2014. Coach speaks to his decision informing host, Kyle Decker and Calvin Blackmon (both former Miami Redhawks football alum) that there is a fine line between courageousness and foolishness. Although financially he took a hit, three things that went into his decision: Miami’s tradition – the Cradle of Coaches...
Our guest this week is Megan Duffy head coach for Marquette University women’s basketball team. She reminisces about high school days with our host, Calvin (they both attended Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, OH). Her love for the game started young. Her high school coach put her in situations regularly where she wouldn’t always be able to find success allowing her to grow her leadership skills and develop her grit. Her senior year her team was number one in the nation and she ...
