The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show

CITIUS MAG
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Jun 10, 2025 • 58min

What Does The House v. NCAA Settlement Mean For The Future Of Track and Field + Cross Country (With Russell Dinkins)

“There is a pretty significant amount of track and field athletes for whom a college opportunity will only come through the participation of track and field. That is something we need to really educate the public around. Coining the term, ‘the opportunity sport,’ encapsulates all of that. It’s something I believe the broader public can get understanding around.”Starting July 1, NCAA Division I schools can directly pay athletes for the first time ever. This shift follows the House v. NCAA antitrust settlement, approved last week by Judge Claudia Wilken. The $2.8B deal doesn’t make athletes employees, but it does allow them to finally receive a share of the billions in revenue they help generate. Schools will be able to offer up to $20.5M annually to student-athletes across all sports (amounts not required to be equal). It also tightens oversight of NIL collectives via a new clearinghouse that ensures deals are “fair-market value.” After major pushback over lost roster spots, the final version protects current and incoming athletes, though schools aren’t required to restore those spots. Now, athletic departments are racing to implement these changes. Some are lobbying Congress for federal regulation, hoping this deal becomes a stepping stone toward nationwide legislation. Either way, college sports — and particularly cross country and track — will never look the same.Mentioned in this episode…Read: Track Is America’s Opportunity Sport. Colleges Need To Save ItHost: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠Guest: Russell Dinkin | @dancingdinks on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.PILLAR PERFORMANCE: We all know that sleep is where the magic happens. That's when your body is rebuilding – but getting into those deeper stages of sleep is what makes the difference between just going to bed and actually recovering. Just mix in a scoop of water about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It's simple, it's clean, it's vegan, and NSF certified. If you're someone who takes their training and recovery seriously, this is something worth trying. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pillarperformance.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you're in North America, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thefeed.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS for 15% off your first purchase.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!
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Jun 9, 2025 • 50min

This Week In Track and Field: Beatrice Chebet Scares The 14:00 Barrier For 5000m; Trayvon Bromell and Donavan Brazier Are Back + Oslo/Stockholm Diamond League Preview

This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia break down the biggest performances from the Rome Diamond League, dive into Donavan Brazier’s long-awaited return to racing, and preview the upcoming action in Oslo and Stockholm. They also spotlight the top events to watch at the NCAA Track and Field Championships.Mentioned in this episode...Read: How Ethan Strand Learned To WinWatch: Donavan Brazier going 1:44.70 in the 800m in his first race since 2022Listen: Anna Hall After Going 7032 Points In The Heptathlon For No. 2 All-TimeHosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@preetmajithia on Instagram⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders⁠⁠⁠⁠.PILLAR PERFORMANCE: We all know that sleep is where the magic happens. That's when your body is rebuilding – but getting into those deeper stages of sleep is what makes the difference between just going to bed and actually recovering. Just mix in a scoop of water about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It's simple, it's clean, it's vegan, and NSF certified. If you're someone who takes their training and recovery seriously, this is something worth trying. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠pillarperformance.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you're in North America, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠thefeed.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS for 15% off your first purchase.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!
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Jun 4, 2025 • 48min

Anna Hall After Going 7032 Points In The Heptathlon For No. 2 All-Time | Götzis Recap, Reflections

“When I saw the time, I was like, ‘I did that. We are back. I’m me again…’ It felt so good to be like, ‘I’m back and doing things as good as I know how to do them, which I haven’t done in a while. It felt really good!”My guest for today's episode is one of the most electrifying athletes in track and field right now: Anna Hall. The two-time decathlon Olympic champion Ashton Eaton went as far as to say that she might be one of the best athletes on earth right now.Just days after winning the Hypomeeting in Götzis with 7,032 points, Hall now sits second on the all-time heptathlon list, tied with Carolina Kluft and trailing only her mentor, the great Jackie Joyner-Kersee. That mark was achieved with four personal bests, including a gutsy 2:01 in the 800m – a reminder that the final event of the heptathlon was more than a win. It was a comeback statement after last summer's heartbreaking fifth place finish at the Paris Olympics.In this conversation, Anna opens up about the emotional weight of that Olympic result, the rehab process after knee surgery, and how this performance in Austria healed her. We also talk about what it means to chase a legend and have such a close connection with someone like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the mental and physical toll of the heptathlon, and what's next as she eyes a potential world title this fall.She's looking to become just the second American to win gold in the heptathlon after Jackie Joyner-Kersee won in 1987 and 1993. Anna is the kind of athlete who competes with heart, guts, and joy.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on InstagramGuest: Anna Hall | @annaa.hall on Instagram SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders.GRAND SLAM TRACK: This summer, Los Angeles isn't just the city of stars; It's the city of speed. Grand Slam Track, the new global home for professional track and field, is coming to Drake Stadium at UCLA June 28th-29th. The tickets are officially on sale now. The Los Angeles Slam is the fourth and final stop in the league's inaugural season and it's bringing the heat. Grab your tickets now at GrandSlamTrack.com and witness the future of the sport live and in person. Grand Slam Track: new league, new rules, same fast. The stars will see you in LA!SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!
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Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 23min

This Week In Track And Field: Reacting To The New U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifying Standards, Final Thoughts On GST: Philly/Götzis + More News

This week, Chris Chavez and Megan Connelly unpack the new U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifying Standards. Preet Majithia hops on for the second half to recap Grand Slam Track: Philadelpia, Anna Hall's breakthrough heptathlon, preview the Rome Diamond League, and more takeaways from the past week.Takeaways from the new U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifying Standards:– USATF will return to “A” and “B” standards for 2028. The “A” standard will be determined at a later date in coordination with the LOC. Athletes with the “A” standard will get travel funding to the Olympic Trials. Athletes with the “B” standard will be guaranteed entry to the Olympic Trials.– For the “B” standard: Women who want to race will have to run 2:37:00 or faster. This is the same as the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying standard. Women will also be able to qualify if they run 1:12:00 for the half marathon or faster, which is the same as the 2024 qualifier.– For the “B” standard: Men who want to race will have to run 2:16:00 or faster. This is two minutes faster than the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying standard. Men can also enter if they run 1:03:00 or faster for the half marathon, which is the same as the 2024 qualifier. Going off USATF’s 2024 qualifiers list, 139 of the 220 qualified men ran faster than 2:16:00.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Megan Connelly | ⁠⁠@meganmorantwwe on Instagram⁠⁠ Preet Majithia |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@preetmajithia on Instagram⁠⁠SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to ⁠⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders⁠⁠⁠.PILLAR PERFORMANCE: We all know that sleep is where the magic happens. That's when your body is rebuilding – but getting into those deeper stages of sleep is what makes the difference between just going to bed and actually recovering. Just mix in a scoop of water about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It's simple, it's clean, it's vegan, and NSF certified. If you're someone who takes their training and recovery seriously, this is something worth trying. Head to ⁠⁠⁠pillarperformance.shop⁠⁠⁠, or if you're in North America, go to ⁠⁠⁠thefeed.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS for 15% off your first purchase.VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠⁠⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!
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Jun 1, 2025 • 58min

GRAND SLAM TRACK: PHILLY DAY 2 REACTION SHOW | KENNY BEDNAREK STAYS UNDEFEATED, MARCO AROP WINS SLAM, MELISSA JEFFERSON STUNS

We're unpacking all the biggest moments from Day 2 of Grand Slam Track: Philadelphia at Franklin Field. Tune in as Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole, and Aisha Praught-Leer dive into the standout performances, surprises, and highlights from the day. Some of the weekend's highlights:— Melissa Jefferson threw down a dominant sprint double, clocking 21.99 in the 200m and a world-leading 10.73 in the 100m to capture another short sprints title in commanding fashion.— Marco Arop ran a lifetime best of 3:35.38 in the 1500m to finish fourth, which was just enough to edge out Josh Kerr in the overall standings and claim the Slam title.— Trevor Bassitt surged to a big win in the 400m hurdles, running 45.47 to defeat Alison dos Santos and earn his first Slam victory of the season—after finishing fifth in Miami.— Jasmine Jones became the first athlete to win a Grand Slam Track title without winning an individual race, taking second in both the 400m hurdles (54.65) and 400m flat (52.73) in her first meet as a Racer this year.— Diribe Welteji returned to Slam competition after skipping Miami and showed no signs of rust, sweeping the 800m (1:58.94) and 1500m (3:58.04) to earn her second title of the season.Catch the full breakdown in this episode — all the results, reactions, and what it means heading into Grand Slam Track: L.A.
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Jun 1, 2025 • 1h 6min

GRAND SLAM TRACK: PHILLY DAY 1 REACTION SHOW | MELISSA JEFFERSON UPSETS GABBY THOMAS, MARCO AROP GOES 1:43

The Grand Slam Track series rolls into iconic Franklin Field and we’ve got all the biggest moments covered in this jam-packed episode. Join Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole, Paul Hof-Mahoney, and Aisha Praught-Leer as they break down all the drama, surprises, and standout performances from Day 1 of Grand Slam Track: Philadelphia.Some of today's highlights include:— Melissa Jefferson-Wooden stuns the field in the 200m, clocking her first sub-22 with a blazing 21.99 to edge Olympic champ Gabby Thomas (22.10).— Marco Arop dominates a stacked 800m, pulling away with authority to win in 1:43.38, a full second clear of World Indoor champ Josh Hoey.— Jessica Hull makes it honest in the 1500m, but Diribe Welteji’s closing speed seals the win in 3:58.04, just ahead of Hull’s 3:58.36.— Kenny Bednarek stays hot, earning his third straight 200m win with a smooth 19.95.— Ackera Nugent sets a Franklin Field record in the 100m hurdles, winning in 12.44 over Tia Jones (12.60), while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone places fifth in her short hurdles debut at 12.70.We’ll be back tomorrow to break down Day 2 from Philly!
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May 30, 2025 • 1h 14min

GRAND SLAM TRACK: PHILLY PREVIEW | ATHLETES + STORYLINES TO WATCH (LIVE FROM PHILADELPHIA)

The Grand Slam Track series heads to historic Franklin Field and we’re breaking it all down in this jam-packed episode of the CITIUS MAG Podcast. Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole and Aisha Praught-Leer as the crew previews the Philly Slam from every angle—diving into the matchups, storylines, and athletes you won’t want to miss.We highlight the key events and rivalries to watch, including:– Kenny Bednarek vs. Fred Kerley and the rest of a stacked men’s short sprints field– Gabby Thomas dropping back down to the 100m to battle Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Brittany Brown– The return of Olympic 400m champ Steven Gardiner and his showdown with Matthew Hudson-Smith– Marileidy Paulino’s redemption arc in the women’s 400m– Dylan Beard’s Cinderella story in the short hurdles– Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s last hurrah in the 400m hurdles before switching events– Deep fields in both men’s and women’s distance events, with stars like Grant Fisher, Cole Hocker, Nikki Hiltz, and Diribe Welteji going head-to-head with world-class ChallengersPlus, we preview which athletes are poised to cash in—or crash out—under the Grand Slam Track’s high-stakes scoring system.Whether you’re watching live on Peacock or tuning in on The CW, this episode will get you prepped and pumped for the action ahead. Be sure to subscribe to the CITIUS MAG Podcast on Apple or Spotify and follow along all weekend on YouTube.Read the full CITIUS MAG Preview here.Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez, Eric Jenkins | @_ericjenkins, Anderson Emerole | @atkoeme, Aisha Praught-Leer | @aishapraughtleer
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 7min

Office Hours: UCLA’s Joanna Hayes On Running It Back At Her Alma Mater, What Makes The Greats Great and Practicing “Aggressive Patience”

“I’m patient. I call it aggressively patient. I’m going hard for it all — but if it doesn’t happen, there’s still a process and I chip away for next time. That’s how you become a champion. You don’t just go out there and run and win. You have to have a journey and work hard. I’m always going hard.”Welcome back to Office Hours on the CITIUS MAG Podcast, where we explore the philosophy of the coaches who push the edges of human potential with some of the best athletes in track and field.Today's guest is someone who has climbed to some of the highest highs in the sport. Joanna Hayes is an Olympic gold medalist, a Hall of Famer, and currently the director of track and field and cross country at her alma mater UCLA. In 2024, she was named USATF's Coach of the Year — a recognition not just for her competitive pedigree, but her ability to cultivate greatness in others.She's coached legends like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Rai Benjamin, ushered in record-breaking seasons at both USC and UCLA, and she's done it all while remaining grounded in values of respect, discipline, family, and joy. In this conversation, we explore what success does and doesn't change about how she leads, what it feels like to return to the place where it all started, the realities of coaching both elite professionals and college athletes and how the two are more connected than you think.We talk about legacy, resilience, motherhood, and what it means to show up not just as a coach, but as a human being who makes space for culture, connection, and yes, sometimes TikToks and fresh fits. Coach Hayes's story is one of full circle moments and forward motion. She's creating a new chapter at UCLA and you'll hear in this conversation why it's one worth watching and rooting for. Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠Guest: Joanna Hayes | @joannadhayes on InstagramSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to ⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders⁠.PILLAR PERFORMANCE: We all know that sleep is where the magic happens. That's when your body is rebuilding – but getting into those deeper stages of sleep is what makes the difference between just going to bed and actually recovering. Just mix in a scoop of water about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It's simple, it's clean, it's vegan, and NSF certified. If you're someone who takes their training and recovery seriously, this is something worth trying. Head to ⁠pillarperformance.shop⁠, or if you're in North America, go to ⁠thefeed.com⁠ and use code CITIUS for 15% off your first purchase.GRAND SLAM TRACK: This isn't your average track meet. This is Grand Slam Track, where legends are made, records fall, and the stakes are high. After a sellout crowd in Miami and $100,000 awarded to each Slam champion, the league now heads to one of the most iconic stages in American track: Franklin Field in Philadelphia, May 30th-June 1st. Grab your tickets now at ⁠GrandSlamTrack.com⁠ and witness it all packed into one unforgettable weekend. VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 27min

This Week In Track And Field: Rabat Diamond League And Sound Running Track Fest Surprises Unpacked

This week, Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia unpack: Rabat Diamond League Highlights:— Beatrice Chebet drops 8:11.56 in the women’s 3000m, the second-fastest time in history and maybe the clean world record. She won by 15+ seconds.— In an absolutely stunning upset, Jonah Koech wins the men’s 1500m in 3:31.43, running a 7-second PB in his Diamond League debut. Went from 13th to 1st on the last lap.— Germany’s Frederik Ruppert nearly breaks the European steeplechase record with a shocking 8:01.49 behind Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, who ran a world-leading 8:00.70, who is rounding into form.— Tshepiso Masalela continues his rise, beating Olympic champ Emmanuel Wanyonyi with a world-leading 1:42.70 in the 800m. He is the real deal.— Femke Bol extends her Diamond League win streak with a 52.46 in the 400m hurdles — her fastest-ever season opener. Sound Running Track Fest Highlights (Los Angeles):— Olympic champ Athing Mu returns to racing, placing 2nd in a tactical 1500m (4:10.70), showing signs of progression.— Mexico’s Eduardo Herrera steals the show with a 12:58.57 5000m to break Arturo Barrios’ outdoor national record, closing in a blistering 57.38.— Jake Wightman, in his first race without his father coaching him, takes the men’s 1500m in 3:35.26 — a controlled, confident return to form.— NCAA standout Klaudia Kazimierska clocks 4:03.26 to become the third-fastest collegian ever in the women’s 1500m.— Sage Hurta Klecker wins the women’s 800m in 1:59.02 and is in a good spot for this point in the season. Mark English wins the men’s race in 1:44.75.+ More takeaways and thoughts in the show.Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia |⁠⁠ ⁠@preetmajithia on Instagram⁠SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop is a prebiotic soda that tastes like a throwback to your favorite childhood drinks, but it's loaded with benefits that your body will thank you for. Each can has 2-5g of sugar, 6-9g of fiber, and a science-backed formula designed to help you support your digestive health. They've got plenty of flavor options like Classic Root Beer, Crisp Apple, Grape, Cream Soda and wild hits like Peaches and Cream. You can grab Olipop at Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart or you can go to ⁠⁠DrinkOlipop.com and use promo code CITIUS25 at checkout for 25% off all of your orders⁠⁠.PILLAR PERFORMANCE: We all know that sleep is where the magic happens. That's when your body is rebuilding – but getting into those deeper stages of sleep is what makes the difference between just going to bed and actually recovering. Just mix in a scoop of water about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It's simple, it's clean, it's vegan, and NSF certified. If you're someone who takes their training and recovery seriously, this is something worth trying. Head to ⁠⁠pillarperformance.shop⁠⁠, or if you're in North America, go to ⁠⁠thefeed.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS for 15% off your first purchase.GRAND SLAM TRACK: This isn't your average track meet. This is Grand Slam Track, where legends are made, records fall, and the stakes are high. After a sellout crowd in Miami and $100,000 awarded to each Slam champion, the league now heads to one of the most iconic stages in American track: Franklin Field in Philadelphia, May 30th-June 1st. Grab your tickets now at ⁠⁠GrandSlamTrack.com⁠⁠ and witness it all packed into one unforgettable weekend. VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!
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May 21, 2025 • 54min

The Build | The Rise of Olipop - Redefining Soda, One Can At A Time + How It Became The Runner’s Soda (With Steven Vigilante)

Imagine this: you're standing inside a trendy L.A. grocery store—maybe it's Erewhon. You've got a cooler full of canned soda that claims to be good for your gut. You're not a celebrity and you're not even the founder of the company. You're just a guy with a vision, a few samples, and the audacity to talk your way into a product launch.That was Steven Vigilante back in 2018. Today, Olipop—the better-for-you soda brand that he helped bring to life—is in more than 30,000 stores across the country. They've partnered with Barbie, NASCAR, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and somehow even made it into a Luke Combs music video.But it didn't start there. Steven cut his teeth in venture capital, betting early on health forward brands. When he saw the potential in a fiber-packed functional soda, he jumped in—first as an advisor, and then as the architect behind some of the boldest growth and partnership strategies in beverage today.So how do you build a soda brand that dares to take on the likes of Coke and Pepsi? One that trades sugar for science and still wins hearts and taste buds across America? In addition to all of that, they're also major partners for CITIUS MAG.This is the latest episode of The Build with Steven Vigilante, Director of Media and Partnerships at Olipop, on staying scrappy, scaling smart, and crafting a new kind of soda, one can at a time.Host: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest: Steven Vigilante | @stevenvigilante on XSUPPORT OUR SPONSORSPILLAR PERFORMANCE: We all know that sleep is where the magic happens. That's when your body is rebuilding – but getting into those deeper stages of sleep is what makes the difference between just going to bed and actually recovering. Just mix in a scoop of water about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It's simple, it's clean, it's vegan, and NSF certified. If you're someone who takes their training and recovery seriously, this is something worth trying. Head to ⁠⁠pillarperformance.shop⁠⁠, or if you're in North America, go to ⁠⁠thefeed.com⁠⁠ and use code CITIUS for 15% off your first purchase.GRAND SLAM TRACK: This isn't your average track meet. This is Grand Slam Track, where legends are made, records fall, and the stakes are high. After a sellout crowd in Miami and $100,000 awarded to each Slam champion, the league now heads to one of the most iconic stages in American track: Franklin Field in Philadelphia, May 30th-June 1st. Grab your tickets now at ⁠⁠GrandSlamTrack.com⁠⁠ and witness it all packed into one unforgettable weekend. VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly contoured midsole, these slides maximize cushioning and support to help ease tired feet and legs. Run. Recover. Repeat with VELOUS. ⁠⁠Check out the entire collection and enjoy 20% off your purchase by entering code CITIUSMAG20 at checkout!

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