The Victory Degree

In today’s episode, Legendary Coach Jim Johnson shares the unbelievable journey that led him from being fired at 25… to building one of the most consistent winning cultures in high school basketball. We talk about his unforgettable encounter with Magic Johnson, the leadership lessons behind 23 straight winning seasons, and of course, the iconic J-Mac game that shocked the nation and became a global inspiration story (over 1 million views on ESPN). Coach Johnson breaks down: - The mindset shift that saved his coaching career - How imagery, confidence, and mental training transformed his teams - Stories from Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and the Van Gundy family - What separates the top 0.1% performers from everyone else - Why the J-Mac moment still gives him chills to this day Connect With Coach Johnson: Twitter: x.com/CoachJimJohnson LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coachjimjohnson/ Website: coachjimjohnson.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

In this episode of The Victory Degree, David Tyree opens up like never before. From battling addiction to nearly losing his NFL career, David breaks down the real story behind his journey — long before the famous Helmet Catch.We talk about the adversity that shaped him, the moment that changed everything, and the unseen battles he fought on and off the field. David also reveals what Eli Manning told him before the play, how Tom Coughlin built championship culture, and why timing, opportunity, and resilience matter more than raw talent in the NFL.Topics:David Tyree’s Darkest Moments: Addiction, Arrests & the Turning Point That Saved His CareerHow Culture & Leadership Built the ’07 Giants — And Why It Still Matters TodayThe Real Story Behind the Helmet Catch: Preparation, Pressure & Staying ReadyEli Manning’s Leadership, Odell Beckham Jr.’s Talent & What Makes a True NFL StarFatherhood, Faith & Identity: How David Tyree Built a Life After FootballConnect With David: Twitter: x.com/TyreeNationInstagram: instagram.com/dtyree85/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidtyree85/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Jay Bilas joins The Victory Degree Podcast for an honest and thought-provoking conversation on confidence, criticism, and the evolving world of college sports. From his early days under Coach K at Duke to his insights on NIL, social media, and mental toughness, Jay shares the lessons that shaped his career as a player, coach, lawyer, and broadcaster.We talk about:- Why self-belief starts with hard work and mentors- How to handle negativity, criticism, and “you suck” comments online- Coach K’s biggest lessons on preparation and leadership- NIL, sports gambling, and how money is reshaping college athletics- What confidence really means — and how Jay built his- Who the best college prospect of all time is& much more...Connect With Jay: Twitter: x.com/JayBilasInstagram: instagram.com/jaybilas/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Former NFL defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko (Chargers, Steelers, LSU) joins The Victory Degree to pull back the curtain on the truth about the NFL — from how politics decide who plays, to how mental health and self-belief define success long after the game ends.Breiden opens up about playing with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Russell Wilson, and what he’s learned about opportunity, timing, and resilience. We also dive into social media pressure, life after football, and why “delusional self-belief” might be the secret ingredient every athlete needs.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it — and stay — in the NFL, this conversation will change how you see the game forever.Connect With Breiden: Twitter: x.com/BreidenFehokoInstagram: instagram.com/bfehoko/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

NBA writer and best-selling author Shea Serrano joins Nik Atanackovic on The Victory Degree Podcast to talk about his new book, Expensive Basketball — a love letter to the moments, feelings, and players that make the game beautiful.From Ray Allen’s jumper vs. Joakim Noah’s, to Tim Duncan’s quiet dominance, Shaq’s unstoppable force, and Kobe’s poetic 60-point farewell, this episode dives deep into the emotional side of basketball — the kind of stuff stats can’t explain.Topics Covered:- Why “Expensive Basketball” is about feelings, not numbers- Shea’s defense of Steph Curry’s magic and Shaq’s speed- The pain of the 2002 Kings-Lakers series (and why it still hurts)- Why Tim Duncan is Shea’s favorite player- LeBron’s rise from “great” to “greatest”- The beauty behind Kobe’s final gameConnect With Shea: Twitter: x.com/SheaSerranoInstagram: instagram.com/shea.serrano/Buy The Book: amzn.to/3JsAhQrConnect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

After serving two years in federal prison for money laundering, Chad Dunn rebuilt his life from the ground up, transforming pain into purpose.Once a promising athlete turned felon, Chad used his time behind bars to redefine his identity, confront his demons, and build a mission around helping others overcome their limitations.Today, he is a certified behavioral change specialist with over 20 years of experience in health, modern fitness, and human performance. Chad has trained NFL players, NBA prospects, and individuals recovering from catastrophic injuries, while co-founding and building MOVE Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center in Chandler, Arizona with his wife and business partner, Jackie.In this conversation, we discuss:- Why you should do hard things & face your fears - How prison became the best thing that ever happened to him- What it takes to rebuild your life and business from nothing- The power of true redemption- Does money make you happy& much more...Connect with Chad:Buy The Book: mindovervirtuallyeverything.com/Instagram: instagram.com/moveperformance/Website: moveperformance.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Taybor Pepper sits down with Nik to talk about the real side of the NFL — from getting cut by the 49ers just days into free agency, to what it’s actually like inside a Kyle Shanahan team meeting. He opens up about the chaos of bouncing between teams, the pressure of fighting for a roster spot every year, and how mindfulness helped him stay grounded through it all.They get into everything: NFL free agency stories, life as a long snapper, Robbie Gould’s mentorship, battling mental health, the mental toll of football, and what it takes to survive nearly a decade in the league.Connect with Taybor:Twitter: x.com/TayborSnappingInstagram: instagram.com/tayborsnapping/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

At 22, Mike Flynt was kicked out of college football for fighting.37 years later, at 59 years old, he went back to finish what he started.This is the unbelievable true story of regret, redemption, and second chances.We talk about adversity, character, faith, and what it really means to never quit.In this episode:• How Mike turned his biggest regret into his greatest comeback• The power of adversity and why quitting is never an option• Lessons on faith, character, and choosing to be great• What a 59-year-old linebacker can teach us about lifeConnect with Mike:🎥 Watch The Seniors in theaters Sept 19Website: mikeflynt.comConnect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

Derek Sivers built and sold CD Baby for $22 million, walked away from fame, and chose a radically simple life. In this conversation, Derek shares the unconventional rules, frameworks, and mindset shifts that shaped his journey from overcoming fear to redefining success.If you’ve ever wondered how to find clarity in a noisy world, escape the trap of endless “inputs,” or design a life that’s truly yours, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:• The lessons Derek learned from selling CD Baby for $22M• Why fame is overrated and the hidden downsides no one talks about• How to turn fear into confidence with one simple rule• The dangers of consuming without creating and how to “run the program”• Useful vs. true: the mental framework that changes everythingDerek’s perspective is both refreshing and deeply practical — equal parts philosophy and tactical playbook.Connect with Derek:Website: sive.rs/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21

What does it really take to push human limits? Brett Hawke — Olympian, world-renowned swim coach, and coach in the Enhanced Games — joins me to reveal the uncomfortable truths about elite performance.From why “working harder” is the most dangerous advice in sports, to how recovery, self-belief, and even delusional confidence separate good athletes from great ones, this conversation will change how you think about success.In this episode, we discuss:- How comparison can unlock human potential- The dangerous myth of “just work harder”- How recovery became the real key to elite performance- The mindset shift that turns fear into Olympic goldConnect with Brett:Twitter: x.com/insidewithBHInstagram: instagram.com/hawkebr/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegreeOther Episodes You May Enjoy:Josh DobbsSpotify: spoti.fi/4cmtQXuApple Podcasts: apple.co/4e9hmVBGeorge MumfordSpotify: spoti.fi/4bIywaRApple Podcasts: apple.co/45ltHBRDr. Jim LoehrSpotify: spoti.fi/3yyddu8Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3AcnX21