The Victory Degree

Eric Jorgenson — author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant — joins me for a deep conversation on ideas, growth, self-belief, and what it really takes to create lasting work. We talk about how to avoid audience capture, the difference between finite and infinite games, the power of cliche advice, and what it means to build something authentic. We also explore podcasting, social media, dating, and the quiet years of creative obscurity that often come before success.If you’re a creator, thinker, or someone searching for clarity in a noisy world, this one’s for you.Topics:• Be a collector of great ideas. Share what’s useful, not just what’s original• Don’t chase virality. Audience capture kills creativity• Cliché advice like "work hard" and "be consistent" is true. It’s just hard to follow• Success usually means years of obscurity first. Embrace the long game• Pick the right game. Infinite games are better than finite winsConnect with Eric:Twitter: x.com/EricJorgensonWebsite: ejorgenson.com/Buy "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant": amzn.to/46wEegeConnect 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 if the future of sports isn’t about fairness but about becoming superhuman?Dr. Aron D’Souza is leading the charge with the Enhanced Games, a radical new competition where performance-enhancing drugs aren’t banned, they’re embraced. But this episode goes way beyond sports.We dive deep into:- Why Aron believes biology should never limit human potential- His formula for achieving outrageous success with limited resources- Why he tracks every gram of protein, fiber, and carb he consumes- How to write a life plan that bends time in your favor- The moral case for human enhancement and why he says it's inevitable- Why he believes history will remember his nameIf you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or like your goals are impossible, this conversation will challenge your beliefs and maybe even rewrite your future.Connect with Aron:Enhanced: enhanced.com/Instagram: instagram.com/aronpingdsouza/?hl=enConnect 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 powerful episode, former NBA player Alex Acker opens up about his incredible journey from growing up in Compton with almost nothing—literally playing basketball with an orange—to reaching the NBA and beyond. He shares raw stories of his upbringing, the hunger that fueled him, and how his faith and family kept him grounded through life’s toughest moments.Alex talks about:What it really takes to make it to the NBA—and why talent alone isn’t enoughGetting discovered at a random Pepperdine pickup gamePracticing with legends like Reggie Miller, Chauncey Billups, and Kevin GarnettHow European basketball challenged and matured himHis honest take on pressure, confidence, and self-beliefWhy most pro athletes go broke—and how he’s helping change that with his company Amongst Elite CapitalIf you’ve ever chased a dream, doubted yourself, or wondered what separates the 1% who make it from those who don’t—this episode will hit you hard.Connect with Alex:Twitter: x.com/ackrightInstagram: instagram.com/ackright/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

Max Browne shares his journey from top QB recruit to navigating the highs and lows of college football. He opens up about the pressure of the “bust” label, the role of luck and environment in success, and how NIL and social media are reshaping the game. Through it all, he highlights the power of mindset, resilience, and learning from failure.Connect with Max:Twitter: x.com/MaxBrowne4Instagram: instagram.com/maxbrowne/YouTube: youtube.com/@maxbrowne4Connect 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

Josh Booty has lived a life most athletes only dream of—drafted in both the NFL and MLB, mentored by legends, and tested by the toughest environments in sports. In this episode, he opens up about the raw realities behind the headlines: the pressure of being a two-sport phenom, what it really takes to win in a place like Cleveland, and the mindset Nick Saban demands from his players. Josh shares powerful reflections on self-discipline, youth sports culture, and how icons like LeBron James shaped his worldview. This conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom on fearlessness, competition, and becoming your best self on and off the field.Connect with Josh:Twitter: x.com/JoshBooty10Instagram: instagram.com/joshbooty10/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 Podcast, Nik sits down with Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake for a raw and insightful conversation. From his grind at UCLA to proving himself as a late-round NFL draft pick, Lake opens up about the mindset it takes to survive and thrive in the league. They dive into the lessons he learned from his NFL father, the power of discipline and daily routine, and what it really means to lead as a team captain. Quentin also shares his thoughts on the Rams' rising offense, navigating pressure, and how staying grounded fuels long-term success.Connect with Quentin:Twitter: x.com/quentin_lakeInstagram: instagram.com/qlakee/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5wOther 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 Podcast, Cesar Ruiz shares his journey from playing football in his backyard to becoming a first-round pick in the NFL. He discusses the importance of enjoying the game, overcoming pressure, and the impact of family and loss on his career. Ruiz reflects on his experiences at IMG Academy and the University of Michigan, emphasizing the significance of routine and discipline in achieving success. He also opens up about the challenges of being an NFL player, including the expectations and sacrifices that come with the territory, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.Connect with Cesar:Instagram: instagram.com/ceesruiz/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5wOther 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 lead—in football, business, and life?In this raw and insightful conversation, former NFL fullback Marcel Reece opens up about the sacrifices behind success, the power of leadership, and the emotional cost of chasing greatness. He shares hard-earned lessons from the locker room to the boardroom, reflects on loss, resilience, and the human side of athletes, and reveals why proving your supporters right matters more than silencing your critics.From the culture of the Raiders to the misunderstood brilliance of Tom Brady, Marcel delivers a powerful reminder: greatness isn’t just about what you win—it’s about who you become in the process.Connect with Marcel:Twitter: x.com/Celreece45Instagram: instagram.com/celreece45/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5wOther 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, Cassius Marsh takes us inside the NFL—from childhood dreams to the grind of pro football. He opens up about overcoming injuries, learning from the Super Bowl with the Seahawks, and the politics of the draft. Marsh also dives into team culture, coaching styles, and the mental toughness needed to navigate constant change. Now an entrepreneur in the trading card world, he shares how football shaped his mindset, the role of family in his journey, and why Marshawn Lynch left a lasting impact.Connect with Cassius:Twitter: x.com/KingCash_7191Instagram: instagram.com/cassiusmarsh/Cash Cards Unlimited: cashcardsunlimited.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5wOther 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 separates elite athletes from the rest? Mental performance coach Jon Giesbrecht breaks down the truth about mindset, resilience, and the hidden cost of success. In this episode, we dive into why self-talk matters, how suffering fuels growth, and why mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll learn how to build confidence, stay present under pressure, and develop the inner game that actually wins.Connect with Jon:Twitter: x.com/PlayFreeBballInstagram: instagram.com/playfreebball/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5wOther 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