The Victory Degree

In this conversation, Tyler O'Shea, founder of Joker Mag and author of The Underdog Mentality, joins Nik to explore the power of underdog stories in sports. From being cut from his middle school baseball team to building a platform that champions overlooked athletes, Tyler shares how self-belief, resilience, and storytelling fuel both personal growth and cultural impact. They dive into the traits that define successful underdogs, highlight figures like Michael Jordan, Bryce Harper, and Howie Roseman, and discuss the challenges creators face in staying focused and consistent. The result is a powerful reflection on adversity, motivation, and redefining success.If you’ve ever felt underestimated, this one’s for you.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Tyler:Twitter: x.com/OSheaSEOSubscribe to The Joker Mag: newsletter.jokermag.com/subscribe/Buy The Underdog Mentality: amzn.to/4it7lDtConnect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/Twitter: x.com/victorywithnikYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCZi8A-c7093QXh7AQgwvJ5w

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, host Nik Atanackovic welcomes high-performance coach and speaker Alan Stein, Jr. They discuss Alan's journey from a passionate basketball player to a corporate keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in one's work, the significance of childhood excitement, and the concept of work-life harmony over balance. Alan shares insights on identifying personal strengths and the necessity of self-care, while also addressing the misconceptions surrounding the grind culture. Alan also touches on finding personal rhythm, the importance of hard work, embracing uncertainty, living in the present, overcoming mental obstacles, training confidence, and prioritizing quality over quantity in high performance. He emphasizes the need for individuals to define their own paths and metrics for success, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with uncertainty and the necessity of self-awareness.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Alan:Twitter: x.com/AlanSteinJrInstagram: instagram.com/alansteinjr/Website: alansteinjr.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: x.com/nik_atanYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, mental performance coach Steve Magness discusses the intricacies of high performance, focusing on the psychological aspects of choking and the clutch gene. He emphasizes the importance of understanding fear and its impact on performance, using LeBron James as a case study. The conversation also explores the balance between obsession and performance, particularly in the context of youth sports culture in America. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance in success and personal life, the culture of sacrifice in pursuit of success, and the need to embrace failure as a path to performance. The discussion also highlights the traits of high-performing athletes and the role of coaching in fostering a healthy competitive environment.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Steve:Twitter: x.com/stevemagnessInstagram: instagram.com/stevemagness/Website: stevemagness.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: x.com/nik_atanYouTube: youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Rorke Denver shares insights on building a resilient mindset, the importance of self-talk, and the power of hope in overcoming challenges. He reflects on his experiences during SEAL training, particularly Hell Week, and discusses the unique mindset required for special operations. Rorke emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself, the camaraderie among warriors, and the lessons learned from deployments, including finding peace amidst chaos. He concludes with powerful mantras for living a fulfilling life and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Rorke:Twitter: x.com/RorkeDenverInstagram: instagram.com/rorketdenver/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rorke-denver-21964a162/Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik welcomes AJ Shavell, a coach and content creator, to discuss his journey of self-discovery, the importance of overcoming fear, and the insights he has gained through coaching and content creation. AJ shares his experiences with meditation, self-awareness, and the challenges he faced during the pandemic, which ultimately led him to help others through coaching and writing. The conversation delves into the themes of resilience, leadership, and the significance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. AJ Shavell and Nik also explore the principles of success, leadership, and personal growth through the lens of sports figures like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Nick Saban & Tom Brady. They discuss the importance of leading by example, the necessity of continuous growth, and the power of discipline in overcoming adversity. Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with AJ:Twitter: x.com/coachajkingsAJ's Newsletter: thegrowthcompass.beehiiv.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Nik Atanackovic interviews Jonathan Abrams, author of 'Boys Among Men', discussing the evolution of high school basketball players transitioning to the NBA. They explore the impact of players like Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the influence of social media on modern players. The conversation delves into the significance of the 1996 NBA draft and the circumstances that shape player development and success. The consequences of draft decisions, the evolution of NBA rules regarding high school players, and the impact of Sonny Vaccaro in linking shoe deals to the league are also discussed.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Jonathan:Twitter: x.com/JpdabramsBuy "Boys Among Men": mzn.to/3Cr214DConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this episode of The Victory Degree podcast, Drew Hanlen, a renowned basketball skills trainer, shares his journey from a passionate young basketball player to training NBA stars. He emphasizes the importance of consistency over intensity, the value of hard work, and the significance of time management. Drew discusses his experiences training players like Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum & Joel Embiid and the impact of organizational support on player development. He also shares insights from his journey as a basketball trainer, emphasizing the importance of hard work and opportunity. Drew also highlights the evolving coaching techniques in basketball, the human side of NBA players, and the impact of sports betting on fan perception. He concludes by discussing his upcoming book, 'Stop Bullshitting Yourself', which aims to help individuals improve their mentalities and achieve their goals.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Drew:Twitter: x.com/DrewHanlenInstagram: instagram.com/drewhanlen/Buy "Stop Bullshitting Yourself": amzn.to/3PyzVr1Connect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this conversation, NBA reporter Yaron Weitzman discusses his book 'Tanking to the Top,' which chronicles the Philadelphia 76ers' rebuilding process under Sam Hinkie. The discussion covers the motivations behind writing the book, the team's struggles before Hinkie's arrival, the philosophy of tanking, Hinkie's unique approach to management, and the importance of understanding players as individuals. Yaron also provides insights into the complexities of sports management and the human elements that influence player success. The conversation also touches on the business aspects of basketball and the future of audacious strategies in sports management.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Yaron:Twitter: x.com/YaronWeitzmanBuy "Tanking to the Top": amzn.to/4h1eNWbConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

In this engaging conversation, David Fales shares his journey from an under-recruited high school player to a successful quarterback at San Jose State and his experiences in the NFL. He discusses the challenges of quarterback recruitment, the importance of organizational fit, and the influence of great quarterbacks like Drew Brees on his game. Fales emphasizes the multifaceted nature of quarterback success, highlighting the need for strong support systems and the right coaching environments. He reflects on the emotional toll of being cut and signed multiple times, the importance of preparation, and the mental health aspects of being a high-performing athlete. David also discusses the home field advantage cold weather teams have, his training camp experiences in Miami, and insights into notable quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, Jay Cutler, and Sam Darnold. Lastly, Fales highlights the importance of being in the right situation for success and the often unseen factors that contribute to a player's career trajectory.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with David:Instagram: instagram.com/fales10/Twitter: x.com/DavidFalesConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

He's an Olympic Gold Medalist, world champion, and huge fan of Ikea and the Vancouver Canucks. Jerome Blake is carving his own unique path through the world of track and field while simultaneously trying to reinvigorate its popularity. In this episode of the Victory Degree podcast, Olympic gold medalist Jerome Blake shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Jamaica to becoming a professional athlete in Canada. He discusses the cultural differences he faced when moving to Canada, his discovery of sprinting, and the mental preparation required for high-stakes competitions. Jerome emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the unique aspects of track and field that keep him motivated. Blake also reflects on the emotional aftermath of winning a gold medal and the challenges of athlete popularity in track and field including the need for disruption in track and field, drawing parallels with the LIV Golf model. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sports to engage audiences and market athletes effectively.Other 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/3AcnX21Connect with Jerome:Instagram: instagram.com/_jeromeblake/Twitter: x.com/_JeromeblakeConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree