The most iconic sportswriter in America today - Jeff Pearlman joins the pod to talk through the 02' Lakers, 90's Cowboys, and plenty of other iconic sports stories. Jeff Pearlman is an American sportswriter who has written nine books that have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list: four about football, three on baseball and two about basketball. He authored the 1999 John Rocker interview in Sports Illustrated. In this conversation, Jeff shares his unique journey as a New York Jets fan, the expectations and disappointments that come with it, and his insights into sports writing and storytelling. He reflects on Kobe Bryant's early years and his complex relationship with Shaquille O'Neal, and delves into Phil Jackson's coaching philosophy. The conversation also touches on the controversial Kings vs. Lakers 02' playoff series and rapid-fire stories about the NBA draft, Walter Payton, and the 90s Cowboys.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 Jeff:Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeff_pearlman/TikTok: tiktok.com/@jeffpearlmanauthorConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

The NFL season is at the halfway point and so it was only right to bring back Aaron Schatz to discuss his thoughts on the season thus far.  Aaron is currently the Chief Analytics Officer at FTN Fantasy and also writes for ESPN+. He has studied the world of advanced NFL stats for 20+ years, is the creator of DVOA, and votes for the All-Pro & MVP awards each year. In this conversation, Nik and Aaron delve into the current state of the NFL, focusing on the NFC Championship contenders, the impact of offensive masterminds, underperforming teams, quarterback development strategies, MVP candidates, and their Super Bowl predictions. They analyze various teams' chances of making the playoffs, the effectiveness of different coaching styles, the importance of quarterback performance in team success & analyze the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills as key contenders in the AFC, while also exploring the potential of rookie quarterbacks and the competitive landscape in the NFC.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 Aaron:Twitter: x.com/ASchatzNFLFTN Fantasy: ftnfantasy.comConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview athletes, authors, coaches, and everyone in-between to get a fresh perspective on the world of sports. Today's guest is Jason Cole - the author of "Elway: A Relentless Life."Jason Cole discusses his biography on John Elway, exploring the quarterback's early life, career challenges, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his success. Cole shares insights into the complexities of evaluating and drafting quarterbacks in the NFL, the impact of Elway's dual-sport talent, and the chaotic nature of his college career, culminating in memorable moments that defined his legacy. The discussion also touches on Elway's transition from player to executive, navigating Tebow mania and ultimately securing a Super Bowl victory with Peyton Manning. In addition, Nik and Jason discuss the complexities of NFL quarterback evaluations, John Elway's strategic decisions in building a championship team, and the intricate Hall of Fame selection process including the challenges of assessing quarterbacks like Philip Rivers and Eli Manning, highlighting the subjective nature of Hall of Fame candidacy and the impact of performance on legacy.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 Jason:Twitter: x.com/JasonCole62Buy "Elway": amzn.to/48w0VAjConnect with Nik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Mirin Fader - Mirin is the author of "Dream" - the definitive biography of Hakeem Olajuwon.It’s now the norm for NBA and collegiate teams to have international players dotting their rosters. The Olympics are no longer a gimme for Team USA. Both via fans streaming from all over the globe and leagues starting in countries throughout the world, the international presence of the game of basketball is a force to be reckoned with.That all started with Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon. He was the first international player to win the MVP, which is hard to believe now considering the last time an American‑born player won it was in 2018. Award-winning hoops journalist Mirin Fader explores this phenomenal shift through the lens of what Olajuwon accomplished throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. Dream ignites nostalgia for Phi Slama Jama and “the Dream Shake,” while also exploring the profound influence of Olajuwon’s commitment to Islam on his approach to life and basketball, and how his devotion to his faith inspired generations of Muslim people around the world.Olajuwon’s ongoing work with NBA Africa, his status as an international ambassador for the game, and his consultations with today’s brightest stars, from LeBron James to Giannis Antetokounmpo, brings the story right up to the present moment, and beyond. Synthesizing hundreds of interviews and in-depth research, Fader provides the definitive biography of Olajuwon as well as a crucial understanding of his pivotal impact on the ever-shifting game.In this interview, Mirin discusses her latest book on Hakeem Olajuwon, exploring his life, legacy, and the impact he had on basketball and his community. The discussion covers Hakeem's upbringing in Nigeria, his late start in basketball, the role of mentorship, and the challenges he faced as an international player in the NBA. Fader also delves into the controversial circumstances surrounding Hakeem's move to the University of Houston and the 1984 NBA draft, highlighting the significance of his journey and the broader implications for international players in the sport. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon, exploring his journey from the 1984 NBA Draft to his spiritual awakening and leadership evolution. The discussion highlights his unique experiences during Ramadan, his marketability challenges, and his impact on the Muslim community post-9/11. Fader shares insights from her extensive research and interviews, emphasizing Hakeem's authenticity and the importance of giving back without seeking recognition.As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…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 Mirin:Twitter: https://x.com/MirinFaderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirinfader/Website: https://mirinfader.com/Buy "Dream": amzn.to/404GMPkConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Timothy Bella - Tim is the author of his book "Barkley" - the definitive biography of Charles Barkley, exploring his early childhood, his storied NBA career, and his enduring legacy as a provocative voice in American pop culture. Timothy Bella is an author and journalist based in Northern Virginia. His first book, “Barkley,” was released in 2022 to critical acclaim. He’s written for the biggest publications in the world over the last 16 years, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Esquire, GQ, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. He left The Post in 2024 to work on his second book, write profiles and spend more time with his amazing family.“Charles is like a brother to me and there’s no one else like him. His larger-than-life persona shines through in Timothy Bella’s writing and I know this biography, of one of the world’s most entertaining people, will be enjoyed by many.”—Shaquille O'NealIn this interview, Tim & Nik discuss Tim’s latest book “Barkley.” Everything from Barkley's upbringing (including his role as a "Cake Bandit"), to his experience at Auburn, to draft day and going to the 76ers, to his playoff disappointments, and even his rivalry with Michael Jordan. This is a definitive look at Chuck's life both on and off the court. As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…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 Tim:Twitter: https://x.com/TimBellaWebsite: https://www.timothybella.com/Buy "Barkley": amzn.to/3zx9bmxConnect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Alex Hutchinson - Alex is the New York Times bestselling author of Endure, a longtime columnist for Outside covering the science of endurance, and a National Magazine Award–winning journalist who has contributed to the New York Times, The New Yorker, and other publications. A former long-distance runner for the Canadian national team, he holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia and a Ph.D. in physics from Cambridge, and he did his post-doctoral research with the National Security Agency. He lives in Toronto with his familyIn this interview, Alex reveals some hidden truths about the world of endurance and human performance including: optimal hydration levels, the importance of VO2 max and how to increase it, what really determines your endurance limits, various studies on peak human performance, and much more... As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…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 Alex:Twitter: https://x.com/sweatscience Website: https://alexhutchinson.net/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Brian Dickinson - Brian served for 6 years as a US Navy air rescue swimmer before he moved to the Pacific Northwest to pursue his passion for extreme sports and mountain climbing. He has climbed expeditions on the highest peaks of the seven continents, including Kilimanjaro, McKinley, Elbrus, Kosciuszko, Vinson Massif, Aconcagua, and Everest. He is the author of “Blind Descent”, a book that highlights Brian’s journey to the summit of Mount Everest and then his descent back down, which he did blind and alone.  In this interview, Brian and Nik discuss Brian’s experience mountain climbing, why he chose to climb Everest, the logistics of climbing Everest, the challenges involved with the summit, how he managed to climb back down blind and alone, the importance of resiliency, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…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 Brian:Twitter: https://x.com/BrianCDickinsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Ian O’Connor - Ian is the author of his sixth book, “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers.” His previous five books include four consecutive New York Times bestsellers — "Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski,” “Belichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time,” "The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter," which the Library Journal called "excellent" and "the most complete account" of Jeter's iconic career and "Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry." O'Connor is a former ESPN.com, New York Post, USA Today, and New York Daily News columnist who has finished in 1st place 20 times in national writing contests.In this interview, Ian & Nik discuss Ian’s latest book “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers.” Everything from Aaron’s upbringing to the 2005 NFL Draft to Aaron’s relationship with Brett Favre & even Aaron’s falling out with his family, this conversation sheds light on one of the more polarizing sports figures we’ve ever seen. Ian reveals all sides of an all-time great and delivers a portrait of a complex man and four-time NFL MVP that will forever shape the way football fans view him.As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…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 Ian:Twitter: https://x.com/Ian_OConnorWebsite: https://www.ian-oconnor.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is DeShone Kizer - a former NFL QB who doesn’t need much of an introduction. DeShone was a 4 star HS recruit and was ranked the 9th best dual threat QB in his class. But for DeShone, making it to the NFL wasn’t his only passion. He loved the idea of starting his own business one day which is why he ultimately chose to play at Notre Dame - a school that offered him a perfect blend of academics and athletics. DeShone was a highly touted prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft and ended up getting picked by the Cleveland Browns in the 2nd round. DeShone’s NFL career didn’t go as planned, as he struggled from the start. After a few years in the league, he decided to hang up the cleats and pursue entrepreneurship by starting his own company: One of None which he still runs today. In this interview, DeShone reveals his journey to the NFL, experience playing at Notre Dame, take us behind the scenes of the NFL Draft process, explains why he struggled in the NFL, highlights his experience playing with Aaron Rodgers, gives his best tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know. With that, let’s get to the episode…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 DeShone:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deshonekizer/Twitter: https://x.com/deshonekizerOne of None: https://oneofnone.io/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree

Welcome back to The Victory Degree Podcast! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to dive into the minds of high performers, in sports and related fields, to uncover their long road to success and the tools & strategies they picked up along the way.  Today’s guest is Eddie Lack - Eddie is a former professional NHL goalie whose playing career involved stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and New Jersey Devils. Eddie’s hockey career started in 2004 in Sweden but it took 5 grueling years for Eddie to finally make it to the NHL. Although he went undrafted in the 2009 draft, his tenacity & hard work ultimately paid off as he became both a starting goalie and fan favorite in Vancouver. Eddie’s playing days came to an end in March, 2020 as he hung up his skates one last time. Next for Eddie was a career in real estate which is what still keeps him busy nowadays. In this interview, Eddie reveals his journey to hockey, the grind of an NHL season, how he remained focused and present during a game, how he managed his money while in the NHL, the power of consistency, why goalies take longer to develop, why he chose real estate, and much more…As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. And if you do, please consider leaving a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find this episode. It helps the show more than you know.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 Eddie Lack:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddielack31/Twitter: https://x.com/eddielackWebsite: https://www.eddielack.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVictoryDegree