The Victory Degree

Hello party people, welcome back to the show! 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 the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. Today’s guest is Andy Holloway- host of The Fantasy Footballers, a podcast which has been nominated for or won more than 40 industry and podcasting awards and is one of the largest sports podcasts in the world. Andy, alongside his co-hosts Jason Moore and Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright break down the world of Fantasy Football with astute analysis, strong opinions, and matchup-winning advice you can’t find anywhere else. It is truly fantasy football at its finest. In this interview, Andy and I cover how The Fantasy Footballers started, the exact methods and tactics Andy and his co-hosts used to grow the podcast, Andy’s advice for all entrepreneurs including: the importance of focus, looking for signals, the role luck plays in success, and how to deal with your harshest critics. Andy also breaks down podcasting as a business and if you should start one today. As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode and please remember: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take….TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(03:53) Early Days of Fantasy Sports(6:07) Leaving Tech for Podcasting(09:51) Viewing the Podcast as a Business(11:54) Monetization(16:49) Starting Broad vs. Niche(20:23) Future of Podcasting(26:31) Looking for Early Signals(31:55) Knowing When to Quit(34:55) The Importance of Staying Focused(41:03) Disagreements With Jason & Mike(43:49) What is Andy's Why?(46:00) Is a Podcast a Sellable Asset?(48:17) Enjoying the Day-to-Day(50:20) Andy's Daily Routine(54:47) Downsides to Andy's Job(57:43) Dealing with Criticism as a Public Figure(01:05:21) What Fatherhood Has Taught Andy(01:09:40) Learning From Athletes(01:12:20) The Role of Luck and Timing in Success(01:17:39) Life Advice & What's Next for The Fantasy FootballersConnect with Andy: Twitter: https://x.com/andyhollowayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyholloway/The Fantasy Footballers: https://www.thefantasyfootballers.com/Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Mike Sielski - the author of "The Rise, Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality." Mike has been a sports columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer since 2013 and was formerly a reporter at The Wall Street Journal. Mike was voted the top sports columnist in 2015 by the Associated Press Sports Editors. The book explores Kobe's origins, his upbringing in Italy, his time at Lower Merion High School, the influence of Kobe's parents, particularly his father Joe Bryant, and the impact of his experiences on his mindset and self-confidence. The conversation highlights Kobe's dedication to basketball and his relentless pursuit of greatness. Nik and Mike also explore Kobe Bryant's on-court and off-court persona, his search for identity, the impact of skipping steps in his development, his decision to bypass college, the importance of winning the state championship, his desire for a big market team, the draft fiasco and his journey to the Lakers, his dedication to improvement, and the lessons from his life and legacy. Please Enjoy! TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Mike's Relationship With Jake Voracek (01:20) Inspiration to Write the Book (03:28) Research For the Book (05:49) Where is Kobe From?(08:07) How Kobe Got His Name(08:41) Joe Bryant: Kobe's Father (15:03) Kobe's Maturity and Mindset (17:24) Kobe's Time in Italy (19:00) Kobe & American Culture (20:19) Kobe's Love for Storytelling (21:57) Kobe's Lower Merion High School Career (28:05) Kobe's Self-Confidence (30:33) Kobe's On-Court and Off-Court Persona (33:00) Kobe The Intimidator (35:13) The Importance of Winning the State Championship(38:12) Bypassing College (40:44) The Draft Fiasco and Kobe's Journey to the Lakers (44:25) Do Big Market NBA Teams Have an Advantage? (45:21) After the Loss to Utah (46:51) Lessons from Kobe's Life and Legacy (47:55) Kobe's Regrets (49:49) Life Advice (53:09) Mike's Favorite Lesson from Kobe Connect with Mike: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeSielski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike.sielski/ Buy "The Rise": https://shorturl.at/adkry Connect with Nik: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Raymont Harris - a former NFL running back for the Chicago Bears. Raymont shares the challenges he faced growing up in the small town of Lorain, Ohio without a mother and the pivotal role football played in keeping him on the right path. Raymont shares his journey from starting only 7 games his entire high school career, to having an outstanding run at Ohio State, and eventually landing in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. Life after the NFL saw Raymont start a career in the mortgage business but quickly realized it wasn't for him. This lead him to starting Elite Mindset and Performance (EMP), a program designed to help you level up in life and achieve your dreams. Raymont's passion for helping others is evident and his journey is nothing short of spectacular.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(02:41) How Raymont Deals With a Birthday Close to Christmas(03:54) Growing Up Without A Mother(05:48) Football as an Escape(08:23) Dreams of Going into the NFL(10:54) Importance of Support(13:05) Early Injuries & Motivation (17:22) Ohio State vs. Michigan (19:05) Getting Drafted Into the NFL(20:49) Slim Odds(25:26) Balancing Confidence and Cockiness(28:37) Healing From Past Traumas(31:59) Regrets From the NFL(34:29) Comparison to Current NFL Running Backs(36:41) Post NFL Career(39:43) Starting Elite Mindset and Performance (EMP)(42:41) Control the Controllables(48:09) Self-Belief(51:23) Visualizing Success(54:39) Favorite Part of Running EMP(55:54) Future Goals for EMP(59:01) Comparison of NFL and Entrepreneurship(01:01:10) Life Advice(01:03:57) Advice To Younger SelfConnect with Raymont:Twitter: https://twitter.com/raymontharrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/raymont_harris/?hl=enElite Mindset & Performance: https://raymontharris.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with NFL agent Mike McCartney. Mike  has been involved in college football and the NFL as a coach, scout, and personnel executive for more than 25 years. This includes stints with the Chicago Bears as a Pro Scout and the Philadelphia Eagles as the Director of Pro Personnel. Currently, Mike works for VaynerSports and represents NFL talent like Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, and Aidan Hutchinson. Nik and Mike discuss McCartney's background in football, his transition to becoming an agent, the challenges of drafting quarterbacks in the NFL, McCartney's experience negotiating contracts for Kirk Cousins, the process of navigating free agency, and more! Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Bad Joke About Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy (02:19) "Football is Here, Goodbye Dear"(08:56) Differences Between College Football & The NFL(13:21) Why Drafting a Franchise QB Is Tough(19:23) Becoming a NFL Agent (25:13) Importance of Integrity(27:54) Recruiting New Clients(30:35) Responsibilities as an NFL Agent(33:12) Negotiating Kirk Cousins' Falcons Contract(34:49) Navigating Free Agency(43:27) Do Players Care About the City They Play In?(47:22) Understanding NFL Contracts(55:08) Predicting The Future QB Market(58:39) Insights into Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, and Aiden Hutchinson(01:02:03) Life AdviceConnect with Mike:Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeMcCartney7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_mikemac/Spotrac: https://www.spotrac.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Malcolm Lemmons, a former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from a life-changing car accident to playing basketball overseas and building his personal brand. He emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, taking risks, and understanding that greatness takes time. Malcolm also highlights the significance of building a brand for athletes, as it can provide opportunities and leverage during and after their sports careers. Malcolm's journey is one worth paying attention to and his insights into brand building are exceptional. TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(01:02) The Car Accident(07:01) Choosing Basketball(18:03) Playing in Japan(24:35) Lessons from Basketball(36:11) Why Should Athletes Build a Brand?(38:00) Working At Apple(40:35) Brand Perception(41:56) Balancing Viral Content and Value(44:12) Athletes as Role Models(47:31) Athlete-Led Podcasts(49:54) Examples of Good Brands(52:40) Starting Vetted Sports & Newsletters(56:38) Timing of Entrepreneurship for Athletes(59:31) Business Mentors(01:01:13) Challenges Growing a Newsletter(01:03:36) Life Advice(01:07:16) Finding Your PassionConnect with Malcolm:Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalcolmLemmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmlemmons/Vetted Sports: https://newsletter.vettedsports.com/Twitter Thread: https://x.com/MalcolmLemmons/status/1635263423297773569Buy "Impact Beyond the Game": https://shorturl.at/goxENBuy "Lessons From the Game": https://shorturl.at/wEOW1Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Jason McIntyre: the cohost of The Herd With Colin Cowherd, sports analyst at Fox Sports, founder of The Big Lead, and host of The Straight Fire Podcast. Jason shares his experience building and selling a sports media company, his take on the future of sports media, and key frameworks and advice you can implement to find success in whatever you do. Jason also gives us a behind the scenes look at The Herd and his relationship with Colin Cowherd.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Jason's Early Love for Sports(05:35) The Big Lead(09:10) Importance of Timing(13:00) Adversity(18:05) Conquering Fear(20:56) Discovering Your Own Potential(23:50) Advice From Athletes(27:22) The Herd With Colin Cowherd(31:30) Future of Sports Media(34:30) Jason's Life AdviceConnect with Jason:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonrmcintyre/Straight Fire Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-fire-with-jason-mcintyre/id1523353907Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Sean Clifford, the backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers and founder of Limitless NIL. In this conversation, Sean Clifford discusses his journey to the NFL, the culture of the Green Bay Packers, the impact of role models, the growth of Jordan Love, his entrepreneurship ventures, and the lessons he learned from football that he applies to business. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) High School Sean(02:59) From Long Snapper to Quarterback(08:38) Preparation & Luck(11:26) Penn State(13:50) Death Threats(18:49) Criticism (23:18) NFL Draft (31:35) Family (35:12) Green Bay Packers' Culture(38:33) Aaron Rodgers(40:46) Role Models(44:04) Jordan Love (47:08) 49ers Own the Packers(48:07) Entrepreneurship & Starting Limitless NIL(53:51) Lessons Learned from Football(57:06) Ji'Ayir Brown(01:01:06) Life Advice

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Ben Brewster - a former draft pick of the Chicago White Sox and current founder & CEO of Tread Athletics. Ben shares his underdog journey from fighting for a roster spot on the White Sox to starting one of the largest baseball coaching & performance companies in the world. Learn the secret strategies & tactics Ben used to grow Tread Athletics, why so many baseball prospects don't fulfill their potential, and a breakdown of the top pitchers in the MLB.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(01:41) Who Is Ben Brewster?(10:30) Ben Gives a Masterclass in Pitching(13:30) How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others(20:29) Everyone Starts As a Beginner(23:50) Getting Drafted into the MLB & Starting a Company (29:29) MLB Draft Process Explained(32:45) What It's Like Playing in the MLB & Why Most MLB Players Don't Make It(44:13) Why Ben Decided to Start Tread Athletics (56:56) The Impact of COVID on Tread Athletics(59:36) Was Ben Surprised by His Success?(01:02:39) Ben's Social Media Strategy (01:11:52) Mechanical Breakdown of the Best Pitchers in the MLB(01:19:38) Mental Preparation for Pitchers(01:29:07) Is Baseball a Dying Sport?(01:31:29) Ben's Life AdviceConnect with Ben Brewster:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreadAthleticsTread Athletics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreadHQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tread_athletics/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@treadathleticsTread Athletics: https://treadathletics.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Marcellus Wiley - a former star Defensive End in the NFL, father, CEO, and sports media personality. Marcellus shares his journey from growing up in South Central LA and how it shaped his perspective on life to the decision to attend Columbia University and ultimately his experience playing professional football in the NFL. Marcellus's journey is one of success and failure, pain and joy, and family. My hope is you learn as much from listening to Marcellus as I did from interviewing him. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Defensive End, Sports Broadcaster, Father, CEO - Marcellus Wiley(00:35) Impact of Fatherhood(01:48) Growing Up in South Central LA & A Run In With the Crips(04:12) The Importance of Perseverance(07:24) Influence of Marcellus' Grandmother(10:57) Taking Football Seriously(13:30)The Significance of Playing Against #27(16:54) Why Marcellus Chose Columbia(20:13) Noise Complaints at Columbia(23:49) What Columbia Taught Marcellus(27:21) The Beauty Pagent at the NFL Draft Combine(30:39) Initial Reaction After Getting Drafted (33:53) Thoughts on Buffalo as a City(38:46) First "Oh Sh*T" Moment in the NFL(41:10) Learning Pass Rush Techniques From the Vets(42:46) Stealing Bruce Smith's Shoes(45:51) Free Agency and Signing with the Chargers(51:22) The Impact of Junior Seau(53:46) Health Effects of Football(56:57) How Max Kellerman Saved Marcellus's Wife(59:36) The Four Corners of a Football Career(01:02:08) Life AdviceConnect with Marcellus Wiley:Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcelluswileyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelluswileyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcelluswileydatdudeProject Transition: https://projecttransition.org/Buy "Never Shut Up": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/572553/never-shut-up-by-marcellus-wiley/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Dan Jansen, a  four-time Olympian, seven-time World Cup Champion, and Olympic gold medalist in speed skating. Dan's story starts in Wisconsin, where he quickly picked up the sport of speed skating and set world records at the age of 16. However, tragedy struck Dan and his family as his beloved sister, Jane, tragically passed away right before the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Dan contemplated retiring but decided to keep competing as that's what his sister would have wanted him to do. Dan's performance in the 1988 & 1992 Winter Olympics earned him the nickname "Heartbreak Kid" as Dan often times slipped during his races and finished with sub-par results. However, with the support of an entire country, including President Reagan, Dan triumphed at the 1994 Olympics, winning a gold medal and setting a new world record in what would be his final race. Dan Jansen's story has inspired and touched the hearts of millions of Americans, and I hope it inspires you today as you navigate your own journey. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Dan's Childhood(01:49) Lessons Learned From Siblings(03:58) Balancing Confidence and Humility(06:31) Dan's Role Models Growing Up & Finding Speed Skating(09:39) Setting World Records at 16(10:27) What Does a Speed Skating Practice Look Like?(14:12) What Was Dan's Motivation to Become the Best?(17:32) Dreaming of the Olympics(18:51) First Impressions of the Olympics(22:06) Preparing for the 88' Olympics(26:19) How Dan Dealt With the Tragic Passing of his Sister(34:15) Debating Retirement(39:41) Meeting Ronald Reagan and White House Visit(42:36) The Influence of Peter Mueller & Dr. Jim Loehr and the Power of Self-Belief(49:17) Visualizing Success(52:41) Advice for Young Athletes(54:54) The Emotions of Winning Gold(57:09) The Pressure of Winning(01:00:30) What Speed Skating Has Taught Dan About Life(01:02:49) Would You Rather Have a 1 Minute Conversation With Your Past Self or Future Self?(01:05:12) Dan's Life AdviceConnect with Dan Jansen:Twitter: https://twitter.com/danjansen94Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danjansen1994/Dan Jansen Foundation: https://www.djfoundation.org/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic