Athletes Rewired Podcast

Becoming an NCAA Champion, Unexpected "Retirement", & Finding New Purpose

Episode 13: In this episode of Athletes Rewired, former University of Alabama swimmer and 2x NCAA Champion, Kensey McMahon opens up about her journey through swimming, the challenges surrounding her case with USADA, and the impact it had on her athletic identity. Kensey shares what she’s learned through adversity, how she’s rebuilding life beyond the pool, and what it truly means to redefine success on her own terms. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below!  Join our Instagram community⁠ ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr] Kensey’s Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/kenseymac/?hl=en]

Inside the NFL and Life After It Ends

Episode 12: In this episode of Athletes Rewired, I sit down with former NFL fullback John Conner, known to many as “The Terminator”. We dive into his journey from college to professional athlete, exploring both the highs of reaching the NFL and the difficult realities of what happens when that chapter ends. John shares what surprised him most about life after football, the challenges of rebuilding his identity beyond the game, and how he found a new sense of purpose once the stadium lights went dark. His perspective sheds light on the emotional side of transition, reminding us that success in athletics doesn’t always guarantee clarity or ease in the next phase of life. This is an honest, inspiring conversation for anyone navigating life after sport, preparing for their own transition, or simply curious about what really goes on behind the scenes in professional athletics. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below!  Join our Instagram community⁠ ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr] John’s Instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/jconner38/?hl=en] John’s PT Business HERE [https://www.instagram.com/unbreakable_lifestyle/?hl=en]

From DIII to MLB, Finding New Passions, & The Problem with Youth Sports

Episode #11: In this Episode I sit down with former MLB player Zach Lutz to talk about his journey from the big leagues to life after baseball. From his time with the New York Mets to playing overseas, Zach shares insider stories, career highs, and the lessons he’s carried off the field. Zach opens up about life after baseball and why he’s now turning his focus to something closer to home: the state of youth sports. We talk about the pressure on young athletes, burnout, and why the current system often fails the very kids it’s supposed to serve. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community⁠ ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr] Zach’s Linkedin HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-lutz-b8a61b323/]

Falling Short of Olympic Dreams, Making History in Hawaii, & A Comeback Story

Episode #10 In this episode of Athletes Rewired, I sit down with Becca Mann — 8x U.S. National Team member, 2x National Champion, and the only person to ever complete the grueling Maui Nui Channel swim. Beyond her incredible accomplishments in the water, Becca has also made waves as an author, blending her creativity and discipline from sport into writing. Becca Mann opens up about what it meant to fall short of her Olympic dreams—and how that setback became the doorway to something far greater-becoming the only person to complete the 21-hour Maui Nui Tri-Channel Crossing. Becca talks about rediscovering her love for the sport, what her comeback looks like now, and how she’s finding joy in the water again. Whether you’re an athlete, a creative, or simply someone looking for inspiration on chasing big goals, this conversation with Becca will leave you rethinking what’s possible when you follow your passion with persistence. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below!  Join our Instagram community⁠ ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr] Becca's instagram HERE [https://www.instagram.com/becca__mann?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Link to Becca's books OUTSIDE THE LANES [https://www.amazon.com/Outside-Lanes-Resilience-Reinvention-Redefining/dp/1963183118]& UNRULY [https://www.amazon.com/Unruly-Coming-Age-Dystopian-Sisters/dp/B0F3B14VXH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26NB4UGV790U2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eIL4qYjFP-abzYp-uZg-uw.XJKvSylK31F26WObFqH65-A6QCFVGfuV6tj0veCBtsU&dib_tag=se&keywords=unruly+becca+mann&qid=1755521836&s=books&sprefix=unruly+becca+mann%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-1]

Redefining Mental Toughness, Finding Your “Why” and the Power of Curiosity

Episode #9 In this episode of Athletes Rewired, Makayla sits down with former professional baseball player turned mental performance coach, Matt Phillips. Matt’s journey is anything but linear—from getting cut as a walk-on Division I athlete to earning a spot back on the team, and eventually going pro. Now, he runs Pro Athlete Advantage, a business dedicated to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, improve performance, and take ownership of their mental game. This episode dives deep into what it really means to be mentally tough—and how it’s not about pushing harder, but pausing, asking questions, and staying curious. Whether you’re still competing or transitioning out of sport, Matt shares tangible ways to reconnect with your "why" and build confidence from the inside out. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below!  Join our Instagram community⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr]  Connect with Matt HERE [https://www.instagram.com/proathleteadvantage/?hl=en]or HERE  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattphillips15/] Learn more about Pro Athlete Advantage HERE [https://www.proathleteadvantage.com/]  Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.