Focus, Faith, and Fueling: The Winning Edge Podcast

Season 4 - Episode 1: Full Court Press, What it Takes to Make it as a College Athlete with Ginny Boggess

What does it take to go from starring on the court to shaping the next generation of players from the sideline? In this episode, former high school basketball standout turned college coach Ginny Boggess pulls back the curtain on the world of college basketball — the recruiting grind, the pressure of athlete development, and how the game itself is changing faster than ever. Whether you're a player dreaming of a college career, a parent trying to navigate the recruiting process, or a coach looking for a fresh perspective, Ginny's journey offers hard-won lessons and an honest look at what it really takes to compete and succeed at the college level. --

Season 3- Episode 8: Beyond the Shot: How GLP-1 Is Rewriting the Rules of Obesity With Dr. James Hill

GLP-1 medications have changed the conversation aroundweight loss — but the shot is only the beginning. In this episode, Dr. James Hill, one of the world's leading obesity researchers with over 40 years in the field, breaks down why weight management is far more complex than calories in,calories out. Dr. Hill unpacks how biology actively works against weightloss — from metabolic set points to hormonal signals that drive hunger and fat storage — and why understanding your biology is the first step to lasting change. He then walks through the three pillars of long-term weight maintenancethat apply whether you're on GLP-1 medications or not: nutrition quality, consistent physical activity, and behavioral consistency. Exercise takes center stage as more than just acalorie-burning tool. Dr. Hill explains its critical role in preserving muscle mass during weight loss and why it becomes even more essential for people usingGLP-1s to prevent rebound after stopping medication. Sleep gets equal billing — poor sleep quietly undermines every other effort by disrupting hunger hormones and metabolic function. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Hill addresses the mindsetshift required to move from short-term weight loss to lifelong maintenance — and why so many people fail to make that transition even after significant success on medication. If you've ever wondered what it truly takes to keep weightoff for good, this episode gives you the science and the roadmap.

Season 3- Episode 7: More Than the Scale: Recognizing Eating Disorders in Young Athletes Before It's Too Late with Mandy Tyler

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mandy Tyler, a sports dietitian for the San Antonio Spurs and co-author of the 7th edition of the renowned Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook, to tackle one of the most under-discussed yet critical issues in youth sports — eating disorders. As the pressure to perform, look a certain way, and "make weight" continues to rise, young athletes are increasingly vulnerable to disordered eating patterns that can derail both their health and their athletic careers. Mandy breaks down the warning signs parents, coaches, and athletic staff should never ignore . From restrictive eating and obsessive food behaviors to dramatic weight fluctuations and declining performance. Mandy explains how the culture of sport itself can unintentionally fuel disordered eating, and why athletes are often the last ones to recognize a problem in themselves. We explore the concept of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and why fueling adequately isn't just about performance, but long-term health, bone density, hormonal balance, and mental well-being. Mandy also shares practical strategies for how parents and coaches can open conversations about food and body image without adding pressure or shame. Whether you're a parent on the sidelines, a coach in the locker room, or an athlete yourself, this episode gives you the tools to build a healthier, more supportive sports environment. One where young athletes can fuel to thrive, not just survive.

Season 3 - Episode 6: Protein: The Power Player — What’s New, What’s True, and Why It Matters with Kristen Hicks-Roof

In this episode host Stacy Bates sits down with guest Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof, RD, PhD, host of the Nutrition Communications Podcast, to unpack how our understanding of protein is changing across all life stages. They break down the new Dietary Guidelines for protein, what “protein quality” really means, and why getting enough—at the right times—matters for muscle maintenance, recovery, and healthy aging. Together, they dig into the differences between animal and plant proteins, how protein influences fullness, appetite hormones, and metabolism, and why spacing protein throughout the day can support energy, performance, and body composition. Stacy and Kristen also tackle listener-favorite questions on protein powders, “too much protein,” bedtime snacks, and simple ways to boost protein with realistic meal-prep and snack strategies. Throughout the conversation, they challenge long-standing nutrition myths and highlight practical, science-backed steps anyone can use to build a more protein-forward plate.

Season 3 - Episode 5: RED-S, Energy Deficiency & Nutrition: Protecting Young Athletes’ Health and Performance with Rebecca McConville

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked challenges in youth sports—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)—and its impact on health, growth, and performance. Our hosts break down how energy imbalance occurs when young athletes don’t fuel enough to match their training demands, leading to hormonal disruption, fatigue, and reduced performance. Listeners will learn how to recognize early warning signs of low energy availability, why proper fueling and recovery are essential, and how parents and coaches can play a powerful role in preventing RED-S. The discussion also explores the influence of social media and diet culture on young athletes’ eating habits and highlights the importance of personalized nutrition plans tailored to an athlete’s unique needs. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete yourself, this episode offers practical strategies to support long-term health, optimal performance, and a positive relationship with food. Key Topics: RED-S, energy deficiency, young athletes, performance, eating disorders, nutrition, sports dietetics, health, parents, coaches