The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter

Founded with the belief that what makes a great athlete makes a great person, each week Ken interviews the brightest minds in sports performance, strength and conditioning, mental performance and wellness to understand what today's elite athletes are doing to perform at the highest levels. Through exploration of new concepts and methods he’ll seek to understand how you can apply this to reach your own athletic goals, but more importantly your potential as a person. Because although your playing days might be behind you, don’t you owe it to yourself and those who count on you to approach your role as Partner, Parent and Professional with the same commitment to greatness?

84. Joey Imbesi - Welcome to the World of Ostrich. The Sustainable, Superior Prehistoric Red Meat 09/30/2023

83. Justin A Williams - The Host of the Trend Podcast, Professor, Editorial Director at the New York Trend 07/29/2022

82. George Mumford - “Phil Jackson’s Secret Weapon”. Creating Flow States, Approaching Adversity and Elevating Your Performance with Mindfulness Expert George Mumford 07/21/2022

82. George Mumford - “Phil Jackson’s Secret Weapon”. Creating Flow States, Approaching Adversity and Elevating Your Performance with Mindfulness Expert George Mumford George Mumford is the guy you bring in to help the best athletes in the world from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant elevate their mental game. Well, at least if you're Phil Jackson. George is a Giant in the world of mental performance coaching and has worked with some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game of basketball. He is also the author of “The Mindful Athlete - Secrets to Pure Performance” and has worked with athletes and individuals all over the world to help them improve their performance and increase their quality of life. In today’s show George does not let us down. He explains why he reads the same book multiple times and how we are in a constant state of change. George talks about his background and own challenges that uniquely led him to becoming the mental performance coach to NBA legends. Discusses the importance of perspective and imagination when faced with adversity. Gives a brief introduction to mindfulness and the 5 super powers. His approach to helping elite athletes find the next level of performance. How to prepare yourself to find your flow state. The relationship between challenge and growth. Finally leaves us with some wise words on the importance of meaningful work. Support the Show with Patreon: Chapters: 0:00 - Why Reading the Same Book Teaches you something new - Constant Change 4:53 - George’s Background 11:00 - Adversity and perspective - viewing obstacles as stepping stones 15:00 - Lessons from Michael Jordan on responding to adversity 21:00 - George’s definition of Mindfulness and the 5 superpowers 25:00 - George’s approach to training elite athletes and finding the next level 36:00: - How to prepare yourself to be in a flow state 42:00 - Growth and challenging oneself to push your boundaries and reach your potential 48:00 - Meaningful work Mentioned in Today’s Show: George’s Book: Follow George Mumford: Website - https://georgemumford.com/ Social: @george.mumford For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: Website: YouTube: Ken Gunter Facebook: Audio recorded with SquadCast: Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany /episode/index/show/professionalathletepodcast/id/23812622

81. Bobby Holland Hanton - From James Bond to Thor. The Stunt Man behind cinema’s most iconic action scenes is just getting started 07/14/2022

81. Bobby Holland Hanton - From James Bond to Thor. The Stunt Man behind cinema’s most iconic action scenes is just getting started Thor Love and Thunder. Extraction. James Bond. You know the movies, now meet the stunt man who brings the iconic action scenes to life. Bobby Holland Hanton is the most in-demand stuntman in Hollywood. He’s stepped in to take the hits and execute the impossible for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and today works in close partnership with Chris Hemsworth and team on a number of projects spanning both film and fitness. If that wasn’t enough, Bobby has added the title of Author to his resume with the publishing of his first children’s book, “The Adventures of Eddie and Flip Boy”. In today’s show Bobby talks about his break neck filming schedule and making the most of the opportunity. He takes us behind the scenes for the real time decisions that lead to some of his most iconic stunts. Discusses training and the physical preparation that goes into preparing for a role. Talks about his work with Chris Hemsworth and why that partnership is so unique. How aging has changed his approach. What it takes to become a stunt man. The writing of his first Children’s book and his future projects to look out for. Support the Show with Patreon: Chapters: 0:00 The action packed schedule of the in-demand stunt man 11:00 - Behind the scenes of iconic Extraction and Avengers stunts 15:00 - Training, preparation and recovery required of today’s stunt actors 22:00 - Unique partnership with Chris Hemsworth 24:00 - Longevity and how age impacts atheltic performance 30:00 : what it takes to become a stunt man in today’s age 35:00: Bobby’s first children’s book and the importance of inspiring kids today 47:00 - Bobby’s approach to mastering his busy schedule 52:00 - Acting, Harry Potter and future projects Mentioned in Today’s Show: Bobby’s Book: Follow Bobby Holland Hanton: website - Social: For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: Website: YouTube: Ken Gunter Facebook: Audio recorded with SquadCast: Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany /episode/index/show/professionalathletepodcast/id/23740610

80. Dr. Chris Winter - Relax, Sleep is Only a Matter of Life and Death With the Author of the Sleep Solution 07/06/2022

79. Dr. Todd Kashdan - Ted Lasso or Bob Knight? Motivation, Resilience and the Art of Insubordination with the founder of The Well-Being Lab 06/29/2022

79. Dr. Todd Kashdan - Ted Lasso or Bob Knight? Motivation, Resilience and the Art of Insubordination with the founder of The Well-Being Lab If you’re listening, Dr. Todd Kashdan hopes you disagree (at least with something). Dr. Kashdan is a leading expert on the psychology of well-being, curiosity, mental flexibility and social relationships. He is currently a Professor of Psychology and founder of the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University. He is an author of five books, including his most recent “The Art of Insubordination: How to dissent and defy effectively”. In today’s episode Dr. Kashdan discusses why most “rebels” are not effective. The importance of Divergent Thinking. The need to instill fortitude in young athletes and the case for constructive coaching. Lessons learned in motivation from Phil Jackson to Bob Knight. What is principled insubordination and the right way to create change. Why your small talk is terrible and the reason you should embrace emotionally uncomfortable experiences. Support the Show with Patreon: Chapters: 0:00 - No shortage of rebels, but are they effective? 8:00 - The importance of Divergent Thinking 11:00 - Fortitude - Ted Lasso or Bob Knight 18:00 - The case for constructive feedback 22:00 - How great coaches motivate their players 24:00 - Principled Insubordination - what today’s activists are getting wrong 30:00- What activists can learn from the gay rights movement 35:00 - Manipulation and the strategic path to progress and consideration of your enemy 44:00 - Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman 46:00 - Relationship between curiosity and intelligence 55:00 - stop having small talk and key to great questions 1:03 - embrace emotionally uncomfortable experiences 1:08 - awareness of your own biases and limitations Mentioned in Today’s Show: Books by Dr. Kashdan: Other books mentioned: - By Pete Carroll Rayden’s story: Follow Dr. Kashdan website - https://toddkashdan.com/ Twitter: @toddkashdan For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: Website: YouTube: Ken Gunter Facebook: Audio recorded with SquadCast: Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany /episode/index/show/professionalathletepodcast/id/23574776

78. Justin Wren - The MMA Fighter Leading the Fight for the Forgotten 06/14/2022

78. Justin Wren - The MMA Fighter Leading the Fight for the Forgotten Justin Wren has turned his pain into purpose. A professional MMA fighter who has competed in the UFC and currently competes in Bellator. He is also the founder of The Fight for the Forgotten Charity, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to defending the weak and empowering the voiceless. No stranger to adversity, Justin and the Fight for the Forgotten team have set out to support displaced indegenous peoples of West Africa as well as address the mental and emotional health of at-risk youth through bullying prevention and character development. In today’s episode Justin shares what inspired him to start Fight for the Forgotten. Explains the plight of the Pygmy people in West Africa. Talks about one special young man’s story who rallied millions to stand up to bullying. His approach to creating lasting change amidst immense hatred. Finding empathy in impossible situations. The complexity of serving impoverished communities. Chapters: 0:00 - Inspiration for Fight for the Forgotten anti-bullying & Rayden’s story 5:30 - “Endangered People” - The Pygmy people of Africa 9:00 - Justin’s new purpose for fighting 14:00 - Modern Day slavery and the plight of the Pygmy people 18:00 - How do you empower lasting change in 3rd world countries? 23:00 - Finding a way to empathize with the oppressor 33:00- Fight for the Forgotten’s work in Uganda 35:00 - The Overcome Podcast and Justin’s story 41:00 - The fight of life, addiction, PTSD, suicide attempts and healing 45:00 - “Building the Plane while flying it” - Life as an Entrepreneur in a field with limitless possibilities Mentioned in Today’s Show: Rayden’s story: Follow Justin Wren: Fight for the Forgotten - https://fightfortheforgotten.org/ Justin Wren Instagram: Podcast: For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: Website: YouTube: Ken Gunter Facebook: Audio recorded with SquadCast: Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany /episode/index/show/professionalathletepodcast/id/23418662

77. Dr. Jonathan Scheiman - Decoding the Microbiome of Elite Athletes to Improve Your Performance with the Founder of Fitbiomics 06/07/2022

77. Dr. Jonathan Scheiman - Decoding the Microbiome of Elite Athletes to Improve Your Performance with the Founder of Fitbiomics If it was once science fiction, it’s not any longer. Meet the former college basketball player and Big East Champion turned Biological Engineer who is on a mission to use the gut bacteria from Elite Athletes to help you improve your own performance. Dr. Jonathan Scheiman is a graduate of the prestigious Wyss Institute at Harvard and the founder of Fitbiomics and is revolutionizing the way we understand and apply the gut bacteria that make up the microbiome to improve human performance. In today’s episode Dr. Jonathan provides an introduction to the function of the microbiome and the role of gut bacteria. How he went from basketball player at St. Johns to a scientist in the field of Genomics and Bio-engineering. How introducing probiotics can enhance human performance across in sport and beyond. An introduction to Nella by Fitbiomics and how the maiden product is the first in a line of offerings meant to decode and recode human health via the microbiome. The role sports and culture play in creating acceptance to new ideas and how Fitbiomics intends to use both as a means to democratize education to elite athletes and broader public. Lastly, what it’s like to “build a plane while flying” in a cutting edge field and a sneak peak at some of the revolutionary follow up products that are in the pipeline. Chapters: 0:00 - Jon’s Athletic Background - Big East Champion to Biological Engineering at Harvard 4:00 - How John became drawn to the Genomics and the Microbiome 6:00 - Introduction to the Microbiome and the role it plays 9:00 - Impact of transplanting microbiome from one individual to another 11:15 - Bodily functions the Microbiome can improve 15:00 - Definition and benefits of probiotics 21:40 - Introduction to Nella - decoding and recoding human health through the Microbiome 23:00 - Improve endurance performance with Veillonella. How advantageous bacteria propogate 30:00- the need to educate world class athletes and general public about impact of Gut health 34:00 - Creating Accessibility through Pop Culture and Sports - Democratizing Access 41:00 - From “Be like Mike” to “What’s going on with Mike’s biology” 45:00 - “Building the Plane while flying it” - Life as an Entrepreneur in a field with limitless possibilities Follow Dr. Jonathan Scheiman: Nella by Fitbiomics Website - Nella Instagram: For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: Website: YouTube: Ken Gunter Facebook: Audio recorded with SquadCast: Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany /episode/index/show/professionalathletepodcast/id/23349734

76. Prof Guy Leschziner - Sleep Driving Motorcycles and The Man Who Tasted Words 05/31/2022

76. Prof Guy Leschziner - Sleep Driving Motorcycles and The Man Who Tasted Words Have trouble sleeping? Prof. Guy Leschziner is one of the world’s foremost experts on sleep and sleep disorders. A neurologist within the Department of Neurology and Sleep Disorder Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals among other London based hospitals and is the clinical lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre, Guy’s Hospital, one of Europe’s largest sleep units. He’s been featured in radio and television and has created multiple series in partnership with the BBC. He’s also the author of The Nocturnal Brain and his most recent book The Man who Tasted Words. In today’s episode Professor Leschziner explains the role of a neurologist and explains the wide breadth of diseases and conditions that fall within his purview. We dive deep into a range of common and not-so common sleep disorders. Dr. Leschziner details some of the most interesting and challenging cases he’s encountered over the years. His method of diagnosis and why a Neurologist is at times as much scientist as detective. What happens to the brain when we sleep and common and not so common examples of areas of the brain being awake during sleep. The role medication plays in his own practice and his thoughts on those who use various forms of self medication. Professor Leschziner’s Books: “The Man Who Tasted Words: A Neurologist Explores the Strange and Startling World of Our Senses” “The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience, and the Secret World of Sleep” Follow Prof. Guy Leschziner: Website - For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: Website: YouTube: Ken Gunter Facebook: Audio recorded with SquadCast: Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany /episode/index/show/professionalathletepodcast/id/23274701

75. Ari Tulla - Smart Nutrition: How Technology and Big Data is Changing Nutrition and Revolutionizing Your Health 05/17/2022

74. Dr. Morgan Levine - Reversing your Biological Age. Cutting Edge Aging & Longevity Research with the Author of True Age 05/10/2022

73. Jamie Gabel - Using Peptides to Increase Growth Hormone, Improve Performance & Enhance Cellular Function with the Co-Founder of Advitam 05/03/2022

72. Dr. Michael Breus - The Sleep Doctor 04/26/2022

71. Dr. Michael Collins - The Truth about Concussions and Recovery with the Clinical & Exec. Director of UPMC's Sports Medicine Concussion Program 04/19/2022

70. Jordan Norwood - The Super Bowl Champion Bringing Integrity to NFTs 04/12/2022

69. Dr. Mike Israetel - How to Build and Maintain Muscle with the Co-Founder of Renaissance Periodization 04/05/2022

68. Patrick McKeown - The Oxygen Advantage - Breathing Re-Education Expert 03/29/2022

67. Gilad Jacobs - Democratizing Access to Elite Recovery w/ HyperIce Chief Innovation Officer 03/22/2022

66. Ken and Sonia - Where’ve you been and what’ve you been eating? 03/15/2022

65. Noah Savage - ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Comedian 08/05/2021

64. Train Like Your Life Depends On It 07/15/2021

63. Dr. Don Wood - Inspired Performance Institute 07/06/2021

62. Dr. Andrew Steele - Author of “Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old” 05/25/2021

61. Chris Barnard - Overtime Athletes Founder, Elite Vertical Academy 05/18/2021

60. Zach Bitter - Elite Ultra Marathon Runner, Human Performance Outliers Podcast 05/11/2021

59. Ken attempts to break a pull up world record… and fails 04/28/2021

58. Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr - The Fittest Woman on Earth. 4X CrossFit Games Champion, 2016 Olympian, 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Weightlifting, Bobsledder 04/14/2021

57. Devon Levesque - Bear Crawl Marathon, DML Holdings Founder 04/06/2021

57. Devon Levesque - Bear Crawl Marathon, DML Holdings Founder Meet the man who bear crawled the NYC Marathon. Yes, you read that correctly. This winter in below freezing weather Devon Levesque began the incredible athletic feat of physical and mental endurance in Brooklyn on the evening of October 30th and finished 20 hours and 48 minutes later that next day in NYC’s Central park to complete the unthinkable 26.2 mile crawl on all fours. An athlete, fitness expert, investor and founder of DML Holdings Devon set out to accomplish the “impossible” feat to raise awareness for veteran mental health and the subsequent increase in suicides that has tragically taken the lives of too many of our military veterans upon leaving the service. In today’s show Devon opens up about the internal and external motivation that drove him to attempt the unthinkable feat. What it took to train for an event that had never been attempted before. Discusses the need to prioritize sleep, recovery and listening to your body. He opens up about the physical side effects that occurred from the uncommon physical demands bear crawling places on the body. He reveals how he meticulously planned the marathon and how he executed on race day. Looking forward we talk about what Devon does for recovery, the future of mushrooms for mental and physical well-being and get a teaser for his next extreme fitness challenge. Mentioned In the Show: FitOps Organization: Books: “How To Change Your Mind” by Michael Pollan “Stealing Fire: How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work” - By: Steven Kotler Follow Devon: Instagram: YouTube: Website: DML Holdings Website: Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: Website: YouTube: Ken Gunter Facebook: Audio recorded with SquadCast: Produced By: Justin Gunter, Ken Gunter Music By: Justin Gunter, Ken Gunter /episode/index/show/professionalathletepodcast/id/18618410

56. Ray “Cash” Care - Navy SEAL Veteran, Founder of CONQUER, Actor 03/30/2021

55. Raquel Rodriguez - Midfielder for Costa Rican Women’s National Team, Portland Thorns FC 03/23/2021

The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter

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