Ep. 12 - “Youth Sports Evolution”
In this episode, Michael Pruchniewski and Joey Kang dig into what’s really driving the pressures in youth sports today. Joey - drawing on his own athletic journey and his work as a mental performance consultant - breaks down how early specialization, identity pressure, and shifting expectations are reshaping the youth sports landscape. Their conversation highlights why young athletes need more than reps and training plans; they need space to develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of self beyond the game. It’s a timely look at how parents and coaches can help kids build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with sports.
Ep. 11 - “Nikita’s Journey: Empowering Athletes”
What does it take to build a successful career in sports - from a young athlete in Russia to leading a sports management firm? In this episode, Nikita shares his journey from professional hockey player to founder of Kash Sports Management, offering a rare inside look at the mindset and discipline behind athletic success. He dives into the role of data, communication, and education in helping athletes navigate their careers - while revealing how balance, preparation, and curiosity can separate good players from great ones.
Ep. 10 - “Unlocking Sports Science”
From Australia to the NBA and NHL, Jesse Green has built a career at the intersection of sports science and data. In this episode, he shares how the field has evolved across collegiate and professional sports, why communication is as critical as data itself, and what young professionals can learn about curiosity, context, and balance in performance.
Ep. 9 - "Time Literacy: The Secret Advantage of Young Athletes"
What if the chaos of youth sports could actually bring families closer together? Michael Pruchniewski sits down with Zoya Lehrer, founder of Orgo, to explore how smarter scheduling and better time literacy can turn overwhelm into opportunity. Zoya shares her unexpected journey from banking to building a tech platform designed to help families manage the nonstop pace of practices, games, and travel. Together, they unpack how teamwork, communication, and data-driven organization can make youth sports more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Ep. 8 - “From Sheffield to San Diego: A Journey in Soccer Performance”
Ever wondered what it takes to build an elite soccer player in the modern era?
In this interview, host Michael Pruchniewski sits down with Luke Jenkinson, the Performance Director at San Diego FC, to pull back the curtain on high-level player development. Luke, a veteran of both the American and English soccer scenes, offers a fascinating, side-by-side comparison of how talent is nurtured and refined in the two countries.
Ep. 7 - “Balancing Art and Science in Fantasy Football”
Michael Pruchniewski sits down with data enthusiast and fantasy football player Jason Aucone to explore how data and intuition intersect in sports. Jason shares the story behind his KISS model for fantasy football, lessons from his journey in sports analytics, and how he sees AI shaping the field’s future. The conversation blends technical insight with personal stories, which includies an unexpected run-in with Adam Sandler.
Ep. 6 - “Fueling Success: Nutrition in Elite Football”
What does it take to fuel a Premier League team for peak performance? Michael Pruchniewski sits down with Wee Lun Foo, Performance Nutritionist at Tottenham Hotspur, to explore how data, discipline, and communication drive elite performance on and off the pitch. Wee Lun shares his remarkable journey from Malaysia to the Premier League, revealing the daily realities of supporting world-class players through nutrition and hydration. The conversation dives deep into the power of mastering the basics, building trust within multidisciplinary teams, and translating complex data into actionable insights that truly move performance forward.
Ep. 5 - “Stories in Data”
How does a Premier League club like AFC Bournemouth use data to score off the pitch? Michael Pruchniewski sits down with Rich to explore the intersection of data and sports. Rich shares his unique career pivot from financial services, emphasizing the importance of values alignment and agility in the sports business. You'll discover how AFC Bournemouth leverages data to drive crucial business decisions, understand fan engagement, and unearth the compelling human stories hidden within the numbers. The discussion also looks to the future, covering the role of AI and the absolute necessity of keeping the human element at the core of data interpretation.
Ep. 4 - “From J-League to Future Data Scientist”
In this episode, we sit down with Taketo Horigome who is a rising junior at the University of Colorado at Boulder to discuss his experience pursuing a career in data science in the sports industry. He shares his journey from overcoming multiple injuries as a youth player to playing at a J-League Academy and even making it to the U-16 National Team for Japan. He discusses how he used his understanding of data in soccer and passion for sport to pursue his new dream.
Ep. 3 - “Advice for Starting a Data-Driven Sports Project”
In this episode, we sit down with Ben from Polish Puck to explore a unique intersection of data, storytelling, and heritage in the world of Polish hockey. He shares his journey of leveraging analytics to evaluate players and grow the sport, proving that passion and cultural pride are just as crucial as the numbers.
Ep. 2 - “The Jump from High School to College Tennis”
From the tennis court to the sales floor, Jacob Bickersteth shares his journey as a former collegiate athlete, offering a unique perspective on the mental resilience required to succeed both in sports and in life. This episode dives into the pressures athletes face, the unexpected parallels between sports performance and a sales career, and the crucial role of enjoying the journey.
Ep. 1 - “Supply Chain Managing Human Performance”
Darcy Norman shares his journey in sports performance, from integrating data and supply chain principles into training to enhancing team communication and player optimization - offering practical advice for data professionals in sports.