The Human Athlete

Building Lifelong Skills through Volleyball with Coach Jesse Tupac

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Welcome to The Human Athlete, where we explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals who have achieved excellence both on and off the field. In today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Tupac, a highly respected volleyball coach with over 20 years of experience, who has impacted the game across four continents. From coaching Division I teams to mentoring Olympians, Jesse’s story is one of resilience and adaptation—after a career-ending injury shifted his focus from playing to coaching at a remarkably young age.

We dive into Jesse’s unique upbringing in Southern California’s vibrant men’s volleyball culture, the evolution of his coaching philosophy rooted in education and motor learning, and his commitment to positive athlete development. Drawing from his experiences coaching national teams to Olympic medals and guiding youth athletes today, Jesse shares powerful insights on identity, burnout, leadership, and the lifelong skills sports can offer.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or fan, this episode offers an inspiring perspective on how sport shapes character and community. Join us as Jesse unpacks the lessons he’s learned and the impact he hopes to make—both on the court and beyond.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Beyond the Game: How Football Shaped Jeff Mack’s Success in Banking and Life

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Today, I’m joined by Jeff Mack, a former linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers who played under Barry Alvarez from 2000 to 2003. A four-year starter, team captain, All-Big Ten selection, and co-MVP of the 2002 Alamo Bowl, Jeff's athletic career laid the foundation for everything that followed.

After a brief opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings, Jeff built a successful career in banking and mortgage lending, where the lessons of football—leadership, resilience, discipline, and relationships—continued to shape his path.

In this conversation, we explore the transition out of sports, the impact of mentorship, overcoming setbacks, and what it means to lead with purpose as a business leader, husband, and father of four daughters.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Life After the Olympics: Discovering Joy, Structure, and Self-Worth Outside Athletic Arenas

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Human Athlete, two-time Olympian, national champion, and Wisconsin Badger Kelsey Ki shares her journey from a multi-sport childhood to competing on the world stage in the discus throw. Kelsey reflects on her unique athletic career, including working with the same coach from youth sports through the Olympics, and discusses the realities of competing in an Olympic sport that often requires athletes to balance training with full-time careers.

The conversation explores identity beyond sport, the transition out of competition, and the lessons Kelsey has carried into her work as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She shares her passion for mental health, body positivity, and empowering women and girls to embrace their strengths. Through stories from the Olympic stage and life beyond it, Kelsey offers insights on resilience, purpose, and building a meaningful life after sport.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Connect with Kelsey Ki: Instagram

Navigating Change and Adversity: Lessons from Former Pro Quarterback Chris Streveler

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to The Human Athlete. Today, we talk with Chris Streveler, a former professional quarterback whose path from undrafted college player to CFL standout and NFL competitor is a story of resilience and determination.

Chris reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his football career, the value of teamwork, and the lessons he’s carrying into life after the game. Now a coach and mentor, he’s dedicated to helping young quarterbacks grow as athletes and individuals.

In this candid conversation, Chris shares insights on leadership, overcoming adversity, and reaching your potential on and off the field. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or pursuing personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons on perseverance, relationships, and embracing the journey.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Connect with chris Streveler: LinkedIn

The Power of Purpose and Team: Insights from Legendary Coach Jane Albright

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to The Human Athlete, where we explore the lives and insights of extraordinary figures from the world of sports. In today’s episode, Jared sits down with legendary coach Jane Albright, whose impact on women's college basketball is both wide-reaching and deeply transformative. From her beginnings as a standout player at Appalachian State, to coaching under Pat Summitt at Tennessee, and leading the Wisconsin Badgers to some of their most successful years—including multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a WNIT championship—Jane has amassed over 500 career wins across more than three decades.

But this conversation goes far beyond stats and accolades. Jared and Jane dig into the heart of student-athlete identity, the challenges of transitioning beyond sports, and the importance of building deep, lasting relationships in coaching. Jane shares stories about her former athletes’ journeys after basketball, the power of teaching life skills through sport, and how love, joy, and personal purpose shape a meaningful career. Whether you’re an athlete navigating change, a coach, or anyone interested in the human side of sports, you’ll find inspiration and wisdom in Jane’s perspective on leadership, legacy, and the value of staying true to yourself.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Connect With Jane Albright: LinkedIn

From NFL to Entrepreneur: Alex Erickson’s Journey of Growth and Reinvention

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Jared welcomes Alex Erickson-former NFL wide receiver, Wisconsin Badger, entrepreneur, and dedicated family man for a candid conversation about life beyond the gridiron. Alex shares his inspiring journey from his small-town Wisconsin roots, through his walk-on days at UW, to carving out a nine-year professional career in one of the world’s most competitive sports environments.

Alex and Jared dig deep into the mindset and habits that defined Alex’s career, the challenges of transitioning out of pro sports, and the ongoing quest to find purpose and identity in new arenas from business ownership to fatherhood. Together, they explore the importance of perseverance, redefining success, and building a life filled with intention, gratitude, and growth.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Connect With Alex Erickson: Instagram

Beyond Performance: Keith Wilford’s Story of Adversity, Leadership and Real Connection

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to The Human Athlete podcast. Today, we sit down with Keith Wilford, a mental health and wellness educator at YSC Academy, founder of the Wilford Movement, and former All American lacrosse player at Widener University. With over 20 years of experience coaching, counseling, and mentoring student athletes, Keith helps young people grow not just in athletic performance, but as leaders navigating life with confidence and integrity.

Keith shares his journey from an introverted child with undiagnosed dyslexia to finding confidence through sports like lacrosse. He reflects on academic struggles, identity challenges, and life after competition, showing how these experiences shaped his approach to teaching, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Through his story, he highlights the importance of vulnerability, mindfulness, and meaningful connections in helping young athletes grow on and off the field.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Embracing change: Peyton Sewell’s Path from Court to Entreprenuership

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Human Athlete, host Jared Markiewicz talks with Peyton Sewell, a former Division I volleyball player at the University of North Dakota. She shares her late start in the sport, rise through competitive volleyball, and the highs and lows of collegiate athletics—including burnout, coaching changes, and losing her passion for the game.

Peyton also opens up about building a large social media following before NIL, the identity challenges that followed, and her transition out of sport. From feeling lost after graduation to co-founding Studio Vignette, her journey highlights redefining success, finding purpose, and embracing vulnerability beyond athletics.

I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

Connect with Peyton Sewell: Instagram, Facebook

Becoming Coach D: Mariah Dunham’s Path from State Star to Impactful Educator

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to The Human Athlete. In today’s episode, host Jared Markiewicz sits down with Mariah Dunham—a seasoned basketball coach, former collegiate athlete, educator, and lifelong learner. Mariah’s journey takes us from her early days as a standout high school player in Wisconsin, through earning three letters at the University of Wisconsin and starring at Northern Michigan University, to her current role impacting young athletes both on the court and in the classroom.

In this conversation, Mariah shares candid insights about her college playing days—the pressures of being a first-generation student navigating the recruiting process, the identity shift she experienced moving from the big stage of Division I to the tight-knit community of Division II, and how those turning points shaped her approach to coaching and mentoring. She opens up about the lessons learned through adversity and the power of helping others find their fit, both in sport and life.

Beyond coaching, Mariah discusses her commitment to education—currently pursuing her doctorate—and her innovative approach to teaching physical education and health. Whether it’s practical movement in the classroom or the importance of meeting students where they are, Mariah reveals how being genuine, vulnerable, and curious can change lives.

This episode is about more than sports. It’s about growth, resilience, mentorship, and the ongoing work of balancing who we are as athletes, coaches, and humans. Join us for a thoughtful, inspiring journey with Mariah Dunham on The Human Athlete.

Connect with Jared Markiewicz: Instagram, Facebook

Connect with Mariah Dunham: Instagram, Facebook

The Human Athlete: Stories of Transition From Sport to Purpose and Real Connection

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

Welcome to the debut solo episode of The Human Athlete, hosted by Jared Markiewicz! In this kickoff, Jared dives deep into the journey of elite athletes as they transition beyond the world of competitive sports and rediscover purpose, passion, and excellence in life after athletics.

Jared shares his own personal story about shifting identity—from being a hands-on coach to stepping into new roles—and how this mirrors the journey many athletes face when their playing days come to an end. Whether you’re a former athlete, someone currently grappling with major life changes, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode unpacks the universal challenges of identity, structure, and finding meaningful pursuits.

You’ll hear insights about:

Why Jared started The Human Athlete and what makes his perspective unique
The emotional and structural challenges athletes face post-career
How sporting lessons translate to success in life, business, and beyond
The importance of building community and connection after sport
The action and inspiration found in real stories—not just “talk”

If you’re ready to be inspired by stories of perseverance, reinvention, and human connection, hit play and join the journey!

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