The Victory Degree

Tyler Webb grew up a die-hard Packers fan in Green Bay, Wisconsin — and turned that sports obsession into a 12-year career in content creation. Now he runs a sports media brand and social media agency, and he knows better than anyone what it takes to build an audience in this space. In this episode, we get into how sports content is evolving, what the creator economy looks like for the next generation, and why the sports creators who survive AI will be the ones with a perspective — not just highlights.

Connect with Tyler: 

Instagram: instagram.com/t...

Chris Streveler didn't get a single call from the NFL after college. So he went to Canada, won a championship, and forced his way into the league. Then he got cut. Then he threw game-winning touchdowns three weeks in a row without getting a single practice rep. Then he got cut again. Then he tore his ACL. Twice.

This is the story of a quarterback who refused to stay down, and the mindset that made it possible.

Connect with Chris: 

Instagram: instagram.com/cstrevy5/

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: instagram.co...

What does it actually mean to learn from someone you disagree with?

Eric Jorgenson spent five years compiling the most useful ideas from one of the most polarizing figures alive — Elon Musk. Not a political book. Not hero worship. Just the frameworks, mental models, and philosophy behind someone who built things everyone said were impossible.

We get into why Elon was a legend in the tech world long before he became a household name, what made him worth writing a book about in the first place, and how Eric thinks about separating someone's ideas from th...

Tom House has spent nearly 80 years learning what it actually takes to build elite athletes — and he's still coaching. A former MLB pitcher turned pitching coach, Tom has worked with some of the most iconic athletes in sports history — including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Nolan Ryan, and a long list of MLB pitchers spanning multiple generations. In this conversation, he shares the philosophy that has kept him relevant across decades of sport, technology, and cultural change. We get into why today's athletes are physically better than ever but technically underdeveloped, what most coaches get wrong about solving performance problems, and...

What does it really take to chase a dream for decades—even when the outcome isn’t what you imagined? Former NFL quarterback Luke McCown joins the podcast to share the mindset that carried him through 13 seasons in the league, the risks he took pursuing football since childhood, and the lessons he learned from setbacks, injuries, and the unpredictable journey of professional sports. From growing up in small-town Texas to standing on NFL sidelines alongside some of the game’s greatest quarterbacks, Luke reflects on faith, discipline, failure, and why the attempt itself can be more fulfilling than the result...

In this conversation, Nik sits down with Bishop Kevin Foreman to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions about success: that it’s complicated. Together they explore why the most powerful principles in life, business, and personal growth are often the simplest ones — and why so many people still struggle to apply them. Bishop Foreman shares raw stories from his own journey, including building major businesses, facing sudden financial collapse, and navigating moments where everything seemed to fall apart. The discussion dives into the difference between knowledge and execution, why many people stay stuck in “learning mode,” and how action — even imper...

What separates champions from everyone else? In this episode, we break down the sports psychology behind elite performance — from Roger Federer winning just 54% of his points to Simone Biles stepping away to rebuild mentally and come back stronger. This isn’t about hype or highlight reels. It’s about how the best athletes in the world handle loss, manage pressure, and make decisions when outcomes are uncertain. We dive into why winning is a weak signal of decision quality, how obsession can both build greatness and destroy it, and why resilience — not raw talent — is the real separator at the highes...

In this episode, David Meltzer breaks down the mindset shifts, habits, and principles that separate people who stay stuck from those who build meaningful success. From how we think about money to how we use our time, this conversation challenges common beliefs and reveals a different way to approach growth, happiness, and fulfillment. We explore what most people misunderstand about success, why helping others plays a bigger role than you think, and how daily behaviors shape long-term outcomes. David also shares lessons from decades in business and coaching high performers on what truly drives momentum. If you’ve ever fe...

Former NFL player Marcus Peterson joins the show to share his unconventional path from Inglewood to the league, and how football became the platform that launched his journey into entrepreneurship and global business. In this conversation, Marcus opens up about using fear of regret as fuel, learning to “unlearn” societal norms, and why taking action beats waiting for the perfect opportunity every time.

We also dive into the realities of chasing the NFL dream, the mindset required to stay ready when opportunity finally calls, and how athletes can leverage their credibility and networks to build lasting careers off...

Ganon Baker joins the show to break down what it really takes to win — in sports, business, and life. From being an undersized underdog chasing an NBA tryout to building a decades-long player development career working with some of the best basketball players in the world, Ganon shares the mindset that carried him through it all.

We get into resilience, performance anxiety, routines, and the truth about “grind culture.” He explains how elite athletes like Kobe, LeBron, and Steph manage pressure, why repetition beats motivation, and how everyday people can apply the same tools to their own career...

What looks like an “overnight success” is almost never overnight. In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Jack Gohlke breaks down the unseen years behind his viral March Madness moment—his mindset before dropping 32 points and 10 threes against Kentucky, the confidence built through years of failure, and what it really takes to be ready when the moment arrives. We dive into discipline vs motivation, building confidence through action, going “pro” with your routine, handling pressure on the biggest stage, and why elite shooters are misunderstood.

 Topics include: 

• The myth of overnight success 

• Building confiden...

Former Ohio State basketball player Jimmy Sotos opens up about the real truth behind playing overseas, building a massive social media following, and navigating identity, confidence, and luck after sports. In this raw, honest conversation, Jimmy breaks down what life is actually like for pro basketball players outside the NBA, from unpaid contracts and wild fan behavior in Europe to culture shock, injuries, and tough career crossroads.

Jimmy shares how TikTok unexpectedly changed his life during COVID, how he went from being “just a basketball player” to a full-time content creator with over 1.7 million followers, and why disc...

What does it really take to make a living playing professional basketball without hype, shortcuts, or fake guru advice? 

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, professional basketball player Trey Drechsel breaks down the real journey of chasing a career overseas. From growing up as a late bloomer, walking on at the college level, and nearly walking away from the game entirely, Trey shares what most athletes never talk about: the uncertainty, the identity struggles, and the hard decisions that define a career. Trey opens up about why most advice online is misleading, why mastering the b...

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, I sit down with Nick — one of the most creative new voices in NBA content — to break down basketball culture, internet humor, and why true ball knowers are gravitating toward his viral videos.

We dive deep into how the NBA has changed over the last 20 years, from the mystique of players like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal to today’s hyper-exposed era of LeBron James, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Stephen Curry. Nick explains why seeing players on Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts has fundamentally altered...

NFL success isn’t just about talent — it’s about mindset, resilience, and survival. In this powerful episode of The Victory Degree, former NFL star John Abraham pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to make it — and last — at the highest level as a professional athlete. From his rise as one of the most feared pass rushers in football to his prime years with the Atlanta Falcons, John shares the unseen mental battles behind elite NFL performance.

John Abraham reflects on his journey through the NFL, explaining why sacks are more mental than physical, how injuri...

What if everything you’ve been taught about business, being an entrepreneur, achieving success, and mastering your mindset is actually leading you in the wrong direction? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Kevin Dahlstrom to unpack the truths most people in entrepreneurship never talk about. This episode challenges conventional wisdom around ambition, hustle, and achievement, and forces you to rethink what real success in business actually looks like when mindset, fulfillment, and purpose are placed at the center.

Kevin Dahlstrom is a former C-suite executive who appeared to “have it all” by traditional standards of busine...

In today’s episode, Legendary Coach Jim Johnson shares the unbelievable journey that led him from being fired at 25… to building one of the most consistent winning cultures in high school basketball. We talk about his unforgettable encounter with Magic Johnson, the leadership lessons behind 23 straight winning seasons, and of course, the iconic J-Mac game that shocked the nation and became a global inspiration story (over 1 million views on ESPN). 

Coach Johnson breaks down: 

- The mindset shift that saved his coaching career 

- How imagery, confidence, and mental training transformed his teams 

- S...

What does it really take to survive in the NFL — not just on Sundays, but in life? In this powerful episode of The Victory Degree, Super Bowl champion David Tyree shares the untold story behind one of the most iconic moments in NFL history and the unseen battles that almost ended his career before it ever peaked. This conversation goes far beyond highlights and box scores, diving deep into mindset, identity, and what true success actually looks like for a professional athlete.

Long before the Helmet Catch became an immortal moment in sports, David Tyree was fighting in...

Jay Bilas joins The Victory Degree Podcast for an honest and thought-provoking conversation on confidence, criticism, and the evolving world of college sports. From his early days under Coach K at Duke to his insights on NIL, social media, and mental toughness, Jay shares the lessons that shaped his career as a player, coach, lawyer, and broadcaster.

We talk about:

- Why self-belief starts with hard work and mentors

- How to handle negativity, criticism, and “you suck” comments online

- Coach K’s biggest lessons on preparation and leadership

- NI...

Former NFL defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko (Chargers, Steelers, LSU) joins The Victory Degree to pull back the curtain on the truth about the NFL — from how politics decide who plays, to how mental health and self-belief define success long after the game ends.

Breiden opens up about playing with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Russell Wilson, and what he’s learned about opportunity, timing, and resilience. We also dive into social media pressure, life after football, and why “delusional self-belief” might be the secret ingredient every athlete needs.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to m...

NBA writer and best-selling author Shea Serrano joins Nik Atanackovic on The Victory Degree Podcast to talk about his new book, Expensive Basketball — a love letter to the moments, feelings, and players that make the game beautiful.

From Ray Allen’s jumper vs. Joakim Noah’s, to Tim Duncan’s quiet dominance, Shaq’s unstoppable force, and Kobe’s poetic 60-point farewell, this episode dives deep into the emotional side of basketball — the kind of stuff stats can’t explain.

Topics Covered:

- Why “Expensive Basketball” is about feelings, not numbers

- Shea’s defense of...

After serving two years in federal prison for money laundering, Chad Dunn rebuilt his life from the ground up, transforming pain into purpose.

Once a promising athlete turned felon, Chad used his time behind bars to redefine his identity, confront his demons, and build a mission around helping others overcome their limitations.

Today, he is a certified behavioral change specialist with over 20 years of experience in health, modern fitness, and human performance. Chad has trained NFL players, NBA prospects, and individuals recovering from catastrophic injuries, while co-founding and building MOVE Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center...

Taybor Pepper sits down with Nik to talk about the real side of the NFL — from getting cut by the 49ers just days into free agency, to what it’s actually like inside a Kyle Shanahan team meeting. He opens up about the chaos of bouncing between teams, the pressure of fighting for a roster spot every year, and how mindfulness helped him stay grounded through it all.

They get into everything: NFL free agency stories, life as a long snapper, Robbie Gould’s mentorship, battling mental health, the mental toll of football, and what it takes to sur...

At 22, Mike Flynt was kicked out of college football for fighting.
37 years later, at 59 years old, he went back to finish what he started.

This is the unbelievable true story of regret, redemption, and second chances.
We talk about adversity, character, faith, and what it really means to never quit.

In this episode:
• How Mike turned his biggest regret into his greatest comeback
• The power of adversity and why quitting is never an option
• Lessons on faith, character, and choosing to be great
• What a 59-year-old linebacker can teach us about...

Derek Sivers built and sold CD Baby for $22 million, walked away from fame, and chose a radically simple life. In this conversation, Derek shares the unconventional rules, frameworks, and mindset shifts that shaped his journey from overcoming fear to redefining success.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find clarity in a noisy world, escape the trap of endless “inputs,” or design a life that’s truly yours, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:
• The lessons Derek learned from selling CD Baby for $22M
• Why fame is overrated and the hidden d...

What does it really take to push human limits? Brett Hawke — Olympian, world-renowned swim coach, and coach in the Enhanced Games — joins me to reveal the uncomfortable truths about elite performance.

From why “working harder” is the most dangerous advice in sports, to how recovery, self-belief, and even delusional confidence separate good athletes from great ones, this conversation will change how you think about success.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How comparison can unlock human potential

- The dangerous myth of “just work harder”

- How recovery became the real key...

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Golub, the first legally blind Division I football player, to talk about his inspiring journey from being picked last in childhood sports to playing at Tulane University and becoming an NFL free agent. Aaron opens up about the adversity he faced, the lessons he’s learned, and why he believes anything is possible with the right mindset, hard work, and persistence.

What we cover in this conversation:

- Overcoming adversity: how Aaron’s blindness became the driving force behind his discipline, grit, and...

Preston Rutherford, co-founder of Chubbies, joins me to share the unfiltered truth about building a $100M brand, the struggles behind the success, and what he’s learned about entrepreneurship, mindset, and resilience.

In this conversation, we cover:

- How four Stanford friends turned a joke into a $100M brand

- The hardest moments building Chubbies and how they overcame them

- Why self-limiting beliefs stop most people from starting

- The balance between performance marketing and long-term brand building

- Preston’s new venture Marathon and what he’s...

Former Seahawks center Justin Britt opens up like never before. From the highs of playing in the Super Bowl to the lowest moments of his career, he reveals the untold truths about football, mental health, and life after the NFL.

In this episode, we discuss:

Connect with Justin:

TikTok: tiktok.co...

From being overlooked and doubted to earning a $76M contract with the Buffalo Bills, Christian Benford’s story is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and relentless self-belief.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

- The tears, doubt, and sacrifices that fueled his journey

- Why regret hurts more than failure

- How faith gave him unshakable confidence

- The mindset shifts needed to go from high school to college to the NFL

- Why character development is more important than talent

- Balancing football, fa...

From high school phenom to “Mr. Irrelevant” in the NFL Draft, Chad Kelly’s journey has been anything but ordinary. In this conversation, the Grey Cup champion opens up about growing up in a legendary football family, the politics of the NFL, and the lessons he’s learned from both his triumphs and mistakes. Chad shares inside stories about Patrick Mahomes, Andrew Luck, and Aaron Donald, breaks down what really makes a great quarterback, and explains why he still believes he’s one of the top 32 quarterbacks in the world.

Topics:

In this raw and revealing conversation, former NFL quarterback Kyle Sloter opens up about the harsh realities of professional football, from the euphoric highs of unexpected opportunities to the hidden politics behind team decisions. Kyle dives deep into his unconventional journey, his unique mindset fueled by proving doubters wrong, and the pivotal role that luck, preparation, and timing play in achieving success. Discover why being "too good" can sometimes hurt your career, how NFL teams manage controversy, and the true inner workings of a quarterback's mind during critical moments. Whether you're an NFL fan or simply fascinated by resilience...

Eric Jorgenson — author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant — joins me for a deep conversation on ideas, growth, self-belief, and what it really takes to create lasting work. We talk about how to avoid audience capture, the difference between finite and infinite games, the power of cliche advice, and what it means to build something authentic. We also explore podcasting, social media, dating, and the quiet years of creative obscurity that often come before success.

If you’re a creator, thinker, or someone searching for clarity in a noisy world, this one’s for you.

Topics:<...

What if the future of sports isn’t about fairness but about becoming superhuman?

Dr. Aron D’Souza is leading the charge with the Enhanced Games, a radical new competition where performance-enhancing drugs aren’t banned, they’re embraced. But this episode goes way beyond sports.

We dive deep into:

- Why Aron believes biology should never limit human potential

- His formula for achieving outrageous success with limited resources

- Why he tracks every gram of protein, fiber, and carb he consumes

- How to write a life p...

In this powerful episode, former NBA player Alex Acker opens up about his incredible journey from growing up in Compton with almost nothing—literally playing basketball with an orange—to reaching the NBA and beyond. He shares raw stories of his upbringing, the hunger that fueled him, and how his faith and family kept him grounded through life’s toughest moments.

Alex talks about:

What it really takes to make it to the NBA—and why talent alone isn’t enough

Getting discovered at a random Pepperdine pickup game

Practicing with legends li...

Max Browne shares his journey from top QB recruit to navigating the highs and lows of college football. He opens up about the pressure of the “bust” label, the role of luck and environment in success, and how NIL and social media are reshaping the game. Through it all, he highlights the power of mindset, resilience, and learning from failure.

Connect with Max:

Twitter: x.com/MaxBrowne4

Instagram: instagram.com/maxbrowne/

YouTube: youtube.com/@maxbrowne4

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: instagram.com/victorywithnik/

Twitter: x.com/victo...

Josh Booty has lived a life most athletes only dream of—drafted in both the NFL and MLB, mentored by legends, and tested by the toughest environments in sports. In this episode, he opens up about the raw realities behind the headlines: the pressure of being a two-sport phenom, what it really takes to win in a place like Cleveland, and the mindset Nick Saban demands from his players. Josh shares powerful reflections on self-discipline, youth sports culture, and how icons like LeBron James shaped his worldview. This conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom on fearlessness, competition, and becoming yo...

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake for a raw and insightful conversation. From his grind at UCLA to proving himself as a late-round NFL draft pick, Lake opens up about the mindset it takes to survive and thrive in the league. They dive into the lessons he learned from his NFL father, the power of discipline and daily routine, and what it really means to lead as a team captain. Quentin also shares his thoughts on the Rams' rising offense, navigating pressure, and how staying grounded fuels...

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Cesar Ruiz shares his journey from playing football in his backyard to becoming a first-round pick in the NFL. He discusses the importance of enjoying the game, overcoming pressure, and the impact of family and loss on his career. Ruiz reflects on his experiences at IMG Academy and the University of Michigan, emphasizing the significance of routine and discipline in achieving success. He also opens up about the challenges of being an NFL player, including the expectations and sacrifices that come with the territory, and the importance of maintaining a positive...

What does it really take to lead—in football, business, and life?

In this raw and insightful conversation, former NFL fullback Marcel Reece opens up about the sacrifices behind success, the power of leadership, and the emotional cost of chasing greatness. He shares hard-earned lessons from the locker room to the boardroom, reflects on loss, resilience, and the human side of athletes, and reveals why proving your supporters right matters more than silencing your critics.

From the culture of the Raiders to the misunderstood brilliance of Tom Brady, Marcel delivers a powerful reminder: greatness isn’t ju...