Podcast Summary
Sharing personal narratives advances understanding on complex issues: Opening up about experiences sparks dialogues on complex topics and shapes future discussions, while sponsors innovate to enhance performance and promote healthier lifestyles.
Sharing personal narratives, even if they may be met with criticism, can contribute to important public conversations and help advance understanding on complex issues. Lauren Fleischman, a renowned middle-distance runner, opened up about her experiences with injuries and never making an Olympic team, sparking a dialogue on clean sport, human potential, and the role of women in sports. Despite facing setbacks, Fleischman remains committed to the pursuit of ethical and clean sport. The past cannot be changed, but understanding it nuancedly is crucial for shaping the future. Additionally, sponsors like On and Go Brewing, who innovate in their respective fields, play a vital role in enhancing performance and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Insights from Lauren Fleischman on Equity in Sports, Balancing Life, and Joni Mitchell: Lauren Fleischman, a runner, author, entrepreneur, and advocate for female equality in sports, discusses creating a more equitable ecosystem, balancing life, and societal pressures faced by women in competitive sports. Her deep admiration for Joni Mitchell led her to witness a once-in-a-lifetime performance.
Lauren Fleischman, an accomplished runner, author, entrepreneur, and advocate for female equality in sports, shares her insights on creating a more equitable ecosystem for athletes, balancing personal and professional life, and addressing unique pressures faced by women in competitive sports. Additionally, Fleischman's deep admiration for Joni Mitchell led her to travel to Los Angeles to witness a once-in-a-lifetime performance by her idol. This conversation, available at gobrewing.com using the code "richroll" for a discount, covers various topics including the role of women in athletics, the importance of fairness and parity, and the impact of societal pressures on athletes' mental and physical health. Listeners are encouraged to read Fleischman's op-ed in The New York Times, "I changed my body for sport, no girl should," for further insight on these issues.
Record-breaking marathon by Eliud Kipchoge: Eliud Kipchoge's sub-2 hour marathon showcases human endurance and determination, but highlights the need for gender equality in sports.
The world of running and track and field continues to push boundaries and inspire awe, as demonstrated by Eliud Kipchoge's record-breaking sub-2 hour marathon. Despite controversies surrounding performance-enhancing technology and the orchestrated nature of the event, the achievement remains a testament to human endurance and determination. However, it also highlights the need for greater gender equality in sports, as milestones and marketing dollars often prioritize male athletes. As we move forward, it will be crucial to continue challenging norms and making space for diverse voices and perspectives in the world of sports.
The Blurry Line Between Legal Performance Enhancement and Doping: The intentions behind certain legal performance enhancement practices in the past may now be considered cheating, casting doubt on past records and highlighting the importance of ethical conduct in sports.
The line between legal performance enhancement and doping can be blurry, and the intentions behind certain practices at the time may not be considered cheating, but with hindsight, they now fall under the umbrella of unfair advantages. The discussion touched upon the eclipsing of Paul Radcliffe's world record by Bridget Cowles, who has been associated with individuals linked to doping scandals. This association casts doubt on her record-breaking performance. The conversation then shifted to the Salazar doping scandal, where the interviewee shared their past encounter with Alberto Salazar in 2005. At the time, Salazar's methods, which aimed to use every legal tool to gain an edge, were not controversial. However, with the benefit of hindsight, these practices are now seen as crossing the line and against the spirit of the sport. The interviewee expressed their current stance on the issue, emphasizing that any form of performance enhancement that falls into the gray area should be avoided.
The complexities of elite athletic training: Elite sports can involve questionable practices, starting with seemingly harmless actions, leading to ethical dilemmas. Sharing personal narratives can foster a more nuanced understanding of clean sport.
The world of elite sports can be a complex and gradual descent into questionable practices, and it often starts with seemingly harmless or necessary actions. The speaker's experience with altitude tents and thyroid medication in the context of athletic training illustrates this point. At the time, these practices were not explicitly forbidden, but they could lead to a dangerous cycle of exhaustion and potential ethical dilemmas. The speaker's decision to share her story, despite potential backlash, highlights the importance of nuanced conversations about clean sport and the role of personal narratives in fostering a more complex understanding of the issues involved. Ultimately, the speaker's experience underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding the complexities of elite athletic training and the importance of ethical considerations in sports.
Growing concerns about performance-enhancing practices in Nike's NOP group between 2000 and 2005: Nike, known for its purity initiatives, faced questions about its priorities when concerns about performance-enhancing practices in its NOP group went public, blurring the line between acceptable technological innovation and other methods.
During the period between 2000 and 2005, there was a growing concern about performance-enhancing practices within Nike's NOP (Nike Oregon Project) group, particularly the use of L-Carnitine and thyroid medication. This was a time when many athletes' stories began to surface, raising concerns about the ethics of clean sport. Alberto Salazar, the coach of NOP, aimed to innovate training methods similarly to how Nike innovated footwear, pushing boundaries and looking outside the box. The line between acceptable technological innovation and other performance-enhancing methods became blurred. Nike, as a brand known for its purity initiatives, has never taken a public stand against doping, despite having the resources and influence to do so. This raises questions about the priorities of such a powerful sports brand. The conversation around doping is not just about steroids and EPO anymore, but also gene therapy and other unconventional methods, making it increasingly difficult to determine what is fair and what is not.
Disparity in doping perception and policies in certain sports: The lack of supportive policies for pregnant athletes and ongoing doping issues highlight the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach in sports.
There is a significant disparity in how the public and sports organizations perceive and handle doping in various disciplines, particularly in track and field, swimming, and cycling compared to more mainstream sports like football, basketball, and baseball. Narratives around maternity leave policies for female athletes in these sports have also been a topic of discussion, with some athletes facing financial consequences for taking time off for pregnancy. The case of Alicia Montano and Lindsay Krause, who spoke out about their experiences, highlights the need for change. Another topic that has recurred on this podcast is meditation, specifically the app "Waking Up." It offers a range of resources beyond meditation, making it a valuable investment for personal growth. In the context of sports, the lack of supportive policies for pregnant athletes can lead to a loss of talent during an athlete's prime years. This issue, along with the ongoing conversation about doping, underscores the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach in sports.
Outdated focus on podium finishes in sports industry: Athlete value goes beyond podium finishes, personal storytelling empowers athletes to challenge industry norms
The sports industry's focus on athletic performance and podium finishes as the primary measure of an athlete's value is outdated. Alicia Shannon's experience with Nike, where she was let go while pregnant and required to work for free despite being a prominent figure, highlights the discrepancy between the public image of supporting women athletes and the reality of their treatment behind closed doors. Brands like Nike have been resistant to change, but the rise of social media and personal storytelling has given athletes the power to challenge this paradigm and build their own value beyond podium finishes. Shannon's advocacy for this shift started with her blogging in 2009 and continued through her conversations with CEOs, ultimately leading to a reevaluation of the industry's approach to athlete contracts and value.
Missing opportunities by ignoring diverse voices in sports industry: Companies in the sports industry can miss valuable opportunities by not acknowledging and embracing the changing landscape and the voices of diverse customer groups, particularly women. Ignoring these voices can lead to missed engagement opportunities and a loss of customer loyalty.
Companies, specifically in the sports industry, can miss valuable opportunities by not acknowledging and embracing the changing landscape and the voices of their diverse customer base, particularly women. Lauren Fleshman, a former professional runner, shared her experience of trying to advocate for more representation and inclusion of pregnant athletes in marketing campaigns at Nike, but was met with resistance. Despite being a valuable asset with a large customer base, Nike undervalued her and missed the opportunity to engage with their audience on a deeper level. This issue extended beyond Nike and was industry-wide, but progress is being made. Companies like Burton and Wazelle have since signed pregnant athletes, and there is a growing celebration of women athletes. However, there is still work to be done in terms of gender, racial, and ability equality in sports and beyond.
Intersex athletes in female sports: A complex and evolving issue: The debate over intersex athletes in female sports raises questions about fairness, inclusion, and biological realities, with Caster Semenya's case highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding this issue.
The issue of intersex athletes in female sports is a complex and evolving issue, with legal rulings and perspectives shifting frequently. Caster Semenya, an athlete with differences in sexual development, has been at the center of this debate, with her participation in women's competitions being a subject of controversy. While some argue for equal opportunities for all athletes, others question the fairness of allowing individuals with certain biological advantages to compete in women's categories. The use of testosterone as a determining factor in athletic eligibility is a contentious issue, with some experts arguing that it's not the only factor affecting athletic performance. Ultimately, the question remains: how do we ensure fairness and inclusion in sports while respecting the unique biological realities of each athlete?
Tension around transgender inclusion in elite sports: The sports industry should consider changing its model to pay all athletes, reducing tension around inclusion and creating a more equitable ecosystem.
The competitive nature of elite sports can create tension and confusion around inclusion, particularly regarding transgender athletes. However, once athletes retire and leave the elite level, this tension disappears as resources are no longer limited. The current zero-sum culture in sports, where only medal winners can make a living, exacerbates this issue. To address this, the sports industry should consider changing its model to pay all athletes, allowing them to focus on their performance rather than competition with others for limited resources. The NCAA's recent efforts to allow amateur athletes to make money are a step in the right direction. Ultimately, allowing athletes to make a living and providing them with consistent opportunities to build their brands could help reduce the tension around inclusion and create a more equitable sports ecosystem.
Outdated NCAA rules harm women athletes: Updating NCAA rules to allow women athletes to earn money from sponsorships and social media could benefit both parties and pave the way for progress in other industries.
The NCAA's current rules on athlete compensation are outdated and harmful, particularly for women. The tension lies in the fear that allowing top athletes to earn money will lead to the disappearance of smaller sports programs. However, there's a potential solution where both the athletes and universities benefit from their social media presence and sponsorship deals. This issue is not unique to sports, as unfair labor practices and discrimination against pregnant and nursing women exist in various industries. However, if changes can be made in sports, it could serve as a catalyst for progress in other sectors. Wazelle, a company focusing on women athletes, is an example of a business that prioritizes women and recognizes their value beyond their athletic performance. It's refreshing to see a company that caters specifically to women and empowers them to embrace their whole selves.
Small companies challenging norms and pushing boundaries: Small companies, led by determined founders, can make a significant impact in industries and sports by challenging norms and pushing boundaries, even when faced with resistance and skepticism.
Small companies, like Wazelle, with a strong voice and a mission to challenge norms and push boundaries, can make a significant impact in industries and sports, even when faced with resistance and skepticism. Sally Bergesen, the founder of Wazelle, shares her experiences of defying expectations and persisting in the face of adversity, inspiring other women to do the same and expanding opportunities in track and field. Despite initial challenges, such as being dismissed or having their designs rejected, Wazelle continued to make strides, sponsoring professional athletes and hosting major events. Bergesen's determination and the company's commitment to self-approval and authenticity have contributed to shaping the industry and paving the way for change. Growing up as a talented runner, Bergesen herself faced challenges, including not receiving a scholarship to Stanford, but her resilience and passion for the sport led her to success. Wazelle's story serves as a reminder that perseverance and authenticity can lead to meaningful progress, even in the face of adversity.
Disparities in female recruitment for collegiate cross country: Highly ranked female runners can face challenges gaining attention from top cross country programs due to a lack of understanding of the recruiting landscape and limited resources and power for women's coaches.
The recruitment process for female athletes in top collegiate cross country programs can be disparate compared to their male counterparts. The speaker, a successful athlete, shared her experience of being a highly ranked runner in high school but facing challenges in gaining the attention of top programs due to a lack of understanding of the recruiting landscape and terminology. She also noted the prevalence of male head coaches and the secondary role often given to assistant women's coaches, resulting in limited resources and power. This dynamic created a feeling of being undervalued and not receiving the full support needed to succeed at the elite level. Despite these challenges, the speaker persevered and had a successful career, but she now recognizes the systemic issues that continue to exist in college sports.
Unique challenges for women in sports, particularly running: Normalize and respect women's running culture, educate coaches about natural fluctuations, and shift focus from podium finishes to long-term success and well-being.
Women's sports, particularly running, face unique challenges due to biological and societal factors. These factors can lead to a sense of competition and scarcity among women athletes, making it difficult for them to form cohesive teams. Additionally, women's bodies undergo natural changes during their athletic careers, which can be met with pressure to lose weight rather than acceptance and support. This can lead to disordered eating habits and negative body image. To address these issues, it's essential to normalize and respect women's running culture, educate coaches about the natural fluctuations in women's performance, and shift the focus from podium finishes to long-term success and well-being. By acknowledging and celebrating these transitions, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for women athletes.
Raising Awareness about Negative Impact of Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues in High Performance Sports: Elite athletes, clinical psychologists, and educational institutions must collaborate to prevent and address eating disorders and body image issues in sports. Seek support to turn ideas into action.
Raising awareness about the negative impact of eating disorder culture and body image issues in high performance sports is an important mission that requires collaboration between athletes, clinical psychologists, and educational institutions. The speaker, an elite runner and entrepreneur, wrote a letter to her younger self about her experiences with these issues and the influence of clinical psychologist Dr. Melody Moore. She envisioned creating a suggested curriculum for coaches to better understand their role in preventing and addressing these issues. Although it's been challenging to execute due to other commitments, she encourages others to follow their passions and seek support from teams and partners to turn ideas into action. The speaker's own successes in running, entrepreneurship, and writing serve as examples of the human capacity to excel in multiple areas despite limitations.
Finding peace and self-approval when goals aren't met: It's important to find peace and self-approval when goals aren't met, rather than fixating on the destination. Societal expectations and external validation can make it harder to accept setbacks, but they're a natural part of life.
Striving for goals and dreams, whether in personal or professional life, can be challenging and may not always result in the desired outcome. The speaker, who has experienced this in her athletic career and as a mother, emphasizes the importance of finding peace and self-approval when goals aren't met. She shares how societal expectations and the desire for external validation can make it harder to accept and move forward when things don't go as planned. The speaker also acknowledges that everyone faces this challenge and that it's a part of life. Ultimately, she encourages finding self-approval and peace with the journey, rather than fixating on the destination.
Staying Connected to the Past for Growth and Influence: Former athlete finds solace in coaching, shares experiences to help others avoid identity crises and empowers them to maintain their personhood during athletic careers
Staying connected to one's past, even with its challenges, can provide opportunities for growth and continued influence. The speaker, a former athlete and current coach, expresses conflicted feelings about remaining in a sport marred by doping scandals. However, she finds solace in her ability to coach and contribute to the broader women's athlete movement. By sharing her experiences, she can connect with others and help them avoid identity crises during their athletic careers. Her unique perspective, shaped by both success and adversity, makes her a valuable voice in the conversation around female empowerment. The speaker's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's personhood, a lesson she had to learn the hard way during her own athletic career. Through her work with her team, she aims to help athletes achieve great results without sacrificing their identities. The speaker's journey illustrates the power of staying true to oneself and using past experiences to make a positive impact.
Challenging Traditional Expectations of Masculinity in Sports: Athlete experiences of balancing personal lives, injuries, and professional aspirations can challenge traditional masculine norms. Embracing emotional labor, shared parenting, and a more flexible approach to sports can lead to a redefinition of masculinity and success.
The concept of masculinity in sports can be limiting and archaic, and athletes like Jesse, who prioritize family, emotional labor, and a different approach to their careers, can face feelings of inadequacy or emasculation when they don't conform to traditional expectations. The discussion also highlighted the challenges faced by athletes, such as Jesse and Lindsay, in balancing their personal lives, injuries, and professional aspirations. The conversation emphasized the need for a shift in societal norms and a redefinition of masculinity to embrace the complexities and nuances of modern life, including shared parenting, emotional intimacy, and a more flexible approach to professional sports. The stories of Lindsay and Jesse serve as examples of individuals who are pushing boundaries and challenging traditional ideas, offering a new perspective on what it means to be a successful athlete and a man in today's world.
Finding clarity and personal growth through self-connection and experiences: Appreciate the present, cherish relationships, and recognize the influence of societal norms and marketing on personal growth
Finding clarity and intuition for personal growth comes from within, through moments of stillness and self-connection. These insights are shaped by our experiences and societal norms, including the influence of marketing and media. The power of sports marketing also plays a role in shaping societal perceptions, such as the evolving definition of masculinity. The future holds potential for businesses capitalizing on the shift in masculine identity. Relationships, especially partnerships, can enhance personal growth and bring about a synergy that is greater than the sum of its parts. It's essential to appreciate the present moment and cherish the time spent with loved ones, as the future will come sooner than expected.
Trusting oneself and investing in personal growth: Be fearless in self-expression, adaptable to challenges, trust yourself, invest in growth, set boundaries, and prioritize writing.
Trusting oneself and investing time in personal growth are key to navigating fears and anxieties, even when they seem unjustified. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being fearless in self-expression and adaptable to life's challenges, which requires confidence. The speaker's honesty and unapologetic voice are valued, and committing to writing a book is a current goal. Writing requires dedicated time and focus, and setting boundaries is necessary to prioritize it. The speaker's advice is to trust oneself, invest in personal growth, and be adaptable to life's twists and turns.
Maintaining Boundaries: Personal vs. Professional: Entrepreneurs with unstable upbringings may struggle to maintain boundaries between work and personal life. Seek stability and open communication with business partners to find balance.
Maintaining boundaries between personal and professional life can be challenging for some entrepreneurs, especially those who have experienced unstable environments in their upbringing. For the speaker, her experiences with an alcoholic father and a family history of mental health issues have made work a source of anxiety and risk, leading her to be drawn to a partner who provides stability and safety. She shares that she was attracted to her partner's lack of reliance on substances and his ability to be comfortable and himself without them. However, she acknowledges that there is an exciting aspect to the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, even if it comes with the risk of eventual downfall. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between the excitement and the stability, and for her, that means maintaining open communication with her business partner and prioritizing safety and security in their personal and professional lives.
Childhood financial instability shapes money management: Open communication and a solid financial foundation are crucial for successful financial management and business partnerships.
Growing up without financial stability can significantly impact one's relationship with money and financial management. The speaker shares their personal experience of relying on support from others during their college years due to financial limitations. They also highlight the importance of open communication and understanding between partners, especially when it comes to financial risks and management. The speaker's role in their business partnership is to provide a voice of reason and help keep things on a more conservative path. They reflect on the challenges of scaling a business and the importance of careful decision-making when it comes to growth. Despite a decade of uncertainty, the partnership has continued to thrive. The speaker acknowledges the importance of taking calculated risks, but also emphasizes the need for a solid financial foundation and open communication.
Elite Athlete's Perspective on Common Mistakes: Excessive focus on food and calories can hinder enjoyment and performance. Balance training and nutrition, prioritize easy days, and learn from Kenyan athletes' slow-paced easy runs for optimal recovery and performance.
Elite athletes like Jesse Thomas have unique perspectives on common mistakes made by amateur athletes. Thomas, an Ironman triathlete and food entrepreneur, shares his concerns about excessive focus on food and calories, which can hinder enjoyment and performance. He encourages a balanced approach and emphasizes the importance of easy days in training. Thomas also shares his experience of running with Kenyan athletes, who surprised him with their slow pace during easy runs. This approach, which may seem counterintuitive to some, allows athletes to recover effectively and perform optimally during high-intensity workouts. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of adopting a sustainable and balanced mindset towards training and nutrition.
The importance of being alone with our thoughts: Lauren aspires to prioritize solitude and mindful presence in her work, play, and love buckets to strengthen relationships and be more present for her family.
According to Pascal, all human suffering can be traced back to our inability to be alone with our thoughts. Lauren Fleischman, a podcast host and athlete, shares her personal struggle with finding time for solitude and meditation in her busy life. She aspires to create three distinct buckets in her life: work, play, and love. In the love bucket, she wants to be more present with her family and set a good example for her children regarding device usage. She aims to write and be more creative outside of her coaching career, which she finds rewarding but not fulfilling enough. Lauren encourages listeners to prioritize mindful present time with their loved ones and disconnect from devices to strengthen their relationships.
Supporting Girls in Sports: Unique Needs and Resources: Investing in girls' sports means funding research, educating coaches, and empowering girls to prioritize self-care. This creates an environment where girls can thrive in sports without harm.
Investing in girls' sports requires focusing on the unique needs of female athletes. This includes funding scientific research on the differences between male and female athletic trajectories, educating coaches to nurture girls' athletic development, and helping girls understand the importance of taking care of themselves. Many talented girls are having their potential extinguished prematurely due to pressure and lack of understanding. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where girls can excel in sports without causing harm to themselves. The podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting girls in sports and ensuring they receive the resources and education they need to succeed.
