Épisodes

  • Episode #31- From the Field to Finance: Reinventing Identity with Jeff Mack
    Mar 3 2026

    In this episode, Jeff Mack, a former Wisconsin Badger linebacker, shares insights about his upbringing, the influence of his family, and the transition from high school to college football. He discusses the balance between academics and athletics, the pressure of living up to his father's legacy, and the importance of teamwork and accountability in sports. Jeff reflects on his experiences with injuries, recruitment, and the lessons learned throughout his journey as an athlete and a father. In this conversation, Jeff Mack shares his journey from college football at Wisconsin to navigating injuries, transitioning to professional sports, and ultimately rebranding himself in the banking industry. He discusses the mental and physical challenges of recovery, the importance of support from teammates, and the lessons learned from setbacks. Jeff also reflects on fatherhood, offering insights on raising daughters and the values he hopes to instill in them. He provides financial advice for young athletes, emphasizing the importance of capital conservation and the skills gained from sports that can be applied in life beyond athletics.

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    1 h et 28 min
  • Episode #30- The Changing Game: Ethan Hemer on Modern Football & Modern Fatherhood
    Feb 23 2026

    On this episode of The Dadger, former Wisconsin defensive lineman Ethan Hemer joins the show to talk about earning everything the hard way.

    From choosing to walk on at Wisconsin to battling through early challenges, earning a scholarship, and making his first career start — Ethan shares what it really takes to survive and thrive in Big Ten football.

    We also dive into his career that led him to Michigan State, navigating major college decisions, and how NIL has reshaped team culture, recruiting, and the future of college athletics. Now working in the NIL space himself, Ethan gives an inside look at misconceptions, governance, revenue sharing, and where the game is headed.

    Beyond football, we talk about life after the game — the practice squad grind, career transitions, and what fatherhood has taught him about toughness, sensitivity, and raising strong, independent daughters.

    This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, adapting to change, and staying grounded through it all.Ep

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    1 h et 6 min
  • Episode #29- Earning Your Role: Kyle Zuleger’s Badger Blueprint
    Feb 18 2026

    On this episode of The Dadger, we sit down with former Wisconsin Badger Kyle Zuliger to talk about strength — and not just the kind you build in the weight room.

    Kyle shares his journey from multi-sport athlete to powerlifting standout, the recruitment process that led him to Wisconsin, and the mental toughness required to adapt when his role shifted from safety to finding his place on a Big Ten roster.

    But the story doesn’t stop with football.

    We dive into life after the game — transitioning into firefighting, building a business rooted in passion, balancing family life, and the lessons fatherhood has taught him about resilience, consistency, and leading by example.

    This is a conversation about adapting, staying disciplined, and redefining success long after the final whistle.

    If you care about Wisconsin football, life after sports, or raising strong kids in today’s world — this one’s for you.

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    1 h et 21 min
  • Episode #28- Trenches, Tradition & Transition: Olive Sagapolu
    Feb 9 2026

    From American Samoa to Camp Randall, this episode of The Dadger dives deep into the powerful journey of Olive Sagapolu — former Wisconsin Badger defensive lineman and current coach/mentor.

    Olive opens up about growing up Samoan, the cultural values that shaped him, finding football through an unlikely path, and what it took to earn his way to Wisconsin. We talk about the grind of Big Ten football, memorable moments with the 2017 defense, chasing the NFL dream, dealing with injuries, and the mental toll of life as a pro athlete.

    More than football, this is a conversation about identity beyond the game, giving back through coaching, and what it means to carry your culture, family, and values with you at every stage of life.

    If you’re a Badger fan, a parent, or someone navigating life after sports — this one hits home.

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    1 h et 27 min
  • Episode #27- Dropping Dimes Off the Court: Suzanne Gilreath’s Story of Growth and Purpose
    Nov 28 2025

    Former Wisconsin Women’s Basketball standout Suzanne Gilreath joins us to share her inspiring journey, from her early love of the game and family background to the challenges she faced in college basketball and the lessons she carried forward into life after the sport. She reflects on developing her skills, navigating the role of a bench player, and building the mental resilience needed to overcome obstacles both on and off the court. Suzanne also opens up about the transition from college to professional life, the importance of perseverance, and how she ultimately found purpose in coaching and mentoring future athletes. Along the way, she discusses balancing performance with mental wellbeing, the role of faith and self‑belief, and the relationships that shaped her path. Packed with wisdom and motivation, this episode offers valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and fans alike


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    50 min
  • Episode #26- Hoops, Heritage, and Healing: The Bronson Koenig Journey
    Nov 21 2025

    In this powerful conversation, former Wisconsin Badger star Bronson Koenig opens up about his journey from growing up in La Crosse to becoming one of the most recognizable names in college basketball. He shares how basketball became both an escape and a platform, the pressures of recruiting, and the challenges of navigating cultural identity as a Native athlete.

    Bronson reflects on injuries, setbacks, and the decision to commit to Wisconsin, while also pulling back the curtain on the social and cultural dynamics of life in Madison. From tournament highs to the mental battles of self-confidence and fame, he offers raw insight into the realities behind the spotlight.

    Beyond basketball, Bronson discusses the importance of empowering Native communities, finding identity outside of the game, and the lessons he now imparts to the next generation: “Find your passion, find what lights your fire.”

    This episode is a mix of vulnerability, resilience, and inspiration — a must-listen for athletes, fans, and anyone searching for purpose.

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    1 h et 11 min
  • Episode #25- Carrying the Load: Anthony Davis on Work Ethic, Growth & Gratitude
    Nov 14 2025

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Wisconsin Badgers legend Anthony Davis to walk through the full arc of his life — from a tight-knit upbringing shaped by family values, to becoming one of the most electrifying running backs in Wisconsin football history, to rebuilding his identity and purpose long after the stadium lights dimmed.

    Anthony opens up about the intense pressures of college football, the grind of proving himself, and the self-doubt he had to fight through as a young athlete. He shares candid stories about injuries, academic balance, and the mindset it took to rise from early struggles to becoming a key contributor on the field.

    We also explore his transition to the NFL, the process of finding an agent, the realities of chasing a pro career, and the emotional journey of life after football. Anthony talks openly about rediscovering purpose, giving back to the next generation, and how becoming a father reshaped everything — from how he views competition to the lessons he passes on to his kids.

    Whether you’re a longtime Badger fan or someone navigating your own path through adversity, this episode is filled with wisdom, resilience, and heart.

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    1 h et 25 min
  • Episode #24- Gridiron to the Green and Everything in Between: Darius Feaster
    Nov 7 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Darius Feaster to explore his powerful journey through the world of sports and beyond. From his early days in high school athletics to navigating the complexities of college football, Darius opens up about the challenges, politics, and pivotal decisions that shaped his path. He shares his experience transitioning to life in California, the unexpected rise of his social media presence, and how he’s now building community through the Vibes Golf Club. Along the way, Darius reflects on the lessons of discipline and accountability, and offers his thoughts on the future of the Wisconsin Badgers. This is more than a sports story—it’s about growth, resilience, and redefining success.

    Vibez Golf Club Link- https://vibezgolfclub.com/

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    1 h et 21 min