In this episode, we kick off Season 2 of The Unsung Athlete Podcast, with the legendary Coach Justin "Gus" Kratzke of Burnsville Martial Arts Academy — a lifelong martial artist, mentor, coach and husband. For nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed Gus build his dream gym, shape generations of athletes (including my own daughters), and lead with heart, discipline, and compassion. His story is one of passionate pursuit, legacy, and transformation — it is my absolute honor to share his story with you.

This month we welcome Willie Little, entrepreneur, philanthropist, coach and unsung athlete to the show. Willie inspires youth through his non-profit, Athlead, an organization that gives youth an opportunity to succeed in track and field and in life. You won't want to miss Willie's story as he dives into what it means to be a father, to be a coach to many, and to navigate the mental health challenges of being an athlete.

In this episode, Zoe Jackson, an 11 year old unsung athlete, brings wisdom beyond her years, fearlessly telling her story and voicing inspiration and advice that I know will capture the hearts of youth and adult athletes alike. If you have young athletes in your life who want to be inspired to live in their strength and stand up for themselves and their friends, make sure they listen to Zoe's story. Not only will you hear her athletic story, you will hear how she approaches bullying and a world of unknowns. I am so honored to post this episode featuring my brave and brilliant daughter, Zoe Jackson.

In this episode, I sit down with Kurt Hartmann of ProFitness Training in Eden Prairie, MN... dad to three beautiful girls, husband and multi-level blackbelt martial artist. Kurt dives into his insatiable curiosity for movement, sparked by life-changing events and mentors who made sure he didn't miss his chance to become the man he is today. You won't want to miss Kurt's inspiring story!

In this episode, I am honored to sit down with the one and only Marla Martin. Marla's story connects the dots from being a mother, a cancer survivor and a lifelong athlete. She gives insights into how we can continue to leverage our athletic mindset when life challenges us beyond what we think we can handle. Be ready to think differently about being an athlete and showing up everyday without excuse.

As we enter the winter months, I wanted to bring two of my very favorite people together to help us all look at our busy lives and find ways to slow down, to rest and to heal. Nealee and Kelsey bring a refreshing perspective to what an Unsung Athlete really is, valuing balance so that we can continue to show up to our craft, our lives and our world.

In this episode of the Unsung Athlete Podcast, Shannon Rose dives into the social, emotional and mental load that we carry as Unsung Athletes. We have built lives that depend on us showing up each and everyday, without excuse, yet we rarely acknowledge what it takes to continually support that life, including our own athletic ambitions. Be ready to face the hard truths of our own choices and our own graces.

In this episode, I get the rare opportunity to sit down with my very own MMA coach and mentor, Nakita Kratzke. Nakita is the definition of quietly determined, always showing up for herself and the world around her, with conviction. From an early age she knew she needed to work for the things she wanted and work she did. Nakita gives insight into what it's like to continually build your dream around you, from burnout to comeback, she shows us how to love our craft no matter what the circumstances. You don't want to miss her message to the world.