The Human Athlete

The Stories No One Tells: A podcast about life after competition the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the powerful transformations no one talks about.

The Human Athlete is a education podcast hosted by Jared Markiewicz, with 14 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Jared Markiewicz hosts The Human Athlete, a education show with 14 episodes published.

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  Episode #14

  Lessons from the Court: Keaton Nankivil’s Approach to Identity and Performance Beyond Athletics

  Sep 30, 20261h 9m

  Welcome back to The Human Athlete . This episode features Keaton Nankiville, a former Wisconsin Badger basketball standout and European pro turned venture investor. Keaton shares his journey from growing up immersed in Madison’s basketball culture to competing overseas and eventually building a career in venture capital, focusing on sports and technology. We explore how his identity as an athlete shaped his approach to teamwork, resilience, and transition in sports and in life. Keaton discusses the powerful community of college athletics, the challenges of finding purpose after leaving the game, and the enduring value of habits built through years of repetition and hard work. Whether you’re an athlete or not, Keaton’s reflections on excellence, adaptability, and building new skills offer a compelling look at what it means to keep performing at a high level, no matter where life leads. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram . Connect with Keaton Nankivil: linkedIn

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  Episode #12

  Julie Raeder on Embracing Change, Building Community and the Enduring Power of Sport

  Sep 8, 20261 hour

  On this episode of The Human Athlete , we sit down with Julie Raeder, a former standout multi-sport athlete from Oostburg, Wisconsin. Julie helped lead her high school to multiple state appearances before becoming the all-time leading scorer at Cardinal Stritch University. But her story doesn't end with on-court accomplishments. Julie shares her journey through the challenges and triumphs of high school and collegiate sports, the bittersweet transition away from athletics, the search for purpose and community after the final game, and how she’s found new meaning through teaching, coaching, her faith, and building a career in technology. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone facing life’s transitions, Julie’s insights on resilience, identity, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence will resonate and inspire. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram . Connect with Julie Raeder: linkedIn

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  Episode #10

  Title

  Jul 28, 20261h 20m

  Welcome to The Human Athlete! In today’s episode, we sit down with JJ Koval a former professional soccer player turned entrepreneur and dentist. JJ shares his unique journey from growing up in Camarillo, California, through his collegiate soccer experience at Stanford University, and on to being drafted into Major League Soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes. After a professional career that included winning a USL regular season title with Sacramento Republic, JJ made the bold decision to retire in his prime and pivot toward healthcare. He’ll walk us through the highs and lows of professional sports, the lessons that translated into dental school, the challenges and rewards of building a dental practice from scratch, and the enduring importance of community and growth mindset in all facets of life. Whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating major life transitions, JJ’s candid reflections offer inspiration and insight into reinventing yourself while staying true to your core values. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram . Connect with JJ Koval: LinkedIn

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  Episode #9

  Building Lifelong Skills through Volleyball with Coach Jesse Tupac

  Jul 15, 20261h 5m

  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 .

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  Episode #8

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

  Jun 30, 20261h 11m

  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 .

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