Ballers Brew

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we sit down with New York Jets defensive end Paschal Ekeji. From dreaming of playing for Bafana Bafana as a child to earning his opportunity through the NFL's International Player Pathway, Paschal reflects on the journey that has shaped both the athlete and the person he is today. We unpack the work that happens behind the scenes, the setbacks, uncertainty, roster cuts, and relentless pursuit of opportunity. Paschal shares how faith, self-belief, and perspective have guided him through the transition from rugby to American football, and why the way we frame challenges can shape the opportunities that follow. Whether you're pursuing a career in sport or navigating change in your own life, this conversation is a reminder that growth is built on resilience, perspective, and the courage to keep believing in the journey. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS: • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠⁠ • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 04:00 – The First Dream 07:00 – Succeeding at Stellenbosch 13:00 – Failing Forward 18:00 – The Power of Framing 22:00 – From Maties to the NFL Pathway 34:00 – Identity Through Transition 37:00 – Knocking on Opportunity: Life as a Free Agent 50:00 – The Power of Faith 01:01:00 – Intentional Timing 01:05:00 – The Current Dream 01:10:00 – Final Reflections #BallersBrew #SportsPodcast #RugbyToNFL #AthleteMindset #HighPerformance Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers⁠

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we sit down with performance specialist and return-to-play expert Armand de Wet. Working at the intersection of rehabilitation and high performance, Armand shares his approach to rebuilding athletes beyond the physical. We unpack the principles behind return to play, the role of psychology in injury recovery, and how self-belief is restored after setbacks. The conversation explores managing risk in elitesport, challenging traditional thinking in sports science, and what it means to take a more grounded, individualised approach to performance. Whether you’re navigating injury, working in athlete care, or refining performance systems, this episode offers a clear perspective on rebuilding, resilience, and long-term development. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS: • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 06:00 – Foundations of Identity 10:00 – Learning Along the Way 13:00 – Principles of Performance 17:00 – Return to Play Psychology 24:00 – Rebuilding Self-Belief 30:00 – Resilience through Training 36:00 – Managing Risk in Elite Sport 44:00 – Emerging Research 50:00 – Injuries vs Fan Expectations 54:00 – A Grounded Approach to Practice 01:00:00 – Beyond Being a Practitioner 01:04:00 – Healthy Lifestyles 01:08:00 – Brew Break 01:13:00 – Impact Beyond 01:18:00 – Purpose and Motivation 01:22:00 – Final Reflections #BallersBrew #SportsPodcast #HighPerformace #AthleteMindset #SporttsMedicine #SportsRehabilitation #Coaching Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we sit down with coach and ultra-endurance athlete Keith Jansen. Through his work with Lane Leader and his own experience in extreme endurance events, Keith shares a perspective on performance that extends beyond results. We unpack the evolution of his coaching philosophy, the role of discipline and delayed gratification, and how endurance shapes both athletes and coaches over time. The conversation explores building sustainable frameworks, leading by example, and what it means to commit to the long game in high performance sport. Whether you’re coaching, competing, or developing athletes, this episode offers a clear look at consistency, mindset, and the process behind long-term performance. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS: • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 05:00 – Coaching Beyond Performance 14:00 – Evolving Philosophy 20:00 – Lessons from Endurance 26:00 – The Long Game Mindset 30:00 – Commitment and Delayed Gratification 34:00 – Creating Frameworks 40:00 – Brew Break 42:00 – Support Crews 46:00 – Purpose and Motivation 49:00 – Final Reflections #BallersBrew #SportsPodcast #HighPerformace #AthleteMindset #EnduranceSport #Coaching Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we sit down with endurance athlete and content creator Simon Stofberg. Known for his presence in South Africa’s endurance community, Simon shares how sport has shaped his identity beyond performance and competition. We unpack the role of discipline in building consistency, how adversity and vulnerability influence growth, and the balancebetween being an athlete, creator, and individual. Simon also reflects on ADHD, community, and the evolving space of endurance sport and digital storytelling. Whether you’re deep in endurance training or navigating your own path in sport, this episode offers an honest look at identity, resilience, and showing up over time. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS: • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 06:00 – Inside the Endurance Community 12:00 – Passion as Part of Identity 15:00 – Adversity Shaping Character 19:00 – Honest Vulnerability 24:00 – ADHD as a Superpower 34:00 – Balancing Athlete, Entertainer and Human 40:00 – The Future of Sports Content 45:00 – Brew Break 51:00 – Beyond the Finish Line 57:00 – Advice and Vision 01:02:00 – Purpose and Motivation 01:06:00 – Final Reflections #BallersBrew #SportsPodcast #HighPerformace #AthleteMindset #EnduranceSport Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers

In this episode of Ballers Brew, we sit down with South African high jumper and national champion Breyton Poole. From WorldU18 champion to senior national gold medallist, Breyton reflects on the journey behind sustained progression in elite athletics. We unpack what it takes to perform under pressure, navigate the transition from junior success to the senior stage, and maintain belief through the less visible phases of development. Breyton shares his perspective on discipline, identity, and the standards required to compete internationally. Whether you’re building toward your next level or refining your approach to performance, this episode offers an honest look atgrowth, consistency, and competing with intent. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiVxYEHDi0KS2Lec1x8htw⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Follow for bonus clips & BTS: • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ballersbrew⁠⁠⁠ • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballersbrew Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 03:00 – Taking Flight 07:00 – Against All Odds 10:00 – Thriving Under Pressure 14:00 – Senior National Gold 18:00 – Advice for the Next Generation 22:00 – Brew Break 25:00 – Proving Them Right 28:00 – What I’d Tell My Younger Self 30:00 – Purpose and Motivation 36:00 – Final Reflections #BallersBrew #SportsPodcast #HighPerformace #AthleteMindset #WorldAthletics Audio Credit: "I'm Ready" - AJR YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dJxFIV28Y⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ajrbrothers