The Human Athlete

Welcome to The Human Athlete. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Kaiser, a Wisconsin native, PGA Class A professional, and one of the state’s top golf instructors. Jeff shares his journey from picking up a club at age four to competing at the collegiate and national levels, and how the lessons learned along the way shaped his successful career as a coach and mentor. We explore his transition from elite golfer to sought-after teacher, his approach to coaching players of all backgrounds, and the life lessons golf has taught him about adaptability, priorities, and fulfillment. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply curious about personal growth in sports, Jeff’s insights are sure to resonate. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram.

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

On this episode of The Human Athlete, we sit down with Taylor Mehlhaff—former NFL kicker, Wisconsin Badgers standout, coach, and entrepreneur. Taylor shares his journey from small-town South Dakota to the NFL, the pressures of being one of the few kickers drafted, and lessons learned through both triumph and hardship. We dive into his transitions from athlete to coach to life beyond football, explore the mental tactics that fuel elite performance, and discuss how Taylor finds purpose as a mentor, business owner, and dad. Join us for an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and thriving after the game with Taylor Mehlhaff. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website or Instagram. Connect with Taylor Mehlhaff: LinkedIn

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

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