- 13
- Episodes
- 2025
- First episode
About Athletes Rewired Podcast
The Athletes Rewired podcast is a space for personal growth, healing, and identity expansion. Hosted by, Makayla Sargent, we will explore life beyond sport: from mindset shifts to physical health and everything in between. When sports end, your life does not - It's all about rewiring the mind, body, and spirit—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of self.
- Publisher
- Makayla Sargent
- Category
- sports
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 24 May 2025
- Latest episode
- 27 Oct 2025
Latest episodes
13 episodes in the feed.
27 Oct 2025
Becoming an NCAA Champion, Unexpected "Retirement", & Finding New Purpose
Episode 13: In this episode of Athletes Rewired, former University of Alabama swimmer and 2x NCAA Champion, Kensey McMahon opens up about her journey through swimming, the challenges surrounding her case with USADA, and the impact it had on her athletic identity. Kensey shares what she’s learned through adversity, how she’s rebuilding life beyond the pool, and what it truly means to redefine success on her own terms. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Kensey’s Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/kenseymac/?hl=en)
15 Sept 2025
Inside the NFL and Life After It Ends
Episode 12: In this episode of Athletes Rewired, I sit down with former NFL fullback John Conner, known to many as “The Terminator”. We dive into his journey from college to professional athlete, exploring both the highs of reaching the NFL and the difficult realities of what happens when that chapter ends. John shares what surprised him most about life after football, the challenges of rebuilding his identity beyond the game, and how he found a new sense of purpose once the stadium lights went dark. His perspective sheds light on the emotional side of transition, reminding us that success in athletics doesn’t always guarantee clarity or ease in the next phase of life. This is an honest, inspiring conversation for anyone navigating life after sport, preparing for their own transition, or simply curious about what really goes on behind the scenes in professional athletics. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) John’s Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/jconner38/?hl=en) John’s PT Business HERE (https://www.instagram.com/unbreakable_lifestyle/?hl=en)
1 Sept 2025
From DIII to MLB, Finding New Passions, & The Problem with Youth Sports
Episode #11: In this Episode I sit down with former MLB player Zach Lutz to talk about his journey from the big leagues to life after baseball. From his time with the New York Mets to playing overseas, Zach shares insider stories, career highs, and the lessons he’s carried off the field. Zach opens up about life after baseball and why he’s now turning his focus to something closer to home: the state of youth sports. We talk about the pressure on young athletes, burnout, and why the current system often fails the very kids it’s supposed to serve. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Zach’s Linkedin HERE (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-lutz-b8a61b323/)
18 Aug 2025
Falling Short of Olympic Dreams, Making History in Hawaii, & A Comeback Story
Episode #10 In this episode of Athletes Rewired, I sit down with Becca Mann — 8x U.S. National Team member, 2x National Champion, and the only person to ever complete the grueling Maui Nui Channel swim. Beyond her incredible accomplishments in the water, Becca has also made waves as an author, blending her creativity and discipline from sport into writing. Becca Mann opens up about what it meant to fall short of her Olympic dreams—and how that setback became the doorway to something far greater-becoming the only person to complete the 21-hour Maui Nui Tri-Channel Crossing. Becca talks about rediscovering her love for the sport, what her comeback looks like now, and how she’s finding joy in the water again. Whether you’re an athlete, a creative, or simply someone looking for inspiration on chasing big goals, this conversation with Becca will leave you rethinking what’s possible when you follow your passion with persistence. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Becca's instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/becca__mann?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) Link to Becca's books OUTSIDE THE LANES (https://www.amazon.com/Outside-Lanes-Resilience-Reinvention-Redefining/dp/1963183118)& UNRULY (https://www.amazon.com/Unruly-Coming-Age-Dystopian-Sisters/dp/B0F3B14VXH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26NB4UGV790U2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eIL4qYjFP-abzYp-uZg-uw.XJKvSylK31F26WObFqH65-A6QCFVGfuV6tj0veCBtsU&dib_tag=se&keywords=unruly+becca+mann&qid=1755521836&s=books&sprefix=unruly+becca+mann%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-1)
4 Aug 2025
Redefining Mental Toughness, Finding Your “Why” and the Power of Curiosity
Episode #9 In this episode of Athletes Rewired, Makayla sits down with former professional baseball player turned mental performance coach, Matt Phillips. Matt’s journey is anything but linear—from getting cut as a walk-on Division I athlete to earning a spot back on the team, and eventually going pro. Now, he runs Pro Athlete Advantage, a business dedicated to helping athletes strengthen their mindset, improve performance, and take ownership of their mental game. This episode dives deep into what it really means to be mentally tough—and how it’s not about pushing harder, but pausing, asking questions, and staying curious. Whether you’re still competing or transitioning out of sport, Matt shares tangible ways to reconnect with your "why" and build confidence from the inside out. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Connect with Matt HERE (https://www.instagram.com/proathleteadvantage/?hl=en)or HERE (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattphillips15/) Learn more about Pro Athlete Advantage HERE (https://www.proathleteadvantage.com/) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
28 Jul 2025
From Dual Sport D1 Athlete to Wellness CEO: The Power of Contrast Therapy
Episode #8 In this episode of Athletes Rewired, host Makayla Sargent sits down with former Division I basketball player and swimmer, Rachel Bantelman Evans. Rachel shares her unique journey from competing as a dual-sport athlete to building her thriving infrared sauna business, Lumos. She opens up about how an injury—and a few unexpected friendships—sparked the idea to start her own venture. Rachel dives into the powerful benefits of infrared sauna therapy and reflects on how the discipline, resilience, and lessons she gained as an athlete became the foundation for her success as an entrepreneur. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Connect with Rachel HERE (https://www.instagram.com/ray_bantelman?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) Learn more about Lumos HERE (https://www.instagram.com/lumossauna?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
7 Jul 2025
How to Workout in Life After Sports, Building Sustainable Health, Thoughts on NIL
Episode #7 Feeling confused on how to navigate fitness in life after sports?This episode is for you. In this episode of Athletes Rewired, Makayla Sargent sits down with former swimmer, Division 1 coach, and entrepreneur Justin Andrade. He shares his journey from coaching at the collegiate level to launching Mejoria Training — a company designed to support former athletes navigating life after sport. Justin dives into the mindset shifts around training post-competition and how he’s built a team of nutritionists, trainers, and wellness professionals to help athletes reclaim their health, confidence, and identity beyond the game. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Connect with Justin HERE (https://www.instagram.com/coach_jandrade/?hl=en) Learn more about Mejoria Training HERE (https://www.mejoriatraining.com/) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
30 Jun 2025
Getting Closure: One Last Practice With My Coach, Reflecting On My Trip to Raleigh
Episode #6 In this solo episode, I reflect on a recent visit back to my college team — a place that once felt like home. Seeing old friends and teammates brought questions, guilt, and unexpected emotion. I reflect on the pull of my past, the weight of “what could’ve been,” and the reminder that growth means honoring who you were and who you're becoming. This episode is for anyone who's ever returned to a version of themselves they’ve outgrown — and wondered if they made the right choice in letting go. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
16 Jun 2025
From Heart Surgery to NCAA Champion to Motivational Speaker. How Balance Creates Success
Episode #5 In this episode of the Athletes Rewired podcast, host Makayla Sargent interviews former swimmer Dillon Hillis, who shares his inspiring journey through the challenges of a heart condition and the impact it had on his swimming career. Dillon discusses the importance of finding balance in life and sports, the shift in identity when transitioning to college athletics, and how rediscovering creativity outside of swimming led to his success. His insights into motivational speaking highlight the importance of connecting with the next generation of athletes and fostering self-reliance in their journeys. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Connect with Dillon HERE (https://www.instagram.com/dillon_hillis/) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice
9 Jun 2025
The Story Behind the Dancing Queen Sierra Schmidt and Tips to Prepare for Life After Sports
Episode #4 In this episode of the Athletes Rewired podcast, Makayla Sargent interviews Sierra Schmidt, a former elite swimmer, about her journey transitioning out of competitive swimming. Sierra shares her experiences as a six-time US national team member and the importance of maintaining joy in the sport through her unique persona as a dancer. The conversation dives into the necessity of preparing for life beyond athletics, and the importance of finding new passions along the way. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Sierra’s instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/sierra_swims/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice
2 Jun 2025
Redefining Friendships, Building New Community, and Learning How to Rest
Episode #3 In this Episode , I sit down with Kylee Alons to discuss the challenges and experiences of transitioning from competitive swimming to life beyond the sport. We explore themes of community building, the importance of rest, redefining friendships, and finding identity outside of athletics. Kylee shares her journey of discovering hobbies, pursuing photography, and the significance of maintaining connections with friends after college. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice
26 May 2025
Finding YOUR Path, Celebrating Small Victories, & Escaping the Comparison Trap
Episode #2: In this week's episode, I sit down with former competitive swimmer, Summer Finke to discuss the challenges of transitioning from sports to civilian life. We explore the comparison trap that many athletes fall into, reflecting on past successes and the difficulties of redefining identities outside of sports. The conversation dives into the importance of self-validation, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the journey of self-discovery. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Follow Summer's Podcast HERE (https://www.youtube.com/@SwimISCA/podcasts) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
24 May 2025
Welcome to the Athletes Rewired Podcast
Episode #1: Welcome to the Athletes Rewired Podcast. This week's episode is a short introduction where I discuss my personal journey through the sport of swimming and how it lead me to creating this podcast. I share details about my athletic retirement and things I have learned throughout the transition. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a teammate, a friend, or someone navigating life after sport. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a moment of this journey — and if you’d like to help this community grow, please leave a 5 star rating and review below! Join our Instagram community HERE (https://www.instagram.com/athletes_rewired?igsh=ZG44cXI2cjhjaDYx&utm_source=qr) Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
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