Best Day Ever W/ Kara and Rudy

About Best Day Ever W/ Kara and Rudy

So much of sport happens when the cameras are off. Athletes are measured by their athletic performance with medals, trophies, records, and podiums. But what are the moments that make those moments possible? What if athletes put more worth into the lead-up, the behind-the-scenes, the personal victory that meant more than any fan might know that it did? If you asked an athlete, what would they say is their Best Day Ever? Best Day Ever is hosted by Olympians and American Record Holders Kara Winger and Rudy Winkler. Join them as they talk with fellow athletes to discover their Best Days Ever.

Publisher

Kara Winger and Rudy Winkler

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Jan 2026

Latest episode

9 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Aug 2026

   Ep 18 - Kara and Rudy Season 1 Reflections

   Last episode of season 1! It's been such a fun few months with so many great interviews. In this last episode, Kara and Rudy discuss some of their favorite moments from season 1 and reflect on some other moments from their careers and lives. Best Day Ever will be back in a few months with new episodes. In the meantime, keep enjoying 10% off your first order at MuntiCoffee.com with code "BestDayEver". See you soon!

2. 

   29 Jun 2026

   Ep 17 - Maggie Malone-Hardin's Best Day Ever

   Maggie Malone-Hardin is one of the most accomplished javelin throwers in American history. She is a three-time Olympian, World Championship finalist, NCAA champion, and the second-best American of all time. Over more than a decade at the highest level, Maggie has overcome countless setbacks and moments of adversity to become one of the most respected athletes in the sport. Maggie joins hosts Rudy Winkler and Kara Winger on this week's episode to reflect on her journey as an athlete. They discuss the ingredients of Maggie's best day, trade stories from their experiences at the World Championships and Olympic Games, and explore how to find the magic in the sport, even after years of competing at the highest level. As one of the greatest Javelin throwers in American history, what day will Maggie Malone-Hardin say is her Best Day Ever? Best Day ever is supported in part by Munti Coffee. Use code "BestDayEver" to et 10% off your first order at MuntiCoffee.com.

3. 

   15 Jun 2026

   Ep 16 - Brooke Anderson's Best Day Ever

   Brooke Andersen is one of the most prolific hammer throwers the United States has ever produced. The 2022 World Champion, Brooke made history in Eugene by delivering a stunning 78.96m final throw to claim gold on American soil. A 2021 Olympian, two-time US Champion (2022, 2023), and the owner of an 80.17m personal best that ranks her among the top four women in the all-time history of the event, Brooke has established herself as one of the greatest throwers of her generation. But Brooke's path has been as challenging as it has been decorated. A shoulder injury derailed her defense of the world title in Budapest in 2023, and the road back has tested her in ways that go far beyond the circle. More recently, Brooke has been navigating the effects of vertigo, a condition that would sideline most athletes entirely, let alone ones who spin at full speed with a four-kilogram implement. That she continues to compete and train at a high level under those circumstances says everything about who she is. Her journey is a reminder that the scoreboard rarely tells the whole story. With a career defined by both breathtaking highs and hard-fought battles, what will Brooke Andersen say is her Best Day Ever? Best Day Ever is brought to you, in part, by Munti Coffee. Use code BestDayEver to get 10% off your first order at MuntiCoffee.com.

4. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Ep 15 - Payton Otterdahl's Best Day Ever

   Payton Otterdahl is one of the top shot putters in the world and one of the most consistent competitors of his generation. A two-time Olympian and World Championship finalist, Payton has spent years establishing himself among the elite in one of the deepest eras the event has ever seen. Payton burst onto the elite scene while attending North Dakota State University, where he broke through the 21-meter barrier for the first time (remarkably, it was also the first time he had ever thrown over 20 meters). In the years since, he has never had a season best below 21 meters and has steadily climbed the all-time rankings. Today, his personal best of 22.59m ranks him 13th on the all-time world list. Payton's journey has not always been easy. After tearing his hip labrum and undergoing surgery in 2022, he battled his way back to qualify for the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where he finished 5th in the world. He is currently working through elbow injuries that have delayed the start of his 2026 season, adding yet another challenge to a career defined by resilience and perseverance. As one of the greatest shot putters of all time, and one of the chillest dudes on the circuit, what day will Payton Otterdahl say is his Best Day Ever? This episode is brought to you in part by Munti Coffee. Use code "BestDayEver" at MuntiCoffee.com to get 10% off your first order.

5. 

   18 May 2026

   Ep 14 - Jill Camarena-Williams' Best Day Ever

   Jill Camarena-Williams' is one of the greatest shot putters in history. She took a stellar career at Stanford long past her collegiate days to make statements across the globe both indoor and outdoor. As a two-time Olympian (Beijing 2008 finalist) and a medalist at the NACAC championships, Pan-Am games, indoor world championships, and outdoor world championships, Jill pushed the American women’s shot put standard forward. An early female spinner, Jill broke Ramona Pagel’s 1987 indoor national record and tied her outdoor national record in 2011. Jill won the first outdoor World Championships medal ever in the women's shot put with bronze medal at the 2011 Daegu World Championships (later upgraded to a silver). With stellar indoor and outdoor performances over a long and consistent career, a return to high level competition after the birth of her daughter, and so many moments in between, what will this now-collegiate and USATF national team coach say is her best day ever?Best Day Ever is brought to you in part by Munti Coffee. Use code "Bestdayever" for 10% off your first order at munticoffee.com.

6. 

   4 May 2026

   Ep 13 - Kim Kreiner's Best Day Ever

   Kim Kreiner’s stellar and US-dominant javelin career spanned a change in the implement in 1999, and took her from Ohio to across the whole world. She broke the American Record nine times throughout her 2x Olympic, Pan American Games-winning, and globally successful career (we chat about how tough it can be to perform on different continents, and she sure did). With a PB of 64.19m that still sits at #5 on the all-time U.S. list and a lot of other stuff that matters in life, too, what is Kim’s best day ever?This episode is brought to you in part by Munti Coffee. Use code "BestDayEver" to get 10% off your first order at MuntiCoffee.com.

7. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Ep 12 - Chuk Enekwechi's Best Day Ever

   Chuk Enekwechi is one of the top shot putters in the world and the greatest the event has ever seen from Nigeria. A three-time Olympian and the African record holder, Chuk has spent years competing against the very best in the world, consistently proving himself on the biggest stages, and cementing his place among the greatest generation of shot putters we have ever seen. But Chuk’s story is defined by far more than just results. His journey has been shaped by perseverance. Through injuries, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt that could have derailed his career, Chuk has continued to show up, year after year. He has built himself into one of the most competitive and reliable performers in the world. That resilience has set him apart and has given him a perspective that has made his journey oh so worth it. Chuk joins hosts Kara Winger and Rudy Winkler to reflect on his Best Day Ever and what lead him to that point. It’s a conversation about persistence, identity, and what it takes to keep showing up when the journey isn’t easy. After everything it’s taken to get here, what will Chuk say is his Best Day Ever? This week's episode is brought you in part by Munti Coffee. Use code "bestdayever" to get 10% off your first order from MuntiCoffee.com.

8. 

   13 Apr 2026

   Ep 11 - Matt Denny's Best Day Ever

   Matthew Denny (Matt/Matty) is one of the top discus throwers in the world and a leading force for Australia on the global stage. He currently owns the second-farthest throw in history at 74.78m, surpassing a world record that had stood for over 37 years. An Olympic medalist, Diamond League Final champion, and owner of one of the most impressive single-meet series the sport has ever seen, Matt has firmly established himself among the all-time greats. Beyond the discus, he’s also a World Junior medalist, Commonwealth Games medalist, and has thrown nearly 75 meters in the hammer. Matt joins hosts Kara Winger and Rudy Winkler to talk about his journey through the sport. It is one shaped by growth, perspective, and an evolving sense of purpose. He opens up about becoming a new dad and how that experience has shifted both his life and his approach to competing. It’s an awesome conversation (and our longest one yet) that dives into the many layers of what makes Matt who he is. With a career already reaching historic heights, what will Matt say is his Best Day Ever? This episode is sponsored by Munti Coffee. Use code "BestDayEver' to get 10% off your first order at Munticoffee.com.

9. 

   6 Apr 2026

   Ep 10 - Mac Wilkins' Best Day Ever

   Mac Wilkins' career is one that is hard to summarize in short order. He one of the true legends of the throwing world and a pioneer of modern discus. Mac is four-time Olympian, an Olympic gold and silver medalist, a former world record holder and the first man ever to break the 70-meter barrier in the discus. He also touts impressive PRs in the shot put (21.06m) and javelin (78.54m). Mac's impact on the sport of discus throwing is almost immeasurable. His influence as a thrower and a coach has likely had a part in every single throwing athlete's training since his retirement in 1989. A true student and fan of the event, Mac still spends his time steeped in the world of throwing. At the age of 75, he still is learning, growing, and sharing his time and knowledge with throwing community. What day will a legend like Mac Wilkins say is his Best Day Ever? This episode is brought to you in part by Munti Coffee. Use code 'bestdayever' on munticoffee.com for 10% off your first order.

10. 

    30 Mar 2026

    Ep 9 - Alex Young's Best Day Ever

    Alex Young has built his career the hard way, carving out a place among the best hammer throwers in the United States through persistence and grit. An Olympian in Tokyo and a consistent presence on the international stage, Alex has represented Team USA at multiple World Championships and major global competitions. He first made his mark in college at Southeastern Louisiana, where he became the school’s first-ever Division I national champion and followed it up with a runner-up finish in the NCAA hammer, establishing himself as one of the top collegiate throwers in the country. But Alex’s story goes far beyond results. His journey has been defined by sacrifice, working multiple jobs, relocating to chase better training opportunities, and grinding his way into the elite level of the sport. That same toughness shows up every time he steps into the ring. Through the ups and downs of a professional career, he’s remained relentlessly committed to his craft, proving that resilience and belief can carry you a long way in this life. What day will Alex Young say is his Best Day Ever? Join our hosts Rudy Winkler and Kara Winger in their conversation with Alex as they unpack his best day ever. This week's episode is brough to you in part by Munti Coffee. Use code 'BestDayEver' for 10% off your first order on MuntiCoffee.com.

11. 

    23 Mar 2026

    Ep 8 - Tripp Piperi's Best Day Ever

    Tripp Piperi has already had a long and successful career as a shot putter despite being our youngest guest yet. A World Youth Champion and World U20 silver medalist, Tripp carried that momentum into a standout career at the University of Texas, where he became a two-time NCAA Champion, a nine-time Big 12 champion, and one of the most decorated throwers in program history. His 21.74m school record not only broke a mark previously held by Ryan Crouser, but also ranks among the top throws in NCAA history. Tripp continues to stand out not just for his marks, but for the maturity and tenacity he brings into the ring. His journey hasn’t been linear, facing injuries and adversity that have tested him at every level. But time and again, he’s found a way to respond, showing a level of resilience and composure well beyond his years, and proving that his ceiling is still very much ahead of him.

12. 

    16 Mar 2026

    Ep 7 - DeAnna Price's Best Day Ever

    DeAnna Price is one of the greatest hammer throwers in American history. The 2019 World Champion, DeAnna made history in Doha by becoming the first American woman ever to win a world title in the hammer throw. She’s a three-time Olympian and the American record holder, having launched the hammer 80.31 meters in 2021. Along the way, she’s added a World Championship bronze medal, a Pan American Games gold medal, and multiple national titles, cementing her place among the sport’s all-time greats. But DeAnna’s path to the top has been anything but easy. Her career has been marked by setbacks, injuries, and challenges that would have stopped many athletes. Through it all, her relentless passion for the sport has brought her back again and again, proving not only that she’s one of the greatest athletes of her generation, but also the kind of person whose resilience, character, and integrity make her just as remarkable off the field as she is inside the circle. What day will a true inspiration like DeAnna say is her Best Day Ever? Best Day Ever is brought to you by our hosts, Rudy Winkler and Kara Winger, as well as with the help of our sponsor: Munti Coffee. Get 10% off your first order at Munticoffee.com using code "bestdayever".

13. 

    9 Mar 2026

    Ep 6 - Curtis Thompson's Best Day Ever

    Curtis Thompson is one of the top javelin throwers in the world and is a consistent force for Team USA. A two-time Olympian, five-time US champion, and an NCAA champion at Mississippi State, Curtis has built a reputation as one of the best American Javelin throwers of his generation. Curtis's incredible career is highlighted by a 2023 Pan American Games win, two NACAC titles in 2022 and 2025, and a bronze at the 2025 World Championships - the first world championship medal by a Team USA athlete in nearly 2 decades on the first ever all-Americas podium in the men's javelin. Curtis's success as an athlete is only outdone by his own humility and humbleness. With such a strong presence in his sport, what day will Curtis Thompson say is his Best Day Ever? This episode was brought to you in part by: Munti Coffee. Use code "bestdayever" to get 10% off your first order at MuntiCoffee.com.

14. 

    2 Mar 2026

    Ep 5 - Laulauga Tausaga-Collin's Best Day Ever

    Laulauga Tausaga (Lagi) is one of the greatest female discus throwers of all time. Lagi burst onto the pro scene in 2018, where she placed 3rd at the USATF Outdoor National Championships. Then, in 2019, she made the final at her first World Championships, all while still attending the University of Iowa (go Hawkeyes). Since then, Lagi's career has been nothing short of incredible. She has earned multiple NCAA podiums, a NACAC title, has made multiple World Championship finals, and was the first ever American woman to win the discus throw at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. With such an incredible career, what day will Lagi say is her Best Day Ever? This episode is all about the things outside of our performances that make good days so good, and how, sometimes, our best days are when we make a breakthrough that changes our perception of our careers forever. Best Day Ever is hosted by Rudy Winkler and Kara Winger. They use their experiences as track and field pros to talk to other athletes about the mental side of the sport and to help their guests dive deep into all of the details that make their favorite days in sport so special. Listen to new episodes weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

15. 

    23 Feb 2026

    Ep 4 - Sam Mattis's Best Day Ever

    Sam Mattis is one of the best discus throwers of all time. He currently holds a PR of 71.27m, which puts him at #2 all-time in the USA and #15 all-time in the world. He is an NCAA champion, multiple time USATF Outdoor champion, World Championships finalist, and an Olympic games finalist. Sam has had a long career containing many twists and turns. What day will he say is his Best Day Ever?

16. 

    16 Feb 2026

    Ep 3 - Alex Rose's Best Day Ever

    Alex Rose has experience as a professional discus thrower as far back as 2012. He has an extremely storied career; he currently holds the 13th best throw of all time, is a 9 time Oceana Championships medalist (with 8 golds), and is a World Championships bronze medalist. With a long history filled with all sorts of ups and downs, what day will Alex say is his Best Day Ever?

17. 

    9 Feb 2026

    Ep 2 - Rudy Winkler's Best Day Ever

    With two decades of throwing experience, encompassing 2 American records, 3 Olympic teams, multiple national titles, and many more special moments under his belt, what day will our co-host Rudy Winkler say is his Best Day Ever? In this episode, Rudy and Kara unpack his Best Day Ever. It is a conversation about his journey in this sport as a pro, how our best moments often follow moments of great struggle, and about how the people and things outside of our performances are the things we care about the most.

18. 

    2 Feb 2026

    Ep 1 - Kara Winger's Best Day Ever

    After more than two decades in the sport, spanning four Olympic Games, two American Records, a World Championship silver medal, a Diamond League Final win, and countless moments in between, what day would our beloved co-host Kara Winger call her Best Day Ever? In this episode, Kara and Rudy unpack her Best Day Ever and everything behind it. It’s a conversation about defining success on your own terms, overcoming great challenges, appreciating the process, and understanding what truly means the most to an athlete as accomplished and storied as Kara Winger. #bestdayever #athletevoices #sportspodcast #olympics

19. 

    26 Jan 2026

    Ep 0 - Welcome! Kara Winger & Rudy Winkler

    Welcome to Best Day Ever! The podcast where your hosts, Kara Winger and Rudy Winkler, talk with fellow athlete's about their Best Day Ever. So much of sport happens when the cameras are off, or, in niche sport, when cameras might be on but it’s not the biggest stage, so only die-hard fans are watching or will ever know. Athletes are measured by athletic performance, at the right time. By medals, trophies, records, and podiums. But what are the moments that make those moments possible? What if athletes put more worth into the lead-up, the behind-the-scenes, the personal victory that meant more than any fan might know that it did? If you asked an athlete, what would THEY say was their best day ever? Even if an athlete’s best day ever is their PR, Olympic gold, World Championship title, or any of the big things we might expect, why did those moments mean so much? What more happened beyond the field of play that day to bring out the best in that human, at exactly the right time? Kara and Rudy will connect with athletes using their decades of combined experience competing at a high level in sport. Each episode will be about 20 minutes long. New episodes will be uploaded every other Monday. If you have requests for guests, or need to reach us in any other way, you can email us at: support@bestdayeverpod.com.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

4.8 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.