When Hard Work Beats Talent

About When Hard Work Beats Talent

A podcast about business, sports, family and a little insurance

Publisher

Ryan Teubner & Wes Becknell

Category

business · news

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

26 Apr 2024

Latest episode

29 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Oct 2026

   Mark Branch - Finding Passion Through Hardwork

   In this conversation, Mark Branch shares insights about his wrestling career, personal growth, hidden talents, and travel experiences. He reflects on the myths surrounding his height, his skills in construction and tinkering, and some of the less favorable places he's visited during his wrestling journey. Mark Branch humorously discusses the myths about his height. He feels short compared to his son who is six six. Mark enjoys construction and tinkering as hobbies. He reflects on his childhood experiences with musical instruments. Traveling for wrestling has taken him to places he doesn't enjoy. He shares a memorable experience in New York City during NCAs. Mark's perspective on travel is shaped by his wrestling career. He values the mental escape that hobbies provide. Mark's childhood involved a lot of tinkering with electronics. He has a light-hearted approach to discussing his experiences.

2. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Brett Wargo - Passionate Motivation Through Understanding

   In this episode, Coach Brett Wargo shares his journey from a gymnast to a top-tier college coach, emphasizing the importance of culture, relationships, and continuous growth in coaching. Discover insights on building a positive gymnastics environment, motivating athletes, and the value of perseverance and self-awareness. key topics Brett Wargo's background and journey in gymnastics The importance of culture and relationships in coaching Strategies for motivating athletes through plateaus and setbacks The role of self-awareness and continuous improvement in coaching Building a positive team environment and culture Balancing individual needs with team goals The impact of mental toughness and mindset in sports Recruitment and transitioning athletes to college programs The significance of community and support in athlete development Brett Wargo's coaching philosophy and future goals sound bites "It's about people, not just the sport" "Create a culture where everyone wants to be" "High energy and cheering fuel success"

3. 

   31 Mar 2026

   Bob Sullivan - Serving policyholder. Strengthening Oklahoma

   In this engaging interview, insurance candidate Bob Sullivan shares his vision for Oklahoma's insurance industry, discusses his background, and offers insights into improving competition, rates, and consumer protection. Discover how his industry experience and innovative ideas aim to shape a better future for Oklahoma residents. key topics Insurance Department reform Increasing competition and lowering rates Consumer protection and trust Use of technology and innovation in insurance

4. 

   12 Dec 2025

   Nick Montoni - Stregth with Purpose, Conditioning with Heart

   Summary In this episode of the Win Hard Work Beats Talent Podcast, hosts Ryan Teubner and Wes Becknell welcome Nick Montoni, the strength and conditioning coach for Oklahoma State University Wrestling. The conversation covers Nick's journey into strength and conditioning, his experiences working with athletes, and the importance of hard work in achieving success. Nick shares personal anecdotes, insights into training strategies, and the significance of injury prevention in sports. The episode concludes with discussions about Nick's hobbies and personal life, providing a well-rounded view of his character and philosophy. Takeaways Nick can sleep anywhere, even during an ultramarathon. His journey into strength and conditioning was unexpected but fulfilling. The importance of injury prevention in athlete training cannot be overstated. Nick emphasizes the need for individualized training programs for athletes. He values simplicity and quiet in his personal life. Hard work is essential for success in athletics, regardless of talent. Nick's grandfather had a significant impact on his life and values. He enjoys outdoor activities and has a passion for hunting. The culture of wrestling at Oklahoma State is rich and supportive. Nick believes in the power of community and teamwork in sports.

5. 

   28 Oct 2025

   Joey Schewee - Understanding Your Motivations & Drivers

   Takeaways Joey's hidden talent is her singing voice, which surprises many. She had a significant career shift from finance to education. The Enneagram is a personality typing system that helps understand motivations. Joey's mother is a well-known figure in the Enneagram community. The book focuses on applying the Enneagram in corporate settings. Joey emphasizes the importance of understanding one's core type. She has worked with major companies like Chick-fil-A and Reliant Energy. The book aims to bridge gaps in communication and understanding in workplaces. Joey's personal experiences shaped her approach to the Enneagram. She believes the Enneagram can help improve team dynamics and relationships. In this engaging conversation, Joey Stabile-Schewee shares her journey from a corporate finance background to becoming a prominent figure in the Enneagram community. She discusses the importance of understanding personality types, particularly in corporate settings, and how her upcoming book aims to bridge communication gaps in workplaces. Joey emphasizes the transformative power of the Enneagram in enhancing team dynamics and personal growth, while also reflecting on her personal experiences that shaped her approach to coaching and leadership. Links: https://wesolutions.life/ (https://wesolutions.life/) Joey Schewee | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyschewee/)

6. 

   14 Oct 2025

   Chris Merideth - Innovation through Collaboration

   In this episode, Chris Meredith shares his journey from a troubled youth to a dedicated professional in the insurance industry, discussing his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner in Oklahoma. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, personal growth, and the impact of family on his life. Chris addresses the challenges facing the insurance industry, including high rates and fraud, and outlines his vision for building resilient communities through better practices and education. He advocates for a proactive approach to risk management and aims to restore trust in the insurance sector while engaging with the community to drive change. takeaways Chris Meredith's journey reflects the power of resilience and hard work. Family plays a crucial role in motivating personal and professional growth. Cutting off negative influences can be a difficult but necessary decision. Education is key to helping consumers understand insurance. Building fortified homes can significantly reduce insurance claims. Trust in the insurance industry is at an all-time low and needs to be rebuilt. Chris aims to reduce traffic deaths and improve road safety in Oklahoma. Fraud and litigation abuse are major contributors to high insurance costs. Community engagement is essential for driving change in the insurance sector. Chris's vision includes making Oklahoma a leader in insurance reform. titles From Football Dreams to Insurance Reform: Chris Meredith's Journey Building Resilience: Chris Meredith's Vision for Oklahoma Sound Bites "You can vote to change the system." "I want to regain that mitigation mindset." "I want to reduce traffic deaths by 30% by 2030."

7. 

   23 Sept 2025

   Ryan Hanley - Finding Peak

   summary In this engaging conversation, Ryan Teubner and Ryan Hanley discuss various themes surrounding the insurance industry, the evolution of education, the impact of AI, and the unique challenges and advantages of ADHD. They explore the perception of insurance as a boring field, the need for hands-on experience in education, and the rapid adoption of AI in the workplace. The discussion also delves into time management strategies, the importance of embracing one's strengths, and the role of leadership in business growth. Hanley shares insights from his own experiences, including the founding of Incora, a company focused on improving data quality in the insurance industry. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Hanley and Ryan Teubner explore the dynamics of small agencies, the challenges they face, and the importance of personal growth through parenting and professional setbacks. They discuss influential figures in history, the role of God in society, and the lessons learned from sports and competition, emphasizing the need for emotional maturity and resilience in both personal and professional realms. takeaways Insurance is often perceived as boring, but there are exciting developments on the fringes. Education must evolve to meet the needs of modern learners, especially with the rise of online platforms. Hands-on experience is crucial for effective learning and career success. AI is rapidly changing the landscape of content creation and efficiency in business. Early adoption of AI tools is essential to stay competitive in any industry. Maximizing efficiency with AI can lead to significant growth and productivity. Time management strategies, such as time blocking, are vital for success, especially for those with ADHD. The 10,000 hour rule is important, but iterating on skills can lead to faster mastery. ADHD can be a superpower if managed effectively, allowing for unique perspectives and creativity. Outsourcing weaknesses and focusing on strengths is key to successful leadership and business growth. 90% of agencies are small and face unique challenges. Small agents often overlook the value of comprehensive data. Personal growth can stem from parenting experiences. Overcoming professional setbacks requires mental preparation. Influential figures like Jordan Peterson and Winston Churchill inspire leadership. The removal of God from society leads to divisiveness. Entitlement in youth sports hinders personal development. Competition teaches valuable life lessons and resilience. Emotional maturity is crucial for navigating life's challenges. Data points from failures are essential for growth.

8. 

   9 Sept 2025

   Kelsi Musick - Faith, Family & Fearless

   In this episode, Coach Musick shares her journey from a small town in Oklahoma to becoming the head coach of the Arkansas women's basketball team. She discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced, and her coaching philosophy centered around hard work, confidence, and building a strong team culture. Coach Musick emphasizes the importance of her three pillars: faith, family, and fearlessness, and how they guide her coaching approach. She reflects on her career development, the transition to Arkansas, and her commitment to empowering young women both on and off the court. Coach Musick's hidden talent is eating ice cream quickly without getting a brain freeze. Hey Braum's, how about a NIL deal Mrs. Gore, her high school coach, had a significant impact on her basketball career. Losing her stepson in 2021 was the hardest challenge she faced. She always aspired to be a head coach and pursued opportunities relentlessly. Her coaching philosophy is centered around the dribble drive offense. Building a strong team culture is essential for success. Confidence is crucial for young women in sports and life. Her three pillars are faith, family, and fearlessness. Hard work is necessary to achieve success and overcome challenges. Embracing the journey and relationships is vital in coaching.

9. 

   29 Aug 2025

   Larry Reece - The Voice of Oklahoma State Athletics

   In this episode of the When Hard Work Beats Talent podcast, hosts Ryan Teubner and Wes Becknell welcome Larry Reece, the voice of the Cowboys. The conversation covers a range of topics including Larry's hidden talents, influential figures in his life, personal challenges he has faced, the unique atmosphere of Gallagher-Iba Arena, and the evolution of college athletics with the introduction of NIL. Larry shares heartfelt stories about his experiences and the importance of community in sports. In this conversation, Larry Reece discusses the significant transformations occurring in college athletics, particularly the challenges posed by the NCAA's handling of student athlete compensation and the open transfer portal. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining competitive standards at Oklahoma State University (OSU) amidst financial constraints and the need for strong relationships with donors. Reece also highlights the recent renaissance in facility improvements, the success of community events like concerts, and reflects on the legacy of OSU athletics, including a discussion on the Mount Rushmore of OSU sports figures. The conversation concludes with a focus on the value of hard work in achieving success in athletics.

10. 

    8 Mar 2025

    Fritz & Bob Talk K9 and Life

    Summary In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Ryan Teubner and Wes Becknell welcome canine experts Fritz Vorderbrug and Bob Ungurean. The conversation begins with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, revealing personal insights and hidden talents. As the discussion unfolds, the guests share their experiences in dog training, the challenges they've faced, and the influential figures in their lives. They delve into the importance of humility in the canine community and the financial aspects of dog training, emphasizing the impact of their work on both dogs and their owners. The episode concludes with reflections on learning from industry leaders and the shared passion for canine training. In this conversation, the speakers delve into their experiences in the canine training and law enforcement industry, discussing the challenges, myths, and realities of working with police dogs. They share insights on the importance of training, the evolution of canine breeds, and the personal journeys that have shaped their careers. The discussion also touches on the egos present in the industry and the traits necessary for success, highlighting the need for ambition and a strong internal drive. In this conversation, Fritz Vorderbrug shares his transformative journey from a troubled past to a successful career in dog training, emphasizing the importance of relationships, accountability, and hard work. The discussion highlights the impact of friendships that challenge individuals to rise to their potential, the significance of resilience in overcoming adversity, and the power of personal growth through dedication and effort. Both Fritz and Bob Ungurean reflect on their experiences, offering insights into the value of hard work over talent and the importance of holding oneself and others to high standards.

11. 

    16 Oct 2024

    Matt Brown - Family Man, Entrepreneur and Wrestler

    In this episode of the Win Hard Work Beats Talent podcast, host Ryan Teubner and co-host Wes Becknell welcome Matt Brown, a former wrestler and successful entrepreneur. The conversation explores Matt's journey from wrestling at Oklahoma State University to starting his own oil and gas company. They discuss hidden talents, personal influences, challenges faced in sports and business, the importance of family, and the life lessons learned through wrestling. Matt shares insights on discipline, perseverance, and the impact of his children on his personal growth. In this conversation, Matt Brown shares his journey through sports and into the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of determination, the competitive landscape of athletics, and the values instilled by family. He reflects on his experiences in wrestling, the honor of representing Oklahoma State University, and the fresh perspectives brought by new coaching staff. Matt also discusses his transition into the energy sector, highlighting the lessons learned about hard work, relationships, and integrity in business.

12. 

    2 Oct 2024

    Barbara Thompon - Organization & Business Consulting Psychologist

    Dr. Barbara Thompson, operational psychology, military psychology, parenting, overcoming challenges, community service, personal growth, education, nonprofit work, mental health In this engaging conversation, Dr. Barbara Thompson shares her journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a board-certified organizational and business consulting psychologist. She discusses her experiences in operational psychology within the military, her passion for community service through nonprofits, and the importance of parenting and personal growth. The conversation highlights the significance of overcoming challenges, the impact of influential figures in her life, and the value of maintaining a positive attitude and effort in all endeavors.

13. 

    27 Aug 2024

    Maggie Nichols - 8 time NCAA Champion & Entrepreneur

    In this episode, Ryan Teubner and Wes Becknell interview Maggie Nichols, a former gymnast and national champion. They discuss various topics, including Maggie's hidden talent, her favorite and least favorite places she's been, the impact of her club coach on her life, and the hardest thing she's had to overcome. They also talk about Maggie's career in gymnastics, her transition to life after gymnastics, and her role as an ambassador for the University of Oklahoma. Maggie also shares her experience starting the Maggie Nichols Foundation, which supports victims of abuse. Maggie Nichols discusses her motivation to start a foundation and her involvement in various business ventures. She talks about her fitness app and the inspiration behind it. Maggie also reflects on her experiences with USA Gymnastics and the process of writing her book. She shares her perspective on the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules in college athletics. Maggie emphasizes the importance of hard work and the impact it has had on her career. She expresses gratitude for her time at the University of Oklahoma and discusses her decision to choose the school. Maggie also reflects on her athletic career and the moments that have shaped her. Maggie Nichols discusses her desire to continue competing in gymnastics and her efforts to advocate for seniors who had their seasons cut short. She reflects on her upbringing as the youngest of three brothers and the impact it had on her athletic career. Nichols shares her mature perspective on life, attributing it to her experiences and the mentors she had. She talks about her daily routine, which includes traveling, computer work, and working on her fitness app. The conversation also highlights Nichols' achievement of the Gym Slam and offers advice to aspiring gymnasts to be present, set goals, and enjoy every moment. Purchase Maggie’s book here (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjd6dOz55WIAxWjg4kEHZspDxoQFnoECEcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnstoppable-Journey-Champion-National-Gymnastics%2Fdp%2F1250860229&usg=AOvVaw2cPKi2annvOyh6UY7Ixmx1&opi=89978449) Watch Athlete A here (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiElKWS6JWIAxWBl4kEHViPHkAQFnoECFMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netflix.com%2Ftitle%2F81034185&usg=AOvVaw2ipANQBzyGZjXtBXyEHHRe&opi=89978449) Info on Maggie's book: Unstoppable! ( (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250860224/unstoppable)macmillan.com (http://macmillan.com)) (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250860224/unstoppable)

14. 

    9 Aug 2024

    Coleman Scott - Olympic Bronze Medalist & NCAA Champion

    In this podcast episode, Ryan Teubner and Wes Becknell interview Coleman Scott, an Olympic bronze medalist and NCAA champion. They discuss various topics, including Coleman's hidden talents, his experiences in Kazakhstan, his guilty pleasure, and the impact of influential people in his life. They also delve into Coleman's journey to becoming an Olympian and the growth of women's wrestling. The conversation highlights the importance of attitude, effort, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community. Coleman Scott discusses the process of becoming an Olympic athlete and the importance of preparation and credentialing. He shares his experience in the Olympic Village and highlights the unique interactions with other athletes. Coleman also talks about his coaching style and how it has evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of communication and relationships. He reflects on his Olympic experience and the wave of emotions he felt while standing on the podium. Coleman discusses the changing athlete mentality and the impact of technology and social media. He also shares his future plans with the Ohio RTC and his focus on family.

15. 

    25 Jul 2024

    Jordan Bowers

    In this episode, Ryan and Wes interview Jordan Bowers, a current gymnast for Oklahoma. They discuss her background in gymnastics and diving, her decision to focus on gymnastics, and her experiences as a collegiate athlete. Jordan shares her journey through a back injury and the decision to prioritize her health and college career over elite gymnastics. She also talks about her future plans to pursue a career in strength and conditioning and the importance of fueling the body as an athlete. Jordan Bowers discusses her love for dried fruit and her go-to steak order. She also talks about how she got into gymnastics and diving, her leadership style, and her favorite events in gymnastics. She shares advice for young gymnasts and emphasizes the importance of having fun and being confident. Jordan also mentions her love for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. She expresses her admiration for athletes like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant who exemplify the combination of talent and hard work. The conversation concludes with well wishes for Jordan's upcoming season at OU.

16. 

    11 Jul 2024

    Olivia Trautman

    Summary Olivia Trautman, a former All-American national champion gymnast, shares her journey and experiences in this podcast. She talks about her hidden talent for swimming and her love for music. Olivia also discusses her least favorite place to visit and her guilty pleasures, such as chocolate and online shopping. She opens up about the challenges she faced during her career, including injuries and the decision to medically retire. Olivia shares how she overcame these obstacles and made a successful comeback. She also talks about her college recruitment process and why she chose to attend the University of Oklahoma. Olivia shares her hobbies and interests, including shopping and collecting Nike tennis shoes. Olivia Trautman is currently completing her master's program in Athletic Administration and plans to pursue a career in coaching. She has been inspired by coaches like KJ Kindler, Lou Ball, Tom Haley, and Jen Richardson, who have not only focused on developing athletes but also on shaping them as individuals. Olivia has seen the impact of hard work and dedication in her own career and wants to instill those values in future athletes. She has experienced the changes brought about by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics and believes that it is important to navigate and adapt to the evolving landscape. Olivia also discussed the transfer portal and the need to strike a balance between athlete experiences and financial opportunities.

17. 

    13 Jun 2024

    Teague "Tigger" Moore ... | Jun 12, 2024 002

    Summary Teague Moore, a former college wrestling coach, shares his experiences and insights in this podcast episode. He discusses his background in wrestling, his successful career as an athlete, and his transition into coaching. Teague also opens up about personal challenges he has faced, including the loss of his father, a divorce, and the impact of these experiences on his life. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mental toughness, and seeking support during difficult times. Teague Moore reflects on his wrestling career and the impact of his coaches and teammates on his personal growth. He discusses the importance of finding the right fit in a college program and the challenges of navigating the recruiting process. Moore also shares his insights as a consultant for high school wrestlers and their parents, helping them make informed decisions about their future. He emphasizes the need for athletes to be mindful of their social media presence and the consequences it can have on their athletic careers. Moore also addresses the culture of transfers in college athletics and suggests potential solutions to mitigate the issue. The conversation explores the importance of education and hard work in college athletics. The hosts and guest discuss the value of getting a degree and the role of education in shaping future success. They emphasize the need for student-athletes to embrace hard work, develop grit, and learn to handle criticism. The guest shares his experiences as a coach and highlights the importance of building relationships with coaches and doing thorough research when choosing a college. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of battling through tough times and the lasting impact of college athletics. HOME ( (https://thewrestlingconsultant.com/)thewrestlingconsultant.com (http://thewrestlingconsultant.com)) (https://thewrestlingconsultant.com/) Advantage Sport & Fitness | Providing Fitness Equipment & Facility Design Services ( (https://www.advantagefitness.com/)advantagefitness.com (http://advantagefitness.com)) (https://www.advantagefitness.com/)

18. 

    29 May 2024

    KJ Kindler - Univeristy of Oklahoma Women's Gymnastics Coach

    Summary Coach KJ Kindler shares insights into her life, career, and personal experiences. From her hidden talents to her impactful encounters, she provides a glimpse into her journey. The conversation also delves into the challenges of gymnastics and the importance of resilience and positivity. KJ Kindler shares her journey from growing up in Minnesota to becoming a successful gymnastics coach. She discusses her early exposure to gymnastics, the evolution of her coaching style, and the importance of work ethic over talent. KJ also talks about her unique approach to motivating and inspiring her team through themed hashtags and pre-meet rituals. Keywords gymnastics, coaching, resilience, positivity, personal experiences, overcoming challenges, hidden talents, impactful encounters, gymnastics, coaching, work ethic, talent, motivation, themed hashtags, pre-meet rituals Takeaways Resilience and positivity are crucial in overcoming challenges, both in gymnastics and in life. Coach KJ Kindler's surprising person who had an impact on her life was a DJ from Minneapolis, highlighting the unexpected sources of influence. The conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by high-functioning athletes and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and effort. The discussion also touches on the significance of loyalty, culture, and the impact of leaving a long-standing team. Coach KJ Kindler's insights into her personal experiences and career provide valuable lessons in perseverance and dedication. The importance of work ethic over talent in achieving success The evolution of coaching style and the impact of learning from mistakes The use of themed hashtags and pre-meet rituals to motivate and inspire the team

19. 

    26 Apr 2024

    Intro to podcast

    Introduction to podcast and thoughts behind what we want to do.

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 7 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

3

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

27

Contact When Hard Work Beats Talent

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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