Motivation can come from many different places. How you find your motivation is up to you, but is it sustainable? In a global climate such as ours, sometimes it can be easy to give up and let the world pass on by, but is that what you really want? Listen in as Marcus Smith (@ThatMotivatedKid) and I talk about our lives and the journeys that we've been on. By no means are we perfect or anywhere close to it, but through other people and through the lessons we've learned, we've found the MOTIVATION to keep going! Ladies and Gentlemen, this is BEYOND MOTIVATED.

Beyond The Game: The Podcast

Bonus Episode: BEYOND MOTIVATED

We have an agenda: to create MORE dialogue and uncomfortable discussions in order to formulate actionable steps towards healing and reconciliation. Racism is alive and breathing around the world. It hasn't "gotten worse," it's been here, it's just being videotaped. We at Beyond The Game will never choose to be silent when it comes to racism. We will ALWAYS stand up and fight against the oppression of people of colour. We will ALWAYS stand up and be educators. We will ALWAYS stand up and be allies. This ain't for no trend. This isn't because it's cool to speak up now. This is our life. This is our community! As promised, we will provide resources for you to take your action a step forward: Children's book: https://www.amazon.ca/Skin-Im-First-Look-Racism/dp/0764124595 Article to help children, teenagers and educate parents to understand and reverse what's been said and seen about racism: https://naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2018/teaching-learning-race-and-racism Petitions, Donation Centres, More Resources: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co Difficult Racial Conversations: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/05/how-to-thoughtfully-talk-about-racial-inequality-with-your-coworkers.html Please DM us if you need any help having difficult conversations. We can do this together!

Episode 10: Racial Injustice Panel Discussion

From the Holy Trinity Titans in Oakville, Ontario to completing his Senior year at Edgewood Academy in Alabama to Junior College, then the Ohio University Bobcats, Nathan Rourke has stepped into roles of leadership and has had to learn how to lead in each situation. As the 15th overall pick to the BC Lions in the 2020 CFL Draft, Nathan looks to take his work ethic, leadership, and skillset to the pros. The  path to the professional leagues hasn't been easy for Nathan. Trials and tribulations stood in his way like any other athlete, but for a Canadian trying to make his mark on a sport that hasn't been so forgiving to the "Canadian Quarterback," all he can do is stand tall, work hard, and prove that he belongs. Through his journey, he has found his personal faith and identity in God and has gained a new perspective!  This is a journey that will inspire and motivate. This is a story that shows leadership in patience and perseverance.

Episode 9: Leadership Through Patience

Linking up with Dylan Nadler, the founder and owner of Mindlock Mental Training was definitely a blessing. Dylan began training in Taekwondo when he was 5 years old and began competing in fights when he was 10. Since then, he has won a multitude of tournaments in Canada and around the world. At one point, he was ranked #1 in Canada and top 40 in the world. Mindlock Mental Training is an organization that is predicated on giving athletes the most in-depth and extensive mental training. Working with athletes in the UFC, CFL, Olympics, Bellator, and Pro MMA, Dylan uses his skills that made him a champion fighter to help train the athletes that he works with. We chatted about mental training and how it's truly the X factor in competition and how it is very undervalued in training. He then leaves us with some tools that we can implement today to help create a strong mindset. Book Resource: The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz Follow him on Instagram: @mindlock_ Website: www.mindlock.ca

Episode 8: Mental Training with Dylan Nadler

In a world where we are surrounded by the perception of progress, it can be difficult to slow down. We are so inundated with information that we can feel pressured to keep up. Quick word from the wise: We're not in a competition all the time. It's important for us to to take time for ourselves and focus on what we have going on. Being still can be difficult, but spending the time to talk to BTG Coach, Ashley Noonan,  was great because she has so much insight into this. Meditation, stillness, and self-care are things that she places great importance in and she joins me to show us how we can do it ourselves.

Episode 7: Stillness & Self-Care

One of the biggest aims of this podcast is to inspire, motivate, and elevate everyone. Sitting and talking with people like Orion Edwards not only does all of what we aim to do, but it also uplifts your spirit. He is so filled with love for people and for Jesus that it is radiant and so evident in our conversation and our friendship. Through football at the University of Guelph, to Athletes in Action in Seattle, and now training to compete in Bobsled for CANADA at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, OE has been through so much and his story is still being written. Listen in as he reflects and shares his life with us. Follow him on IG @o___eddy7 As always, Peace & Love

Episode 6: Trust God & Leave The Consequences To Him

Life is precious and we're not promised tomorrow. We all process someone passing differently. It is my prayer that this helps someone through a difficult time as well. Let's love, laugh, & live to the ABSOLUTE fullest everyday.  Rest in Peace Kobe Bryant Rest in Peace Gianna Bryant Rest in Peace Alyssa Altobelli Rest in Peace John Altobelli Rest in Peace Kerry Altobelli Rest in Peace Christina Mauser Rest in Peace Sara Chester Rest in Peace Payton Chester Rest in Peace Are Zobayan

Episode 5: A Tribute To The Black Mamba

A little while ago, we were able to sit down with Nathan Wilson Taylor, of the Canadian Major Football League Champion GTA All-Stars and talk about his life. We talk a lIttle about his upbringing in Scarborough, Ontario, and his academic and athletic career thus far. What really was intriguing are his professional career choices - some being counter culture. Nonetheless, his journey is nothing short of motivating and inspiring to anyone who is willing to take the time to listen in. Tune in. We promise you won't be disappointed. Follow him on Instagram: @therealwillie2k

Episode 4: Patience and Perseverance

This episode is a little different than the others.  I've done a lot of thinking and processing and I decided to bring y'all along for the journey because I know someone else might be going through it as well. To preface, I played another year of semi-professional football in Canada. This decision came after 3 years being "retired" already. I made the decision to come out of retirement because I wanted to play with some of my friends that I saw playing on the team. I also made the decision that it would most likely be my last season playing. This was for a multitude of reasons, but definitely not the one that I describe in the episode. I hope you enjoy this episode! I know it definitely helped me straighten out my thoughts and emotions. As always, please continue to follow our socials!  Comment, like, and share with your friends. Subscribe to stay up to date with us! Peace & Blessings, Shaka

Episode 3: I've Retired... And It Feels Very Weird

Adversity comes in all shapes and sizes. It can come in many different avenues and truly look like anything. The point we're trying to make is that adversity isn't unique to anyone, but the ways we overcome it are unique to everyone. In today's episode, we discuss how we see adversity in sports and how we can use that controlled environment to practice the skills necessary to deal with real adversity in our lives!  We'll talk about strategies to overcome adversity: 1) Change your mindset 2) Surround yourself with people who encourage you 3) Be strategic. Break down moments into manageable steps. 4) Celebrate small successes and victories. 5) FIGHT LIKE HELL! Give your absolute best effort! Also the books mentioned in the podcast are below: The Power of Broke by Daymond John Mindful Leadership by Maria Gonzalez Enjoy the podcast and please leave your comments and questions! We love to chat with you and answer any questions! AG & Shaka

Episode 2: Dealing With Adversity

Welcome to the first episode of the Beyond The Game podcast! We've decided to do podcasts in order to give our audience another channel to get value from. We'll go into a little bit more detail of what BTG is, who we are here to serve, our mission, and who we are. At the end of the day, we're going to bring authenticity to the podcast in hopes that you sense it and appreciate it. We'll keep it real, we'll keep it insightful, and we'll also make sure to have fun with it! Please enjoy The Intro and let us know what you want us to discuss. ps. Follow us on social media. Just look for our logo! Instagram: @beyond_thegame Facebook: Beyond The Game Twitter: @Go_BTG LinkedIn: Beyond The Game Cheers, Aaron & Shaka

Episode 1: The Intro

We’re bridging the gap between sports and life with real people sharing their real stories and real experiences.