Rasheed Sulaimon, professional basketball player with a truly unique story. From Duke to Maryland, and now making waves overseas, Rasheed has quickly become a fan favorite in Budućnost. In this episode he opens up about his journey, one filled with challenges, lessons and deep personal growth. He shares what is like to come out stronger on the other side of some of the toughest moments an athlete or anyone can face, through support of his family and faith in God.

Nina Aho. A truly gifted point guard, Nina is not only a leader on the court—but also a remarkable presence off it. Her strength, honesty, and humility make her stand out in every way. I’m extremely proud of the way she shared her story, and how her journey has shaped the resilient , grounded, and inspiring person she is today.

Giorgia Sottana. An Italian champion both on and off the court. I was genuinely moved by the raw and insightful conversation we shared, diving deep into her career, her life, and the wisdom she’s gathered over the years. Distinguished for her instinctive playmaking in basketball, Giorgia opens up about the meaningful moves she’s making in her personal life - balancing roles as a wife, mother, author, humanitarian, and so much more.

Kendrick Perry. A standout point guard whose path from undrafted rookie to European basketball star is a masterclass in mental resilience. Kendrick’s journey spans multiple countries, elite European leagues, and international competition with the Montenegrin national team. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or student of the mental side of sport, this episode is packed with real-world lessons from someone who’s not just survived the grind - but mastered it.

Yvonne Turner. I’m honored to share an inspiring conversation with world-class athlete Yvonne Turner - a WNBA guard, overseas star, and one of the rare competitors who leads with both unshakable toughness and genuine kindness.Yvonne opens up with honesty, grace, and nothing held back — sharing her journey from going undrafted, to grinding overseas, to making it to the WNBA at 29. Her story is one of relentless work, unwavering dedication, and a deep faith that carried her every step of the way.

Juan Fernández. a true floor general with impressive career that led him from Argentina to Italy, where he spent most of his professional years. Along the way, Juan faced internal battles - and admits he stepped away from the game for two seasons due to mental health challenges. He opens up about how sports psychology helped him rebuild confidence and reclaim his passion for basketball.

Nemanja Radovic for one of our most profound conversations yet. We dove deep into the challenge of changing ingrained patterns - especially coming from the Balkans with our specific mentality and adapting to life in Spain and similar countries. But this conversation went far beyond basketball...

Radmila Turner, Javier Deshayes, Laurence Van Malderen & Jamar Wilson - Every athlete will face transition. Every athlete will question their identity. Every athlete deserves support that goes beyond performance. Every athlete has a unique story that lifts us up from our seats, yet behind the scenes, it often brings them down to their knees. Featuring insights from FIBA leadership and former professional players who've walked this path, this panel brings together the voices sports needs to hear - from policy makers to former players - discussing: • How to find yourself beyond your sport • Why seeking help is strength, not weakness • Building support systems for the long game • Breaking the cycle of suffering in silence The statistics are staggering. The stories are heartbreaking. But the solutions are here. This isn't just another sports talk - this is about the human behind the athlete. If you've ever struggled with identity, felt pressure to dim your true self, or wondered what comes next after your playing days, or after any kind of transition while still playing - this conversation is for you. Special thanks to our panelists for their vulnerability and wisdom in addressing these crucial topics.

Stella Kaltsidou - From the bright lights of Women’s EuroLeague courts, while representing her nation with pride, Stella Kaltsidou lived the dream every basketball player chases. But her greatest triumph? Starting over. Trading her jersey for a clipboard, Stella began again at the bottom of the coaching ladder. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary - a EuroCup championship and a testament to the power of reinvention. And she’s still at her beginnings… These accolades are just glimpses of a journey that proves excellence isn't just about reaching the top, it's about having the courage to climb again. In this episode, one of the Greece’s greatest, opens up about the inner work that transformed her from player to leader. She shares the wisdom earned through transition, and why the real championship happens in your mind long before it's reflected on any scoreboard.

Veljko Perović - a coach who discovered his true calling early and made the bold decision to leave his playing career behind and pursue coaching excellence. From that moment on, Veljko committed himself fully to the craft – and it shows. His passion, work ethic, and unwavering dedication make him an asset to every team he's part of. In our conversation, he shared what that dedication really means to him – and I can honestly say, I've never heard anyone describe it quite like he does. My respect for coaches, especially assistant coaches, reached a whole new level after this one. Veljko opens up about: His roots, his family and his professional playing career The bold decision to transition from player to coaching His current role as assistant coach with Venezia Reyer men's basketball What true dedication to the coaching craft looks like The often unseen work of assistant coaches

Awak Kuier - Sitting down with Awak to dive into the mental game talk. From overcoming adversity to building unshakable confidence on the court - Awak shares the mindset that has helped her separate herself very early in her career. Drafted 2nd overall by the Dallas Wings while also taking the European basketball stage by storm, Awak’s athletic journey from Finland to professional basketball showcases her tenacity and natural talent on the court.

Sam Van Rossom - this story isn't just about basketball — it's about belonging, overcoming, and what it means to stay connected to a team, a city, and a role for over a decade. The Belgian point guard who spent ten years with Valencia and anchored Belgium's national team brings us a conversation filled with insight, humor, and heart. We're diving into identity, injury, loyalty, and the mental playbook no one ever sees — exploring what it truly takes to be not just a player, but a quiet leader and ultimate teammate.

Evina Maltsi and Artemis Spanou - Two Generations, One Unbreakable Bond: Greek Basketball Legends Share Their Mental Game In this powerful episode of Winning the Journey Within, we bring together two icons of Greek women's basketball - Evina Maltsi and Artemis Spanou - for an unforgettable conversation about sports psychology, mental resilience, and the unique relationship that connects two generations of champions. EVINA MALTSI - The Greek Legend 2009 EuroBasket MVP & Top Scorer 3x Euroleague All-Star (2007-2009) WNBA player (Connecticut Sun, 2007) Led Greece to 4th place at EuroBasket 2017 at age 38 2x EuroBasket All-Star Team selection (2009, 2017) Multiple national championships across Europe (Spain, Czech Republic, Greece) Greek National Team captain and Olympian (2004 Athens) ARTEMIS SPANOU - The Next Generation Star Greek National Team player (2010-2025) Played professionally across Europe and USA Robert Morris University graduate Multiple EuroBasket appearances (2017, 2021, 2023) Euroleague Women and EuroCup Women Key player in Greece's historic EuroBasket 2017 run What We Discuss: The psychology behind championship performance How mental resilience shapes athletic careers The power of generational wisdom in sports The power of connection, trust and friendship in sports What it truly means to win from within

Jehyve Floyd - professional basketball player and author of two powerful books: ‘Godfidence’ and ‘Rehabilitation of a Black Man's Heart’. From dominating as a shot-blocking specialist across the world — Greece, Israel, Turkey, Japan — Jehyve has used his platform not just to compete, but to ask the hard questions this world desperately needs answered. We talk about the grind, the pressure, and yes, even those small, fun moments that make up the everyday life of an athlete. And his life story? It's about survival and transformation. Overcoming a painful childhood, his parents' divorce, and battling suicidal thoughts, Jehyve discovered what he calls 'Godfidence' — the ultimate confidence rooted in God. Through that journey, he found rehabilitation and healing for his heart in God's word. We're breaking down the mental battles athletes face, how faith shapes performance under pressure, and what it truly means to win from the inside out. This conversation will challenge how you think about confidence, purpose, and resilience.

Because behind every jump, every basket, every medal - there is a person. With their fears, doubts, dreams, struggles that are not captured by the cameras. October is the month dedicated to mental health, and that is why we decided to talk about a topic that is of crucial importance, but which is rarely talked about openly - the mental health of athletes. In cooperation with the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, which organizes significant events dedicated to this topic throughout October, we have gathered to share experiences, challenges and truths that hide behind great results and medals. With me today is Maja Peković, Secretary General of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, and Marija Vuković, our country's record holder in high jump. Today we will talk about the pressure that athletes carry, the stigma around seeking help, loneliness, career transitions, and most importantly - how to protect your mental health while chasing your dreams.

The journey from athlete to mother doesn't mean choosing one identity over the other—it means expanding who you are while the world watches. For women playing at the highest levels, motherhood isn't a pause button on their careers; it's another dimension of strength they bring to the court. These are conversations about the physical comeback, the mental load, and the power of redefining what's possible when you refuse to be just one thing.

What separates good athletes from great ones? It's not just talent — it's the mind. In this episode, I'm joined by Dragica Danilovic — psychologist, psychiatrist, and leading educator at SFERA Academy for the Balkans. She breaks down sports psychology from two powerful perspectives: her work as a mental health professional and her life as the wife of a professional football player. We explore what it really takes to succeed at the highest level, the mental barriers athletes face, and how the mind can be both your greatest asset and your biggest challenge. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just someone looking to level up mentally, this conversation is packed with insights you can use. Topics we cover: The mental game behind elite athletic performance Sports psychology principles that apply to everyday life Supporting athletes from a partner's perspective Mental resilience and overcoming pressure The work SFERA Academy is doing across the Balkans

Maja Peković, Deputy Secretary General of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, Draško Brguljan, celebrated water polo player and former captain of the Montenegrin national team, and Milica Jovanović, basketball player, former captain of the Montenegrin national team, and the author of this panel. What happens when a sports career comes to an end? How do former professional athletes find a new identity, purpose, and direction? How can one best prepare for this life transition? The transition from professional sport to the “real world” is one of the greatest life changes athletes experience. After years of dedication, discipline, and struggle, many are faced with a loss of identity and a sense of emptiness. In this video, we discuss the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges that former athletes encounter. We share concrete advice and strategies on how to plan this transition, develop new skills, and find meaning and fulfillment beyond the sports arena—from the perspectives of professional athletes and the Deputy Secretary General of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee.

The Boštjan Nachbar Story In this episode, I sit down with former professional basketball player Boštjan "Boki" Nachbar for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable journey through the world of basketball. Boki takes us through his incredible career - from growing up in a small Slovenian town to becoming a EuroLeague standout, getting drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft, spending 6 seasons competing at the highest level with teams like the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, and New Orleans Hornets, and then making a successful return to European basketball where he won championships across four countries, including with FC Barcelona. But this conversation goes beyond basketball. We explore how his career shaped his values, the role of family in his life as a husband and father, and how passion, purpose, and love have guided every decision he's made. Today, as Director of the EuroLeague Players Association - Boki continues to impact the game in meaningful ways. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Growing up in Slovenia and falling in love with basketball; His journey from EuroLeague to the NBA; Life as a first-round draft pick and 6 seasons in the league; Returning to Europe and winning at the highest level; Importance of Mental Health and in which ways he has handled it during his career; Balancing professional success with family life; His current role with the EuroLeague Players Association; What passion, purpose, and love mean in building a fulfilling life.

Mar Rovira — a former professional basketball player who spent 17 years on the court and is now one of the most respected sports psychologists working with elite athletes. This conversation was so real, so deep. Mar has seen both sides of this journey, and she doesn't hold back. We dive into: Her 17-year basketball career and transition into sports psychology; Why mental health wasn't accepted during her playing days — and how that's changing; The pressure athletes face to be "superheroes" and push through pain; Warning signs of mental distress: sleep issues, negative self-talk, and physical symptoms; The difference between mental toughness and mental health; How self-talk shapes performance at the highest level; Her work with "The Move"—helping retired athletes navigate life after sports; Why clubs are finally recognizing that athlete well-being = better performance. And so much more. Mar shares her unique approach to helping athletes balance high performance with psychological well-being. She emphasizes that during her playing career, sports psychology wasn't widely available — athletes were expected to push through everything. She believes that with proper mental health support, she could have achieved more titles and maintained a healthier professional life. Also, you will appreciate her story of overcoming internal battle she had after retiring from basketball. Today, while awareness is growing, the pressure remains immense. Mar explains how athletes need to recognize physiological signs (sleep disturbances, injuries, stomach issues) and cognitive signs (negative thinking patterns) that indicate they're reaching their limits. And I'm not gonna lie—this conversation felt like therapy for me, in the best way possible.

What does it take to leave everything you know at 14 to chase a dream? For Maite Cazorla, it meant leaving the Canary Islands for Barcelona, then crossing an ocean to play college basketball in Oregon, getting drafted, stepping out on the WNBA court and eventually coming back home and representing Spain on the Olympic stage. Maite has experienced the highest highs on the court and within her respective teams that she likes to call her second family, but... She's also navigated the sacrifices and loneliness of being far from home, accepting new challenges, learning as a 'sponge' from the legends of this game - simply because that is who she is becoming. In this conversation, she opens up about the mental side of basketball that nobody sees - how she handles pressure, what helped her come back from the tough injury she endured, what keeps her grounded when everything feels uncertain, and why being vulnerable might actually be her greatest strength. This is a raw, honest conversation about the real journey behind the jersey.

Lorrine Headrick - FAITH, PERFORMANCE & THE MIND What happens when faith meets mental performance? How do Christian athletes navigate the pressure to perform while staying grounded in their values? In this episode, I sit down with Lorrine Headrick - Christian mental performance coach - to explore the intersection of faith, sports psychology, and peak performance. We dive into: -How faith shapes an athlete's mental game -Navigating pressure without losing your identity -The role of spirituality in building mental resilience -Finding purpose beyond the scoreboard -Practical mental performance strategies rooted in faith -Overcoming the fear of failure when your identity is in Christ -How Christian athletes can honor God through their performance Lorrine brings powerful insights on what it means to compete with faith at the center—not as a crutch, but as a foundation for true mental strength. Whether you're an athlete of faith, a coach, or someone navigating the balance between ambition and spirituality, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Bible Study with Jahyve Floyd and Yvonne Turner Permission to be BOLD What does it mean to truly know God - not just know about Him, but walk with Him daily? In this special Bible study episode, I sit down with two incredible guests to explore faith, identity, and what it means to live boldly for an audience of One. We get real about: Our personal journeys to knowing Christ What our relationship with God looks like right now How God's love shapes our identity, self-worth, and confidence Where we see God in our life paths - the highs and the lows The moments we hit rock bottom and how God got our attention The gifts God has given us and whether we're using them well How our faith translates from life to basketball (and everything in between) We also dive deep into Psalm 23 and Psalm 35 - two powerful scriptures about God's protection, provision, and the boldness He calls us to walk in. This isn't your typical sports psychology episode. This is about the foundation beneath everything - knowing who you are in Christ, understanding how deeply you're loved, and stepping into the calling God has placed on your life without apology.

Growing up in Belgium, Antonia Delaere fell in love with basketball - and basketball cured her, literally. Her journey took her from youth competitions to representing Belgium on the world's biggest stages, including two Olympic Games and two European Championships. But her success isn't just about physical talent, it's about mental strength, psychological insight, and understanding what it takes to win the journey within. In this conversation, we talk about: An introvert that thrives in supportive environments. Basketball played a crucial role in overcoming childhood asthma. Family support is vital for athletes, especially during challenging times. The journey of becoming a professional athlete involves gradual steps and learning. Cultural adaptation is essential when playing abroad. Psychology helps athletes manage stress and focus on their performance. Setting short-term goals during recovery can aid in mental health. Confidence and self-belief are key to performing well under pressure. Team dynamics and support can significantly impact performance. Mental health awareness in sports is increasingly important. And of course - Belgium Cats! Antonia Delaere is a 2x European Champion, 2x Olympian, and holds a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She understands the athlete's mind from both sides - as someone who's lived the journey and studied it academically. This conversation is real, inspiring, and packed with insights that every athlete, coach, sports fan and parent needs to hear.