BEYOND THE ATHLETE PODCAST – Details, episodes & analysis

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If you’ve ever felt lonely in a packed city or overwhelmed by “community” that never leaves the screen, this conversation will reset your compass. Jason Iliffe, co‑founder of CLIQ, joins us to unpack how a simple idea help community founders manage, market, and monetise in one place grew into a fast moving IRL platform spanning London, the US, Australia, Bali, and Dubai. We dig into the quiet mechanics that make groups thrive: brand signals people actually say out loud, clear rituals that bring strangers back next week, and the counterintuitive choice to solve builders’ problems first so users show up for the right reasons.

We get practical about strategy why ideas aren’t unique, why patience beats panic, and how 1% daily gains create “overnight wins.” Jason maps the “third space” crisis, with offices empty, pubs closing, and our feeds filled with brands instead of friends. That’s where CLIQ leans in: run clubs as new dating, DJ in the sauna nights, sober socials, swim clubs, intimate dinners, and cultural groups claiming space on their own terms. He shares the leadership habits that hold it all together: doing the boring jobs, setting standards by example, building resilience through rejection, and treating rest as a strategic input after a health scare forced a reset.

We also talk about building with your partner how complementary skills, honest read outs in investor rooms, and a dual lens on safety create real advantages. Looking ahead, Jason outlines US expansion, a major funding round, and a long term vision for community hubs in global cities: physical homes where connection compounds. If you care about community building, product strategy, or simply finding your people offline, this one’s for you.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building something, and leave a quick review, your feedback helps us bring more thoughtful conversations your way.

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What does it really take to build a successful creative career? Photographer Darrel Hunter pulls back the curtain on his journey from East London sports enthusiast to sought after fashion photographer shooting Tracy Ellis Ross for the Met Gala.

The conversation explores how early sports participation instilled valuable discipline that translated directly to creative pursuits. Hunter reveals the surprising truth about finding purpose: "There's no deadline. It could have been 10 years ago, could be 3 years ago, could be today when you wake up and figure out 'this is my purpose.'" This refreshing perspective challenges our cultural obsession with early success and predetermined timelines.

Behind the glamorous Instagram posts of fashion weeks and celebrity photoshoots lies an exhausting reality rarely discussed. Hunter describes the grueling schedule of 3am bedtimes followed by 6:30am wake-ups, constant travel between locations, and the challenge of maintaining creativity while managing the business side of photography. These candid insights demolish the "just push a button" misconception about professional photography.

Perhaps most valuable is Hunter's emphasis on community building. "Nearly every job I've had has been from someone advocating for me," he shares, highlighting how genuine relationships—built without expectation of return—create the foundation for sustainable creative careers. His approach challenges the stereotype of the competitive creative industry, instead promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Whether you're an established creative, aspiring photographer, or someone seeking their purpose, this conversation offers valuable guidance: build authentic relationships, embrace the unglamorous work behind success, and remember that purpose can reveal itself at any moment. What are you silently building today that will speak for itself tomorrow?

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You can be a serious athlete and still build a real life outside sport, without treating it like a backup plan. Coach David sits down with Noor, a semi-pro footballer and creative, for a candid conversation about what it takes to keep going when the path is messy, the opinions are loud, and the goal keeps changing.

Noor shares her journey from being born in Egypt to moving to Switzerland at five, playing football in a world where girls’ teams had far less visibility, and pushing through the early experience of always being the one picked last. From a top women’s club setup in Switzerland to studying graphic design at Loughborough University, she explains how sport, education, and creativity can be designed to feed each other, not compete for your time. We also talk about UK academy culture, getting humbled, earning minutes, and the role of football friendships as a real support system.

The conversation goes deeper into the growth of women’s sport, the pressure of online comments, and why comparing women’s football to men’s football misses what athletes are actually doing mentally and physically. Noor gives an honest take on women’s sports sponsorship, branding, and why performance does not always get rewarded the way it should. We finish with resilience, consistency, communication under pressure, and the reality of moving clubs from Brentford to Actonians while navigating trials and uncertainty.

If you care about athlete mindset, women’s football, resilience, sports marketing, and building a career beyond the athlete identity, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review. What part of Noor’s journey hit you most?

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What happens when a footballer who trained alongside Victor Moses, Wilfried Zaha and Sean Scannell doesn’t get the professional contract? For Kieran Kenlock, it became the beginning of something far more powerful.

In Episode 35 of Beyond the Athlete, Coach David sits down with writer, creative director and founder of Good Villains studio, Kieran Kenlock, a man who turned the pain of being released from Crystal Palace’s academy at 18 into a career telling the stories the world hasn’t heard yet.

They go deep on:

🎙️ Growing up and discovering the power of words when you couldn’t put two sentences together.

⚽ Being scouted for Crystal Palace at 13 and what it really takes to go professional.

💡 Finding creativity after football, from Nike Town London to top tier ad agencies.

🎬 Building Good Villains, balancing commercial work with authentic storytelling.

🏆 His film Chasing Shadows and why grassroots stories hit harder than highlight reels.

🤖 The future of creative storytelling, AI, and what the next generation gets right.

🔥 Why consistency always beats perfection

Kieran is the kind of creative who doesn’t just talk about culture, he builds it. From writing for Soccer Bible to working with Nike, FIFA, Jordan Brand and CAF, his journey is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose.

This one is for the athletes who didn’t make it, the creators building something from nothing, and anyone trying to find their lane beyond what the world told them they were.

🎙️ Beyond the Athlete is a platform built to amplify voices, celebrate grassroots culture and explore the life beyond sport.

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This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Benny Bonsu, one of the most influential voices in global sports media, youth development, and community building. From London to Africa, Benny has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for underserved communities through the power of sports.

We dive into her incredible journey, including:

• Transforming communities through grassroots sports in North London & Africa.
• Empowering future leaders through the Saint Benedict’s Foundation & Otumfuo Osei-Tutu Foundation.
• Building dreams at the SEED Academy in Senegal.
• Expanding basketball’s reach across Africa with the BAL & NBA Africa.

This episode is all about breaking barriers, building stronger communities, and inspiring the next generation through sports.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode full of actionable insights, real-world impact, and the stories of lives changed through sports.

📌 Subscribe and Download and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Benny Bonsu (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/msbennybonsu/

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In this power-packed episode, we sit down with Darren Grover, the Senior Vice President of Gaming at VaynerSports, to explore the most compelling gaming industry trends, the explosive rise of esports, and innovative sports marketing strategies that are reshaping the digital landscape.

Darren, a former basketball player and renowned creative visionary, shares his personal journey and reveals how his experiences on the court and in the creative arena have fuelled his expertise in brand building and digital storytelling. His unique perspective bridges the worlds of competitive sports and digital innovation, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their marketing and branding efforts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Current Trends in the Gaming Industry: Discover the latest advancements and shifts driving the gaming market.
• The Explosive Growth and Future of Esports: Understand how esports is rapidly evolving into a global phenomenon.
• Innovative Sports Marketing Strategies: Learn cutting-edge techniques to amplify brand engagement and storytelling in the digital age.
• Darren’s Journey as a Basketball Player and Creative Leader: Gain inspiration from his transformative career and creative insights.
• Brand Building and Digital Storytelling: Explore strategies to build a powerful brand narrative in today’s competitive digital world.

Tune in now to unlock valuable insights at the intersection of gaming, esports, and sports marketing. Whether you're a marketer, a sports enthusiast, or a digital strategist, this episode is your essential guide to mastering the future of digital sports and gaming.

Listen now and stay ahead with the latest gaming industry trends, esports growth insights, and innovative sports marketing strategies from one of the industry's leading experts.

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Coach David - https://instagram.com/coachdavidbbn?utm_source=qr

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Welcome to Episode 24 of the Beyond The Athlete Podcast.

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Kevin Couliau, a globally acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and creative force behind the iconic basketball documentary "Doin’ It in the Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC".  

Kevin shares his passion for capturing the essence of basketball culture, his journey across the world documenting the sport, and how basketball builds community and connects people far beyond the game itself. From the courts of NYC to inspiring creatives worldwide, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves the game and the stories behind it.  

In this episode, we explore:  
- The making of "Doin’ It in the Park".  
- The art of storytelling through basketball.  
- How basketball influences global culture.  
- Kevin’s creative journey and advice for aspiring filmmakers and photographers.  

Where to find us:
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.  
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube.  

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories from athletes, creators, and innovators pushing boundaries within the sports space and beyond.

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Join us for an inspiring episode of the Beyond The Athlete podcast, featuring an in-depth conversation with Bevery Pokuah, the dynamic founder and lifestyle coach behind STRONG GIRL SQUAD. Bevery has been instrumental in empowering women through fitness, fostering resilience, and building supportive communities.

In this episode, we delve into:
 - Community Building: Discover how Bevery has cultivated a thriving fitness community that encourages women to achieve their personal bests. 
 - Fitness and Women: Explore the unique challenges and triumphs women face in the fitness industry and how Bevery's approach is making a difference.
 - Resilience and Consistency: Learn about the importance of mental toughness and maintaining consistency in achieving fitness goals.
 - Collaboration and Partnerships: Hear how strategic collaborations have amplified Bevery's impact in the fitness world.
 - Leadership in Fitness: Gain insights into Bevery's journey to becoming a leader in the fitness industry and her vision for the future.

Bevery's dedication to empowering women is evident through initiatives like her "Pay What You Can" personal training sessions, making fitness accessible to all. 

Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation that sheds light on the transformative power of fitness and community.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and be inspired to take your own fitness journey to new heights.

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Welcome to Episode 22 of our podcast, where we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Coach David about all things leadership. From the sports arena to our communities and beyond, this episode uncovers:

✨ The true essence of leadership and why it’s needed now more than ever
✨ How leadership has shaped Coach David’s life and career
✨ The role of Pastor Tobi in inspiring and leading impactful change
✨ How leadership can transform our communities and close the gaps we’re facing today

Are we falling behind because of a lack of leadership? How can we step up and lead with purpose in our daily lives, careers, and communities? Coach David shares powerful insights that will challenge and inspire you to take action.

🎥 Watch the full episode here on YouTube
https://youtu.be/vvVjPsDB_iU?si=djaTcp8VFkIjT8Gw

🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major listening platforms.

Hit the like subscribe and download button, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations. Let’s lead the change together! 🌟

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In this episode of the Beyond The Athlete Podcast, we’re joined by Bread and Srxse, the dynamic duo behind Limitless XYZ. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss, packed with powerful insights, inspirational moments, and actionable advice.

We dive into:
🎵 The music industry and what it really takes to succeed
👥 Leadership and the importance of investing in people
🏆 The mindset and strategies behind achieving limitless success
💡 How they’ve built a thriving brand that redefines boundaries

This conversation was so impactful, we’re already considering a part two to explore even more of their journey.

Get ready to be inspired by their incredible story, their passion for growth, and their unshakable commitment to excellence.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube via Basketball Nxtion TV.

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Instagram Links:
Beyond The Athlete - https://instagram.com/beyondtheathletepod?utm_source=qr
Basketball Nxtion - https://instagram.com/basketballnxtion?utm_source=qr
Coach David - https://instagram.com/coachdavidbbn?utm_source=qr