Dr. Lee Kaplan sits down with Harvard Business School professor Dr. Regina Herzlinger — widely regarded as the “Godmother of Consumer-Driven Healthcare.” Together, they explore how empowering individuals to make informed choices can transform both personal health outcomes and the healthcare system itself. Herzlinger explains why transparency, interoperability, team-based medicine and the power of private innovation are essential to building a system that performs as well as the people it serves. She also shares deeply personal insights on resilience and what it really means to “bet on yourself.” A candid conversation at the intersection of medicine, innovation, and human performance—and a reminder that the future of healthcare begins with those bold enough to rethink it.
You can learn more about Dr. Herzlinger at HBS.edu.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pat Whitely, a cornerstone of student life at the University of Miami and a leader whose influence spans decades.
As the U celebrates its centennial, Pat reflects on the evolution of student affairs and the strategies that have shaped a culture of excellence. She shares why prioritizing student well-being and safety isn’t just a responsibility—it’s the foundation for optimizing performance in every arena, from academics to athletics and beyond.
This conversation is a deep dive into leadership, resilience, and the art of building systems that empower human potential.
You can learn more about Pat Whitely and her work at https://studentaffairs.miami.edu.
In this special episode, the tables turn as Optimize Your Game host Dr. Lee Kaplan, Director of the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, steps into the guest seat. Drawing from a career spent treating and studying elite athletes — from college champions to professional icons — Dr. Kaplan shares what decades in sports medicine have taught him about discipline, recovery, mindset, and the science of sustained performance.
From the operating room to the sidelines, he reflects on the patterns of excellence that define the world’s best — and how those same principles can help anyone pursue greatness in their own life.
You can learn more about Dr. Lee Kaplan at UHealthSports.com.
In this episode, we sit down with Stephania Bell, ESPN’s lead injury analyst and one of the most trusted voices in sports medicine reporting. Stephania takes us through the evolution of her career — from physical therapist, into fantasy football analysis, and ultimately becoming a fixture in sports broadcasting.
She opens up about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field and the importance of developing a thick skin in the face of criticism. Beyond her career journey, Stephania also shares what she has learned about the mental side of injury rehabilitation, and how mindset plays as critical a role as physical treatment in an athlete’s return to play.
This conversation is a candid look at resilience, reinvention, and the balance between cultivating credibility, spotting opportunity early, and persistence in high-performance environments.
You can learn more about Stephania at @StephaniaBell on Instagram or @Stephania_ESPN on X.
In this episode of Optimize Your Game, we sit down with Scot Morrison, Performance Science Director for the Miami Marlins, to discuss how data is transforming player performance and recovery in Major League Baseball. Scot shares how the Marlins leverage analytics, technology, and individualized performance plans to optimize training, manage workload, and keep athletes competing at their best.
You can learn more about Scot and the Miami Marlins at www.mlb.com/marlins.
In this episode of Optimize Your Game, we sit down with David Zambrana, President and Chief Operating Officer of Jackson Health System, to explore what it truly means to lead with humility in today’s healthcare environment. With decades of experience leading complex organizations, David shares how intensely human leadership—rooted in trust, empathy, and a deep respect for frontline staff—can drive meaningful performance and lasting impact. From building culture to making better decisions by listening to the people delivering the results, David offers practical insights for professionals across industries who want to elevate their teams and cultivate efficacy as leaders.
Jason Green, Chief Revenue Officer for Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Dolphins, F1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix and Miami Open discusses how Hard Rock Stadium serves as a stage for everything from international soccer matches to sold-out concerts, and how each event demands a tailored marketing approach. We dive into his leadership philosophy, and reflect on what makes the Miami market truly unique—and how to turn that complexity into opportunity.
You can learn more about Jason's work at HardRockStadium.com.
Known for her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, legendary (retired) Coach Katie Meier shares her coaching philosophy, the values that guided her storied career, and her approach to developing peak performance in athletes.
From building a culture of accountability and resilience to recognizing the unique strengths of each player, Coach Meier offers insights that go beyond the court, providing valuable lessons for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to perform at their best.
Tune in to discover how Coach Meier has consistently coached excellence from her players and how she defines peak performance — both for herself and her teams.
You can learn more about Coach Meier at www.miamihurricanes.com.
Heisman winner and Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard shares what it takes to reach—and stay at—the top. From the power of mentorship to the value of surrounding yourself with high performers, Desmond offers hard-earned insights on human potential. He also reflects on an unexpected lesson from a conversation with a professional ballerina, revealing what elite performers across fields have in common.
You can learn more about Desmond at DesmondHoward.com.
Dr. Lee Kaplan sits down with Jorge Gonzalez, CEO of City National Bank, to explore the deep connection between sports, leadership, and high performance. Jorge shares how athletics shape character, decision-making and discipline—key traits for success in business and life. This conversation is a masterclass for anyone looking to elevate their leadership game. Tune in for insights on discipline, healthy competition, and the mindset that fuels top performers.
You can learn more about Jorge at cnb.com.
Join Dr. Lee Kaplan in an electrifying conversation with Christine Coppola—marathon swimmer, 3X Ironman finisher, HR pro, mom, and unstoppable force. Christine takes us inside the grueling mental and physical battle of tackling some of North America’s toughest swims, from the 28.5-mile 20 Bridges Swim to the Catalina Channel’s eerie, overnight 20-mile stretch.
From mastering visualization to surrendering control, to conquering open-water fears (yes, sharks!) and to the science of fueling while swimming, this episode is packed with lessons in resilience. Tune in and get inspired to push past your own limits.
Follow Christine's journey on Instagram @christinejcoppola13/
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and J.D. Arteaga, head coach for the Miami Hurricanes baseball team. Step up to the plate with this inspiring episode as we dive into the transformative power of resilience. Discover how cultivating a culture of grit and character on and off the field shapes players into stronger athletes and better humans. We explore the pivotal lessons of detaching self-worth from performance, embracing failure (or injury) as growth, and fostering a mindset that transcends the game. Whether you're an athlete, a leader, or someone striving for personal growth, this episode offers profound insights on building resilience that lasts a lifetime.
You can learn more about J.D. at MiamiHurricanes.com.
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Milagros Cubelli, Chief Marketing Officer of the Miami Sharks professional rugby team. We discuss what makes rugby a distinct culture – in terms of athletic performance, the spirit of competition, and within the Global sports community – and how the brand is cultivating a new fanbase in South Florida.
You can learn more about the Miami Sharks at MiamiSharks.com.
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Melissa Medina, Co-founder, CEO & President of eMerge Americas. We discuss the unique role of Healthcare within eMerge Americas’ vision and programming, balancing eMerge’s impact alongside the priorities of parenting 5 children, and the legacy of immigrant families within Miami’s culture.
You can learn more about Melissa at eMergeAmericas.com. The 2025 edition of eMerge Americas will take place on March 27 and 28, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Jordan-Elizabeth Long, Principal Soloist with the Miami City Ballet. We discuss the discipline and vision that led Jordan from childhood ballet in Blacksburg, Virginia to the Royal Swedish Ballet and European stages, and to becoming the Miami City Ballet’s Principal Soloist. We also discuss her choice to earn an MBA at the University of Miami, what goes inside pointe shoes, and “the work” that takes place backstage – appearing completely effortless to the audience.
You can learn more about Jordan on Instagram @Jordan.Elizabeth.Long, and at MiamiCityBallet.org.
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Stephen Staffieri, former Hurricanes football player throughout the 1984 through 1987 seasons, and founder of the podcast "The Game Changer Series”. We discuss with Stephen how his definition of “peak performance” has evolved from his time as an All-American to his current professional and personal pursuits, how he motivates others to achieve more in
their lives (his three P’s), and his advice for anyone wondering about life after competitive sports.
You can learn more about Stephen and the Game Changer Series at @thegamechangerseries_ on Instagram.
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Chris Pavon, Senior Manager, DCC Community Engagement with the Miami Dolphins. An icon within the South Florida and broader performance cycling community, Chris is now responsible for widening the Dolphins Cancer Challenge’s reach and impact within the local community.
We discuss with Chris the components of high performance in cycling (including bike tech), keys to evolving from casual to performance cycling, and why cycling is at the heart of the DCC.
You can learn more about the DCC at dolphins.donordrive.com.
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Dr. Stephen Nimer, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. In his leadership role at the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in South Florida, Dr. Nimer has cultivated a team of more than 250 world-class physicians and researchers to create an environment of excellence and collaboration. He is a physician-scientist who has dedicated his career to conducting extensive clinical and basic science research on treating adult leukemia.
We discuss with Dr. Nimer the importance of focus, purpose, and a culture of high standards in driving optimal performance, the impact of building the right team for professional and personal accountability, the critical role of compassion when caring for patients, and his love of cycling, among other topics.
You can learn more about Dr. Nimer at UMiamiHealth.org/Sylvester.
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Dr. Ricardo Komotar, renowned Neurosurgeon and Co-Director of the Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute. Dr. Komotar is an international leader in pioneering strategies for brain tumor surgery and treatment, performing nearly 700 surgical procedures each year using cutting-edge techniques that remove tumors with the least impact on the patient and their daily lives. Dr. Komotar has authored hundreds of articles and chapters about his research and has served as an advisor on numerous national boards, medical societies, and committees.
We discuss with Dr. Komotar the value of doing difficult things, how peak physical and mental performance impact professional performance, why he cold plunges before 6am every morning, and the importance of mind-frame in overcoming difficulties.
You can learn more about Dr. Komotar at UMiamiHealth.org/Sylvester, and follow him on
A conversation between Dr. Lee Kaplan and Don Bailey, Jr., former Hurricanes Football team captain, and now radio color commentator for ‘Canes football broadcasts. Don was an integral player in Coach Howard Schnellenberger’s era of Hurricanes football, and is also owner of Don Bailey flooring, a South Florida business icon.
We discuss with Don his first-hand experience across decades of Hurricanes football’s cultural evolutions, and how he stays a lifelong learner and competitor.
You can learn more about Don at MiamiHurricanes.com.