In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, elite ice dancers training out of Novi Ice Arena and the Athlete Lab as they pursue their Olympic dreams. They are competing at the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, January 4-11, 2026.
From becoming partners to navigating the daily demands ofhigh-performance sport, Emilea and Vadym share an inside look at what it takes to develop chemistry, trust, and resilience at the highest level of ice dance. Their journey highlights the importance of both physical preparation and mental well-being in long-term athlete development.
Together, they dive into:
• How they became partners and built trust on and off the ice
• The role of nutrition, sleep, and education in sustaining elite performance
• Why working with a sports psychologist has been a critical part of their growth
• Lessons learned through competition, setbacks, and international experience
• What the Road to the Olympics really looks like behind the scenes
Emilea and Vadym’s story is a powerful reminder that eliteperformance is built through intentional habits, honest communication, and a strong support system. Whether you’re an athlete chasing the next level, a coach guiding development, or a parent supporting the journey, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to pursue excellence together.
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Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab: https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/
• Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships: https://usfigureskating.org/sports/2025/11/3/2026-prevagen-us-figure-skating-championships.aspx
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• Guest Instagram: @emileazingas @vadym___kolesnik
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #IceDance #RoadToTheOlympics#EmileaZingas #VadymKolesnik #AthleteLab #PerformanceMindset #OlympicDreams#FigureSkating
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Taylor Prokes, endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Big Ass Calendar, a tool and mindset that challenges people to live intentionally, pursue audacious goals, and design a life that reflects their values.
From running 100-mile races to building a movement rooted in discipline, community, and adventure, Taylor shares how physical challenges and personal planning intersect to create purpose and growth.
Together, they dive into:
• What it takes - mentally and physically - to run 100 miles
• The story and philosophy behind The Big Ass Calendar
• The concept of a Misogi, a year-defining event
• Why it’s vital to plan things for yourself before others request your time
• Building habits, tracking progress, and staying focused on what matters
• Lessons from leading a team that lives what they sell from NYC marathons to three days of tree chopping on a homestead
• Who can benefit most from the Big Ass Calendar and how to start small
• Reflections on entrepreneurship, resilience, and advice for parents raising driven kids
Taylor’s story is a masterclass in mindset, proving that fulfillment comes from effort, intentionality, and the willingness to keep going when it gets hard.
** Save 15% off The Big Ass Calendar by going to https://thebigasscalendar.com/athletelabpodcast **
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Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab (https://athletelabdetroit.com/)
• The Big Ass Calendar (https://thebigasscalendar.com/)
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• Instagram: @taylorprokes & @thebigasscalendar
#AthleteDevelopment #Ultras #BigAssCalendar #Misogi #EnduranceAthlete #AthleteLab #PerformanceMindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Maria “MJ” Pallotta, Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and Director of the Center for Experiential Leadership Development at the U.S. Naval Academy and instructor for The Program.
A 1994 Naval Academy graduate, MJ rowed crew before beginning a 30-year career in the Marine Corps that spanned active duty, two tours in Iraq, and leadership roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, Marine Corps University, and the Warfighting Lab. She now teaches leadership and ethics to the next generation of midshipmen, drawing on decades of real-world experience.
Together, they dive into:
• Lessons from rowing crew at the Naval Academy and the foundations of teamwork and resilience
• Growth through leadership and the power of service under pressure
• The pursuit of higher education from an M.A. to a Ph.D. and how learning shapes leadership
• Transitioning from military to civilian leadership and bridging both worlds
• Her advice for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to lead with integrity and courage
• Quick-hit insights on preparation, mindset, and purpose
MJ’s story is one of service, self-mastery, and lifelong growth, a reminder that the principles of leadership and performance transcend any field, whether it’s sports, academics, or the military.
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• The Athlete Lab
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• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
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#AthleteDevelopment #Leadership #MariaPallotta #NavalAcademy #USMC #PerformanceMindset #AthleteLab #Teamwork #Resilience
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Max Jones, Edmonton Oilers forward.A first-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Jones has built his career on effort, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to improvement. From his early days with the London Knights to his evolution as a pro, Jones shares a candid look at what it takes to grow, learn, and stay ready in one of hockey’s most competitive environments.Together, they dive into:• The culture inside the Edmonton Oilers organization and lessons from veteran teammates• What it means to “be a sponge” and continually develop as a professional• His experience in London and how junior hockey shaped his mindset• Off-season training and building habits that fuel consistency• Embracing versatility and finding ways to impact the game in any roleMax’s story is one of growth, humility, and drive, a reminder that development doesn’t stop when you make it to the league. Whether you’re an athlete chasing the next level or a coach guiding others there, this conversation offers insight into what it means to evolve within the game.Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who wants to get a little better.Learn more:• The Athlete LabFollow us:• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast#AthleteDevelopment #MaxJones #EdmontonOilers #NHL #PerformanceMindset #HockeyCulture #AthleteLab #PlayerDevelopment #Leadership
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Mark Di Cristofaro, founder of PRL Sports Group, a company transforming sports performance through innovative solutions and athlete development expertise. PRL Sports Group manages player performance and wellness across multiple professional and collegiate levels, working with, advising, or licensing software to organizations in the NHL, NFL, ECHL, NCAA, CHL, and Serie A. Together, they dive into:• How innovation is reshaping athlete development and long-term performance• The differences between European and North American development models• Early-career challenges and lessons from building PRL Sports Group• What it takes to earn buy-in from teams and staff across competitive environments• The role of periodization, data, and communication in sustaining elite performance Mark’s perspective blends science, strategy, and stories, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how performance systems are evolving to meet the modern athlete’s needs.
Whether you’re a coach, player, or performance professional, this episode is a masterclass in bridging innovation and implementation. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and performance experts. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who wants to get a little better. Learn more:• The Athlete Lab Follow us:• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast #AthleteDevelopment #SportsScience #Innovation #PerformanceTraining #PRLSportsGroup #MarkDiCristofaro #Leadership #TeamCulture #NHL #NFL #NCAA #CHL
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Cam Fowler, veteran NHL defenseman with the St. Louis Blues.
Selected 12th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Fowler spent the first 15 seasons of his career in Anaheim. Last season, the 33-year-old reached the 1,000-game milestone during the NHL Winter Classic. More recently, on September 27, 2025, the Farmington Hills, Mich., native signed a three-year contract extension with the Blues.
Together they dive into:
• The evolution of Cam’s training and how his approach has changed over time
• Nutritional adjustments and lessons learned from years in the league
• His path to the NHL and what it was like debuting at just 18 years old
• The mental performance tools that helped him stay consistent and grounded
• The excitement of a fresh start in St. Louis and the mindset behind embracing change
Cam’s story is one of growth, discipline, and continual evolution on and off the ice. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode offers valuable perspective on how the game (and the person behind it) continues to evolve at the highest level.
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• The Athlete Lab
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Podcast#AthleteDevelopment #CamFowler #NHL #HockeyTraining #PerformanceMindset #Nutrition #Leadership #StLouisBlues
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of AthleteDevelopment at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) teams up with Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer, co-hosts of the Dialed & Driven podcast, for a powerful conversation on developing youth athletes the right way on and offthe ice. Jeff Lerg is also the Director of Mentorship at the Athlete Academy and leads the Future Pro USA Goalie School. Chris Palmer is the founder and coach of Piranha Training and is the mental performance coach for the AthleteAcademy.
Together they dive into:
• How collaboration, communication, and mindset shape anathlete’s journey
• Building support networks for athletes & growing proactivity
• The evolving role of the Athlete Academy in long-term athlete development
• The mission and momentum behind Dialed & Driven
• Phil’s experiences from professional hockey and what truly drives progress
This crossover episode brings together three voices deeplycommitted to athlete growth, mentorship, and purpose, offering practical tools and real-world insight for anyone working with youth athletes today.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someonewho wants to get a little better.
Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab
• The Dialed and Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE8JgI6FfisGTP6aUv2XI-g)
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• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #DialedAndDriven #YouthSports#AthleteAcademy #Coaching #Leadership #Mindset #HockeyDevelopment
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) sits down with Eric Kapitulik, former Marine, founder and CEO of The Program, and author of The Program: Lessons from Elite Military Units for Creating and Sustaining High Performance Leaders and Teams.
Together they dive into:
• The origin story of The Program
• Lessons from the military that translate directly into sports and leadership
• The role of parenthood in shaping today’s athletes and future leaders
• How to manage “squeaky wheels” and foster true competitiveness within teams
• What great teams and great teammates consistently do
Eric’s message is raw, real, and relentlessly focused on accountability, toughness, and selflessness.
Whether you lead a locker room, a company, or a family, this conversation will inspire you to raise your standards and those of everyone around you.
Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring Olympians, professional athletes (past and present), coaches, and performance experts.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who wants to get a little better.
Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/)
• The Program (https://theprogram.org/)
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• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #Leadership #TeamCulture #TheProgram #Military #Accountability #GreatTeammate
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) sits down with former University of Michigan quarterback, broadcaster, and mentor Devin Gardner.
Together they dive into:
• Arriving at Michigan and the lessons learned under the bright lights
• The mentors and moments that shaped his mental resilience
• How leadership evolves and what it means to lead the next generation
• His transition from athlete to broadcaster
• The importance of culture, confidence, and connection in developing today’s athletes
Devin’s story is one of persistence, positivity, and purposeon and off the field. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, his insights will challenge you to think differently about growth, leadership, and what it means to show up when it matters most.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someonewho wants to get a little better.
Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/)
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• Instagram: @TheAthleteLabPodcast
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #Leadership #MichiganFootball#DevinGardner #SportsCulture #Broadcasting #MentalResilience
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) sits down with two Big Ten football greats: Mike Martin, University of Michigan captain and NFL veteran, and T.J. Duckett, Michigan State star and first-round NFL draft pick.
Together they dive into:
• The Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry and their most memorable moments
• The Battle for the Houses and how the rivalry is fueling support for Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Their personal connections to giving back and the role of community in athlete development
• Lessons from football that shaped their lives after the game
• How they view athlete development today and what young athletes can do to prepare for life beyond sports
Whether you bleed maize and blue, green and white, or simply love seeing athletes use their platform for impact, this episode captures the intensity of the rivalry and the power of purpose beyond the game.
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If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone who wants to get a little better.
Learn more:
• Battle For the Houses (https://battleforthehouses.com/)
• Ronald McDonald House Charities (https://rmhc.org/)
• The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/)
Follow us:
• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #SportsPerformance #MichiganFootball #MichiganStateFootball #Rivalry #RonaldMcDonaldHouse
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of AthleteDevelopment at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) sits down with Paul Cotter, Stanley Cup Champion and current forward for the New Jersey Devils.
Together they dive into:
• His path to the NHL
• Training & nutrition habits that keep him game-ready
• Becoming a shootout hero for the Vegas Golden Knights
• The trade to New Jersey and what it means for his career
• Adjusting to new coaches and systems at the pro level
Whether you’re chasing the dream yourself or guiding anathlete’s journey, Paul’s story offers insights into the dedication, resilience, and mindset it takes to succeed at the highest level.
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If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone who wants to get a little better.
Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab
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• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #SportsPerformance #HockeyTraining #NHL #StanleyCup
In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) sits down with Olympic gold medalist, Boston Fleet (PWHL) defender & HoneyBaked Hockey alum Megan Keller.
Together they dive into:
• Off-season training and what it takes to stay at the top level
• Her journey to the PWHL and what it means for women’s hockey
• The role of data, technology & tips for athletes
• Managing social media and outside noise
• Her path from HoneyBaked Hockey to Boston College and beyond
**Please note that this episode was recorded prior to having her contract extended by the Boston Fleet of the PWHL in August 2025, signing a two-year agreement that will keep her with the team through the 2027-28 season.
Whether you’re an aspiring player or supporting an athlete’s journey, Megan’s story offers insights and takeaways you can apply today.
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Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab
• PWHL Boston
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• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #SportsPerformance #HockeyTraining #PWHL #WomensHockey
Elite performance is built on habits, mindset, and systems. In Part II of this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) continues the conversation with Tom Anastos, CEO of Suburban Sports Group, and Joe Neal, Founder & Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at 2SP Sports Performance.
Together they explore how athlete development continues to evolve:
• Building a culture of education & transparency for athletes, parents, and coaches
• Comparing across sports
• Supporting athletes at every stage
• Benchmark testing and what it reveals
Whether you’re training for the next level or guiding an athlete’s journey, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply today.
Subscribe for weekly episodes with Olympians, NHL players, coaches, and performance experts.
Like this video and share it with athletes, parents, or teammates who want to grow their game!
Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/)
• 2SP Sports Performance (https://www.2spsportsperformance.com/)
Follow us:
• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #SportsPerformance #HockeyTraining
Elite performance is built on habits, mindset, and systems. In this episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group & former NHL scout) sits down with Tom Anastos, CEO of Suburban Sports Group, and Joe Neal, Founder & Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at 2SP Sports Performance.
Together they explore how athlete development continues to evolve:
• How the off-season has changed and what athletes need now
• The role of data & technology in performance gains
• Why cognitive training matters for athletes at every level
• The benefits of multi-sport participation
• Building a culture of education & transparency for athletes, parents, and coaches
Whether you’re training for the next level or guiding an athlete’s journey, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply today.
Subscribe for weekly episodes with Olympians, NHL players, coaches, and performance experts.
Like this video and share it with athletes, parents, or teammates who want to grow their game!
Learn more:
• The Athlete Lab (https://www.athletelabdetroit.com/)
• 2SP Sports Performance (https://www.2spsportsperformance.com/)
Follow us:
• Instagram: @AthleteLabDetroit
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Athlete Lab Podcast
#AthleteDevelopment #SportsPerformance #HockeyTraining
The Athlete Lab Podcast was created to help athletes and parents access the resources, stories, and insights that fuel elite performance. Each episode dives into the habits, mindset, and systems that separate good from great, offering practical tools and inspiration you can apply in sport and in life.
In our very first episode, host Phil Osaer (Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and former NHL scout) sits down with Suburban Sports Group CEO Tom Anastos to share the “why” behind the podcast:
- What inspired its creation
- How it connects to the mission of athlete development at Suburban Sports Group
- What listeners can expect in the weeks ahead
Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation sets the stage for a podcast designed to help you grow, compete, and thrive, on and off the ice/field.
Subscribe and share to join us on this journey of athlete development. Don’t forget to leave a review. It helps others discover the show!
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#AthleteDevelopment #TheAthleteLabPodcast #SportsPerformance
What does it really take to be your best?
Olympians. Stanley Cup champions. NFL and NHL stars. The experts behind the science of elite performance.
This is your inside access.
🎧 The Athlete Lab Podcast premieres Sept. 22. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube.