Especially for Athletes Podcast24 Nov 2025

154. World-Class Tumbler Ashley Matern on Triumph and the Power of Not Giving Up

Ashley Matern may not be a household name—yet—but her story is one of the most powerful we've ever shared on the Especially for Athletes podcast. A world-class tumbler, Ashley has faced the highest highs and the lowest lows in one of the most demanding sports in the world. After a devastating leg injury in 2023—featuring a cracked tibia and torn ligaments—most assumed her career was over. But Ashley knew she wasn't done. This episode dives deep into her comeback story: from missing World Championship teams since 2019… to becoming the 2024 U.S. Tumbling Champion and earning her place back on the world stage. Her message to young athletes is clear and unforgettable: "Don't close the door on yourself. If there's still gas in the tank, make someone else close the door—you don't shut it on yourself." Highlight Moment: "The joy after the absolute antithesis of joy." – a commentator, watching Ashley celebrate with her coach after her winning run. Listen to learn: • How Ashley handled years of coming up short—and kept going • What it takes to return from a career-threatening injury • The mindset of an elite athlete when the world doubts them • Why persistence might lead to your best performance yet Watch, share, and get inspired at e4a.org ⸻ Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

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Episoder(134)

179. Golden State Warriors Forward George Niang

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we're replaying our interview from episode #150 with (former Utah Jazz) Golden State Warriors forward George Niang—a seasoned NBA veteran whose ...

1 Okt 46min

178. Utah Jazz Director of Operations Austin Ainge

What do NBA teams really look for when evaluating players? Utah Jazz Director of Operations Austin Ainge joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to share lessons from a career spent evaluating tale...

23 Sep 38min

177. Just Take the Next Step with Guest Hunter Rasmussen

At 20 years old, former Spanish Fork High School three-sport athlete and football captain Hunter Rasmussen was accidentally shot in the leg during a hunting trip. Doctors later told him he had been ap...

16 Sep 44min

176. Southern Utah University Gymnast Kendall McGuire

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2 Sep 57min

175. Associate Athletic Director of Mental Health for BYU Athletics, Braden Brown

Mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation in sports. In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Braden Brown, Associate Athletic Direct...

20 Aug 53min

174. Tanner Wall, BYU Safety and Las Vegas Raider

Former BYU safety and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Tanner Wall joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to discuss resilience, leadership, mental preparation, and why pursuing excellence ...

29 Jul 48min

173. The Mental Game That Separates Great Athletes | Bryker Hurdsman

Every athlete experiences highs and lows. The difference between athletes who continue to grow and those who burn out isn't talent—it's how they think. Former BYU baseball standout Bryker Hurdsman j...

22 Jul 52min

172. Are Parents Stealing Their Kids' Self-Esteem? | Character Is Built Through Struggle

A brain surgeon recently shared a powerful observation: "If you do too much for your kids, you build your self-esteem by stealing theirs." That one sentence sparked one of our favorite parenting con...

15 Jul 19min