Heads ‘N Tales Podcast – Talking Sports Injury Rehab, Prevention, Perseverance, Concussions & Athlete Transition

On October 5, 2007, Kevin Saum suffered a traumatic brain injury called second impact syndrome during a high school football game, which ended his athletic career and nearly ended his life. Kevin created the Head’s ‘N Tales podcast to serve as a platform for other athletes who have been dealt life-altering injuries, illnesses or other obstacles throughout their careers to share their story’s and to learn how they persevered in the face of adversity. He additionally interviews subject experts in the sports health industry to provide tools for athletes who are currently writing their own comeback story’s. Each week Kevin shares an athlete’s story of perseverance or expert knowledge on one of the following topics: injuries, illnesses, obstacles, concussions, or the athlete transition to life after sports. Kevin highly values his time spent on the football gridiron and wants to see the sport prosper for future generations of athletes. In an attempt to tackle many of the health and safety concerns inherent in the sport, Kevin and his childhood buddy Josh Boyd host a fantasy football injury report every Monday night as a bonus episode throughout each NFL season, where they discuss ways to make the sport safer to play. Thanks for tuning in and there is no doubt your story will resonate with those of the guests on the show. Mike Wahle is a retired 11 year NFL Veteran. He played 7 Years for the Green Bay Packers, 3 with the Carolina Panthers and 1 season with the Seattle Seahawks before being medically retired after a shoulder injury. More recently, Mike is the founder of Unrivaled Systems and Process2Perform where he serves as the host of the Process2Perform podcast. I had so much fun recording and preparing for this interview. I grew up a Green Bay Packers fan and proudly wore the number 30 in my Pop Warner days just like my favorite player at the time, Ahman Green, running back for the Packers. Mike was responsible for clearing huge holes for Ahman to run through on his way to becoming the franchise leader for rushing yards. My 10-year old self would be so jealous of me right now, and to be honest, I genuinely felt like a kid again while talking to Mike. In this interview, Mike tells us stories about injuries he suffered throughout his football career, concussions, losing 50 lbs and his retirement from football all through the lens of the 3 Dials (Mindset, Technical Mastery, and Lifestyle (Making ownership decisions )) that he teaches to his athletes and clients today. Listeners of this episode will learn about the toolset Mike relied on to be elite in football and elite in his field today. Topics covered: Achieving your goals on or off the field will always go back to your Mindset, Technical Mastery, and Lifestyle (3 Dials). You can still be elite and not have your full identity associated with your sport or craft. The importance of automating decision making. Why athletes are always making business decisions on and off the field and how the recently added player safety rules impact these decisions. Why athletes need goals and routines post-career. The corporate world might not be the right fit for athletes post retirement. What is is like playing in an Army-Navy Game. Mike’s decision to become a Hall of Fame Behavioral Health ambassador.