The GOLD Standard with Leah Amico

Episode #15: On today's episode of the The Gold Standard Podcast, we are joined by Patty Gasso current Softball Head Coach at The University of Oklahoma. She has won six national championships, winning in 2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021 and most recently in 2022. OU is one of just three programs in NCAA history to win more than two national titles. She discusses how to channel your championship mindset. Be fearless and don’t quit, come prepared and with confidence. Everybody that works hard is going to see results. More topics discussed:Mental health days allow for recharge Including your family in all things you doFaith - Playing for him. Battle 4 the lord.Non-negotiablesPatty’s Fav FivesLEAVE A STAR IF YOU’RE LISTENING! Available now wherever you listen to your podcasts.Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Ever wondered what it's like living like a pro? What would you do that you have never thought was possible? Believing in yourself is the first step. Fostering those beliefs will make them come to life. We could always be better than we think we can be. When it comes to setting goals, there will be obstables. Ryan Lavarnway reminds us that are thoughts are a powerhouse behind our driving force! Follow Ryan On Instagram!@rlavarnwayResources:Major Media League AppConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Hold on and Pray! How do you push through negative thoughts? What does courage mean to you? It’s hard believing without desire. The courage to get started comes from believing something is possible. An Olympic athlete and competing against the best of the best. You are always expected to give your best every single moment. What lies beyond competitive sports?"You will never achieve anything great in life unless you dare to believe that something inside you is bigger than the circumstances you face." - Ruben GonzalezResources:Major Media League AppConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

How do you push through negative thoughts? What struggle have you had to face to get where you strive to be? It’s not easy living the life of an Olympic athlete and competing against the best of the best. You are always expected to give your best every single moment. What lies beyond competitive sports?Welcome to this episode of The Gold Standard Podcast. “We go out and work hard. We play this game with emotion and love. Coach always says 'Emotionally, physically, mentally - come to the field prepared.' Because if you don't bring that to the field, you're going to get beat.”- Laura BergResources:Major Media League AppConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

What is it like to play in the Olympics? For most athletes, the goal is to train, be the best, and win the Gold medal. And when you’ve done all that and more, all the training and conditioning will serve you well as you pursue life after the Olympics. But, when you have won the Gold medal, you never lose sight of The GOLD Standard in everything you do. Welcome to another episode of The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Michele Smith, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, 8-time Japan Pro-League Champ & MVP, and international pro-left-handed-hitting fastpitch softball pitcher. She is a USA Softball Hall of Fame honoree and currently a sports commentator at ESPN. Join us as we talk about softball, the Olympic Games, broadcasting, and discovering new passions. “Even if I don’t know how to do something, trust me, I will figure it out, and that's where hard work comes in.”- Michele SmithIn This Episode:- Meet Michele Smith, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and USA Softball Hall of Fame honoree- Michele shares how her love of softball began, her favorite memory of the Olympic Games, her fantastic experience playing  in Japan, and how she got into broadcasting- Michele talks about the growth of the sport and her experience being ESPN’s sports commentator.- The beginning of Sunset Inn & Cottages, The West Events, and Michele’s beautiful life in Florida- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Michele?- 3 Gold tips for softball players todayAnd more…Resources:Coach Wooden's Pyramid of SuccessConnect with Michele:Website InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTubeConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is my former teammate Cat Osterman, a former three-time National Player of the Year, four-time All-American, and two-time Olympic medalist. She also served as coach for the Texas State Bobcats in San Marcos, Texas, from 2015-20, after three seasons in a similar role for the St. Edwards Hilltoppers in Austin, Texas. Cat helped to lead the University of Texas to three Women’s College World Series appearances in 2003, 2005 and 2006. She also became the only softball individual to win USA Softball’s National Player of the Year honors three times after earning the honor each of those seasons. These are just a few of her achievements.Join us as we talk about pushing past your limits, doing something you love, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“Do whatever it takes even if it means you're gonna be an oddball.”- Cat OstermanIn This Episode:- Meet Cat Osterman, multi-awarded athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist- Of all her awards and numerous accolades, which one does Cat cherish the most and why?- Cat takes us through her journey as a softball player- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Cat?- Has it always been Cat’s goal to play softball? How did the goal evolve as the years went by?- What were the challenges Cat had to overcome to reach her goals?- Cat talks about her retirement from playing softball in 2015, her coaching stint, and what made her decide to play again.- What’s the most important quality a coach or a leader should have?- The top 2 things Cat did every day as an ELITE athlete - Cat shares 3 Gold keys for athletes todayAnd more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Cat Osterman:WebsiteInstagramFacebook TwitterConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

How do you deal with living a life with constant pressure to win? What impact would you want to leave on the world? It’s not easy living the life of an Olympic athlete and competing against the best of the best. You are always expected to give your best every single moment. What lies beyond competitive sports?Welcome to this episode of The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Olympic softball gold medalist, MLB youth sports ambassador, and mom to three kids, Jennie Finch. Join us as we talk about life as an athlete, a mom, a coach, and everything else in between. But, more importantly, we share how we apply The Gold Standard in everything we do.“God made you, and you've got to use your gifts and talents to the best of your abilities.”- Jennie FinchIn This Episode:- Meet Jennie Finch, Olympic Gold Medalist and MLB Youth Sports Ambassador- What The Jennie Finch Softball Camps offer- Does the motivation to excel in sports come from within, from parents, mentors, or other individuals?- Leah and Jennie talk about playing sports as a mom and the joy of taking the kids on the field (balancing sports and family life and excelling in both)- How did Jennie develop a passion for coaching young athletes?- How to live one day at a time (or “one pitch at a time” in Jennie’s case)- What were Jennie’s goals growing up? Was being an Olympic athlete part of her dream?- The challenges that come with being a competitive athlete and how Jennie pushed forward toward the goal- What went on in Jennie’s mind as she retired from competing in the Olympics?- What does the GOLD Standard mean for Jennie?- 3 Gold tips for athletes and young softball playersAnd more…Connect with Jennie Finch:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

What does it take to become an Olympic athlete? Aside from possessing incredible talent, Olympians train daily for many years before they can compete in an Olympic sport where they play against the best of the best. Welcome to The GOLD Standard Podcast. Today, it’s Leah’s turn to tell her story while her husband, Tommy, plays the host. Leah is a USA Softball Hall of Fame honoree and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics. She played for the Arizona Wildcats from 1993 to 1997, winning three National Championships.Join us as we talk about what it takes to be an Olympic athlete and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“The GOLD Standard ultimately stands for being the best of the best.”- Leah AmicoIn This Episode:- Leah talks about the critical moments in her life, from playing college sports leading to becoming an Olympian- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Leah?- What does goal setting look like for Leah as she decided to be an Olympian?- Overcoming obstacles during the Sydney Olympics and pushing forward after losing 3x- Examples of leadership and accountability in different roles and difficult situations- Leah speaks fondly about Coach Mike Candrea, his coaching style, and how he helped her become a better athlete.- Why did Leah decide to play again after having a child?- Leah’s tips for someone who wants to become an Olympic athlete- What else can we expect from Leah? Exciting things are happening for sure.And more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

How do you move past your fears to reach your potential? It has so much to do with taking the first step even when you are afraid. And once you take that first step, the path becomes clear. Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Bryan Post, an adopted and former foster child and one of America’s Foremost Child Behavior and Adoption Experts. Bryan is the founder of the Post Institute and the sponsor of this podcast. A renowned clinician, lecturer, and best-selling author of From Fear to Love, a former college football player, and entrepreneur for over 25 years, Bryan has the heart to share how others can be successful as their own boss. Bryan is also the founder and CEO of Major Media League, which aims to be the most influential, inspirational, and impactful social media platform where athletes and brands intersect.Join us as we talk about taking action, exploring diverse interests, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“Don't be afraid to take the first step. Sometimes, the first step is just a symbol of writing down the vision of what you want to do.”- Bryan PostIn This Episode:- Meet Bryan Post, Clinician, Lecturer, and Best Selling Author- Bryan talks about his childhood, his sister, and his family life- What advice can you give a parent raising a “difficult child”?- How did Bryan end up playing collegiate football?- What is the impact of goal setting in someone’s life?- How would you encourage someone to turn their dreams into reality?- What core principles does Bryan live by?- Bryan shares what sparked the idea behind the Major Media League- How crucial is perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving your goal?- What’s the most critical thing for Bryan as a leader?- Bryan’s daily discipline for success- Book recommendation: Out of Control by Thomas Hollywood HendersonAnd more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Bryan Post:Personal WebsiteMajor Media League WebsiteConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

How do you juggle different responsibilities and excel in all of them? What gives you the fire to move forward in the face of adversities?Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is First Lieutenant Riley Compton, an active duty Marine, and Team USA Bobsledder.Riley was born in San Diego and grew up in Indiana. She was always into sports and played college softball at George Washington University. After college, Riley joined the Marine Corps and has been on active duty as a logistics officer for the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, Marine Aircraft Group 39, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. She successfully combined military life and playing sports and was recently named Camp Pendleton's Female Athlete of the Year. Not a small feat for a young Marine and athlete. Riley loves bobsledding, a sport she was first introduced to while playing softball at George Washington. She competed in the United States and Europe with Team U.S.A. Her goal is to make it to the US Olympic team in 2026. Riley's ultimate goal is to empower women in all walks of life.Join us as we talk about pushing yourself beyond the limits, being on fire for God, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“Don't let you or someone else tell you NO before you even try.” - Riley ComptonIn This Episode:- Meet Riley Compton, a young Marine, and an amazing athlete- Riley talks about her passion for sports - Has it always been Riley’s goal to play sports in college? How was the experience?- How can women break free from society's limitations on what a woman can and cannot do?- Riley recounts how she became a Marine - Obstacles Riley had to overcome and her advice to those who think they have failed - How did Riley get introduced to bobsledding?- What qualities should a good leader have? - Riley shares how she raises support and manages her finances as an athlete.- On fire for God: How Riley’s faith has enabled her to do great things- A day in the life of Riley Compton…- Riley recommends David Goggins’ book: Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. - What does The GOLD Standard mean for Riley? And more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Riley Compton:InstagramConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Coaching and leading a team is a challenging yet rewarding role. There’s no greater satisfaction in life than leading your team to greatness and seeing how each inexperienced team member grows into a winner. Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Retired Coach Mike Candrea, legendary Arizona Softball coach. Coach Mike changed the game not just at the collegiate level but also internationally, and he has done so for the last three decades. He led his teams to win game after game. Although he has officially hung his coaching hat, Coach Mike will still be working behind the scenes, serving as a Special Advisor to the head coaches.Join us as we talk about learning from failure, the importance of taking the time to listen, making people believe in themselves, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“When you stop listening, you stop learning.”- Coach Mike Candrea In This Episode:- Meet Mike Candrea, the legendary Arizona Softball Coach- How did Coach Mike discover his passion for coaching and teaching?- How important is it for a leader to always be willing to listen and to learn?- Coach Mike talks about how to make people believe in themselves- Is there anything that Coach Mike would do differently if he could go back in time?- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Coach Mike?- How do you help someone prepare for the goal? The importance of understanding the process.- How do you define failure?- How does Coach Mike know if an athlete can be a strong leader?- What does Coach Mike have to say about Leah? And more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Mike:InstagramFacebookConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today we’re going to continue the conversation with The Big Bruiser Crystl Bustos. Let’s recap some of her achievements: She is a two-time Olympic Gold medalist who holds the world record for home runs during an Olympic series, and a member of the 2008 US Olympic Softball Team, which won the Silver medal, losing the Gold to Japan. Crystal holds the Most Valuable Player in the WPSL for the Orlando Wahoos in 1998.Join us as we pick up our discussion and talk about finding greatness, setting goals, working hard for what you want, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“In this world, you have to work for what you want. It’s not given to you.”- Crystl BustosIn This Episode:- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Crystl?- How did Cryst adjust her original goal of becoming a Disney animator?- Crystal talks about the biggest obstacles she had to overcome to be where she is today.- The most important qualities of a leader according to Crystl - How important is taking action? Where does someone get the drive to succeed?- Crystal shares 3 Gold tips to softball players todayAnd more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Crystl:WebsiteInstagramTwitterConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Being injured is an inevitable part of an athlete’s life. A serious physical injury that limits your mobility and threatens your ability to play again is a nightmare that most athletes never want to wake up from. But not this phenomenal athlete. She did not let an injury stop her from playing and winning! Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Crystl Bustos, nicknamed The Big Bruiser. She is a two-time Olympic Gold medalist who holds the world record for home runs during an Olympic series. Crystl is a member of the 2008 US Olympic Softball Team, which won the Silver medal after losing to Japan in the Gold-medal game, the first loss for the US women in 23 straight Olympic games. But that didn’t make the team lose heart. On the contrary, they were determined to bounce back. Among Cryst;’s achievements is the Most Valuable Player in the WPSL for the Orlando Wahoos in 1998.Join us as we talk about bouncing back from failure, giving your best in whatever role you are in, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“You play wherever the Coach puts you. You give your team whatever you can do.”- Crystl BustosIn This Episode:- Meet Crystl Bustos, also known as The Big Bruiser- Crystl shares how she started playing sports as a child until someone asked if she could play softball- Did playing baseball first help Crystl excel as a softball player?- What's the difference between boys and girls who play softball?- How did Crystl become a powerhouse hitter?- The school was a struggle for Crystl at first. How did she thrive as a student-athlete?- Has it always been Crystl’s goal to play in the Olympics?- What was the average pay for a softball player? How much did Crystl get as a rookie?- Crystl had an injury that limited her mobility, but that didn’t stop her from playing and winning!- Giving your best no matter what your role is - What can we learn from Crystl’s experience playing in that first international competition?- Crystl talks about her creative side that most people are not aware of And more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Crystl Bustos:WebsiteInstagramTwitter Connect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

What example are you setting for the younger generation? How can you inspire young girls to follow a path that was previously not available to them? Thankfully there are people who made it their personal goal to support and equip these young girls in the pursuit of a better future.Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Natasha Watley, a legendary athlete, brand ambassador, speaker, and philanthropist. She is the founder of the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF), a nonprofit organization that champions young girls through character, community, and competition. Natasha’s accomplishments include winning the Olympic Gold and Silver Medal, three World Championship titles, two Pan American Games Gold Medals, and an induction into the Hall of Fame.Join us as we talk about teamwork, supporting young athletes, managing a nonprofit and a business, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“Things don’t happen on your own by yourself. For every great accomplishment that we’ve achieved, there’s a whole team behind us. ”- Natasha Watley In This Episode:- Meet Natasha Watley, Olympian, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur- What's the story behind the Natasha Watley Foundation?- Natasha fondly remembers the greatest success stories from her league- How important is Black representation in sports, especially for young athletes?- Natasha talks about her real estate venture and how her Olympic training helped her manage a successful business- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Natasha?- Natasha talks us through how she takes each step with The GOLD Standard in mind- What were the hardest obstacles and challenges Natasha faced in playing softball and in business?- Which mentor impacted Natasha the most? In what way?- Daily habits that made the difference in Natasha’s life as an athlete and an entrepreneur- Natasha talks about her most anticipated new role – motherhood (looking forward to seeing her baby girl!)And more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Natasha Watley:WebsiteInstagramConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Jessica Mendoza, a collegiate four-time First Team All-American, and two-time Olympic medalist. She is a Softball Hall of Famer and the first woman to serve as an analyst for a nationally-televised MLB Game. Jessica is a real trailblazer. Join us as we talk about the importance of work ethic, humility, creating your path, and living life according to The GOLD Standard.“If we can just find a way to see everyone’s side and know that everyone is a good human at their core…find the positive.”- Jessica  MendozaIn This Episode:- Meet Jessica Mendoza, Softball Hall of Famer and ESPN Sports Analyst- Jessica talks about her journey as an athlete and the key things that helped her achieve her level of success.- What is it like having your dad as a coach? - Did Jessica always want to go to Stanford University, or was there another college she preferred?- How did Jessica plan her next steps from collegiate sports to the pro league?- Balancing humility and competitiveness- How did Jessica become a sports analyst?- Juggling all the demands of motherhood, career, self-care (living the life you’ve chosen)- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Jessica?- Jessica shares how she overcame her biggest obstacles - 3 Gold tips for athletes todayResources:Major Media League AppConnect with Jessica Mendoza:InstagramTwitter Connect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

What is your calling and how do you leave a positive impact on the world? When you are asked to do something else, do you give up your childhood dream?Welcome to The Gold Standard Podcast. Today’s guest is Dot Richardson, an American physician and softball player who was a member of Olympic gold-medal-winning teams in 1996 and 2000. She began playing softball competitively at age 10 and at age 13, became the youngest player in the Women’s Major Fast Pitch League. Dot received collegiate All-American honours at Western Illinois University in 1980.Her stint in sports was put on hold when she entered medical school. But Dot had a dream and a vision to play and win in the Olympics against all odds. So after graduating from the University of Louisville Medical School in Kentucky, Dot interrupted her residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Southern California to compete in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta where softball made its debut, and Team USA dominated. Dot hit a two-run home run to seal the team’s gold-medal win. In 2000, she claimed her second gold medal.Join us as we talk about breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and living life according to God’s GOLD Standard.“Olympic is the moment when Martin Luther King was put on the board.”- Dot RichardsonIn This Episode:- Meet Dot Richardson, an excellent Medical Doctor, and World-Class Olympian- Dot takes us through her journey to becoming an exceptional athlete (learning and growing through trials and seizing the opportunities)- What inspired Dot to pursue medical school?- Dot’s childhood dream and vision to compete in the Olympics and win the Gold- What does The GOLD Standard mean for Dot?- Discover how Dot lives her life according to The GOLD Standard- Dot shares 3 Gold tips for softball athletesAnd more…Resources:Major Media League AppConnect with Dot Richardson:InstagramFacebookTwitterConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Resources:Major Media League AppDelve into the legacy and impact being made by Barbara Jordan, former USA Softball player and 3-Time Division II National Champion. 🥎 Join us to hear about Barb’s journey, from her remarkable career on the field, to her contributions with her organization. Always Bev. Always Bev was created in honor of her sister Beverly, who was tragically killed with gun violence, by her fiancé. Now Barbara is changing lives through her seminars to help people be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and safety. You’ll be drawn to Barb’s stories. This video offers a front-row seat to the highs and lows of Barbara Jordan's life journey. Hit play and experience the passion and unbreakable spirit that define this softball icon! 🎥🌟 #BarbaraJordan #SoftballLegend #AthleteSpotlightConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Resources:Major Media League AppDive into the inspiring story of Olympic bobsledder, Bill Schuffenhauer! 🥈🛷 He won a silver medal in the four-man event at Salt Lake City in 2002. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of an athlete who defied odds and conquered the icy tracks of the Winter Games. He had times where he had to eat out of trash cans, his mom was a prostitute and drug addict, and there were times he was homeless. In junior high, he started to turn things around and went on to become a 3-Time Olympian. Bill's story is one of perseverance and triumph. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, or somebody who loves to hear stories of unbelievable comebacks, this is a story you will want to hear. Hit play and experience the speed, adrenaline, and indomitable spirit of an Olympic bobsledding icon! 🎬🌟 #BillSchuffenhauer #OlympicBobsledder #WinterGamesLegendConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Resources:Major Media League AppDiscover the dynamic world and the incredible journey of Northwestern Softball Alum, Tammy Williams! 🥎🌟 Join us as we talk about her journey to becoming a 2X Big Ten Player of the Year. She also played professionally for the Chicago Bandits. From game-changing plays to a legacy that resonates, Tammy Williams is a force to be reckoned with. Hit play to hear how Tammy went from crushing it on the softball field to becoming COO & a Wealth Advisor with Cooke Financial Group. She was recently recognized on AdvisorHub’s “100 Advisors to Watch (Over $1B)” list for 2023! She told me she is loving being in an industry where she can continue to compete, continue to learn daily, and has the opportunity to work with an amazing team. She has great wisdom to share. 🥎🏆 #TammyWilliams #NorthwesternSoftball #AthleteSpotlightConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube

Resources:Major Media League AppExplore the thrilling world of speed skating with Kelly Gunther! 🏅 Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of this exceptional speed skater. She struggled with a learning disability, overcame the odds against her, came back from a horrific skating injury, and refused to give up until she made it to the Olympics. From the icy tracks to the pinnacle of success, Kelly's story is one of dedication, passion, and triumph. 🌬️⛸️ Whether you're a speed skating enthusiast or just curious about the world of professional athletes, th story and career of Kelly Gunther will inspire you to believe for more and remind you that you can overcome any setback. Hit play, lace up your virtual skates, and glide into the incredible world of speed skating excellence! 🚀 #KellyGunther #SpeedSkating #AthleteJourneyConnect with Leah Amico:WebsiteInstagramFacebookFacebook GroupTwitterLinkedInTikTokYoutube