True To Life with Nanik Tagore

https://dot.cards/naniktagore

Pepperdine’s own Mia Skuraton, a track and field athlete, a campus leader, and a future sports psychology professional who wants to help student-athletes understand who they are when their sport is no longer the center of their identity.In this conversation, Mia unpacks something most athletes never learn early enough:Passion can fade, but purpose doesn’t.And when you build your life around purpose — not performance, not results, not outside approval — you set yourself up for real stability and meaning.We dive into:How athletes can rediscover identity beyond the sportThe difference between chasing passion and building purposeHow belonging shapes confidence and mental healthMia’s own journey with leadership and community at PepperdineHer vision for helping athletes transition with clarity and confidenceThis episode is for anyone navigating identity, change, or the question of who they are without what they do.Mia's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miaskuraton/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-skuraton-335851284/Roster: https://pepperdinewaves.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/mia-skuraton/5697Nanik Tagore: https://linktr.ee/Naniktagore48

Episode 71: Start. Stop. Continue.In this first-ever video episode of the True To Life Podcast, host Nanic Tagore kicks off 2026 with a powerful framework for personal growth and reflection. Moving away from the pressure of "all-or-nothing" New Year's resolutions, Nanic introduces the "Start, Stop, Continue" strategy—a simple yet effective tool for auditing your habits and staying aligned with your goals.In this episode, we dive into:The Framework: How to identify one thing to Start (a new skill or habit), one thing to Stop (cutting out what no longer adds value), and one thing to Continue (doubling down on what works) [01:45].The Power of Presence: Nanic shares his personal struggle with multitasking and why he is choosing to "stop" having a "million tabs open" in favor of singular focus [02:41].The Transition: A candid update on life as a senior student-athlete. With graduation approaching in May, Nanic reflects on finishing his final semester with a 4.0 GPA and the bittersweet feeling of closing his college basketball chapter [05:03].The Future: Why Nanic is choosing to bypass a fifth year of eligibility to dive into the world of entrepreneurship, AI, and coding—despite his reservations about the "tech takeover" [06:54].The Kaizen Mindset: A heartfelt thank you to the listeners who have followed the journey from dorm rooms to the Bay Area, and a reminder to lead with curiosity and humility rather than acting like a "know-it-all" [11:03].Whether you're a student-athlete navigating a major life transition or an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a mindset shift, this solo pod offers authentic insights into documenting the process of continuous improvement.Connect with the Show:Instagram: @TrueToLifePodcastSubscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to follow Nanik’s journey into his 20s.Profile: Nanik Tagore

In this episode, I sit down with Aubrey Wieser, a standout beach volleyball athlete at Florida Southern and a 2025 SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll honoree. Aubrey has competed across high-level pairs challenges, posted wins at the AVCA, and built her game through years of club experience with TMP Beach Volleyball and Minnesota Select.We dive into the real difference between indoor and beach volleyball — the mental game. Aubrey breaks down how beach forces athletes to think faster, adjust constantly, communicate under pressure, and stay locked in without the safety net of a big roster behind you. She opens up about confidence, composure, and the mindset required to survive a sport where conditions, momentum, and adversity change by the minute.We also talk about her academic discipline, her competitive background, what drives her off the court, and how she balances being a student-athlete with life, identity, and purpose.If you’re into the mental side of performance, this episode gives you a sharp look at an athlete who lives it every day.Links Mentionedhttps://www.instagram.com/aubreywieser/Roster: https://fscmocs.com/sports/womens-beach-volleyball/roster/aubrey-wieser/7247Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/naniktagorehttps://linktr.ee/truetolifepodcast

Some athletes are recruited.Some athletes are stars from the jump.And some athletes — like Daryana Hall — make it because they simply refuse to be denied.Daryana is a standout sprinter and relay athlete at Long Beach State who built her entire college career off a walk-on mindset. No promises, no guarantees, no shortcuts. She literally went to campus, found the coaches, introduced herself, and earned her spot through pure competitiveness and intention.Now she’s an All-Big West performer with multiple Top-10 relay marks in school history — and she did it in one of the deepest sprint conferences on the West Coast.Daryana’s story is proof that opportunity favors the ones who show up, speak up, and keep showing up. This episode is for anyone who’s earning things the hard way — athletes, walk-ons, grinders, late bloomers, and anyone who’s ever bet on themselves when no one else did.Daryana Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryanahall/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryana-hall/Long Beach State Bio: https://longbeachstate.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/daryana-hall/9628Nanik Links: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Naniktagore48

In this episode, I sit down with Brayden Concepcion, one of the strongest leaders on the SF State campus and a standout NCAA Division II wrestler. Brayden currently serves as the 2025–26 SAAC President (after roles as VP and Social Media Chair) and has built a reputation for being the kind of leader who actually follows through — on the mat, in the classroom, and across his campus community.Brayden shares what it takes to balance high-level wrestling with real leadership responsibilities, the discipline behind competing in one of the mentally hardest sports in college athletics, and how he’s built his identity around integrity, service, and consistency. We talk about his journey from Rancho Bernardo to SF State, the academic honors he’s earned along the way, and why the habits he’s built in wrestling carry into every part of his life.This episode dives into what it really means to be a scholar-athlete leader: showing up for people, leading with purpose, and staying committed even when the grind hits back.If you’re a student-athlete looking to grow as a leader — this one will hit home.Brayden’s LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brayden-concepcion-014619253/https://sfstategators.com/sports/wrestling/roster/brayden-concepcion/6002My Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/naniktagorehttps://linktr.ee/truetolifepodcast

Episode Notes (Kenson Tate – Track & Field, Long Jump)In this episode, I sit down with Kenson Tate, one of the most explosive long jumpers in the college track world and a rising name in the sport. Kenson has won multiple conference titles, competed at the NCAA Championships, and even stepped onto one of the biggest stages you can hit as a college athlete — the U.S. Olympic Trials.We talk about his journey at Lamar University, the mentality behind elite performance, the pressure and excitement of chasing bigger stages, and how he uses discipline, routine, and confidence to keep leveling up.Kenson also gets real about the mindset required to win, the role of community in track culture, and what it takes to keep showing up when the stakes get higher.This one’s for anyone who wants a deeper look at what separates good athletes from great ones — and what it really takes to bet on yourself.Kenson’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kensont8/My Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/naniktagore

This episode breaks down my biggest takeaways from the NCAA SALF Conference—leadership, strengths assessments, core values, growth mindset, and what it really takes to level up as a student-athlete today.I also highlight LaceUPNetwork, the new platform helping student-athletes connect with each other and with employers. It’s designed to give athletes a real network outside their sport—community, opportunity, and a place to grow.We also dig into baseball, personal development, and the mindset shifts that separate athletes who stay stuck from athletes who level up.LaceUP NetworkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laceupnetwork/?igsh=MXJ1YTE1OGY2MzI3Yg%3D%3D#Waitlist: https://laceupnetwork.carrd.co/Hudson’s LinksBaseball Profile: https://hardingsports.com/sports/baseball/roster/hudson-vaughn/17823Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hudsonvaughn/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hudsonvaughnMy Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/naniktagore

Message from-- "His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama"🎧 Listen & Connect:🎙️ True to Life Podcast –⁠⁠ Linktree⁠⁠📸 Instagram –⁠⁠ @naniktagore⁠⁠🎥 YouTube –⁠⁠ True to Life Podcast⁠⁠📲 Podcast Instagram –⁠⁠ @truetolifepodcast

In this solo episode, Nanik breaks down how our phones quietly drain our focus, peace, and sense of purpose. He shares real strategies to reclaim your attention, find contentment in stillness, and build a healthier relationship with technology. Tune in for a quick reality check and mindset reset.🎧 Listen & Connect:🎙️ True to Life Podcast –⁠ Linktree⁠📸 Instagram –⁠ @naniktagore⁠🎥 YouTube –⁠ True to Life Podcast⁠📲 Podcast Instagram –⁠ @truetolifepodcast

In this solo episode of the True to Life Podcast, I dive into a mindset distinction that’s shaped how I approach everything — from basketball to business to personal growth.Recently, someone told me to “stay persistent.” I almost corrected them and said “relentless”… but then I realized — those two words mean very different things.If you’ve ever felt stuck between being patient and going all-in, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen & Connect:🎙️ True to Life Podcast – Linktree📸 Instagram – @naniktagore🎥 YouTube – True to Life Podcast📲 Podcast Instagram – @truetolifepodcast

In this episode of the True to Life Podcast, host Nanik Tagore sits down with Alison Donnally, CEO of Joeyco, a company reimagining affordable housing and community living.Alison shares how Joeyco is creating solutions for student-athletes and Gen Z, why connection and human contact matter more than ever in a digital-first age, and how lessons from sport and leadership fuel her entrepreneurial journey.This conversation dives into the future of housing, building resilient communities, and the mindset it takes to lead with purpose.Stay Connected with Alison Donnally💼 LinkedIn – Alison Donnally🌐 Website – withjoey.comStay Connected with True to Life Podcast🎥 – Youtube🎧 – True to Life PodcastFollow, subscribe, and share for more real stories and practical conversations on growth, leadership, and mindset.

Too many of us wait for the “perfect time” to step up. In this solo episode, I look ahead to my own senior year and share why waiting to get involved—or waiting for someone else to open the door—is a losing play. The real edge? Start building now.Takeaways:Waiting = wasted repsWhy involvement now multiplies opportunities laterThe compounding effect of early actionLinks & Resources:🎧 Linktree → truetolifepodcast🌐 My site → nanik.life💡 KaizenU → kaizenu.org▶️ YouTube → @truetolifepodcast📸 Instagram → @naniktagore

What do college athletics, healthcare, and AI have in common? Adaptability.Adam Carewe joins Nanik Tagore to unpack how the skills forged on the court—discipline, resilience, and teamwork—translate into business, healthcare, and the rapidly changing tech landscape. From the rise of AI to new ways of working, Adam shares how staying curious and open to change fuels growth in every season of life.Enjoyed this? Follow True to Life on YouTube, Spotify, and connect with us here:🔗 https://linktr.ee/truetolifepodcastConnect with AdamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-carewe/Substack: https://rewskidotcom.substack.com/Connect with NanikLinktree: https://linktr.ee/Naniktagore48Additional Resources🎧 Podcast mentioned in this episode: How I built this podcast

In this episode of the True to Life Podcast, host Nanik Tagore reconnects with UC Davis innovator Anirudh Murugesan for a rapid-fire catch-up that spans artificial intelligence, business, school, sport and everything in between. Since their last chat, Anirudh has:Founded the AI Student Collective—that’s making AI literacy accessible on campuses nationwide gsm.ucdavis.eduHelped ship GovTech products as a Product Manager at AggieWorks and a Streamline intern gsm.ucdavis.edugsm.ucdavis.eduAdvocated for smarter US AI regulation, co-authoring a 2024 policy brief with UC Davis faculty gsm.ucdavis.eduLinks & Resources🔗 Connect with Anirudh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anirudhmurugesan🤖 AI Student Collective: bit.ly/aisc-ucd🎧 Podcast Linktree: True to Life Podcast🌎 Nanik’s Linktree: Nanik Tagore📩 Email: truetolifepodcast@gmail.comEnjoy the episode—and don’t forget to rate, follow, and share if it hits home!

Episode 59 of the True to Life Podcast! A quick solo drop where I read the self-belief poem from Think and Grow Rich, lay out my summer game plan, and share why mastering your inner talk is the real offseason edge.LinksTrue to Life Linktree → https://linktr.ee/truetolifepodcastMy site → https://www.nanik.life/KaizenU → https://kaizenu.org/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@truetolifepodcastIG → https://www.instagram.com/naniktagore/Share, rate, and keep planting winning thoughts!

In this episode of the True to Life Podcast, I sit down with professional hooper Isräel Lockamy — better known as “Izzy” — for a raw and inspiring conversation about life on and off the court. From navigating the overseas basketball grind to dealing with setbacks and staying grounded in faith, joy, and discipline, Izzy shares what it really takes to keep showing up for your dream.We dive into:The politics and culture of pro hoops overseasFinding joy in the constants when life gets unpredictableHow to stay mentally sharp when things don’t go your wayWhat young athletes need to know if they want to go proWhy your message matters more than your statsFollow and connect with Izzy:🏀 College Bio🗣️ Voyage Raleigh Interview📲 @truth.izzz🎵 @izzy.cash🎧 Listen + Follow More Here:🔗 Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/truetolifepodcast📸 Host IG: @naniktagore🌐 KaizenU: https://kaizenu.orgWhether you're a student-athlete or simply someone chasing growth — this episode is packed with real talk and real takeaways. Tap in!

In this special episode, I sit down with my younger brother, Zubin Tagore, for an honest, unscripted conversation on life, growth, and the road ahead. We reflect on our journeys—where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and how we’re evolving as brothers, students, athletes, and young men chasing impact.Zubin shares lessons from his transition to college, what keeps him grounded, and how he's using his gifts to serve others. We talk leadership, identity, moments that shaped us, and the importance of staying present in the chaos.It’s real. It’s raw. It’s True to Life.Connect with Zubin:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteCitrus Heights Sentinel ProfileListen & Follow the Podcast:🎧 Linktree for all platforms

In this episode of the True to Life Podcast, host Nanik Tagore sits down with Robby Price — a PGC Director and coach who knows what it means to grow through failure. Robby opens up about his early days as a coach, how mimicking a fear-based approach led him to lose his job, and the pivotal moment that changed everything: attending a PGC Basketball session.Together, they dive into Robby’s coaching transformation — from controlling and rigid to relationship-driven and empowering. Robby shares hard-earned insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and how the best coaches today lead with love, not fear.Whether you’re a coach, player, or anyone trying to grow through struggle, this episode is a masterclass in humility, growth, and the freedom that comes with choosing connection over control.📲 Follow Robby: @coachrzprice🔗 PGC: pgcbasketball.com/team/robby-priceLinktree: ⁠linktr.ee/truetolifepodcast📩 Email: ⁠truetolifepodcast@gmail.com⁠🌎 Nanik’s Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Naniktagore48

In this episode of the True to Life Podcast, host Nanik Tagore sits down with Dane Wissenbach — a former multi-sport athlete whose journey was drastically altered by injury. From competing in basketball and track to facing an unexpected transition, Dane shares how he rebuilt his identity outside of sports.They talk about overcoming physical and emotional hurdles, rediscovering purpose through faith, and embracing a new chapter of leadership and service. Dane also reflects on his time with PGC Basketball and what he's excited about moving forward.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, letting go, and trusting what’s next — especially when life doesn’t go as planned.🎧 Tune in now for real talk, growth, and inspiration!🔗 Linktree: True to Life Podcast📩 Email: truetolifepodcast@gmail.com📲 Follow Dane: @danewissenbach📲 Follow the pod: @truetolifepodcast📲 Follow the Nanik: ⁠@naniktagore