Pressing Forward Podcast

<p>The purpose of The Pressing Forward channel is to inspire , educate , and empower you. Host, Nowoola Awopetu, a former Division I athlete at Villanova University, speaks to selectively vetted & credentialed mental health professionals to speak on various topics pertaining to mental health. These topics include depression, trauma, anxiety, & more. In addition, we bring on both current and former professional athletes, entrepreneurs, coaches to share their story and help inspire the future generation of dreamers!Follow us on IG: @pressingforward</p>

Beyond the Game: The Power of Asking the Right Questions

Send us a text In this episode of The Pressing Forward Podcast, we explore the power of asking the right questions—a skill that can transform networking, interviews, and personal relationships. Steven breaks down why the type of questions you ask determines the depth of the responses you receive. From closed-ended versus open-ended questions to thoughtful interview techniques, we discuss how intentional questioning can help you stand out, connect authentically, and build meaningful relationsh...

12-16
09:12

Getting Real About Your Game: The Power of Self-Evaluation for Athletes

Send us a text In this episode of The Pressing Forward Podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked skills in athlete development: honest self-assessment. Whether you’re a youth athlete, college athlete, or competing professionally, your growth depends on your ability to evaluate your game with truth—not ego, not excuses. Host, Nowoola, reflects on his own college experience of being benched, receiving tough feedback, and realizing that talent alone wasn’t enough at the next level. We tal...

12-09
10:50

Pushing Through Resistance: Turning Challenges Into Stepping Stones

Send us a text In this episode of the Pressing Forward Podcast, we dive into the reality of resistance—the inevitable force that shows up when you’re chasing a dream, vision, or goal. The difference between those who succeed and those who fall short often comes down to mindset. When you choose to embrace resistance as a stepping stone rather than a setback, you unlock your true potential. Before you even set the goal, decide that challenges will come—and make up your mind to meet them with re...

12-02
07:30

Faith Over Fear: Trusting God’s Plan in Uncertain Times

Send us a text This week on The Pressing Forward Podcast, we unpack Proverbs 3:5–7 and discuss what it means to trust God in the midst of life’s storms. When we place our confidence in Christ’s sovereignty, we find peace even when things don’t go as planned. FOLLOW the Pressing Forward Podcast Stay connected and never miss an episode: 📸 Instagram | @pressingforward 🐦 Twitter | @pressingforward3 🎧 Spotify | Listen on Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts | Listen on Apple Podcasts 🌐 Website | pressingfor...

11-25
07:15

Collaboration Over Competition: The Real Key to Growth and Success

Send us a text In this week’s episode of The Pressing Forward Podcast, we explore the powerful principle of collaboration over competition. True success isn’t about outpacing others—it’s about building meaningful relationships and working well with people. We discuss how those who rise in life often do so by creating mutually beneficial connections, fostering trust, and embracing teamwork that drives growth and opportunity. FOLLOW the Pressing Forward Podcast Stay connected and never miss an ...

11-11
08:22

Sow a Seed of Kindness: Being a Light for Others

Send us a text In this episode of the Pressing Forward Podcast, we explore the simple yet powerful act of kindness. Just like a seed, one kind gesture can grow into something much greater—shaping lives, inspiring others, and creating a ripple effect of hope. We discuss how to live as a light in the world, the impact of small acts of compassion, and why choosing kindness is one of the most powerful ways to lead and uplift those around you. FOLLOW the Pressing Forward Podcast Stay connected and...

11-04
06:39

Faith of a Mustard Seed: The Power of Thought in Pursuing Your Vision

Send us a text In this episode of the Pressing Forward Podcast, we dive into the power of thought and the importance of nurturing your vision—even when it feels small. Just like a mustard seed, greatness begins in humble beginnings. We explore how your mindset shapes your future, the role persistence plays when life "punches you in the mouth," and why reframing your thoughts can transform setbacks into stepping stones. Whether you’re chasing a dream, navigating doubt, or building faith, this ...

10-28
08:22

Start Small and Build: The Power of Incremental Growth

Send us a text This week’s episode unpacks the phrase “Start Small and Build,” coined by my college defensive backs coach, Ola Adams. He shared this reminder with us almost every day to emphasize the power of breaking things down into small, actionable steps—steps that lead to steady growth and meaningful progress over time. Where in your life can you apply this principle? Start today by taking one small step. What feels minor now will compound into something greater in the future. Keep press...

10-21
14:44

Positioned for Purpose: Redefining Success as a Student-Athlete

Send us a text In this episode of the Pressing Forward Podcast, we dive into what it truly means to position yourself for success as a student-athlete. Too often, athletes get caught up in the grind without asking the most important question: Why are you here? We break down how to define your own meaning of success, recognize the opportunity of a lifetime, and set SMART goals that actually move you forward. We’ll also unpack the tough but necessary sacrifices you must make early on, the impor...

10-14
21:18

Standards Over Fantasies: Building a Foundation for Success

Send us a text In this week’s episode, we examine how personal standards function as the foundation for both achievement and daily practice. The discussion highlights how young athletes can apply this principle to foster growth and enhance their performance. FOLLOW the Pressing Forward Podcast Stay connected and never miss an episode: 📸 Instagram | @pressingforward 🐦 Twitter | @pressingforward3 🎧 Spotify | Listen on Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts | Listen on Apple Podcasts 🌐 Website | press...

10-07
07:16

Keys to Building Wealth and True Prosperity in Life with Dr. William Danko | Co- Author of Millionaire Next Door

Send us a text "After 31 years on the marketing faculty, including nine as chair, Bill Danko achieved emeritus status in 2007 at the School of Business, State University of New York at Albany. During his tenure, he focused on studying consumer behavior, particularly wealth formation. He is the coauthor of "The Millionaire Next Door," a research-based book about wealth in America that has been a New York Times bestseller for more than three years. More recently, he coauthored "Richer Than A Mi...

07-02
01:00:36

From the Court to a New Calling: Loli Gomez on Resilience and Divine Intervention

Send us a text This week's episode features Loli Gomez, Sports Performance Coach, and Former Division 1 WBB athlete at San Diego State University. In this episode, we dive into Loli's incredible journey from a Division 2 to Division 1 athlete, exploring the challenges and triumphs along the way. Starting with an introduction (0:50-4:32), Loli shares her transition experience as a transfer athlete (4:32-7:15). The narrative takes a dramatic turn as Loli recounts a life-changing car accid...

05-28
23:55

Finding Balance: A Dive into the World of Professional Water Polo with Olympian Simone van de Kraats

Send us a text This weeks episode we speak with Simone van de Kraats ( @simonevandekraats_ ), World Champion/ European Champion and Olympian. In this episode , she delves into her experience as a professional athlete and how she finds balance amidst varying responsibilities. 0:00- 1:09 Introduction 1:09- 3:44 How she started in water polo 3:44-7:25 important aspects in excelling in the sport 7:25- 10:03 Importance of having hobbies outside of your sport 10:03-11:37 How being an athlete...

05-14
16:09

8-Time All-American to Sports Anchor: The Journey of Serenity Douglas

Send us a text This episode features Serenity Douglas, Sports Anchor at KYTXCBS19, University of Texas Track & Field Alum. Serenity, an 8-time All-American and 2-time Big 12 champion in track and field from the University of Texas (#HookEm), brings her passion for sports and storytelling to every episode. With a bachelor's degree in corporate communications and a concentration in sports media, Serenity gained valuable experience interning for Longhorn Network during her colleg...

04-30
23:45

From Athlete to Advocate: Talia Edmonds on Faith, Growth, Injury, and Mental Health

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how the children of athletes carve their own paths in the world of sports? Talia Edmonds, a volleyball star with roots at Michigan State and a flourishing journey at the University of Hawaii, joins us to unveil the pivotal role her parents, both former college athletes, played in her athletic and personal development. Our conversation traverses her competitive upbringing, the intense discipline and sacrifices demanded by her Division I endeavors, and the ...

04-23
33:08

How Being Overlooked & Battling Injuries Helped Build Resilience and Grit with All- American Sprinter, Kalen Walker

Send us a text This episode, we sit down with, All- American Sprinter and school record holder in the 60M and 100M at University of Iowa, Kalen Walker. He talks about his journey from Eddyville, Iowa, to overcoming injuries, and maintaining a mindset to thrive through adverse circumstances. Follow Kalen on all socials: INSTAGRAM: | @kalenwalker13 YouTube: | https://www.youtube.com/@kalenwalker13 FOLLOW THE Pressing Forward Podcast: INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/pressingf...

04-16
30:54

Beyond the Game: Mastering Personal Finance with J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank, Tom Mihok

Send us a text On week's this episode of the podcast - we sit down with Tom Mihok, Executive Director, Banker at J.P Morgan Private Bank. We discussed topics pertaining to personal finance including budgeting, investments, insurance, credit and more! Tom was a professor of mine at Villanova University where he taught personal finance and also currently teaches MBA courses at University of Massachusetts. Tom is an expert at resume optimization, compensation negotiation and other ...

04-25
01:00:27

Bridging the Gap: Mental Health, Access, and Equity in Marginalized Communities

Send us a text On this week’s episode of The Pressing Forward Podcast, we take a deep dive into the challenges that marginalized communities face when it comes to mental health — from limited accessibility and financial barriers to the fear and stigma surrounding seeking help. This conversation sheds light on why mental health equity matters and what steps we can take toward change. As an Afro-Latina bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, Sheila works with many members of marginal...

03-09
30:00

Rewiring the Mind: How Mindfulness Transforms the Brain with Dr. Tetreault

Send us a text Anxiety disorders affects 40 million adults , ages 18 and older every year. On this week’s episode of The Pressing Forward Podcast, Host Nowoola Awopetu sits down with Dr. Nicole Tetreault — neuroscientist, author, international speaker, and meditation teacher — to discuss the transformative power of mindfulness. Together, they unpack how mindfulness reduces anxiety, shapes the brain, and helps us cultivate greater peace and awareness in everyday life. Introduction (0:00- 2:15...

02-28
27:35

Inherited Pain, Intentional Healing: Dr. Okosi on Generational Trauma

Send us a text We kick off Season 3 of the Pressing Forward podcast as we sit down with @dr.okosi_psych, and explore how generational trauma can impact a person's ability to heal. Introduction (0:00- 1:20) What is Generational Trauma? (1:20- 7:00) How Environmental Factors Shape Us (7:00- 12:19) Comparison & Perfectionism (12:19- 15:47) Tips/Recovering from Trauma (15:47- 21:40) How tradition and culture impact generational trauma (21:40- 24:32) Message to Parents in Shifting the Narrat...

02-20
35:56

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