In this wrap-up episode, Sam Kelley reflects on the journey of this podcast, exploring FIERCE topics like identity, femininity, the physical, the mental, and the spiritual for female athletes. FIERCE expresses deep gratitude to its listeners and supporters. To help shape future content, Q&A sessions, and potential guest appearances for the upcoming season, listeners are invited to take a brief three-minute survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEJcIa9Vd6JcmAIvsJFgNYdui4P...

Darilyn Bixenman, Catholic women's psychologist, is back for another version of “This or That”. Blending fun personal preferences with practical counseling expertise, they navigate a range of topics—from choosing between grueling 3,000-foot bike climbs and marathons to picking favorite spiritual giants like St. Teresa of Ávila. The conversation shifts into deeper waters as Darilyn redefines common spiritual expressions like "let go and let God," unpacks the distinct roles of therapy versus co...

Get ready for another fun, lighthearted round of "This or That"! In this quick episode, Sam Kelley sits down with recent identity podcast guest, former college swimmer, professional Ironman triathlete and "baker extraordinaire" Rachel Zilinskas. Utilizing a random question generator, they put their similarities and differences to the test—debating everything from blindfolded cake baking to a memorable 20-mile sightseeing bike ride they shared in Italy just days after the crash Rachel talked a...

As we wrap up the Spiritual “month”, we thought it was time to have a little fun! Get to know Fr. Ben through a fun game of Catholic “this or that”. Learn a priest’s “preferences” but also His perspective! Thank you Fr. Ben for the fun and your Fatherhood! What would your answers be to these questions? Support the show

Father Ben Keller—a Dominican priest and former college baseball player— is back to explore the powerful intersection of sports and spirituality. He opens up about his grueling battle with an autoimmune disease that shattered his athletic identity, forcing him to let go of pride, embrace weakness, and truly surrender to God's grace. Fr. Ben and host Sam Kelley dive into how the discipline of training can beautifully translate into a deeper spiritual life, unpacking complex theological concept...

Dominican priest and former college baseball player, Fr. Ben Keller joins Sam on the FIERCE podcast to share his inspiring journey of growing up in Minnesota, navigating his faith on his own as a student-athlete at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and discovering his true vocation during an unforgettable, life-changing conference in Orlando. From running athlete Bible studies to navigating career-threatening injuries, his story beautifully illustrates what happens when sports psychology a...

This episode of the FIERCE Athlete Podcast focuses on practically integrating our spiritual life into our athletic training and performance. Athletes spend hours training their bodies, but often far less time on their spiritual lives. What if you could do both at the same time? Sam and Julianna explore how sport itself is a path to prayer, allowing athletes to "pray without ceasing" by viewing their training and competition as an interaction with God. Through gratitude, intercession, and unit...

What you do to the body affects the soul, and what you do to the soul affects the body. So it's time to talk about the spiritual! Hosts Sam Kelley and Julianna Dalton kick off a new month dedicated to the spiritual life of athletes, exploring how body, mind, and soul must integrate to achieve peak performance and true sanctity. Drawing inspiration from St. Paul's athletic analogies in scripture, they challenge listeners to channel the same discipline, sacrifice, and drive they bring to daily ...

Ready to turn your athletic drive into your ultimate psychological superpower? In this episode of the FIERCE Athlete Podcast, host Sam Kelley continues a powerhouse conversation with counseling psychologist Darilyn Bixenman to reveal how female athletes can crush anxiety, build unwavering confidence, and deepen their trust in God. The secret weapon? Self-efficacy—the unbreakable belief that you can tackle any obstacle and triumph on the other side. Darilyn breaks down how the grit you develop...

In this episode of The Fierce Athlete Podcast, host Sam Kelley sits down with counseling psychologist Darilyn Bixenman to unpack the modern epidemic of debilitating anxiety affecting female athletes. Moving past the typical blame on social media, they explore how constant information overload, perfectionism, and the paralyzing fear of disappointing others leave young women feeling disconnected from who they are. Through relatable athlete analogies, Darilyn offers a powerful shift from being h...