The Pit to Pro Podcast
This Podcast hosted by Jesse, Mathias, and Aaron Elser, is meant to guide young athletes on their journey to high performance. Join us as we share our first hand experiences in and effort to help you reach your own volleyball goals.
Episodes
29 episodes
Episode #29 - A Look Back at 2024
In this episode we reminisce on some of our favorite guests, stories, quotes, and moments from the 2024 Podcast Season. We talk about the 20 mile march, preventing regret, empathetic environments, and everything in between.
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48:49
Episode #28 - Jesse's Story
In this episode we are joined by our very own Jesse Elser. We learn why Jesse was voted captain of his very first pro team, what most people get wrong about relationship building, how important rapport is to a successful career, and how diff...
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1:02:13
Episode #27 - Mathias' Story
In this episode we dig into the incredibly complex mind of Mathias Elser, asking him the questions even we as brothers have been itching to ask for the past twenty years. We talk about flow state, the double edge sword of leadership, and the...
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50:51
Episode #26 - Oog's Story
In this episode we talk to Oog and uncover the emotional toll it took to transfer schools, how having balance in your life is a key factor to achieve happiness and why farming is the greatest occupation in the world. We discuss the value of ...
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39:26
Episode #25 - What is High Performance, with Dr. Abe Avender
In this humorous and informative episode with Dr. Abe Avender, we discuss the arguments for and against stretching, what sets high performers apart from good performers, and the role, if any, for anti-inflammatory drugs in high level sport. ...
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1:26:34
Episode #24 - Q&A #4
In this episode we answer a bunch more questions and get into some really cool topics concerning performing under pressure, meal prep for high performance athletes, and the power and structure of journaling. We discuss what we would tell our...
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1:05:26
Episode #23 - Setting and Everything in Between with Brie O'Reilly
In this episode with Brie O’Reilly we discuss some of Ben Josephson’s many philosophies, how playing different positions helps overall development and why Brie couldn't say no to her contract in Brazil. She discusses the crazy emotions that ...
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1:13:39
Episode #22 - Chase Your Dreams with Kofi
In this episode we take a deep dive into what it takes to chase your dreams. Kofi discusses the power of learning from your failures, learning from your teammates, and the tool of reframing. We talk about how easy it is to be swept up in the...
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55:04
Episode #21 - A Volleyballers Life with Graham Vigrass
In this episode we discuss the trials of being a new coach, the power of the mind and how to promote curiosity, as well as why Canada is behind other nations in terms of skill development. We speak about the dichotomy of how to deal with wha...
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1:07:40
Episode #20 - Blocking with Lucas VanBerkel
In this episode we are joined by another two-time Olympian. Lucas talks about his mental state after attending two olympics, the sacrifices his family had to make to help him succeed, and the role that fun has in long term success. He breaks...
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1:06:03
Episode #19 - Attacking with Eric Loeppky
In this episode we are joined by Eric Loeppky. Eric dives into his near career ending sickness, the pressure and sacrifices it takes to be great, and how he ended up playing for one of the most elite clubs in the world. We discuss the power ...
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1:00:15
Episode #18 - Reception with Kevin Tillie
In this episode we are joined by Kevin Tillie. Kevin is a world class receiver and a back to back Olympic Gold Medalist. He shares how his volleyball journey brought him to Canada, how many people tried to change his technique along the way, an...
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1:06:43
Episode #17 - Serving
In this episode we discuss the different ways you can “weaponize” your serve to gain an edge over your opponents. We reminisce about some of our best serving memories and what we were feeling, seeing and doing in those moments. Serving is a ...
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1:05:58
Episode #16 - Setting with Brett Walsh
In this episode with Brett Walsh – AN OLYMPIAN – we talk about all things setting. Brett’s ability to be a positive influence whether he is on the court or not helped him, through many ups and downs in his career, earn a spot in the 20...
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1:05:50
Episode #15 - Q&A #3
In this question episode we discuss the power of the birth order and the psychology of getting yourself out of a rut. We talk about the gap between Team Canada and Team France during the Olympics and how big a role a single error can play in...
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50:03
Episode #14 - What did we Learn: Summer 24' Edition
In this episode we use a plethora of Ben Josephson quotes about golf and explain how they relate to high level volleyball performance. We talk about the power of efficiency, extension, and acceleration when performing a skill and we debate t...
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25:57
Episode #13 - How to get More Blocks with Jackson Howe
In this episode, our longtime friend, teammate, and roommate, Jackson Howe joins us as we talk about adding value to the team as an undersized middle, playing at the next level and the importance of the setter-middle relationship. We reminisce ...
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1:03:51
Episode #12 - Quotes and Ideas with Jesse and Mathias
In this episode Mathias and Jesse discuss some of their favorite ideas and quotes that have helped them in various ways throughout their career – on and off the court. We discuss how these ideas help us deal with failure, practice gratitude,...
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53:27
Episode #11 - Fathers Day Edition with Tom Elser
In this episode we are joined by our Dad, Tom Elser, for a special Fathers Day Edition of the Pit to Pro Podcast. Our Dad had a lengthy career consisting of many years with the National Team, a National Championship with the University of Ca...
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52:33
Episode #10 - Leadership
In this episode we talk about the role of humility and empathy in a leadership position. We further discuss what leadership means to us, how we have experienced great leadership, and we highlight some of the important leaders in our life and...
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46:56
Episode #9 - Q & A #2
Our first ever episode where all three of us are in the same room!!!! Listen to our second "Question and Answer" episode where we answer the remainder of your pressing question.2:08 If y’all could do something other than volleyball as a...
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53:55
Episode #8 - Holistic Wellness and Arm Swing Mechanics with Nick Del Bianco
In this episode with our first guest ever, Nick Del Bianco, we discuss a number of helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to stay healthy, play longer, lift heavier, sleep better, and even hit harder. Nick specializes in athlete holistic welln...
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1:30:35
Episode #7 - Mental Health in Sport
The goal of this episode is to continue to do our part in breaking the stigma around mental health – especially in athletes. We wanted to share our journey with mental health, how it has affected us, and how to create a safe space for those ...
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1:00:52