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
24 episodes
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
Episode #6 - Mental Toughness and Dealing with Pressure
In this episode we discuss tips and tricks on how to stay present in stressful situations, how to reset after errors, and how to deal with nerves. We also discuss the power of gratitude and the role that willpower plays in performance.
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59:15
Episode #5 - Q & A #1
We got an overwhelming number of questions so THANK YOU!!! We promise we will answer all of them. If we don't answer it in this episode that means we are using your question to shape the conversation of future episodes. Stay tuned.
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55:02
Episode #4 - Teammates and Team Dynamics
In this episode we talk all about teammates, accountability, and love languages. We discuss the difference between being a friend and a teammate, how to lead by example, and attempt to tackle the question of how to make those around you bett...
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50:56
Episode #3 - Post-Secondary and Recruitment
In this episode we talk about getting recruited, how to stand out, moving away from home, and the individuality of each program. We also discuss how to deal with the stress of choosing a post-secondary institution and best practices for reac...
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39:32