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We welcome back Nick Hardwick to the podcast! Nick is a former NFL center who played his entire 11-year career for the San Diego Chargers. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2006. To hear more about Nick's career journey, go back and listen to episode #9 of What's Next with Eric Wood. Today on the show, the guys get into each other's health and fitness journeys and Nick's "Lose Like a Lineman" program. Other topics include: (2:40-11:30) - Do the guys miss playing football? Difficulty of moving on. (11:30-19:15) - To achieve success, you must become it. Enjoying the moment. (19:15-24:30) - Health and fitness. What made Nick start "Lose Like a Lineman" (24:30-36:30) - Coaching vs discipline (36:30-43:00) - Morning routine (43:00-48:30) - Decision to allow kids to play football And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! for more information about Nick and his program: https://hardwick.life/ For more information about out sponsors today: Jordan Yocum LouisvilleCustomClothing.com Instagram: @KentuckyClothier Sauna Space Code - WhatsNext5 for 5% off your next order

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas joins the show today. Thomas, and several former teammates, are coming together in Buffalo this week to help support families of the victims from a shooting at a Buffalo supermarket. Thomas and his wife, Patti, said their family foundation has raised more than $100,000 to help the city and its residents in the aftermath of the shooting. If you'd like to donate, visit the link here: give.ThurmanThomas.com Today on the show, Eric and Thurman describe:  - Their initial reaction to the shooting - Buffalo's impact on Thurman's life - A moment to unity the city of Buffalo - And what you can do to help Rate, review and subscribe to the show today.

Ben Rhodes is the reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Ben started racing at the age of 7 years old and is now on the verge of stardom at only 25. Before moving up to the Truck Series, Rhodes competed full-time in what is now the ARCA Menards Series East, where he drove for Turner Scott Motorsports and won the 2014 series championship. He also previously competed part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports in 2015. Today on the show, Eric and Ben dive into their career journeys, how to stay focused during a race and some of the parallels between professional sports and business. Other topics include: (5:00-10:10) - How Ben started racing, kart/truck racing and the progression to NASCAR (10:10-17:00) - What separates the best drivers from the rest? Skill sets needed (17:00-21:50) - Importance of focus during race. Pre race routine? (21:50-27:20) - Fear of crashing? Discussion on concussions (27:20-33:20) - Role models in racing. Dealing with distractions (33:20-40:00) - Winning the NASCAR Truck Series in 2021. Old school NASCAR And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show tdoay! For more information about our sponsors today: https://papsjerky.com/

Micah Hyde is a 2x All-Pro Safety and Captain on the Buffalo Bills. Micah played college football at Iowa and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Micah signed with the Bills since 2017 and spent some time playing with E-Wood as well. Today on the show, the guys talk about their time playing together, also a look ahead to the 2022 season and the mega deal that Tom Brady received from Fox Sports. Other topics include: (1:35-4:30) - Offseason report, football career journey to Bills (4:30-10:00) - Advice to rookies/younger self (10:00-16:40) - Response since KC loss, expectations are high (16:40-20:30) - Primetime games, how kids have changed Micah's professional life (20:30-25:45) - Upcoming charity softball game (25:45-39:30) - Reoccurring questions, Tom Brady's TV deal And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today!

Jason Goldsmith is a globally recognized Performance Coach and the co-author of "Take Charge of You" with NYT best selling author David Novak. Jason emphasizes on the mental aspects of optimal performance in high pressure environments. After initially focusing exclusively in golf, Jason's practice has expanded to include MLB, NFL, NBA, USTA, and athletes and coaches from the U.S. and Great Britain Olympic teams. In addition to his coaching contributions in Division I and II collegiate sports programs, including several National Championships, Jason's practice includes athletes of all levels including world-ranked juniors, amateurs, Fortune 500 executives, and professionals. In golf, he has coached 6 Major champions, multiple top 10 and World #1 golfers, including the 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2018 FedEx Cup Champion, Justin Rose. Today on the show, Eric and Jason discuss the importance of living in the present and how to reach a neutral state of thinking. Other topics include: (2:20-4:20) - Growing up in Northern California, playing tennis (4:20-7:50) - Career journey, joining the Air Force at 17 (7:50-11:05) - Becoming self aware (11:05-15:10) - Reaching a neutral sate of mind (15:10-20:00) - Goal setting, golf mindset training (20:00-23:50) - Take Charge of You with David Novak (23:50-28:15) - Jason's golf game, favorite course And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Jordan Yocum LouisvilleCustomClothing.com Instagram: @KentuckyClothier

Kevin McFarland is a financial advisor by trade but has become one of the top horse racing handicappers in the country. In the past, Kevin has won the Breeders Cup and the Kentucky Derby betting challenges. Success doesn't come easy, you will learn how much preparation goes into betting on horse racing.  Today on the show, Eric and Kevin also get into betting advice for the 2022 Kentucky Derby and how to out-work your competition. Topics include: (3:10-6:15) - How Kevin fell in love with Horse Racing (6:15-15:15) - Tournament handicapping (15:15-21:45) - Learning from your mistakes (21:45-29:45) - Confidence through preparation (29:45-35:40) - Betting strategies - differences between sports gambling and horse racing (35:40-43:30) - 2022 Kentucky Derby betting advice/look ahead to Derby field And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information on our sponsors today: https://www.fanduel.com/ https://www.tvg.com/ Promo code: Eric Wood

Kent Taylor is the Sports Director at WAVE-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. He was named "Kentucky TV Sportscaster of the Year" by the Associated Press in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2015. Taylor also won for Best Sports Play-by-Play in 2015 and 2016. Today on the show, Eric and Kent are talking Derby and how to bet the race. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information on our sponsors today: https://www.fanduel.com/ https://www.tvg.com/ Promo code: Eric Wood

Kenny McPeek is one of the most well known horse trainers in the world. Kenny currently owns and operates Magdalena Farm in Lexington, Kentucky and has entered two horses in the upcoming 2022 Kentucky Derby - Smile Happy and Tiz The Bomb.  The last two years, the Kentucky Derby winning horse trainer has been a guest on 'What's Next with Eric Wood' the week of the race (Bob Bafffert and Brad Cox.) Today on the show, Eric and Kenny discuss his chances of winning the derby and how he got to where he is today. Other topics include: (3:00-7:30) - How Kenny started in racking. Growing up in Lexington, KY (7:30-10:50) - What separates good horse trainers? What you do differently from Derby to Derby (10:50-15:20) - "One race doesn't define you. Control what you can control." (15:20-18:00) - Normal day at work for a horse trainer (18:00-21:00) - Betting on the Derby. Horse Races Now App And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information on our sponsors today: https://www.fanduel.com/ https://www.tvg.com/ Promo code: Eric Wood

Desmond Ridder is one of the many players who will hear their name called in the 2022 NFL Draft this week. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Desmond excelled as a QB at Cincinnati, earning AAC Offensive Player of the Year twice and leading the Bearcats to a CFB Playoff birth his senior season. Over the last 4 years, Desmond has the most wins and TD's of any QB in CFB. Today on the show, Eric and Desmond discuss being a projected 1st round pick, some of his favorite stories from his days as a Bearcat and much more. Topics include: (2:45-6:45) - From 2 star to 1st round pick. What makes Luke Fickell special? (6:45-9:40) - Making the CFB playoff. New transfer rules and their impact (9:40-13:45) - Leave a legacy. Why Desmond came back for his senior season (13:45-18:00) - Draft process, combine (18:00-22:00) - Draft day plans, transition from college to the NFL (22:00-26:00) - NFL QB's Desmond studies, the IT factor (26:00-30:45) - NIL's impact in the locker room And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Jordan Yocum LouisvilleCustomClothing.com Instagram: @KentuckyClothier

Chris Trapasso is an NFL Draft analyst for CBS Sports and the founder of the Scouting Gradebook - the internet's first customizable player grading system. Chris has more than 10 years of sports writing and coverage experience, and with the NFL Draft set for this week, now is the perfect time to bring Chris on.  Today on the show, Chris and Eric get into some of the best prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. Other topics include: (205-5:35) - How he started covering the NFL Draft (5:35-9:00) - Sammy Watkins and Josh Allen first impressions (9:00-13:05) - Process of grading players, hardest position to grade (13:05-18:00) - Does NFL need developmental league? Strength/weakness of the 22 NFL Draft (18:00-23:20) - QB Class in 22 Draft. Do scouting combine drills translate to success in NFL? (23:20-28:20) - Eric's combine stats. The importance of length (28:20-33:45) - Buffalo Bills plan for 2022 Draft And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today!

Ben Newman is back for round 2! The highly regarded Performance Coach, International Speaker and Best-Selling Author joins Eric in Louisville for a personal coaching lesson. You can learn more about Ben, the Mental Conditioning Coach for the 18-time National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide football team, here: https://bennewman.net/ Topics today include: (2:00-5:25) - Ben's business boot camp (5:25-9:20) - Invest in yourself (9:20-13:00) - "Don't be seduced by success" (13:00-20:40) - Celebrating success vs recommitting to the work (20:40-24:50) - Importance of self talk, working out consistently (24:50-30:10) - Your actions tell your story (30:10-35:20) - How Ben's balances family and coaching life (35:20-40:00) - Dream vacation, favorite date night And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Jordan Yocum LouisvilleCustomClothing.com Instagram: @KentuckyClothier Sauna Space Code - WhatsNext5 for 5% off your next order

Brad Lomenick is a leadership consultant, speaker, founder of BLINC, and author of The Catalyst Leader and H3 Leadership. Over the last 15 years, he has built a reputation as a key connector and convener of leaders. Eric was recently a guest on Brad's podcast: H3 Leadership Today on the show, Eric and Brad discuss lessons in leadership, the importance of finding your calling in life and how to connect with others. Topics include: (2:25-7:45) - Growing up in Oklahoma, Dad is a HS FB coach, loving the game of golf (7:45-15:05) - Lessons learned from John Maxwell: Always be curious (15:05-19:30) - Humble yourself to elevate others (19:30-26:30) - How to add value. Advice for making connections (26:30-31:35) - The paradox of freedom for young leaders (31:35-38:15) - Advice for your What's Next in life (38:15-42:10) - Preventing a mid-life crisis (42:10-45:30) - The importance of feedback And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: punchdenergy.com To get 20% off your order, use the code: EricWood20

Kyle Idleman is a bestselling author and the Head Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. This is Kyle's second appearance on the podcast as Eric and Kyle have become good friends. Kyle's new book "One at a Time" is now available as Kyle uniquely reveals the way Jesus valued people and shows us the Jesus way of changing the world--by loving people one at a time. Today on the show, the guys discuss ways of finding true joy and happiness and other ways to become fulfilled in life. Topics include: (2:50-5:20) - Inspiration for new book (5:20-10:30) - The impact of giving to others (10:30-15:40) - Reverse engineering your mindset (15:40-21:05) - The power of God's word & being generous with your words (21:05-28:50) - Finding joy. One party at a time (28:50-33:55) - Advice on writing a book (33:55-44:00) - Humility & Confidence. Coaches in Kyle's life (44:00-53:00) - Habit stacking & the weekly Sabbath And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Sauna Space Code - WhatsNext5 for 5% off your next order

Mitch Morse is the starting Center for the Buffalo Bills. Mitch was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and in 2019, Buffalo signed the free agent and made him the highest paid center in the league. Mitch started all 17 games during the 2021 NFL season and back in college, he earned back-to-back SEC East Championships while he played college football at Missouri. Today on the show, Eric and Mitch discuss the rigors of playing Center in the NFL. Also insight into Josh Allen and the 2021-22 Buffalo Bills. Topics include: (2:02-4:00) - Offseason update (4:00-7:30) - Growing up in Austin, Texas. What age will Mitch let his son play football? (7:30-11:40) - Keeping on weight, stress that impacted Mitch early in his career (11:40-14:00) - Advice to rookie self (14:00-19:30) - Perception of Buffalo before he joined the team. How his perception has changed (19:30-22:40) - What makes Josh Allen special? (22:40-27:40) - Center talk: role models, hardest DT type to go against (27:40-31:00) - Impact his brother Robbie has on him everyday And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Sauna Space Code - WhatsNext5 for 5% off your next order https://punchdenergy.com To get 20% off your order, use the code: EricWood20

Jordan Burroughs is considered one of the greatest American freestyle wrestlers of all-time. The 2012 Olympic Gold medalist and 5x World Champion is only 33 years old and has dominated the sport for over a decade.  Today on the show, Jordan talks about his career journey and the importance of being a good father and husband. Topics include: (3:45-8:00) - Cutting weight, your body's relationship with sugar (8:00-11:45) - Growing up in New Jersey, how Jordan fell in love with wrestling (11:45-18:30) - When Jordan realized he was elite, what separates Jordan from the competition (18:30-24:00) - The power of the participation trophy (24:00-28:45) - "Fear subsides what regret doesn't" (28:45-33:45) - What celebrating a win looks like, striving to have humility and confidence (33:45-40:15) - Thoughts on the WWE and MMA. Balancing work with family life And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today!

Luke Hancock, the 2013 Final Four Most Outstanding Player and NCAA Champion with the Louisville Cardinals, joins the show today. Luke is a college basketball analyst with the ACC Network, a financial advisor in Louisville, KY and a close friend.  He scored 20 points in the national semifinal against Wichita State and 22 points in the national final against Michigan.  He was the first reserve in NCAA Tournament history to be named the MOP. Hancock played professional basketball for the Memphis Grizzles and in Athens, Greece, before becoming a financial advisor with Clearpath Financial Eric and Luke team up today for some Bracket talk before the NCAA Tournament. Other topics include: (2:15-6:20) - Roanoke, Virginia, playing soccer and basketball (6:20-11:15) - Luke's basketball journey, why he transferred to Louisville (11:15-17:00) - What separates Rick Pitino from other coaches, Block out the noise (17:00-20:00) - Handling adversity during the NCAA Tournament (20:00-24:20) - 2013 National Championship with Louisville, thoughts on the NCAA (24:20-28:00) - Financial advice (28:00-35:45) - NCAA Tournament picks, upsets and National championship prediction (35:45-39:20) - Coach K's impact on CBB And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Jordan Yocum LouisvilleCustomClothing.com Instagram: @KentuckyClothier

Derwin Gray played 6 seasons in the NFL as a DB for the Colts and Panthers. After his playing days, Derwin became the co-founder and pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has written several books, most recently the best-seller - The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness. Today on the show, Eric and Derwin discuss his transition from the NFL into the church and the power of Jesus Christ. Other topics include: (3:00-5:30) - Growing up in Texas, playing multiple sports as a kid (5:30-9:50) - The Gift of Hard Work (9:50-13:00) - Adapting with the world & finding your self worth (13:00-17:05) - Advice to your younger self in the NFL (17:05-27:40) - Why Derwin got into ministry. The marriage of NFL & faith (27:40-30:00) - Leap into the light (30:00-39:30) - Color blessed not color blind (39:30-46:00) - Derwin's book: How to Heal Our Racial Divide And much more. Follow Derwin on social media @DerwinLGray Learn more about Derwin and his work: https://www.derwinlgray.com/ Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Sauna Space Code - WhatsNext5 for 5% off your next order https://punchdenergy.com To get 20% off your order, use the code: EricWood20

David Mulugheta is an American football agent at Athletes First in Laguna Hills, California. He currently represents 42 NFL players and has cemented himself as the world's No.1 NFL agent. A former intern, Mulugheta rose through the ranks of Athletes First to become the agency's President of Team Sports, while negotiating some of football's biggest free-agent deals. Included among them are Deshaun Watson's four-year, $156 million deal with the Houston Texans and Jalen Ramsey's five-year, $100 million deal with the LA Rams. Today on the show, Eric and David discuss the his rise to fame and the hard work it took to get there. Topics include: (2:20-6:00) - Growing up in Dallas, Texas, David's career path to becoming an agent (6:00-9:45) - Network vs Net worth (9:45-14:10) - Process of recruiting an athlete to be their agent (14:10-20:20) - Advice to rookies in the NFL (20:20-25:00) - Advice to players at the NFL combine And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Jordan Yocum LouisvilleCustomClothing.com Instagram: @KentuckyClothier https://punchdenergy.com To get 20% off your order, use the code: EricWood20

Justin Delaney is an entrepreneur, a travel expert and the co-founder and CEO of Party Horses. Party Horses LLC, a new Louisville company, includes a collection of 10,000 non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that have tangible, real-world benefits, such as access to rare bottles of bourbon and exclusive events. It's all part of a larger vision that aims to put Louisville on the map in the Wild West of web3 — a decentralized ecosystem powered by blockchain technology that is projected by its proponents to be the next evolution of the internet — and shift the conversation around NFTs from novelty to utility. On the show today, Eric and Justin dive deep into the world of Web3, Cryptocurrency and NFT's. Other topics include: (2:10-3:30) - Growing up in California & Texas, playing multiple sports (3:30-8:00) - Travel stories - Justin has visited 120 countries (8:00-14:10) - Justin's career journey, businesses he's built/sold (14:10-18:05) - Justin's pivot, advice to college kids (18:05-19:20) - Characteristics of highly successful people (19:20-24:05) - Web3, Cryptocurrency and NFT's (24:05-26:10) - How to get involved, where to begin (26:10-33:15) - Party Horses origin, NFT's future And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Jordan Yocum LouisvilleCustomClothing.com Instagram: @KentuckyClothier

We welcome back Brandon Beane to the podcast today. Brandon has served as the GM of the Buffalo Bills since 2017 and joined Eric for episode 24 of the pod back in March of 2020.  Since then, Josh Allen has blossomed into one of the best young players in the NFL and the Bills have won 3 home playoff games. With the offseason now underway, Brandon and Eric sit down to discuss: (2:10-6:00) - What drives Brandon, Super Bowl 56 observations (6:00-8:20) - Lessons learned from COVID pauses (8:20-12:20) - Initial thoughts on Josh Allen (12:20-26:00) - Current state of the Buffalo Bills (26:00-33:45) - Questions from the listeners And much more. Rate, review and subscribe to the show today! For more information about our sponsors today: Sauna Space - https://sauna.space Code - WhatsNext5 for 5% off your next order