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Champion Secrets

Champion Secrets

Written by: Christian Honer
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Welcome to "Champion Secrets," the podcast where the untold stories of high achievers are revealed, and the depths of their journeys are explored. Join me, Christian Honer, as I engage in candid conversations with top athletes, high performers, and unique personalities from various domains. In each episode, we delve deep into our guests' personal and professional lives, uncovering the struggles, triumphs, and the often unspoken realities that shape their paths. This isn't your ordinary interview series; it's a place for honest, unfiltered discussions about the things that matter most - faith, politics, family life, personal challenges, and the intrinsic values that drive success. Our conversations are more than just surface-level. We go beyond the typical to understand the mindset, discipline, and resilience it takes to excel. From heartfelt stories to practical wisdom, "Champion Secrets" is an inspiring, thought-provoking journey into the lives of those who have mastered their craft. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a driven professional, or simply someone who seeks to learn from the best, this podcast offers valuable lessons and insights that can help you in your quest for excellence. So, join us as we uncover the secrets behind the champions and find inspiration to become champions in our own lives. Tune in to "Champion Secrets" and be part of a conversation that changes the way we view success and resilience.2024 Champion Secrets - Christian Honer Economics Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • From NCAA Swimming Champion to the Olympic Bobsledder | Carsten Vissering’s Journey

    From NCAA Swimming Champion to the Olympic Bobsledder | Carsten Vissering’s Journey
    Mar 17 2026
    In this episode of the Champion Secrets Podcast, Christian Honer sits down with Olympian Carsten Vissering to discuss the mindset, journey, and unexpected path that led him from NCAA swimming champion to Olympic bobsled athlete. Carsten was a five-time All-American swimmer at USC and an NCAA Champion before discovering a new passion for explosive training in the weight room. That passion eventually led him to pursue bobsled — and ultimately compete at the Winter Olympics. But the story isn’t just about athletic success. Carsten shares powerful insights about: • Why loving the process matters more than chasing outcomes • The mental challenges athletes face at the highest level • Why burnout is so common in elite sports • How balancing career, relationships, and athletics improves performance • What athletes can learn from pursuing purpose beyond their sport One of the most powerful lessons from Carsten’s journey: “Don’t build your life around the sport. Build your life — and let the sport be part of it.” Carsten also shares what it’s like competing in a sport where Olympic dreams can be decided by milliseconds, injuries, or circumstances outside of your control — and how staying grounded in the process helps athletes perform at their best. In This Episode • The transition from NCAA swimming to Olympic bobsled • Why Carsten walked away from Olympic swimming • How loving training changed his career • Managing pressure at the Olympic level • Balancing a corporate career while competing professionally • The mindset behind elite performance About Carsten Vissering Carsten Vissering is: • NCAA Champion swimmer (USC) • Five-time All-American • Pac-12 Champion • Olympic bobsled athlete Outside of sport, Carsten works in consulting while continuing to train and pursue Olympic success. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations with world-class athletes 🎙️ New Champion Secrets episodes every week Champion Secrets Show
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    57 mins
  • Olympic Heartbreak, Therapy, and a New Fight | Emily’s Champion Journey

    Olympic Heartbreak, Therapy, and a New Fight | Emily’s Champion Journey
    Mar 9 2026
    Welcome to the Champion Secrets Podcast, where we interview high performers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and humans who I consider champions — so we can all become champions in our own way. Today’s guest is retired USA Beach Volleyball player Emily, now training to become an amateur boxer. Yes… boxer. In this episode, we dive deep into: Growing up in a faith-based, athletic family Racing dirt bikes and skiing as a child Playing 4 sports in high school Transferring colleges and navigating recruiting stress Shoulder surgery and overseas volleyball Starting beach volleyball at 26 Chasing the Olympics — twice Olympic heartbreak and therapy Learning emotional awareness and leadership Retiring at peace Transitioning into boxing and extreme sport performance training Trusting God when your biggest dream doesn’t happen Emily opens up about: What it feels like to miss the Olympics Why therapy changed her life Why she walked away from volleyball while playing her best How faith shaped her perspective Why she’s stepping into the boxing ring next This conversation is about resilience, identity, reinvention, and trusting God’s timing. If you’re an athlete navigating highs and lows… If you’re chasing a dream… If you’re transitioning into a new chapter… This one’s for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more Champion Secrets episodes. 💬 Drop a comment — what part of Emily’s story hit you the most? Champion Secrets Show
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    1 hr and 50 mins
  • John Hyden: 2x Olympian, AVP Champion & The Discipline Behind Longevity

    John Hyden: 2x Olympian, AVP Champion & The Discipline Behind Longevity
    Mar 3 2026
    Welcome to the Champion Secrets Podcast, where we interview high performers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and humans I consider champions — so we can all become champions in our own way. Today’s guest is 2x Olympian, AVP Champion, and one of the most respected veterans in professional beach volleyball — John Hyden. From nearly quitting volleyball to becoming an Olympian… From indoor national team standout to AVP champion… From world-class competitor to devoted husband and father… John shares what sustained excellence really looks like. In this episode, we discuss: How a rainy-day tryout changed his life The discipline instilled by brutal college training Making the Olympic team after being told it was already set Transitioning from indoor to beach at nearly 30 The mindset shift required to compete internationally Manifestation and the “penny wish” story that shaped his Olympic journey Navigating fatherhood, technology, and raising grounded kids Building Hyden Beach and mentoring the next generation John also opens up about the role his wife has played in his success — from recovery, support, and sacrifice to being the emotional anchor behind the scenes. This conversation isn’t just about volleyball. It’s about longevity, leadership, family, and staying disciplined in a distracted world. Champion Secrets Show
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    1 hr and 17 mins
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