“You don’t need to fake it—because faking it is what burns people out.”

Former D1 linebacker, veterinarian, and ultramarathoner Dr. Jake Rostas joins NILfluencer to talk about purpose-driven branding, mental health, and why student-athletes must build more than a highlight reel. From team-first mindsets to running 63 miles in freezing Wisconsin, this episode is packed with powerful truths on authenticity, discipline, sacrifice, and building a legacy that lasts.

What you'll learn:

– Why authenticity is your greatest NIL asset

– The mental lessons Jake learned from ultramarathons

– What it really means to build a brand with discipline

– How to transition from athlete identity to long-term impact

– When to post, what to post, and how to think long-game

– The one thing every athlete should write down this week

Who will love this episode:

– Student-athletes navigating NIL in real time

– High school athletes building their brand before D1

– Athletes seeking purpose beyond performance

– Coaches, mentors, and families guiding the next generation

– Anyone looking for real talk on discipline, burnout, and legacy

Timestamps:

00:00 – From D1 football to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

03:00 – Team-first mindset: the original brand

08:00 – Running 63 miles in the Frigid Fox ultramarathon

14:00 – Small goals, mental grit, and breaking down barriers

20:00 – How a life-changing loss fueled lifelong discipline

27:00 – Building a brand before NIL was legal

33:00 – Authenticity vs. burnout: the hidden danger of faking it

40:00 – What NIL athletes should be thinking about right now

46:00 – Final takeaways: your brand should outlast your career

Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you learned something new
• Drop your questions or feedback in the comments
• Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more athlete-led episodes Welcome to NILfluencer – where your name meets opportunity

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Jake: @jakerostas on Instagram | YouTube: Ultravet Rostas

Follow Rachel: @TheGirlIQ on all platforms

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Ep. 6

#NILfluencer #JakeRostas #NILAthlete