I am super excited to be back this week and welcome my best friend Jenna to the show! We came up with the idea for this episode while at the beach and spontaneously recorded it. In it, we talk about our summer "bucket list" (for travel) and our summer goals. We also talked about Jenna's job and how it evolved to her staying in Rhode Island. Stay tuned for more Jenna content! We love you guys and hope you get a laugh from this episode. 

Jenna - jenna.knight - https://www.instagram.com/jenna.knight/

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

(Summer) Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1DRpWPrOPrcFSydtJxMraG?si=mn4I58kmShi9iuo4vzwykw

I am back this week with a very special guest, my cousin, Spencer! I got to interview Spencer while I was home for MDW. This is a valuable and unique conversation, as Spencer has experienced so much around sport since a young age. He pursued soccer at the Division I level. Although he had many highs, Spencer was constantly faced with adversity and made the decision to transfer twice. We talk about the transfer process, how to make the decision and how to have hard conversations. Ultimately he persevered and graduated in 2019. After graduating, Spencer traveled a bit and landed a great job. I'm so proud of him and honored to have him on the podcast. You can find him and the pod below!

Spencer - Spencerward11 https://www.instagram.com/spencerward11/

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

Today's episode is my first life advice Q&A! I asked listeners to submit questions on Instagram and I cover a majority of them in this episode! A lot of questions on college, advice to my younger self, etc. I'd love to do this more so look out for the next one on the From U to You Instagram which you can follow below!

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@erikamward -  https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

I’m back this week sharing my top life lessons and takeaways. This episode is in honor of my 23rd birthday which I celebrated last week! Although I don’t know everything or have it all figured out just yet, I wanted to share some of the experiences and beliefs that have formed me into who I am today. It’s a short and sweet episode that I hope you guys find value in and enjoy!

My top 3 books -

A Purpose Driven Life: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-What-Earth/dp/031033750X

Resisting Happiness: https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/resisting-happiness/RHAP.html

Anxious for Nothing: https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Nothing-Finding-Chaotic-World/dp/0718096126

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

I am back this week and joined by a very special guest, Dan Lucas! Dan is a certified personal trainer and the owner of Perfectly Fit, a small group and personal training fitness facility in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Dan also played Division 1 soccer at the University of Rhode Island. 

In this interview, Dan shares advice for former athletes and non-athletes on the importance of fitness and nutrition. Dan shares insight on how different forms of workouts can help you achieve specific goals. We discuss the importance of habits, but also moderation, and learning to practice what is more sustainable. Be sure to check out our social media to see Dan, the Perfectly Fit facility, and a typical workout at PFit!

You can find Dan and Perfectly Fit below!

Perfectly Fit: https://www.perfectlyfitri.com/

Instagram: @perfectlyfitri - https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyfitri/

Dan: @dnoluc11 - https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyfitri/

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

The pressures athletes face are greater than ever before. Not only to perform at their sport, but to be a stellar student and all around person. It feels like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. We are seeing an increase in anxiety and depression among athletes, a problem that’s been weighing on me for a long time. We need to bring awareness to student-athlete mental health which was my inspiration for this episode. 

In this episode, I share the small systems and strategies that helped me persevere through college athletics. Everyone has their own struggles and journey, but I hope these 5 tips help current and former athletes alike. Thank you for listening and helping to raise awareness!

Things Mentioned - 

NBC News Article - https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/suicide-stanford-soccer-star-katie-meyer-forces-us-confront-perfectionism-ncna1291690

Mind Gym book - https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Gym-Athletes-Guide-Excellence/dp/0071395970

Victoria Garrick Ted Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdk7pLpbIls

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

On today’s episode I’m joined by a dear friend and fellow former athlete from Bryant University, Stephanie Mirando. Steph played softball at Bryant, where she also majored in Marketing and Communications. 

I met Stephanie last year and we became fast friends, as we related on many subjects since transitioning out of sport and into corporate life. We give into these topics which include:

• Choosing a major/career path and how to do that at only 18 years old on top of school and sports
• Climbing the corporate ladder and how it relates to winning in sport
• Imposter syndrome and leadership

Upon graduating, Steph attended grad school and has had a successful career in marketing. This episode is a great resource for current students and those early in their career who are looking for deeper meaning and the right fit for their work.

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@stephmirando - https://www.instagram.com/stephmirando/

@erikamward - https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/

I am back this week talking about the mental transitions I have experienced since graduating and ending sport. These include identity outside of sport, gauging how you are doing without quantitative feedback, and finding fulfillment in your next chapter. Many resources are referenced in this episode you can find below!

Things Mentioned - 

Resources on Ukraine - https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-amid-russian-attacks/story?id=83156472

https://globalnews.ca/news/8645877/ukraine-correct-pronunciation/

HBR article - https://hbr.org/2019/04/the-biggest-hurdles-recent-graduates-face-entering-the-workforce

Atlantic article - https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/05/how-choose-fulfilling-career/611920/

Instagram: @fromUtoYoupodcast - https://www.instagram.com/fromutoyoupodcast/

@erikamward -  https://www.instagram.com/erikamward/