“Heart of a Champion” with Michael Strahan

In his fourth and final podcast episode, Host Victor Cruz reflects on HBO’s ‘The Cost of Winning’ in its entirety and reflects on standout moments from the last installment. Victor is then joined by fellow former New York Giant and an executive producer of the docu-series, Michael Strahan, to talk about his role in the creation of the show. Cruz and Strahan also discuss their appreciation for Coach Poggi, how years of playing team sports have helped them in their careers and going through life with an underdog mentality. The Cost of Winning Podcast was executive produced by Victor Cruz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Victor Cruz discusses the sacrifices made by the coaching staff and teachers at St. Frances Academy in order to keep the players safe and put them in the best position to succeed at the collegiate level. Victor is then joined by one of the central figures of the series, head coach Biff Poggi, to talk about his role in the program, the importance of getting his players into college and how he deals with critics. Lastly, Victor reflects on some of the coaches who helped him throughout his playing career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Victor Cruz reflects on the mental and emotional strength it takes to succeed in difficult situations and the ways in which both he and the St. Frances Academy players had to overcome everyday trauma. Victor then speaks with leading mental health professional, psychiatrist Dr. Jessica Clemons, about the importance of taking care of our mental health and ways adults can support young people dealing with trauma. Dr. Jess and Victor also talk about the stigma associated with seeking mental health help within the Black community and how we can work to reduce it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Victor Cruz breaks down the first installment of HBO’s The Cost of Winning, highlighting some memorable moments and reflecting on how the experiences of the featured players resonated with him personally. Then, Victor is joined by influential high fashion designer and legend in the hip-hop community, Dapper Dan, to talk about his path to success, overcoming challenges and advice he has for others looking to follow in his footsteps. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super Bowl champion, Pro Bowler and broadcaster Victor Cruz hosts The Cost of Winning Podcast, a four-part series that will accompany HBO’s The Cost of Winning docu-series and feature interviews with a range of high-profile guests, including Michael Strahan. Each episode centers around Cruz conversing with superstars in their respective fields about the themes addressed in the docu-series and their own unique journeys to finding success. The series follows the high school football players of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, as they strive to secure coveted athletic scholarships. Victor Cruz, an undrafted free agent from Paterson, NJ, relates to the subjects of the docu-series and delves into what it means and takes to be a winner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices