Season 2 Episode 6: Jeff Sparr On Overcoming Mental Health Struggles and Using Art To Inspire Others

Melody Johnson has been involved in the martial arts community for over 30 years, using it as a fun & exciting instrument in the world of child development. She joins the show to discuss how she found refuge from bullying in her sport, why she was called to teach the youth, and how she raises her own kids with a self-written curriculum based on love and affection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Sparr was a former college tennis standout in the 1980s at Ohio State, but he struggled internally with his mental health at a time when help was limited. Sparr turned to the painting to manage his issues, he joins the show to explain exactly how his new hobby saved his life and propelled him to be a vessel in helping others. The conversation is very informative, covering Sparr's interest in painting tennis-specific pieces, started a business that offers support to people with mental health struggles, and how he dealt with the new burdens & challenges of isolation during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon Marshall was an all-pro wide receiver in the NFL, but he was also one of the first prominent celebrities to go public with his mental health struggles. He joins Azarenka for an emotional interview on how overlooked athlete wellbeing is, how therapy changed his life, and why helping others is ultimately his true purpose. Marshall & Azarenka get very candid in their own personal struggles, and lament on the social media age and all the drama that can bring to an athlete in chase of perfection. The relationship between fans & players is also discussed, as well as the need to continue having difficult & often heartfelt conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Wertheim has been one of the most respected sports journalists for several decades, having worked for Sports Illustrated, Tennis Channel, & 60 Minutes as a feature contributor. He joins the show for a enlightening discussion on the delicate relationship between athletes & journalists, & how trust is established in some cases while unfortunately eroded in others. Wertheim dives into how fans in the current climate consume their news, state of professional tennis, & how the WTA can grow and exalt their talented collection of players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second of a two-part interview, Seal joins Azarenka to discuss the burning desire he has for performing, how the changes in the music industry have impacted his creative process, and the admiration he has for tennis. Seal details his love for playing the sport as well, and why the focus it requires is much needed in his own life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of a two-part interview, Seal joins the show to discuss how he developed a passion for music and found his voice on the path to being a global star. The singer recalls his first musical influences, the support he received along his journey, and why he continues to be driven by his passion for music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Grutman is known worldwide as being an innovator in the world of hospitality & night life. He chats with Azarenka about how he found his career path, and why it's not always as glamorous as it seems. Grutman dives into why some of his big mistakes & regrets ultimately propelled him to greater success, and how he built up a reputation that started in Miami and stretched across the globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Vika talks about performing under stress and the science of pain with brain surgeon and neurologist Dr. Rahul Jandial. Vika and Dr. Jandial discuss how to train your brain to work for you as opposed to against you and why your biology does not determine your journey. Dr. Rahul Jandial is a brain surgeon and neurologist at City of Hope in Los Angeles, a cancer treatment hospital. He is a best selling author of over ten books. His most recent book, "Neurofitness: A Brain Surgeon’s Secrets to Boost Performance and Unleash Creativity", was a Sunday Times bestseller in the UK. Watch Think About It with Victoria Azarenka Podcast episodes on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vika talks about the transformative power of sports with legendary Peloton instructor and New York Times bestselling author Robin Arzón. A former lawyer who discovered her passion for physical training later in life, Arzón discusses her athletic journey as a first-generation immigrant, how she translated her academic success to physical success, and why gratitude is as much of a choice as negativity. Robin Arzón is the VP of Fitness Programming at Peloton, where she began as an instructor in 2014. She is the author of The New York Times bestseller "Shut Up and Run" and was named to Fortune's '40 Under 40' list in 2020. Watch Think About It with Victoria Azarenka Podcast episodes on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices