In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey talks with Dr. Scott Lynch, a former Director of Athletic Medicine at Penn State, who shares his story of advocating for athlete safety. Dr. Lynch discusses the challenges he faced in prioritizing player health over coaching pressures and the systemic issues in college sports. He emphasizes the importance of speaking up against unethical practices and proposes solutions for better athlete care, including independent oversight in sports medicine. This conversation highlights the need for a cultural shift in how athletes are viewed and treated, advocating for the prioritization of their well-being and safety.

What to Expect:

• Lynch’s journey from being an elite Penn State wrestler, studying engineering, to pursuing medicine.
• Lynch emphasizes the importance of prioritizing athlete health over winning.
• There are solutions (such as third-party oversight) possible to create change.
• Lynch encourages players to speak up about their experiences.
• The conversation highlights the need for cultural change in college sports.
• Kelsey also shares her own experience with poor coaching behaviors, and they discuss how to move forward.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Scott Lynch

02:09 Journey from Wrestling to Medicine

06:21 Becoming Director of Athletic Medicine

12:40 Challenges and Pressures in Medical Decisions

25:04 Proposed Solutions for Athlete Safety

34:23 The Future of College Sports and Player Rights

35:37 Viewing Athletes as People: A Cultural Shift

38:54 Navigating Injury and Pressure in Youth Sports

44:06 The Decision to Pursue Legal Action

54:34 The Importance of Speaking Up

Call to Action: If you are an athlete witnessing or experiencing some of these issues, talk to someone you trust and don’t be afraid to speak up.

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is produced by QuietLoud Studios and featured on SportsE Media
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with photographer Steve Whitsitt, who shares how his shyness inspired him to challenge himself and pursue photography as a way to connect with others. Steve reflects on his time in the military, the path that brought him into photography, and the personal growth he’s experienced along the way. Though he is often recognized for photographing icons like Michael and Janet Jackson, as well as major events like Woodstock and Lollapalooza, his story extends far beyond his work with celebrities. Steve emphasizes the importance of connection, authenticity, and self-acceptance in both art and life. Together, he and Kelsey explore the value of being present, building meaningful connections, and finding deeper fulfillment through serving others.

What to Expect:

• Photography as a vehicle for connection.
• Self-acceptance is the foundation for genuine relationships.
• Remembering that everything in life, including success, is temporary.
• How authenticity disarms others and fosters trust.
• We are defined by who we are, not what we do.
• The richness of intergenerational relationships.
• Embracing the past for the lessons it provides.
• What to say when you don’t know what to say.
• How volunteering can provide purpose during transitions.

Call to Action: Challenge yourself to connect with people, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. Curiosity creates connection!

Where to Find Steve:

Website: https://www.spwhitsittphoto.com/

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is produced by QuietLoud Studios and featured on SportsE Media.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, Kelsey sits down with Brenda K. Reynolds—international coach, TEDx speaker, and author—about navigating major life transitions and building resilience in uncertain times. Brenda shares how various life events (an unexpected divorce, the 2008 financial crisis, sending children off the college, and others) were the catalyst for her work on “transition fog.” She shares how she learned to move forward when there was no clear roadmap, and how those experiences shaped her approach to helping others through change. Brenda also talks about her new transformational journal, 5 FROGS, which outlines the stages we go through during periods of transition and growth.

Whether you're facing a career shift, personal change, or simply feeling stuck in the unknown, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you move through it with clarity and confidence.

What to Expect in '5 FROGS: Brenda K. Reynolds on Navigating Life Transition Fog':

• Everyone experiences 'now what' moments in life.
• Sometimes, we just need our low beams to see what’s right in front of us.
• We can borrow confidence from others during tough times.
• Life is not linear; we leap back and forth through stages.
• Behind every “now what” is a “why not”.
• Our words can change the trajectory of someone's life.

Call to Action: Listen to Brenda’s TEDX Talk and look up her 5 FROGS transformational journal!

Where to Find Brenda:
Website: https://www.brendakreynolds.com/
Socials: @brendakreynolds

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram| TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.com

Credits:

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios podcast and featured on SportsE Media.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube| Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic