Prepare for an extraordinary episode filled with passion, resilience, and triumph as we welcome our exceptional guest, Philippe Marquis, an Olympic athlete and coach. Philippe's story is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of excellence.
Philippe is a two-time Canadian Olympian (2014, 2018) in freestyle/mogul skiing, with an impressive career spanning over twelve years on the Canadian team. 
As our first-ever Olympic athlete and coach on our Podcast, Philippe's journey from his early aspirations as a young skier to becoming an Olympic athlete has been nothing short of remarkable.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including multiple injuries, Philippe's exceptional talent and determination have propelled him to heights. Alongside his athletic pursuits, he has also developed a keen interest in the impact of climate change on sports, particularly in the mountains he calls home.
This newfound passion led Philippe to join athlete advocacy groups and actively participate in organizations such as Protect Our Winters Canada and EcoAthletes, where he works to raise awareness and promote sustainability in sports. Additionally, Philippe is a Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission member, further emphasizing his dedication to making a positive impact on and off the slopes.
Throughout our conversation, we explored the profound impact of climate change on the world of sports and the influential role of athlete activism in driving sustainability.
Philippe shared his insights on the practical challenges athletes face in the wake of climate change and the inspiring initiatives athletes undertake to raise awareness and enact positive change. We discussed the crucial role of fans in boosting sustainable practices within the sports industry and the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes and teams in addressing the environmental impact and navigating governing restrictions.
Moreover, Philippe highlighted the involvement of fossil fuel companies in the sports industry. He emphasized the potential for a more sustainable future. He expressed his admiration for Protect Our Winters, an organization he is a part of, which advocates for sustainability at the government and corporate levels. Philippe underscored the power of passionate individuals coming together to protect the environment and secure the future of sports.
As we concluded the episode, one thing became clear—the profound impact of climate change on sports and the indispensable role of athlete activism in driving sustainability. Athletes, coaches, fans, and sports organizations are crucial in promoting sustainable practices and addressing environmental challenges.

Join us for this enlightening episode of The Pre-Zero Sports Talk as we delve into the impact of climate change on sports and the influential role of athlete activism. Let Philippe's story inspire you to take action and work together towards a world where sports and sustainability go hand in hand.

The Impact of Climate Change on Sports and Athlete Activism for Sustainability

Welcome to another captivating episode of "Pre-Zero Sports Talk," the podcast that explores the fascinating intersection of sports, events, innovation, and sustainability. In this enlightening instalment, we embark on a transformative journey with Franziska Mesche, the trailblazing founder and CEO of Tripulse.
Join host Sid Bensalah as we delve into the heart of sustainability, sportswear innovation, and community empowerment. Franziska's profound commitment to sustainability and health led to the creation of Tripulse. This revolutionary activewear brand seamlessly merges fitness and eco-consciousness. With her background in management consulting and B2B tech sales, Franziska has harnessed her expertise to foster a fashion-forward movement rooted in sustainability.
Explore Franziska's personal story as she shares her pivotal role models, including Sarah Blakely from Spanx and Yvon Chouinard, the visionary behind Patagonia. Witness how her journey echoes their tenacity and devotion to changing the world through entrepreneurship.
Franziska unravels the intricacies of Tripulse's holistic approach, encompassing the entire lifecycle of products and practices. Dive deep into the innovative Eucalyptus Fiber Innovation, a testament to Tripulse's commitment to environmental consciousness. Learn about the eucalyptus fibre's transformative impact and the brand's dedication to sustainability at every stage.
Take advantage of Franziska's insights into Tripulse's enduring mission: to lead the sports industry towards sustainability and influence positive consumer behaviours. Join us in this empowering conversation that invites you to shape a more sustainable future through every choice.
Tune in to "Pre-Zero Sports Talk" and join the movement with Franziska Mesche and Tripulse. Let's embark on a journey where passion, purpose, and sustainability intertwine, forging a new era of change.

From Passion to Purpose: Tripulse's Path to Fitness, Sustainability, and Community.

In this final episode#07 of Season #01 of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk, our host, Sid Bensalah, discussed the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry with special guests Mari Sandrup, the Sustainability Analyst and Maria Anderson, the Sales Director of Meetings representing Strawberry Hotels.

 The episode was recorded from a high-end Podcast Studio at Clarion Hotel Sign, one of Strawberry's 232 exquisite properties. Designed by the acclaimed, well-known Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh.
Strawberry's sustainability motto is simple yet profound: 'WeCare'. It's a testament to their dedication to sustainability that goes beyond lip service. 
 The conversation delved into visionary strategies, community engagement, and the transformative Strawberry Sustainability Program, examining its integration across diverse hotel operations and into sales and sports initiatives.
The episode explores Strawberry Hotels' active engagement with local communities, collaborations with partners like Norwegian Airlines and UNICEF, and sustainability initiatives such as the Green Conference and the Lonely Christmas Tree. The conversation also touches upon the changing tourism landscape, with a notable shift towards the Nordic region driven by sustainability considerations and climate concerns.
As the conversation concluded, Sid thanked Mari and Maria for their exceptional insights and summarised critical takeaways. 

The first season wraps up with anticipation for more insightful discussions on sustainability and its intersection with the sports industry in the upcoming Season#02 in 2024.

If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love your support. Download, drop us a comment and share your ideas for future topics or guests you want to hear from. 

Hit subscribe and tune in on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss our upcoming interviews and discussions in season two in a few weeks in 2024. 

Your engagement fuels our passion for delivering quality content. Let's embark on this insightful journey together!

Strawberry Hotels - Pioneering Sustainability in the Hospitality Landscape.

Join Sid Bensalah, the passionate host of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, as he navigates through the impactful episodes of Season 01 and sets the stage for the exciting Season 02 ahead.  Discover the sparks that ignited this journey, delve into the stories that shaped the narrative, and explore the critical intersection of sports, events, innovation, and sustainability.

Looking Back And Ahead With Pre - Zero Sports Talk

Join us as we dive into the world of sustainable sports branding, exploring how community engagement and conservation practices are reshaping the industry. Learn from experts who share insights on creating a positive impact while building a brand that resonates with today's conscious consumers.

Sustainable Sports Branding: Community & Conservation

In Episode #13, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Harry Bailey, the inspiring visionary behind 'Run for the Ranger.' At just 20 years old, Harry has faced significant medical challenges and has shown remarkable resilience and determination to make a difference in wildlife conservation.

Born nine weeks prematurely and battling numerous health issues throughout his life, Harry's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite these challenges, he founded 'Run for the Ranger,' an event that raises awareness and provides crucial support for wildlife rangers on the front lines of conservation.

Championing Conservation: A Conversation with Harry Bailey.

In episode 36, host Sid Bensalah interviews Ronald Reich, a leadership development coach with over 30 years of experience. Ron shares actionable insights on emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and leadership excellence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- The role of emotional intelligence in decision-making and effective leadership.
- How to deliver constructive feedback without triggering defensiveness.
- The first steps to building high-performing teams in high-pressure environments.
- Strategies for handling conflict and repairing broken trust within teams.
- How leaders can develop resilience and avoid burnout in demanding roles.
- The importance of self-awareness and understanding personal strengths and limitations.

Highlights:

- Ron’s transition from HR to executive coaching and lessons learned along the way.
- A powerful feedback story that transformed a team dynamic.
- Real-life examples of leaders navigating change and overcoming resistance.
- How emotional intelligence and empathy shape successful leadership.

Quickfire Q&A:
-Ron also answers lightning-round questions, sharing his favorite leadership book, advice for self-awareness, and his perspective on building resilience.

Quote from the Episode:
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." — John Wooden

Tune in to gain practical leadership insights and strategies to transform your team leadership approach.

Leadership Redefined_Emotional Intelligence and Team Performance

What If the Secret to Saving Our Planet Was Right Beneath Our Feet?


In Episode#39, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Samantha Jewel, a visionary in soil carbon and regenerative agriculture. With nearly three decades of experience, Samantha shares her compelling journey from managing her family’s restaurant empire to founding Urth.io, a platform helping farmers engage in carbon credits and adopt practices that restore soil health.

Together, they uncover the critical role of soil in addressing global challenges like climate change, human health, and even athletic performance. Samantha doesn’t just talk about ideas—she shares real-world stories, pivotal moments, and her relentless efforts to educate others, including writing children’s books to inspire future generations.

This is a conversation about more than just farming—it’s about human survival, our connection to the land, and the solutions that can lead us to a healthier planet. 

Tune in to learn why soil might be the hidden hero we’ve been overlooking.

Episode Timeline:

(00:57)  Samantha’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture.

 (08:04)  The Impact of Soil Health on Human and Environmental Well-Being.

 (10:00)  Challenges in Promoting Clean and Regenerative Practices.

 (16:01)  Soil Carbon’s Role in Combating Climate Change.

 (23:43) The Urth.io Story: Bridging Farmers and Sustainability.

 (39:38) The Importance of Frameworks in Environmental Regulations.

 (41:21) Corporate ESG Commitments: Promises vs. Reality.

 (44:24) Are Carbon Offset Programs Effective?
 
 (47:31) Soil Health and Its Impact on Human Nutrition.

 (56:53) Writing Children’s Books to Inspire Change.

 (01:05:16) How Soil Quality Connects to Sports Performance.

 (01:10:54) Lightning Round: Samantha’s Rapid-Fire Insights.

Soil to Sustainability_ Climate Solutions with Samantha Jewel

How do elite athletes make split-second decisions under pressure? What separates good players from great ones isn’t just skill; it’s how they think.

In episode#42 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah interviews Dr. Scott Goldman, a leading sports psychologist and co-creator of the Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ). His groundbreaking work has assisted teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other premier leagues in enhancing their recruitment, development, and training of athletes.

Dr. Goldman shares his philosophy:

“Well-informed people make really good decisions. Performance is the formula of talent times environment. What’s going on within the athlete? What’s happening around them? If we understand both, we can unlock incredible potential.”

This episode breaks down how AIQ measures the mental side of sports, the psychology behind team success, and how cognitive skills apply beyond sports—from firefighting to military operations.

Dr. Goldman also unpacks the emotional toll of being an athlete, how to handle fan criticism, and why mental resilience separates champions from the rest.

In the Lightning Round, he reveals his favorite way to unwind after a long day, offering a candid look into the mindset of a performance expert.

🎧 Listen in to understand the unseen mental game that shapes champions.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Winning Edge: The Power of Athletic IQ
(00:37) Scott’s Journey into Sports Psychology
(05:59) The Challenges of Collegiate Sports Psychology
(08:07) Understanding the Role of Psychology in Sports
(21:39) The Creation and Impact of AIQ
(36:53) How Cognitive Skills Shape Sports Performance
(38:45) Anticipation and Split-Second Decision-Making
(43:44) Handling Pressure Through Mental Preparation
(45:28) Mental Performance vs. Emotional Resilience
(49:58) AIQ's Expansion Beyond Team Sports
(56:31) The Role of Speed in Decision-Making
(01:04:16) Coaching Strategies and Everyday Mental Training
(01:06:25) Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions
(01:14:40) Final Thoughts and Takeaways


Athletic IQ with Dr. Scott Goldman

What if the ocean was your only home for months—with no land in sight, safety net, or turning back?
Would you survive? Would you thrive?
In episode 43, host Sid Bensalah interviews Bert TerHart, an adventurer who has sailed over 50,000 miles solo, completed a 7,800-kilometer paddling journey across Canada, and is pioneering innovative technologies with LeadBrain.ai. 
But his journey isn’t just about adventure—it’s about resilience, leadership, and the urgent need to protect our oceans.
This conversation dives deep into:
•	Survival at sea—what it takes to navigate some of the world’s most extreme conditions.
•	The raw truth about ocean conservation and why our waters are in crisis.
•	The Four P’s of Problem Solving—Bert’s battle-tested framework for overcoming challenges.
•	How AI and sustainability intersect—and the role of technology in environmental protection.
•	Leadership when failure is not an option—how to stay decisive and adaptable under pressure.
Bert shares incredible firsthand survival stories, hard-earned leadership lessons, and his take on why adaptability is the key to success—at sea, in business, and in life.
If you’re fascinated by ocean exploration, sustainability, and the limits of human endurance, this episode is a must-listen.
Episode Breakdown
(00:05)  Introduction to Bert TerHart
(01:13)   Early Inspirations and Indigenous Artifacts
(03:46) Upbringing and Family Influence
(07:56)  Lessons from the Sea
(19:13)   The Four Ps of Problem Solving
(21:47)   LeadBrain.ai and Small Business
(28:14)   Technology and Sustainability
(37:02)   Leadership and Adaptability
(43:34)  The Art of Pivoting Under Pressure
(44:38) The Dire State of Our Oceans
(46:16)  The Problem with Industrial Fishing
(49:12)  Policy Failures and Environmental Impact
(53:38)  The Challenge of Achieving Net Zero
(59:46)  Human Adaptability and Climate Policy
(01:12:00) Personal Reflections and Mental Strategies
(01:22:08)  Lightning Round


Bert TerHart_ Sailing, Survival & Sustainability

In this episode, host Sid Bensalah converses with Anthony Mac Neil, president and co-founder of Premier Sports Leagues. Anthony shares his compelling journey from growing up in a small mining town in Labrador to revolutionizing youth sports in Canada. His focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and community is highlighted through the story of a young boy discovering floorball, transforming friendships, and reshaping youth athletics. Anthony delves into his innovative franchising model, the importance of effort over winning, and the long-term life lessons sports can offer. Listeners will gain insights into Anthony’s approach to mentoring business leaders, managing parent expectations, fostering cultural shifts in sports, and the enduring impact of community engagement. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how youth sports can be crucial in developing well-rounded individuals.

Timestamps

(00:00) Transforming Youth Sports with Anthony Mac Neil

(00:05) Introduction to Anthony Mac Neil

(00:57) Anthony's Early Life in Labrador

(02:40) Impact of Small Town on Sports Values

(06:06) The Accidental Introduction to Floorball

(06:39) A Transformative Moment in Floorball

(12:43) The Birth of Premier Sports Leagues

(14:38) Franchising Youth Sports

(19:25) Finding the Right Franchise Partners

(22:15) Creating a Culture Beyond Winning

(26:40) Managing Parents in Youth Sports

(29:54) Planting Seeds for Future Generations

(31:48) Introducing Floorball and Futsal to Communities

(33:48) Hockey and Floorball: A Comparison

(34:21) Introducing Floorball in Schools

(34:50) Challenges and Breakthroughs

(36:56) Franchising and Community Support

(37:37) Cost and Accessibility of Floorball

(41:41) Growth and Future of Emerging Sports

(45:27) Sports and Business Parallels

(47:45) Lightning Round: Personal Insights

(58:50) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Final Thought: "Plant a tree whose shade you may never sit under." – Anthony Mac Neil on building a lasting impact through youth sports.

Transforming Youth Sports with Anthony Mac Neil

Meet Sid, the Co-Founder and CEO of Rooster Tail Sports & Entertainment AB. With over 20 years of experience in the sports industry, Sid is an innovative and entrepreneurial senior executive who delivers optimal results and business value in a high-growth environment. His solid analytic mindset makes him insightful and result-driven.

Throughout his career, either hosting events or working with international governing bodies and government entities, Sid has seen the sports business first-hand and how it has a detrimental effect on the environment and society. He used to manage 90+ events annually, and a lot of waste comes with that. So in 2016, Sid took it upon himself to research and find solutions to make sporting events more sustainable and eco-friendly.
And he takes sustainability to heart in everything he does. His ultimate mission is to find comprehensive solutions to decarbonize the sports industry.

Transforming Youth Sports with Anthony Mac Neil

Sid

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