On The Subject with Mike Vilardo

Former D1 Forward Todd Goehring joins Mike Vilardo to reveal what it really costs to raise a hockey player and chase the dream of playing professionally. Todd left home at 16, lived with billet families, played more than 100 junior games, and spent five seasons at Sacred Heart before continuing his career in the ECHL and SPHL. He breaks down where the money in youth hockey actually goes, what minor-league players really earn, and what happens to a young athlete’s education along the way. Todd also shares how he graduated magna cum laude with degrees in finance and economics, built a business while playing professionally, and prepared for life after his final shift. It’s an honest look at the sacrifices behind the hockey dream—and the reality most hockey families are actually living.

Eleven months into the job he calls a homecoming, MIT men's basketball head coach BJ Dunn sits down with Subject co-founder and CEO Michael Vilardo in Cambridge to talk about building a program where the recruiting pitch isn't a scholarship — it's a career. Dunne walks through what MIT admissions actually looks for, why his staff can't offer a pre-read or a likely letter and how they build trust with families anyway, and what it means to coach players who never had a standard lowered for them. He also gets specific about the parts recruits rarely hear straight: how to write an email a coach will open, what the first clip of your film should be, when to start lifting, why camps beat skills trainers, and what parents should and shouldn't do. Along the way he tells the story behind the 2012 Final Four team where four of five starters went on to found unicorn companies, explains why he thinks that's no coincidence, and makes the case that at MIT it was never about balancing school and basketball — it's a blend.

Eric Jones Jr. is the Savannah Bananas' all-time home run leader, a former MLB bullpen catcher, and a veteran of affiliated and indy ball. He's played every version of this sport, so we asked him the question the next generation is starting to ask: if you're good enough to keep playing after college, is grinding through the minors still the obvious path, or is Banana Ball a legitimate alternative? We get into the tryouts, the eleven rules, the buses, the clubhouses, and the money — plus straight advice for the kid and the parent watching at home.

Daniel “Diamond Hands” Amesbury walked away from professional hockey at 23 and spent eight years away from the game—including years working on tugboats in British Columbia. Then, at 31, he entered the first-ever Ice Wars fighting tournament, won three fights in one night, and suddenly found himself with pro teams calling again. On this episode of On the Subject , Mike Vilardo sits down with one of hockey’s last true enforcers to talk about one of the wildest comeback stories in professional sports. Daniel breaks down the reality of life as a hockey fighter, what goes through his mind before dropping the gloves, why fighting can actually make teammates play with more confidence, and how he learned to turn toughness into a tool for moving up the professional ranks. He also opens up about returning from retirement, racking up 298 penalty minutes, building an audience through content, and receiving an indefinite suspension he still doesn’t fully understand. Now back with Adirondack and still chasing the AHL, Diamond Hands isn’t finished yet. Eight years away. More than 200 fights. One remarkable comeback—and a story about toughness, family, loyalty, and refusing to believe your window has closed.

Gary Roberts Performance is the most quietly influential address in hockey — the Toronto program where the best players in the world spend their summers, and where more than 200 NHL-drafted players have trained in the last decade alone. In this episode, Gary breaks down how that garage gym became the off-season home for NHL stars, and where fuel, training, and recovery actually rank in terms of what moves the needle. He walks us through the 12-week off-season program week by week, sets the record straight on the legendary "Gary Roberts diet" — what held up and what he's changed his mind about — and explains why cutting carbs is one of the worst things a hockey player can do. We separate real recovery from recovery theater, sorting cold plunge, sauna, and red light into what earns its place and what doesn't. Gary shares what 200-plus drafted players have in common, three things a fifteen-year-old can start this week for free, and his honest take on the combine, draft stock, and the biggest lie being sold to hockey families right now. Follow along: @mikefromsubject @onthesubjectpodcast @trysubject

In this episode of On the Subject , DSARM sits down with Mike Vilardo to talk about the decision to bet on content, how he found his lane in a crowded baseball world, and what it actually takes to turn videos into a career. Dan Sarmiento, better known as DSARM , went from a left-handed pitcher at Exeter High and Bridgton Academy to one of the most-followed independent baseball creators online. Instead of chasing a college roster spot, he picked up a camera and built an audience of hundreds of thousands across YouTube and social media. For young athletes, baseball doesn't have to end when the playing career does. DSARM's story shows just how many ways there are to build a career around the game.

This week, Mike sits down with Ariel "Tarzan" Sexton—ONE Championship veteran, The Ultimate Fighter competitor, and one of the pioneers of MMA in Costa Rica. From moving to Costa Rica with nothing but a suitcase to competing against some of the world's best, Ariel shares the highs, the setbacks, and everything people don't see behind a career in professional fighting. They talk about fighting through devastating injuries, what it's actually like getting paid as a professional fighter outside the UFC, why jiu-jitsu can change a kid's life, and the mentality it takes to keep chasing a dream long after everyone else would've quit. Whether you're a fighter, a parent thinking about martial arts for your child, or someone chasing a goal that doesn't make sense to anyone else, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, discipline, and betting on yourself. Follow along: @mikefromsubject @onthesubjectpodcast @trysubject

Former first-round MLB Draft pick Jacob Turner joins Mike Vilardo on On the Subject to share what really happens after your name is called on draft day. From signing a multi-million dollar bonus out of high school to spending eight seasons in Major League Baseball, Jacob breaks down the realities of professional baseball that most players and families never hear about. Together they discuss the MLB Draft process, signing bonus negotiations, taxes, agents, arbitration, the minor leagues, financial mistakes athletes make, and how to prepare for life after sports. Now as the co-founder of Moment Private Wealth, Jacob helps professional athletes build lasting financial security—and shares the lessons he wishes every young player knew before turning pro.

What does it really take to make it to the NHL—and even harder, build a lasting professional career? On this episode of On the Subject, Mike Vilardo sits down with NHL player agent Dominic Boily for an inside look at the business of professional hockey. Drawing from years of representing elite players, Dom explains what NHL organizations are actually looking for beyond raw talent, how the draft and free agency process works, and what the relationship between a player and their agent really looks like. He also shares how he helps athletes navigate contracts, roster decisions, career transitions, and the challenges that come with competing at the highest level. Whether you're a young player chasing the NHL, a parent trying to understand the path to professional hockey, or a coach preparing athletes for the next level, this conversation offers practical insights into what separates the players who make it from those who don't.

Atlanta native and MLB veteran Kyle Farmer joins On the Subject for an honest conversation from his childhood home about what it really takes to last nearly 10 years in Major League Baseball. After making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kyle has built a career spanning more than 800 MLB games, recording over 500 career hits, 60+ home runs, and earning a reputation as one of baseball's most dependable utility players. In this episode, we discuss his journey from Georgia to winning a College World Series championship and reaching the big leagues, the setbacks that nearly ended his career, what it means to return home and play for the Atlanta Braves, and how versatility has helped him stay in the majors for nearly a decade. Kyle also shares untold clubhouse stories, the realities of life in professional baseball, and his advice for parents, coaches, and young athletes chasing their dreams. Whether you're a baseball fan, aspiring athlete, or simply looking to learn what it takes to build a long, successful career, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Podcast Description Adam Cecere joins us on On the Subject to talk about what it takes to build a successful life beyond sports. A former Division I baseball standout at Wake Forest and Penn State, Adam hit 49 career home runs, played in more than 140 collegiate games, and served as team captain. But while competing at the highest level, he was also building something bigger—founding Celo Nutrition, a sports performance company dedicated to helping athletes optimize their recovery and performance. In this episode, we dive into the recruiting process at elite academic-athletic programs, the realities of balancing Division I athletics with entrepreneurship, and whether NIL is creating more business-minded athletes or simply more distractions. Adam shares the biggest nutrition mistakes college athletes make, why athletes need an identity beyond their sport, what college coaches actually value during recruiting, and how AI, NIL, and the transfer portal are reshaping the future of athletics. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with insights on building success both on and off the field.

Coach Ballgame, also known as James Lowe, joins us on On the Subject for an honest conversation about youth baseball, player development, and the realities of the recruiting process. As the Youth Ambassador for Major League Baseball's Play Ball Program and a Brown University graduate, James has spent more than two decades helping young athletes and their families navigate the game the right way. From running camps and clinics for kids ages 3–12 to taking his message to the White House, Cooperstown, MLB All-Star Games, and the World Series, Coach Ballgame has built a movement centered around one belief: youth sports should develop better people, not just better athletes. In this episode, we discuss the dangers of the win-at-all-costs mentality, when families should start thinking about recruiting, what college coaches are really looking for, whether showcases and travel ball are worth the investment, and how baseball can become a vehicle for academic opportunity and long-term success. If you're a parent, coach, or student-athlete trying to understand how sports can open doors beyond the field, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Coach Ferber joins us on On the Subject to break down player development, recruiting, and what it really takes to make it in baseball - from someone who built his reputation from the ground up in Coney Island and became the most followed baseball coaching voice on social media. Coach Jason Ferber has over 225,000 Instagram followers and has developed some of the top young players in the country. His philosophy is simple: know your players, coach their strengths as much as their weaknesses, and tell them the truth - even when it's hard to hear. In this episode, we unpack the biggest challenges and misconceptions in the college recruiting process, from travel baseball and showcases to the transfer portal and choosing the right school. We also discuss what college coaches are really looking for, how learning disabilities can impact recruiting, and the common mistakes that hold athletes back. If you're a high school player, parent, or coach trying to navigate recruiting and development — this episode is a must-watch.

Crazy Carl joins Mike Vilardo on On The Subject to talk golf, social media, college athletics, and their journey from childhood baseball teammates to content creators. Carl shares how he built a loyal following through authentic golf content, what it's really like to go viral, and the lessons he's learned from sports, business, and life along the way.

This week on On The Subject Podcast , Michael Vilardo sits down with veteran MLB agent Mark Leinweaver, who has represented over 75 professional baseball players and worked with all 30 MLB organizations. From what it really takes to get drafted, to the biggest mistakes athletes and parents make in recruiting, Mark shares an unfiltered look at the business of baseball. The two dive into D1 vs mid-major schools, when to go pro, handling pressure and social media, life after sports, and what separates athletes who make it from those who don’t.

In this episode of On The Subject , Michael Vilardo heads to Yale University to sit down with Yale Baseball Assistant Coach Corey Keane and standout student-athletes Garrett Larson and Colin Sloane for an inside look at what it really takes to compete at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. From recruiting myths and what Ivy League coaches actually look for, to balancing mechanical engineering with Division I baseball, the group breaks down how academics, character, and self-motivation open doors far beyond the field. They also dive into NIL, the transfer portal, internships, recruiting advice for families, and why Yale still offers one of the last true college athletic experiences. Whether you’re a student-athlete, parent, coach, or simply curious about life at an elite academic institution, this episode is packed with practical advice and perspective.

IIn this episode of On the Subject , we sit down with Barrett Serrato, Purdue Assistant Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and former Boilermaker standout, at his alma mater. Barrett opens up about his journey from West Chicago, Illinois to Purdue, why he chose college over the pros out of high school, and what it was like playing on one of the greatest teams in Purdue baseball history (the 2012 squad that hosted a regional). He breaks down how college baseball has evolved into one of the best development environments in the sport, the resources that make Purdue special, and how the expanded Big Ten is reshaping the game. Barrett also shares candid recruiting insights: the myths that need to die, the mistakes families make, and what separates the players who thrive from the ones who don't. From rapid-fire recruiting questions (Twitter DMs over email, multi-sport athletes over specialists) to his vision for building the proudest alumni base in college baseball, this conversation is a must-listen for any student-athlete, parent, or fan who wants an inside look at what makes Purdue Baseball tick. Plus: why getting coached hard is a privilege, the one thing parents need to stop doing, and Barrett's 60-second pitch to recruits.

On this episode of On The Subject , we’re on campus at Yale University with the leader of one of college baseball’s most respected programs, Brian Hamm, to break down what makes Yale Baseball such a unique opportunity for elite student-athletes. In this episode, we dive into recruiting at the Ivy League level, why more top prospects are considering Yale than ever before, and what separates players who thrive here from those who don’t. We also unpack the realities of college baseball today — NIL, the transfer portal, development, academics, leadership, and why choosing the right school matters more than chasing a logo. Coach shares incredible insight on what he looks for in recruits, how parents can help (or hurt) the process, why Yale develops leaders, and the truth about Ivy League baseball talent. If you’re a player, parent, or coach navigating recruiting, this is a must-watch conversation.

On this episode of On The Subject, we’re on campus at Harvard University with Associate Head Coach and Head of Recruiting Nate Cole to break down what it really takes to become a Division I baseball player at one of the most prestigious schools in the world. From what Harvard looks for in recruits to why they prioritize well-rounded student-athletes, this episode goes beyond baseball. We dive into the recruiting process, academic expectations, and how players can position themselves to succeed both on the field and long after the game ends. Coach Cole shares why Harvard values multi-sport athletes, how players can stand out in a crowded recruiting landscape, and what separates good players from Harvard-level talent. Plus, we unpack the reality of balancing elite academics with Division I athletics and why this path might be the ultimate long-term investment in your future. If you're serious about playing college baseball and building a career beyond it, this is a must-listen.

On this episode of On the Subject , Purdue Baseball head coach Greg Goff joins us for a deep dive into what it actually takes to compete at the highest level of college baseball. From recruiting philosophies to player development, Coach Goff breaks down how Purdue Boilermakers baseball has become one of the most competitive programs in the Big Ten Conference. We get into what coaches are really evaluating in recruits today, how the transfer portal is reshaping roster building, and which metrics actually matter when projecting talent. Coach Goff also shares how Purdue develops players from day one to draft day, what daily life looks like inside a Big Ten program, and the culture he’s building in West Lafayette. Whether you're a player chasing the next level, a parent navigating recruiting, or a coach looking for insight — this is a real look inside high-level college baseball.