Athletor Podcast with Mike Mal Podcast

In episode 122 of the Athletor Podcast, Cal Poly Head Coach Joe Sioredas returns to talk about the current landscape of NCAA wrestling and what it takes to survive in it. Joe breaks down how the same powerhouse programs still dominate, but the rules of engagement have shifted. From NIL to transfer culture, he shares why “you adapt or you die” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s the reality of staying competitive.

Joe also dives into the emotional toll of developing overlooked athletes into All-Americans, only to lose them late in their careers. He talks about the importance of having conversations with athletes, why honor still matters, and how resources dictate results. From fundraising to roster integrity, this episode is a real look at the behind-the-scenes battles college coaches are facing today.

In episode 121 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with Chuck Kearney, Head Coach at the University of Saint Mary, to explore the evolution of wrestling through his unique lens—from his roots in Pendleton, Oregon, to building programs at the NAIA level. Chuck reflects on his time at Oregon State, where the structure of practice was almost academic in its discipline, and contrasts that with the flexibility and challenges of coaching in today’s collegiate landscape.

We dig into the growing concerns around roster limits, shrinking opportunities for athletes, and the shifting value of scholarships vs. NIL. Chuck doesn’t hold back on what he sees as threats to the sport’s future—and how programs like his are adapting. We wrap with rapid-fire takes on wrestling shoes, book recs, and who makes Chuck’s all-time Mount Rushmore.

In Episode 120 of the Athletor Podcast, Nebraska Associate Head Coach Bryan Snyder joins us to break down how the Huskers are navigating NIL, the transfer portal, and athlete development on their own terms. From building a system that rewards growth to defining what “the right guy” really looks like, Bryan gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Nebraska is setting a new standard.

We talk about what makes a recruit stand out, the structure behind individual athlete plans, and why rest might be one of the toughest decisions in high-level wrestling. This one’s all about building sustainable success—from the ground up.

On episode 118 of the Athletor Podcast, comedian and former wrestler Greg Warren joins Mike Mal to break down the surprising connection between wrestling and stand-up comedy. Greg shares how the discipline and repetition of learning a wrestling move—like the cheap tilt—mirrors the process of building a joke from scratch. He also talks about how his new comedy special The Champ came together over two years, how he digs into old material to spark new ideas, and why he still trusts the early laughs—even if they’re just one person in the back of the room.

This one’s a deep dive into mindset, performance, and how wrestling continues to shape Greg’s approach to creativity, persistence, and storytelling.

Parker Keckeisen joins the Athletor Podcast fresh off the US Open to talk about what it’s like competing against the best in the world. He breaks down key moments from his match with Kyle Dake, explains why he prefers the pace of the US Open over the NCAA Tournament, and reflects on how loyalty and values shaped his decision to stay at UNI despite big NIL offers.

We also dive into the current state of NCAA wrestling, NIL's impact, and the challenges of staying grounded in a system that’s rapidly evolving. Parker shares his mindset as he transitions to the senior level, why this past season was uniquely difficult, and how he stays focused on growth over hype.