Raising A Pro with Annie Apple

In the final show of the season, Annie picks out some of her highlights and favourite clips from our stellar guests. It was no easy thing trying to whittle down so much wisdom... 

“We saw Ryan’s life change in an instant. It made us not take anything for granted..it can happen to anyone” Ryan Shazier is a former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted by the team back in 2014. Fast forward to December 4th 2017, it was during a Monday night football game when hearts stopped all over the world as Ryan went down in a game against the Steelers, clutched his back and couldn’t get back up.  In this episode we hear from Ryan’s mother, Shawn Shazier. Shawn takes us back to the beginning of Ryan’s journey when he first fell in love with the game at just 5 years old, through his battle with Alopecia right up to his retirement from pro sports.  Speaking candidly about the moment she saw Ryan get hurt on the field, the incredible determination he showed throughout his rehab process and her unwavering faith that her son would heal and walk again. 

"I really believe that mental health is about safety and creating safety.  Emotional, psychological, social and interpersonal. As parents, we have to model that behavior" Today we’re talking about the importance of the emotional wellbeing of athletes. Annie is joined by Dr. Herb Martin, a clinical psychologist and mental health expert. He is the president of Peak Performance Consulting Group and Team Clinician for the Los Angeles Chargers.   

“We told him. It’s a business and you totally lose all of your childhood when you sign that contract. You are a man…” The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive captain, Cameron Heyward has been a Pro Bowler the last four seasons while also earning All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2019. He was drafted by the Steelers straight out of Ohio State in the 2011 NFL draft and he’s been with the team ever since.  In this episode we hear from Cam’s mother, Charlotte Heyward, who is not only his biggest cheerleader in life but also works as Executive Director of The Cameron Heyward Foundation. She might also be the biggest Steelers fan you’ll ever meet..and long before Cameron joined the team.  Charlotte takes us back to Cam’s early days on the field when she says he was not a typical recruit. We hear about his battle with asthma, why his draft day was his home coming and also the lasting legacy of his father, Craig Heyward, who also played in the NFL for 11 years  but sadly passed away in 2006.