What does it take to thrive in the most pressure-packed position in football?

On this episode of the Intangible Podcast, former Alabama placekicker Gunnar Raborn joins Chris Spencer to break down the mindset required to succeed when the entire game comes down to one kick.

Growing up in Louisiana as a multi-sport athlete, Gunnar didn’t even start kicking until his junior year of high school. But that late start turned into a journey that took him to Alabama football, where a moment with Coach Nick Saban would permanently reshape how he viewed pressure and performance.

When Saban told him five simple words — “Pressure is a privilege.” — it changed everything.

In this conversation, Gunnar shares the lessons he learned competing in the SEC, transferring to McNeese State to chase playing time, and developing a mental approach that helped him achieve a 92% field goal percentage during his career.

But the conversation goes deeper than football.

We talk about how elite athletes manage pressure, why the best kickers often come from multi-sport backgrounds, and how the discipline learned in sports translates to success after the game — whether that’s coaching young athletes or building a career in business.

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On this episode of the Intangible Podcast, Chris Spencer sits down with Vanderbilt basketball standout Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda to unpack the mindset, resilience, and intangibles behind her journey from Sioux Falls to the SEC.

Ndjakalenga’s story is one every athlete should hear. From growing up in a sports-driven family with roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to becoming South Dakota Player of the Year, to competing at the highest level of college basketball at Texas and Vanderbilt, her path has been built on discipline, adaptability, and relentless work ethic.

She describes herself as a “Swiss Army knife” player—someone willing to do whatever the team needs to win. That mentality helped her navigate the ups and downs of college athletics, including moments when she barely saw the court and had to trust the process. Through faith, family support, and a commitment to the little things, she built a foundation strong enough to carry her through those difficult seasons.

For young athletes chasing big dreams, Ndjakalenga shares powerful lessons about patience, staying ready for opportunities, and why focusing on development—not attention—is the key to long-term success. She also opens up about the realities of the transfer portal, NIL decisions, and why finding the right fit matters more than chasing money.

This conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, resilience, and the mindset it takes to succeed both on and off the court.

If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach trying to understand what truly separates great competitors, this episode is full of the intangibles that drive peak performance.

Subscribe for more conversations with elite athletes uncovering the mindset and habits behind success.

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On this episode of the Intangible Podcast, Chris Spencer sits down with former MLB outfielder Tyson Gillies — a man whose story goes far beyond the stat sheet.

Drafted by the Seattle Mariners and later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, Tyson also represented Team Canada on the world stage. But what makes his journey truly powerful isn’t just professional baseball — it’s perseverance.

Tyson grew up losing over 70% of his hearing and had to fight through bullying, misunderstanding, and being labeled early in life. Instead of shrinking, he leaned into sport. From hockey rinks in British Columbia to spring training locker rooms with his childhood hero Ken Griffey Jr., Tyson turned adversity into fuel.

In this conversation, we unpack the intangibles that helped him survive and thrive:
Work ethic. Emotional regulation. Accountability. Pushing pace. Playing the long game.

For young athletes, parents, and coaches — this episode is a masterclass in resilience and mental performance. Tyson shares how running your own race, building the right circle, and trusting the process can carry you from overlooked to unstoppable.

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Instagram: @Intangible_Podcast
YouTube: Intangible Pod