Welcome!

Each week we bring to you a discussion on the latest trends in digital marketing and how you can actually implement these strategies into your organization.

#127 Gold, Grit, and Glory with Kurt Angle

“When you train to exhaustion, that’s when the training truly begins.” —Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle is an American professional wrestler, Olympic gold medalist, and actor. He won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with a broken neck, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest amateur wrestlers. Angle later transitioned to professional wrestling, becoming a multi-time world champion in WWE and TNA, celebrated for his technical skill, intensity, and charisma. Today, Jeremy and I speak with Kurt about his incredible stories from his Olympic triumphs to wrestling with WWE, mental health, and more.

About the Episode

Welcome, everyone, to an exclusive look into the journey of Kurt Angle—an Olympic gold medalist and a professional wrestling icon. His story is not just about the triumphs of his career, but also the perseverance and mindset that drove him to overcome adversity. Dive into this blog post as we unravel the conversation from a recent podcast episode that delves deep into Kurt’s life, achievements, and contributions.

Meet Our Hosts

Jeremy Weisz

Jeremy Weisz is the founder of InspiredInsider.com, a platform that features inspirational conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs. His work is all about exploring the stories of impactful figures and sharing them with a broader audience.

Andrew Gottlieb

Andrew Gottlieb joins as a special co-host for this episode. His expertise and insights add an extra layer of depth to the discussions. He’s also affiliated with the NTM Growth Marketing Podcast, making him a versatile voice in the growth and entrepreneurial space.

Introducing a Legend: Kurt Angle

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Kurt Angle’s world, let’s reflect on why this episode is special. Kurt Angle, recognized as an Olympic gold medalist, a TNA and WWE Hall of Famer, is one of the most celebrated athletes in sports entertainment history.

“Kurt Angle is not just a sports legend. He’s also an advocate for mental health and a powerful example of how to overcome adversity.” — Jeremy Weisz

Throughout his career, Kurt has amassed a myriad of championships, but beyond his in-ring prowess, he’s a motivational speaker and a committed advocate for mental health and addiction recovery.

Highlights of Kurt’s Career

  • Olympic Gold Medalist (1996)
  • WWE and TNA Hall of Famer
  • Advocate for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

The Road to Gold: A Tale of Determination

In a world that’s captivated by success stories, Kurt’s Olympic journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. After winning two NCAA championships in college, Kurt had his sights set on the world championship team. However, success was not immediate.

The Turning Point

The years following college were challenging, with Kurt facing defeats that could easily demoralize any athlete. But in 1995-1996, a transformation occurred. By adopting a rigorous training methodology known as “exhaust training,” informed by Dan Gable’s coaching at the University of Iowa, Kurt prepared physically and mentally to conquer the odds.

“When you train to exhaustion, that’s when the training truly begins.” — Kurt Angle

This intensive training bore fruit in 1995 when he won the World Championships and followed it up with Olympic gold in 1996, even amidst severe neck injuries.

Beyond the Ring: New Challenges and Motivations

The Steelers Journey: Kurt’s athleticism caught the attention of the NFL, leading to a tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While it ultimately didn’t culminate in a football career, the experience was integral in shaping his journey.

WWE Career: Known for its theatrical display of prowess, WWE became Kurt’s next platform where he could showcase his commitment to sports and entertainment. However, his journey wasn’t without its trials, marked by multiple neck injuries and an ensuing struggle with painkiller addiction.

“Painkillers are dangerous. They’re addictive. And they can kill you.” — Kurt Angle

The emotional rollercoaster continued when he received devastating news of his sister’s overdose. Yet, even amidst personal tragedies, Kurt’s ability to push through adversity has inspired countless fans and fellow athletes.

Influential Figures in Kurt’s Life

  • Dan Gable: Provided a foundation for training that went beyond physical limits.
  • Dave Schultz: His technical prowess and coaching played a significant role in Kurt’s amateur wrestling success.
  • Family: A strong family backing provided both inspiration and grounding throughout Kurt’s life.

Giving Back: Raising Funds for the Future

Kurt Angle’s story isn’t just one of personal success; it is also about giving back. As the chairman of the Winners Podium for USA Wrestling, Kurt is actively involved in fundraising initiatives to support athletes. These funds ensure American athletes can train full-time, setting the stage for success in future Olympic events.

“I’m raising money for athletes so they can focus on their training and competition without the burden of needing full-time jobs.” — Kurt Angle

KurtAngle.org serves as a platform to generate donations that’ll provide these athletes with the resources they need to excel.

Embracing New Roles

Kurt’s journey reflects not only his flexibility in the face of physical challenges but also his willingness to step into new roles. Whether trying his hand at sports casting or adapting to the highly competitive world of WWE, his journey has taught him resilience, adaptability, and humility.

Valuable Lessons from the Ring

  • Humility and Humbleness: Entering WWE, Kurt was surrounded by legends such as The Rock and Austin. The camaraderie and willingness to learn from others shaped his wrestling and public persona.
  • Embracing Vulnerability: Starring in comical segments and being the “butt of the joke” didn’t detract from his ability to be a formidable athlete.

“You can make an ass of yourself all you want; people know you’re a badass when you step into the ring.” — Vince McMahon’s advice to Kurt Angle

From Pittsburgh to World Fame

Kurt’s formative years in Pittsburgh played a significant role in crafting his character and work ethic. Known as a city of champions, Pittsburgh instilled values of hard work and resilience.

Influences of the ‘Steel City’

  • Work Ethic: The working-class spirit of Pittsburgh translated into his rigorous training regimes.
  • Pride and Identity: Growing up in a city with a rich sports history, Kurt embraced the ethos of perseverance and excellence from a young age.

Reaching New Heights

In conclusion, Kurt Angle’s remarkable career is a story about overcoming the odds and embracing every challenge with unwavering strength. From Olympic mats to the WWE stage and beyond, Kurt’s journey is one of relentless pursuit and triumph.

For more insights and to contribute to the next generation of champions, visit KurtAngle.org and lend your support to aspiring athletes.

“Adversity can forge strength; Kurt’s story is a testament to that strength.” — Jeremy Weisz

Kurt continues to inspire new generations, and his message resonates beyond the rings and medals.

More Episodes

The School for Humanity Archive

Explore our archive of NTM’s original podcast, The School for Humanity, created to discuss the greatest challenges humanity faces and help promote those who are helping to find solutions. 

Skip to content