#3: Mike Baughman
On Playing Sports and Living Well
Mike Baughman (my Opa) was a high level athlete growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii. He went on to play wide receiver for Boston University, and then was invited to try out for the Detroit Lions. After his athletic career finished he became an English professor at Southern Oregon University. He’s authored eight books, including A River Seen Right, Boat, Growers Market and Money Sucks. He also wrote for Sports Illustrated, and you can find many of his articles here.
He’s lived a rich life outside of work - he’s a renowned fly fisherman in Oregon, an Ultra Marathoner, and is still running and exercising at age 82. I’m very grateful for my relationship with him. He’s been a tremendous influence and a great friend for many years.
In this episode we discuss:
Mike’s uniquely intense youth sports experience.
The consequences of overemphasizing youth sports.
The difficult transitions that athletes make, especially the transition out of sports.
Distance running.
Fly fishing and taking advantage of where you happen to live.
Mike’s recent fondness for meditation.
Mike’s first psychedelic experience, and what he thinks of the reemergence of psychedelics into the culture.
What to look for in a college athletic career.
Resources mentioned on the show:
Tracking Down the Deer Runner - New York Times Article
I Am Charlotte Simons - A Novel by Tom Wolfe
If you like the podcast, please consider giving it a review on Apple Podcasts. This helps the podcast reach new listeners. You can also share it on social media, or with those who you think might enjoy it. Thank you!