Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, community, and progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the sports industry, this podcast isn’t about preaching or claiming to have all the answers. Instead, it’s a platform for honest, thought-provoking conversations exploring how to create positive, actionable change in and through sports.
Born from a passion for progress, Pre-Zero Sports Talk explores the pressing topics shaping our world today—leadership, innovation, community impact, performance and well-being, regenerative agriculture, governance, and more. Each episode goes beyond the surface, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives.
This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues—conversations that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark action. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, industry leader, or someone seeking to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, entertains, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in building a cleaner, safer, and more connected world—one episode at a time.
Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Breakdown, Bipolar, and the Rugby Comeback – Tyler Kania
- CONTENT WARNING -
"This episode contains open and honest conversations about mental illness, substance use, and suicide. Some of these stories may be difficult to hear. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if needed."
In Episode 60, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Tyler Kania, former rugby player, author of The Maniac with No Knees, and a raw, unfiltered mental health advocate. What follows is one of our most vulnerable and powerful conversations yet.
Tyler opens up about his journey through undiagnosed Bipolar I Disorder, life-altering injuries, institutionalization, suicide attempts, and the road back to rugby. He shares how writing his book during a manic episode helped him process trauma, find purpose, and advocate for others living with severe mental health conditions.
This episode is a deep dive into resilience, identity loss, and what it takes to survive when everything falls apart—and how rugby, community, and storytelling helped Tyler pull back.
00:00 Content Warning
00:01 Introduction to Tyler Kania
00:59 Tyler’s Journey into Rugby
01:20 Future Projects & Writing
02:35 Leadership and Fly Half Role
03:37 Super Bowl Thoughts
04:32 Pre-Injury Dreams and Ambitions
07:18 Mental Health Struggles
08:49 Return to Rugby
15:35 Bipolar Disorder Journey
23:51 Support from Community
26:54 Writing The Maniac with No Knees
29:53 The Writing Process and Mania
30:26 Structuring the Book
31:12 Challenges and Introspection
31:44 Support and Editing
32:20 Understanding the Journey
34:00 Mental Health Hospital Experience
35:07 Outpatient Therapy
36:15 Transition to Coaching
37:35 Mental Health in Sports
38:52 Stigma in Male Athletes
40:35 Support for Players
45:06 Personal Growth and Success
47:57 Lightning Round
54:27 Final Thoughts & Contact Info
- Learn more about Tyler → https://www.tylerkania.com/
🎧 Listen now on all platforms and watch the full video on YouTube and Spotify.
📩 Subscribe, share, and leave a review—your support helps us keep telling stories that matter.
☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk!
Join Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real sports, leadership, and progress conversations. Follow us, share your thoughts, and be part of the movement:
📲 Follow & Engage with Us:
🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST
🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 YouTube → Subscribe & Watch Full Episodes
🔹 LinkedIn → Join the Conversation
🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 Substack → Read & Subscribe to Exclusive Content
Your Voice Matters!
Got feedback, suggestions, or a topic you'd love us to cover? We want to hear from you!
Fuel Our Mission → Help us continue bringing honest conversations and impactful storytelling. Support the podcast here.
Let’s reshape the conversation and drive real change in sports. Every voice counts—what’s your take?
