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 storie

Support the show

☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk!

Join Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for honest conversations on sports, leadership, community, sustainability, and progress. Follow, watch, and engage — your voice matters.

📲 Follow & Engage with Us:

🔹 Spotify (Video Channel) → Watch Episodes on Spotify
🔹 YouTube (Video Channel) → Subscribe & Watch Full Interviews
🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST
🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 LinkedIn → Join the Conversation
🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 Substack → Exclusive Content & Updates

Your Voice Matters!

🎤 Got feedback or a topic request?

We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Send your thoughts here

💡 Support the Podcast
Fuel our mission of honest storytelling and real impact.