One of the great innovators of the sport of wrestling, 'Funky' Ben Askren pushed the limits of folkstyle scrambling during his incredible wrestling career at the University of Missouri. Askren was a four-time NCAA finalist and a two-time NCAA Champion, in 2006 and 2007 at 174-pounds, winning the Hodge Trophy in both seasons. Askren was instrumental in leading the Brian Smith-coached Tiger program to national prominence.
Ben Askren | The Bader Show (Ep. 459)
Oct 21, 2025
Ben Askren continues to make progress in his recovery from a double lung transplant, he's having more good days in a row than he was prior.
0:40 - Had a great workout and more good days than bad
3:00 - How sensitive is his chest/scar?
4:20 - Coaching from the chair
6:15 - AWA success, make the kids enjoy it
8:55 - Don’t cut any/much weight
10:00 - Don’t over compete
10:50 - LIttle to no 8th grade national success
12:15 - Mitchell Mesenbrink, take days off
13:20 - Making the wrestling room a place they love being in
14:00 - Dan Gable philosophy was meant for adults
16:20 - “They don’t go hard enough” (Stand up to the parents)
17:35 - Reading athletes and knowing what they need
19:15 - Adults talking to adults vs adults talking to kids
21:35 - Sinclair vs Ferrari at National Duals
23:44 - RAF02
28:50 - If you build it they will come
33:50 - RIP Duke Rufus
