Athlete Mindset

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii speaks with Myra Sack, an All-American scholar athlete and founder of E-Motion, a nonprofit supporting grieving individuals. Myra shares her journey through grief after losing her daughter, Havi, and discusses the importance of community, rituals, and emotional literacy. Learn how Myra's experiences as an athlete influence her work and how E-Motion makes a difference for those dealing with loss. Discover the collaborations with Women in Soccer and Common Goal to promote emotional literacy in sports.

Myra Sack runs E-Motion, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals through grief. She has led sports-based youth development nonprofits for over a decade and is a dedicated writer, coach, and activist. Myra lives in Boston with her family, honoring the memory of her daughter, Havi, through her impactful work.

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram

Myra Sack: about | LinkedIn | E-Motion | Today article

SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related content:

Touching Loved Ones Through Content Creation | Frank Van Buren

Kelsey O’Connor Turns Medically Retiring Into Motivational Speaking

Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports

Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this third episode of our three-part series, Lisa Bonta Sumii talks with Dan Ourian, CMPC, a certified mental performance consultant and assistant director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. They discuss integrating mental performance coaching into athletic coaching, the significance of mindfulness practices, and the importance of practical placements for students training to become mental performance consultants.

Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC Highlights:

• Importance of mental performance in athletic coaching.
• Tips for youth coaches on improving mental fitness.
• Benefits of mindfulness practices for coaches.
• Role of practical placements in training mental performance consultants.

Memorable Quote: "Recognize that you are a performer in your own right, and your coaching is highly impactful on your athlete's experience."

This 3-part podcast series is titled: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants

Dominican's Applied Sport and Performance Psychology (ASPP) department trains students to be ethical, professional, and culturally competent practitioners who work with performers in a variety of domains. Our program is committed to supporting both the professional and personal growth of students to become practitioners and leaders of Sport and Performance Psychology who integrate the art and science of mental skills training.

About Dan Ourian, CMPC: Dan Ourian is a certified mental performance consultant and the Assistant Director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. With a background in coaching basketball, Dan integrates mental performance principles into athletic coaching, helping develop well-rounded athletes and future mental performance consultants.

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Dan Ourian, CMPC | LinkedIn | Dominican University of California
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to "Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC":

• Part 1 of the series: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Kai Laird, MA, CMPC, LPC
• Part 2 of the series: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius, CMPC
• Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of the Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii is a guest on the Female Footballers Podcast, where she discusses the profound impacts of mental health in sports. She shares insights on the pressures athletes face, the importance of recognizing mental health struggles, and how they intersect with performance on the field.

Female Footballers Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW Highlights:

1. Exploring the critical role mental health plays in sports and athlete performance.
2. Discussion on the unique challenges faced by youth and collegiate athletes.
3. Strategies for coaches and athletes to address mental health proactively.
4. Emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and how to foster it.

Memorable Quote: "Every human has mental health, just like we have physical health. We live on a continuum of how healthy we are and how healthy we feel day-to-day, week to week, month to month."

Female Footballers podcast: Hosted by a dynamic duo focused on mental health in sports, the Female Footballers Podcast creates a vital community for student-athletes. The show features diverse voices from the sports world, offering relatable insights and fostering a supportive space for mental health discussions.

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Female Footballers podcast: website | Apple Podcasts
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related content:

• How NBC Sports’ Premier League Streaming Fuels Soccer in the U.S.
• TLH Reckoning – Women’s Soccer Franchise | Ashlee Fontes-Comber
• US World Cup Series | Soccer: The World’s Most Popular Sport

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of the Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii appears as a guest on the Mental Health Training Room Podcast hosted by Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, former Division I basketball players. Lisa discusses the intersection of mental health and athletic performance, emphasizing mental wellness's role in achieving peak athletic results.

Mental Health Training Room Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW Highlights:

1. The founding of AthMindset and its mission to support athletes through mental health struggles.
2. The differences and synergies between mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants.
3. Practical tips on how athletes can manage performance anxiety and set effective mental health goals.
4. The importance of tailored mental health support that acknowledges the unique pressures faced by athletes.

Memorable Quote:
"Every human being has mental health, just like we have physical health. We live on a continuum of how healthy we are and how healthy we feel from day to day, week to week, month to month."

Mental Health Training Room podcast:

Mental Health Training Room is a podcast hosted by Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, former Division I basketball players. This podcast aims to create a community and safe space for all student-athletes. We want our listeners to find comfort and relatability in their mental health struggles through the conversations that will be held with the variety of guests featured. These people include but are not limited to mental health professionals, current/former athletes, coaches, and academic advisors. While our podcast does not serve as professional help, we hope you can all learn something from each episode and be reminded that you are not alone in this journey. If you are in crisis, please reach out to the suicide hotline at 988.

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Mental Health Training Room Podcast: Buzzsprout | Apple Podcasts
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes:

• Normalizing Mental Health in Sports with Lisa Bonta Sumii
• From The Players Podcast
• Recognizing the Drama in the Ordinary

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii is joined by Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius, a seasoned expert in sport and performance psychology. Dr. Pope-Rhodius, who has spent over three decades in the field, currently leads the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. This episode is part of a three-part series exploring the nuances and depth of sport and performance psychology.

This 3-part podcast series is titled: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants. About:

Dominican's Applied Sport and Performance Psychology (ASPP) department trains students to be ethical, professional, and culturally competent practitioners who work with performers in a variety of domains. Our program is committed to supporting both the professional and personal growth of students to become practitioners and leaders of Sport and Performance Psychology who integrate the art and science of mental skills training.

“Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius” Highlights:

• Dr. Pope-Rhodius outlines the differences between sports psychology, which traditionally deals with athletes and coaches, and performance psychology, a broader field encompassing various high-pressure professions, including the military and emergency services.
• This episode provides insight into how Dominican University’s Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program equips students for success. The program aligns with the CMPC certification, integrating coursework with practical experience.
• We look at the hands-on training involving direct work with teams and individuals to build essential counseling skills, complementing theoretical knowledge with substantial field experience.
• Dr. Pope-Rhodius shares the diverse career paths program graduates often pursue, including roles in the military, sports teams, private practices, and beyond, highlighting the program’s strong industry connections and emphasis on comprehensive career preparation.

About Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius:

• With over thirty years in the field, Dr. Pope-Rhodius has extensively worked with elite performers and now leads the next generation of psychologists as the director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California.
• Dr. Pope-Rhodius is a certified mental performance consultant who specializes in preparing students not only for successful careers but also for the CMPC certification, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet the needs of performers across various sectors.
• Visit the Dominican University of California's official page for more details on Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius's work and the university's programs in sport and performance psychology.

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius, CMPC | LinkedIn | Instagram | Dominican University of California
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to "Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius":

• Part 1 of the series: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Kai Laird, MA, CMPC, LPC
• The Intersection of Sports Psychiatry and Performance with Dr. Wilsa Charles Malveaux
• The Alarming Impact of Powerful Psychiatric Drugs on Mental Health

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii shares insights with Kai Laird, a distinguished figure in sport and performance psychology, as well as a mental health advocate. With an extensive background that bridges athletic performance and mental well-being, Laird brings knowledge and experience to this enlightening conversation.

This 3-part podcast series is titled: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants. About:

Dominican's Applied Sport and Performance Psychology (ASPP) department trains students to be ethical, professional, and culturally competent practitioners who work with performers in a variety of domains. Our program is committed to supporting both the professional and personal growth of students to become practitioners and leaders of Sport and Performance Psychology who integrate the art and science of mental skills training.

“Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Kai Laird” Highlights:

• Kai Laird has a background in sport and performance psychology from the Dominican University of California. His work at The Performance Pursuit explores the nuances of mental performance consulting versus traditional mental health clinical work. His dual expertise offers a unique perspective on optimizing athletes' mental health and performance.
• Laird emphasizes the importance of mental performance consultants establishing a strong referral network, especially for cases requiring more intensive mental health interventions. This approach ensures that athletes receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.
• For those interested in pursuing a career in mental performance consulting, Laird provides valuable advice on education, certification, and the development of a clear professional path. His insights are based on his own experiences and the evolving needs of the field.
• Sharing his journey from Trinidad and Tobago to becoming a leader in his field, Laird discusses his motivations for pursuing dual roles in sport psychology and mental health counseling. His passion for supporting individuals in reaching their potential shines through his work and advocacy.

Presented and produced as part of the podcast network by SportsE Media, the Athlete Mindset podcast focuses on mental health in sports, offering listeners profound insights into overcoming challenges and achieving mental resilience.

About Kai Laird:

• Background: Laird's career is marked by his dedication to helping athletes and high performers achieve their best, both on and off the field. His work spans consulting with diverse clients, from DI colleges to professional athletes, and leading initiatives to improve mental health services.
• Education and Certifications: Holding an M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in Sport and Health Psychology, and a B.S. in Business Management, Laird is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
• Current Roles: As the Managing Director at The Performance Pursuit and the Director of Integrative Health at the WISC, Laird continues to make significant contributions to the fields of sport psychology and mental health counseling.

For more details on Kai Laird's work and the Dominican University of California's programs in sport and performance psychology, you can visit the Performance Pursuit website​ (The Performance Pursuit)​ and the Dominican University's official page​ (Dominican University of California)​​.

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Kai Laird: The Performance Pursuit | X | LinkedIn | Dominican University of California
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to "Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Kai Laird":

• TLH Reckoning – Women’s Soccer Franchise | Ashlee Fontes-Comber
• Michelle Alozie: Navigating the Challenges of College and Professional Soccer
• Kelsey O’Connor Turns Medically Retiring Into Motivational Speaking

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii shares space with Doug Middleton, a six-year NFL veteran and mental health advocate. Doug shares his journey through professional football, his transition to becoming a yoga instructor and studio owner of Dream Yoga and Wellness, and his passionate advocacy for mental health through his leadership of the Dream The Impossible Foundation. From discussing the importance of building relationships and enjoying the journey in the NFL to his passion for yoga and mental health, this episode explores resilience, purpose, and well-being.

This is the Athlete Mindset podcast. And it’s all about mental health in sports. Presented and produced as part of the podcast network by SportsE Media.

"Doug Middleton | From NFL to Mental Health Advocacy and Dream Yoga + Wellness" Highlights:

• Doug Middleton's insights into the critical role of relationships and intangibles in the NFL.
• The significant impact of yoga on physical and mental well-being.
• The importance of mental health advocacy, inspired by personal loss and the desire to support others.
• The mission of the Dream The Impossible Foundation -- to focus on the mental health of African American male student-athletes.
• The perspective and lessons Doug hopes to impart to his daughter, emphasizing faith, positivity, and being present.

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

About Dream Yoga + Wellness and Doug Middleton:

Doug Middleton played 6 years in the NFL. During his career, he learned from some of the best athletes in the world. One common theme across Doug’s career that he observed with these elite athletes was their attention to detail and their personal investment in wellness resources, emphasizing both mind and body, which led to their success on the field. Doug was also able to see that these athletes had access to some of the best medical providers across the country. Dream Yoga and Wellness was created to bring the same luxury wellness resources to those who may never step foot in an NFL locker room but deserve the same level of care. Dream Yoga and Wellness will have 5 minority partners who have also played in the NFL with a combination of over 40 years of NFL experience. These partners also believe in the importance of Yoga, Mental Health, and the focus on investing in one's personal wellness. 

In 2017 Doug Middleton lost his best friend to suicide. This event became a pivotal moment in his life - leading to a passion and purpose in advocating for mental health education and resources. Doug has spoken at numerous corporations, foundations, high schools, and colleges. He has also won numerous awards, including the NFL Community MVP and Appalachian State 2022 Young Alumni Recipient, amongst many others. Doug and his wife also created their foundation, Dream The Impossible, which has helped over 10,000 youth over the past 5 years, connecting them to mental health resources, career and goal-setting education, and financial literacy. Doug discovered yoga in 2014 and became a yoga teacher in early 2022. Doug uses his background in athletics and his experience in mental health to provide a unique yoga experience focusing on mind and body. 

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Doug Middleton: X | Instagram | Dream Yoga + Wellness
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to "Doug Middleton | From NFL to Mental Health Advocacy and Dream Yoga + Wellness":

• Colin Jonov | NFL Was Just the Start
• NFLPA Director of Player Wellness | Amber Cargill, PsyD
• Marques Ogden | Former NFL Player, Servant Leader, Inspirational Speaker

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa shares space with Dr. Brook Choulet, a renowned concierge psychiatrist specializing in sports psychiatry. With a passionate commitment to enhancing the mental health and performance of athletes and high achievers, Dr. Choulet shares her unique approach to psychiatry, her journey into the specialized field of sports psychiatry, and valuable advice for athletes navigating mental health challenges.

This is the Athlete Mindset podcast. And it’s all about mental health in sports. Presented and produced as part of the podcast network by SportsE Media.

Key Points Discussed:

• An introduction to Dr. Choulet’s extensive experience in psychiatry, including her roles with the NBA and WNBA, and her focus on performance psychiatry for athletes and professionals
• Dr. Brook Choulet clarifies common misconceptions about psychiatry and discusses the critical difference between psychotherapy and psychiatry in treating athletes.
• The importance of teamwork between psychotherapists and psychiatrists in providing comprehensive care for athletes, including how they can complement each other’s work.
• Addressing athletes' fears about medication, dependency, and side effects, and the importance of personalized care and monitoring.
• Dr. Choulet outlines her concierge psychiatry model, emphasizing accessibility and tailored care without the constraints of traditional psychiatric services.
• Founding the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry: The motivation behind establishing a standardized certification for sports psychiatrists to ensure athletes have access to specialized, ethical care.
• Brook shares her entrepreneurial journey in psychiatry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of starting her practice and her vision for providing exceptional patient-centered care.
• The significance of maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life for mental health professionals and their ability to effectively care for athletes.

Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

About Dr. Brook Choulet:

Meet Dr. Brook Choulet, The Performance Psychiatrist -- renowned for her exceptional concierge psychiatry services tailored to high-achievers in demanding roles, including professionals, elite athletes, and artists. Dr. Choulet is dedicated to enhancing mental health and optimizing performance through personalized care. Her unique approach includes in-home and on-site visits, ensuring utmost discretion and convenience for her patients.

With specialized training in sports psychiatry, Dr. Choulet has served notable roles with the NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, earning her recognition as a trusted mental health clinician. Her commitment to excellence has been acknowledged with awards such as Best Psychiatrist by AZ Foothills Magazine and Top Doc in Psychiatry by Phoenix Magazine.

Dr. Choulet's mission is to help her patients excel in all life areas by providing direct, accessible, and evidence-based care tailored to each individual's needs.

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Dr. Brook Choulet: LinkedIn | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to "Mental Strength with Dr. Brooke Choulet":

• Sports Mindset in Business | Winning Through Culture
• Dr. Jessica Bartley, Director of Mental Health for Team USA
• Mental Health in Youth Sports

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

An Athlete Mindset special episode featuring Lisa Bonta Summi's thoughts on the importance of therapy.

In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii discusses the following topics:

• The importance of seeking out a mental health professional.
• Therapy does not make you weak, and you don’t have to tell everything to your therapist.
• You can engage in preventative therapy; you don’t have to wait for something to happen.
• You can go through a consultation with a therapist to know if it’s a good fit.
• Friends are not a substitute for therapy; both are really important. 

Thank you for being part of the Athlete Mindset show!

Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii and AthMindset: LinkedIn | Instagram | AthMindset website
• Presented by SportsE Media | a digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports: TikTok | Instagram | X

An Athlete Mindset podcast episode featuring Ashlee Fontes-Comber, the founder and CEO of TLH Reckoning and the former president of United Soccer Coaches. TLH Reckoning, also known as Tallahassee Reckoning, is a professionally operated women’s soccer franchise breaking geographic and institutional barriers. TLH Reckoning is inspired by the generations of elite talent in Tallahassee, Florida. They are part of the USL W.

In this episode, Ashlee Fontes-Comber and Lisa Bonta Sumii discuss the following topics:

• How Ashlee is helping create opportunities for others
• Working to bring soccer to underserved areas
• The first female of color to become the president of the United Soccer Coaches
• Learning how to exemplify your values every day -- and serving your family
• The importance of finding things outside of sports that fulfill you
• Why it’s important that coaches fully support their players
• TLH Reckoning Women's Soccer Franchise
• The United Soccer Coaches Convention

Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

About Ashlee Fontes-Comber of TLH Reckoning:

• Over 24 years of experience in the sports industry
• Founder and CEO of TLH Reckoning, a groundbreaking women’s soccer franchise
• Proven track record in building and revitalizing women’s soccer organizations at various levels
• Elected as the first female of color President in the history of United Soccer Coaches
• Pursuing a PhD in Sport Management from Florida State University and holds soccer coach certifications from United Soccer Coaches

Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

• Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• Ashlee Fontes-Comber: LinkedIn
• SportsE Media:  TikTok | Instagram | X

Related episodes to "TLH Reckoning - Women's Soccer Franchise | Ashlee Fontes-Comber":

• Michelle Alozie: Navigating the Challenges of College and Professional Soccer
• Yale Women’s Soccer with Mia Grillo and Reina Bonta | + Student-Athletes & Mental Health
• US World Cup Series | Soccer: The World’s Most Popular Sport

Music credit:

• Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW | CEO & Founder of AthMindset®

• Specializes in athlete mental health, covering clinical and performance aspects for a wide range of clients, including elite youth, collegiate athletes, Olympians, professionals, and sports teams.
• Serves as the first-ever Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, collaborating with the Technical Team and Sports Medicine staff.
• Listed in prestigious directories including the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Mental Health Registry, NFL Player Association’s Clinician Directory, and Major League Rugby Mental Health and Wellness Directory.
• Founded AthMindset®, offering athlete-centered mental health services with a team of licensed clinicians and consultants across several states.
• Host of the Athlete Mindset Podcast and co-host of Roots Radio; a frequent keynote and TEDx speaker with national and international engagements.
• Quoted in major publications like Time Magazine, Teen Vogue, and Women’s Health Magazine; featured on BBC World News and Radio Bliss in Jordan.
• Author of "The AthMindset® Workbook: Training your mind for optimal mental health in sport and in life."
• Holds a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work and an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
• Proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.