In this episode, Dr. Naser sat down with Dr. Valdes to explore the mindset, mentorship, and multidisciplinary approach behind building a successful performance and rehab facility for athletes. From his path through the University of Florida, University of Miami, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Detroit Pistons to founding Movement Lab in Miami Lakes, Dr. Valdes shares how communication, trust, and strong foundational principles shape better outcomes for athletes. We discuss why great mentors matter, how he blends physical therapy and strength and conditioning under one roof, and why collaboration across rehab, performance, and mental health is so important. He also breaks down the impact of early sports specialization, how to know when an athlete is truly ready to return to play, and why fear, trust, and buy-in can shape recovery just as much as physical readiness. If you care about athlete performance, injury recovery, mental health, and long-term development, this conversation is full of practical insight and real-world perspective.

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:45 Dr. Valdes's Journey in Sports Physical Therapy
• 04:12 Transition to Professional Sports
• 08:56 Building a Multidisciplinary Approach
• 26:55 Impact of Early Specialization in Sports
• 29:53 Return to Play Process
• 33:38 The Role of Mental Health and Performance

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Disclaimer: Guests appearing on the Behavior of Sport™ podcast do so solely in their personal capacity, and their participation does not constitute or imply endorsement, affiliation or sponsorship by any team, league, employer, or organization with which they are affiliated, including organizations within professional sports leagues. All statements, perspectives, and opinions expressed during podcast episodes are those of the individual speakers and are provided for discussion and informational purposes only. They should not be interpreted as official positions, policies, or statements of any team, league, organization, or governing body. Content presented on Behavior of Sport™ podcast is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as organizational guidance or performance directives for any team, athlete, or staff member. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or behavioral professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have. This podcast and all related content produced by Alicia Naser LLC are independent of and not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All materials are the intellectual property of Alicia Naser LLC and are protected under U.S. and international copyright law. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this material without explicit written consent is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of Behavior of Sport Podcast, Dr. Alicia Naser sits down with Will Morlock, Director of Athletic Performance for Michigan State University men’s hockey, to talk about what it really takes to train elite hockey players. From offseason development and on-ice speed work to athlete feedback, testing, and the balance between data and coaching intuition, this conversation breaks down the science and art of performance in a way that’s practical, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in real-world experience. Will shares his unusual path into performance coaching, including his background in soccer, his master’s degree in the UK, and the long road from unpaid internships to working with collegiate and national team athletes. He also explains how he approaches training differently depending on the athlete, why the ice matters more than the gym in hockey, and how he builds trust and buy-in through communication, flexibility, and individualized programming.

Takeaways

• Early morning workouts allow Will Morlock to spend time with his family before training athletes.
• The path to success in the sports industry involves sacrifice, delayed reinforcement, and a slow burn of experience and knowledge. Player development in hockey involves a comprehensive approach to physical training, including body composition, power, and speed. Mental resilience and competitive spirit are crucial for success in the sport.
• The use of technology and data in training programs should be balanced with the coach's experience and intuition, and athlete feedback is essential for program effectiveness.

Chapters

• 00:00 Balancing Personal Life and Training
• 03:12 Transition from Soccer to Hockey
• 09:05 Training Philosophy and Player Motivation
• 10:32 Educational Background and Career Path
• 17:06 Comparison of Sports Science Systems
• 20:15 Assessment and Training for Speed
• 39:59 Preparing for National Team or College Hockey Camp

Disclaimer: Guests appearing on the Blades & Behavior™ podcast do so solely in their personal capacity, and their participation does not constitute or imply endorsement, affiliation or sponsorship by any team, league, employer, or organization with which they are affiliated, including organizations within professional sports leagues. Guest appearances do not indicate that individuals featured on the podcast are clients of Dr. Naser. All statements, perspectives, and opinions expressed during podcast episodes are those of the individual speakers and are provided for discussion and informational purposes only. They should not be interpreted as official positions, policies, or statements of any team, league, organization, or governing body. Content presented on the Blades & Behavior™ podcast is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as organizational guidance or performance directives for any team, athlete, or staff member. The content contained in this podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical, psychological, or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or behavioral professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have. This podcast and all related content produced by Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ are independent of and not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All materials are the intellectual property of Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ and are protected under U.S. and international copyright law.

The conversation covers topics such as preparation and connection, daily routines and workouts, emotional intelligence in sports, disconnecting from emotions, emotional maturity in athletes, language and communication, pressure and goal setting, the brilliance of silence, the concept of goal setting, and understanding barriers to success. The conversation delves into the complexities of self-awareness, identity, and the role of external support in fostering self-awareness. It also explores the impact of criticism, beliefs, and superstitions on self-awareness and performance in high-performance settings.

Chapters

• 00:00 Preparation and Connection
• 01:10 Daily Routine and Workouts
• 03:05 Emotional Intelligence in Sports
• 05:06 Disconnecting from Emotions
• 07:02 Emotional Maturity in Athletes
• 09:23 Language and Communication
• 17:02 Pressure and Goal Setting
• 22:01 The Brilliance of Silence
• 25:03 The Concept of Goal Setting
• 29:20 Understanding Barriers to Success
• 29:25 Self-Awareness and Identity
• 31:00 Self-Reflection and External Support
• 33:00 Seeking External Perspective
• 35:59 Navigating Criticism and Beliefs
• 39:58 Superstition vs. Routine
• 54:20 The Psychology of Superstition and Routine
• 57:07 Understanding Positive and Negative Reinforcement
• 01:00:22 The Impact of Coaching Strategies on Performance
• 01:04:29 The Role of Superstition and Routine in Sports
• 01:05:51 Coaching Analogies and Their Impact
• 01:13:48 The Philosophy of the Game

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https://doctoralicianaser.com

Disclaimer: All statements, perspectives, and opinions expressed during podcast episodes are those of the individual speakers and are provided for discussion and informational purposes only. They should not be interpreted as official positions, policies, or statements of any team, league, organization, or governing body. Content presented on Behavior of Sport podcast is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as organizational guidance or performance directives for any team, athlete, or staff member. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or behavioral professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have. This podcast and all related content produced by The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ are independent of and not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All materials are the intellectual property of The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ and are protected under U.S. and international copyright law. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this material without explicit written consent is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of The Behavior of Sport podcast, Dr. Naser sits down with Guilherme Von Cüpper, licensed FIFA agent and the Director of Berlin Sports Group.

Guilherme shares his extensive experience the within the global football industry. Discover how mental health is transforming from taboo to essential in high-performance sports and learn the importance of holistic athlete care.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview

00:05 - Guilherme's background and multifaceted roles in football

00:43 - The importance of holistic athlete development

01:34 - The rise of mental performance in football globally

02:52 - How clubs evaluate psychological resilience in scouting

03:25 - The impact of culture, language, and religion on athlete adaptation

04:22 - The mental health challenges faced by young athletes transitioning to international stage

05:45 - The stigma around discussing mental health in sports

06:17 - Personal stories of mental health struggles among top athletes like Thierry Henry

07:43 - The role of sports psychologists and personalized mental health support

10:02 - The future of athlete-agent relationships focusing on well-being

11:05 - The importance of comprehensive support including family and entourage

12:09 - The significance of words and cultural differences on mental health

13:04 - How tech innovations aid athlete adaptation and performance analysis

14:28 - The increasing importance of mental health evaluation during scouting

15:27 - Leading by example: leadership and team dynamics in sports

16:50 - The influence of cultural and religious backgrounds on athlete integration

17:41 - The role of language learning and technological tools in global sports

19:40 - The role of sports psychologists in addressing trauma and mental health issues

22:37 - Changing perceptions of mental health and performance in sports across generations

23:50 - Differentiating mental health and mental performance for athletes

26:11 - The darker side: mental health struggles like depression and suicidal thoughts among players

27:03 - The importance of safe mental health spaces and the role of sports psychologists

28:38 - The impact of social media and online abuse on young athletes

31:14 - Challenges faced by youth transitioning from local to international stages

33:00 - The importance of surround support: family, agents, and mentors

36:49 - Developing a balanced mindset and intrinsic motivation in young athletes

39:37 - The influence of social media, lifestyle, and generational shifts on athlete mentality

42:14 - Closing remarks: supporting women in football and evolving the sport’s mental health efforts

Connect with Guilherme van Cupper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guilherme-von-cüpper-08579b51/ 

Dr. Nasers links: https://linktr.ee/alicianaser 

Sign up for Dr. Naser's monthly newsletter: https://doctoralicianaser.beehiiv.com/

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In this episode of Blades & Behavior™️ Dr. Alicia Naser sits down with Mike Futa, former Assistant GM of the LA Kings and and current co-host of Sportsnet The FAN Hockey Show, exploring the nuances of talent evaluation, character, and mental toughness in hockey. They share rich stories from Futa's career, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, courage, and environment in developing elite athletes.

➡️Talent evaluation and the importance of character
➡️The role of environment in shaping behavior and success
➡️Stories of NHL players
➡️The mental toughness and courage required in professional hockey
➡️The evolution of scouting and player development in the NHL
➡️ Winning is about character and environment
➡️ There’s no analytic to measure character
➡️ Scouting for authenticity and courage

Chapters
05:09 Trade Deadline Insights and Player Performance
05:55 The Journey of Building a Winning Team
08:47 Character and Talent in Player Evaluation
11:40 Wayne Simmons: A Case Study in Overcoming Adversity
14:47 The Importance of Mental Toughness in Hockey
17:49 The Role of Character in Team Dynamics
20:47 Evolving Perspectives on Player Evaluation
23:25 The Shift from Individualism to Teamwork in Hockey
32:20 The Evolution of Scouting and Player Evaluation
36:52 Character vs. Skill: The Scouting Dilemma
41:47 The Importance of Environment in Player Development
46:44 Defining Winning: Perspectives on Success
51:36 Authenticity and Courage in Sports

Dr. Nasers links: https://linktr.ee/alicianaser
Sign up for Dr. Naser's monthly newsletter: https://doctoralicianaser.beehiiv.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/doctoralicianaser
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicianaser/

Disclaimer: Content presented on the Blades & Behavior™ podcast is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as organizational guidance or performance directives for any team, athlete, or staff member. The content contained in this podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical, psychological, or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or behavioral professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have. This podcast and all related content produced by Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ are independent of and not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All materials are the intellectual property of Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ and are protected under U.S. and international copyright law. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this material without explicit written consent is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of Blades & Behavior™️, Dr. Naser sits down with Scott Morrison, Assistant Coach for the Utah Jazz, to discuss maintaining peak performance behind the scenes in professional basketball. They explore the often overlooked role of support staff in high-performance environments and the mental and emotional skills required to consistently operate at an elite level.

Scott shares insights from his coaching career, including how support staff build mental resilience, regulate emotions under pressure, and develop habits that support high-performing athletes. The conversation highlights psychological flexibility, learning from mistakes without self-criticism, and the balance between confidence and humility in high-performance roles.

Dr. Naser and Scott also discuss how routines evolve throughout an NBA season, how professionals adapt mental preparation from training camp to regular season competition, and how emotional awareness helps staff support athletes while maintaining team dynamics. They also reflect on the unseen contributions of support professionals and the rewarding aspects of working within elite sports organizations.

This episode provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on the people and processes that support excellence in professional sports. Whether you work with athletes or operate in another high-performance field, the discussion emphasizes resilience, self-trust, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

Key topics include mental health and habits for support staff, strategies for psychological flexibility and learning from mistakes, the role of confidence and humility in high-performance environments, emotional regulation for supporting athletes and managing team dynamics, evolving routines across an NBA season, and the often unseen impact of support staff.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and the importance of support staff in basketball
02:00 Scott Morrison’s background and role with the Utah Jazz
03:50 Daily routines and balancing work with family life
04:55 Mental health and developing good habits
05:45 Psychological flexibility in high-pressure environments
07:00 Learning from mistakes without self-criticism
08:30 Mistakes vs. part of the game in basketball
09:50 Confidence and humility in high performance
11:05 Emotional regulation strategies for staff and athletes
13:00 Building self-trust as a professional
14:00 Self-awareness and trusting your abilities
15:50 Challenges and rewards of the support role
20:00 Evolving mental readiness strategies across NBA seasons
22:00 Training camp vs regular season routines
23:50 Understanding support staff contributions
26:00 Lessons learned and rewarding aspects of the role

Dr. Naser’s links:
https://linktr.ee/alicianaser

Newsletter:
https://doctoralicianaser.beehiiv.com/

Disclaimer: Guests appear on the Blades & Behavior™ podcast in their personal capacity and participation does not imply endorsement or affiliation with any team, league, employer, or organization. Content is for informational and discussion purposes only and is not medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals for medical or behavioral health concerns. This podcast is produced by Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All materials are protected under U.S. and international copyright law.

In this episode of Blades & Behavior™️, Dr. Naser sits down with Mike Maresca, manual therapist for the Carolina Hurricanes, to discuss what it takes to support elite athletes behind the scenes. They explore the often overlooked role of support staff in the NHL and the mental skills required to operate in a high performance environment.

Dr. Naser and Mike discuss mental resilience, emotional regulation, confidence, and self trust when working closely with professional athletes throughout a demanding season. They also explore how routines evolve during training camp and the regular season, how support staff navigate mistakes and pressure, and the importance of psychological flexibility in professional sports.

Key topics include:
• Mental health and habits for support staff working with high performers
• Psychological flexibility and handling mistakes as part of the game
• Confidence, humility, and self trust in high performance roles
• Emotional regulation when supporting athletes and team environments
• How routines and mental preparation evolve throughout an NHL season
• Behind the scenes responsibilities that often go unnoticed
• Lessons learned from six seasons supporting NHL athletes

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and the importance of support staff in hockey
02:00 Mike Maresca’s background and role with the Carolina Hurricanes
03:50 Daily routines and balancing work with family life
04:55 Mental health and habit development
05:45 Psychological flexibility in high pressure environments
07:00 Learning from mistakes without self criticism
08:30 Mistakes vs part of the game in hockey
09:50 Confidence and humility in high performance
11:05 Emotional regulation strategies
13:00 Building self trust and confidence
14:00 Self awareness and trusting your abilities
15:50 Challenges and rewards of professional sports support roles
20:00 Mental readiness across six NHL seasons
22:00 Routine adjustments during training camp vs season
23:50 Misunderstandings about support staff contributions
26:00 Lessons learned and rewarding aspects of the role

This episode highlights the behind the scenes work that supports athletic excellence at the highest level. Whether you work in sports or other high performance environments, the conversation emphasizes resilience, emotional intelligence, and self trust.

Dr. Naser’s links:
https://linktr.ee/alicianaser
Newsletter: https://doctoralicianaser.beehiiv.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/doctoralicianaser
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@alicianaser
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/behavioral-sports-psychology-7147731671646150657/

Disclaimer: Guests appear in a personal capacity and participation does not imply endorsement or affiliation with any team, league, or employer. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers and are for informational and discussion purposes only. Content is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance. Blades & Behavior™️ is produced by Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright law.

Harry Mahesh, Assistant Coach of the AHL Abbotsford Canucks delves into the role of a coach and the strategies used to manage and support players. It explores the challenges of balancing player urgency with growth, identifying skill deficits versus mental blocks, and adapting coaching to individual player needs. The importance of communication and accountability in coaching is also highlighted. The conversation delves into the mental performance and emotional regulation of coaches, highlighting the importance of managing emotions, balancing work and personal life, and understanding the impact of emotional regulation in high-stakes sports.

Takeaways

• Player Development
• Coaching Strategies Mental Performance
• Emotional Regulation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Role Description
• 07:03 Adapting Coaching to Individual Player Needs
• 12:34 Communication and Accountability in Coaching
• 28:10 The Mental Performance of a Coach
• 40:14 Emotional Regulation in High-Stakes Sports

https://linktr.ee/alicianaser