In this episode, Blake Shapen shares his journey as a college athlete, starting with his introduction to the ZenGame Podcast and learning to trust the process. He discusses eligibility, high school sports experiences, and recruitment. Blake talks about balancing baseball and football, his transition from Baylor to Mississippi State, and the SEC fan base. He reflects on adjusting to a new playbook, social media's impact on rivalry games like the Egg Bowl, and a potential baseball career. Insights from Coach Lisa Stone on athlete academics and mental health are also covered. The episode concludes with a season outlook and future episode teasers.

(0:00) Blake Shapen on learning to trust the process and introduction to ZenGame Podcast

(1:25) Blake's eligibility and emotions about the extra year

(3:51) Blake's high school sports journey and recruitment process

(7:08) Balancing and choosing between baseball and football

(13:36) Transition from Baylor to Mississippi State

(19:30) SEC fan base, atmosphere, and heckling experiences

(24:55) Adjusting to a new playbook and coaching at Mississippi State

(29:57) Considering a career in baseball and lessons from injuries

(40:18) Approaching the Egg Bowl: Rivalry dynamics and social media impact

(43:05) Sponsor: Gatorade

(43:30) Coach Lisa Stone's coaching journey and managing athlete academics

(44:55) Mental health resources and community support for athletes

(46:00) Season outlook and future episode teasers