In this episode, I talk with CJ Lewis, who was a standout baseball athlete for Normal West High School in Illinois, and Jackson State University Alum.

After transferring schools multiple times, coping with the tragic loss of a friend to suicide, and stepping far outside his comfort zone, he opens up about the hidden struggles many young athletes face. From identity loss and mental health battles to the courage to open up about mental health.

We explore:

• ​The mental toll of transferring teams and adjusting to new environments.
• ​How losing a close friend to suicide reshaped his outlook on life and mental health.
• ​The personal growth that comes from leaving behind the familiar.
• ​What therapy looked like for him, and advice for athletes afraid to take that first step.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers an honest look at the mental health realities behind high school sports in Illinois and beyond.

In this Coats in Conversation, I speak with former Illinois State University student athletes, Jaden Johnson. Jaden opens up about the layered grief that followed the end of his athletic career. He shares the heartbreaking story of losing a close friend who was silently battling mental health challenges, the emotional toll of a career impacting injury, and the struggle to redefine his identity beyond the sport.

We also discuss the challenges of finding a therapist who looks like him and truly understands his cultural background and why representation in mental health care is so important. This powerful conversation sheds light on the hidden pain many athletes carry and the resilience it takes to heal, grow, and move forward. A must-listen for athletes, mental health professionals, and anyone navigating loss, identity, or transition.

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https:⁠//podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠

Check out previous episodes

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠

⁠⁠https:⁠//open.spotify.com/episode/7ylCASBktvEZkKycjJrMSR?si=EYhuqidyQiaRwhc_H0PyAA⁠⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠https:/⁠/open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=2LevE8JNRx2-8zYCTziWnw⁠⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois.

Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

Ever wondered what EMDR therapy really is and why so many people are turning to it for mental clarity and breakthrough results?

In this episode, I speak with Stacy Stoodard, A licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR Therapist and Trainer, to break down Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in simple terms, bust the biggest myths about it, and explore how athletes, executives, and other high achievers are using EMDR to overcome trauma, anxiety, and performance blocks.

We also discuss tips on what people should be looking out for when searching for an EMDR therapist. This episode is for you if you’re healing from past wounds or looking to level up your mental game.

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Check out previous episodes

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ylCASBktvEZkKycjJrMSR?si=EYhuqidyQiaRwhc_H0PyAA⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=2LevE8JNRx2-8zYCTziWnw⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate based in Bloomington, Illinois who works with couples and athletes in Alabama and Illinois. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

In this episode, we sit down with a Franchesca Smith, a student athlete at Illinois Wesleyan University to talk about the real impact of sports injuries on performance and mental health. We dive into what it's like navigating life at a predominantly white institution (PWI), the challenges of being a Black athlete in those spaces, and how identity shifts during and after sports. If you've ever faced injury, identity struggles, or felt unseen as an athlete, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠ / @kendriquecoats

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Check out previous episodes

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ylCASBktvEZkKycjJrMSR?si=EYhuqidyQiaRwhc_H0PyAA⁠⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=2LevE8JNRx2-8zYCTziWnw⁠⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in the state of Alabama and Illinois. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

In this episode of Coats in Conversation, therapists Eric Stevenson, LCPC, CMPC, and Kendrique Coats, LMFTA, discuss athletes' mental performance, the crucial roles of anxiety management, emotional regulation, resilience, and navigating toxic sports cultures.

Listeners will gain insight into the hidden struggles athletes face, including performance anxiety, perfectionism, and the impact of toxic coaching environments. Eric also shares his experiences working with athletes and some tools he uses to help athletes improve their mental performance.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports parent, this episode sheds light on the mental challenges of sports and the importance of mental performance training to enhance confidence, focus, and resilience both on and off the field.

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠ / @kendriquecoats

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Check out previous episodes

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ylCASBktvEZkKycjJrMSR?si=EYhuqidyQiaRwhc_H0PyAA⁠

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=2LevE8JNRx2-8zYCTziWnw⁠

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠⁠ is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate in the state of Alabama and Illinois. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with a University of Tennessee track and field athlete, Myrèanna Bebe to discuss the mental health struggles athletes face both on and off the track.

We dive deep into identity in sports, the challenges of grieving the loss of a loved one, and how athletes navigate mental health, pressure, and performance expectations.

Our conversation sheds light on the emotional toll of balancing competition and personal struggles, the importance of seeking support, and how athletes can find strength through adversity.

If you're an athlete, coach, or fan looking to understand the mental health journey in sports, this episode is for you!

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠ / @kendriquecoats

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Check out previous episodes

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ylCASBktvEZkKycjJrMSR?si=EYhuqidyQiaRwhc_H0PyAA

Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6la9xzxIPeSvDKq0yE8efs?si=2LevE8JNRx2-8zYCTziWnw

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠⁠Kendrique Coats⁠⁠ is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate in the state of Alabama and Illinois. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

What does it take to survive the mental and physical challenges of D1 athletics? In this Coats in Conversation, we sit down with Wayne Lawrence, a former University of Kentucky track athlete turned coach to discuss the struggles of transferring schools, navigating injuries, and the mental health challenges that come with elite competition.

He shares his personal journey of overcoming setbacks, the emotional toll of being an injured athlete, and the lack of mental health representation in college sports. If you're an athlete, coach, or sports fan, this is a must-listen conversation about resilience, identity, and the reality of mental health in competitive sports.

Tune in for insights on mental toughness, athlete well-being, and what needs to change in college athletics to better support student-athletes. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠ / @kendriquecoats

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5X3Mi6o...

Check out previous episodes

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ylC...

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠Kendrique Coats⁠ is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate in the state of Alabama and Illinois. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

In today’s Coats in Conversation, I sit down with Jenoah Mckiver, a former University of Iowa track athlete and current University of Florida track star, to explore his journey of overcoming multiple injuries.

Jenoah shares how mental resilience, the unwavering support of his family, and the guidance of his therapist and track coach at the University of Florida have been instrumental in his recovery and growth. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletes, and parents seeking to understand the mental and emotional toll injuries take on high performers. Towards the end of this conversation, we explore the importance of athlete mental health, the role of a strong support system, and the strategies that helped Jenoah not just heal but thrive.

Tune in to gain insights into the mindset needed to rebound from setbacks and the significance of surrounding yourself with the right people. This conversation sheds light on the resilience behind performance.

Jenoah Mckiver Track: https://floridagators.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/jenoah-mckiver/17386

Jenoah Mckiver sets record: https://sports.yahoo.com/mckiver-sets-world-record-mens-045900176.html

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠ / @kendriquecoats

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5X3Mi6o...

Check out previous episodes

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ylC...

About Kendrique Coats: ⁠Kendrique Coats⁠ is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate in the state of Alabama. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation #Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy #podcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

In this Coats in Conversation episode, the host, Kendrique Coats, sits down with Dylann Lowery who is a licensed therapist and a doctoral student at Florida State University. We discuss the effects of childhood trauma and the complexities of domestic violence. We also explore how early childhood experiences of adversity can shape mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

In the second part of this conversation , Dylann shares the nuances of domestic violence and the difficulty many people face with leaving abusive relationships. Whether you’ve experienced these challenges personally, know someone who has, or work in a supportive role, I hope you gain insight and value from today's conversation.

Why Listen?

• ​Gain a deeper understanding of childhood trauma and its lifelong impact.
• ​Learn about the signs, cycles, and complexities of domestic violence.

 Resources for Support:

• ​National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | www.thehotline.org
• ​Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453) | www.childhelp.org
• ​

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠ @kendriquecoats Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5X3Mi6o...Like Kendrique Coats on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠ / kendriquecoats⁠⁠⁠ Like Kendrique Coats on Threads: ⁠⁠⁠ / kendriquec⁠⁠⁠ Like Kendrique Coats on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠ / kendriquecoats⁠⁠⁠ Like Kendrique Coats on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠ / kendriquecoats⁠⁠⁠ Check out previous episodes:

Mental Health in Black MenElevating Athlete's Mental Health

About Kendrique Coats: Kendrique Coats is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate in the state of Alabama. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation#Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.

In this episode of Coats in Conversation, I sit down with Nelson Graves https://www.instagram.com/shrewdnels?igsh=eDhjbGFkc25wOThs, a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Georgia. We discuss the mental health of Black men, how Black men navigate seeking out therapy, and the nuances of anxiety and depression in Black men.

This episode is for people interested in better understanding mental health as it related to Black men.

Subscribe to get the latest Coats in Conversation content: ⁠⁠⁠   / @kendriquecoats  

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5X3Mi6o...

Like Kendrique Coats on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠  / kendriquecoats⁠⁠⁠  

Like Kendrique Coats on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠  / kendriquec⁠⁠⁠  

Like Kendrique Coats on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠  / kendriquecoats⁠⁠⁠  

Like Kendrique Coats on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠  / kendriquecoats⁠⁠⁠  

Check out previous episodes:

Mental health in the Black Community: ⁠⁠⁠   • Mental Health Stigma in the Black Com...  

Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ylC...

About Kendrique Coats:

Kendrique Coats is a certified life coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate in Alabama. Content on this page focuses on lifestyle, mental health, and educational topics. The goal is to provide the tools and resources you need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Subscribe to the Coats in Conversation channel to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and join the conversation#Mentalhealth #blackculture #therapy

Disclaimer:

This podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services. Kendrique Coats, Coats in Conversation, or any guest featured in this podcast, is not liable for any changes you make to your mental health plan without consulting a trained professional. If you require mental health support, please contact a licensed mental health professional. In case of an emergency, please call your local emergency services immediately.