On this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob dive into a topic that shows up in sports far more often than people realize: abandonment. For some athletes, sports become a safe place — a space to find support from coaches and teammates when relationships at home are strained or distant. For others, the feeling of abandonment comes when a coach they trusted suddenly leaves, often causing athletes to question themselves, their value, and what they meant to that coach.

Alex and Rob unpack the emotional impact of both experiences — the loss of support at home and the loss of stability within a team. This week’s conversation also highlights the recent news surrounding Lane Kiffin accepting a new coaching position, using it as a real-time example to explore how players might feel, react, and process the change.

It’s a powerful discussion about connection, trust, and what young athletes go through behind the scenes.

Catch this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS.

In this episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob tackle an important and often misunderstood topic in sports: ADHD in athletes. From youth leagues to college competition, many players navigate attention challenges, impulsivity, and overstimulation — all while trying to perform at a high level.

This conversation explores how ADHD can impact focus, communication, emotional regulation, and consistency on the field — but also how it can be a competitive strength when properly understood and supported. We discuss real-life strategies for athletes, coaches, and parents, including ways to improve focus, structure routines, manage game-day distractions, and build confidence without shame or labels.

Our goal is not just awareness — it’s empowerment. Because when athletes with ADHD are given the right environment, they don’t just survive in sports… they thrive.

ExpandAbilities MEETS — helping athletes understand their minds as much as their bodies.

In this episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob dive into an important and often overlooked topic in the world of sports: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Through open conversation, personal stories, and practical insight, this episode explores what it truly means to support athletes on the spectrum both on and off the field.

We break down common misconceptions about ASD, discuss the wide range of strengths and challenges athletes may experience, and highlight strategies coaches, teammates, and parents can use to foster confidence, communication, and connection. From sensory needs and social dynamics to motivation, routine, and self-advocacy, this conversation sheds light on how athletes with ASD can thrive when given the right environment.

Our goal is simple: to raise awareness, build understanding, and remind every listener that supporting neurodiverse athletes isn’t just good coaching, it’s good humanity.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, educator, or parent, this episode offers meaningful takeaways that can help create more inclusive, empowering spaces in athletics and beyond.

ExpandAbilities MEETS — where mindset, mental health, and growth collide.

This Week on ExpandAbilities MEETS: Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Sports

On this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob tackle one of the most sensitive and vital topics in mental health—suicidal ideation. This discussion forms is centered on the awareness and skills to recognize and respond to warning signs of suicide risk among athletes. We also share the new vision of the ExpandAbilities company with helping develop the complete athlete from performance, to media exposure, to mindset.

In this deeply compassionate and informative conversation, Alex and Rob shed light on the realities of suicidal thoughts—what they mean, how they can manifest, and the unique pressures that can increase risk within the athletic environment. From performance expectations and injury recovery to identity loss and burnout, they explore the factors that may contribute to emotional crisis and isolation in sport.

The goal of this episode is to help coaches and athletes understand that early recognition, active listening, and empathetic communication can make a life-changing difference. By fostering safe, nonjudgmental spaces and connecting athletes with the right professional support, coaches can play a crucial role in prevention and hope.

Join us as we continue to open conversations that matter—breaking stigma, deepening understanding, and giving every coach the tools to support their athletes’ mental health, resilience, and overall well-being.

This Week on ExpandAbilities MEETS: Bipolar Disorder in Sports

On this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob dive into the complex and often misunderstood topic of Bipolar Disorder—a critical focus and the third module in the ExpandAbilities Coach Certification.

In this open and thought-provoking conversation, Alex and Rob reflect on real experiences and challenges faced by athletes living with bipolar disorder. From navigating mood shifts to managing energy and focus, they unpack how bipolar disorder can affect an athlete’s performance, relationships, and emotional well-being both on and off the field.

Our goal is to equip coaches with the knowledge to recognize signs of bipolar disorder and respond with compassion and confidence. By creating structured, understanding environments, coaches can play a vital role in helping athletes maintain balance, build trust, and stay engaged in their sport.

Tune in each week as we continue to explore vital mental health topics, share impactful stories, and deliver practical tools to help coaches support every athlete’s journey—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

This Week on ExpandAbilities MEETS: Anxiety in Sports

On this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob explore the topic of Anxiety—a key focus and the second module in the ExpandAbilities Coach Certification.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Alex and Rob share their personal experiences and perspectives on how anxiety affects athletes at all levels. From performance pressure to fear of failure, they discuss the invisible challenges athletes face and how anxiety impacts participation, enjoyment, and overall well-being in sports.

Our mission is to help coaches understand the signs of anxiety and empower them to create environments where athletes feel supported, safe, and emotionally prepared. By building awareness and providing tools to respond effectively, we can foster healthier teams and increase athlete retention in sports programs worldwide.

Be sure to tune in each week as we continue to highlight new topics, share powerful stories, and offer practical strategies to help coaches support the full potential of every athlete—mind and body.

This Week on ExpandAbilities MEETS: Depression in Sports

On this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob dive into the important and often overlooked topic of Depression—the first module in the ExpandAbilities Coach Certification.

Both Alex and Rob openly share their personal stories and perspectives on how depression affects individuals within the sports world, from professional athletes to young players just starting out. They explore the impact mental health challenges have on performance, participation, and long-term well-being in sports environments across the globe.

Our goal is to help coaches recognize the signs of depression and take meaningful steps toward creating safer, more supportive environments for their athletes. By equipping coaches with the tools to respond to emotional challenges, we aim to boost athlete participation and, most importantly, ensure every athlete feels seen, supported, and comfortable.

Stay tuned and continue to join us weekly as we explore new topics, share real stories, and offer insights to help coaches make a lasting impact—on and off the field.

Welcome to ExpandAbilities Meets with Alex and Rob!

We're excited to share real conversations about mental health, coaching, and the intersection of athletics and emotional well-being. As coaches and advocates, we dive into our personal stories, explore challenges athletes face, and discuss how we can build a more inclusive and supportive sports culture.

Each week, we unpack the steps programs can take to better navigate emotional moments, support athletes dealing with mental health challenges, and ultimately bridge the gap between performance and personal well-being.

Join us weekly—and let’s meet at the heart of what really matters in sports.