Love Your Inner Athlete

What happens when a coach spends over two decades building something bigger than wins and losses? Greg Miller’s journey through three high schools and college basketball reveals how authentic leadership and genuine care for players creates bonds that transcend the game itself.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Greg to explore how mental training evolved from stigmatized to essential, why the best coaches embrace new approaches even after decades of success, and what it means when former players show up 20 years later just to say thank you.

Whether you’re a coach looking to build lasting impact, a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete learning about leadership, this conversation offers insights on what it truly means to develop people through sports.

Connect with Greg: Former head coach at Richfield, Armstrong, and Hamline University

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on coaching excellence, building relationships, and developing young people through athletics

What happens when a psychology graduate realizes traditional therapy isn’t the answer - and a personal injury becomes the catalyst for transforming how athletes recover? Carrie Jackson, author of “Rebound” and founder of the Injured Athletes Club, discovered that the mental side of injury recovery was being completely ignored, and she’s been changing that ever since.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Carrie to explore how her own injury experiences shaped a revolutionary approach to athlete recovery, why traditional mental toughness thinking can backfire during rehabilitation, and the simple reframe that transforms an athlete’s entire recovery experience.

Whether you’re an athlete facing injury, a parent supporting recovery, or a coach/medical professional working with injured athletes, this conversation offers a new perspective on the psychological side of physical setbacks.

Connect with Carrie:

• Website: carriejackson.com
• Injured Athletes Club: injuredathletesclub.com
• Instagram: @feedtheathlete and @injuredathletesclub
• Book: “Rebound”

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on overcoming adversity, injury recovery, and building resilience.

What happens when a family tragedy shapes an athletic director’s entire approach to leadership? Britt Lauritsen of Bemidji State University carries forward lessons learned from a grandfather who responded to unthinkable violence with love and compassion - and it’s transforming how she leads in today’s complex college athletics landscape.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Britt to explore how a shocking family story became her guiding principle, why “What Made Maddie Run” hits so close to home, and how mental fitness is changing the conversation for coaches and athletes alike.

You’ll discover:

• How a family tragedy taught her that “love like everyone else will match your energy”
• Why she could have been Madison Holleran and what that means for today’s athletes
• Her approach to having difficult conversations while centering student-athlete humanity
• Why mental fitness resonates more than mental health with coaches and athletes
• The generational shift happening in coaching and how successful coaches adapt

Key Insights:

• Leadership Philosophy: “No” doesn’t have to be a brick wall - it’s an opportunity to find a different path
• Social Media Reality: Today’s athletes face pressures no previous generation experienced
• Mental Fitness: It’s a skill to exercise, not a problem to be fixed
• Coaching Evolution: The best coaches listen, process, and admit when they don’t have answers

What you’ll learn:

• How to have intelligent conversations around difficult decisions
• Why “what you say in the 11th second is better than the first”
• The difference between D1 headlines and D2/D3 reality
• How to help athletes see they can move the needle themselves

Whether you’re an athletic administrator navigating modern challenges, a coach working with today’s athletes, or a parent trying to understand the pressures facing young people, Britt’s insights on leadership, mental wellness, and creating environments where humanity comes first offer a masterclass in leading with love.

Connect with Britt: Bemidji State University Athletics

Resources mentioned:

• “What Made Maddie Run” by Kate Fagan
• Women Leaders in Sports organization
• Mental fitness vs. mental health reframing

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, mental wellness, and building supportive athletic environments.

What happens when a small-town assistant coach steps into the head role and faces his biggest test? Matt Humpal of Amery, Wisconsin had 19 years to prepare for his moment - but nothing could have prepared him for the journey that followed.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Matt to explore how losing a player to suicide shaped his coaching philosophy, why traditional success metrics can fail young athletes, and the simple system that unlocked a magical championship run.

You’ll discover:

• How a player’s suicide taught him which conversations teams need most
• The innovative “alternative success” system that’s revolutionizing how his baseball players view performance
• Why three simple keys became more powerful than complex game plans
• His go-to mental fitness strategy that players instantly understand and use
• The mindset shift that took his team from struggling to unstoppable

What you’ll learn:

• How to have difficult conversations that teams need but want to avoid
• Why simplicity beats complexity when coaching young athletes
• The power of consistent messaging and language players can remember under pressure
• How building relationships creates championship culture
• Practical mental fitness tools that work in game situations

Whether you’re a coach looking to maximize your impact, a parent supporting young athletes, or an athlete learning to handle pressure, Matt’s insights on leadership, resilience, and creating winning environments offer proven strategies for developing people through sports.

Connect with Matt: Amery High School Athletics

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, overcoming adversity, and building championship mindsets.

What happens when a seasoned media executive applies 24/7 industry survival skills to solve youth sports’ biggest crisis? Stacey Kauffman, founder of SK Collective, is on a mission to keep 70% of kids from quitting sports by age 13 - and her approach might surprise you.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Stacey to explore her journey from radio station management to creating the Athena program, why girls drop out at twice the rate of boys, and how asking one simple question changed her entire parenting approach.

You’ll discover:

• How 24/7 media industry chaos prepared her for rapid business problem-solving
• The shocking statistics: 70% of kids quit by 13, girls drop out at twice the rate of boys
• Why 93% of female executives played sports - and what that means for our future
• Her “this is their experience” mantra that transformed her parenting
• The Athena program’s innovative approach to reducing sports burnout

Key Insights:

• The Crisis: Youth sports has become a billion-dollar business, but we’re losing kids faster than ever
• The Solution: Integrated mental performance training for players, coaches, AND parents
• The Parent Trap: Well-intentioned actions (like immediate post-game analysis) can backfire spectacularly
• The Business Connection: Sports skills directly transfer to executive leadership success

Game-Changing Questions:

• “What does success look like to you this season?”
• “What’s your favorite way that I show up for you?”
• “What’s a way that I show up that you wish I didn’t?”

Practical Takeaways:

• Different kids need different post-game processing (24-hour rule vs. immediate feedback)
• Stop assuming your child’s goals haven’t changed - ask regularly
• The fastest decision-makers come from high-pressure, 24/7 environments
• Consistency beats intensity when building habits

Whether you’re a parent navigating youth sports, a coach looking to improve player experience, or a business leader seeking transferable skills from athletics, Stacey’s insights on leadership, resilience, and creating environments where kids can thrive offer a masterclass in making impact at scale.

Connect with Stacey: SK Collective and the Athena Program

Resources mentioned:

• “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
• Positive Coaching Alliance
• You Think (Greg Olsen’s platform)
• Changing the Game Project
• Inside Out Coaching (Joe Iman)

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, youth sports reform, and building championship mindsets.

From Pink Sweatpants to D1 Coach: Allison Roethke’s Mental Game Evolution

What does it take to go from a four-year-old who wouldn’t step on the ice without her lucky pink sweatpants to becoming a Division I assistant coach? Allison's journey from Quinnipiac player to Sacred Heart coach offers powerful insights on mental performance, coaching philosophy, and navigating today’s complex hockey landscape.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Allison to explore how mental fitness transformed her game, why social media is today’s biggest challenge for young athletes, and how the lessons learned on ice apply far beyond hockey.

You’ll discover:

• How “fix it, flush it” became her go-to strategy for moving past mistakes
• The “hype number” concept that helps athletes find their optimal performance zone
• Why she can spot the difference between multi-sport athletes and specialists on her roster
• Her honest take on social media’s impact on recruiting and athlete mental health
• How the mental skills that made her successful as a player now guide her coaching

Whether you’re a young athlete dreaming of college hockey, a parent supporting that journey, or a coach looking to develop mental toughness in your players, Allison’s insights on preparation, reflection, and resilience offer a roadmap for success both on and off the ice.

Connect with Allison: Sacred Heart University Women’s Hockey

Resources mentioned:

• Dr. Spencer Wood’s “Hype Number” workshop concept
• “What Made Maddie Run” book recommendation for understanding social media’s impact

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on building championship mindsets and navigating the modern sports landscape.

What happens when the game you’ve built your entire identity around suddenly ends? Former University of Minnesota defenseman Jake Parenteau knows that story intimately - and his journey from two Frozen Four appearances to post-hockey depression to becoming a mental performance coach offers powerful lessons for every athlete.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Jake to explore the mental side of high-level hockey, the dangerous trap of tying identity to performance, and the tools that transformed his approach to both athletics and life.

You’ll discover:

• How Jake went from blaming others for lack of playing time to taking ownership and becoming a regular starter

• The visualization techniques his father taught him that he now realizes were game-changers

• Why his pregame routine never changed - even for national championship games

• The depression that hit 3-4 years after his career ended and how therapy changed everything

• How he uses breath work and mindfulness to help today’s athletes stay present under pressure

• His approach to coaching that builds relationships first, performance second

Key Moments:

• Early Career: From backyard pond hockey in Roseville to Alaska juniors to the U of M

• Mental Struggles: The overwhelming transition to big-time college hockey and losing sight of who he was

• Frozen Four Memories: That unforgettable North Dakota game with 0.06 seconds left on the clock

• Identity Crisis: The years of depression after hockey ended and discovering he’d never learned to process emotions

• Coaching Philosophy: Why relationships matter more than tactics, and how to push athletes without destroying confidence

Practical Takeaways:

• The power of consistency in small daily habits for building inner belief

• How to separate your worth from your performance on the ice

• Why “if you’re good enough, you’re gonna get seen” - and how to keep the fun in the game

• Breath work techniques that help athletes stay present during training and competition

Whether you’re a player struggling with pressure, a parent supporting a young athlete, or a coach looking to build deeper connections with your team, Jake’s insights on mental fitness, identity, and finding purpose beyond the game will resonate long after the final buzzer.

Connect with Jake: Best Shift Training, Plymouth, MN

Resources mentioned:

• Shine the Light (Paul Martin’s organization)

• Best Shift Training’s inclusive hockey culture

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on building championship mindsets both on and off the ice.

💬 Follow Hans Skulstad and Center for Sports and the Mind:

Facebook: ⁠⁠Center for Sports and the Mind⁠⁠

Twitter/X: ⁠⁠@2ChallengeMind⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@centerforsportsandmind⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠Hans Skulstad⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠https://hansskulstad.com

What does it take to earn the complete trust of elite athletes over more than two decades? Suz Hoppe, head athletic trainer and associate athletic director at the University of Minnesota Duluth, has the answer - and it goes far deeper than just treating injuries.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Suz to explore how authentic relationships transform athletic care, why mental and physical health are inseparable, and how one person can become the cornerstone of trust for championship teams.

You’ll discover:

• How Suz built unshakeable trust by treating athletes as whole people, not just performers

• Her integrated approach to mental and physical health that’s become the gold standard

• Why she gives injured athletes “early successes” and keeps them connected to their teams

• The mental health challenges she sees most often (and they might surprise you)

• How she navigates the pressure to clear athletes when coaches want them to play

• Her philosophy: “Put the student athlete at the heart of every decision”

Key Insights:

• Trust Building: It starts with being real, knowing their families, and caring beyond the sport

• Mental Health: From crisis calls in her early years to making counseling as normal as treating a knee injury

• Injury Recovery: Early wins, team connection, and intentional rehabilitation planning

• Sleep Reality: The most underrated recovery tool that college athletes consistently neglect

• Championship Teams: Everyone buys into their role, from star players to third-string goalies

Practical Takeaways:

• Why daily check-ins matter more than formal protocols

• How to spot when an athlete needs mental health support

• The danger of social media “quick fixes” and treatment gimmicks

• Sleep hygiene strategies that actually work for busy athletes

Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or aspiring athletic trainer, Suz’ approach to holistic care and relationship-building offers a masterclass in what it means to truly serve the people you work with.

Connect with Suz: University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics

Resources mentioned:

• UMD Counseling Center and mental health resources

• Athletic Training Residency Program at UMD

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on building championship mindsets and holistic athlete care.

💬 Follow Hans Skulstad and Center for Sports and the Mind:

Facebook: ⁠⁠Center for Sports and the Mind⁠⁠

Twitter/X: ⁠⁠@2ChallengeMind⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@centerforsportsandmind⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠Hans Skulstad⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠https://hansskulstad.com

From High School Hockey to the Stanley Cup: Karson Kuhlman’s Mental Fitness Journey

What does it take to go from a small-town Minnesota hockey player to scoring goals in the Stanley Cup Finals? Professional hockey player Karson Kuhlman knows the answer isn’t just physical training - it’s mental fitness.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad reconnects with Karson, who he first met when Karson was playing high school hockey in Cloquet. Now playing professionally in Sweden after stints in the NHL, Karson shares the mental strategies that carried him through championship games, devastating losses, and the pressure of performing when everything’s on the line.

You’ll discover:

• How Karson stayed mentally sharp during a 3.5-week playoff benching before being thrust into Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals
• The game-changing advice that transformed his approach: “Everything matters, but you can’t treat everything like it matters”
• Why opening up to others became his secret weapon for better performance
• How he prepared mentally for the biggest games of his career (including that Game 7 Stanley Cup Final)
• The mental fitness strategies he learned in high school that now help professional athletes worldwide

Key Moments:

• 01:39 Karson’s small-town Minnesota hockey roots
• 03:56 His first exposure to mental fitness training in high school
• 13:12 Inside the Stanley Cup playoffs - staying ready when you’re not playing
• 15:56 The mental resilience that separates good players from great ones
• 23:14 His commitment to supporting military families

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent supporting a young competitor, Karson’s insights on balancing structure with flexibility, handling both success and failure, and maintaining love for the game will transform how you think about mental performance.

Connect with karson: Follow his journey playing for Rögle in the Swedish Hockey League

Resources mentioned:

• Wounded Warrior Project
• Adam Johnson Foundation (Hibbing, MN)

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations on building championship mindsets.

💬 Follow Hans Skulstad and Center for Sports and the Mind:

Facebook: ⁠⁠Center for Sports and the Mind⁠⁠

Twitter/X: ⁠⁠@2ChallengeMind⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@centerforsportsandmind⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠Hans Skulstad⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠https://hansskulstad.com⁠

From High School Hockey to the Stanley Cup: Karson Kuhlman’s Mental Fitness Journey

What does it take to go from a small-town Minnesota hockey player to scoring goals in the Stanley Cup Finals? Professional hockey player Karson Kuhlman knows the answer isn’t just physical training - it’s mental fitness.

In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad reconnects with Karson, who he first met when Karson was playing high school hockey in Cloquet. Now playing professionally in Sweden after stints in the NHL, Karson shares the mental strategies that carried him through championship games, devastating losses, and the pressure of performing when everything’s on the line.

You’ll discover:

• How Karson stayed mentally sharp during a 3.5-week playoff benching before being thrust into Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals

• The game-changing advice that transformed his approach: “Everything matters, but you can’t treat everything like it matters”

• Why opening up to others became his secret weapon for better performance

• How he prepared mentally for the biggest games of his career (including that Game 7 Stanley Cup Final)

• The mental fitness strategies he learned in high school that now help professional athletes worldwide

Key Moments:

• 01:39 Karson’s small-town Minnesota hockey roots

• 03:56 His first exposure to mental fitness training in high school

• 13:12 Inside the Stanley Cup playoffs - staying ready when you’re not playing

• 15:56 The mental resilience that separates good players from great ones

• 23:14 His commitment to supporting military families

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent supporting a young competitor, Karson’s insights on balancing structure with flexibility, handling both success and failure, and maintaining love for the game will transform how you think about mental performance.

Connect with karson: Follow his journey playing for Rögle in the Swedish Hockey League

Resources mentioned:

• Wounded Warrior Project

• Adam Johnson Foundation (Hibbing, MN)

The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations on building championship mindsets.

💬 Follow Hans Skulstad and Center for Sports and the Mind:

Facebook: ⁠Center for Sports and the Mind⁠

Twitter/X: ⁠@2ChallengeMind⁠

Instagram: ⁠@centerforsportsandmind⁠

YouTube: ⁠Hans Skulstad⁠

Website: ⁠https://hansskulstad.com