Love Your Inner Athlete

What separates good athletes from great ones — and great coaches from transformational mentors?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance expert Hans Skulstad sits down with Derek Plante, former NHL forward, Stanley Cup Champion, and current college hockey coach, to explore the often-unseen mental side of high-level sports.

From his rise at the University of Minnesota Duluth, to scoring critical playoff goals in the NHL, to now mentoring the next generation of athletes, Derek reflects on the emotional journey of becoming a complete player and leader. This conversation dives deep into the importance of confidence, mental fitness, teamwork, and the role of core values in navigating high-pressure environments.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode reveals why mindset, not just mechanics, makes the ultimate difference in sports and life.

✅ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What it really takes to win a Stanley Cup
• How to develop mental resilience under elite pressure
• What separates NHL stars from average pros
• Why today's coaching must go beyond strategy to include empathy and mental preparation
• How to raise and mentor young athletes for long-term success and well-being

🔑 Key Takeaways:

01:04 – Meet Derek Plante: From UMD to the NHL and Back Again

04:22 – Winning the Stanley Cup: The Mental Side of Team Success

14:33 – Coaching Philosophy and Player Development Today

19:51 – What Gives NHL Players Their Competitive Edge

25:40 – Raising Hockey Players with Balance and Intent

27:55 – How the Game Has Changed and Why Mindset Matters More Than Ever

30:33 – Why Mental Fitness Is Essential for Peak Performance

37:27 – Core Values That Drive Long-Term Athletic Growth

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:

Visit ⁠https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com⁠ to level up your performance and mental strength.

💬 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

How does an undersized forward from International Falls become a key player for the Minnesota Gophers—and then return as a coach to help athletes thrive mentally and physically?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance expert Hans Skulstad is joined by Ben Gordon, current assistant coach for the University of Minnesota Men’s Hockey Team and former standout Gophers forward. Ben opens up about his athlete-to-coach journey, sharing how the lessons he learned as a player now shape how he mentors and supports the next generation of hockey talent.

From battling self-doubt as a player to emphasizing the value of mental fitness and resilience as a coach, Ben shares powerful insights into how focus, confidence, and mindset impact performance at the highest levels of the game. This conversation goes deep on navigating pressure, coaching the mental side of hockey, and helping athletes manage both the internal and external demands of competitive sports.

This episode is for:

✅ Hockey players aiming to improve their mental game

✅ Parents of athletes navigating performance pressure

✅ Coaches building resilient teams

✅ Anyone interested in the future of sports psychology in hockey

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

01:00 – Introducing Ben Gordon: From player to Gophers coach

02:18 – The challenges of being an undersized forward and developing resilience

03:22 – Shifting from player to coach: Mental fitness insights

15:27 – The role of mentorship and key moments that shaped Ben’s path

22:33 – Final advice for athletes and coaches on mental performance

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:

Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength.

💬 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 coach for four decades—and still evolve? How do you stay connected to athletes in a changing world while holding space for mental health, resilience, and genuine relationships?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, mental performance expert Hans Skulstad sits down with Ken Pauly, longtime head coach of Benilde-St. Margaret’s Boys Hockey. With over 40 years of experience, Ken shares how his coaching philosophy shifted from a focus on systems and skills to a more empathetic, relational approach rooted in understanding the athlete’s mind and heart.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Ken recounts the moment that changed him forever—the tragic injury of Jack Jablonski, one of his players—and how that experience deepened his belief in the importance of mental fitness, teamwork, and community support. He also shares how bringing in outside expertise helped him become a better coach and leader.

If you’re a coach, parent, or athlete wondering how to lead with empathy, how to weather the emotional weight of long-term leadership, or how to build strong teams while honoring the mental and emotional growth of every player, this one’s for you.

This episode is essential listening for:

✅ Coaches looking to integrate mental health support into their programs

✅ Parents who want to understand what emotionally intelligent coaching looks like

✅ Athletes navigating high-pressure environments

✅ Leaders seeking to build trust, empathy, and connection on and off the ice

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

00:50 – Meet Ken Pauly: A coach shaped by time and transformation

01:49 – Evolving from strategy to connection-driven coaching

03:55 – The secret to successful teams: Trust, leadership, and selflessness

07:12 – The emotional complexity and grit behind a long coaching career

12:18 – The moment everything changed: Jack Jablonski’s injury

22:49 – Why coaches must lean on mental health experts

24:26 – The personal side of coaching: stories, struggle, and growth

29:54 – The power of team and community during hardship

37:51 – Parenting, coaching, and the lessons in between

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:

Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength.
💬 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

How do you instill confidence, resilience, and mental preparation in today’s athletes?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance coach Hans Skulstad sits down with Joe Dziedzic — former NHL player, Minnesota Gopher standout, and founder of JD Hockey. Joe shares his journey from youth hockey in Minneapolis to playing alongside legends like Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr, and how those experiences shaped his approach to coaching and mental performance.

Joe offers deep insight into building a winning mindset, how the game has evolved, and the value of visualization, preparation, and team culture. Now coaching high school hockey and mentoring athletes through his own training programs, Joe helps players develop the tools to succeed not just on the ice, but in life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

✅ Building mental fitness through structure and support

✅ Teaching visualization and confidence-building to young athletes

✅ Navigating the shift from player to mentor

✅ Fostering a positive team culture rooted in communication and growth

✅ Balancing personal development with competitive goals

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

00:50 – Joe Dziedzic: Coach, NHL alum, and hockey mentor

04:06 – Playing in the NHL and the mental game at that level

09:54 – The power of mental preparation and visualization

14:26 – How awareness of mental health in sports has evolved

18:09 – Building team dynamics and a strong locker room culture

22:12 – Life lessons that hockey teaches beyond the rink

23:17 – Launching JD Hockey and the "Dusty TKs" podcast

24:58 – Training focus: from skill development to mindset

28:13 – Joe’s advice for parents and youth players navigating hockey

32:22 – Reflections and stories from his playing days

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:

Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength.

💬 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 build discipline and rise to the demands of Division I hockey?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance coach Hans Skulstad sits down with Jacob Jeanette, a rising star in collegiate hockey who shares his powerful journey of personal transformation to be a disciplined, high-performance athlete at Union College.

Jacob opens up about the mental and physical challenges of playing in the USHL, managing setbacks, and the role of routine, recovery, and mindset in staying competitive. He reflects on how small shifts — in habit, focus, and attitude— have helped him build the kind of grit and growth necessary for success on and off the ice. He also dives into his whole-foods diet to fuel the daily grind.

Whether you're an athlete working through obstacles or a coach helping players develop discipline, this episode delivers actionable insights on:

✅ Developing mental toughness through injury and transition

✅ Creating structure with routines, nutrition, and recovery

✅ Adapting to the pressures of higher levels of play

✅ Building self-awareness and ownership of your habits

✅ Pursuing personal growth with clarity and emotional maturity

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

01:22 – Battling back from injuries and learning discipline

05:08 – Adjusting to new competition levels and mental speed

08:13 – The power of daily routines and focused habits

19:43 – Balancing college hockey, school, and life stressors

21:20 – Building a healthy identity off the ice

23:12 – Influences from key coaches and mentors

27:18 – Jacob’s advice on handling pressure and uncertainty

30:21 – The importance of family support and inner drive

34:34 – Defining success and long-term goals

📘 Bonus Insight: Jacob credits the book Atomic Habits by James Clear as a game-changer for his habit formation and performance mindset.

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:

Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength

💬 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 separates a good player from a great one — and how can coaches foster that transformation?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance coach Hans Skulstad talks with Pat O’Leary — national champion with the Minnesota Gophers and state title-winning high school hockey coach — about the role of mental fitness in long-term success.

Pat opens up about his journey from elite player to influential coach, and how life challenges, personal tragedies, and the daily grind of performance helped shape his approach to both life and leadership. He shares real-world strategies for building resilient athletes, creating team culture, and showing up consistently — as a coach, parent, and mentor.

This episode is packed with insight into:

✅ Building mental resilience as both player and coach

✅ Coaching through adversity and leading during tough times

✅ The importance of mental health conversations in team culture

✅ How to give constructive feedback without crushing confidence

✅ Strategies that separate good from great in high performers

Whether you're a coach looking to inspire, a parent supporting your athlete, or a player chasing peak performance, Pat delivers powerful stories and practical tools to help you thrive under pressure — and love the process.

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

00:59 – Pat O’Leary: Gophers National Champion and Hockey Coach

03:31 – Pat's coaching philosophy and how it’s evolved

08:30 – Leading through tragedy and adversity

17:05 – The dynamics of coaching your own child

23:51 – How to maintain consistency in performance over time

24:52 – Addressing mental health in high school teams

27:30 – What truly separates good from great players

29:18 – Delivering honest feedback that motivates

34:56 – What it means to be "hard to play against"

38:02 – How to recognize and develop exceptional athletes

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:

Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength.

💬 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

How does a state champion & captain evolve into a future Navy pilot with elite mental resilience?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance coach Hans Skulstad sits down with Reagan Roloefs — 2018 state champion, six-year varsity athlete, Naval Academy graduate, and aspiring military pilot — to explore what it means to lead with clarity, train your mindset, and build lifelong resilience.

Reagan shares how visualization became a tool for high-pressure performance, how the support of teammates built her foundation of confidence, and how her commitment to a greater purpose has guided her through every transition — from elite athlete to service leader.

This episode is packed with insight into:

✅ Visualization practices that improve confidence and execution

✅ The power of teammates and shared trust in high-performing groups

✅ How to build clarity around what you want — and go after it

✅ Mental strategies for navigating big transitions

✅ Staying consistent through challenge with purpose-driven discipline

Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone chasing a new chapter, Reagan’s journey shows how cultivating a strong mental game — and leaning into connection — can help you become the leader your mission needs.

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

00:54 – Meet Reagan Roloefs: State Champion and Naval Academy Standout

03:53 – How visualization elevated Reagan’s performance

18:35 – Balancing athletics, academics, and leadership training

24:40 – The strength of team connection and trusting your people

25:17 – Inside life at the Naval Academy and adjusting to a new structure

27:46 – Leaving lacrosse behind and navigating an identity shift

32:45 – The link between mental preparation and real-world performance

34:45 – Advice on finding clarity and direction as a young athlete

39:31 – The impact of mental coaching and support

41:57 – Celebrating team success and shared achievement

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:

Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength.

💬 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 really take to develop the mental game of a professional athlete?

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete Podcast, host and mental performance expert Hans Skulstad sits down with former NHL defenseman and elite hockey skills coach Lance Pitlick to explore the mindset, routines, and mental toughness needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.

Lance shares his journey from playing youth hockey in Blaine, MN, to skating for the Minnesota Gophers and ultimately playing in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers. Now the founder of Online Hockey Training, he mentors the next generation of athletes on mastering both their physical and mental game.

This episode is packed with insight into:

✅ Mental habits that shape elite athletes✅ Strategies for building confidence and mental resilience✅ How to navigate tough coaching relationships✅ The transition from professional athlete to transformational coach✅ The importance of self-awareness, consistency, and loving your inner athlete

Whether you’re a coach, player, or parent looking to understand the psychology of performance in sports, this conversation delivers powerful lessons on developing mental strength, overcoming perfectionism, and thriving under pressure.

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

01:04 – Meet Lance Pitlick: From NHL Player to Skills Coach

05:14 – The College Hockey Journey and Breaking into the NHL

08:04 – Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Mentally Strong in Pro Hockey

12:28 – Mentoring Young Athletes: Mindset First

16:38 – Coaching Philosophy: Empowerment, Not Perfection

21:19 – When Coaching Impacts Confidence – for Better or Worse

25:01 – Daily Mental Habits That Drive Success

26:02 – Why Mental Training is Essential in Modern Athletics

30:40 – Managing Perfectionism and Pressure in Sports

35:09 – Training Tools and How to Self-Correct

37:56 – Embracing the Process and Loving Your Inner Athlete

🎯 Learn more about Lance Pitlick and Online Hockey Training:https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/2024-about-me

🧠 Discover more on Mental Fitness for Athletes:Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com to level up your performance and mental strength.

💬 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

Mental Fitness and Coaching Insights with Mike Schwartz

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad is joined by his long-time friend, Mike Schwartz. Mike shares his journey from playing hockey to becoming a high school and college hockey coach, eventually transitioning into a financial advising career. The discussion delves into the importance of mental fitness in sports, highlighting the influence of sports psychologist Ainsley Smith on Mike’s coaching philosophy. Mike talks about the parallels between coaching and financial advising, the evolving perception of mental health, and the need for coaches to understand their players deeply. They also discuss parenting athletes, the impact of role models, and the value of curiosity and lifelong learning.

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Key Moments:

00:50 Meet Mike Schwartz: A Coaching Journey

03:46 Transition from Coaching to Financial Advising

06:16 The Importance of Mental Fitness

10:46 Incorporating Mental Fitness in Coaching

12:28 Parenting and Coaching: A Personal Perspective

15:57 College Sports and Coaching

17:56 Influence of Coaching Legends

19:29 The Power of Knowledge

22:59 Coaching Philosophy and Emotional Fitness

24:33 Reflections and Role Models

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Connect with Mike Schwartz on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-schwartz-a7b253a/

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Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com/ to learn more about Mental Fitness and take your next step!

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Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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Follow Center for Sports and the Mind, as well as Hans, on social platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Sports-and-the-Mind/100044301706608/

https://x.com/2ChallengeMind

https://www.instagram.com/centerforsportsandmind/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/user/hskulstad20

Resilience in Hockey: In-Depth on Goalies with Steve Carroll

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad engages in an enlightening conversation with Steve Carroll, a seasoned goalie coach affiliated with Gustavus Women's Hockey and the founder of the Carroll Goalie School. They discuss the evolution of mental fitness in sports, particularly in hockey, diving deep into Steve's journey from being an underdog at Mankato State to coaching thousands of goalies across different levels. Highlights include the changes in goalie equipment and training, advocating for maintaining self-belief, and fostering resilience. Steve shares insights on the importance of recovery from goals allowed, the necessity of consistent practice with purpose, and the significance of visualizing success. The episode also focuses on the crucial role that coaches play in a goalie's development and how to balance constructive feedback without damaging a player's mental fortitude. Key themes such as mental fitness, performance, personal growth, and the realities of hockey coaching are explored thoroughly.

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Key Moments:

00:54 Meet Steve Carroll: A Journey in Hockey

03:36 High School Hockey Memories

06:24 Changes in Goalie Training and Equipment

08:16 Coaching at Gustavus and Goalie Development

14:05 The Carroll Goalie School: Origins and Impact

21:53 The Influence of a Legendary Coach

23:04 Coaching Philosophy and Techniques

25:25 Goalie Development and Challenges

29:13 The Importance of Emotional Management

32:28 Innovative Approaches to Goalie Training

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Connect with Steve Carroll and the Carroll Goalie School:

https://carrollgs.com/

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Visit https://www.centerforsportsandmind.com/ to learn more about Mental Fitness and take your next step!

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Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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Follow Center for Sports and the Mind, as well as Hans, on social platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Sports-and-the-Mind/100044301706608/

https://x.com/2ChallengeMind

https://www.instagram.com/centerforsportsandmind/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/user/hskulstad20