Love Your Inner Athlete

Vision Performance Training: Unlocking Athletic Potential with Bjorn Carlson

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad welcomes Bjorn Carlson, a vision performance specialist with over 15 years of experience at the Vision Performance Center of Minnesota. Hans and Bjorn discuss the significant role of vision training in enhancing athletic performance, from youth sports to the professional level. Bjorn explains how vision therapy can aid in concussion recovery, academic challenges, and overall mental fitness with diverse applications to develop athletes at all levels. Vision therapy increases neuroplasticity and teaches an athlete's brain to work efficiently, be aware of their periphery, and focus in the heat of competition. Key insights include the evolution of vision training, the impact of neuroplasticity, and real-life success stories of athletes who have benefited from improved visual processing. Listeners will learn how vision training can build resilience, boost confidence, and foster better performance in both sports and daily life.

Key Moments

02:12 Bjorn's Journey into Vision Training

03:43 Evolution of Vision Performance Training

05:00 Impact of Vision Training on Athletic Performance

06:13 Working with High-Level Athletes

07:14 Common Visual Processing Issues in Athletes

12:51 Vision Training Programs and Their Benefits

17:00 Long-Term Effects and Maintenance of Vision Training

30:16 Case Studies and Success Stories

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Connect with Bjorn Carlson and the Vision Performance Center of Minnesota:

https://vpcmn.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/

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

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

Journey to Elite: Lauren Johnson's Path to Mental Performance Excellence

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad speaks with Lauren Johnson, former mental performance coach for the New York Yankees and founder of Elite by Choice. They explore Lauren's journey from aspiring professional soccer player to overcoming multiple concussions, shifting her focus towards kinesiology and eventually sports psychology. Lauren shares insights on her challenging career path, advocating for mental fitness, the importance of adaptability, and her work with high-performing athletes. They also discuss the misconceptions about mental performance making athletes 'soft' and Lauren's ongoing efforts to bring mental conditioning concepts to children through her new toy line. The episode underscores the relevance of mental health and resilience in both sports and personal growth.

Key Moments:

01:39 Lauren's Journey to Mental Performance Coaching

06:30 Challenges and Breakthroughs

10:16 Working with the New York Yankees

14:02 High Performers: Similarities and Differences

17:13 Assuming Positive Intent

22:17 Defining Mental Fitness

26:01 The Balance Between Toughness and Empathy

30:01 Advice for Young Athletes and Parents

33:33 Tools for Mindset Shifts

37:54 Embracing Uncertainty and Growth

42:50 Lauren Johnson's Future Plans

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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

A Referee’s Journey in Hockey: Brian Thul

In this episode of the 'Love Your Inner Athlete' podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with longtime friend and accomplished hockey referee Brian Thul. They delve into Brian's journey from a multi-sport youth athlete in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to becoming a referee in high-level stages including college hockey and the World Junior Championship. Brian shares insights on mental fitness, the culture within hockey, challenges in youth sports, and how his vast experiences from officiating to coaching have shaped his approach. Key topics include effective communication, maintaining composure under pressure, and fostering a love for the game while upholding integrity and respect for referees - all lessons he has learned from a wealth of diverse experiences. The discussion also highlights the balance between personal passion and professional responsibility in contributing positively to the community and the sport of hockey.

Key Moments:

00:50 Meet Brian Tool: A Journey in Hockey

02:47 Brian's Early Years and Career Beginnings

05:05 Refereeing at High Levels: Challenges and Experiences

14:34 Lessons from Refereeing and Transition to Teaching

19:01 Youth Hockey Leadership and Philosophy

25:33 Coaching, Mental Fitness, and Respect in Sports

36:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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

Embracing Mental Fitness: Travis Thomas

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad engages in a compelling conversation with Travis Thomas, a seasoned performance coach specializing in mindset, team dynamics, and culture. They discuss Travis's diverse journey, from his early days as an athlete and improv comedian to his impactful roles at IMG Academy and with the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team. Travis shares valuable insights on developing mental fitness, emphasizing resilience, focus, and having the courage to face challenges. He also explains the concept of 'Yes And' from improvisation and its relevance to mindfulness and mental performance. The episode concludes with Travis offering practical advice for parents navigating their children's athletic experiences, highlighting the importance of supportive, enjoyable environments over mere competitive progression.

Key Moments:

01:31 Meet Travis Thomas: Performance Coach and Improv Comedian

04:24 The Power of Belief Over Confidence

12:08 The Concept of 'Yes And'

21:25 Connecting Through Improvisation

23:48 Debunking Mental Performance Myths

26:30 Challenging Traditional Views on Emotions

28:01 Journey to the U.S. Men's Soccer Team

30:22 Pinch Me Moments and High Pressure

35:45 Mental Fitness and Therapy

40:10 Advice for Parents of Young Athletes

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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

Coaching Across Generations: Thomas Johnson on Mental Fitness in HockeyIn this episode of the 'Love Your Inner Athlete' podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Thomas Johnson, a multifaceted hockey coach with over a decade of experience. They discuss the various roles Thomas has undertaken, from coaching high school hockey to running youth initiation programs and the high performance program. The conversation delves into the importance of mental fitness, the evolving dynamics of the sport, and the strategies Thomas employs to help athletes manage stress and setbacks. Key insights include the impact of mental fitness tools on coaching effectiveness, the evolution of hockey skills, and the value of fostering a supportive community culture.Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:52 Meet Thomas Johnson01:45 Thomas's Various Roles in Hockey04:21 Coaching with Family06:04 Finding Your Why in Coaching07:10 Mental Fitness in Coaching11:33 Changes in Hockey Over the Years15:57 Rebooting Techniques with Mites17:25 Challenges for Today's Athletes18:36 Impact of Culture and Mental Performance20:05 Mental Fitness Skills and Techniques21:53 Coaching High Performance Programs23:37 Integrating Mental Health in Coaching28:01 Coaching Your Own Kids33:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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

Achieving Excellence: Kelly Pannek on Mental Fitness and Coaching

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad delves into the extraordinary career and mental fitness journey of Kelly Pannek, co-head coach of the Benilde St. Margaret's girls hockey team and an accomplished player with national championships and an Olympic medal. Kelly shares her beginnings in hockey, transitioning from boys to girls teams, and her storied playing career including her role in Minnesota's inaugural women's professional hockey team. The conversation highlights her experiences as a high school athlete, the critical role of mental performance in her development, and her transition to coaching. Key insights include the importance of resilience, preparation, and embracing one's role on a team. The discussion also touches on the challenges and rewards of coaching, the evolving landscape of women's sports, and the emphasis on mental health and overall well-being for athletes.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:59 Meet Kelly Pannek: From Player to Coach

01:58 Kelly's Early Hockey Journey

06:10 High School Sports Experience

08:37 Leadership Lessons and Challenges

11:13 Mental Performance in Sports

15:53 The Rise of Women's Professional Hockey

20:20 The Pressure of Being a Young Athlete

21:20 Navigating Mental Health in Sports

21:35 Handling Social Media and Comparisons

22:41 Strategies for Managing Game Pressure

23:13 Preparation and Trust in Team Dynamics

26:04 Coaching Philosophy and Challenges

30:03 Building Team Culture and Communication

39:07 Balancing Playing and Coaching Roles

41:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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

Building Champions: Insights from UMD's Christian Koelling

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad engages in a profound conversation with Christian Koelling, the Director of Hockey Operations at UMD and an instrumental figure in the team's success over the past decade. Christian shares his thoughts on the ingredients of a successful hockey program, emphasizing the importance of community support, player character, and team culture. The discussion delves into mental fitness, the mental health of student-athletes, and how handling adversity is crucial for athletic and personal growth. The dialogue is enriched by mutual reflections on their long-standing friendship, shedding light on trust and support in coaching. The episode further explores the impact of players like Jack Connelly and Adam Johnson, the essential role of mental performance in sports, and practical advice for parents of young athletes. The episode highlights Christian's recollections of emotional challenges within the program and strategies for nurturing mental resilience in athletes.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:52 Meet Christian Koelling: UMD Hockey Operations Director

01:48 Keys to UMD Hockey's Success

03:53 Recruiting the Right Players

04:51 Memorable Moments and Hobey Baker Winners

11:23 The Importance of Mental Fitness

14:19 Handling Tragedy and Loss

18:18 Parenting Young Athletes

20:42 The Value of Trust and Relationships

27:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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

The Intersection of Mental Fitness and Hockey: A Conversation with Hockey Agent Pete Rutili

In this episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad reconnects with his college friend and professional hockey agent, Pete Rutili. They discuss Pete's journey from playing minor league hockey to advising hockey players on the importance of mental fitness. The conversation covers Pete's diverse career across Minneapolis, Dallas, Irvine, and Chicago, underlining the role of mental conditioning alongside traditional training. They explore the significance of mental fitness for athletes, the challenges young players and their parents face, and the value of building resilience through adversity. Pete also shares insights into his strategies for coaching and advising, the role of self-discipline, and the importance of balanced, consistent improvement. The episode highlights the evolving dynamics of youth sports and the necessity for mental health support to help athletes reach their full potential.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:49 Reconnecting with Pete Rutili

03:07 Pete's Journey in Hockey and Business

06:41 The Importance of Mental Fitness

10:08 Advice for Parents and Young Athletes

28:22 Challenges and Pitfalls for Young Athletes

33:10 Feedback and Impact of Mental Fitness Coaching

36:58 Closing Remarks and Reflections

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad:

https://hansskulstad.com/

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

Triumph Through Adversity: A Conversation with Christian Horn

In this insightful episode of the Love Your Inner Athlete podcast, host Hans Skulstad engages in a candid conversation with Christian Horn, the assistant coach for the Utah Grizzlies and a former hockey player. Christian shares his journey from high school hockey through college, to becoming a coach. He discusses the impact of the 2012 Jack Jablonski incident on his team and their mental resilience. The episode delves into the importance of mental fitness, how to apply it in sports and life, and Christian's own experiences with mental coaching. Key moments include the team's transformation after Jack's injury, the integration of mental fitness practices into Christian's athletic and coaching career, and the life-changing lessons learned from it. Christian also touches on how these experiences improved his relationships, communication skills, and overall approach to life. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding and addressing mental fitness for athletes and coaches to achieve consistent and durable confidence.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:50 Meet Christian Horn: From Player to Coach

02:10 The Jack Jablonski Incident

03:35 Mental Fitness and Team Resilience

10:55 Navigating Fame and Support

15:54 Lifelong Bonds and Personal Growth

17:30 The Impact of Individual Coaching

21:15 Embracing the Process

21:43 The Importance of Consistency

22:55 Mental Tools for Athletes

23:26 Breathing Techniques and Their Impact

25:42 Sharing the Benefits of Coaching

27:00 Books That Inspire

27:45 Mental Fitness for Coaches and Players

28:24 Challenges in Coaching

29:28 Adapting Coaching Strategies

32:02 The Role of Mental Fitness in Sports

35:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad: 

⁠https://hansskulstad.com/⁠

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

Harnessing Mental Fitness: A Coach's Journey with Ryan Humpal

In this episode of the 'Love Your Inner Athlete' podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Ryan Humpal, a versatile sports coach and head coach for Amory High School football. The conversation spans Ryan’s extensive coaching career, his experience winning a state championship at Luck, Wisconsin, and the vital role mental fitness plays for athletes. Through various anecdotes, Ryan highlights the impact mental fitness training has had on his teams, helping them stay focused, manage stress, and maintain resilience. Key insights include methods like controlled breathing, maintaining present focus, and hands-on interactive sessions that emphasize tangible mental fitness tools. Ryan also shares personal stories, such as how these techniques have benefited not only his athletes but also his parenting and former refereeing duties.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:50 Meet Coach Ryan Humpal

01:38 First Impressions and Feedback

03:31 Visualization and Mental Fitness

04:21 Impact of Mental Fitness on Performance

07:56 Coaching Philosophy and Mental Toughness

15:23 Applying Mental Fitness in Coaching and Parenting

18:00 Overcoming Apprehension and Building Buy-In

20:27 Exploring the Use of Training Cards

20:55 Mousetrap Exercise and Team Building

22:43 Hiring for Keynote Speeches

25:45 Challenges in Mental Fitness Training

27:35 The Importance of Mental Fitness in Sports

28:37 Dad Jokes and Family Traditions

31:49 Reflections on Coaching and Success

33:55 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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

Learn more about Hans Skulstad: 

⁠https://hansskulstad.com/⁠

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