In this episode of the Mental Playbook, I sit down with Reshma Kearney , Trauma-Informed yoga teacher and Mindful Healing Guide, for an open and honest conversation about grief, loss, and healing.

We unpack the common misconception of the “5 stages of grief” and why the grieving process is far more complex and non-linear than we’ve been taught. Reshma shares insight into the unique pain of losing someone to suicide, including the guilt and unanswered questions that often follow.

We also dive into how to approach conversations about grief with children, the importance of making time for ourselves, and meaningful ways to practice mindfulness in everyday life. Most importantly, we talk about the difficulty of reaching out for help and why doing so can be one of the most important steps toward healing.

This episode is a reminder that there is no “right” way to grieve and that you don’t have to go through it alone because there are people wanting to support you.

https://www.reshmakearney.com/

Insta: @reshmakearney

This episode is all about what really changes when you step into a new environment. Ashley Thurk, USC Women’s Soccer Defender and Maya McDermott, USC Women’s Soccer Forward join host, Maliya Patel to discuss all about the student-athlete journey from playing at a young age to performing at the collegiate level. They even got the opportunity to play against the pros: Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC, elevating their confidence and perspective.

We dive into the transfer experience and how a fresh start can completely reshape confidence, mindset, and performance…not just as athletes, but as people. From balancing academics and athletics to navigating misconceptions around NIL and the transfer portal, this conversation goes deeper than what we see at games.

We talk about the power of a strong support system, the difference an empowering environment makes, and why learning to focus on what you can control: your attitude, preparation, and effort, changes everything.

And through it all, one message stays consistent: trust the process, stay present, and be grateful, because the people and moments come and go.

That said, we had some fun with this episode, so sit back, relax and laugh out loud! 

In this episode, we dive into how gratitude and perspective can transform the way we handle pressure and nerves with Olivia Papakyrikos, Licensed Therapist (MA & CT),  Mental Performance Coach for Athletes & High-Achievers, and Performance Consultant & Speaker. We talk about practical ways to build gratitude practices, how to stay grounded while still chasing big goals, and why nerves aren’t something to fight but something to reframe.

From learning how to stay present in high pressure moments to making time for yourself and shifting from reactive to proactive thinking. This conversation is all about performing at your best without losing yourself in the process. A reminder to step back, reflect on what’s going well, and make thoughtful decisions even in the chaos of it all.

Papakyrikos Therapy & Performance Inc.

Maria Jose Rodriguez’s journey is about more than sports, it’s about identity, belonging, and building community across cultures.

Born and raised in Honduras, Maria shares what it was like leaving home and finding a new sense of belonging through sports. From working in Formula 1 to her time at TCU, she eventually found her way to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where she started as an intern and spent eight years growing into a manager role.

In this episode, Maria, former International Content Manager for the Steelers and Host of the EMpoderadas Podcast, opens up about the challenges of being a Latina woman in the sports industry, the pressure of losing parts of herself along the way, and how reconnecting with her identity and mentors ultimately became her greatest strength.

She also shares how she worked to connect players, fans, and communities from different backgrounds proving that the love of a team can bring people together no matter where they come from.

This conversation is about more than career growth, it’s about the WHY behind what you do, representation, and the power of staying true to who you are.

Check out her podcast: EMpoderadas Podcast

In this episode of the Mental Playbook, Emily Huston, former volleyball player and founder of HomeTeam, joins the show to talk about life after sport. Emily shares her athletic journey, why she retired, and the mental health challenges injured and retired athletes often face, such as isolation.

She introduces the “cliff effect,” where athletes spend their lives building toward their sport, only to lose structure and control once it ends.​ This often leads to unhealthy coping habits like substance abuse or depression. With suicide now the second leading cause of death among athletes, Emily explains why she created HomeTeam: a space for athletes to reconnect, feel supported, and navigate the transition together.

Join HomeTeam: https://www.hometeamgo.com/

In this special collaboration episode, The Anxious Athlete and The Mental Playbook come together for a deep conversation about building an identity that isn’t dependent on performance.

So many athletes grow up tying their self worth to the end result, playing time, stats, and external validation from coaches and parents. But what happens when performance declines, you get injured, or the sport eventually comes to an end?

We dive into why athletes connect their worth to sport in the first place, how early praise and structure shape identity, and what anxiety, burnout, or identity loss can look like during transitions whether it’s the sophomore slump or the big jump to college sports.

If you’ve ever wondered who you are beyond your sport, this conversation is for you.

The Anxious Athlete Podcast

In this episode of the Mental Playbook, we sit down with Karse Klijian, Founder and CEO of Klijian Sports Management, to break down the realities of athlete representation. Karse shares why athlete branding, NIL, and athlete likeness are essential for long term success on and off the field.

We dive into how he’s built trusting relationships with clients, the mindset required to start and grow a business while still in school, and the challenges young entrepreneurs face when competing in an industry dominated by bigger firms. Karse also explains what truly sets Klijian Sports Management apart and why authenticity, education, and adaptability matter.

Whether you’re an athlete trying to go pro, a student with big entrepreneurial goals, or someone interested in the business side of sports, this conversation carries valuable insight into mindset, credibility, and building what the sports industry often ignores.

In this episode, I’m talking to Cooper Keane, an opposite hitter for USC (Trojans) Men’s Volleyball and a member of the USAV U19 National Team.

We dive into his mental preparation on and off the court, the importance of adaptability and visualization in the quick changing game of volleyball, and how he balances life as both a student and an athlete.

Cooper also opens up about:

- Leadership in a team based sport

- The change from high school to college volleyball

- Navigating challenges like injury and mistakes

A great listen for athletes looking to level up their mindset and for those adapting to their first year of college as a student-athlete.

In this episode of The Mental Playbook, we sit down with Tyson Ford, former Notre Dame defensive lineman, now suiting up for Cal Berkeley as he shares his powerful journey through football and life.

Tyson talks about the decision to transfer, balancing academics with athletics, and what being part of a team has taught him about positivity, resilience, and support.

Whether you’re an athlete, student, or someone chasing your own goals, Tyson’s insight on discipline and growth on and off the field will leave you motivated and ready to tackle your own next step!

Tune in for honest stories, real mindset tips, and the truth about what it means to stay grounded through the game of life.

In Part 2 of our in-person episode with Sammie Reggev and Evan Sliter, we’re going even deeper.

This half of the convo brings:

🧠 Honest takes on mental health, expectations, and pressure

🏃 Reflections on what high school sports taught them

🤳 A deeper look at screen time, comparison, and finding peace offline

🧭 Big-picture goals, mental playbook, and their definition of success

It’s vulnerable, insightful, and still full of laughs.

Ready for the real talk? Part 2 brings it!

🎧 Don’t miss the conclusion of “Off the Grid.”