Mental Playbook

What happens when a college basketball player, high school coach, teacher, and neuroscientist becomes a sports psychiatrist? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Peter Kass to explore the emotional and psychological journey of student-athletes, from high school to college, and how pressure, identity, and performance anxiety impact their mental health.

Dr. Kass offers powerful insights on burnout, the brain’s response to fear and motivation, and why curiosity, quality sleep, and screen breaks are underrated tools for resilience. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or teacher, this conversation will shift your perspective on mental health. Learn how to embrace anxiety, stay present, and build a healthier, more balanced mindset, on and off the court.

https://peterkassmd.com/

In this episode, we chat with Joey Hewitt, former pro athlete and mental coach, to explore the mental side of sports. From overcoming injury fears to mastering how to stay in the moment with breath work and self talk, Joey breaks down how to train your mind like you train your body. His journey from pro basketball player to mental coach offers valuable insights for anyone chasing resiliency. ⁠https://www.findjoeflow.com⁠

Let's take time today to "smell the roses and blow out the candles." :)

What's one mental skill or mindset shift that helped you perform better (on or off the field)? Let us know in the comments...

In this episode, I sit down with MLB pitcher and Loyal To My Soil founder Tyson Ross for an inspiring conversation about the mental side of the game, the power of a strong support system, and the importance of staying grounded. Tyson shares his thoughts on giving back to the community, embracing your own pace, and making time for joy in the journey, on and off the field.

Loyal To My Soil

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Ingrid Yang a passionate mindfulness teacher, hospital based physician, and longevity science expert, to explore the transformative power of mindfulness habits, yoga, and meditation. We dive into how these practices can enhance longevity, reduce pain, and alleviate anxiety. Dr. Yang shares her insights on how to integrate these strategies into our daily lives to boost motivation, find balance, and foster a deeper sense of well-being. Whether you're looking to manage stress or ready to practice self compassion, this conversation will inspire you to take action and cultivate a mindful approach to living.

Jeff Bristol, former athlete, fitness trainer, and owner of Fitness Quest 10, teaches us how to build strength physically and mentally. He shares his journey with substance abuse and the ability to persevere through tough challenges. We dive into the mindset that builds resilience while understanding the purpose of fitness beyond the gym.

In this episode, we talk with Coach Mason Biddle to dive into the importance of leadership on and off the court. We discuss how strong leadership impacts team success, how to navigate both victories and losses and the invaluable advice he shares from his experience as a coach. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or leader in any field, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your game. Tune in!

Golf isn’t just about skill, it’s about mindset. In this episode, we chat with Christine Wang, professional golfer and USC graduate, about the mental strategies behind tournament preparation, including the power of visualization, staying focused under pressure, and overcoming the solitude of the sport. Whether you’re a golfer or just looking to strengthen your mental game, this episode is filled with insights to help you perform at your best.

In this special milestone episode ofThe Mental Playbook, I’m flipping the script and sharing my own journey. From my passion for sports and mental wellness to the lessons I’ve learned along the way, this episode is all about the story behind the host. Tune in as I reflect on the podcast’s journey so far, what drives me, and what’s next forThe Mental Playbook!

A special thank you to my listeners who helped me make this happen :)

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Christy Swaid, a 6-time world champion jet ski racer and the founder of Checkered Flag Living and Heal United. We dive deep into the importance of having a support system, dealing with loss, and the dangers of pushing yourself too hard. Christy shares how balancing high-level competition and self-care can be a challenge, offering valuable insights on resilience, healing, and finding peace in the face of life's toughest moments.

Checkered Flag Living

Heal United

Bianca Smith made history as the first African American woman to coach in professional baseball. However, her growth as a coach and her ability to inspire others through her work exceed this milestone. In this episode, Smith shares what motivated her to pursue coaching, the challenges of her career, and her experiences coaching internationally! Listen as Smith reflects on resilience, representation, and the impact she hopes to have in the world of sports.