Mental Training Room

In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with Hailey Ra, a dedicated Taekwondo athlete, to explore the sport psychology behind Poomsae (forms). Hailey opens up about the unique mental challenges of competing in Poomsae, including performance pressure, focus, and motivation. We discuss how mental training, self-talk, and resilience strategies can help martial artists overcome doubts, stay disciplined, and perform with confidence.

Whether you’re a Taekwondo athlete, martial artist, or coach, this conversation offers powerful insights into the mindset, motivation, and psychology of Poomsae. Learn practical tools to sharpen your mental game and apply them both in competition and everyday life.

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with Dr. Kim Hollingdale, sport psychologist for the WNBA’s LA Sparks, to explore the powerful link between the mind and body in athletic performance. Dr. Hollingdale shares why developing a healthy mind-body connection is essential for athletes at every level, how stress and mindset impact physical performance, and practical strategies players can use to strengthen their mental and physical balance. From training to recovery, this conversation breaks down the science and application of holistic performance—helping athletes unlock their full potential by aligning mental health with physical strength.

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this episode, NBA Coach Mike Hopkins dives deep into the mental side of elite basketball and what it takes to succeed at the highest level—while staying healthy and balanced. He shares his philosophy on strengthening your mental game, building resilience, and maintaining focus under pressure. Mike also opens up about the lessons he learned from Kobe Bryant, offering insights on mindset, leadership, and what separates great players from the rest. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or performance-driven individual, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your mental toughness and take your game to the next level.

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this powerful episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with JD DuBois — former collegiate basketball player, current NBA coach, and sport psychology professional — for a raw and insightful conversation about how trauma shapes athletes and the way they show up in their sport and life. Drawing from his personal experiences and years inside high-pressure NBA environments, JD shares how unhealed trauma can impact performance, relationships, and mental health, and why addressing the mind behind the game is essential for long-term success.

We also dive into JD’s new book, Breathe Thru Chaos, a guide for athletes and high performers to stay grounded, present, and mentally tough when everything feels overwhelming. Whether you're a player, coach, or someone navigating pressure-packed situations, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how to build resilience, manage stress, and find clarity through the storm.

Key Topics:

• How trauma impacts athletic identity and performance
• Mental performance tools for high-stress environments
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the NBA
• The connection between emotional regulation and peak performance
• JD's personal journey of healing and growth
• Highlights from Breathe Thru Chaos and how it can support athletes today

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with professional basketball player Chris Seeley for a raw and powerful conversation about the realities athletes face behind the scenes. From the rollercoaster of the recruiting process to the pressure of constantly having to perform, Chris opens up about the mental and emotional toll that often gets overlooked.

We dive into the challenges of transferring schools, adapting to new team cultures, and what it's really like managing life as an overseas pro. And yes—Chris gets honest about his time on Love Island, sharing the emotional highs and lows that come with being vulnerable on national television.

This episode is all about identity, transitions, and the courage it takes to show up authentically, both as an athlete and as a human.

Tune in for a conversation that reminds us that even when the cameras are off and the crowd is gone, the game continues within.

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this powerful episode, Haley shares her unfiltered experience as a Division 1 (D1) walk-on athlete and the mental health challenges that came with it. Without a scholarship, she constantly felt the pressure to prove herself, pushing through emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and performance anxiety without the tools to cope.

Haley opens up about the hidden side of college athletics—the burnout, identity struggles, and lack of support many walk-ons face. She reflects on how the “work harder” mentality became toxic, and how her experience inspired her career. 

This is a must-listen for college athletes, sports parents, and anyone navigating the intense mental demands of competitive sports.

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this episode of Mental Training Room, we’re talking directly to the first-year college athletes who are stepping into their very first summer of collegiate athletics. Whether you're feeling excited, overwhelmed, or unsure of what’s ahead, this conversation is here to ground you.

We break down what no one really tells you about your freshman year as a student-athlete—from managing the pressure of early practices and making a new team, to homesickness, mental fatigue, and identity shifts. You’ll hear personal stories, mindset tools, and mental training strategies to help you stay confident, calm, and focused through it all.

This episode is your reminder that you're not alone—and that the real game is just as mental as it is physical. Get ready to build a stronger mindset, develop new routines, and find support as you take this next big step.

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Coach Kelly Dormandy, renowned mental performance coach and former collegiate athlete, to unpack the game-changing impact of work ethic, consistency, and mindset on athletic success. Coach Dormandy shares insights from her journey working with elite athletes across every level—from high school to the pros—and dives deep into the mental habits that separate good athletes from great ones.

We explore the daily discipline required to perform under pressure, the importance of showing up with intention, and how to develop a mindset built to thrive in any environment. Whether you’re a current athlete, coach, or someone striving for excellence in your field, this episode is packed with actionable tools and real talk about what it takes to build a champion’s mentality.

Key Topics:

• Developing a relentless work ethic
• The role of consistency in long-term success
• How to lead when no one’s watching
• Real-life examples from elite sports
• Mental performance coaching tips for athletes and teams

Tune in and take the first step toward mastering your mindset with Coach Kelly Dormandy.

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Auld, a leader in student-athlete development, to explore what holistic development truly means in the world of college athletics. We unpack how universities—and the NCAA—are evolving beyond performance-based models to support the whole student-athlete: mind, body, and identity.

Lisa shares insights from her work implementing strategic programs that prioritize mental health, life skills, academic success, and personal growth. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone invested in sports culture, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the initiatives shaping the future of college sports.

Tune in to learn:

• What holistic student-athlete development looks like in action
• How the NCAA is creating systems of support across campuses
• Why identity, purpose, and well-being matter just as much as stats
• Actionable ways universities can champion athlete wellness

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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with Coach Jhasmin Player, former Baylor basketball star and current college coach, to unpack the powerful lessons she learned from legendary coach Kim Mulkey. Coach Player opens up about her journey through career transitions—from player to coach—and shares the mindset shifts that helped her navigate change with confidence. We also dive into her best advice for high school athletes navigating recruiting, pressure, and identity on and off the court. This episode is filled with practical gems, inspiration, and honest reflections for any athlete looking to grow mentally and emotionally in their sport.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod

For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com