SportsEpreneur

Green Bay Packers Tight End, Bronson Kaufusi joins the podcast to talk about appreciating every day, helping others, the life of an NFL player, and how family is everything.

What a great person. That’s the thought you will have about Bronson Kaufusi after listening to this podcast episode. In this AthMindset episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW, shares space with Bronson to discuss: family, the NFL, gratitude, coach dad, working hard on mental skills, journaling, focusing on what’s most important, the mental aspect of an injury, Eric Weddle as a mentor, Antonio Brown, judging, and helping others.

Bronson, number 45 for the Green Bay Packers, is the Founder and CEO of Connect NIL. Connect NIL is a marketplace where businesses create marketing gigs and college athletes can apply to do them. Bronson was a star football player at BYU and was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Before joining the Packers, he played for the New York Jets.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. And it’s all about mental health in sports.

From Lisa:

I’m Lisa Bonta Sumii and this is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. 

This podcast series is a space for conversations with athletes, coaches, practitioners, and stakeholders in sports. And it’s where those individuals share their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts on mental health in sports. 

Eric Kasimov of SportsEpreneur is generously hosting the AthMindset Podcast Series on his platform as he deeply believes that these conversations are essential and deserve to be prioritized.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. SportsEpreneur — the content platform where sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health collide!

If you are looking to start a podcast or create original content, you have to talk with the team at SportsEpreneur. I work with them and I vouch for them. It’s that simple. Go to SportsE.io to learn more. 

Are you an athlete or entrepreneur looking to create content? Learn More.

Useful web pages from this episode:

More content on Mental Health and the NFL:

Let’s connect:

That’s a wrap:

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

Athletes, coaches, and parents — please listen to this episode to understand what athletes go through. Savanah Whatley is an infielder for the Oregon State Beavers softball team. In high school, she dealt with the trauma of being bullied. Savanah almost gave up the sport “she was born to play”. But her mom and family supported her after this traumatic experience. In her ongoing work on her own mental health, her relationship with God has allowed her to continue on with playing softball.

We appreciate Savanah’s bravery in sharing her story. And because of her commitment and willingness to be vulnerable, her story is just getting started. And we are here for it! We are also grateful to have connected with Savanah and we know you will be too.

In this AthMindset episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW, shares space with Savanah Whately to discuss finding softball, her experience being bullied, her faith, and the impact of the pandemic on an athlete’s mental health.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. And it’s all about mental health in sports.

From Lisa:

I’m Lisa Bonta Sumii and this is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. 

This podcast series is a space for conversations with athletes, coaches, practitioners, and stakeholders in sports. And it’s where those individuals share their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts on mental health in sports. 

Eric Kasimov of SportsEpreneur is generously hosting the AthMindset Podcast Series on his platform as he deeply believes that these conversations are essential and deserve to be prioritized.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. SportsEpreneur — the content platform where sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health collide!

If you are looking to start a podcast or create original content, you have to talk with the team at SportsEpreneur. I work with them and I vouch for them. It’s that simple. Go to SportsE.io to learn more. 

Are you an athlete or entrepreneur looking to create content? Learn More.

Useful web pages from this episode:

More content on Mental Health:

Let’s Connect:

That’s a wrap:

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post AthMindset | Savanah Whatley Opens Up About Mental Health in Life and Softball appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Ensuring active NFL players have the resources and support they need for their mental health.

Dr. Amber Cargill, PsyD is the Director of Player Wellness for the NFLPA and she is the featured guest in this AthMindset episode on SportsEpreneur.

In this AthMindset episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW, shares space with Dr. Cargill to discuss her role with the NFLPA, NFL players’ mental health, and the supporting of athletes and their families.

Amber Cargill, PsyD as described on the NFL website:

“Dr. Amber Cargill is the Director of Player Wellness at the NFL Players Association. In her role, she ensures all active players have the resources and support they need to maximize their performance on and off the field, works to preserve the mental and physical health of players and their families, and promotes education on maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Dr. Cargill is a licensed clinical and sport psychologist. With 16 years of experience working with athletes, coaches, and sport administrators, she specializes in supporting athletes’ development both in and out of sport. Prior to joining the Players Association, Amber served as the training director for George Washington University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, where she also provided sport psychology services to GW’s Department of Athletics. She has also served as a member of the NBPA Mental Health and Wellness Program. Amber received her undergraduate degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in sport psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. She completed her postdoctoral residency at the University of Oklahoma Department of Athletics.” (source)

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. And it’s all about mental health in sports.

From Lisa:

I’m Lisa Bonta Sumii and this is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. 

This podcast series is a space for conversations with athletes, coaches, practitioners, and stakeholders in sports. And it’s where those individuals share their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts on mental health in sports. 

Eric Kasimov of SportsEpreneur is generously hosting the AthMindset Podcast Series on his platform as he deeply believes that these conversations are essential and deserve to be prioritized.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. SportsEpreneur — the content platform where sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health collide!

If you are looking to start a podcast or create original content, you have to talk with the team at SportsEpreneur. I work with them and I vouch for them. It’s that simple. Go to SportsE.io to learn more. 

Are you an athlete or entrepreneur looking to create content? Learn More.

Useful web pages from this episode:

More content on Mental Health:

Let’s Connect:

That’s a wrap:

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

What is it like to be a hockey enforcer in all leagues, including the NHL? And what’s the impact on the athlete’s mental health?

This SportsMatterz podcast episode features former hockey player Josh Gratton discussing what it was like to be a hockey enforcer, the impact on playing time, making a team, mental health, fear, and more.

This SportsMatterz episode is from the podcast conversation featuring former hockey player Jake Newton, interviewing Josh Gratton. Sometimes the role of hockey enforcer becomes glorified, but listening to Josh talk openly about this topic will give you a new perspective.

What is SportsMatterz

Welcome to SportsMatterz, a SportsEpreneur Podcast Series, bringing you focused content on a significant topic related to the world of sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health.

And if you’re interested in being featured in a future SportsMatterz podcast:

Useful web pages from this episode:

More content on Mental Health:

Let’s Connect:

That’s a wrap:

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post SportsMatterz | Being a Hockey Enforcer with Josh Gratton appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Learning about sleep has never been more fun than this!

In this AthMindset episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW, shares space with Dr. Chris Winter, internationally recognized expert on sleep and the author of “The Sleep Solution” and “The Rested Child”.

Dr. Chris Winter as described on the American Sleep Association (ASA) website:

Dr. Christopher Winter has practiced sleep medicine and neurology in Charlottesville, Virginia since 2004, but has been involved with sleep medicine and sleep research since 1993.  As the owner of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine, CNSM Consulting and the Medical Director of the Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center, Dr. Winter is not only an active participant in patient care, but a dynamic speaker and researcher on the science of sleep. Dr. Winter’s current research focuses on sleep and athletic performance (learn more about Dr. Winter at the bottom of this page).

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. And it’s all about mental health in sports.

From Lisa:

I’m Lisa Bonta Sumii and this is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. 

This podcast series is a space for conversations with athletes, coaches, practitioners, and stakeholders in sports. And it’s where those individuals share their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts on mental health in sports. 

Eric Kasimov of SportsEpreneur is generously hosting the AthMindset Podcast Series on his platform as he deeply believes that these conversations are essential and deserve to be prioritized.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. SportsEpreneur — the content platform where sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health collide!

If you are looking to start a podcast or create original content, you have to talk with the team at SportsEpreneur. I work with them and I vouch for them. It’s that simple. Go to SportsE.io to learn more. 

Are you an athlete or entrepreneur looking to create content? Learn More.

Useful web pages from this episode:

More content on Mental Health:

Let’s Connect:

That’s a wrap:

More about the guest, Dr. Chris Winter:

Dr. Christopher Winter has practiced sleep medicine and neurology in Charlottesville, Virginia since 2004, but has been involved with sleep medicine and sleep research since 1993.  Currently he is the owner of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine clinic and CNSM Consulting. He recently stepped down as the Medical Director of the Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center, a sleep center he established in 2004.  Dr. Winter is not only an active participant in patient care, but a dynamic speaker and researcher on the science of sleep.

Dr. Winter’s current research focuses on sleep and athletic performance. In 2006, Major League Baseball awarded him a grant to study the effect of scheduling and time zone travel on team performance.  In the winter of 2008, he was an invited lecturer at the MLB winter meetings in Las Vegas, NV.  He has served as a consultant for several baseball teams including:

In addition to MLB teams, he has worked with the Chicago Bulls and is currently the sleep medicine specialist for NBA teams including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards, as well as the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. Within the NHL, he has consulted with the Washington Capitals, the New York Rangers, and the Florida Panthers. He has served with the NFL’s Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens.  In addition to professional athletes, Dr. Winter has studied the sleeping characteristics of 560 Division I-A college football players, and works with several collegiate teams to help optimize their sleep.  Dr. Winter also consults with the United States Women’s soccer team. His expertise in sleep as it relates to health and fitness led to Dr. Winter being named to the Men’s Health Magazine Health Advisor...

Wisconsin Badger Superstar Running Back Montee Ball and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and nationally board-certified counselor Derek Bylsma are the featured guests of this SportsEpreneur podcast — hosted by Eric Kasimov, founder of SportsEpreneur.

They talk about the complexities surrounding Antonio Brown, the college football transfer portal, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness).

Montee and Derek bring insight, experience, compassion, and much-needed dialogue to these important sports topics related to athletes’ mental health.

More about the guests: Montee Ball and Derek Bylsma

Montee Ball

Montee Ball played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers and was then drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft. His NFL career came to an end after two seasons due to issues stemming from his alcoholism, anxiety, and depression.

Montee now sits on the boards of several committee organizations for recovery in the state of Wisconsin and nationally. He aims to tear down the stigma that surrounds substance use disorder with a strong focus on peer support. His goal is to continue enhancing engagement within the recovery community and also to teach the importance of strengthening the foundation. He is now a certified recovery coach, recovery coach trainer, public speaker, author, and co-host of his sobriety podcast, Untapped Keg, providing peer support for those who struggle with what he faced.

Connect with Montee Ball on Twitter

Derek Bylsma

Derek is the Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center and heads the 3A and Sports divisions at Millennium. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a nationally board-certified counselor. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy.

In addition to two bachelor’s degrees, one from Kalamazoo College and the other from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. After a successful career in business and with strong family ties in the helping professions, it became apparent that Derek’s true calling was to help those struggling with life’s many challenges.

Derek specializes in recovery-related work, mood disorders, co-occurring disorders, and issues unique to athletic performance. He is particularly enthusiastic about leading the sports division at Millennium Counseling Center, as it combines two of his lifelong passions: helping others and athletics. As a soccer player, Derek was a two-time college All-American and All-Big Ten player, and after graduating, went on to play professional soccer in the U.S. More recently, Derek’s ties to athletics shifted from player to coach, and he has been recognized as one of the top High School soccer coaches in Illinois. His experience as a high-performing athlete and coach, combined with his extensive background in the mental health field, provides clients in Millennium’s Sports and Performance Wellness Division with unique benefits.

Derek draws from his own life experiences and insights to help others see the power of having choices in life. He believes “It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.”

Connect with Derek on LinkedIn

Useful web pages from this episode:

More content related to NIL and College Sports

Connect with SE:

That’s a wrap:

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and Q...

Hard work and education are everything to this world-class sprinter, Curtis Mitchell.

In this AthMindset episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW, shares space with Curtis Mitchell.

This man is the 2014 USA 200 meter Champion! The 2013 USA 200 meter silver Medalist. And the 2013 USA World Championship Bronze Medalist! His personal record is 19.97.

How does Curtis Mitchell go from multi-sport high school athlete to no scholarship offers to a race against Usain Bolt?

How about:

Finding opportunity in Junior College (JUCO), dreaming big, self-reflection, saying no to distractions, being uncomfortable, working on mental health, and overall working hard and focusing on education. All while not letting his sport define him. Curtis Mitchell talks about how he doesn’t want to walk away from his sport with nothing. Thus he is a business owner focused on generational wealth.

Listen to Lisa and Curtis Mitchell have an open and vulnerable conversation on how Curtis Mitchell has accomplished what he has and even more, what he will. His mindset is something we can all learn from.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. And it’s all about mental health in sports.

From Lisa:

I’m Lisa Bonta Sumii and this is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. 

This podcast series is a space for conversations with athletes, coaches, practitioners, and stakeholders in sports. And it’s where those individuals share their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts on mental health in sports. 

Eric Kasimov of SportsEpreneur is generously hosting the AthMindset Podcast Series on his platform as he deeply believes that these conversations are essential and deserve to be prioritized.

This is the AthMindset Podcast Series on SportsEpreneur. SportsEpreneur — the content platform where sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health collide!

If you are looking to start a podcast or create original content, you have to talk with the team at SportsEpreneur. I work with them and I vouch for them. It’s that simple. Go to SportsE.io to learn more. 

Are you an athlete or entrepreneur looking to create content? Learn More.

Useful web pages from this episode:

More content on Mental Health:

Let’s connect:

That’s a wrap:

Feel free to use this image below to share this post on social media:

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.