Joined by special guest, psychiatrist and MMA enthusiast, Dr. Mike Mah, we sprawl into the world of MMA. We discuss the history and evolution of the sport from the days of no weight classes and bare knuckles to today's billion dollar UFC events featuring highly skilled athletes fighting on ABC. Along the way we highlight the many unique struggles mixed martial artists face in their pursuit of the belt (chief amongst them, a livable wage, cutting weight and managing being locked in a cage with another human that wants to knock your head off [or choke you unconscious]). We also touch on the coach-fighter relationship and the importance of effective communication (featuring UFC 278's Leon Edwards and his coach Dave Lovell).

Athletes Discussed: Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Kamaru Edwards, Leon Edwards, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones, George St. Pierre, Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Khamzat Chimaev, TJ Dillashaw, Luke Rockhold, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Alistair Overeem

https://www.mahmd.com/

We give our annual NBA playoff predictions as Dr. Hoes has to make adjustments to his preseason pick, the Los Angeles Lakers

We detail how awareness, specifically, self-awareness and situational awareness can help you become better at managing emotion and taking advantage of the moment. We use examples of some legendary athletes that have used this skill to their advantage or, conversely, have shown a lack of self-awareness that negatively impacted their team.

Athletes featured: Tom Brady, Lebron James, Ben Simmons, Tiger Woods

Coaches featured: Mike Krzyzewski

We pivoted from our originally scheduled programming to discuss what was on our minds rounding out black history month. Highlighted by the Brian Flores' story we discussed how we as fans (and consumers) can impact social change by being more mindful on how we use our money and, more importantly, our attention.

Is it time to start investing more of our attention into businesses (sports teams included) that not only provide us the services we are looking for (entertainment), but businesses that also align with what we value? Sports franchises that push for equality and justice for all?

Coaches discussed: Brian Flores, Mike Tomlin

With the new year comes new beginnings. We discuss strategies to take advantage of any fresh start including setting goals, managing momentum (maintaining and swinging) and opening yourself up to honest communication. This is highlighted by the athletes below and their fresh or not so fresh starts.

Athletes Discussed: Demar DeRozan, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Jimmy Butler, Ryan Tannehill, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown

Coaches Discussed: Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich

In part 1 of our Neurodiversity series, we turn our focus to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We discuss the spectrum of ADHD, how it presents, and how we—as individuals, coaches, and as a society—can make our world a more welcoming place for all. We also highlight treatment options including stimulants, non-stimulants and therapy.

Athletes Discussed: Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Chris Kaman, Justin Gaitlin, Kevin Lee

Studies Referenced:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/205525

https://www.additudemag.com/teen-pregnancy-rates-risk-adhd-girls/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4414493/

We highlight how mindfulness, communication and gratitude mental fitness skills would go a long way in helping resolve the ongoing issues regarding the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and more.

Athletes Featured: Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Kevin Durant, De'Andre Ayton, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Lebron James, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Luka Doncic, Ja Morant,

We the do an in depth of analysis of each NFL team and describe what each franchise should be grateful for going into the new season.

Individuals Featured: Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Joe Burrow, Derrick Henry, Carson Wentz, etc

Malice at the Palace is a prime example of when emotions get the best of us. We discuss all the factors that led to the worst brawl in US’ sports history involving fans and players.

It is important to note that in each individual and in each setting there is a threshold of emotions and once that is crossed fight or flight is initiated and all bets are off.

We discussed how the most vital aspect of the construction of a championship team is the creation of a bond or brotherhood or sisterhood that goes beyond the basketball court. With a culture of connectedness it is easier to overcome clashes of personalities, failures and any other shortcoming.

This is also a story of resilience and how these individuals were able to bounce back and grow from this experience through mental fitness, specifically being able to connect with others therefore allowing them to be able to connect and feel more confident with themselves.

Mental Fitness techniques featured: communication, mindfulness, gratitude, confidence

Individuals featured: Metta Sandiford-Artest (Ron Artest), Jermaine O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Stephen Jackson, Ben Wallace, Draymond Green, Dennis Rodman

We wrap up the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games by discussing some of the competitively great athletes who continue to cement their legacies, the team dynamics of team USA’s men’s basketball team and the barrier breakers and trend setters, like first time mothers competing.

Mental Fitness Pillars Featured: Mindfulness, Gratitude

Athletes Featured: Kevin Durant, Zach Levine, Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix, Sydney McLaughlin, Dalilah Muhammad, Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Sha’Carri Richardson, the Dream Team

Coaches Featured: Gregg Popovich