What if the problem isn’t how hard we’re working—but the system we’re working within?

In this episode of The Athlete Confidential, we explore the myth of meritocracy—the belief that success is earned solely through talent, intelligence, and effort—and how it shows up in sports, especially women’s sports. From being told to "just be grateful" for the bare minimum to navigating financial barriers that make even getting in the game a privilege, we unpack how this deeply rooted myth fuels shame, self-blame, and burnout.

Joined by guests Stacey Rutland, founder of Income Movement, and Jenna Gerry & Amy Durrence from Broad Consultants, we examine how structural inequalities—from unpaid internships to wage gaps—keep the playing field anything but level. We also discuss how policies like universal basic income could radically change what access, equity, and athlete well-being actually look like.

This episode is part of the "Myth of Meritocracy" campaign—a call to action led by athletes #ad

To learn more about these initiatives, follow Income Movement on Instagram @incomemovement or visit Income Movement to join their community and weekly newsletter.

Follow Broad Consultants on Instagram @broadconsultants

Follow other influencers a part of the campaign: @alysiamontaro @hannahzunichcosta @bballerbritt @cailin.bloom

In this solo episode, host Gabbie Ewing shares updates on everything happening behind the scenes at The Athlete Confidential, along with some personal life changes. Reflecting on the transitions in her life, Gabbie is reminded of a significant moment—her retirement from soccer. She discusses five valuable lessons she learned while navigating through change.

In this episode we are joined by Anna Miller, former collegiate soccer player and current overseas goalie who shares her coming out story and the internal struggles she faced exploring her queer identity while maintaining her athlete identity.

Anna made a decision to transfer after her sophomore year despite loving and thriving in the soccer program where she started her collegiate career, a sacrifice that would change the trajectory of her student-athlete experience on and off the field.

Go to https://betterhelp.com/athleteconfidential for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

We sit down with DJ Ahana, a former college basketball player turned mental health therapist. From team manager to starter, DJ shares his unconventional journey through college sports and what kept him motivated through it all. DJ eventually discovered an interest in pursuing a career in mental health where he went on a personal discovery to self-love and understanding of himself outside of sport.

We explore DJ's path from college athlete to mental health professional and his desire to share his passion with other athletes like himself. As a young Black man, DJ candidly expresses his personal struggles and the challenges he faced in finding his place in the mental health field. 

Instagram: @dennisahana

Go to https://betterhelp.com/athleteconfidential for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

 Audrey Baldwin, a former professional soccer player with over nine years of experience overseas, shares her unfiltered journey through the highs and lows of the game.

 Audrey takes us behind the scenes, revealing the challenges and pressures she faced navigating different teams, contracts, and countries. From the exhilaration of victory to the agony of countless injuries, Audrey shares the untold stories that lie beyond the spotlight of professional athletics.

Instagram: @audball_00

Go to https://betterhelp.com/athleteconfidential for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health struggles, including thoughts of suicide. If you or someone you know is having a crisis please call or text 988.

Former football player turned entrepreneur, Brandon Allen, takes us on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through his personal experiences of battling injuries and self-doubt on the sidelines, Brandon reveals how he navigated through tough times and emerged stronger. As the founder of The Hood Hippie Love Yourself clothing brand, Brandon shares how he transformed his challenges into opportunities for growth, ultimately embracing self-love and inspiring others to do the same. Join us as Brandon reflects on his journey, offering invaluable insights on changing perspectives, overcoming adversity, and finding empowerment through self-acceptance.

Instagram: @loveyourself

Go to https://betterhelp.com/athleteconfidential for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

In this episode, we are joined by the Author of "Everything I Got," Julia Allain. Julia is a former athlete and current mental skills coach who wrote a book that includes 30 lessons about "what you give, what you get, and how you grow through sports" based on her personal experiences as an athlete and life after sports.

Instagram: @allainmentalperformance

Go to https://betterhelp.com/athleteconfidential for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

We're joined by Morgan Bullock, a former DI softball player turned life coach and founder of Sportswomen Co. Morgan shares her journey of transitioning from the high-pressure world of collegiate athletics to the multifaceted realm of "real" life and motherhood. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced in rediscovering her identity post-sport and how she utilized her athletic background to navigate this pivotal period of self-discovery.

As Morgan reflects on her experiences as both an athlete and a mother, she illuminates the striking parallels between the two roles. From setting goals to embracing resilience, she draws insightful connections, showcasing how the skills honed on the diamond seamlessly translate into the realm of parenthood. Morgan not only inspires listeners to embrace change but also underscores the transformative power of harnessing one's athletic mindset to win within.

Instagram: @morganbullock_
@sportwomen.co

Go to https://betterhelp.com/athleteconfidential for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

Happy National Athletic Trainer Appreciation Day.
Celebrate by revisiting our episode with University of Portland Senior Athletic Trainer, Miho Arai on mental health.

We sit down with Miho Arai, Senior Athletic Trainer from the University of Portland who's on a mission to champion mental health in the world of sports. With a refreshing perspective, Miho emphasizes the importance of taking care of our minds alongside our bodies, and she opens up about her own personal journey with mental health. Get ready to dive into an insightful conversation as Miho shares practical tips, personal stories, and her unwavering passion for helping athletes thrive both on and off the field. 

Instagram: @miholalala_
@portlandsportsmed

In this episode, we are joined by Will Bush, a student-athlete at the University of Portland. As the SAAC president, Will is on a mission to ensure that the voices and needs of student-athletes are heard and addressed, especially when it comes to mental health.

Will shares his struggles with mental health and how he's navigated them throughout his collegiate journey. Despite facing several injuries that have sidelined him from competition for much of his career, Will remains resilient and committed to fostering a supportive environment for his fellow athletes.

Tune in as we explore the intersection of college athletics and mental health, gaining valuable perspectives from Will's personal experiences and his efforts to initiate positive change within the athletic community. 

Go to https://betterhelp.com/athleteconfidential for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored