The Focused Athlete

In this episode, former Division I athlete and founder of MNTL VZN, Jazlen Green, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from high school basketball setbacks to competing at UC Berkeley and earning her master’s at San Diego State. Jazlen opens up about her experience with mental health, the power of self-advocacy, and the importance of selflessness in emotional intelligence. She also discusses the work she’s doing to bring mental health awareness and resources into schools and communities, while offering valuable advice for young athletes striving to balance their goals with personal well-being.

In this episode, we talk to Melissa Warner and Steph Beall, longtime coaches and co-owners of Warner Athletics. Melissa and Steph talk about blending technical on-field training with the mental side of the game, and how emotional intelligence has helped them build stronger connections with their athletes. They share how creating personal mission statements, leading with values, and focusing on whole-person development have shaped their coaching philosophy. They also discuss their focus on parent education, the importance of the self-led journeys for kids, and how they manage stress while balancing the many roles they play in and out of sport.

In this episode, Sarah talks with Tracy Joyner, head coach of University of Oregon women’s soccer. Tracy shares her philosophy on leadership, the power of team values, and how consistency in everything you do leads to success. She also opens up about emotional intelligence, embracing adversity, and preparing athletes for life beyond the game.

In this episode, we talk to Danette Leighton, 30-year sports industry and corporate executive with experience serving both men’s and women’s professional and collegiate sports leagues and teams, as well as current CEO of the Women's Sports Foundation. Danette talks about being her authentic self and balancing her emotions throughout high level roles. She talks about how being an empathetic leader, being okay with making mistakes and not being afraid to say sorry has helped her within these roles.

In this episode, we talk to Michelle Brown, Second Degree Black Belt, Bok Fu Do and CEO Gumsaba Fitness and Hit with Power.  Michelle talks about how martial arts has impacted her as a leader and athlete.  She talks about the importance of emotional control and managing obstacles…

In this episode, we talk to Shayna Hammond, gymnast, collegiate softball player and CEO.  Shayna talks about being in tune with her body and the importance of body love.  She talks about the importance of being able to express and release emotions in order to have control over what happens next…

In this episode we talk with Karima Wesselhoft.  Karima is a leader in Education and she was a collegiate softball player.  Karima talks about the importance of role modeling, self awareness, and connecting with others…

In this episode, we talk to Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach in Major League Baseball.  Justine talks about what it's like being a female coach in a men’s league,  She talks about the power of kindness, the importance of self care and family time.  

In this episode we talk to D1 Loyola Marymount University women’s water polo goalie, Madison Davis.  Madison talks about what it’s like to be a goalie, she shares tools on how to manage the pressure and stress that come with being a goalie…

In this episode we talk with Geeta Anand, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Author, Dean of UC Berkeley Journalism, and National swimming champion!  Geeta talks about how sports have helped her to where she is today.  She talks about overcoming fear and the importance of enjoying what you do…