Food fuels the brain and in todays high performance culture, food fuels your body to become bigger, stronger and faster. In this episode, Todd Arkell interviews Shannon Mendez, A D1 sports dietitian and sports nutrition specialist, discussing the critical role of nutrition in athletic and mental performance. They explore Shannon's personal journey into sports nutrition, the importance of fueling the body for both physical and mental performance, and practical strategies for athletes to improve their eating habits. The conversation also covers the impact of the microbiome on mental health, the dangers of energy drinks, and the significance of meal prep and consistent eating for athletes. Shannon emphasizes the need for athletes to understand their nutritional needs and develop healthy habits that will support their performance and overall mental well-being.

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When an MLB broadcast casually criticized her son, Leslee Holliday wasn’t shocked. She’s spent two decades riding the highs and lows of professional baseball with her husband Matt Holliday, and now with their sons Jackson and Ethan. What did surprise her was a different thought: What are the other parents feeling right now—the ones who didn’t grow up in this world?

In this conversation, Todd Arkell speaks with Leslie Holliday about the challenges and joys of parenting young athletes. Leslie shares her insights on the importance of identity, the role of family, and the need for self-assessment in sports. They discuss the impact of social media, the significance of embracing failure, and the necessity of maintaining a balanced perspective in youth sports. Leslie emphasizes the importance of being present and nurturing a supportive environment for children to thrive in their athletic pursuits.

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In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Dan Connerty, founder of Ntangible, a company focused on enhancing mental performance for athletes through innovative assessment tools. They discuss the importance of measuring mental resilience, the science behind Ntangible's assessments, and how these tools can be applied in various sports and even beyond athletics. The conversation highlights the need for personalized mental training recommendations and the role of coaches in supporting athletes' mental development. Dan shares insights on the accessibility of their tools for different levels of sports organizations and the potential applications in fields like law enforcement and corporate leadership.

Find out about Ntangible - www.ntangible.co

takeaways

• Ntangible provides tools to measure mental performance in athletes.
• The assessment focuses on how well athletes perform under pressure.
• Mental performance is often overlooked compared to physical skills.
• The tool offers personalized recommendations for mental training.
• Ntangible's assessments are accessible to various sports organizations.
• Coaches can use the assessment to make informed decisions about player roles.
• The scores indicate a player's mental resilience and readiness for high-pressure situations.
• The tool can be applied in non-sporting environments, such as law enforcement.
• AI capabilities enhance the personalization of mental training drills.
• Understanding mental performance is crucial for developing well-rounded athletes.

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Todd Arkell interviews Canadian golfer Monet Chun, who shares her journey from a young athlete in Richmond Hill Canada to playing at the University Michigan, where she won 2024 Big Ten Golfer of the Year and is a two-time Big Ten Championship medalist (2022, 2024). Chun now has her sites set on a LPGA tour card, currently playing on the Epson Tour developing her game to rise to the next level. Monet discusses the importance of mental performance in golf, her goals for the future, and the challenges of transitioning from the NCAA to the LPGA Tour. She emphasizes the significance of building confidence, handling pressure, and the role of a supportive community in her success. Monet also offers valuable insights for young golfers on improving their mental game and the importance of travel in gaining competitive experience.

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Ryan Mittleman, Vice President of Pro Scouting for the Toronto Blue Jays, discussed his journey from hockey to baseball, highlighting his role in player acquisition and scouting. He detailed the differences between amateur and pro scouting, emphasizing the importance of player projection and financial considerations. Mittleman shared insights on managing emotional highs and lows in scouting, the impact of new leadership, and the evolving role of data and technology in baseball operations. He also discussed the challenges of international scouting, particularly in Japan and Korea, and the importance of cultural and language expertise.

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In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell engages with mental performance coach Travis Rogers and young athletes Jalen Jacob and Korbin Greaves in preparation for their participation in the 2025 Prep Baseball Future Games in Atlanta Georgia.. They discuss the mental aspects of playing baseball, including personal journeys, mental preparation, handling pressure, setting goals, and the importance of routines. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, the transfer portal, and balancing academics with athletics. The athletes share their insights on maintaining a positive mindset and learning from failure, emphasizing the importance of being the best version of oneself.

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In this powerful episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with Bob Wilkie — former professional hockey player, author, founder of I Got Mind, and mental health advocate. Bob’s journey through the highs of junior and professional hockey and the deep lows of trauma, loss, and identity struggles provides an unflinching look at the realities behind the game.

Key Topics Covered:

• Falling in Love with Hockey: Bob’s early inspirations, Hockey Night in Canada, and forming his identity around the game.
• The Swift Current Broncos Bus Crash: How tragedy reshaped his life and inspired the “For the Boys” scholarship honouring lost teammates.
• Mental Health and Hockey Culture: The lasting impacts of stigma, the toxic side of “tough it out,” and the dangers of unchecked hockey culture.
• Resilience and Redemption: From hoisting the Memorial Cup to battling trauma, substance abuse, and rediscovering purpose.
• I Got Mind: Building mental wealth through communication, expectations, teamwork, and soft skills for athletes, parents, and coaches.
• The Sideways Documentary: Telling the story of the crash, its aftermath, and the long path toward healing.
• Practical Advice for Young Athletes & Parents: Managing expectations, focusing on fun and development, and building habits that strengthen both mental and physical performance.

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In this episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with former Canadian baseball player and current mental health professional Graham Tebbit. Graham shares his journey from growing up in Canadian baseball, earning a college scholarship in the U.S., and playing semi-pro in the IBL, to transitioning into a career in mental health and performance coaching.

Drawing on both personal experience and professional training, Graham dives into:

• The mental ups and downs of being an athlete and how to normalize them.
• Strategies for building resilience and reframing setbacks.
• The role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in sports performance.
• How perfectionism, ADHD, and social media influence young athletes today.
• Common mistakes parents and coaches make—and how to better support athletes.

The conversation also explores myths about “mental toughness,” why early mental skills training matters, and how to balance external expectations with personal passion for the game. Graham’s perspective blends the competitive mindset of a high-level athlete with the empathy and insight of a therapist, offering practical advice for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

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In this weeks episode, host Todd Arkell talks with Ryan Long current hitting coach Witherspoon the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate the Buffalo Bisons. The two chat about the difference in culture and mindset between North American and Korean players. Growing up in Texas, being recruited to LSU and drafted by the Kansas City Royals. How his experiences led Ryan to coaching and how he applies that knowledge today for those up and coming professionals.

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This episode features an insightful conversation with Jeremy Booth, visionary Founder and CEO of Program 15, President of Baseball Operations for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, former MLB scout, and accomplished baseball analyst and author.

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