In this special year-end episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle steps away from the usual structure to offer a deeply personal reflection on 2025. Rather than teaching a skill or breaking down a framework, this episode serves as a State of the Universe check-in, part annual review, part integrity audit, and part honest reckoning with what it means to grow without losing alignment.

Dan reflects on a year that was less about progress and more about endurance. He explores what it felt like to survive an unsustainable pace, the quiet cost of chasing higher standards, and the realization that presence, not productivity, was often what suffered most. This episode is not a success story or a cautionary tale. It is an attempt to hold the year as it actually was, without forcing meaning or resolution too quickly.

Throughout the conversation, Dan examines the tension between personal growth and shared growth, the gap between being present in name versus in practice, and how integrity can quietly erode when bandwidth disappears. He also looks ahead to 2026 with a different goal, not clarity all at once, but alignment over time.

This episode is for anyone who made it through a hard year, kept showing up even when depleted, and is trying to figure out how to move forward without repeating the same patterns.

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In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle challenges the common belief that sports automatically teach confidence, resilience, accountability, and leadership. While sports expose athletes to pressure, failure, and feedback, Dan explains why exposure alone does not equal development.

Dan breaks down why calling these abilities “soft skills” minimizes their importance and allows them to be overlooked in training environments. He explores how mental skills like emotional regulation, communication, and self trust are high demand cognitive skills that require structure, language, and intentional practice. A key theme of the episode centers on Dan’s philosophy of high standards, no expectations, explaining why expectations often show up as unspoken assumptions and pressure, while standards are clear, teachable behaviors athletes can actually train.

The episode also highlights how these gaps disproportionately affect neurodivergent athletes, where unstructured environments, vague feedback, and inconsistent communication increase stress and lead to misinterpretation of behavior rather than skill development.

In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a question from a parent of a high school soccer player who is repeatedly told to “be more confident” without being taught how. Dan reframes confidence as a skill, not a personality trait, and offers practical guidance for supporting athletes without undermining coaches.

Topics covered:

Why exposure is not the same as development

The problem with labeling mental skills as “soft”

High standards versus expectations in coaching

How assumptions create pressure without clarity

Why neurodivergent athletes are impacted the most

Teaching confidence as a skill, not demanding it

Recommended Episodes:

Episode 042, Building Confidence for Success

Episode 038, One Hundred Fifty One

Episode 032, They Ain’t Coachable

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Episode 049 | Buyer’s Remorse | December 2025

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores buyer’s remorse in youth sports, a feeling that often surfaces after tryouts, team changes, and when the excitement of a new environment fades. Athletes, parents, and coaches begin questioning whether the switch they made was the right one.

Dan explains why these decisions are often made under pressure and why early discomfort is frequently mistaken for a bad decision. He discusses adjustment cost, communication breakdowns, and the importance of slowing down reactions before making another change. The episode also highlights how transitions can be especially challenging for neurodivergent athletes, where new routines, expectations, and communication styles increase cognitive load and require stronger support systems.

In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a question from a parent navigating regret after switching clubs and offers practical guidance for separating discomfort from real problems, identifying progress beyond outcomes, and supporting the athlete through the transition.

Topics covered:

Recommended Episodes:

Episode 033, The Benefits of Losing

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In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the complicated and often misunderstood use of the word bully in youth sports. Are young athletes truly experiencing bullying in more situations, or have we started labeling every uncomfortable moment as something harmful?

Dan breaks down the growing confusion between bullying and accountability, looking at why this happens, how it affects athlete development, and how adults can better support young performers by using more accurate and consistent language. You will learn how feedback, correction, and emotional discomfort differ from actual bullying, and why mixing the two can create real problems for athletes, parents, and coaches.

The episode also highlights how neurodivergent athletes may interpret tone, structure, and pressure differently, making it even more important for adults to communicate with clarity and intention. This is a meaningful discussion about how to protect athletes who need protection while still teaching resilience, responsibility, and emotional regulation.

In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener’s question about a young autistic athlete who feels targeted by her coach’s corrections and needs help distinguishing feedback from harm.

Topics covered:

Links Mentioned:

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Episode 047 | A Conversation with Coach Nicole - Life Pivots, Coaching Philosophy, and Embracing Growth | June 2025

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle interviews the inspiring Coach Nicole from USA Volleyball. Nicole shares her unique journey through multiple careers, ultimately dedicating her life to coaching volleyball.

Despite facing imposter syndrome, Nicole speaks about her “fake it till you make it” philosophy and how it has driven her to new heights in her professional life. She also shares how her supportive husband and a changing career landscape led her to coaching full-time — ultimately earning her recognition as USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior Beach Coach of the Year.

The conversation explores Nicole’s adaptive coaching philosophy, how she tailors her methods to different environments, and her insights on the shifting dynamics of volleyball coaching and international sport. Nicole’s story is a powerful testament to adaptability, passion, and resilience — and offers valuable lessons for coaches, athletes, and anyone pursuing growth in an uncertain world.

Topics covered:

Nicole’s career transition from private chef to full-time coach

Overcoming imposter syndrome in the coaching profession

How adaptability fuels growth in coaching

The importance of embracing diverse coaching environments

Building open dialogue and athlete-centered coaching

Insights from USA Volleyball’s NTDP programs

Nicole’s aspirations for international and Olympic-level coaching

Mentioned in this episode:

USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program (NTDP)

Girls Junior Beach Coach of the Year award

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 046 | Athlete Apathy - Rethinking Motivation in Youth Sports | June 2025

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle tackles one of the most debated topics in today’s coaching circles: athlete apathy. Are today’s young athletes truly apathetic, or are coaches failing to ignite their spark?

Dan dives into an engaging conversation that challenges the common misconceptions about today’s youth in sports. You will explore how shifting coaching perspectives and embracing new methods can foster motivation and enthusiasm in athletes — rather than writing them off as unmotivated.

The episode also highlights the complexities of coaching neurodivergent athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding each athlete’s unique motivations, learning styles, and needs.

In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener’s question about how to support a player who feels discouraged by a coach’s negative comments about today’s athletes.

Topics covered:

Are athletes really apathetic — or are we missing their motivations?

How coaching methods can either inspire or stifle engagement

The importance of adapting coaching to generational needs

Understanding neurodivergent athletes and what drives them

Strategies for creating empowering sports environments

How to move from a participation model to true ownership of success

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 045 | Honor The Past Without Being Trapped By It | May 30, 2025

Welcome to this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, where host Dan Mickle explores the complex relationship between tradition and progress in sports and coaching.

As athletes and coaches strive to honor time-tested customs while adapting to the evolving needs of modern sports, this episode asks a critical question: does tradition support growth, or does it sometimes hold us back?

Through thoughtful discussion, Dan examines how outdated practices can unintentionally create barriers to inclusivity, especially for neurodivergent athletes, and shares strategies for evolving traditions in ways that foster a more supportive and empowering atmosphere for all.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone seeking to balance respect for the past with a forward-thinking approach to coaching and leadership.

Topics covered:

The value and limitations of tradition in sports

When honoring the past can become a barrier to progress

The impact of outdated practices on neurodivergent athletes

Strategies for evolving team culture to be more inclusive

How to balance respecting tradition with embracing modern needs

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

pisode 044 | We Have Lost Our Damn Minds | March 21, 2025

Welcome to The MentalCast, hosted by Dan Mickle and supported by Soul Performance Academy.

In this episode, Dan shares an unscripted rant about the chaotic and often unhealthy state of youth sports today. He dives into the financial burdens placed on families, the unrealistic expectations heaped on young athletes, and the increasingly out-of-control behaviors seen from parents and coaches on the sidelines.

Dan calls for a balanced approach that puts the well-being of children first — advocating for a return to the simple joys of sports and a greater focus on mental performance training. This episode is a call to action for everyone involved in youth sports to move beyond the obsession with winning and instead prioritize the emotional and physical development of young athletes.

Topics covered:

The financial pressures of modern youth sports

Unrealistic expectations placed on young athletes

Toxic behaviors from parents and coaches

Why we need to prioritize well-being over winning

The role of mental performance training in healthy sports development

A call to return to the joy of the game

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 043 | A Conversation with Summer Montabone | February 26, 2025

In this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Summer Montabone, retired pro athlete and performance mindset coach, for an inspiring conversation about empowerment, leadership, and the mental side of sports.

They dive into important discussions around empowering girls through sports, addressing the unique challenges of female leadership in the fitness industry, and why mental performance training is a critical piece of the puzzle.

Summer shares her remarkable journey from high school teacher to national fitness champion to business owner and mindset coach, offering valuable insights on overcoming obstacles and building resilience. Together, Dan and Summer explore the developmental challenges in youth sports and the important roles that parents and coaches play in fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes.

If you are a parent, coach, or athlete, youth or adult , and this episode is packed with actionable ideas for building fearless action and leadership in both sports and life.

Topics covered:

Empowering girls through sports

Female leadership in fitness and sports

The value of mental performance training

Overcoming personal and professional obstacles

Building resilience and confidence in young athletes

Developing fearless action and personal leadership

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer Montabone Website

The Softball Mindset Workbook

The Volleyball Mindset Workbook

The Basketball Mindset Workbook

The Soccer Mindset Workbook

The Fearless Mindset for Women Workbook

Dream Big, Be Fearless Notebook

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 042 | Building Confidence for Success | January 2025

Confidence is more than just belief; it is a skill that can be trained, honed, and protected. In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the key elements of building true, lasting confidence, from preparation and visualization to setting achievable goals.

You will learn how to bounce back from setbacks, foster a growth mindset, and create supportive environments that help athletes, coaches, and parents alike nurture confidence.

This episode also includes tips specifically tailored for coaching neurodivergent athletes, using structured routines, sensory-friendly tools, and visual trackers to help build and sustain confidence.

And in The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener's question about helping a player with autism thrive in team settings. Packed with actionable strategies, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to develop their mental edge.

Topics covered:

How confidence is built and sustained

Preparation and visualization as confidence tools

Setting achievable goals for progressive growth

Fostering a growth mindset after setbacks

Supporting neurodivergent athletes in building confidence

Creating environments that nurture belief and resilience

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul