Episode 021 | Chat with Tracy Lamourie - Public Relations Guru and Social Justice Warrior | May 2021

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle chats with international PR powerhouse Tracy Lamourie. They dive into the world of public relations — what it really takes to launch a PR business, why everyone (yes, everyone) should consider working with a PR professional, and how the pandemic has shifted the landscape of the industry.

Tracy also shares one of her most powerful life experiences: helping to free Jimmy Dennis from death row — an incredible story that is featured in Rolling Stone.

For anyone interested in entrepreneurship, brand building, or social justice, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways and fascinating insights.

Topics covered:

Guest links:

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 020 | Chat with Colin C. Thompson - Founder of Oligye Enterprises | February 2021

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has a fascinating conversation with Colin C. Thompson, founder of Oligye Enterprises, personal development and career transition coach, and blockchain innovator. Colin joins the podcast from Shanghai, bringing a global perspective to their discussion.

Dan and Colin explore coaching during the pandemic, the importance of life and soft skills, and the challenges athletes face when transitioning from college sports to the professional world. Colin also shares his personal journey into the world of running, a passion that didn’t always come naturally.

This wide-ranging chat is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for coaches, athletes, and professionals alike.

Technical note: Due to a system outage around the 52-minute mark, a brief segment of the interview was disrupted.

Topics covered:

Guest links:

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 019 | Chat with Anne-Marie Brandt - Marketing Guru | February 2021

We kick off Season 3 of The MentalCast with a thoughtful conversation between host Dan Mickle and solopreneur Anne-Marie Brandt, owner of Team Brandt Marketing. Dan and Anne-Marie, friends for over 30 years, dive into the topic of saying no — and the value of truly taking a break without guilt.

In today’s hustle-driven culture, it can feel like everyone is supposed to be grinding 24/7. But sometimes, stepping back and prioritizing rest is just as important as the work itself. Dan and Anne-Marie share personal insights on how to create a more balanced, sustainable approach to life and work.

If you have ever struggled with overcommitment or the pressure to always be “on,” this episode will give you permission to breathe — and some practical wisdom on how to do it.

Topics covered:

The power of saying no

How to take breaks without guilt

Why rest is a crucial part of success

Letting go of the pressure to hustle 24/7

Creating a more intentional and sustainable life

Guest links:

Team Brandt Marketing Website

Team Brandt Marketing on Facebook

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 018 | Chat with Brent Magnussen - Author, Public Speaker, and Fmr. Army Engineer | November 2020

This episode of The MentalCast features a dynamic conversation between host Dan Mickle and Brent Magnussen, author of Roger Up!, public speaker, and former Army engineer.

Dan and Brent dive into the power of routines, goal setting, and mindset — all themes central to Brent’s book and speaking work. They also explore the role of martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in building mental and physical resilience. Along the way, Dan gets to test and confirm parts of his own morning ritual, something Brent passionately advocates for.

As usual, there were far more topics on the table than time allowed, making this an episode packed with energy and actionable insights.

Topics covered:

The role of daily routines in building success

Goal setting strategies for athletes and leaders

Mental and physical resilience through martial arts

Lessons from Roger Up!

Creating a personal morning ritual

Guest links:

Brent Magnussen Website

Brent Magnussen on Facebook | Speaking Bookings | Instagram

Roger Up! by Brent Magnussen on Amazon

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 017 | Chat with Jay Hosack - George Mason Men's Volleyball Head Coach. | November 2020

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with friend and fellow coach Jay Hosack, head coach of George Mason University Men’s Volleyball.

Dan and Jay dive into the realities of the coaching ladder — how to move up in the coaching ranks, and the often overlooked question: Should you move up? The conversation explores key career decisions, personal reflections, and the mindset needed to navigate the coaching world.

Jay also shares the story behind his own big move from sunny California to Happy Valley, and the pivotal moment when Penn State head coach Mark Pavlik gave his blessing for Jay to pursue a head coaching position. This is an informal, insightful chat between two experienced coaches who have traveled their own unique career paths.

Production note: There are some audio issues in this recording that were not discovered until post-production. Thanks for your understanding!

Topics covered:

Navigating the coaching career ladder

Knowing when (and if) to move up in the coaching world

Key moments and decisions in coaching careers

Jay’s cross-country coaching journey

Insights on mentorship and career growth in sports

Guest links:

George Mason University Men's Volleyball Website

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 016 | Chat with Claudio Reilsono - Carnegie Mellon Baseball Head Coach and | November 2020

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has an engaging conversation with Claudio Reilsono, head baseball coach at Carnegie Mellon University, professional scout with the Global Scouting Bureau, public speaker, and author.

Dan and Claudio discuss the differences between coaching at the college and high school levels, what truly defines a great player, and a wide range of other insightful topics drawn from Claudio’s extensive experience in the game. They also dive into Claudio’s new book, Lead From the Heart Up, Not the Neck Up, which explores leadership and coaching philosophies rooted in authenticity and connection.

And yes, you may hear a surprise fire alarm partway through — but the conversation powers right through!

Topics covered:

Coaching differences between college and high school levels

What makes a truly great player

Leadership philosophies in coaching

Insights from Lead From the Heart Up, Not the Neck Up

The scouting process and player evaluation

Guest links:

Claudio Reilsono Website

Claudio Reilsono on Twitter

Lead From the Heart Up, Not the Neck Up Book Link

Global Scouting Bureau Website

Global Scouting Bureau on Facebook

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 015 | Chat with Karl France - NYU Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach (Part 1) | October 2020

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with long-time friend Karl France, assistant coach for NYU Men’s Volleyball. This conversation was sparked by a casual discussion between the two during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what unfolded was a thoughtful deep dive into language, perception, and sports culture.

Dan and Karl explore the way words like “normal” and “average” are used in everyday life and in the sports world, and how these terms often create unintended limitations or misunderstandings. The two also touch on one of sports’ most heated debates: MJ vs. Kobe vs. LeBron.

This is just Part 1 of their conversation — there was far too much ground to cover in one session, so stay tuned for Part II in a future episode!

Topics covered:

How the words “normal” and “average” shape mindset

Reframing language for better coaching and leadership

The MJ, Kobe, and LeBron debate

Personal reflections from two long-time coaches

A preview of what’s to come in Part II

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 014 | Chat with Erik Weiss - Little League Baseball Umpire | September 2020

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has an insightful conversation with Erik Weiss, a Little League umpire based in Stockton, California. After hosting many coaches and athletes on the show, Dan thought it was time to hear directly from the officials who help keep the game running.

Dan and Erik dive into what it is really like to be a Little League umpire, the mental skills required, how to handle the stress of the job, and the often overlooked role of umpires in youth sports culture. They also discuss the launch of Erik’s own podcast, The Umpire Strikes Back, and the lessons he is sharing with the broader sports community.

If you’re involved in youth sports in any way, this episode is full of valuable insights and behind-the-scenes perspective.

Topics covered:

The mental demands of being a youth sports official

How umpires manage stress and high-pressure moments

Building mental toughness and focus as an umpire

The role of umpires in shaping sports culture

The launch of The Umpire Strikes Back podcast

Guest links:

The Umpire Strikes Back Podcast on Apple

The Umpire Strikes Back Facebook Page

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 013 | Chat with Donald Reeser Jr. - His Weight Loss Journey | August 2020

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down once again with long-time friend Donnie Reeser for Part 2 of their conversation series. This time, the focus is on Donnie’s remarkable weight loss journey over the past year and the physical and mental challenges that came with it.

While this conversation is not intended as a weight loss program or medical advice, it offers an honest, unfiltered look at the personal struggles and victories that accompany such a significant lifestyle change. True to form, Dan and Donnie also share plenty of their signature banter along the way.

If you’re interested in personal growth, resilience, and the mental aspects of major life changes, this episode is well worth a listen.

Topics covered:

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 012 | Chat with DJ Roueche - Lakers/AVP/Olympic DJ | July 2020

In this high-energy episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with the always entertaining DJ (Jeremy) Roueche. DJ Roueche is currently the official DJ for the Los Angeles Lakers, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, and was one of the DJs for the Rio Olympic Games in beach volleyball. He is also half of the L.A.-based band The Suicide Doors.

Dan and DJ Roueche dive into life choices, pivotal moments, and the unexpected journey that led DJ Roueche to the global stage. They also share stories from their years playing sitting volleyball together, including back-to-back national championships and gold medals.

This fun, insightful conversation is all about following your passion, embracing life’s twists and turns, and finding joy in the journey.

Topics covered:

Life-changing choices and career pivots

Behind the scenes with the Lakers, AVP, and Olympic events

The mental side of performance in high-profile entertainment

Building a life around passion and purpose

Shared stories from sitting volleyball and national championships

Guest links:

DJ Roueche Website

DJ Roueche on MixCloud

DJ Roueche on SoundCloud

DJ Roueche on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The Suicide Doors Website

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul