In this episode, fresh off an NCAA tournament appearance, Hofstra Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach Mike DePaoli opens up to BigTeam PhD student Eli Friedman about the deeper side of coaching — what it really takes to build trust, sustain culture, and lead authentically in today’s college basketball environment. Coach DePaoli shares how meaningful relationships, consistent habits, and staying process-oriented can shape both team success and individual growth. 

The conversation explores the psychology behind leadership, the importance of connection in high-performance environments, and how resilience is developed through adversity, accountability, and daily investment. From fostering mental toughness to creating a culture where players feel valued and empowered, Coach DePaoli provides practical insight into building programs that prioritize both performance and people. Whether you're a coach, athlete, leader, or fan of the game, this episode offers a thoughtful look into the mindset and philosophy behind sustainable success in college basketball. 

In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, PhD student RJ Russell sits down with Wendy Kidwell, founder of Ricky’s Retreat, to explore the often unseen pressures faced by student-athletes. Wendy shares the powerful story of her son Ricky, a state champion runner whose outward success masked deep internal struggles with anxiety, perfectionism, and mental health. The conversation honors Ricky not only as an accomplished athlete, but as a compassionate and deeply caring person whose story underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and support in athletic spaces. Together, they unpack how the culture of sports can discourage vulnerability, leaving many athletes feeling isolated in their struggles. Wendy offers insight into early warning signs, the importance of open dialogue, and the critical role that parents, coaches, and peers play in fostering supportive environments. The episode also highlights the mission of Ricky’s Retreat and the ongoing effort to provide resources, education, and hope for young adults and their families. This conversation is a powerful call to break the silence surrounding mental health in sports and to build a culture where athletes are seen, supported, and valued beyond their performance. 

In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University Podcast, PhD Candidate Josh Jackson welcomes his father, Fred Jackson, who is a legendary assistant football coach at the University of Michigan, known for his unwavering commitment to developing young men and winning championships. In this candid conversation, Michigan legend Coach Jackson shares behind-the-scenes stories from over 40 years of coaching—highlighting unforgettable victories like coaching the MVP of the Rose Bowl, and the moments that shaped his enduring legacy. 

Whether it’s recruiting first-round talent like Jake Long or developing players into NFL stars through a focus on character and growth, Fred Jackson reveals the rare mindset it takes to thrive for decades at the highest level of college football, while sharing insights into ways to help players manage their mental health as they attempt to chase and catch greatness.  

In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, PhD student Madeline Koch sits down with Dr. Mitch Abrams, the nation’s leading expert on Anger in Sport. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working with anger and trauma, Dr. Abrams challenges common misconceptions about anger and reveals why this often-misunderstood emotion can be one of an athlete’s greatest assets, when properly dialed in. 

Together, they reclaim anger as an emotion of action—one that motivates people to course-correct, adapt, and change their circumstances. From the court to the NCAA Transfer Portal, to everyday life, the mindset of “F*ck You, Watch Me!” becomes a powerful catalyst for growth and performance when used intentionally. The conversation breaks down what many of us get wrong about anger, why it is a valid and necessary part of both sport and life, and how learning to understand and regulate it can unlock full potential. Dr. Abrams emphasizes the importance of identifying your optimal level of arousal, recognizing personal triggers and warning signs, and developing tools to keep anger from tipping over into detriment. Join this conversation to unlock the hidden power of anger and learn how top athletes harness it to dominate—not just on the field, but in life. 

In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, 2nd year PhD student Jessica Wolf sits down with younger sister and former teammate, Taylor Wolf. She is a volleyball alumna from both University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Marquette University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, official partners of the Green Bay Packers, where she supports athletes at all levels such as high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.  

Together, they unpack their shared journey as siblings, navigating playing Division I collegiate volleyball, exploring identity formation through comparison, the unique dynamics of being both sisters and teammates, and the challenge of competing both together and head-to-head. Drawing from their experiences across youth, collegiate, and post-athletic transitions, the conversation highlights how family, pressure, injury, and support systems shape both performance and personal development. This episode offers an honest look into the often-unseen layers of sibling relationships in sport and ultimately reframes what it means to “win” beyond stats, accolades, and championships.” 

In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, 2nd year PhD student Nina Winsick sits down with friend and colleague, Kathryn Colby of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The two discuss student-athlete experiences at the NCAA Division III level, contemporary issues in collegiate athletics, sport psych interventions, and misconceptions about mental health and mental performance. The conversation delves into the importance of support systems in coping with stress, how to help athletes break free from societal and sports-related stereotypes, and the pursuit of personal growth and risk-taking as emerging professionals in counseling, sport and performance psychology.

In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD student Hallie Enderle connects with Indiana Volleyball alumna Candela Alonso Corcelles, now competing professionally with the Grand Rapids Rise, to explore her journey as an international student-athlete to professional competitor. From making the courageous decision to leave Spain for college volleyball in the United States at just 19-years-old, to becoming the winningest Hoosier in program history, Candela reflects on what it truly means to be yourself, grow, and find a sense of belonging a world away. 

Together, they dive into the real story behind that journey: cultural adjustment, homesickness, and mental health from an international lens. They discuss choosing to stay all four years in the transfer portal era and navigating the transition to professional volleyball. This conversation is about more than wins; it’s about building a second home, embracing identity across cultures, and discovering who you are along the way. 

In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD student Maria D'Ugo sits down with Dr. Mark Aoyagi - a leading sport and performance psychologist, professor at the University of Denver, and founder of the Center for Performance Excellence. Dr. Aoyagi is a licensed psychologist and certified mental performance consultant with extensive experience working with several professional, Olympic, and NCAA athletes and organizations. His work centers on team effectiveness, culturally responsive practice, and elite performance environments. 

Maria and Dr. Aoyagi explore the human side of sport through a conversation about culture, identity, and what it means to show up as your authentic self. Drawing from his decades of experience across high-performance environments, Dr. Aoyagi discusses how connection, mental flexibility, and understanding of the whole athlete shape both well-being and performance. Together, they dive into how cultural identities shape team dynamics, belonging, and communication - and what coaches and practitioners can do to create environments where athletes feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. Dr. Aoyagi offers practical and thoughtful insights for athletes, coaches, and practitioners working at the intersection of identity, culture, and performance.

In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, Counseling & Sport Psychology Ph.D. student Mehvish Safdar chats with her sister, Dr. Komal Safdar—an elite athlete and physician. They discuss a range of topics, including collegiate athletics, pickleball, and Komal’s pioneered medical specialization of sports nephrology, as it relates to athlete mental health and performance. She shares her story and insights on injury, transition, America’s fastest growing sport and its international impact, as well as her evolving expertise and passion for athletes’ kidney health and chronic disease. Alongside learning Komal’s story, some of Mehvish and Komal’s overlapping sister story is unveiled. Aside from getting to know Komal on a professional and personal level through deep questions and reflective answers, you’ll get to enjoy getting to know her through some fun rapid-fire questions and answers to close as well! This episode uniquely highlights the importance and intersection of the medical and mental health fields in athlete care. 

In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD candidate Miata Walker sits down with professional cheerleader Jalen Jones to discuss his journey through elite cheerleading. He shares how he got his start in the sport and his path to competing on some of the biggest stages, including Team USA and the University of West Georgia. The conversation explores the highs and lows of his career, including the challenges of injuries and the mental resilience required to return to competition. Jalen also discusses his transition into the new Pro Cheer League with the Atlanta Air and what the league could mean for the future of cheerleading. The episode closes with reflections on balancing professional competition, coaching, and full-time work, along with advice for athletes striving to reach the highest levels of their sport.