When the Lights Go Out

In the final episode, we take a look at all of the progress that's been made in the realm of mental health and athletics. We look at what's being done, what can be done, differences you and other individuals can make, differences organizations can make, and more. Featuring interviews with 5x World Boxing Champion Mia St. John, 2x NFL All-Pro Kyle Turley, NHL veteran Connor Carrick, Hilinski's Hope founders Mark and Kym Hilinski, Janell Kalifey, and Dr. Janet Finlayson. Also hear from many of the others we've heard from throughout the earlier episodes of this podcast.

In 2010, Matt Derenbecker was one of the most highly sought after high school basketball recruits in the country. Off the court, however, he was fighting demons most were completely unaware of. Pressure, mental health struggles, addiction, and more all mounted on him. In this episode, his mother, Trina Derenbecker, tells his story. Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology and Janell Kalifey also weigh in. The final episode coming Friday, July 19.

Women's athletics has seen its popularity skyrocket the past few years, especially in basketball. There's no doubt that things are better in the world of women's sports than every before. That doesn't mean there isn't still a lot of work to do. In this episode, I speak with 2x NCAA champion and former WNBA player Val Whiting about her mental health struggles, the realities of being a female athlete and the toll that can take on women's mental health, and the specific issues facing women's athletics today. I also speak with Tulane sideline reporter and Before the Whistle podcast host Maddy Hudak about her experiences being a woman in sports reporting and the female experience with toxic fandom. Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology, and Janell Kalifey also speak. Episode 5 coming Monday, July 15.

Toxic fandom has always existed in the world of sports, but social media has further exasperated the problem over the years. In this episode, we speak with former NFL official Walt Coleman, who called The Tuck Rule Game, and take a look at the way refs are treated in our society. We also speak with former Missouri men's basketball star Noah Carter about his experience with toxic fandom as a college athlete. You'll also hear from Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology and I'll give you a peak into my own experience with public shaming as we investigate so called "canceling." Episode 4 coming Friday, July 12.

In 2004, Matt Bush was taken with the 1st overall pick of the MLB Draft. Eight years later, he found himself in prison, serving a four year sentence. That's the kind of thing that can happen when you're battling addiction. This episode focuses specifically on addiction: What it is, how it impacts people, how to better understand it and treat it, etc. We start by talking with Matt about his story. We also talk with addiction counselor August Boyd of Imagine Recovery, social worker Janell Kalifey, Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology, and former NFL player Todd Marinovich, whom you heard from in the first episode. Part 2 of 6. Episode 3 coming Monday, July 8.

Episode one of six focuses on pressure. In the 1980's, Todd Marinovich was one of the most highly sought after high school football prospects of all time. He won the Rose Bowl as a freshman with USC and was a 1st round NFL Draft pick by the Raiders. Behind closed doors, though, he was drowning under the pressure, developing addiction and alcoholism. In the first episode, he tells his story, you hear the story of how this podcast came to be, the story of Baby Gronk, and we look at pressure in athletics, particularly at the youth and college level in the time of NIL. Also featuring commentary from Jannell Kalifey and Dr. Janet Finlayson. Episode two coming Friday, July 5.

The final trailer. One week left until our journey begins.

The latest trailer for When the Lights Go Out, featuring Todd Marinovich, Val Whiting, and Kyle Turley. Episode one coming July 1st, 2024.

Coming July 2024, a look inside the world of mental health and athletics. Firsthand accounts from former and current athletes, including 1st round NFL draft pick Todd Marinovich, first overall MLB draft pick and World Series champion Matt Bush, 2x WNBA veteran Val Whiting, 2x NFL All-Pro Kyle Turley, and 5x World Boxing champion Mia St. John. A six-part series with each episode focused on a different aspect of mental health as it applies to athletics, including addiction, toxic fandom, and pressure. Get ready to find out what happens to those under the brightest of lights when the lights go out.