Episode 1: Passion Meets Perserverance

Listen to the inspiring story of Toren, a 10-year-old athlete from Pennsylvania who has an exceptional passion for sports. Despite his amazing talent and loyalty to sports, Toren's life changes after being diagnosed with acute leukemia, forcing him to step away from the game he loves. Joined by his supportive father, Vinay Mehta, they share how their love for sports encouraged their family to explore ways to keep mentally strong during tough times. P.S. Did you know Toren Mehta caught Andrew McCutchen's 300th home run ball??

Episode 2: Behind the Hall of Fame

In this episode of the Mental Playbook, we talk to Pittsburgh Steelers, Hall of Famer, Dermontti Dawson to explore the intersection of mental wellness and sports. We dive into the importance of having a positive mindset for athletes, especially when faced with adversity. Join us for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the field and into the mind of what it takes to succeed in sports and life.

Episode 3: Minset Matters

Dr. Russ Reinbolt shares how he balances life as an ultramarathoner, author to "In Pursuit of Extreme Greatness", as well as an ER doctor! We learn how he maintains mentally strong through his own P2D2 method. Tune in to Dr. Reinbolt's ultramarathon experience including his achievement of the 430 mile Yukon Arctic Ultra, the world's coldest and toughest ultra.

Episode 4: In the Zone

Peter Bowden, Green Bay Packers Long Snapper, joins us to discuss the journey that brought him to the NFL. Watch to learn more about how Peter mentally prepares for a game.

Episode 5: Diving with Purpose

American diver and 2x Olympian, Brandon Loschiavo returns from the Paris 2024 Olympics to share his experience and strategies when faced with adversity. Tune in to learn about Loschiavo's springboard of a journey.

In this episode, I’m talking to Cooper Keane, an opposite hitter for USC (Trojans) Men’s Volleyball and a member of the USAV U19 National Team. We dive into his mental preparation on and off the court, the importance of adaptability in the quick changing game of volleyball, and how he balances life as both a student and an athlete. 

In this special collaboration episode, The Anxious Athlete and The Mental Playbook come together for a deep conversation about building an identity that isn’t dependent on performance.

So many athletes grow up tying their self worth to the end result, playing time, stats, and external validation from coaches and parents. But what happens when performance declines, you get injured, or the sport eventually comes to an end?

In this episode of the Mental Playbook, Emily Huston, former volleyball player and founder of HomeTeam, joins the show to talk about life after sport. Emily shares her athletic journey, why she retired, and the mental health challenges injured and retired athletes often face, including isolation and loss of control.