The Mental Game with Sam Brief
By Sam Brief
But what’s happening inside these performers’ minds? Let’s dive in. And as the world recognizes that embracing mental health is necessary, “The Mental Game” serves as a platform for open and honest reflections.
On The Mental Game podcast, host Sam Brief breaks down mental health and performance psychology with these athletes, coaches and experts from around the world.
Music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe to The Mental Game on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more.
The Mental Game with Sam BriefApr 06, 2021
Living in an RV, raising kids, playing pickleball: The Mental Game of Pickleball, Episode 2 with Megan Fudge and Ryler DeHeart
What might the next century of sports mental health care look like? Walt Norley dives deep
Post-playing days, becoming a mental skills coach and more with Ryan Lidge
Episode 69 of The Mental Game brings aboard Ryan Lidge, seven-year professional baseball catcher and now a mental performance coach with ZoneCoach.
Why Lidge on The Mental Game?
In a way, Lidge is a lifelong mental performance coach. During his time playing at Notre Dame, in the New York Yankees organization and with the Chicago Dogs, Lidge was constantly a leader, locking himself and his teammates in on the mental game.
He retired after the 2023 baseball season and has officially joined ZoneCoach as a mental performance coach.
Now dealing with life after baseball, Lidge is channeling his energy to helping others tune their mental games.
As a player, Lidge’s story inspires: He was cut from the Yankees after the 2019 season and decided to give up. But a last-second change-of-heart turned his career — and his life — around. We dive into it all in this episode.
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
The Mental Game is a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game is now on Patreon. For just a few bucks per month, you can become a Mental Gamer and unlock access to exclusive bonus episodes, Q&As and more: patreon.com/TheMentalGamePod
Mental Game of Pickleball, Episode 1: 18-year old phenom Alix Truong on going pro in a sport she just learned
World Series champion Josh Reddick dives into the mental game of conquering rejection on the way to stardom
My Playbook: Tiffany Sardin
The Mental Game is now on Patreon. For just a few bucks per month, you can become a Mental Gamer and unlock access to exclusive bonus episodes, Q&As and more: patreon.com/TheMentalGamePod
We’ve arrived at the second episode of My Playbook, an all-new Mental Game Podcast series.
In case you missed the first “My Playbook” with Reggie Hearn, click HERE.
To catch you up: On My Playbook, the world’s top athletes, coaches, psychologists and more will peel back the curtain on their personal playbooks for dealing with the ups and downs of life, mental health and their careers.
The second guest on My Playbook is Division I college basketball coach and former player Tiffany Sardin.
Sardin is fresh off a stint at Saint Louis University, where she was a key member of a staff that guided the Billikens to an Atlantic 10 championship.
Previously, Sardin was the head women’s basketball coach at Chicago State University after assistant stints at Clemson, UIC and Longwood, among others. As a player, Sardin served as a three-year captain at the University of Virginia. She then played professionally in Portugal before coaching.
I worked closely with Sardin at Chicago State, when I was a broadcaster and sports information director for her teams. I witnessed firsthand her unique mental game-focused coaching style, unafraid to talk mental health and to impact cerebral wisdom on her players. When the Cougars were struggling, Sardin almost always attributed the strife to something mental — and it was no different when they won.
Sardin has also battled immense personal setbacks, including the tragic losses of her brother and father in quick succession.
Coping with those losses forms the backbone of Sardin’s appearance on My Playbook, in which she gives you her formula for battling loss, recovering and moving on.
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game is a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
My Playbook: Reggie Hearn
I’m thrilled to introduce a new feature of The Mental Game podcast: My Playbook. On My Playbook, the world’s top athletes, coaches, psychologists and more will peel back the curtain on their personal playbooks for dealing with the ups and downs of life, mental health and their careers. The first guest on My Playbook is former NBA guard Reggie Hearn. Retired from playing, Hearn now enters his second season working in the San Antonio Spurs scouting department. Out of high school, Hearn received no Division I scholarship offers, so he joined the Northwestern University basketball team as a walk-on. Four years later, he left Evanston as the team’s leading scorer. Then in 2018, after four G-League seasons, Hearn broke through and made it to the NBA with the Detroit Pistons. As he reached his career’s pinnacle, the NBA, Hearn dealt with a debilitating mental health crisis. This necessitated a trip to the hospital and made him rethink how he approaches his mental health. In the inaugural “My Playbook,” Hearn opens up and shares his playbook with us. Hearn is strikingly transparent about his mental health struggles. Once a Psychology major at Northwestern, he also advocates for more mental health awareness and advocacy in sports and the world at-large. Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
Access exclusive content, live Q&As and more — The Mental Game is on Patreon: patreon.com/TheMentalGamePod The Mental Game is a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org! The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
How to master mind-body connection with Shannon Suffoletto
Episode 64 of The Mental Game brings on Shannon Suffoletto, a certified mental performance consultant and licensed clinical professional counselor.
I met Suffoletto this summer as she worked with the Chicago Dogs baseball team, who I broadcast for. Suffoletto consulted the team amidst their run to the American Association Championship Series.
Why Suffoletto on The Mental Game?
Suffoletto’s system and philosophy is unique. She specializes in leveraging connection, purpose and mind-body connection to achieve peak performance.
I saw this firsthand in Chicago this summer. Also having worked as a dance and movement therapist, Suffoletto has mastered the art of leveraging the mind to guide the body to physical triumph.
You’ll be fascinated by her approach.
Suffoletto holds a BA in Psychology and Dance from Denison University and a master’s degree (MA) in Dance/Movement Therapy from Columbia College Chicago. She is certified in Laban Movement Analysis and Movement Pattern Analysis.
On this episode of The Mental Game, Suffoletto delves into:
- How to embrace your sport to achieve elite performance
- What she learned this summer working in Minor League Baseball
- Advice for us all to follow
- Much, much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game is a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
How you eat is impacting your mind more than you think, and it's no different for the NFL teams Leslie Bonci works with
Episode 63 of The Mental Game brings on Leslie Bonci (MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN), a nutrition consultant who has worked with professional and collegiate teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins.
Bonci is the owner of Active Eating Advice, a nutrition consulting company, and advises clients from Gatorade to General Mills to the National Peanut Board.
Why Bonci on The Mental Game?
What you eat doesn’t just affect your body — it impacts your mind thoroughly.
Having worked with some of the world’s top elite athletes, Bonci is plugged into that reality. She incorporates mental game pillars like empathy into her work and considers the effects of healthy — and unhealthy — eating habits on the mind.
Bonci’s perspectives on food and mental health have improved mental performance for many of her athletes, and they can do the same for us, too.
On this episode of The Mental Game, Bonci dives into:
- Common red (and green) flags she sees among her athletes’ eating habits
- What might surprise you about the diets of NFL players
- The science behind how food affects the brain, and vice versa
- Eating advice that you and I can follow
- Much, much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game is a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
What's the true reality of mental health in college sports? Diving in with Mads McKenna
Episode 62 of The Mental Game brings on Mads McKenna, Mental Health Advocacy Graduate Assistant at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.
Why McKenna for The Mental Game?
First, she is a former NCAA student-athlete. McKenna played volleyball at the California University of Pennsylvania (DII) and experienced the unique life of a 21st century student-athlete.
She’s also plugged in. For five years, McKenna has been involved with various NCAA committees, advocating for better mental health policies and practices in college athletics. She is a member of the NCAA Board of Governors.
And she’s making change daily. At UW-Parkside, she serves as the force for mental health in the athletic department.
McKenna taught me a lot in this episode, and I know you’ll feel that, too.
On The Mental Game, McKenna takes us through:
- Common student-athlete mental health concerns she observes
- Conference realignment's impact
- Why media coverage of college athletics only scratches the surface
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Half-Marathon this September to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Why is pitching so unique to the mental game? Inside the minds on the mound with coach Jim Bennett
Episode 61 of The Mental Game brings on baseball pitching coach, former player and father Jim Bennett.
Bennett boasts three decades of professional baseball coaching experience, including:
- Stints as manager for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association
- Pitching coach for Team Australia and the Australian Baseball League’s Brisbane Bandits.
- Pitching coach for the Spire City Ghost Hounds (Atlantic League)
- In Minor League Baseball with the California/Anaheim Angels, Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants organizations
Bennett also pitched professionally in the Mariners and Padres organizations after graduating from Chapman University.
I had the delight of working closely with Jim during my time in Brisbane as the Bandits’ broadcaster.
On The Mental Game, Bennett takes us through:
- What makes pitching unique to the mental game
- How he found belief in himself to pitch professionally
- How his coaching style fosters his pitchers’ mental approaches
- Much more, including how he handles mound visits
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Half-Marathon this September to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
What's behind the mental game of a dog? Brent Sass, one of the world's greatest dog mushers, tells us
Episode 60 of The Mental Game features Brent Sass, one of the greatest dog mushers in the world.
A titan of the industry, Sass has etched his name as one of just six to win the two biggest sled dog races: the Iditarod (2022) and the Yukon Quest (2015, 2022).
Born in Minnesota, Sass has desperately wanted to live in Alaska and pursue dog mushing since he was a little kid. Now, he lives a life completely removed from the outside word, dedicating 100% of his energies to his craft: training and bonding with his dogs.
Sass is a firm believer in the crucial importance of the mental game, both for himself on the sled and for his dogs. His insights into how his mental game affects that of his dogs is fascinating, as is his complete devotion to the dog sledding life.
On The Mental Game, Sass takes us through:
- Why he’s fully immersed in dog mushing and what led him to Alaska
- What the mental game of a dog looks like
- The structure of a race, which involves weeks at a time in wind chills that can reach −100 °F
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Half-Marathon this September to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Reed Myers was among the only Asian-American NCAA basketball players. But he knows he doesn't need to be such a rarity
Episode 59 of The Mental Game features Reed Myers, a recently graduated men’s basketball student-athlete out of Rice University.
In April, Myers penned a cogent essay in The Rice Thresher titled “I hope to be an example for future Asian-American hoopers.”
Myers attended Rice for four years after earning All-State honors at Arizona’s Scottsdale Christian Academy. In high school, he earned a state championship and was even named the Arizona Republic’s Small Schools Player of the Year as just a freshman.
But Division I men’s basketball coaches virtually ignored Myers and his growing talent — something he attributes to his Asian-American identity.
Then, he spent four seasons as a self-labeled “outlier” in NCAA basketball.
On The Mental Game, Myers takes us through:
- His disconcerting experience of being ignored by coaches in high school
- How it feels to be among the only Asian-American players in college basketball
- What he’s learned from his heroes, like Jeremy Lin
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Half-Marathon this September to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Quarterback Chris Helbig retired and took a sales job. Now, he plays in Europe, where he's rediscovered himself
Helbig is in his second season quarterbacking in Europe. Last season, he starred for the Potsdam Royals in the German Football League.
The European chapter of Helbig’s career follows college football stints at Butler Community College (KS), Southern Utah University and Eastern Michigan University.
Helbig thought his football career was finished after suffering a pair of severe injuries, mixed with the onset of the COVID pandemic. He moved back in with his parents in Colorado, took up a sales job and plunged into a life of comfort, without football.
But a breezy, relaxed 9-to-5 life wasn’t for Helbig. He itched to challenge himself, to fulfill himself. So after not throwing a football for months, he started practicing again and decided to re-launch his football career. When the German Football League came calling, Helbig was sold on the life-changing opportunity.
Having never left North America, Helbig flew to Berlin, where he didn’t just restart football — he rediscovered himself.
On The Mental Game, Helbig takes us through:
How he felt mentally after giving up on football, working in sales
Why he felt he needed to shake up his life
The lessons he’s learned in Europe that will stick with him forever
Much more, including stories of playing in and traveling around Europe
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Bank of America Half-Marathon this June to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Freddie Stevenson once climbed from homelessness to the NFL, and his story just debuted on the big screen
Episode 57 of The Mental Game features Freddie Stevenson, a former NFL and Florida State fullback, author and, now, filmmaker. His film, “Trials to Triumph” was recently released and is available on Prime Video, Apple TV and more. Stevenson first joined The Mental Game in January 2022 and detailed his dramatic rise from a childhood of homelessness and poverty to the NFL. His football career featured a National Championship at Florida State and a stint with the Chicago Bears. But once he retired, Stevenson experienced severe depression, bringing him to despair. Over time, he learned to harness the power of a positive mindset to turn his life around and authored his book, “Trials To Triumph.” That story has now spawned Stevenson’s film, which debuted on May 2, 2023. On The Mental Game, Stevenson takes us through:
* How he connected, pitched and produced “Trials to Triumph” * What you need to know about his inspiring story * Why transitioning to life after sports is such a hurdle for athletes *Much more Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself. NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Bank of America Half-Marathon this June to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
How can we discuss mental health in sports better? Breaking it down with Dr. Harold Shinitzky
Episode 55 of The Mental Game features Dr. Harold Shinitzky, a world-renowned sports psychologist, author and motivational speaker.
Shinitzky makes his third appearance on The Mental Game after appearing in November 2020 and July 2021.
Shinitzky works with Olympic and professional athletes from every major association (PGA, NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL). He also serves as president of the Florida Psychological Association and is the author of A Champion's Mindset: 15 Mental Conditioning Steps to Becoming a Champion Athlete.
In his return, Shinitzky delves into:
- How he perceives the current coverage of mental health in sports
- How society can push the needle to more acceptance of athletes struggling
- Why Dak Prescott serves as a beacon for how to address grief publicly
- Much more, including role play as an NBA beat writer
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Bank of America Half-Marathon this June to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
How to Pull Off A March Madness Upset, Smile More And Lock In With Florida Gulf Coast's Sha Carter
Episode 54 of The Mental Game features Sha Carter, a basketball standout who just finished her fifth-year senior season at Florida Gulf Coast.
In this year’s NCAA Tournament, Carter’s Eagles pulled off a 12-over-5 upset of Washington State in the first round before falling to No. 4 Villanova in the Round of 32. Carter dives into the mental game of a March Madness upset in this episode.
Prior to joining FGCU, Carter was a four-year standout at Division II Walsh University in North Canton Ohio, where she became the first player in program history to score 2,000 points. She also earned three All-America nods and led Walsh to three berths in the NCAA Tournament.
Carter has declared for the WNBA Draft and will pursue her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice as she embarks on her professional career. She plans to work a detective following her basketball career.
In her Mental Game debut, Carter takes us through:
- The Mental Game of a March Madness upset: What goes into preparing, how to pull it off and what the upset feels like postgame
- How it feels to end her college basketball career
- Why smiling is her key to on-court and off-court triumphs
- Much more, including her fascinating new pursuit
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Bank of America Half-Marathon this June to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
German-Raised MLB Slugger Donald Lutz On Confidence, Shedding Baggage and His Mentality
After four months Down Under broadcasting in Australia, The Mental Game is back!
A Note From Sam: Thank you for bearing with me during this hiatus. I had a life-changing time in Australia (working in the Australian Baseball League), and I missed producing The Mental Game immensely. I'm thrilled to be back and am thrilled to be making several significant upgrades to the show, including a video simulcast. Thank you, as always, for your support of The Mental Game. Now, onto this week's show...
Episode 53 of The Mental Game features Donald Lutz, a former first baseman in MLB for the Cincinnati Reds.
Born in New York but raised in Germany, Lutz didn't start playing baseball until he was 14. By the time he turned 18, he'd inked a contract with the Reds and rocketed up their farm system. In 2013, Lutz debuted in the big leagues and became the first German-developed player to make it to MLB.
Since breaking through into The Show, Lutz has starred in the Australian Baseball League with the Brisbane Bandits, winning four championships and a Championship Series MVP award in 2016. Lutz is considered among the best players in modern ABL history and has fallen in love with Australia. Now a permanent resident, Lutz resides full-time in Brisbane.
He has begun to dip his toes into scouting, with the Reds, and podcasting. Lutz produces and hosts the Moving Through Life podcast, which you can subscribe to here. You can also follow Lutz's journey through life on his YouTube Channel and Instagram page.
On The Mental Game, Lutz dives into:
- After not picking up a baseball bat for his first 14 years of life, how he learned to master the art of hitting
- What he was feeling when he stepped into the box for his first MLB at-bat
- How his anxiety has waned throughout his pro career
- Why he constantly tries to shed baggage for peak performance
- Much more, including the hilarious story behind his big-league call-up
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
NOTE: I'm thrilled to be running in the Chicago Bank of America Half-Marathon this June to support Laaser's Ladybug Society. We're close to our goal of $2K to support mental health initiatives in schools — CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
How Do You Define Trust? Talking Shop With Award-Winning Author Lee Elias
Elias, a former athlete himself, has long been dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential by teaching them about the importance of trust, teamwork, and mental fitness. He also serves as the director of GRIT, a Pivotal Moments Media Channel, which aims to break the stigma surrounding mental fitness by sharing stories from sports and athletics that can serve as a vehicle for growth for human beings.
On The Mental Game, Elias delves into:
How he (and you) should define trust
Why the messages we tell ourselves color our reality
What he learned from his hockey career
Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Former Giants Prospect Solomon Bates on Coming Out as Gay
In an Instagram post on August 9, Bates wrote, “Being gay in this sport you don't know what comes at you! … I’m still going to open up doors for gay athletes like me. Still will strive to be one of the greatest to do it. … Gay men can play a manly sport if you give us a chance to.”
After being released by the Giants, Bates finished the 2022 season with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association and now has his sights set on getting picked up by another MLB organization.
Bates, a graduate of USC, has embraced his role as a spokesperson. He plans to play an active role in securing rights, normalcy and respect for all LGBTQIA+ athletes.
On The Mental Game, Bates dives into:
Why he chose to come out when he did, and what reception has been like
Why he finally feels free
His experiences with coming out to teammates
Much more, including how he plans to break in at the MLB level
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Freeing Your Mental Game with Former NBA Guard Reggie Hearn
Episode 50 of The Mental Game features Reggie Hearn, a nine-year professional basketball guard who played for the Detroit Pistons in 2018 and spent the majority of his career in the NBA G League.
Hearn played his college basketball at Northwestern University, where he grew from a walk-on to the team’s leading scorer and an all-Big Ten honoree as a senior. In 2020, Hearn joined for the second-ever episode of The Mental Game and detailed his harrowing journey through anxiety amidst the peak of his basketball career: an NBA call-up.
(If you missed Part I with Reggie, click here)
Now, as a 31-year-old, Hearn and his wife, Gianna, are about to welcome a baby girl. Hearn is considering retirement and looking to the next chapter of his career, geared around coaching, faith and family.
In his second appearance, Hearn dives into:
- How his perfectionist nature might impact his parenting
- Why possibly retiring from basketball helps him to feel mentally free
- Why therapy has proven so crucial for him
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game is also a proud partner of Laaser's Ladybug Society, which is a designated 501c3 organization combatting the stigmas that surround mental health by actively fundraising to support mental health initiatives and innovations in our school system. The mental health challenges faced by our youth are unprecedented and it is time to get off the bench and get in the game as we fight for the mental wellbeing of the next generation. Learn more and join the fight at LaasersLadybugs.org!
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
The Mental Game podcast is a proud partner of the Never Alone Network.
How to Believe in Yourself Like a Professional Athlete
Episode 49 of The Mental Game features a conversation with Sam Brief and Paul Marlow of Never Alone: How to believe in yourself like a professional athlete.
Inspired by Episode 48 of The Mental Game (ft. pro baseball player Zach Nehrir), Sam and Paul dive into self-belief, mindset changes and feeling free. In this episode, you’ll learn how broadcasting in a car and flying to Bali changed the lives of these two hosts, and what you can learn for yourself. Enjoy, and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
The Mental Game podcast is a proud partner of the Never Alone Network.
Zach Nehrir
Episode 48 of The Mental Game brings aboard Zach Nehrir, an eight-year veteran of pro baseball.
Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 16th round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Nehrir spent three seasons with Arizona, reaching High-A in the Minor Leagues. He was released after the 2017 season and has spent the past five years in the American Association of Professional Baseball, where he now stars as an All-Star outfielder for the Cleburne Railroaders.
Since his release from the Diamondbacks, Nehrir has revolutionized his mindset, embracing a focused yet carefree attitude that has turned his career around.
In this podcast, Nehrir dives into:
- The wake-up calls that have forced his change in mindset
- Why there’s no excuse for not being nice
- How he acts and thinks after bad games vs. after good games (hint: it’s not that different)
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is a proud partner of the Never Alone Network.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Matt Fitzgerald: Part II
Episode 47 of The Mental Game features the second episode with endurance sports author, coach and athlete Matt Fitzgerald.
If you missed Part I with Matt, click here.
From childhood, Fitzgerald has been engrossed in running and has since become a leading author and coach in the sport. Fitzgerald has authored nearly 30 books, many of which zone in on the mental side of endurance sports. Most recently, Fitzgerald penned Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow).
Since he last appeared on The Mental Game, Fitzgerald has suffered from long-haul COVID, which has severely surpassed his health over the last year.
In this podcast, Fitzgerald dives into:
- His arduous battle with long-haul COVID and how it’s affected him
- Why mental fitness can overcome all else in any competition
- What you can learn from dramatic comebacks
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is a proud partner of the Never Alone Network.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Special Announcement + Dr. LaKeitha Poole
As The Mental Game presents its 46th episode, I’m thrilled to make a special announcement…
The Mental Game is proud to partner with Never Alone, a multi-dimensional mental health brand spearheaded by Paul Marlow.
Paul, a former Toronto Blue Jays draftee and guest of The Mental Game (listen to his episode here), started Never Alone after a traumatic period in his life during which he lost his father to Parkinson’s and cancer. After pushing back initially, Marlow embraced therapy in his recovery process, and he founded the platform soon after to help others.
Now, Never Alone features blog posts and newsletters focusing on therapy, anxiety and depression, exercise and more.
As The Mental Game joins the Never Alone Network, you’ll hear from Paul at the beginning of each episode, during which he’ll share a helpful piece before that episode’s interview.
As a podcast, The Mental Game will still feature the same dynamic mix of athletes, coaches, doctors and researchers from whom you’ve learned so much over the years. I’m touched that this podcast has moved, entertained and helped so many of you, and I intend to continue that.
Speaking of that, let’s plunge into today’s episode…
Episode 46 of The Mental Game features Dr. LaKeitha Poole, the Director of Student-Athlete Mental Health at LSU.
In Baton Rouge, Dr. Poole consults LSU’s more than 500 student-athletes on all topics related to their mental health and well-being. She comes to her current role after working in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Multicultural Affairs and at the LSU African American Cultural Center.
In this podcast, Dr. Poole dives into:
- What you are getting wrong about student-athletes
- How she preps LSU’s many NFL, NBA and WNBA draft prospects
- Why Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) has affected student-athlete mental health
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
Jon Laaser
Episode 45 of The Mental Game features Jon Laaser, former play-by-play voice of the Virginia Tech Hokies who now is a mental health advocate and founder of Laaser’s Ladybug Society.
In the midst of his own lifelong battle with depression and anxiety, Laaser stepped down from Virginia Tech in 2019 to pursue full-time mental health advocacy. He and his wife, Renée, founded Laaser’s Ladybug Society, which focuses on aiding Mental Health education and treatment. For more information on Laaser’s Ladybug Society, click here.
On The Mental Game, Laaser delves into…
- His unique journey and personal battles along the way
- Why he founded Laaser’s Ladybug Society
- What mental health advocacy looks like at the local level
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Olympic Figure Skater Jason Brown
Brown, a two-time Olympian, won a bronze medal in at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and most recently appeared at the Bejing Games this winter.
After becoming one of the youngest male figure skating Olympic medalists ever, Brown achieved international stardom, known for his effervescent personality and artistry on the ice.
But the Highland Park, Illinois native faced a major roadblock in 2018, failing to qualify for the Olympics after falling on his opening jump. He moved back home, felt burned out and even contemplated retiring at age 23.
Then, Brown turned it around. He moved to Toronto, committed himself to a growth mindset and began performing for his own happiness, not to please outside forces.
That dedicated propelled him to the 2022 Olympics, where he earned a personal best in both the free skate and short program.
On The Mental Game, Brown dives into…
The reckoning he faced in 2018, and how he powered past it
Why he almost retired at 23
His mental routine before, during and after a performance
How the intense pressure of the 2022 Olympics affected him
How he feels on the ice
Much more, including how he chooses music for his routines
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Carrie Jackson
Jackson started the “Injured Athletes Club” podcast and co-authored “Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger From Sports Injuries.” In her expansive work, she coaches athletes on accepting injury, battling through and how to navigate rehab.
On The Mental Game, Jackson delves into…
Why injury acceptance is a crucial first step to recovery
How the media covers sports injuries, and how it can improve
The most dramatic comebacks she’s been a part of
Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Julie Kliegman
Episode 42 of The Mental Game features Sports Illustrated copy chief Julie Kliegman. Kliegman is set to release her book, “Mind Game: Inside the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes,” in 2023.
Kliegman, whose work has also appeared in The Washington Post, The Ringer, BuzzFeed and more, has written extensively on mental health in sports, including this Sports Illustrated Daily Cover from April 2020.
On The Mental Game, Kliegman dives into…
- The misconceptions surrounding mental health and athletes
- What Ben Simmons’ situation illuminates
- The most fascinating stories she’s gleaned from her book research
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Katie Krall
Krall, who graduated from Northwestern University just four years ago, has long vied to work in baseball and in January was hired to work with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs in the Red Sox system.
Krall previously spent time with the Cincinnati Reds and in the Cape Cod Baseball League before leaving the game to work as a Strategy Program Manager at Google for a few months. Then, the Red Sox came calling and Krall hopped aboard their organization, where she’ll work on player development.
On The Mental Game, Krall dives into…
The challenge of leaving baseball (and then returning)
How mental health ties into her role in player development
How being a woman affects her in her position
Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Paul Marlow
Episode 40 of The Mental Game features Paul Marlow, AKA Tall Paul, founder of Never Alone, an online resource leading the conversation on day to day mental health help.
Marlow, formerly a Toronto Blue Jays draft pick, believes that everyone can work on bettering their mental health, just like with our physical health. Marlow started Never Alone after a traumatic period in his life, during which he lost his father to Parkinson’s and cancer. Marlow embraced honesty in his recovery process, and he founded the platform soon after.
Marlow is also the founder of Tall Paul, helping Tall Men find clothes to feel comfortable in their skin again.
Visit Never Alone by clicking here.
On The Mental Game, Marlow delves into…
- What we all get wrong about mental health, starting with the term “mental health”
- The unique philosophy behind Never Alone
- Why harnessing the power of honesty is so crucial
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
To contact Paul Marlow…
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hitallpaul
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neveralonefam/
- Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neveralonefam
- Tall Paul: https://tallpaul.ca/
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Chris Troye
Episode 39 of The Mental Game features Boston Red Sox Minor League pitcher Chris Troye, a philosophical and positive thinker zoned in on his mental skills.
Troye attended UC Santa Barbara, where he rapidly emerged as a stud pitcher and top prospect. But as a sophomore, Troye tore his UCL and missed the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
That’s when Troye hunkered down and learned who he really is: Not Chris Troye, the pitcher, but Chris Troye, who pitches. Since then, he’s dedicated himself to positive thinking, the Stoicism philosophy and social media as a force for good.
On The Mental Game, Troye delves into…
- How to mentally recover from Tommy John surgery
- Why he’s such a positive person
- His unique living situation, and how he learned to adjust on the fly
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Freddie Stevenson
Episode 38 of The Mental Game features Freddie Stevenson, former pro football player, author and activist.
Stevenson rose from a childhood of homelessness and poverty to the NFL.
Then, after his playing career which featured a National Championship at Florida State and a stint with the Chicago Bears, Stevenson experienced severe depression, bringing him to despair. But he harnessed the power of a positive mindset to turn his life around and later authored “Trials To Triumph,” which details his journey in vivid detail.
Stevenson has found his purpose in life: To help others power through their trials.
On The Mental Game, Stevenson dives into…
- The struggle of his often homeless childhood
- How he learned to battle through unthinkable obstacles
- His advice to you
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Kieran Lovegrove
Lovegrove made waves in a September ESPN.com piece by Joon Lee in which he details his harrowing journey as a young minor leaguer, which included severe anxiety and depression, alcoholism and a suicide attempt.
Lovegrove was “reborn” after his attempt, and he has since turned his life around, committing to staying sober, prioritizing his mental health and helping others who have been through similar journeys.
On The Mental Game, Lovegrove delves into…
How his life turned upside down as a teenager, and how he remade himself
How therapy and other coping strategies have revolutionized his life
His advice to you
Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Scottie Lindsey
Episode 36 of The Mental Game brings aboard Scottie Lindsey, currently in his fourth season as a professional basketball player. Lindsey plays for the Windy City Bulls, NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls.
Lindsey played college basketball at Northwestern University, where he powered the Wildcats to the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth in 2017. From there, he has made three stops in the NBA G League and played briefly in Portugal last year.
With the NBA in his sights, Lindsey tore his ACL in December 2018, setting back his NBA dreams and forcing him to start from scratch.
On The Mental Game, Lindsey dives in on:
- His ACL injury and the mental strain of starting over
- How the G League serves as the ultimate resilience test
- His advice to you
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Austin Anderson
Episode 35 of The Mental Game features Austin Anderson, Director of Athletic Communications at Judson University (Illinois). As a young child, Anderson overcame significant mental illness and “feels that a main purpose of the remainder of his life is to share his experiences, make awareness for neuro-immune illnesses, and discuss mental health in the modern age.”
Anderson operates “Minds of Meaning,” a personal website dedicated to such awareness.
On The Mental Game, Anderson discusses:
- His childhood journey in tackling a severe illness
- The remnants of anxiety he still feels as a result and his initial tentativeness to share
- Why he so proudly shares his story now
- Much more
To contact Austin, email him at mindsofmeaning@gmail.com and visit mindsofmeaning.com
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Jordan Kipper
Episode 34 of The Mental Game features pitcher Jordan Kipper, a former Los Angeles Angels draft choice most recently starring for the Chicago Dogs of the American Association.
A graduate of TCU, Kipper is now in his eighth professional season. He reached the Triple-A level of Minor League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles organization and served as the ace for the Dogs this past season, earning the American Association Pitcher of the Month honor for August and finishing the season with 51 strikeouts and two walks in his final seven regular-season starts.
Kipper will next pitch for los Algodoneros de Guasave of the Mexican Pacific League.
In his Mental Game debut, Kipper discusses:
- The shift in his mental process that turned a disastrous start to 2021 into a banner year
- The crippling anxiety he used to experience before starts
- His journaling process, which he feels has buoyed his success
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Peyton Stearns
Episode 33 of The Mental Game features National Champion tennis star Peyton Stearns.
Stearns is a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin and has already etched herself as one of the top young stars in the country. In the spring, she led the Longhorns to an NCAA title and was named Most Outstanding Player. She then earned a qualifying wild card for the women's singles draw at the U.S. Open, where she fell to the United Kingdom’s Harriet Dart.
As a 19-year-old, Stearns recognizes that her mental game is still a work in progress, and on the podcast, she dives into:
- The moment her mind hampered her during her freshman season
- What it feels like to let go and just play tennis, to be in the “zone”
- Dealing with nerves at the U.S. Open
- Much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Tony Rossi
Episode 32 of The Mental Game features Chicago-based actor and mindset coach Tony Rossi.
Tony has performed professionally in both the Boston and Chicago markets. Prior to making the move to Chicago, he worked with Greater Boston Stage Company and Boston Children’s Theatre. His commercial work includes BUNN, Ortiz, Fanatics, and others.
He now is a mindset coach and certified speaker who helps fellow actors “stress less, laugh more, and see things differently when it comes to the challenges in their creative careers.” Rossi hosts the Actor Problems podcast, as well.
On the podcast, Rossi explains:
- The incredible amount of overlap between actors and athletes as it relates to mental health
- How he coaches actors on dealing with rejection and self-doubt
- Why emotions can be a superpower
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Jake Dahlberg
Episode 31 of The Mental Game brings on Jake Dahlberg, a fifth-year professional pitcher who just signed with the San Francisco Giants organization. Up to July 20, Dahlberg was pitching for the Chicago Dogs of the American Association.
Note: We recorded this episode on July 19, one day before Dahlberg was signed by San Francisco, validating his commitment to the mental game.
Dahlberg, a University of Illinois-Chicago alum, was drafted in the 21st round of the 2017 MLB Draft by his childhood team, the St. Louis Cardinals. After two seasons with St. Louis, Dahlberg was released and joined the Dogs in independent baseball.
This past offseason, Dahlberg renewed a sharp commitment to his mental game, rooting out negative thoughts and undeserved pressure.
On the podcast, Dahlberg tells us:
- Why he decided to commit to his mental game
- How he processes thoughts on the mound
- How an anger management course changed his career — and life Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Dr. Harold Shinitzky ... on Naomi Osaka, media and mental health, and more
Episode 30 of The Mental Game brings on the podcast’s first-ever return guest, Dr. Harold Shinitzky.
In a lightning bolt moment for sports and mental health, Shinitzky joins to discuss where we stand, including the strong reaction to Naomi Osaka’s very public ordeal with her mental health. Shinitzky and Sam Brief delve into how the media should cover mental health, why fans get wrapped up in athletes’ personal lives and how to thaw the “glacial pace” of change.
Dr. Shinitzky first joined in November 2020, when he broke down mental toughness and dished out the secret to effective trash talk. Shinitzky works with Olympic and professional athletes from every major association (PGA, NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL). He also serves as president of the Florida Psychological Association and is the author of A Champion's Mindset: 15 Mental Conditioning Steps to Becoming a Champion Athlete.
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Dr. Wendy Borlabi
Episode 29 of The Mental Game brings on Dr. Wendy Borlabi, Chicago Bulls Director of Performance and Mental Health.
In addition to her role with the Bulls, Borlabi also manages a private practice, Borlabi Consulting and consults the NBA.
In her past, Dr. B served as a psychologist for the United States Olympic Committee and as an Athletic Consultant at James Madison University.
Borlabi also founded Wisdom Knot, a non-profit that, in her words, “works to increase self-exploration in inner city youth by engaging them in interactive initiatives to extend their relationship with the game beyond competition.”
On the podcast, Borlabi shares:
- How to communicate with professional athletes
- Why we should avoid the word “weakness”
- The number-one facet that performers need to improve on
- Much, much more
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Brennan Metzger
Episode 28 of The Mental Game features 9th year professional baseball outfielder Brennan Metzger. Now in his debut season with the Chicago Dogs, Metzger was a San Francisco Giants draft choice in 2012.
In 2013, Metzger, who suffers from Crohn's disease, was hospitalized for over a month, undergoing a major surgery that removed his large intestine. He also entered into four emergency surgeries that gravely threatened his life. At age 23, Metzger nearly died in the hospital. He lost 80 pounds.
Metzger maintains that, while his body was rendered non-functional, his reliance on staying mentally attuned through focus, staying present and positive saved him. He still carries those skills with him today as he continues his pro baseball career.
On the podcast, Metzger delves into:
- How he nearly lost his life at age 23
- What inspired him to mentally refocus and engineer his recovery
- How he transfers those skills to the baseball diamond
- What he learned through working with Dr. Ken Ravizza, considered one of the pioneers of sports psychology
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Megan Skaggs
Episode 27 of The Mental Game features Megan Skaggs, a six-time All-American gymnast at the University of Florida.
Before stepping foot on Florida’s campus, Skaggs had already earned two medals for U.S. Gymnastics. Now an accomplished collegiate gymnast entering her fifth year, Skaggs is locked in on her mental game and shares her recipe for overcoming the myriad obstacles of an elite gymnast.
On the podcast, Skaggs dives into:
- How she combats negative thoughts while competing
- Her worst fall, and how she rebounded from it
- Why she’s returning for a fifth season at UF
- What she hopes to improve on in her mental game
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Jonathan Jones
Episode 26 of The Mental Game brings aboard Jonathan Jones, a student-athlete development consultant, TedX speaker, podcast host and former student-athlete.
Jones played basketball at Richland College and the University of Texas at Tyler, a tenure he says was rife with costly mistakes. Now, he advises current student-athletes on their development, focusing deeply on mental health.
Jones recently launched “Podcasting for Players,” a platform to help student-athletes develop their own podcasts, starting at West Virginia University.
On the podcast, Jones delves into:
- His rocky journey as a student-athlete
- How NCAA Name, Image and Likeness legislation might impact mental health
- Why student-athletes are such a unique population for development
- A discussion with Sam about the best Trader Joe’s products (surprisingly on-topic)
Enjoy and remember to be kind to yourself.
For more on Jonathan Jones, visit jonathanjonesspeaks.com.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Dr. Veronica Ivy
Episode 25 of The Mental Game features Dr. Veronica Ivy, world-champion cyclist, professor of philosophy and activist for human rights.
In 2018, Ivy became the first transgender world champion in track cycling, then won another title the next year. Her athletic feats, however, have spawned vitriol from critics who claim that, as a transgender woman, she has no right to compete in women’s sports. Numerous death threats have been issued against Ivy.
Ivy isn’t just a champion athlete, but she’s a world-leading expert on athletes’ rights, advising nearly every level of athletic organization, including the International Olympic Committee.
On the podcast, Ivy dives into:
- The therapeutic methods that have taught her to cope with hate and death threats
- Why transphobia may have kept her from vying for the Olympics
- How being an expert in psychology and philosophy helps — and hurts — her mental health
- What it’s like to compete when some think you don’t belong
Warning: This episode contains explicit language (but with good reason).
Enjoy and be well.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Xavier Fulton
Episode 24 of The Mental Game features Xavier Fulton, former NFL, CFL and University of Illinois football player.
After starring at Illinois, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Fulton in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Fulton’s subsequent NFL career was marred, however, by injuries and cuts, before he settled in the Canadian Football League, winning the 2013 Grey Cup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Fulton has since opened up about the anxiety and depression he dealt with as a pro football player and is now a proud mental health advocate and father to two in Chicago.
On the podcast, Fulton delves into:
- How his concussions spawned mood changes and mental health struggles
- How he became a boxing champion amidst his pro career
- Why the professional athlete life isn’t what it seems
- Managing depression and anxiety in the NFL and beyond
- Why sharing your story and struggles is vital
Enjoy and be well.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Matt Fitzgerald
Episode 23 of The Mental Game features writer endurance sports writer, coach and athlete Matt Fitzgerald.
A runner since the age of 11, Fitzgerald has channeled his love of endurance into writing. The New Hampshire native has authored nearly 30 books, many focusing on the mental side of endurance sports, including “The Comeback Quotient and “How Bad Do You Want It?” which this podcast’s host has read.
On the podcast, Fitzgerald breaks down:
- Why reality holds the key to life
- How elite endurance athletes think (and explains that you can too!)
- Why some athletes can compete into old age
- Why the New England Patriots demonstrate an elite mental game.
Enjoy and be well.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Bob Tewksbury
Episode 22 of The Mental Game Podcast features 13-year MLB veteran and certified mental skills coach Bob Tewksbury.
After pitching for six big league teams and winning 110 games, Tewksbury earned a master's in psychology and enlisted as a mental skills coach with the Boston Red Sox, where he won three World Series rings. He then moved to the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs before crafting his own practice, which you can find at BobTewksbury.com.
A titan in the industry, Tewksbury authored Ninety Percent Mental, which (producer’s note) is an absolute must for any sports psych nerd.
On the podcast, Tewksbury reminisces on his career through a mental game lens, while offering insight into how mental coaching has transformed sports as we know them. Enjoy and be well.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
Matt Gerdes
Episode 21 of The Mental Game Podcast features world-renowned BASE Jumper, skydiver, author and CEO Matt Gerdes.
Gerdes is one of the world’s top BASE jumpers, completing 1,200 jumps and skydives to date. He authored The Great Book of BASE and also co-founded Squirrel Wingsuits.
On the podcast, Gerdes brings us inside the mind of a BASE jumper. As one of the world’s most dangerous sports, BASE jumpers must be incredibly risk-averse. In spite of the treacherous risks, Gerdes describes why it’s well worth it, thanks to the eurphoric and peaceful feelings he experiences mid-jump. Enjoy and be well.
The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.