Mental Health Training Room: Recent Episodes
Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim
Mental Health Training Room is a podcast hosted by Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, former Division I basketball players. The purpose of this podcast is to create a community and safe space for all student-athletes. We want our listeners to find comfort and relatability in their mental health struggles through the conversations that will be held with the variety of guests featured. These people include but are not limited to mental health professionals, current/former athletes, coaches, and academic advisors. While our podcast does not serve as professional help, we hope you can all learn something from each episode and be reminded that you are not alone in this journey. If you are in crisis, please reach out to the suicide hotline at 988.
Resilience is one of the most important—and misunderstood—mental skills in sports. In this episode, we break down what resilience actually is, why it matters for athletic performance, and how athletes can strengthen resilience in real, practical ways.
Athletes face constant pressure, setbacks, injuries, mistakes, and expectations. Resilience isn’t about being “mentally tough” or ignoring emotions—it’s about how quickly and effectively you respond to adversity and continue to show up aligned with your goals. We explore the psychology of resilience in sports, how it impacts confidence, focus, and emotional regulation, and why resilient athletes are better equipped to perform under pressure.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between mental toughness and resilience
- Why resilience is essential for long-term performance and mental health
- How stress, failure, and discomfort actually strengthen resilience
- Evidence-based mental skills athletes can use to build resilience, including mindset shifts, self-talk, emotional regulation, and values-driven action
- How coaches and athletes can create environments that support resilience rather than burnout
Whether you’re a youth athlete, collegiate competitor, professional athlete, or coach, this episode provides actionable tools to help you bounce back faster, stay grounded during adversity, and perform with confidence—even when things don’t go as planned.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
Mental imagery is one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—mental performance tools in sport. In this episode of Mental Training Room, we break down what imagery is, how it works in the brain, and how athletes can use visualization to improve confidence, focus, and performance under pressure.
You’ll learn the sport psychology science behind imagery, including how mental rehearsal activates the same neural pathways as physical practice. We discuss why imagery isn’t just “positive thinking,” but an evidence-based mental skills training tool used by elite athletes across college, professional, and Olympic sports.
This episode walks athletes through practical imagery techniques they can immediately apply in training, competition, injury recovery, and confidence-building moments. We also address common mistakes athletes make with visualization and how to personalize imagery so it actually translates to performance.
Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, inconsistency, or performing under pressure, this episode shows how mental imagery can help bridge the gap between physical ability and mental confidence.
Topics covered include:
- What imagery is and why it works in sport psychology
- The neuroscience behind visualization and performance
- How imagery improves confidence, focus, and emotional regulation
- Using imagery before games, during practice, and in recovery
- How athletes can build a consistent mental imagery routine
Perfect for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone interested in mental performance training, sport psychology, and mindset development.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
What happens when your sport becomes your entire identity—and what happens when it’s taken away? In this episode, we break down athlete identity, why over-identifying with sport can increase anxiety, burnout, and emotional distress, and how de-fining identity can actually improve both mental health and performance.
We explore how identity foreclosure shows up in youth, collegiate, and professional athletes, why injuries, transitions, and setbacks can feel so destabilizing, and how developing a more flexible sense of self helps athletes stay grounded, confident, and resilient. You’ll learn practical mindset shifts and mental training strategies to separate who you are from what you do, without losing competitiveness or drive.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation highlights why redefining identity isn’t about caring less—it’s about creating sustainable performance, healthier relationships with sport, and a stronger sense of self beyond the game.
Key topics include:
– Athlete identity & mental health
– Identity foreclosure in sports
– Performance anxiety & burnout prevention
– Life after sport & injury recovery
– Mental skills for long-term athletic success
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In this episode, Haley and Naomi discuss the insights gained from a mental performance coaching session with Paige Bueckers, focusing on the importance of perspective, emotional intelligence, and the role of mental training in athletic success. They explore how reframing challenges can lead to growth, the impact of ego on performance, and the significance of serving the moment rather than seeking external validation. The discussion emphasizes the need for athletes to cultivate a strong internal foundation to navigate the pressures of competition and life beyond sports.
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In this week’s episode, we introduce our very first Mental Take—a segment where we break down the mental side of sport, life, and everything in between. We kick things off by reflecting on why we created this segment: to give athletes and former athletes a space to feel seen, validated, and mentally equipped for the challenges that don’t always show up on box scores.
From there, we shift into a raw and honest conversation about body image—both as athletes and now in life after college sports. We open up about the pressures we felt in our playing days and how those expectations shaped (and sometimes distorted) the way we viewed our bodies. We talk about the identity shift that happens when sport ends, the loss of structure, and how confusing it can be to build a new relationship with food, movement, and our bodies without the constant demands of competition.
This episode is a deep dive into the messy, nonlinear journey toward self-acceptance. We share the challenges, the unlearning, and the small wins as we work to create healthier, more compassionate relationships with ourselves. Whether you’re an athlete, a former athlete, or someone navigating your own body image story, this conversation is for you.
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In this heartfelt episode, Haley and Naomi open up about the deep sense of loss and nostalgia they feel when reflecting on her college experience. The hosts share how the transition from the structured, social world of college into the responsibilities of full-time work brought unexpected emotions, including grief for the moments they missed and wishes they had appreciated more.
As Haley and Naomi explore the challenges of life transitions, they talk honestly about the pressure young adults feel to constantly move forward—often without slowing down to enjoy the present. They dive into the emotional impact of entering post-college life, the difficulty of planning time for joy, and the universal feeling of wishing we had embraced certain seasons more fully.
This conversation touches on themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and mental health, reminding listeners how important it is to live in the moment, savor their current chapter, and acknowledge the complexity of change. Haley and Naomi's experiences and insights resonate with anyone who has ever looked back with a mix of nostalgia and regret while trying to navigate adulthood with intention.
If you’ve ever struggled with the transition out of college, felt the weight of growing up, or wondered how to balance ambition with presence, this episode offers comfort, connection, and perspective. Tune in to feel seen, supported, and encouraged to cherish the life you’re living right now.
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In this episode of The Mental Training Room, Haley sits down with media coach and former sports broadcaster Katy Temple to talk about how athletes can build confidence, composure, and authenticity in front of the camera. Katy shares expert insights on how to communicate under pressure, manage interviews with confidence, and use storytelling to shape your personal brand as an athlete.
You’ll also hear how the media landscape has changed for young athletes, why mastering communication is now a key mental skill, and what it takes to turn nerves into presence. Katy gives a behind-the-scenes look at her virtual coaching program, The Impactful Speaker, where she helps athletes develop media readiness, leadership skills, and mental toughness for every arena—on and off the field.
Whether you’re a high school athlete, college player, or professional competitor, this episode is packed with mental performance tools, media tips, and mindset strategies to help you perform with confidence everywhere you show up.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this episode of The Mental Training Room, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of team culture — locker room talk. The words and energy athletes bring into that space set the tone for how a team connects, competes, and supports one another.
We explore why locker room conversations matter, how they shape team chemistry, and ways athletes can become more aware of the messages they send — both verbal and nonverbal. Whether it’s building confidence, promoting positivity, or calling out toxic habits, this episode unpacks how awareness and intentional energy can transform a team from the inside out.
Tune in to learn practical mental performance tools for creating a strong, supportive locker room culture that elevates both individual and team success.
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In this episode of "The Mental Training Room," we dive into the inspiring journey of Nana, a trailblazing linebacker in the Women's National Football Conference. From her early days playing football in Finland to overcoming significant injuries, Nana shares her unique experiences in breaking gender barriers and promoting mental health awareness in sports. Discover how her resilience and determination have paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
Keywords: Women's Football, Mental Health, Gender Barriers, Sports Injuries, Resilience.
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In this episode of Mental Training Room, former gymnast Katie McNamara opens up about her experience with the twisties—a terrifying mental block that causes gymnasts to lose awareness mid-air. Katie shares what it was like to face mental blocks throughout her career, how perfectionism shaped her identity as an athlete, and the mental toll of chasing flawless performance. We explore the connection between gymnastics and athlete mental health, the stigma around struggling with focus and confidence, and practical ways athletes can begin to overcome fear and perfectionism in their sport.
Whether you’re a gymnast, coach, or athlete dealing with performance anxiety, this conversation sheds light on the mental side of gymnastics and reminds us that every athlete battles more than what we see on the competition floor.
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In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with Hailey Ra, a dedicated Taekwondo athlete, to explore the sport psychology behind Poomsae (forms). Hailey opens up about the unique mental challenges of competing in Poomsae, including performance pressure, focus, and motivation. We discuss how mental training, self-talk, and resilience strategies can help martial artists overcome doubts, stay disciplined, and perform with confidence.
Whether you’re a Taekwondo athlete, martial artist, or coach, this conversation offers powerful insights into the mindset, motivation, and psychology of Poomsae. Learn practical tools to sharpen your mental game and apply them both in competition and everyday life.
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In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with Dr. Kim Hollingdale, sport psychologist for the WNBA’s LA Sparks, to explore the powerful link between the mind and body in athletic performance. Dr. Hollingdale shares why developing a healthy mind-body connection is essential for athletes at every level, how stress and mindset impact physical performance, and practical strategies players can use to strengthen their mental and physical balance. From training to recovery, this conversation breaks down the science and application of holistic performance—helping athletes unlock their full potential by aligning mental health with physical strength.
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In this episode, NBA Coach Mike Hopkins dives deep into the mental side of elite basketball and what it takes to succeed at the highest level—while staying healthy and balanced. He shares his philosophy on strengthening your mental game, building resilience, and maintaining focus under pressure. Mike also opens up about the lessons he learned from Kobe Bryant, offering insights on mindset, leadership, and what separates great players from the rest. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or performance-driven individual, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your mental toughness and take your game to the next level.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this powerful episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with JD DuBois — former collegiate basketball player, current NBA coach, and sport psychology professional — for a raw and insightful conversation about how trauma shapes athletes and the way they show up in their sport and life. Drawing from his personal experiences and years inside high-pressure NBA environments, JD shares how unhealed trauma can impact performance, relationships, and mental health, and why addressing the mind behind the game is essential for long-term success.
We also dive into JD’s new book, Breathe Thru Chaos, a guide for athletes and high performers to stay grounded, present, and mentally tough when everything feels overwhelming. Whether you're a player, coach, or someone navigating pressure-packed situations, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how to build resilience, manage stress, and find clarity through the storm.
Key Topics:
- How trauma impacts athletic identity and performance
- Mental performance tools for high-stress environments
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the NBA
- The connection between emotional regulation and peak performance
- JD's personal journey of healing and growth
- Highlights from Breathe Thru Chaos and how it can support athletes today
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with professional basketball player Chris Seeley for a raw and powerful conversation about the realities athletes face behind the scenes. From the rollercoaster of the recruiting process to the pressure of constantly having to perform, Chris opens up about the mental and emotional toll that often gets overlooked.
We dive into the challenges of transferring schools, adapting to new team cultures, and what it's really like managing life as an overseas pro. And yes—Chris gets honest about his time on Love Island, sharing the emotional highs and lows that come with being vulnerable on national television.
This episode is all about identity, transitions, and the courage it takes to show up authentically, both as an athlete and as a human.
Tune in for a conversation that reminds us that even when the cameras are off and the crowd is gone, the game continues within.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this powerful episode, Haley shares her unfiltered experience as a Division 1 (D1) walk-on athlete and the mental health challenges that came with it. Without a scholarship, she constantly felt the pressure to prove herself, pushing through emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and performance anxiety without the tools to cope.
Haley opens up about the hidden side of college athletics—the burnout, identity struggles, and lack of support many walk-ons face. She reflects on how the “work harder” mentality became toxic, and how her experience inspired her career.
This is a must-listen for college athletes, sports parents, and anyone navigating the intense mental demands of competitive sports.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this episode of Mental Training Room, we’re talking directly to the first-year college athletes who are stepping into their very first summer of collegiate athletics. Whether you're feeling excited, overwhelmed, or unsure of what’s ahead, this conversation is here to ground you.
We break down what no one really tells you about your freshman year as a student-athlete—from managing the pressure of early practices and making a new team, to homesickness, mental fatigue, and identity shifts. You’ll hear personal stories, mindset tools, and mental training strategies to help you stay confident, calm, and focused through it all.
This episode is your reminder that you're not alone—and that the real game is just as mental as it is physical. Get ready to build a stronger mindset, develop new routines, and find support as you take this next big step.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Coach Kelly Dormandy, renowned mental performance coach and former collegiate athlete, to unpack the game-changing impact of work ethic, consistency, and mindset on athletic success. Coach Dormandy shares insights from her journey working with elite athletes across every level—from high school to the pros—and dives deep into the mental habits that separate good athletes from great ones.
We explore the daily discipline required to perform under pressure, the importance of showing up with intention, and how to develop a mindset built to thrive in any environment. Whether you’re a current athlete, coach, or someone striving for excellence in your field, this episode is packed with actionable tools and real talk about what it takes to build a champion’s mentality.
Key Topics:
- Developing a relentless work ethic
- The role of consistency in long-term success
- How to lead when no one’s watching
- Real-life examples from elite sports
- Mental performance coaching tips for athletes and teams
Tune in and take the first step toward mastering your mindset with Coach Kelly Dormandy.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Auld, a leader in student-athlete development, to explore what holistic development truly means in the world of college athletics. We unpack how universities—and the NCAA—are evolving beyond performance-based models to support the whole student-athlete: mind, body, and identity.
Lisa shares insights from her work implementing strategic programs that prioritize mental health, life skills, academic success, and personal growth. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone invested in sports culture, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the initiatives shaping the future of college sports.
Tune in to learn:
- What holistic student-athlete development looks like in action
- How the NCAA is creating systems of support across campuses
- Why identity, purpose, and well-being matter just as much as stats
- Actionable ways universities can champion athlete wellness
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In this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with Coach Jhasmin Player, former Baylor basketball star and current college coach, to unpack the powerful lessons she learned from legendary coach Kim Mulkey. Coach Player opens up about her journey through career transitions—from player to coach—and shares the mindset shifts that helped her navigate change with confidence. We also dive into her best advice for high school athletes navigating recruiting, pressure, and identity on and off the court. This episode is filled with practical gems, inspiration, and honest reflections for any athlete looking to grow mentally and emotionally in their sport.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this episode, we sit down with sport psychology expert Dr. Kasey Philyaw to break down the power of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Whether you're an athlete striving for that next level, a coach helping your players stay focused, or just someone working toward personal growth, this episode gives you the tools to set goals that actually stick.
Dr. Philyaw shares how SMART goals create clarity, motivation, and momentum, and she explains the science behind why vague goals often fall flat. We also walk through real-life examples of how to set and adjust SMART goals throughout a season or recovery journey.
Expect tangible takeaways, mindset shifts, and a deeper understanding of how structured goal-setting fuels performance, confidence, and mental resilience.
Key Topics Covered:
- Breaking down the SMART goal framework
- The psychology behind effective goal-setting
- Common mistakes athletes make with goals
- How to use SMART goals to boost confidence and focus
- Tools to track progress and stay adaptable
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their mental game with intention and structure.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
In this episode, we’re joined by professional softball player Morgan DeBoard, who shares her unique journey as a multi-sport athlete and her experience playing one unforgettable season of college basketball alongside Haley. We dive deep into the topic of leadership—what it really looks like on and off the field, and why it’s so important. Morgan opens up about the challenge of consistently showing up with positivity, especially when things get tough, and how she’s learned to lead by example through resilience, empathy, and staying true to herself. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just someone striving to be a better teammate in life, this episode offers powerful takeaways on staying grounded while lifting others up.
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In this episode, we sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Jenny Smith to explore the powerful framework of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how its core skills can help athletes regulate emotions during high-pressure game moments. Jenny breaks down DBT’s four pillars—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—and connects each one to the athlete experience, from pre-game anxiety to in-game frustrations and post-game reflections. Whether you’re on the field, court, or in the locker room, this conversation offers practical tools athletes can start using today to stay grounded, manage emotional spikes, and perform at their mental best when it counts the most.
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In this Spring Session, we sit down with Jalyn Mosley—former University of Iowa soccer player and host of The Jist Podcast—to talk about one of the hardest realities in sport: injury. Jalyn shares her personal journey through the physical and emotional challenges of repeated injuries that ultimately led to her medical retirement from college soccer. We explore what it means to have your identity tied to being an athlete, how to cope when that identity is shaken, and the resilience it takes to find new purpose beyond the game. This honest conversation is for anyone who's had to pivot when life didn’t go as planned—and especially for athletes navigating the tough transitions that aren't often talked about.
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with former Rockette and Broadway dancer Sae La Chin to dive deep into the mental health challenges behind the spotlight. Sae La shares her inspiring story of growing up as an athlete with immigrant parents, overcoming the intense pressure of the professional dance industry, and navigating her personal journey with OCD. We discuss mental health in athletes and performers, resilience in high-pressure careers, and the search for identity and peace while striving for perfection. Don't miss this honest and motivational conversation about mental health, overcoming adversity, and thriving in the world of elite performance.
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In this episode, Haley Herdman is joined by Tal Sahar to discuss Tal's mindfulness journey and how it played a pivotal role in navigating the pressures of her Division I basketball career and her professional athletic journey. Tal shares valuable insights into how mindfulness practices helped her manage stress, enhance focus, and improve mental resilience on and off the court. The conversation explores how athletes can incorporate mindfulness into their routines to better handle challenges and stay grounded throughout their careers. Follow Tal on Instagram @tal.saharr and catch more from this episode on our Instagram @mtr.pod!
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
We're back and kicking off Spring Sessions of Mental Training Room by sharing some of our life updates with you all! In today's session you'll learn about our full-time jobs, how we are trying to navigate adulthood, and what we are doing to manage the lingering effects of being DI athletes (cough cough ADHD!!!!!!). We hope you enjoy listening as we work to close the gap from mentally unprepared to mentally elite!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod to see more from our hosts and takeaways from each session and share our podcast with teammates, friends, family members, or anyone you think could benefit from some Mental Training! 💪🏻
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
Haley sits down with her former head coach from LMU, Aarika Hughes, to chat about the pressures student-athletes face, how coaches' awareness on mental health are changing, and some of Coach A's personal self-care techniques.
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For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com
Juliana Friedman is a recent graduate from the University of Miami. Juli was a four year member of the Hurricanes Spirit squad. In this episode, she gives us an inside scoop on dance culture and its effect on her development as a young woman. She also shares with us what it was like for her to be a Sunsations dancer!
Follow us on @mhtrpod for more!
In our second episode with Lisa Bonta Sumii, we spend some time dunking myths that exist within the sport community when it comes to mental health. Share this with your friends and start spreading more positive awareness around mental health!
Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod / @Lisa_bontasumii / @athmindset.io
Lisa Bonta Sumii is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She founded AthMindset to work specifically with Athlete's on their mental training and she is the Mental Health and Sports Performance Specialist for the Oakland Roots SC. In this episode, Lisa and Haley talk about what it is like to be a clinician for athletes as well as discussing a wide range of other mental health topics like grief and anxiety that affect athletes. To hear more from Lisa, stay tuned for our next episode! You can also follow her on Instagram @Lisa_bontasumii and @athmindset.io!
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In this episode, University of Maine swimmer, Isabelle Irani, opens up about the eating disorder she struggled with in high school. Although this was an extremely difficult time for her, she is able to speak about it now and reflect on important lessons she learned during this tough time in her life. Swimming at a very elite level now, Isabelle knows how to engage in appropriate self-care and monitor her mental health so that she can show up feeling her best. In addition to swim, Isabelle is a huge advocate for mental health within the University of Maine's athletic department. She started a chapter of Victoria Browne's Hidden Opponent on campus and was even able to recruit a student-athlete specific mental health counselor to support her peers. We are huge supporters of Isabelle and learned a lot from this episode; we hope you will too!
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In this episode, Haley and Naomi sit down with NFL Draft Prospect and University of Wyoming alumni, JaKorey Hawkins. Hawkins begins by inviting us into the formative years of his life, emphasizing how his childhood experiences shaped his attitude toward sports and the messaging he received around maintaining a healthy mindset. Central to the episode is the theme of perseverance; Hawkins shares how he stayed motivated through times of hardship. We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation and can take some helpful insight from it! Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod and be sure to share this episode with your friends, family, teammate, coaches, or anyone else you think could benefit from it.
In this episode, we feature two very special guest, Kaylee Byon and Anthony Yu. Both of these athletes share their experience as an Asian American athlete, the struggles they have faced due to their race in sports, and how they are currently using their platforms to inspire younger generations and break the stereotypes placed on the AAPI community.
Kaylee Byon @kayleebyon
Anthony Yu @anthonyyu_ @rdf.world
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On this special episode, Elise Garcia (@Elisegarcia_13) opens up about her time as a swimmer at the University of California Berkley. Elise speaks on the struggles she faced with her coach and how the affected her mental health. There is so much power in being vulnerable and we are so grateful Elise took the time to sit down with us and tell her story. To all student-athletes, we see you, we hear you, and never forget: you matter.
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Dr. Theo Burnes is a licensed psychologist, LPCC, and one of Haley's grad school professors at USC! In this episode, Dr. Burnes sat down with us to discuss resiliency, growth mindset, and grit. Throughout our conversation we de-bunk some myths about these three concepts while Haley and Naomi also share some personal struggles they face trying to be resilient student athletes. This episode is very educational and reflective. Perfect for any athlete, parents, and/or coach!
Make sure to download this episode, share it, and follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod!
This is an emotional and authentic solo episode with host, Haley Herdman. In this episode, Haley shares updates about life after hanging up her jersey. "It is not as glamorous as I thought it would be", Haley says. Listen to hear more about the anxious thoughts and major transitions she has been facing as she tries to navigate life without her athlete identity. This is a must listen for athletes who's collegiate career is coming to an end soon, or any athlete truthfully, because this will all be us one day...
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Jazlyn Pipkins is the founder of Jazleticz. She is an author, trainer, Holistic Health Coach, and mentor. Jaz also incorporates the aspect of spirituality in her work and focuses a lot on Spiritual Endurance with her clients. In this episode we talk about the transition from high school to college and how to manage the struggles that come along with that. Jaz also emphasizes the importance not basing your health on solely physical aspects of your body. Listen to hear more about Jazz her struggle, and how she is currently coaching her Jazletes mental game.
For more information about Jaz visit her website Jazleticz.com and follow her on Instagram @jazleticz_academy!
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In our continued conversation with Nikki Kett, we talk all things envy and how this feeling emerges in sports and life after sports. Nikki shares some very important insight on feeling envious and how she sees it show up in her own personal life and her clients' lives.
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Nikki Kett is a former Division I swim coach and current athlete life and mindset coach who works with ambitious, athlete minded women to create success and fulfillment in their individual lives.
In this episode, Nikki touches on her transition out of coaching college athletics and the struggles female athletes face within sports and life after sports, her perspective on how the patriarchy sucks us in and invalidates a lot of female's experiences within sports, and how to manage toxic coaching.
Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod @nikkikettcoaching
Da Rulk is a Certified strength and condition specialist. He is also a functional training expert who has taught his Raw Functional Training (RFT) method to military and first responders, Olympic gold medalists, MMA fighters, and pro athletes, along with the famous actor, Chris Hemsworth. In this episode, Da Rulk talks about the benefits of RFT, how it helps with the mental side of sports, his three keys to staying motivated, and how he sees trauma effecting his athletes. This episode includes a lot of information that can help athletes in their sport strengthen their mental game and find an even bigger purpose in life.
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Taylor Hall is a basketball player at Biola University. She has over 10,000 followers on Instagram and has used her platform to advocate for mental health while also giving people an inside scoop of what it’s like to be a student athlete. Recently, Taylor published her story through a platform called Hope for Athletes. On this episode, we gaveTaylor the space to talk about her experience and give more people the opportunity to hear her story. Listen to find out more about Taylor's struggles as she endured two ACL injuries and body dysmorphia.
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Dani Iwami (@daniiwami) is a former collegiate basketball player who suffered three season ending injuries throughout her career at Hawaii Pacific University and Western Washington University. As she navigated her way through the injury/recovery process, she found a new love for art. Dani is now a successful ceramicist (@danikawaiistudios) who gained a large following through Tik Tok. In this episode, Dani, Haley, and Naomi talk about the struggles they individually faced in college with coaches, self-discipline, and trying to find new passions in their post-athlete lives. This episode is authentic and relatable for any athlete.
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Monica Chernoff is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with a lot of young athletes to help guide them through the struggles of adolescence and sports. In this episodes Monica speaks on people pleasing within the sports culture, the stigma of being a D III athlete, and how sports have helped her through her own mental health journey.
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Josh Lozano is a basketball mentor and coach who specializes in player development. We featured him on our podcast this week because he takes pride in implementing mental health awareness into his training sessions. In this episode, he talks about the empathetic approach he takes as a coach, what it's like being Asian in sports, and how he sees the sport culture slowly changing. There are a lot of great tips in here for coaches, parents of young athletes, and of course, athletes of all genders, ages, and levels.
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This week's guest is mindset coach, Cindy Mosley. Cindy owns "Empowering Athlete's Mindset" where she coaches and specializes in guiding female athletes to harness confidence in their sport and life. Throughout this episode, we talk about unlocking athlete's potential through mental work and the importance of empathy when coaching/raising athletes. Such an important episode so make sure to give it a listen!
If you're interested in receiving individual or team mindset coaching from Cindy, please visit her website to book an appointment! https://www.eamcoach.com/
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In the 2020 NCAA Championship bubble, Ali Kershner, the Sports Performance Coach for the Stanford Women’s Basketball team, exposed the inequities present within the men's and women's tournament. Although this is nothing new to female athletes, this is the first time the higher ups have listened.
In this episode we talk about the effects of inequities on our mental health, what Ali has been up to as of late with her company "Art of Coaching", and the importance of seeking professional help!! A much needed conversation for sure, listen now!
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For this episode we had the pleasure of sitting down with Sports Psychologist, Dr. William Parharm. Dr. P shared some amazing insight regarding all things confidence. This is a MUST listen for EVERYONE! The things Dr. P touched on are truly life changing...
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In this episode we sat down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Jennifer Smith. Jennifer talked about the transition from high school to college, pressures that student-athletes face, and how to manage high stress environments. Jennifer is the CEO of Smith Psychotherapy Group, a group private practice located in Newport Beach, CA. They offer in person and virtual therapy sessions and are always accepting new clients! If you are interested in seeking therapy please visit their website smithpsychotherapygroup.com and follow them on Instagram @smithpsychotherapygroup to get matched with an amazing therapist from their group.
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In this episode, Collin Bishop, freshman safety at Trinity University, shares his battle with mental health and what he learned from that struggle that allows him to inspire others through their own journey. And be sure to read his article to learn more about Collin! https://thotrinityu.wixsite.com/the-hidden-opponent/post/collin-bishop-the-war-within
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Although ex-professional basketball player, Gabby Green, earned all the accolades any athlete could dream of, there is a lot that these awards do not show us. On this episode, Green opens up about the mental struggles she experienced throughout her collegiate career and how she was able to turn to others for support which helped her preserve through the tough times.
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Devon Brookshire, a professional basketball player and mindset coach to young athletes, shared her tips and tricks on how she lives a mindful lifestyle as an athlete. She also opened up about her own struggles with mental health and how she was able to manage with the stressors that come along with playing her sport at such a high level. This episode is a MUST LISTEN for every athlete, parent, coach, and anyone looking for ways to improve their mental game.
If you are interested in receiving mindset coaching from Devon, please contact her at this email: devonmindpower@gmail.com and follow her on Instagram @dev_brooks !
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In this episode we sat down with Coach Jason Flowers to discuss the important effect that coaches have on their student-athlete's mental health. This is a must listen for every coach; the way Flowers leads his team shows how coaches can always better themselves when it comes to showing up for their players!
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Our first episode is finally here!! We wanted to start off with sharing a little bit more about ourselves, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, and why we wanted to start this journey. We have a passion for student athlete's mental health and our goal is to create a platform to amplify stories surrounding this issue. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@mhtrpod)! Hope you enjoy...
Our first episode is finally here!! We wanted to start off with sharing a little bit more about ourselves, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, and why we wanted to start this journey. We have a passion for student athlete's mental health and our goal is to create a platform to amplify stories surrounding this issue. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@mhtrpod)! Hope you enjoy...