Unit3d: Recent Episodes
Hilinski's Hope
Hilinski’s Hope brings you Unit3d - a podcast where sport psychologists and mental health professionals team up to hold conversations for student athletes on mental health. Many of us share common concerns, these discussions are a reminder that we are not alone, but unit3d in this world together. Welcome to the Hilinski’s hope, mind, spirit, and performance playbook. If you have any questions or topics you would like for us to discuss, please email us at info@hilinskishope.org. Unit3d is hosted by Dr. Josie Nicholson, licensed psychologist and sport psychologist for the Ole Miss Rebels.
In the Spring semester season finale of theUnit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, BigTeam is sharing the mic with our Hoosier undergraduate students. Students in the popular undergraduate course, EDUC-G207 Intro to Sport Psychology and Athlete Mental Health, were given the assignment to create a podcast episode and the competition produced a winner who would work with us to put the episode on the air. We had so many awesome submissions, and the winners were Nomusa Ndhlovu and Jakayla Kinnie, who chose to interview Olympic medalist and IU NCAA National champion swimmer, Anna Peplowski, to talk about an array of engaging topics.
In this Pep Talk episode, Anna Peplowski shares some fantastic perspectives with Nomusa and Jakayla, talking about her path to collegiate and Olympic success, while embracing the mental side of the game and helping women in her sport and beyond see powerful female role models achieving at the highest levels—while still being grounded and staying connected to their communities. Tune in for the Unit3d Spring semester season finale as Anna Pep and these super Hoosier undergrad students crush it on the mic!
In this episode, fresh off an NCAA tournament appearance, Hofstra Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach Mike DePaoli opens up to BigTeam PhD student Eli Friedman about the deeper side of coaching — what it really takes to build trust, sustain culture, and lead authentically in today’s college basketball environment. Coach DePaoli shares how meaningful relationships, consistent habits, and staying process-oriented can shape both team success and individual growth.
The conversation explores the psychology behind leadership, the importance of connection in high-performance environments, and how resilience is developed through adversity, accountability, and daily investment. From fostering mental toughness to creating a culture where players feel valued and empowered, Coach DePaoli provides practical insight into building programs that prioritize both performance and people. Whether you're a coach, athlete, leader, or fan of the game, this episode offers a thoughtful look into the mindset and philosophy behind sustainable success in college basketball.
In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, PhD student RJ Russell sits down with Wendy Kidwell, founder of Ricky’s Retreat, to explore the often unseen pressures faced by student-athletes. Wendy shares the powerful story of her son Ricky, a state champion runner whose outward success masked deep internal struggles with anxiety, perfectionism, and mental health. The conversation honors Ricky not only as an accomplished athlete, but as a compassionate and deeply caring person whose story underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and support in athletic spaces. Together, they unpack how the culture of sports can discourage vulnerability, leaving many athletes feeling isolated in their struggles. Wendy offers insight into early warning signs, the importance of open dialogue, and the critical role that parents, coaches, and peers play in fostering supportive environments. The episode also highlights the mission of Ricky’s Retreat and the ongoing effort to provide resources, education, and hope for young adults and their families. This conversation is a powerful call to break the silence surrounding mental health in sports and to build a culture where athletes are seen, supported, and valued beyond their performance.
In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University Podcast, PhD Candidate Josh Jackson welcomes his father, Fred Jackson, who is a legendary assistant football coach at the University of Michigan, known for his unwavering commitment to developing young men and winning championships. In this candid conversation, Michigan legend Coach Jackson shares behind-the-scenes stories from over 40 years of coaching—highlighting unforgettable victories like coaching the MVP of the Rose Bowl, and the moments that shaped his enduring legacy.
Whether it’s recruiting first-round talent like Jake Long or developing players into NFL stars through a focus on character and growth, Fred Jackson reveals the rare mindset it takes to thrive for decades at the highest level of college football, while sharing insights into ways to help players manage their mental health as they attempt to chase and catch greatness.
In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, PhD student Madeline Koch sits down with Dr. Mitch Abrams, the nation’s leading expert on Anger in Sport. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working with anger and trauma, Dr. Abrams challenges common misconceptions about anger and reveals why this often-misunderstood emotion can be one of an athlete’s greatest assets, when properly dialed in.
Together, they reclaim anger as an emotion of action—one that motivates people to course-correct, adapt, and change their circumstances. From the court to the NCAA Transfer Portal, to everyday life, the mindset of “Fck You, Watch Me!*” becomes a powerful catalyst for growth and performance when used intentionally. The conversation breaks down what many of us get wrong about anger, why it is a valid and necessary part of both sport and life, and how learning to understand and regulate it can unlock full potential. Dr. Abrams emphasizes the importance of identifying your optimal level of arousal, recognizing personal triggers and warning signs, and developing tools to keep anger from tipping over into detriment. Join this conversation to unlock the hidden power of anger and learn how top athletes harness it to dominate—not just on the field, but in life.
In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, 2nd year PhD student Jessica Wolf sits down with younger sister and former teammate, Taylor Wolf. She is a volleyball alumna from both University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Marquette University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, official partners of the Green Bay Packers, where she supports athletes at all levels such as high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.
Together, they unpack their shared journey as siblings, navigating playing Division I collegiate volleyball, exploring identity formation through comparison, the unique dynamics of being both sisters and teammates, and the challenge of competing both together and head-to-head. Drawing from their experiences across youth, collegiate, and post-athletic transitions, the conversation highlights how family, pressure, injury, and support systems shape both performance and personal development. This episode offers an honest look into the often-unseen layers of sibling relationships in sport and ultimately reframes what it means to “win” beyond stats, accolades, and championships.”
In this episode of the Unit3d w/ Big Team at Indiana University podcast, 2nd year PhD student Nina Winsick sits down with friend and colleague, Kathryn Colby of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The two discuss student-athlete experiences at the NCAA Division III level, contemporary issues in collegiate athletics, sport psych interventions, and misconceptions about mental health and mental performance. The conversation delves into the importance of support systems in coping with stress, how to help athletes break free from societal and sports-related stereotypes, and the pursuit of personal growth and risk-taking as emerging professionals in counseling, sport and performance psychology.
In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD student Hallie Enderle connects with Indiana Volleyball alumna Candela Alonso Corcelles, now competing professionally with the Grand Rapids Rise, to explore her journey as an international student-athlete to professional competitor. From making the courageous decision to leave Spain for college volleyball in the United States at just 19-years-old, to becoming the winningest Hoosier in program history, Candela reflects on what it truly means to be yourself, grow, and find a sense of belonging a world away.
Together, they dive into the real story behind that journey: cultural adjustment, homesickness, and mental health from an international lens. They discuss choosing to stay all four years in the transfer portal era and navigating the transition to professional volleyball. This conversation is about more than wins; it’s about building a second home, embracing identity across cultures, and discovering who you are along the way.
In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD student Maria D'Ugo sits down with Dr. Mark Aoyagi - a leading sport and performance psychologist, professor at the University of Denver, and founder of the Center for Performance Excellence. Dr. Aoyagi is a licensed psychologist and certified mental performance consultant with extensive experience working with several professional, Olympic, and NCAA athletes and organizations. His work centers on team effectiveness, culturally responsive practice, and elite performance environments.
Maria and Dr. Aoyagi explore the human side of sport through a conversation about culture, identity, and what it means to show up as your authentic self. Drawing from his decades of experience across high-performance environments, Dr. Aoyagi discusses how connection, mental flexibility, and understanding of the whole athlete shape both well-being and performance. Together, they dive into how cultural identities shape team dynamics, belonging, and communication - and what coaches and practitioners can do to create environments where athletes feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. Dr. Aoyagi offers practical and thoughtful insights for athletes, coaches, and practitioners working at the intersection of identity, culture, and performance.
In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, Counseling & Sport Psychology Ph.D. student Mehvish Safdar chats with her sister, Dr. Komal Safdar—an elite athlete and physician. They discuss a range of topics, including collegiate athletics, pickleball, and Komal’s pioneered medical specialization of sports nephrology, as it relates to athlete mental health and performance. She shares her story and insights on injury, transition, America’s fastest growing sport and its international impact, as well as her evolving expertise and passion for athletes’ kidney health and chronic disease. Alongside learning Komal’s story, some of Mehvish and Komal’s overlapping sister story is unveiled. Aside from getting to know Komal on a professional and personal level through deep questions and reflective answers, you’ll get to enjoy getting to know her through some fun rapid-fire questions and answers to close as well! This episode uniquely highlights the importance and intersection of the medical and mental health fields in athlete care.
In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD candidate Miata Walker sits down with professional cheerleader Jalen Jones to discuss his journey through elite cheerleading. He shares how he got his start in the sport and his path to competing on some of the biggest stages, including Team USA and the University of West Georgia. The conversation explores the highs and lows of his career, including the challenges of injuries and the mental resilience required to return to competition. Jalen also discusses his transition into the new Pro Cheer League with the Atlanta Air and what the league could mean for the future of cheerleading. The episode closes with reflections on balancing professional competition, coaching, and full-time work, along with advice for athletes striving to reach the highest levels of their sport.
In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD students Hallie Enderle and Jessica Wolf sit down with fellow Minnesotan, Olympian, and current LOVB Houston athlete Jordan Thompson as she explores the pressures and responsibilities that come with competing at the highest levels of sport while using her platform for advocacy.
Jordan shares reflections on her journey from Minnesota to the Olympic stage, navigating life in elite athletics and speaking out on issues that matter deeply to her, including the ICE occupation in Minnesota. This conversation explores the intersection of elite sport and advocacy, diving into what it means to use your voice, how athletes navigate life and emotions at the highest level of competition, and how identity, and the courage to stay true to yourself, continues to evolve over time.
In this episode of the Unit3d podcast, 1st Year PhD student RJ Russell sits down with former high school track teammate and current Mental Performance Expert for the Army Keith Miller. They discuss their journey from small-town roots to leading teams to state championships, emphasizing the role of sacrifice and discipline in achieving greatness. The conversation highlights the importance of intentional culture and self-awareness in building unbreakable team bonds. They share personal stories of overcoming cultural challenges and the influence of a visionary coach, offering insights into the mindset needed to silence outside noise and stay true to one's purpose. The episode also explores practical strategies for cultivating a supportive environment, balancing competitiveness with camaraderie, and mastering mental toughness. Keith underscores the significance of values-driven leadership and the relentless pursuit of excellence, making this episode a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving for success.
In this episode of the Unit3d Podcast, PhD student Madeline Koch sits down with professional volleyball athlete Brooke Mosher for a conversation that traces their paths from hometown athletes to Big Ten competitors—and now to Brooke’s continued career with the Omaha Supernovas.
Together, they dive into questions that many people often wonder:
- What does it look like to go through the Transfer Portal?
- What does playing professionally in the U.S. look like during a league’s early seasons?
- How influential is the coach-athlete relationship in helping someone reach their full potential?
Follow along as Madeline and Brooke explore challenges of major transitions, the significance of support, the value of having a well-rounded life, and realities of both the Transfer Portal and the draft process.
n this episode of the United with BigTeam at Indiana University podcast, host Eli Friedman, a 5th Year PhD Candidate, engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Troy Moles, Director of Counseling and Sports Psychology at Indiana University Athletics. They explore Dr. Moles' journey to becoming a sports psychologist, and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in facilitating change and the power of humility as a clinician. The discussion also touches on the cultural shifts within Indiana athletics, the significance of assessment in sports psychology, and the myths surrounding the field. Dr. Moles emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is best for the student athlete, highlighting the need for humility and hard work in the profession.
In this episode of the Unit3d podcast, Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt sits down with Rae Ann Inge to get an in-depth and behind-the-scenes perspective from a Coach’s Wife in the hectic world of NCAA Division 1 Power 4 college football. William Inge is currently an assistant football coach at University of Tennessee, and Rae Ann shares a range of logistic, emotional, and psychological impacts that are associated with supporting her family, her husband, and his players across their moves to ten different teams/cities/coaching jobs. We touch on the impact that these multiple (and often unpredictable) moves have on her, on her family's well-being, and on coach mental health, in addition to sharing the creative and compromising strategies they have had to adopt to make it all work. All coaches with families will learn something from this episode, and fans will emerge with more empathy for everything that coaches’ families go through in this process.
Additionally, as Rae Ann discusses her role as a Sport Mom, she shares some heart-warming and hilarious youth sport stories that illustrate the relationship-building and memory-generating dynamics that sport can optimally provide. Athletes, coaches, and parents will be able to connect to the stories she tells--without a ‘you had to be there feel’--due to her engaging story-telling style, the transcendent nature of youth sport, and the commonalities that sport parents face as they work to support their children's athletic development. Finally, we talk about how these roles collide, as her children evolve from youth athletes into Division 1 college athletes, in addition to touching on her extensive above-and-beyond efforts to support her dozens and dozens of college linebacker children that Coach Inge coaches and who Rae Ann adopts in her special calling as a “Players-Coach’s Wife”.
In this episode of the Unit3d podcast, doctoral student and BigTeam member, Katy Johnson, is joined by Dr. Jesse Michel, a renowned expert in sport and performance psychology. Katy and Jesse delve into the complex topic of the yips, exploring their own experiences with it, its impact on athletes, the stigma surrounding it, and strategies for overcoming it. Jesse shares his personal experiences and insights from working with elite athletes, offering valuable advice for athletes, coaches, parents, and teammates on how to support those affected by the yips across all sports.
Dr. Jesse Michel is a Sport and Performance Psychology professional within the Deloitte Performance Psychology program. Over the last 20 years, he has had the privilege of providing mental training services to MLB and NBA MVPs, CEOs, World Series champions, US Soldiers, Olympians, and NCAA champions. Jesse is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant via the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
In this episode of the United with Big Team at Indiana University podcast, host Josh Jackson sits down with NFL linebacker Divine Deablo to discuss his journey from college football to the professional league. Deablo shares insights about his early days at Virginia Tech, the challenges he faced during his transition to the NFL, and the importance of work ethic and trust in building a successful career. He reflects on the injuries he has endured, the mental resilience required to overcome them, and how he has learned to focus on his personal growth and the support of his teammates. The conversation also touches on the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and the impact of social media on mental health for athletes.
Summary
In this first episode of Unit3d w/BigTeam at Indiana University, Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt sits down with a fellow former collegiate football player, Clinical Sport Psychologist Dr. Jacob Cooper. Together, Jesse and Jacob explore a range of topics, ranging from football to masculinity to oxytocin to Oracles. This engaging episode will give viewers insights into comprehensive masculinity, clinical techniques to maximize men’s ability to perform and to connect, applications to military and NASCAR spaces, as well as a cameo appearance from a prophet who gives his predictions on the CFP Championship game AND the Super Bowl! It is a fun and informative conversation between two meathead doctors who model and care about men’s mental heath, on the football field and beyond.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in Sports
04:26 Dr. Cooper's Journey in Sports Psychology
06:43 The Injury Clinic: A New Approach
09:55 Building Trust with Coaches and Athletes
12:34 The Importance of Visibility and Credibility
16:36 Cultural Humility in Sports Psychology
21:18 Breaking Down Barriers to Help-Seeking
24:46 Modeling Emotional Intelligence in Athletics
25:47 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence in Sports
26:31 Working with High-Performance Teams
28:00 Integrating Physiological Metrics in Training
30:36 The Role of Visualization in High-Stress Situations
33:21 Community Resilience During Crisis
37:00 Leadership and Its Impact on Team Dynamics
42:30 Reflections on Loss and Community Strength
Guest Bio
Dr. Jacob Cooper is the Associate Athletic Director of Sport Psychology and Mental Wellness at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. He has worked with athletes at the Olympic, Professional, and Division-1 levels over the course of his career. Dr. Cooper has worked with athletes and staff throughout the NFL, NASCAR, NHL, MLB, NBA, MLS, and PGA. With a unique background and training in the areas of occupational and industrial psychology, culture building, leadership training, and military psychology, he has provided performance optimization for military personnel prior to their deployments as well as counseling for veterans transitioning back to civilian life throughout Western North Carolina, Indiana, and Boston.
Hilinski’s Hope brings you Unit3d - a podcast where sport psychologists and mental health professionals team up to hold conversations for student athletes on mental health. Many of us share common concerns, these discussions are a reminder that we are not alone, but unit3d in this world together. Welcome to the Hilinski’s Hope, mind, spirit, and performance playbook. If you have any questions or topics you would like for us to discuss, please email us at info@hilinskishope.org. Unit3d is hosted by Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt, licensed sport psychologist, and his PhD Students at Indiana University.
In this Jay-Z homage titled episode, Unit3d listeners meet Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt and his dynamic crew of 12 elite PhD students from Indiana University—the B1G Team. These Hoosiers are taking over the mic and rebooting Unit3d in 2026 as “Unit3d w/ B1G Team at Indiana University.”
The podcast will continue its mission to educate, entertain, and inform, focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of student-athletes while exploring the complexities of their experiences and the role of sports psychology. With a diverse group of hosts bringing unique perspectives and research interests, future episodes will dive deep into topics that matter most to athletes and those who support them.
This 258th episode gives listeners an inside look at the new team, a preview of upcoming themes, and a taste of what’s to come in this exciting relaunch. Enjoy the introduction—and get ready for the next era of Unit3d!
Ryan “Hilly” and Northwestern University Running Back, Cam Porter “CPO”, dive deep into self-reflection. Through injury and recovery, the teammates talk about their friendship and their struggles to stay true to their identities outside of sport along with the importance of being your authentic self, on and off the field.
They remind us to be the best versions of ourselves, be you; everyone else is taken.
On this episode of Unit3d Ryan talks with University of South Carolina Offensive Lineman, Jakai Moore, about the struggles Jakai has faced during his collegiate career and how he copes with adversity, on and off the field.
Jakai sadly lost his wonderful Mom last year, she was such a special person with a heart as big as Jakai!
Listen in as these two former teammates share stories and remind us that there isn’t a right or wrong way to cope with hardship and how the support and love from your teammates can make all the difference in overcoming tragedy and navigating difficult times.
Listen in to “Episode 0” as Ryan Hilinski talks about his new role with Unit3d and the path the podcast is taking this fall. Ryan is joined by Mark Hilinski who shares how powerful storytelling has been on their journey with Hilinski’s Hope and how opening up and sharing your struggles can not only save your life but the lives of others too.
Over the past four and a half years, Unit3d has been hosted by Sport Psychologist, Dr. Josie Nicholson. Through 250 plus episodes it's been a place where mental health professionals' team up to hold conversations for student-athletes. These discussions were a reminder that you are never alone, but Unit3d in this world together.
The Hilinski's Hope team is very grateful for the love and passion Josie poured into Unit3d; she truly is an amazing person!
Together, we decided to take a different approach. Moving forward, student-athlete, H3H cofounder, and Tyler's younger brother, Ryan Hilinski, will host Unit3d. Ryan will bring on other student-athletes to share their stories, their love of sport, as well as their mental health struggles and triumphs. Through these talks we'll discover how we can support each other on our journey. We'll be back with our new format in a few weeks. As always, Forever to 3.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Kym Hilinski, Quarterback Conversations featuring Brian Mauer and Ryan Hilinski as the guests.
This episode features two amazing men sharing their stories of resilience and love. They both happen to be quarterbacks at SEC schools, but it’s their passion for helping others that bonds them together. Ryan Hilinski and Brian Mauer talk through having overcome dark times and their commitments to reducing the stigma that is a barrier to others seeking help.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. These episodes have been chosen and are being introduced by students from Indiana University who have participated in a sport psychology class where the Unit3d podcast has been part of a class assignment. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Eli Friedman, Positive Vibes.
With so much uncertainty and so many obstacles facing us every day, finding a positive approach can be difficult. Using our strengths and focusing on what we can do can help bring balance during difficult times. Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt discusses practical tips for positive psychology to help carry us in to the fall.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. These episodes have been chosen and are being introduced by students from Indiana University who have participated in a sport psychology class where the Unit3d podcase has been part of a class assignment. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt, People Care More Than You Know featuring Joe Taylor as the guest.
As a football player for the University of Michigan, Joe Taylor knew he had so much going for him. As he was challenged by depression, he realized that no matter how great your life is, depression is an illness that can happen for anyone. He reached out for help and learned that people care more than he realized. His experiences made him stronger, and he encourages others to be courageous in asking for help.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Mark Hilinski, Music, the Great Connector.
Music is universal; just about everyone has a type of music they love, a favorite song, or soothing sound they prefer. Music and sound has been used in many ways to improve or maintain mental health as well as boost performance. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Derek Vigon talks about ways in which music, vibration and sound can enhance mood, soothe anxiety, improve performance and more.
During the month of July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. These episodes have been chosen and are being introduced by students from Indiana University who have participated in a sport psychology class where the Unit3d podcast has been part of a class assignment. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Vinny Lopez, The Magic Portal.
Established in 2008, the transfer portal became much more popular when, in 2021, the NCAA passed regulations that allowed athletes in many sports a “one-time transfer” without having to sit out a year. This has opened the portal for many more athletes than before, but it has not been a magic remedy as many had hoped. With so many athletes entering the portal, many are left without a new team. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Joey Case talks about the implications of the portal for student athlete mental health as well as how one can navigate the emotional toll of the transfer process.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. These episodes have been chosen and are being introduced by students from Indiana University who have participated in a sport psychology class where the Unit3d podcase has been part of a class assignment. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Madeline Lenzini, Good in a Crisis.
We hope a crisis situation is something we will not face, but it is important to prepare as much as we can for the unexpected. It is also helpful to know how to help someone when a crisis pops up. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Dylan Firsick discusses various ways to handle a crisis situation, things we can do when the unexpected happens, and ways to help those close to us experiencing an emergency, especially when the emergency is related to one’s mental health.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. These episodes have been chosen and are being introduced by students from Indiana University who have participated in a sport psychology class where the Unit3d podcast has been part of a class assignment. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Eli Davis, Going Pro in Identity.
Identity is such a struggle for so many athletes, and many do not know who they are outside of their sport. Identification with sport can come at a cost, especially when athletes start to look for a direction to go in when their sport is done. Even when athletes turn pro in their sport, that professional career will end at some point and athletes then will look to what else they can do. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Brad Hambric discusses an array of aspects to an athlete’s identity and how one can go about exploring other areas of identity.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. These episodes have been chosen and are being introduced by students from Indiana University who have participated in a sport psychology class where the Unit3d podcast has been part of a class assignment. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy the episode chosen by Grace Mangan, Gratitude is My Lifestyle.
Gratitude is a practice known to improve mental health as well as performance, but Dr. Kate Bennett proclaims gratitude as a lifestyle she has lived for over 20 years. The path to success, particularly for athletes involves suffering, and gratitude can help us thrive through the difficult times we experience both on that path as well as in our life. In this second part of our 3-part pre-holidays gratitude series, we talk about gratitude coming from the heart, improving our performance, and improving/maintaining our mental health.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d podcast will be airing great episodes from the past. These episodes have been chosen and are being introduced by students from Indiana University who have participated in a sport psychology class where the Unit3d podcast has been part of a class assignment. Please enjoy your summer, and re-enjoy Don’t Walk Away from Life: Harlee Walker.
Growing up with a professional athlete as a father, Harley Walker and her siblings grew up with an idea of what it meant to be. “mentally tough”. When Harley moved across the country to play softball, she began to experience feelings of sadness and emptiness that she couldn’t explain. Hearing the Hilinski's bring their story to the athletes at her school, she was able to realize that it’s OK to not be OK even if you can’t figure it out. On this episode of United, Harley shares her story of reaching out for help and receiving the support she needed.
Caitlin Broadwell is the mental health case manager for Long Beach State University, helping athletes navigate through their career and connect with resources to support them in their journey. Having played volleyball in college and then transitioned to beach volleyball when she transferred for her last year of eligibility, she transitioned from her sport twice and knows how difficult that transition can be for athletes when they hang up the jersey. She has started the podcast Hanging Up The Jersey, giving athletes a platform to talk about transitioning out of sport in hopes that it will not only help athletes share their story, but help athletes transitioning know that there is hope: there is light at the end of that transition tunnel.
With the semester ending we are headed into summer. Summer used to be a break between one school year ending to another one starting, but more and more summer is becoming a time to work out, train, and practice before the season. With less down-time, we have to be intentional about finding ways to relax and ways to recharge. In this episode of Unit3d, four sport psychologists: Dr. Sheriece Sadberry, Dr. Dylan Firsick, Dr. Tess Palmateer, and Dr. Tom Golightly give their perspective on ways to wind down and refresh.
Often when we face adversity we can focus on limitations and loss. Avery Camp is a wheelchair basketball national champion and wheelchair tennis four time national champion. She has reached a rank of as high as #37 in the world in wheelchair tennis. Avery has used the mindset of “what can I do” to adapt to circumstances and find her way into sport after an injury took her away from competitive gymnastics. On this episode of Unit3d, Avery shares her story and talks about aspects of her mindset that have helped her succeed in difficult times.
When we play sports as a kid, we play because it’s fun. As we get older, things can become more complex. When we are good at a sport, we get more invested in the outcome, more people become involved and invested in our performance, and we can lose the enjoyment of playing. If we can connect with our values, we can reconnect with our “why,” our reason for continuing in our sport. Chris Pomfret is a senior performance psychologist with Condor Performance in Brisbane, Australia. On this episode of Unit3d, Chris shares from across the world strategies for engaging in self-exploration to find out what we value and how that keeps us motivated to continue in the sport that was once played just for fun.
As a former athlete Jeremy Gray understands the mental health challenges that can happen, whether it's due to the stress and expectations of performance or the depression that can happen as a result of the inevitable transition that happens away from sport. He is now an Alabama State Representative working in politics to support athletes through legislation and advocacy. He has brought yoga to the schools in Alabama and created needed change for athletes. Jeremy shares his journey and the work he is doing now in the Alabama State Legislature.
Bill Kvalheim played football in college, but his biggest challenge would hit him once he graduated. Bill had experienced some anxiety and depression before, but without his purpose (which had been playing football), he felt lost and aimless. His depression worsened, his anxiety ramped up, and he finally asked for help to get better. Now he has a new purpose – a mission – to decrease stigma and let young athletes know that it’s ok to ask for help and that they are not alone. Bill has now started the nonprofit, Tackle Depression, which is designed to provide education, mentorship, and resources (including scholarships) for young people struggling with their own mental illness. He shares about his journey on this episode of Unit3d.
Athletes are often hard on themselves, particularly when it comes to past performances. Overly critical post-performance analyses are often inaccurate and unhelpful. Constantly berating ourselves for mistakes or missed opportunities can rob us of joy and create a relationship with our performance that is rife with fear. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Rachel Webb talks about the disadvantage of being hypercritical and not having a more accurate review of our past performances both athletically and emotionally.
The awareness around student-athlete mental health has come so far in the last couple of decades, although we still have a long way to go. Walt Norley was a quarterback at Ohio State and University of Georgia. Although he had success in his athletic career, he was struggling with an undiagnosed mental illness. Later in life he was diagnosed and treatment helped him thrive. He started and developed several tech companies and decided to use his personal experience to raise awareness and help other athletes improve their mental health. Through his data analytics company, OnBalance he is helping athletic departments deliver better mental health services to athletes. Through the podcast Athletes Onbalance he is raising awareness, having dialogue, and supporting the mental health of student-athletes everywhere.
Music is universal; just about everyone has a type of music they love, a favorite song, or soothing sound they prefer. Music and sound has been used in many ways to improve or maintain mental health as well as boost performance. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Derek Vigon talks about ways in which music, vibration and sound can enhance mood, soothe anxiety, improve performance and more.
On March 31, 2020 the first episode of Unit3d was released. That could not have happened without the work and guidance of Graham Doty, Unit3d’s producer. For this special anniversary, Graham is the guest on Unit3d, sharing his perspective on the beginnings, growth, and impact of the podcast over the last 4 years of nearly 300 episodes.
We all have our ups and downs, but sometimes we can wonder if our ups or downs are “normal”. It can be hard to know when nervousness is actually anxiety or sadness is actually depression. Dr. Marlon Bailey, psychologist in the athletic department at Vanderbilt University shares valuable insight helping one know when to seek help and encourages listeners that if you aren’t having the experience you want, you can get support in making it better.
Warning: This episode contains reference to suicide and self-harm. If you experience thoughts of ending your life please reach out to someone, including 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Always have hope.
Mental illness is obviously not new, but the current push to bring mental health care and reaching out for support has brought the importance of one’s mental health to the forefront of concern for athletes, athletic departments and sport teams. Hearing about other athletes’ and how they navigate times of mental health struggle can help athletes feel less alone and know different ways to navigate darker times. Writer and editor Julie Kliegman shares insights she gathered from interviewing some of the most elite athletes in the world, writing about athlete mental health, and from her own life in this episode of Unit3d.
Please check out Julie Kleiman’s new book Mind Game: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes out now and available on Amazon and other major booksellers.
Injury is almost an inevitable part of the journey for athletes and when it happens it can be a daunting process. An injury threatens an athlete’s identity, social connections, sense of self-worth, and more. Trusting the process of recovery or even the process of discontinuing sport often requires support. Dr. Jack Howard discusses injury in athletes, how to navigate the process, and how to support someone going through it.
Gwen Schemm played soccer at Frostburg State University in Maryland. She was, like many athletes, a high-achieving perfectionist. She spent much of her life seeking external validation from awards, praise, and perfect grades. Transitioning to college was difficult and when she started to struggle with her mental health she felt like she was supposed to be able to do everything on her own. Through counseling and support she learned that she is good enough without all the achievements and that she had the power to quiet her inner critical voice as she amplified the voice in her telling her she is strong and worthy. On this episode of Unit3d, Gwen shares her story of struggle and triumph.
The LGBTQ community faces unique challenges when it comes to feeling and being included in spaces, and this can be especially difficult in the area of sport. It can be difficult for athletes to find spaces and people who are safe and coming out to teammates and coaches can be a big risk. Dr. Tess Kilwein talks about some of the difficulties faced by those in the LGBTQ community, how athletic departments and staff can create more inclusive environments, and how athletes can be allies to teammates and friends facing these challenges. Dr. Kilwein shares about Athlete Ally which is an organization that promotes equal access, opportunity, and experience in sports regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The website for athlete allies (www.athleteally.org) offers many resources including trainings for athletes, staff, and coaches.
As a football player for the University of Michigan, Joe Taylor knew he had so much going for him. As he was challenged by depression, he realized that no matter how great your life is, depression is an illness that can happen for anyone. He reached out for help and learned that people care more than he realized. His experiences made him stronger, and he encourages others to be courageous in asking for help.
Bella Fiorenzo experienced struggles along her way to playing soccer in college, and utilizing sport psychology resources as a collegiate athlete helped her establish a space of support. As her confidence grew, so did her leadership skills and she was named captain of her team her senior year. She experienced her use of sport psychology performance-related services as preventative and inspired her to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in sport psychology. On this episode of Unit3d, Bella talks about her experiences and how these have led her to pursue a career helping other athletes make the most of their time as collegiate athletes.
Representation matters, and representation can be vital when it comes to mental health professionals available for student-athletes. The fit in the relationship between an athlete and a therapist is vital to healing, and being able to have a therapist that shares a cultural perspective and experience can facilitate that road to optimal mental wellness. Dr. Marcus Dumas (Dr. Du) discusses the importance of the relationship and how to overcome potential barriers to that relationship on this episode of Unit3d.
During the holidays the Unit3d team will be taking a break. Because holidays can be hectic and even stressful, the Unit3d team is once again bringing you a series of guided meditations, relaxations, and visual imageries recorded by various mental health professionals to help give you some peace. We will be back with great new episodes mid-January.
The last in our relaxation series for this holiday is done by the Unit3d host, Dr. Josie Nicholson. This is meant to be a deep relaxation and gives a chance to embrace the perspective of the new semester as a chance to start fresh, see things in a new way, and build from a strong foundation. Enjoy letting go of tension in your body and your mind!
During the holidays the Unit3d team will be taking a break. Because holidays can be hectic and even stressful, the Unit3d team is once again bringing you a series of guided meditations, relaxations, and visual imageries recorded by various mental health professionals to help give you some peace. We will be back with great new episodes mid-January.
Our thoughts often take away from our feelings of calm. With practice we can learn to take those thoughts that are not helpful and release them like a leaf that floats downstream. Kristi Boxx, Counseling, intern for Rebel Sport Psych in Ole Miss Athletics, leads us through a visualization to help us release unhelpful thoughts, and find a greater state of relaxation.
During the holidays the Unit3d team will be taking a break. Because the beginning of a new year can be hectic and even stressful, the Unit3d team is once again bringing you a series of guided meditations, relaxations, and visual imageries recorded by various mental health professionals to help give you some peace. We will be back with great new episodes in a couple of weeks! Bella Fiorenzo, pre-doctoral intern at Auburn University and Ph.D. student at St. Louis University brings us this weeks’ time of relaxation with guided breathing and a reminder to engage in self-compassion as we begin this new year.
During the holidays the Unit3d team will be taking a break. Because holidays can be hectic and even stressful, the Unit3d team is once again bringing you a series of guided meditations, relaxations, and visual imageries recorded by various mental health professionals to help give you some peace. We will be back with great new episodes mid-January.
With the holidays coming to a close and the new year started, this is a nice time to pause and release tension from the body. Dr. Allison Rogers, Assistant Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology, Mississippi State University Athletics guides us through this meditation focused on gratitude while relaxing the body.
During the holidays the Unit3d team will be taking a break. Because holidays can be hectic and even stressful, the Unit3d team is once again bringing you a series of guided meditations, relaxations, and visual imageries recorded by various mental health professionals to help give you some peace. We will be back with great new episodes mid-January.
The first of our meditations for the holidays is one we offer to you every year: Power Animal by Dean Worsham, LPD, LMFT. In this guided meditation, you will be connected with inner strength and wisdom. Happy Holidays!
For the last of our 3-part series on gratitude, Dr. LaTisha Bader returns to the Unit3d podcast to discuss the mindset of gratitude. Gratitude as a practice seems simple but can be difficult to engage in consistently. LaTisha discusses the neurology around gratitude, the difficulties in maintaining a practice that supports that mindset, and the benefits that having that mindset can facilitate.
Gratitude is a practice known to improve mental health as well as performance, but Dr. Kate Bennett proclaims gratitude as a lifestyle she has lived for over 20 years. The path to success, particularly for athletes involves suffering, and gratitude can help us thrive through the difficult times we experience both on that path as well as in our life. In this second part of our 3-part pre-holidays gratitude series, we talk about gratitude coming from the heart, improving our performance, and improving/maintaining our mental health.
As we head into the holiday season, Unit3d is doing a 3-part series on gratitude. Gratitude has been researched a great deal and has been shown to have wonderful benefits to our mental health, but also can improve our performance in sport. To kick off the series, we have Dr. Jeff Ruser, CMPC, talking about his perspective on the benefits of gratitude, the ways to practice gratitude, and the mental health AND performance benefits of gratitude.
Growing up with a professional athlete as a father, Harlee Walker and her siblings grew up with an idea of what it meant to be. “mentally tough”. When Harlee moved across the country to play softball, she began to experience feelings of sadness and emptiness that she couldn’t explain. Hearing the Hilinskis bring their story to the athletes at her school, she was able to realize that it’s OK to not be OK even if you can’t figure out. On this episode of United, Harlee shares her story of reaching out for help and receiving the support she needed.
Often athletes don’t think of themselves as creative people, but it takes creativity to perform at our best. Dr. Breigh Jones-Coplin developed a relationship with her creative side in 2020 when she began exploring flower arranging. Having found her creative venture to be therapeutic, she opened her business, Black + Blossomed, LLC. In this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Jones-Coplin talks about tapping into our creativity in order to find more of ourselves in what we do, as well as ways in which creativity can boost our mental health.
Ali Weisz competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has earned 12 international medals, an individual World Championship Gold and currently holds the World Record in Women’s 10m Air Rifle. Despite success, she has experienced burnout, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. On this episode of Unit3d, Ali shares what it is like to fight through periods of burnout, the importance of leaning on a circle of trusted friends, and what it’s like to live her dream and realize that the dream isn’t always what it was built up to be
Paris Hilinski is the niece of Mark and Kym Hilinski. Her rise to professional golf was very fast: she started playing golf when she had just turned 14 and a year later, after her 8th tournament, she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open. During covid she realized she needed to see herself as more than a golfer and more than her performance so she began to build a brand and venture in to the influencer world. She is now the creative director for LA Golf and has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. On Unit3d she talks about her journey, the importance of seeing yourself as more than your sport, and the difficulties but importance of reaching out for help and support.
It is not uncommon for athletes to question themselves and feel as though what they are doing is not good enough. When the feeling that we are not good enough is pervasive and results in us feeling as though we are an imposter and that someone will find us out it is called imposter syndrome. Challenging the thought that we don’t belong is vital for believing that we are enough and right where we are supposed to be. Lauren Wright, Assistant Director of Mental Health and Wellness at the University of Tennessee, joins us on Unit3d to talk about imposter syndrome and ways to combat the lies that come with it.
Ole Miss Athletics Counselor D’Jenne Egharevba (Dee Dee) grew up with the message “we don’t talk about your feelings” in her family. As a first generation American the anxiety she experienced was channeled into running. Despite her success as an athlete, she still struggled to enjoy her sport. As a student-athlete, she decided to pursue a career in mental health counseling to help other athletes have fun during their time as an athlete. On this episode of Unit3d, Dee Dee shares her story of breaking her family’s mold and using her experiences to guide her path forward.
Awareness has increased in the past few years about the importance of representation in the realm of mental health. When an athlete sees someone who looks like them in the role of a clinician, it increases the comfort level that athlete may have in seeking support from mental health professionals. Dr. Chelsi Battle, our very own Unit3d editor, talks about the value of building bridges between athlete – clinician differences, as well as the comfort level that speaking to a provider with a shared cultural experience can bring.
Edose Ibadin is a professional runner who attributes his improvements in his sport to mental training. He recognizes how vital training the mind is to success in sport, but also sees how little time is dedicated to building mental skills. In this episode of Unit3d, Edose discusses how mindset and mental skills can help athletes excel in their sport, but also how it can help athletes get through and learn from difficult times in life.
Professional soccer player Jack Beer wanted to fit in with his team and thrive as a person when he began his college career at Georgetown University. After his freshman year however, he began to question whether he wanted to keep playing and doubt and injury took a toll on his mental health. He was able to talk with his coaches and take a step back from the game. When he returned the support he received from his teammates allowed him to fight anxiety, depression and mental health challenges head on. Learning that his experience was “normal” and that his teammates understood him more than he had previously thought paved a path back to health and his love for soccer, leading him to a professional soccer career and a passion for mental health advocacy.
Fueling our bodies is so important for athletes for performance, but it is also important for our mental health. We often worry a great deal about what we are eating but we often disregard how nutrition impacts our mood. How we think about food as well as our relationship with food also can affect our mental health. Kate Callaway, Director of Performance Nutrition for the Carolina Panthers discusses nutrition and its impact on mental health on this episode of Unit3d.
Classes are rolling as the semester rolls on. Athletes have likely lost the initial idea of getting ahead, and it seems like there’s enough semester left to leave some tasks for later. Well, avoidance is common. We avoid in our relationships, in academics, and personal growth. Joining us for this UNIT3D episode is Dr. Tom Golightly, who gives tips for recognizing avoidance and strategies for overcoming these behaviors.
Transitioning out of sport often has a negative impact on an athletes mental health. Similar to losing the athlete uniform, transitioning outs of the military can be difficult as one’s identity shifts. Nate Boyer knows both of these journeys as he played Division I football, and then spent a year in the NFL after having served as a Green Beret deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has taken his passion for helping those transitioning out of sport in the military and created a unique nonprofit called Merging Players and Vets (MVP). Hear about this and the powerful movie (MVP streaming on Showtime, Paramount + and other platforms) that illustrates just how important this effort is on this episode of Unit3d.
When student-athletes come together to support each other, meaningful change can happen. At Duke University, there are several groups that support different aspects of student-athlete mental health. Dr. Shawn Zeplin talks about how student-athletes can start a mental health group on their own campus and the benefits to the entire department/community that can come from student-athlete involvement.
Improv may be an unexpected topic for our Unit3d listeners, but there a many similarities between the sports world and improv. Athletes can learn a great deal from those who perform improv, whether it’s thinking quickly on your feet or responding to changing situations. Similar to athletes, improvisers conquer fears to put themselves out there, take risks, and succeed by failing. Improviser, actor, owner of Anubis Improv and instructor David Hamilton joins us this week to talk about the power of letting go and being willing to fail.
Identity is such a struggle for so many athletes, and many do not know who they are outside of their sport. Identification with sport can come at a cost, especially when athletes start to look for a direction to go in when their sport is done. Even when athletes turn pro in their sport, that professional career will end at some point and athletes then will look to what else they can do. Dr. Brad Hambric discusses an array of aspects to an athlete’s identity and how to go about exploring other areas of identity on this episode of Unit3d.
During the months of June, July and early August, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. It's Love:Mark and Kym Hilinski is Ryan Hilinski's pick. Mark and Kym Hilinski share what’s going on with Hilinsk’'s Hope: the 3 for 3 challenge, Kym climbing mountains, and Mark looking at ways to bring innovation to the mission of Hilinski’s Hope. They share important messages around healing, finding ways to keep going, and knowing that whatever you are doing to share the message that mental health matters, it makes a difference.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. The Best Version of Me:Teddy Britt is Brian Simmons' pick. Teddy Britt has a smile that lifts up those around her. Because of that, she used to believe that she always had to smile so that others could benefit from her energy. She has now learned that it's ok to show up authentically, no matter how she is feeling. Teddy joins us at Unit3d and to discuss vulnerability and the advantages of showing up authentically. She also explains that there are times when she feels like her performance has not earned the love of those around her. She takes us through her journey as an Ole Miss Track & Field thrower, and coming to the understanding that love is not dependent on her performance or athletic ability.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Thrive or Bust:Ryan Leaf is John Cooke's pick. Many are familiar with former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf and his story of achieving the dream of being a first round draft pick only to fall hard and become touted as the “biggest bust in NFL history” by some. Ryan Leaf shared insight into his journey as well as a powerful and unique perspective on working to come back to yourself after falling in to dark places.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Sweet Sleep is Graham Doty's pick. Sleep is so important to our mental health but it is something we often don’t prioritize, especially during stressful times. Getting better sleep is sometimes difficult, and we often don’t know as much about sleep as we need to.
Sleep researcher Dr. Michael Grandner starts this three-part series in sleep helping us understand more about how to get more and better sleep.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Identity Back on Track is Chelsi Battle's pick. Dr. Dwight Hollier played in the NFL for 9 years before beginning his career as a mental health professional. Having lined up a career for post-football life, it seemed like his transition out of sport could have been smooth. His identity, however, was firmly rooted in being a football player. Having a plan for a career after football was helpful, but not having a plan for transitioning his identity away from football and to his new role left him feeling lost. Counseling helped him get back on track.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Closing A Chapter is Drew Lombardi's pick. Throughout our life we all experience a number of transitions. Closing the chapter of playing collegiate sports can bring up identity struggles for many, as well as a feeling of being lost or unsure as to what’s next. In this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Bassey Akpan discusses the transition for athletes from collegiate sports into the next chapter and how being an athlete has offered preparation one may not realize.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Get Your Bounce Back is Aidan Lombardi's pick. We all seem to agree that resilience is an important trait to have as an athlete, but few can say exactly what resilience is or how to build it. We know that bouncing back after setbacks, as well as overcoming obstacles, are important on the path to success. Yet again, few can explain why some are able to do this more than others. Dr. Eric Martin of Boise State University has researched resilience and has worked with athletes to help build their ability to be resilient. He offers insight into how to define resilience, how it impacts the life of an athlete, and practical ways to build resilience in our lives.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Authentic Storytelling:Nia Symone is Josie Nicholson's pick. Nia Symone knew from an early age that she wanted to be involved in entertainment and sports media. She pursued a communications degree while playing basketball at Alabama State University. Since graduating, Nia has created content for brands like Nike, Hibbett Sports, and Overtime, and she was named the host of Nike’s first-ever digital show, Come Thru. Nia is also the CEO and founder of Purpose To Be Heard Productions, a creative production company with a mission of changing the way society views athletes through authentic storytelling and which offers a platform for athletes to have their voices heard. Nia shares a powerful story with Unit3d that many other athletes will be able to relate to. Oh, and wait until you hear how she came up with the name for her company!
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. The Magic Portal is Mark Hilinski's pick. At the end of a season many athletes decide they need a change and enter the transfer portal. Established in 2018, the portal became much more popular when, in 2021, the NCAA passed regulations that allowed athletes in many sports a “one-time transfer” without having to sit out a year. This has opened the portal for many more athletes than before, but it has not been the magic remedy that many hoped it would be. With so many athletes entering the portal, many are left without a new team. Dr. Joey Case, Assistant Athletic Director/Counseling and Sport Psychology for Mississippi State University talks about the implications of the portal for student athlete mental health as well as how to navigate the emotional process of transferring.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Touch the Grass:Mike Golic Jr. is Kym Hilinski's pick. Mike Golic Jr. played football at Notre Dame and after went undrafted as a free agent in the NFL. He wanted to stay close to the game and has been able to do that through work in the media. He is a College Football analyst for Learfield College Football Saturday Night and hosts the GoJo Show podcast, a production of Draftkings. He understands the stress college athletes are under and has unique insight in to the pressures increasing with the introduction of NIL as athletes must present themselves as a brand. Mike shares experiences he had as an athlete at Notre Dame and insights he has gained as he has covered the game on the other side.
This episode wraps up the 22-23 season of Unit3d. To close things out, Mark and Kym Hilinski share what’s going on with Hilinsk’'s Hope: the 3 for 3 challenge, Kym climbing mountains, and Mark looking at ways to bring innovation to the mission of Hilinski’s Hope. They share important messages around healing, finding ways to keep going, and knowing that whatever you are doing to share the message that mental health matters, it makes a difference.
“Be in the moment” is a phrase heard so much in sports, and athletes know the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. But one aspect of being in the moment that is often overlooked is the mentality we can slip in to of waiting until we achieve a certain goal or arrive at a certain point before we allow ourselves to embrace where we are. It can be easy to get caught up in “waiting” until we reach a certain point and we can miss that our lives, our careers, our experience is happening right now. Dr. Ryan Pittsinger, Assistant AD, Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology at Texas A&M discusses the importance of recognizing the moments we are in rather than waiting for the moments to come in this episode of Unit3d.
Dr. Dwight Hollier played in the NFL for 9 years before beginning his career as a mental health professional. Having lined up a career for post-football life, it seemed like his transition out of sport could have been smooth. His identity, however, was firmly rooted in being a football player. Having a plan for a career after football was helpful, but not having a plan for transitioning his identity away from football and to his new role left him feeling lost. Counseling helped him get back on track.
Sabrina Shaw worked hard and had a lot of success as a goalkeeper and headed in to her college career at Iowa with high expectations of herself. Injuries created a bumpy journey and when she was sidelined she realized she did not know. How to find joy outside of her sport. She had the courage to ask for help and found her way back to herself. During the pandemic she started her own company: Urban Wave and her mental health journey inspired her to use her business to further the efforts of others to support student-athlete mental health. She launched a campaign: Minds Matter, recognizing that a mind over matter mentality ignores the importance of embracing and growing stronger from a challenge. She is pursuing a career as a physical therapist and will support athletes emotionally as they work through physical injury.
Brad Robbins has had a lot of success as a punter, but his road has not been without turns and bumps. Experiences with injury in his collegiate career, as well as the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on his mental health, caused him to look for ways to quiet his mind. He took steps to learn about meditation and he developed a practice that has supported his mental health and athletic performance. Brad has found benefit in helping others through a campaign that utilized his platform, and he has seen the impact that creating a culture of serving others can have on athlete wellness. Brad shares about his experiences and techniques he uses to maintain mental wellness on this episode of Unit3d.
The end of each school year brings changes and transitions. Change is certain in our lives but brings about so much uncertainty that it can be difficult to navigate. Dr. Michelle Garvin, sport psychologist for the Detroit Lions discusses changes and transitions, offering insight and tools to help navigate the uncertainties, the challenges, and the opportunities that change brings.
Teddy Britt has a smile that lifts up those around her. Because of that, she used to believe that she always had to smile so that others could benefit from her energy. She has now learned that it's ok to show up authentically, no matter how she is feeling. Teddy joins us at Unit3d and to discuss vulnerability and the advantages of showing up authentically. She also explains that there are times when she feels like her performance has not earned the love of those around her. She takes us through her journey as an Ole Miss Track & Field thrower, and coming to the understanding that love is not dependent on her performance or athletic ability.
During her freshman year of college at Duke University, Anna Callahan lost a teammate and close friend, Morgan Rogers. The impact of this loss inspired Anna to let go of fears she had about being herself and stop hiding parts of herself she felt made her different. She began to embrace being an advocate for mental health and helped start Morgan’s Message which now has chapters on close to 1000 high school and college campuses. Her strength and her story are inspiring as she continues to be an example to others of someone who attacks the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Often tragedy and trauma serve to fuel passion for efforts to change the world. This is the case for Brandon Siler, former NFL player and now entrepreneur. Brandon has experienced the loss of several friends and teammates to mental illness and now works to help support fellow NFLers in many ways, including getting them disability benefits through his company, Legacy Pro Sports and owning a mental health facility, Pure Recovery, that employs some of the most innovative interventions for recovery in the country. Brandon has a passion for improving student-athlete’s mental health and believes it needs to begin with building mental health literacy into the curriculum that every student-athlete must complete in their time in college. On this episode of Unit3d, Brandon shares his powerful story and his unique vision for the future of mental health education for student athletes.
Mental health campaigns are important vehicles for raising awareness and breaking down stigma. Sack the Stigma is a collaborative campaign aimed at destigmatizing mental illness among young people, particularly student-athletes. This campaign started at the University of Michigan, but is gaining traction to make appearances at other universities as a team effort with Hilinski’s Hope during the College Athlete Mental Health Week in October. Carly Silverstein is a co-founder of Sack the Stigma and her passion for athlete mental health fuels her work to extend the campaign’s reach. Olu Oluwatimi is an accomplished football player and this past year as Captain led his team to a Big 10 Championship. He has been very involved in Sack the Stigma since transferring to Michigan. On this episode of Unit3d, Carly and Olu share their passion for supporting others who are struggling and the vision for Sack the Stigma in the future.
Muhammad Ali said “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” This powerful quote can send a message to all of us to address challenges that we may see as small or insignificant before they become bigger obstacles in our lives. Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley is the mental health clinician for the Baltimore Ravens and on this episode of Unit3d she discusses this quote as an analogy for the importance of addressing mental health challenges in our lives as soon as we recognize them. She talks about how she approaches her work with the men coming to the Ravens and her framework for developing relationships with the players.
Because we are human, we all have negative emotions. We often try to ignore or avoid them, or move through them as quickly as possible. Many times we even judge ourselves for having them. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Rachel Conway, head sport psychologist for Wake Forest Athletics, talks about changing our relationship with negative emotions so that we can work with them rather than run from them.
Sleep is a vital foundation to mental health and many athletes struggle to get enough of it. Dr. Michael Grandner is one of the nation’s top sleep researchers, especially in the area of sleep in athletes. Sleep is so important to our mental health that this spring we will have a three part series on sleep and how to improve both quality and quantity of sleep to support the health of your body and your mind.
We all have an idea of when we are “off” in our performance, and we work hard to get back on the path to where we want to be. Mental health is no different. If we take time to check in with ourselves we can become aware of when we aren’t centered. Mindfulness and other strategies can help us get back on the path, back to our center. Dr. Tess Palmateer, Director of Athlete Mental Health and Performance at Florida Atlantic University discusses how to recognize when we are “off-center” and ways to get back to who we are, what we know, and the place we want to be in our mental wellness journey.
Recently the word "manifesting" has become a buzz word in popular culture, with some dismissing it as “magical thinking.” How nice would it be if it were real? On this episode of Unit3d, one of our favorite guests, Dr. LaTisha Bader, returns to discuss what manifesting actually is and how to do it.
A crisis situation is something we never hope will happen, but it is important to prepare as much as we can for the unexpected. It is also helpful to know how to help someone when a crisis pops up. In this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Dylan Firsick, Assistant A.D. and Director of Mental Health and Performance at the University of Georgia, discusses various ways to handle a crisis situation, things we can do when the unexpected happens, and ways to help those close to us who experience an emergency -- especially when those emergencies pertain to our mental health.
Sleep is so important to our mental health but it is something we often don’t prioritize, especially during stressful times. Getting better sleep is sometimes difficult, and we often don’t know as much about sleep as we need to.
Sleep researcher Dr. Michael Grandner starts this three-part series in sleep helping us understand more about how to get more and better sleep.
Most of us can look back on experiences we have had and think of things we wish we knew then what we know now. Lucy Martin played soccer at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Years removed from playing DI soccer she recognizes many things she wishes she knew then and has set out to teach these things. To a new generation through coaching, hosting a podcast, and through her work as a school teacher. In this episode, Lucy shares much of what she learned through her experiences and is hoping to share with those she leads.
Courtney Jones is a soccer player at Clemson University. Having experienced performance anxiety and injury in high school, she had the experience of utilizing a sport psychologist to address her athletic struggles. Through her time as a collegiate athlete she has had a great deal of success, but also has continued to experience injury. Depression and anxiety combined with her injury made for some tough times in college. Through her experiences, she found that she has a passion for mental health work, and will complete a master’s degree in clinical mental health in May, 2023. Her passion, her experience, and her pursuit of an education to become a licensed mental health provider will be such an asset to the athletes she helps in the future.
Originally aired January 2021, this amazing meditation is worth repeating at the beginning of every year. Dean Worsham, LPC a certified Gong Master and Buddhist practitioner. In this powerful guided imagery he draws on Native American roots to connect us with that part of ourselves which wants the best for us, holding our wisdom and our strength. Lose yourself in this meditation so it can lead you to connect with your best self
Sleep is so important to one’s mental health but it can be elusive. Chad McGeehee, Director of Meditation Training at University of Wisconsin Athletics, provides this wonderful meditation that can help us relax and drift off for some quality Zzzzzzs.
What’s better than a guided mindfulness exercise to begin the new year? Two guided meditations! Regina Schreiber and Andrea Swanson are both former D I athletes, both doctoral students, and both interns with the Mental Health and Performance department at the University of Arkansas. They both offer us mindfulness exercises to begin the new year fresh and in the present moment!
During the holidays Unit3d takes a break and we are hoping that you do too! For a few weeks in December and January we offer listeners guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help unwind in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Today’s meditation is from Dr. Joey Case, Assistant Athletic Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology at Mississippi State University. Joey takes listeners through a mindfulness practice to help us stay present and notice where we are as the holiday season continues at full speed around us.
During the holidays Unit3d takes a break and we are hoping you do to! For a few weeks in December and January we offer to listeners guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help unwind in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Today’s meditation is from licensed professional counselor Meaghan O’Conner. She sets such a peaceful scene and reminds us to be grateful as we relax into the images she invites us to hold in our mind.
At the end of a season many athletes decide they need a change and enter the transfer portal. Established in 2018, the portal became much more popular when, in 2021, the NCAA passed regulations that allowed athletes in many sports a “one-time transfer” without having to sit out a year. This has opened the portal for many more athletes than before, but it has not been the magic remedy that many hoped it would be. With so many athletes entering the portal, many are left without a new team. Dr. Joey Case, Assistant Athletic Director/Counseling and Sport Psychology for Mississippi State University talks about the implications of the portal for student athlete mental health as well as how to navigate the emotional process of transferring.
When Chelsea Vaughn, Assistant Director of Player Development for Ole Miss football was young, she began to have a vision for a nonprofit that she believed would help athletes develop as people and leaders. She began Humble Over Hype as a message to athletes to embrace development, growing, around the gifts they have been given over the “hype” that comes with being an athlete. Humble Over Hype encourages athletes to embrace who they are and what they have to offer the world beyond their sport. Through mental health awareness, mentor programs, character development workshops and events, Chelsea is working to connect athletes with each other and their true selves.
When young athletes dream of playing their sport in college, they have an idea of what that will look like. Often, that dream does not play out exactly how they expect, and it can be difficult to cope with the loss of what they wanted for so long. Demi Washington was an All-American her freshman year of college on the University of Alabama track and field team, but when things started taking a different direction the loss of her identity as a collegiate runner combined with other struggles in her life to lead her to a dark place. S he was able to get help and rebuild her view of herself, and it has given her a story that she can share in hopes that it will help other athletes.
During Thanksgiving week, this episode on gratitude seemed the perfect way to remind people that gratitude can bring us hope and comfort in difficult times. Aired in April of 2020, Dr. Nicole Gabana, Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, helps explain what gratitude is and how we can use it to help us cope with difficult situations and improve mental health. Gratitude is more than just feeling thankful.
Trust can be hard in relationships, but it can be particularly difficult in the relationship we have with ourselves. We tend to doubt ourselves in important times, and this often leads to anxiety and hesitation. Perfectionism, outcome-based self-worth, and a lack of self-compassion can make trusting ourselves seem out of reach. In this episode of Unit3d, Athletics Counselor at Ole Miss, Adole Murauko talks about some of the thoughts and behaviors that can lead to self-doubt and ways to trust ourselves more fully.
As a professional athlete, Dr. Kirsten “Coop” Cooper could not see herself as worth more than her achievements. When injuries forced her to end her athletic career, she struggled to know who she was or how to move forward. Finding belonging outside of sport as well as working with a therapist helped Coop understand her value and connect with who she is. Now she is working with athletes as a sport and performance postdoctoral fellow and her experiences are helping other athletes find their way.
Nia Symone knew from an early age that she wanted to be involved in entertainment and sports media. She pursued a communications degree while playing basketball at Alabama State University. Since graduating, Nia has created content for brands like Nike, Hibbett Sports, and Overtime, and she was named the host of Nike’s first-ever digital show, Come Thru. Nia is also the CEO and founder of Purpose To Be Heard Productions, a creative production company with a mission of changing the way society views athletes through authentic storytelling and which offers a platform for athletes to have their voices heard. Nia shares a powerful story with Unit3d that many other athletes will be able to relate to. Oh, and wait until you hear how she came up with the name for her company!
Mike Golic, Jr. played football at Notre Dame and after went undrafted as a free agent in the NFL. He wanted to stay close to the game and has been able to do that through work in the media. He is a College Football analyst for Learfield College Football Saturday Night and hosts the GoJo Show podcast, a production of Draftkings. He understands the stress college athletes are under and has unique insight in to the pressures increasing with the introduction of NIL as athletes must present themselves as a brand. Mike shares experiences he had as an athlete at Notre Dame and insights he has gained as he has covered the game on the other side.
Christina VandenBerg played soccer at Harvard University. While there, she experienced the ups-and-downs of being a collegiate athlete, from performance struggles, identity searching to injury. Since then she has continued to learn about the importance of sport psychology, as well as mental health support to the performance and overall wellness of athletes. She has used her experiences as inspiration to create MyHuddle, an organization that seeks to facilitate access for student-athletes to sport psychology resources through virtual meetings and texting. She hopes that her story and the work that she is doing will take another bite out of stigma and help athletes reach out and get support they deserve.
Freelance writer and activist Devi Jags ran cross country for Xavier University, but her collegiate experience included injuries in her sport and traumatic events such as sexual assault and relationship violence. She now works with End Rape on Campus and Its on Us to educate student-athletes about how to be aware of the “Red Zone” (the months between August and November in which over 50% of sexual assaults occur on college campuses) and to help them find supports for mental health. Devi shares her powerful story with Unit3d, as well as some of the advocacy work she is doing to help other student athletes have a better experience in sport and college than she did.
We all seem to agree that resilience is an important trait to have as an athlete, but few can say exactly what resilience is or how to build it. We know that bouncing back after setbacks, as well as overcoming obstacles, are important on the path to success. Yet again, few can explain why some are able to do this more than others. Dr. Eric Martin of Boise State University has researched resilience and has worked with athletes to help build their ability to be resilient. He offers insight into how to define resilience, how it impacts the life of an athlete, and practical ways to build resilience in our lives.
Steven Fahy is a professional runner with Puma and had a great deal of success as a cross country runner at Stanford University, but his collegiate career did not start as smoothly as he had imagined it would. Through his performance struggles he was introduced to the mental side of sport and then became aware of the importance of taking care of your mental health. Now, he is working with the foundation My Huddle to develop resources that will give greater access to mental health care to student-athletes. His journey has inspired him to help others along their way.
When Michael Carrillo started playing football he had high hopes and aspirations for his career. For college he landed as a quarterback for San Jose State University, but getting there was not without its challenges. Once he was there, the bumps along the way didn’t stop. Michael shares with Unit3d his story for struggling with obstacles outside of his control and leaning on trusted friends he had found around him. He shares his strategies for being a good and supportive teammate with those with whom you are in competition for the same starting job. He also talks about the importance of finding your identity outside of your sport. Throughout his journey, Michael has been able to reach out and get support from people around him, and he shares how important this has been for his success.
Chad McGehee has a unique job as the Director of Meditation Training at the University of Wisconsin. Most agree that mental training is vital to success in elite sports, and that mindfulness is a valuable part of mental training, but no other program has dedicated a position as a resource for their athletes. In this episode of Unit3d, Chad goes in to detail about the benefits of mindfulness and meditation and addresses many misperceptions that athletes may have about the practice. He also offers some practical ways to begin and embrace a mindfulness and/or meditation practice.
Anxiety and perfectionism is common among athletes and can take the joy away from sport. To manage nerves, many athletes can engage in routines, behaviors, thoughts and habits but when they get in the way of daily life it can be an indication of a deeper problem. Cali Werner was a distance runner in college and is currently training for Olympic trials and shares with Unit3d her experiences as an athlete with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and anxiety as well as her expertise in treating these issues in athletes as a clinician.
When we talk about identity, we often think about “pieces” of who we are. Charlotte Warren, LCSW and Clinical Counselor for University of Georgia Athletics takes more of a holistic approach when discussing identity, recognizing that who we are moves through our different roles. In this episode of Unit3d, we discuss this holistic view of identity as well as ways student-athletes can develop different aspects of who they are.
Female bodybuilder Gaby Contreras grew up in a family of sport, seeing herself as “the volleyball player”. She struggled throughout her early life with her mental health and dealt with depression, identity confusion, isolation, and self-harm. Her search for herself after leaving volleyball led her to rising out of that dark place to working actively and daily on her mental health, including her confidence. She now wants to give back to others, supporting them in taking care of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.
Do you have a “no excuses” mindset? Are you fearful that others will say you are making “excuses” for not executing fully? In athletics we often value the mindset of not letting anything get in our way, but a hard core “no excuses” mentality can cause us to blame ourselves when things outside of our control prohibit us from doing what we think we should be doing. Dr. Joanna Foss discusses the difference between coming up with an excuse and recognizing a reason, highlighting the importance of context.
Emily Esposito always dreamed of playing basketball in college. She worked and sacrificed and didn’t notice losing herself in the process. Emily struggled with identity, depression, and had to make difficult decisions in order to find herself and her voice. Now Emily is sharing her story and encouraging other collegiate athletes to do the same. As she says, “You can’t tell your story before it happens, but that doesn’t mean you can’t write it as you go and make it what you want.” She founded EmPowerment with the desire that athlete would find support around their story through an online, blogs, testimonies, mentoring, and community. She is working to give future college athletes the supportive community she wish she had.
Are you feeling anxious about starting a new semester? Do you often feel tense before starting a new season? Most people do, but the mindset we choose when approaching the beginning of things can help us feel excited and ready. It has been said that curiosity is the cure for anxiety. Dr. Tom Golightly joins Unit3d again to talk about how going in to new territory open to possibilities rather than heavy with expectations can position you for success.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Checking In with Morgan Weaver is Kym Hilinski's pick. Morgan Weaver is a professional soccer player for the NWSL team the Portland Thorns. She was an athlete at Washington State University at the time of Tyler Hilinski’s death. In this episode of Unit3d she discusses the importance of truly checking in on each other, talking through difficulties and struggles with someone as well as being there for those who are struggling. She also talks about the fight to eradicate stigma surrounding mental health issues and her experiences as a collegiate and professional athlete.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. What Do You Think of Me Now? is Mark Hilinski's pick. We all care what others think of us, that is a normal part of life as a social creature. However, caring what other’s think is different than having fear around what others think and that distinction is important. When we fear judgment from others we can change our behavior to be less true to ourselves, censoring our true thoughts and actions. We also are vulnerable to internalizing what we believe other’s think of us, which can negatively impact our mental health. Dr. Brad Foltz discusses how to navigate the natural tendency to fear judgment from others and balance it with being our full authentic selves on this episode of Unit3d.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. So F'ing Perfect is Dr. Marie Worsham's pick. Athletes are driven to succeed and wanting to improve and be the best we can be is admirable. However, there are times when the mindset of being the best can be unhealthy, particularly when that mindset is one of perfectionism. Although we all know “nobody is perfect,” being haunted by mistakes, fears of losing, and feelings that nothing is ever good enough not only robs one of the joy but also interferes with performance. Dr. Riley Nickols talks about the perfectionistic mindset and ways to change.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Overall #1:Spencer Torkelson is Christine Lombardi's pick. Spencer Torkelson grew up with a great deal of hype surrounding his baseball career. He was always known as a baseball player and was drafted as the number one pick in the 2020 draft, going to the Detroit Tigers. In this episode of Unit3d, Spencer talks about the bizarre end to his college career, how he developed his identity away from baseball, how he handles failure and pressure and how important it is to be yourself rather than try to live up to who people want you to be. He also addresses how strong the stigma around mental illness is and how important it is to take care of your brain in order to be your best self.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. If I Knew Then...Tina Cvetkovic is Terka's Janatova's pick. Whenever we look back on the past we can see things from a different perspective and with knowledge of how things turn out. Often when we examine the past with the information we have in the present, we would have done things differently. But back then, we didn’t have all the information so we must know we did the best we could and have compassion for the way we handled the challenges of our lives. We cannot change the past, but we can encourage others to learn from our experiences and the insights we have gained. Former Idaho State University women’s tennis player Tina Cvetkovic is currently coaching at IMG academy in Florida and has a lot of wisdom to share, learned from her journey through college athletics.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Drew Robinson:My Story of Surviving is Chelsi Battle's pick. Every time someone shares their authentic story of mental health struggle, the stigma is reduced. This is particularly the case when athletes use their platform to share the importance of tending to mental health. This is the commitment that Drew Robinson has made, and the San Francisco Giants have helped him make this his new-found career as a mental health advocate. Drew has an amazing story and he shares his struggles and triumphs on this episode of Unit3d.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Bored in the House:Tempted to Use is Brian Simmons pick. Boredom, stress, anxiety and not having a time line for our next end goal can all be reasons that can lead to temptations to turn to drugs and and alcohol. But is it worth the cost? Dr. LaTisha Bader, Chief Clinical Officer for Women's Recovery, will speak about these temptations, ways to avoid the pitfalls and keep a focus on health, drawing from over 18 years of experience in the field of mental health, addiction and sport psychology.
During the months of June and July, the Unit3d team is taking a break. We have asked people close to the podcast to choose their favorite episode to air as a "ReUnit3d" during this time. Grind to a Fault is Dr. Tom Golightly's pick. We are all familiar with the “grind,” and working hard is an exalted characteristic. We live in a culture of “grind it out” where everything around us tells us that hard work is the ultimate path to success. However, this work harder culture does not give us much room for feeling good about taking time for ourselves to rest, recover, and recharge. Dr. Sonali Wason talks on Unit3d about the drawbacks of a work harder mindset and ways to rethink seeing rest as a key part of being productive.
We call summer a “break” but do we really know how to rest? Relaxing can be challenging for those who are typically very productive; its difficult to view rest times as productive. On this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Lee Dorpfeld of the University of South Florida shares great insight and tips for relaxing and recovering during times of break so we can recharge for the coming semester.
Taking the first step to contact a mental health professional when things aren't going well can be very difficult but it can start you down a new path toward hope and healing. University of Massachusetts field hockey player Lindsay Kilpatrick courageously took that step and changed the narrative of her story in a powerful way. At one time fearful because of the stigma that surrounds mental illness, she is now a mental health advocate and ambassador for Morgan's Message, changing the conversations on her campus. In this episode of Unit3d, Lindsey shares her story and the twists and turns that brought her to where she is now.
Throughout our life we all experience a number of transitions. Closing the chapter of playing collegiate sports can bring up identity struggles for many, as well as a feeling of being lost or unsure as to what’s next. In this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Bassey Akpan discusses the transition for athletes from collegiate sports into the next chapter and how being an athlete has offered preparation one may not realize.
Athletes are driven to succeed in their sport. This drive is often revered by many as an enviable trait; however, this drive can lead some to adopt a “whatever it takes” mentality. Disordered eating or eating disorders can be an outcome of this desire to do everything within one’s control to succeed. Rachael Steil has fought the battle to recover from an eating disorder and shares her powerful story in the book Running In Silence (2ndedition, 2020). She is currently working on a second book. Her inspirational story of recovery is one that can offer struggling athletes hope.
Being a student athlete is hard enough, but doing it all with a chronic illness? That’s what Mackenzie Fitzpatrick, a softball player for the University of Connecticut, struggled with as she battled to keep up a positive appearance despite suffering from depression. Having recognized how stigma kept her from getting all of the support she needed early in her struggle, she has become a mental health advocate fighting to end the stigma that surrounds mental illness, especially for student-athletes. Mackenzie shares her story and insights on this episode of Unit3d.
This conversation with Mackenzie took place just days before JMU softball player, Lauren Bernett, took her life. Our thoughts are with Lauren’s teammates, coaches, friends and family.
We hope Mackenzie’s story reaches those who are struggling and suffering in silence, afraid to reach out and ask for help.
You are so needed, so loved, please don’t leave us.
We all care what others think of us, that is a normal part of life as a social creature. However, caring what other’s think is different than having fear around what others think and that distinction is important. When we fear judgment from others we can change our behavior to be less true to ourselves, censoring our true thoughts and actions. We also are vulnerable to internalizing what we believe other’s think of us, which can negatively impact our mental health. Dr. Brad Foltz discusses how to navigate the natural tendency to fear judgment from others and balance it with being our full authentic selves on this episode of Unit3d.
There has been a great push to encourage others to ask for help when help is needed. It sounds simple, but simple is not always easy. Asking for help is often something that people, especially athletes and men, have a great deal of difficulty doing as it requires vulnerability. Dr. Jamey Houle talks about the difficulties in asking for help, why it is so important for us to do, and ways to break through the reluctance on this episode of Unit3d.
Getting through the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic and all that happened has been tough, but here we are in 2022! Things are getting back to some semblance of normalcy, but so many things are not the same. It’s important to pause and acknowledge these changes, as they have strongly impacted the student-athlete experience. Dr. Carolyn Davis, who works with athletes at the historically Black university, Tennessee State University, discusses many of the things we have lost during the pandemic and how to grieve these losses in order to move forward. Dr. Davis also highlights some of the unique challenges that face the African American community of college students.
Whenever we look back on the past we can see things from a different perspective and with knowledge of how things turn out. Often when we examine the past with the information we have in the present, we would have done things differently. But back then, we didn’t have all the information so we must know we did the best we could and have compassion for the way we handled the challenges of our lives. We cannot change the past, but we can encourage others to learn from our experiences and the insights we have gained. Former Idaho State University women’s tennis plater Tina Cvetkovic is currently coaching at IMG academy in Florida and has a lot of wisdom to share, learned from her journey through college athletics.
Confidence is a key pillar to good performance, however, we tend to give less thought to the role confidence plays in our mental health. Junior women’s soccer player for the University of Iowa, Sam Cary, understands the connection and has experienced the mental health challenges that come with trying to mute the inner voice that owns her abilities and strengths. She has a passion for mental health and eradicating the stigma that surrounds mental illness and is working on her campus to put together programming that will support her fellow student-athletes. On this episode of Unit3d, Sam shares some of her personal journey as well as insights she has had to why we must be unapologetically ourselves.
When we work in pursuit of a singular goal it can be easy to believe that if we achieve that one thing, everything after will be perfect. Steve Mesler, Olympic Gold medalist for USA bobsledding, worked toward the gold-medal goal for 10 years and achieved his dream. He found that winning feeling didn’t last. Steve talks about the mindset that helped him achieve so much and what he learned from the victory. He also highlights his new foundation, Classroom Champions, which pairs athlete-mentors with school children to help them learn skills to support success.
We are all familiar with the “grind,” and working hard is an exalted characteristic. We live in a culture of “grind it out” where everything around us tells us that hard work is the ultimate path to success. However, this work harder culture does not give us much room for feeling good about taking time for ourselves to rest, recover, and recharge. Dr. Sonali Wason talks on Unit3d about the drawbacks of a work harder mindset and ways to rethink seeing rest as a key part of being productive.
Athletes often have their identity wrapped up in who they are as a performer and see themselves as no more than what they do. Athletics Counselor at Ole Miss, Brian Simmons, LCSW can relate to this as he was an active duty Marine for 20 years before feeling “homeless” upon discharge. In this episode of Unit3d, Brian talks about how he felt waking up one day having had his identity stripped from him, how he found himself and a home, and how he now uses this to relate to and help support student athletes in finding who they are beyond their sport.
We all have a unique journey. Many times in life we find our passion through our experiences and adversity can help us carve out a path forward. Gabe Marks is one that found direction when he found himself experiencing anxiety, disappointment, and identity issues when his football career came to an end. The loss of his friend, Tyler Hilinski as well as other mental health struggles while playing football inspired Gabe to pursue a profession in mental health, helping others going through tough times and reducing the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Gabe shares with Unit3d how he is on a path to becoming a psychologist because of his experiences as an athlete.
Spencer Torkelson grew up with a great deal of hype surrounding his baseball career. He was always known as a baseball player and was drafted as the number one pick in the 2020 draft, going to the Detroit Tigers. In this episode of Unit3d, Spencer talks about the bizarre end to his college career, how he developed his identity away from baseball, how he handles failure and pressure and how important it is to be yourself rather than try to live up to who people want you to be. He also addresses how strong the stigma around mental illness is and how important it is to take care of your brain in order to be your best self.
We feel most comfortable when we can put things in to black-and-white categories. The reality is that most of life (and all of growth) happens “in the grey”; in those situations and ideas that don’t fit cleanly into a box. The more we can entertain two thoughts or feelings at once, the more freedom we have to be curious, explore, and learn in those times. Dr. Chris Bader, of University of Arkansas, discusses these areas of grey in this week’s episode of Unit3d.
We all have a story, and that story continues to unfold. There are times when we can rewrite our story by looking back with a healthier perspective and we all can take charge of writing how story going forward. Narrative therapy is so useful in recognizing how our environments have shaped our identity and empower us to shape who we want to become. Brittany Collins, LPC-S, PhD Candidate utilizes narrative therapy in her work with athletes but also in shaping her own journey and joins us on Unit3d to talk about ways we all can be the authors telling the tale of our own journey.
Many are familiar with former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf and his story of achieving the dream of being a first round draft pick only to fall hard and become touted as the “biggest bust in NFL history” by some. Ryan Leaf shared insight into his journey as well as a powerful and unique perspective on working to come back to yourself after falling in to dark places.
It is very common to begin the year or the new semester with “resolutions”, but we often fail to keep them. In this first episode of the new year, Ed Darrah of Temple Athletics gives us a unique structure to setting goals and helpful tips to help us stay on track to achieving what we want.
Originally aired January 2021, this amazing meditation is worth repeating at the beginning of every year. Dean Worsham, LPC a certified Gong Master and Buddhist practitioner. In this powerful guided imagery he draws on Native American roots to connect us with that part of ourselves which wants the best for us, holding our wisdom and our strength. Lose yourself in this meditation so it can lead you to connect with your best self.
For the holiday season and semester break we will be airing relaxations, meditations, or guided imagery from various mental health clinicians as a way to say “thank you” and “take care of yourself” from us to you. This week Dr. Jamey Houle offers a loving kindness meditation. Along with gratitude, I can’t think of a better way to begin a new year!
For the holiday season and semester break we will be airing relaxations, meditations, or guided imagery from various mental health clinicians as a way to say “thank you” and “take care of yourself” from us to you. This week Dr. Lauren Craig helps us start off the new year on the right foot with gratitude!
For the holiday season and semester break we will be airing relaxations, meditations, or guided imagery from various mental health clinicians as a way to say “thank you” and “take care of yourself” from us to you. This week Dr. R. Kweku Smith, with the University of Wisconsin athletics, helps us close out the year with a look back on where we have been. He then offers a time to relax and recharge with self-care, and then a time of looking forward to the new. He is accompanied by his talented son, DJ. Kofi Atta Jonah Smith who did all the beats for the background sounds except for one. What a great team!
For the holiday season and semester break we will be airing relaxations, meditations, or guided imagery from various mental health clinicians as a way to say “thank you” and “take care of yourself” from us to you. This week Brian Simmons, LCSW with Ole Miss Athletics helps us relax with a mindful meditation for the holidays to help with escaping the hustle and bustle of the season.
For the holiday season and semester break we will be airing relaxations, meditations or guided imagery from various mental health clinicians as a way to say “thank you” and “take care of yourself” from us to you. This week Chelsi Battle, MA, doctoral student at Auburn University and our very own editor starts off the series with a bit about meditation and then a progressive muscle relaxation for a nice way to wind down as the semester ends.
Treating others well is important, particularly as we work to deepen, strengthen and gain friendships. Dr. LaTisha Bader discusses how to find information about friends and those we meet to treat others the way they want to be treated rather than assuming we know how they want to be treated. When we consider our differences we can then work to find out how to interact with others to connect them in ways that improve those relationships.
Every time someone shares the story of their mental health journey a bit of the stigma around mental illness falls away. Women’s basketball national championship coach and author, now mental health advocate Joanne P McCallie (Coach P) has written a book Secret Warrior about her experience coaching at the top level of the game for many years of her career with bipolar disorder. As Coach P shares her story, she speaks to leadership, vulnerability, timing in sharing her story, and the importance (and responsibility) of taking care of brain health as being on-par in importance with physical health.
Relationships are vital to our lives as we all need each other to survive and thrive. These relationships can be tricky as we go through different stages in our lives and as we travel to different places and move through different roles. Cindy Aron, LCSW has done a lot of work researching and presenting on the topic of relationships. There are so many types of relationships that are important to us: relationships with friends, parents, coaches, teammates, love interests, and more. In this episode of Unit3d we discuss how to recognize and navigate health and unhealthy relationships, how to get more out of our relationships, and how to build new relationships.
From an early age Maddie had her eyes set on playing field hockey at Temple University. She achieved the goal, but had a tough adjustment to sport in college. After working and grinding for the summer, she came roaring in to her sophomore year and surprised everyone with how ready she was to compete and lead. It wasnt long, though, before an injury knocked her off her path. The mental health impact of her injury came close to being worse than the injury, but she was able to get help. Addressing her mental health served her well in the injuries that followed. Maddie is now courageously telling her story in hopes that it will help others who are going through injuries and mental health struggles as well.
The stigma around help seeking is strong, particularly in athletic cultures. The more we can see professional athletes and those we see as strong and as role models share their stories around struggling and seeking help, the more we will be able to see these behaviors as normal and even desirable. Licensed Clinical and Sport Psychologist Dr. Carrie Hastings is the mental health clinician for the LA Rams and has seen the impact of professional athletes sharing their experiences of mental health support having a positive impact on their lives and performance. On this episode of Unit3d Dr. Hastings shares her passion for making help-seeking something we all see as the norm.
We all know the feeling of trying to deny what is happening, whether its a situation, having to make a decision, or the presence of a heavy emotion. Typically when we deny that something is there it makes that thing bigger or prolongs the situation. Radical acceptance is about leaning in to what is in front of us rather than fighting what may be unpleasant or uncomfortable. In this acceptance we can find strength and tap into our resilience, allowing what is there to run its course. Through acceptance what may seem intolerable becomes manageable. Dr. Megan LaVoy is a fan of radical acceptance and walks us through what it is and how we can use it as a skill of empowerment in our lives
We all have areas in our life in which we want to improve and finding the right person for support can be tricky. Stu Singer owns WellPerformance and helps athletes improve their performance. He has a framework for helping athletes improve their mental game with mindset workouts that build mental skills. On this episode of Unit3d we discuss the differences in a mental performance consultant and a sport psychologist as well as different ways to engage in fitness for the mind.
All of us want to impact the world around us and it can be daunting to figure out how to make a difference. We know from research that being involved in activities that serve others has a number of mental health benefits, among them being: combatting depression, preventing feelings of isolation, increasing confidence, reducing stress, and providing a sense of purpose and meaning. Student athletes are part of organizations that provide opportunities for volunteering and serving others. Many recognize that the platform of being an athlete can be used to do good on a bigger stage and see this as a social responsibility. Veronne Clark is a social impact maven, working with many in the sports and entertainment industry to activate groups and individuals, empowering them to have a meaningful impact in their communities and the world. In this episode of Unit3d Veronne discusses the importance of engaging in service to others as a way to put good into the world, but also to improve one’s own mental health.
We all grow up with beliefs, values, and identities that we learn from our parents, communities, and environments. As we grow older and gain independence those beliefs, particularly those about who we should be, can be limiting and constraining, holding us back from who we want to be. In this episode of Unit3d, Dr. Marie Worsham talks about her journey of challenging what she thought she knew and taking a big leap of faith in order to gain the freedom to be who she really is.
Resilience is what gets us through tough times, but how do we build it? Arkansas Razorback Gymnastics head coach Jordyn Wieber has won at the highest level of the sport including being the all around world champion and a gold medalist. Her experiences as a gymnast has built resilience that has carried her through difficult times and has helped her create a coaching philosophy of developing the whole athlete. On this episode of Unit3d Jordyn Wieber shares her experiences, coaching philosophy, and her passion for mentoring young women in sport.
We all want to know what to expect in any given situation. Having expectations can help us feel more secure, believing we know what will happen and how we will handle it. However, going in with expectations can lead to disappointment, confusion, and disillusionment . We can be disheartened by unmet expectations we have, not just of situations, but of others and of ourselves. How do we go in to situations or relationships without these expectations? Sarah Dowd, M.Ed. discusses the drawbacks of having expectations as well as how to approach each day without allowing expectations to control our outlook.
The life of an athlete unfolds over years as one typically begins to play sports at a young age. Along the way we all receive various messages and our views of ourselves and our world are shaped by these messages and our experiences. Recognizing different landmarks during our life journey can help us explain beliefs and behaviors we either want to strengthen or change. Dr. Val Valle has worked with professional, collegiate and now high school athletes and has a perspective on the development of the athlete that she shares on this episode of Unit3d.
“You can never control injuries. Accidents happen; that’s just how things go.” - Johnny Gargano
Getting injured, unfortunately, is oftentimes part of being an athlete. The impact of an injury on one’s mental health is often overlooked as athletes focus on the physical side of recovery. Taking time to recognize the emotional toll of having an injury can help an athlete navigate through this time and come out the other side stronger, both mentally and physically. Dr. Michelle Garvin talks about the journey of the injured athlete in this episode of Unit3d.
Every time someone shares their authentic story of mental health struggle, the stigma is reduced. This is particularly the case when athletes use their platform to share the importance of tending to mental health. This is the commitment that Drew Robinson has made, and the San Francisco Giants have helped him make this his new-found career as a mental health advocate. Drew has an amazing story and he shares his struggles and triumphs on this episode of Unit3d.
So much of the stigma that surrounds mental illness stems from a fear of what others think. Athletes tend to care a great deal about what their coaches think of them and at times can lead to a hiding of mental health struggles, fearing that coaches will see them as mentally weak if they are struggling or as for help. These two SEC head coaches share on Unit3d their perspective of how taking care of your mental health and reaching out to talk to someone improves your life and also your performance in your sport. In this episode a former athlete of one of the coaches is mentioned and she has given her permission for her “story” to be published in this episode.
Athletes are driven to succeed and wanting to improve and be the best we can be is admirable. However, there are times when the mindset of being the best can be unhealthy, particularly when that mindset is one of perfectionism. Although we all know “nobody is perfect,” being haunted by mistakes, fears of losing, and feelings that nothing is ever good enough not only robs one of the joy but also interferes with performance. Dr. Riley Nickols talks about the perfectionistic mindset and ways to change.
One benefit of being an athlete is becoming part of a community where you can find support and comradery. In their lives after athletics, it can be difficult for athletes to find this support and connection elsewhere. Two former collegiate soccer players, Lucy Pater and Sydney Eddy, have a mission of creating a community of women that support and empower each other. Their podcast, Athena Speaks, addresses issues that women face with the hope that women who listen would feel validated and empowered and men who listen understand more of the challenges women face.
With Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules changing opportunities for many athletes, Lexi Sun has made a decision. As mental health support has been important to her throughout her collegiate volleyball career, she has decided to donate any proceeds from her NIL to an organization supporting mental health. Hilinski’s Hope is that organization. Lexi talks about why mental health is important to her and her game in this episode of Unit3d.
Unit3d is going on a brief vacation so we are replaying some of our favorite episodes! Josie Nicholson has chosen this episode from March 2021 as her favorite to share again as a "ReUnit3d." NCAA champion, three-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time FIFA Women’s World Cup medalist (two bronze, one silver, and one gold), mother of two, and now business woman as part owner of the new Angel City FC NWSL team, Shannon Boxx is an absolute legend. What is even more inspirational is the resilience she has had while battling many obstacles. In this episode of Unit3d, Shannon Boxx shares her struggle with identity struggles, disordered eating, an autoimmune disease, Sjorgren’s syndrome and Lupus (another autoimmune disease with no known cure). Boxx shares about her tenacity and mindset that kept her on her path toward her goals and now helps in difficult times.
Unit3d is going on a brief vacation so we are replaying some of our favorite episodes! Graham Doty has chosen this episode from April 2020 as his favorite to share again as a "Re-Unit3d". It’s very common right now to be struggling with sleep. So many have been thrown out of routine, sent home to a different time zone, and the daily demands of the current situation are very different. Dr. Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, discusses these and other sleep struggles and gives useful advice for getting better ZZZs.
Jackson Howard has chosen this episode from July 2020 as his favorite to share again as a "Re-Unit3d". It is becoming much more common to hear that its OK to not be OK and at the end of every Unit3d episode I encourage listeners to reach out to a licensed mental health professional. But how does one go about getting help? What happens in therapy? What should I say? How does it work? For those whom have never before seen a counselor therapy can be shrouded in mystery. From when you may want to think about seeking help to what you should look for in a therapist, Dr. Doug Hankes demystifies and normalizes therapy for everyone.
Unit3d is going on a brief vacation so we are replaying some of our favorite episodes. Christine Lombardi's has chosen this episode from July 2020 as her favorite to share again as a "ReUnit3d". Awareness is not enough when it comes to mental health; we need education in order to reduce stigma and for more people to reach out for help. Ross Szabo has a powerful personal story that has fueled his mission to create resources to help people understand their own mental health. A pioneer, award winning educator, and book author, he is changing the way communities learn about mental health.
Unit3d is going on a brief vacation so we are replaying some of our favorite episodes! Ryan Hilinski has chosen this episode from March 2021 as his favorite to share again as a "Re-Unit3d." As a professional football player (for the New Orleans Saints), long snapper Zach Wood knows about pressure and high performance. In this episode, Woods talks about the struggles that come from the pressure of the game and the importance of tools such as positive self-talk, meditation, journaling and more that help. He emphasizes the importance of taking a mental and emotional break in order to take care of one’s mental health and finding balance. He shares that it is so important to reach out and talk to others when you are struggling and that he has seen that when you reach out, you find out you are not alone.
Unit3d is going on a brief vacation so we are replaying some of our favorite episodes! Kelly Hilinski has chosen this episode from November 2020 as his favorite to share again as a "re-United." Victoria Garrick played volleyball at then ranked #1 USC and worked her way from walk-on to starter. As with many successful athletes, she appeared to have it all together and had everything to feel happy about, but as we know, things are not always as they seem on the surface and Victoria was fighting the hidden opponent of pressure, anxiety, body-image and struggles with mental health. She shared her story in a very popular Ted Talk (The Hidden Opponent), and now works as a mental health advocate and also hosts a podcast called “Real Pod.” On this episode of Unit3d, Victoria shares insights from her journey and the importance of leaning on each other through tough times.
Unit3d is going on a brief vacation so we are replaying some of our favorite episodes! Mark Hilinski has chosen this episode from August 2020 as his favorite to share again as a "re-Unit3d." Knowing who you are and what you value elevates your performance and as a high-performance psychologist working with the Seattle Seahawks for the past eight years as well as some of our country’s most elite athletes, Dr. Michael Gervais has seen this play out. We live in a doing-based world, especially in athletics where it's about outcome, so finding who you are apart from what you do can be challenging. On this episode of Unit3d Dr. Gervais discusses the importance of embarking on this challenge of finding your identity and some practical ways to start this vital journey.
UNIT3D is going on a brief vacation so we are replaying some of our favorite episodes! Kym Hilinski has chosen this episode from May 2020 as her favorite to share again as a “re-United.” This episode features two amazing men sharing their stories of resilience and love. They both happen to be quarterbacks at SEC schools, but it’s their passion for helping others that bonds them together. Ryan Hilinski and Brian Mauer talk through having overcome dark times and their commitments to reducing the stigma that is a barrier to others seeking help.
Summer is here and for many athletes that means a much needed break from sport. There are many, however, for whom their collegiate sport career is over. It can be hard to know how to grief that loss. Also, having played their sport for most of their lives, this can leave so many feeling lost. Tereza Janatova, Jay Urich, and Louisa Brackett are three athletes who have recently ended their college sport careers and they will share their experiences of transitioning to their next chapter.
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. - Seneca
The stigma that surrounds metal illness is breaking down slowly but may remain strongest in men’s high contact sports. Professional Rugby player David Lolohea discusses stigma as well as his personal mental health struggle which he has come to see as his biggest asset as a player, husband, father and friend. David plays in the French professional Rugby league, French Pro D2. He has come to see that sometimes his particular mental illness can actually be his “superpower.”
Athletes have been increasingly aware that caring for their mental health in vital for their happiness and performance. The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has been working hard to increase mental health resources for those competing at the games for the US. Dr. Jessica Bartley is in a newly formed role as the director of mental health resources and is responsible for the development and implementation of mental health services and programming for Team USA. She discusses this new role and the importance of developing these resources for Olympic athletes.
For years, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has been leading the way in using the student-athlete voice to draw attention to the mental health needs of athletes across the nation. Because of the leadership of student-athletes like Megan Klavitter and Alexis Garrett, the NCAA and member schools have listened and have begun to provide more resources to support the whole student athlete, including mental health needs. Meg and Alexis have served the SAAC in many ways but are currently on the media team that have put together this year’s mental health campaign, Strength Comes in Many Forms. Meg and Alexis join us on Unit3d to talk about their time on the SAAC and the campaign.
Mental health has really taken more of a front row in conversations over the past year or so. It has been encouraging and exciting to hear discussions around the importance of taking care of our mental health from professional athletes, celebrities, students, and others around the world. Conversations are important, but not enough. The MTV Social Impact Team (Yes, that’s Music Television) has partnered with over 600 organizations to put together a call to action. Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation is one of these organizations. Vaughan Bagley, Senior Manager, Social Impact – MTV Entertainment Studios and Maya Enista Smith, Executive Director of the Born This Way Foundation join Unit3d to talk about the importance of doing something to take care of your mental health, and to give more details for the Mental Health Action Day taking place May 20th.
Many have the hope that we are beginning the process of returning to life post-Covid. It is important as we begin this process to take an account of how the difficulties of this past year and a half has impacted us, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Dr. Kelsey Dawson discusses this within the framework of trauma: how the Covid crisis has effected us and how to heal.
One of the aspirations of those working in mental health is that we can have conversations around mental health and illness as comfortably as we have conversations around physical health and illness. The idea of mental fitness is one that can mirror physical fitness in talking about how one approaches taking care of their mental health. Dr. Alex Auerbach discusses the concept of mental fitness and how this can help athletes understand the importance of maintaining and even improving mental health.
The past year and a half has posed many challenges, but it has also brought about a lot of conversation around mental health, the importance of getting support and supporting others, and being able to practice self-care. Taylor Wells Maberry is in a job that has demanded creativity during this time in this area as she is the Senior Coordinator for Player Engagement for Major League Soccer. Her passion for helping others be the best version of themselves is a perfect fit for this position. In this episode we talk about many things including how to engage and support athletes in areas of mental health, working as a woman in a men’s league office, and how social media comments can be damaging to an athlete’s mental health.
Eric Kussin was the top of his game as a 20-year pro sports executive in team and league sales until a few years ago when he experienced a debilitating mental health crisis that turned his life upside down. Now he works to help people realize that they are not alone when they experience mental health struggles through his organization, We’re All A Little “Crazy” which works to change how we as a society think about mental health. In this episode of Unit3d, Eric shares his story and mission, explaining a variety of ways in which his organization is changing the narrative.
Social media is a great way to connect to others, be entertained and share information we want others to know. It is a powerful tool with a global reach. It’s important to consider ways in which social media can have a negative influence in our lives. Dr. Bhrett McCabe talks about many aspects of social media: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
As a professional football player (for the New Orleans Saints), long snapper Zach Wood knows about pressure and high performance. In this episode, Woods talks about the struggles that come from the pressure of the game and the importance of tools such as positive self-talk, meditation, journaling and more that help. He emphasizes the importance of taking a mental and emotional break in order to take care of one’s mental health and finding balance. He shares that it is so important to reach out and talk to others when you are struggling and that he has seen that when you reach out, you find out you are not alone.
I wanted to send a huge shout-out of thanks on the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Unit3d podcast. The podcast and the Unit3d family is incredible and so many have contributed in amazing ways. To be any part of Hilinski's Hope is an honor and a privilege, but the opportunity to create and host this podcast has given me more than I could ever say. Here's to carrying on, Unit3d! - Josie
NCAA champion, three-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time FIFA Women’s World Cup medalist (two bronze, one silver, and one gold), mother of two, and now business woman as part owner of the new Angel City FC NWSL team, Shannon Boxx is an absolute legend. What is even more inspirational is the resilience she has had while battling many obstacles. In this episode of Unit3d, Shannon Boxx shares her struggle with identity struggles, disordered eating, an autoimmune disease, Sjorgren’s syndrome and Lupus (another autoimmune disease with no known cure). Boxx shares about her tenacity and mindset that kept her on her path toward her goals and now helps in difficult times.
No one enjoys failure, even though we know it is part of the process of getting better. So how can we take a more analytical approach to our experiences so that not having the outcomes we want take less of an emotional toll? Dr. Erin Haugen discusses ways to approach these times so that experiences of failure cause us to improve and learn rather than compromising our confidence.
Destroying the stigma that surrounds mental illness will take people from all different industries speaking out. This week on Unit3d Dr. Zack Burton shares his amazing mental health journey and the Manic Monologues, a play that he co-created to help others struggling to find mental health stories of inspiration from real people. Dr. Burton is a scientist who is also dedicated to disrupting stigma and changing our culture by openly and honestly talking about mental illness.
With so much uncertainty happening around us these days it makes sense that anxiety can be kicked in to high gear. Thoughts that go along with these feelings can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. Dr. Bailey Nevels helps us understand cognitive diffusion, a helpful technique of gaining distance from and a different perspective of our thoughts so we can see things more clearly. Humor is an effective way to gain this distance, and the use of humor can help us cope with difficult times.
Many young athletes dream of playing their sport in college. Very few get that opportunity. For some who do, however, the reality doesn’t match the dream and college athletics isn’t right for them. For others like this episode’s guest, Sydney Eddy, the university or team doesn’t fit. Transferring universities or walking away from one’s sport altogether can be a terrifying idea. Sydney Eddy shares her experience of how she had the courage to walk away and the bravery to try again.
There is a stigma for men around connecting with and expressing emotions. Many men grow up equating being stoic and not showing emotions with being tough. That stigma runs deep through the culture of athletics. Dr. Chris Carr has worked for decades with many collegiate athletes, as well as Olympians and professional athletes in the MLS, NBA, and now is with the Green Bay Packers. On this episode of UNIT3D Dr. Carr talks about the importance of being able to share what you are feeling is healthy and indicates strength.
When going through difficult and challenging times, practicing self-care is vital. We often don’t think of self-compassion as an aspect of self-care but extending ourselves grace when tackling obstacles can help us along the way. Dr. Marcia Edwards talks about the importance of self-compassion and the value it has to our performance.
Morgan Weaver is a professional soccer player for the NWSL team the Portland Thorns. She was an athlete at Washington State University at the time of Tyler Hilinski’s death. In this episode of Unit3d she discusses the importance of truly checking in on each other, talking through difficulties and struggles with someone as well as being there for those who are struggling. She also talks about the fight to eradicate stigma surrounding mental health issues and her experiences as a collegiate and professional athlete.
So many athletes were unexpectedly faced with a dilemma during the pandemic: not having access to playing their sport, many were left wondering what to do with their time? So much of an athlete’s life is built around who they are as an athlete that they have not had opportunities to develop other aspects of their identities. Dr. Monique Marsh-Bell talks about the questions some athletes face now having been given another year of eligibility of whether to continue playing or pursue other interests. She discusses a few different ways athletes can discover and expand different parts of themselves.
We are all leaders in our own way, but leading in tough times can be a challenge. We often think that we cannot lead if we are struggling ourselves. Dr. Megan Harrity discusses how vulnerability can be a key component to effective leadership.
Dean Worsham is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oxford, MS. He is also a certified Gong Master and Buddhist practitioner. In this powerful guided imagery he draws on Native American roots to connect us with that part of ourselves which wants the best for us, holding our wisdom and our strength. Lose yourself in this meditation so it can lead you to connect with your best self.
Dr. SooJean Misailidis is housed in the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu. This soothing relaxation exercises transports us to the beach where we can let go of the day, feel the water on our feet, and connect with gratitude for all we have. Enjoy this relaxing gift from the Aloha State.
Dr. Anne Weese of Kansas State University shares this gift of a wonderful and relaxing mindfulness exercise to help you breathe and ground. Scanning the body for tension and discomfort, staying connected to our breath is a great way to take a break in a hectic day. “The breath is always with us and can be a provide a powerful tool toward a more relaxed and more present focused experience.” So relax, be present, and enjoy!
Dr. LaTisha Bader offers this wonderful guided imagery leading you to connect with your inner strength, peace, and authenticity. This is a great way to wrap up your day! Enjoy.
Jack Howard, doctoral intern at North Carolina State University’s counseling center and doctoral candidate in the counseling psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Southern Mississippi, talks about the basics of mindfulness, how it works and why it is helpful. He shares two short grounding/mindful exercises and a longer mindfulness exercise for a nice, relaxing break in your day.
2020 has been one heck of a year and for many the holidays will be a time of spirit-lifting good cheer, but the holidays aren’t bright for everyone. In this episode of UNIT3D, Dr. LaTisha Bader and host Dr. Josie Nicholson talk about the common experience of “holiday blues” and offer some ways to mitigate the toll of the season.
Reagan Rust is the first woman from Mississippi to play on a Division I ice hockey team, was captain of her top-10 team, and plays professionally. Her achievements on the ice are impressive, but she has also overcome mental health struggles along her path to success. On this episode of Unit3d, Reagan shares her journey and strategies she has adopted to help her through that have kept her in her game.
This holiday may be a longer break than is typical for many athletes. These times of “breaks” may provide an opportunity to explore other areas of an athlete’s identity and expanding one’s sense of self can improve one’s performance. Athletes may also have expanded their identities while away at college and may be returning home for longer than other holidays. KC Cross, Mental Health & Performance Clinician at the University of Arkansas, talks about a variety of ways to explore and expand one’s identity outside of sport and how to handle going home where one’s family may have expectations that confine one to a past self.
Victoria Garrick played volleyball at then ranked #1 USC and worked her way from walk-on to starter. As with many successful athletes, she appeared to have it all together and had everything to feel happy about, but as we know, things are not always as they seem on the surface and Victoria was fighting the hidden opponent of pressure, anxiety, body-image and struggles with mental health. She shared her story in a very popular Ted Talk (The Hidden Opponent), and now works as a mental health advocate and also hosts a podcast called “Real Pod.” On this episode of Unit3d, Victoria shares insights from her journey and the importance of leaning on each other through tough times.
Physically, yoga practice can bring flexibility, strength, and a different approach to training. However, yoga brings all of these things for the mind and the soul as well as the body. In this episode of Unit3d yoga instructor Stevi Self, co-owner of Southern Star Yoga Center discusses many of the ways that yoga teaches us lessons that can help us thrive in difficult times as well as train our mind in ways that improve our performance.
We are approaching the end of what has been an extremely bizarre semester and we are looking toward the end of an equally bizarre year. On Unit3d we have covered many psychological skills that can help get one through difficult times, but goalsetting is one that can help all day get us through a tough day. Dr. Wendy Borlabi is a performance psychologist in the NBA and helps us understand how to use goalsetting as a tool to help us conquer obstacles and triumph through tough times.
We talk a great deal about the stigma around mental illness and seeking help, but the stigma is at its strongest with men. The idea around what it means to be tough and strong has many men ignoring emotions and struggling in silence. Jack Colquhoun plays football for Southern Illinois University and is actively fighting the stigma on his campus. He is speaking out and creating programs and groups to help athletes and other men experience the power of “name it to tame it, feel it to heal it.” Jack also shares some of his own favorite mental health tips on this episode of Unit3d.
One of the missions of the UNIT3D podcast is to break down the stigma that surrounds mental illness, and this stigma is very strong within the Black community. Mental health care does not have to look the same for everyone. Engaging actively in social justice movements in a way that allows people to use their voice and be heard can be therapeutic. Dr. LaKeitha Poole discusses this stigma, breaking it down, and encouraging mental health care in a variety of ways on this episode of UNIT3D.
“Your scars say you found a way, you’re stronger than what tried to hurt you.” – Joshua Radin
Athletes benefit from hearing other athletes talk about the obstacles they have faced and overcome, and Patrick Cacciatore is providing a platform for student athletes to share their stories. His podcast “No Struggle No Story” features athletes from all over the country who share their stories of resilience and courage. In addition to playing tennis at the University of Nebraska, Patrick is putting good out into the world with his efforts to tell others they are not alone in their struggles and provide examples of hope to remind student-athletes they can overcome whatever challenges they face.
“Embrace the suck” is a phrase that embodies a military mindset. Athletics culture and the military have more in common that we might thing, and embracing the suck is definitely something we need to engage in now. Dr. Erica Force talks about her experience in the Air Force and how there are many lessons athletes can learn from our military to help thrive in difficult times.
As has been discussed before on Unit3d, there has been a shift in conversation and prioritization of mental health and wellness over the past decade, particularly in the past 5 years. Much of that has come from the voice of Generation Z, calling for institutions to create resources that address mental health needs. Dr. Chelsi Day is a big fan of Gen Z and discusses how this generation has changed the future of mental health and wellness for all of us
The art of self-care is a life-long pursuit and although we all have different ways of approaching how we take care of ourselves, we all must make an effort to create ways to weave these efforts into our daily lives. Gabby Reece has performed at the highest levels in volleyball (collegiately and professionally), sports announcing, modeling, authoring books, and now hosting a podcast, The Gabby Reece Show. On this episode of Unit3d, Reece discusses the importance of self-care as a mindset and how she has approached it throughout the years as her career has taken a variety of turns.
Enna Selmanovic was a swimmer at University of Cincinnati training for Olympic trials when she had a career-ending injury. Working through issues of identity and loss, this injury has brought her to the path she is on with a passion for student-athlete mental health. Enna shares the story of her journey to making meaning of her experience and how it has influenced her future. Enna was the recipient of the 2019 JED Student Voice of Mental Health Award. During her college career she was a leader nationally with Division 1 SAAC, is currently a clinical research coordinator at The Mount Sinai Brain Injury Research Center, and is working toward a career as a doctor.
In order to face a fall of uncertainty we will all need to tap in to our inner resources. Dr. Tom Golightly discusses the concept of Grit as one that embodies the courage, strength, passion and perseverance we will need to continue to pursue our long term goals. Building and tapping into grit can mean the difference between simply surviving a difficult time and truly growing from it.
The beginning of this semester, especially for sports, does not look like we would have imagined it 6 months ago. The NCAA has worked to support the health and safety of the student athletes, but how are decisions made and guidelines created? How has mental health factored in to conversations with the NCAA leadership? Dr. Brian Hainline, Chief Medical Officer for the NCAA discusses some of these questions and also lends his medical expertise to talk about the importance of seeing our impact on other’s health when taking precaution.
This fall is going to be full of challenges and opportunities. Each one of us has it within ourselves to conquer the obstacles and learn from the experiences we will be faced with. Licensed Professional Counselor Bruce Buggs discusses times in his life he has drawn on his inner resilience to overcome disappointment and perceived failure, and what has helped bring him through difficult times.
With so much uncertainty and so many obstacles facing us everyday, finding a positive approach can be difficult. Using our strengths and focusing on what we can do can help bring balance during difficult times. Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt discusses practical tips for positive psychology to help carry us in to the fall.
Knowing who you are and what you value elevates your performance and as a high-performance psychologist working with the Seattle Seahawks for the past eight years as well as some of our country’s most elite athletes, Dr. Michael Gervais has seen this play out. We live in a doing-based world, especially in athletics where it's about outcome, so finding who you are apart from what you do can be challenging. On this episode of Unit3d Dr. Gervais discusses the importance of embarking on this challenge of finding your identity and some practical ways to start this vital journey.
Self love is hard. Often times finding love for ourselves can be more difficult because we look at what we do to define our self-worth rather than who we are. We also often mistake modesty for humility, dismissing our strengths and awesomeness. Jordan Hughes, LMSW talks through how to cultivate our inner self-worth and value independent of what we do or what others think of us in this episode of Unit3d.
With all that is going on in the world, so many of us have been looking for ways to put positivity into the world. Step Up! is a bystander intervention program for student athletes that encourages recognition of times when there is an opportunity to intervene. Doug Everhart talks about this program and the importance of learning ways to Step Up! in our every day lives.
Trauma can impact an individual for months, years, or even a lifetime. Traumatic events can be difficult to ignore; however, there are smaller events some refer to as “little t's” that have a cumulative effect on one’s life and often fly under one’s radar. Athletes are practice at being resilient and “going with the flow” when it comes to difficult situations, and may be more likely to leave these “little t's” unresolved. Sarah Noll, LCSW discusses the importance of addressing trauma in one’s life, particularly those “little t's” that add up in this episode of Unit3d.
Conner Beth Ball was an SEC Golfer at the top of the game, but it’s her courage and resilience off the course that is most impressive. She shares her story of struggle, persistence and triumph in this episode of UNIT3D
Student athletes are under more pressure and are experiencing more stress than ever before. As mental illness increases in the student athlete population, so has the importance making of services available. Dr. Gary Bennett has been working with athletes for over 20 years. He has seen the landscape change in the conversation around student athlete mental health. So much of the shift has come from student athletes speaking out and asking for more help. Understanding how mental health has become more of a priority for athletic departments will help student athletes now continue to champion this cause and prioritize their own mental health.
Awareness is not enough when it comes to mental health; we need education in order to reduce stigma and for more people to reach out for help. Ross Szabo has a powerful personal story that has fueled his mission to create resources to help people understand their own mental health. A pioneer, award winning educator, and book author, he is changing the way communities learn about mental health.
Everyone has been impacted in one way or another by the events that have brought about much needed conversation and change around inequality and racism. Many are asking the question “How can I be a better ally to Black friends and teammates?” Dr. Derek Vigon outlines some important considerations as athletes begin to return to campuses and rejoin teammates. Being an advocate and an ally means making a commitment to do the work. Athletes can be an ally in this movement and amplify the black voice and contribute to the change.
Sports have definitely looked different since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, and among the major changes is the delay of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. How do you stay optimistic, consistent in training, and engaged in your sport win the biggest competition you have has been pushed back by a year? Sam Kendricks is currently the greatest pole vaulter in the world (having wine the world competition in 2019). What is his mindset that keeps him motivated for greatness when he’s not sure when his next competition is? Given all the uncertainty of sports right now, how does he continue to train to be the best? Sam shares the mindset he has that has propelled him to the top of his sport on this episode of UNIT3D.
It is becoming much more common to hear that its OK to not be OK and at the end of every Unit3d episode I encourage listeners to reach out to a licensed mental health professional. But how does one go about getting help? What happens in therapy? What should I say? How does it work? For those whom have never before seen a counselor therapy can be shrouded in mystery. From when you may want to think about seeking help to what you should look for in a therapist, Dr. Doug Hankes demystifies and normalizes therapy for everyone.
Owning your story and loving yourself through the process is one of the bravest things you can do. – Brene Brown
Franky Harrison is a beach volleyball player passionate about student athlete mental health. This passion led her to host a podcast her last year at South Carolina that focused on student mental health. This experience allowed her to hear other’s stories as well as heal from an event she had experienced. Through an injury, an accident, and other mental health struggles, Franky has persevered. She is sharing her story with us on Unit3d.
“Be careful what you say to yourself because you are always listening.” – Lisa M Hays
An aspect of self-talk is self-coaching. We can get through situations by coaching ourselves in productive ways. But just as there are coaches who bring the best out of us with the way they coach us or hinder our performance, the ways in which we coach ourselves can yield different results. Dr. Carmen Tebbe Priebe explains more about this technique and encourages that we ask ourselves about our self-coaching: is it productive or unhelpful?
The way we talked about mental health has dramatically shifted in the past decade, and this is particularly true in the world of sports. Ivan Maisel, senior writer for ESPN covering college football, has seen these shifts happen in his time as a writer covering college sports. His desire to see student athletes get the support they need comes from a personal story of loss and tragedy. His awareness of the needs of student athletes gives him a unique perspective as he sees a new landscape unfold.
We are heading into the next few months with very little certainty. We all look for a map and a plan to feel better about where we are going, but right now that just isn’t an option. Athletes, however, are uniquely equipped to face an uncertain road ahead because of the skills they use to adapt in unexpected game situations. Dr. Bradley Hack talks about the importance of approaching the unknown with an attitude of curiosity and a flexible mindset. When we recognize our ability to adapt and be flexible we can move forward into the unknown with confidence.
Dam Worth It is a campaign at Oregon State University that serves as a call to student athletes to take care of their mental health because they are worth it. Nathan Braaten and Taylor Ricci started Dam Worth It after connecting in times of darkness. They created meaning out of personal tragedy by starting a platform that helps others. The pillars of the campaign are Education, Resources, and Awareness/Comfort, connecting student athletes to encourage conversations around mental health. Nathan and Taylor continue to help run Dam Worth It, supporting the OSU students currently on the Dam Worth It team, consulting with other student athletes at other universities on how to begin a similar campaign on their campuses, and co-hosting the upcoming Str3ngth In Stories conference with D1on1 and the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation. From the Dam Worth It games to helping student athletes share their stories, Nathan and Taylor continue to impact others across the country.
There is a great deal of unrest right now. Many are protesting, speaking out against injustice and taking a stand. When athletes take a stand however, it carries with it a great risk. Dr. Kweku Smith helps us sort through how we can stay true to our identity and our beliefs when that may seem risky. For some it may be choosing when to speak up around conflicts related to religion, gender, sexual identity, race, or other facets of identity and values. For others, it may be taking a stand against injustice and inequality that costs them their standing on a team, their career, or even their life. We all must decide how to navigate our environment while staying true to ourselves.
Every person has a story worth telling. That’s the driving philosophy behind D1on1, a platform for student athletes to tell their stories. Andrew Cooper and Kyler Little share the inspiration behind and evolution of D1on1 in this episode of UNIT3D, and encourage every athlete to be the author of their own narrative.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a structured way to approach difficult transitions that can be helpful to move us through. When we accept the discomfort that comes with change, find what we value and commit to moving toward that, we find that we are flexible enough to tolerate negative feelings and can make helpful movement in our lives. Licensed Counseling and Sport Psychologist Dr. Sheriece Sadberry weaves Buddhist philosophies in to an explanation of how to use ACT to help us to thrive through change in this episode of Unit3d.
The stigma that surrounds mental illness keeps so many silent. For those who struggle, the worry about what teammates, friends, coaches, family, and others will think can force them into hiding their pain. Sydney Anderson kicks stigma in the face as she talks about her struggle with anxiety and depressive symptoms, sharing her experience, her struggle, and her triumph. Her story is unique, and yet shares so much in common with so many athletes. Listen to her story of resilience and courage in this episode of Unit3d.
The past few weeks have been painful and heavy for our nation. Conversations are difficult and tensions are extremely high. The Black community is hurting. So many in the White community want to help but feel unsure as to how. Dr. Kensa Gunter, clinical and sport psychologist, talks today with Dr. Josie Nicholson about how to start the conversation and how to be an ally. She also talks about how educational institutions can work to support their student athletes and how athletes can help and support each other
Today’s conversation features two Senior All-American tennis players who had their season cut short by the pandemic crisis. In the midst of their panic and confusion, they sent out a hashtag that resonated with athletes across the nation: #redshirtcaronayear. It was a cry that united many through social media, desperate to not have their sport careers end so unceremoniously. That cry was heard by many, and now Alexa Bortles and Tim Sandkaulen share their story on Unit3d.
It's becoming cliché (in a good way) to say it's ok to not be ok; but it's a lot harder to actually share when we aren’t ok. The culture of athletics often promotes a “never show weakness” mentality, but true courage is being able to be vulnerable. Dr. Brett Haskell, Director of Sport Psychology for University of Nebraska Athletics, shares the benefits and power of vulnerability and how it can help us get through tough times, connect fully with others, and help us perform better.
Spring seasons were cut short and there’s a great deal of uncertainty about the fall. Some athletes are feeling concerned about what coaches may be expecting from them when they do get to return to campus and training. Turns out, coaches want their athletes to be healthy and safe. Two head coaches, Chris Malloy of Ole Miss Men’s Golf and Toby Hansson of Ole Miss Men’s Tennis talk about what it was like for them to have spring games cancelled abruptly, how they’ve been cooping since, and what they are expecting from their athletes when everyone can get back to sports.
We hear a lot about having "the right mindset", but what is the right mindset and how do you get it? Dr. Ryan Pittsinger, Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology at Texas A&M University, describes the Growth Mindset, a mindset that can help us get through and learn from difficult times.
This episode features two amazing men sharing their stories of resilience and love. They both happen to be quarterbacks at SEC schools, but it’s their passion for helping others that bonds them together. Ryan Hilinski and Brian Mauer talk through having overcome dark times and their commitments to reducing the stigma that is a barrier to others seeking help.
Right now is a time that many of us, particularly student atlhetes, may feel lost without school tasks or sport to tell us what to do or who we are. The college years is a time when most people find their identity, and for athletes so much of their day is consumed with their athletic identity that there isn’t much time or space to explore other parts of themselves. During the Covid-19 crisis, however, student athletes are not immersed in their sport and they may not have much to do in school. Dr. Michelle Joshua, Director of Sport Psychology for NC State Athletics, shares some ways that we can intentionally explore various areas of who we are.
Here are some recommendations of things that were mentioned in this episode:
Find ways to stretch yourself creatively.
Pay attention to where your mind goes when you have still time, notice where your energy goes and what you tend to do in your activities.
Find a journal that has prompts. Some good ones are: Start Where you Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration, Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who you Are, and True You:A Self-Discovery Journal of Prompts and Exercises to Inspire Reflection and Growth
Set up a time with a friend or teammate and find a list of questions to ask each other. There are some packs of cards you can buy or lists you can get of the internet. Here are a few suggestions: Table Topics: Questions to Start Great Conversations, So Cards: A Collection of Questions for Deeper Discussions and Chat Pack: Fun Questions to Spark Conversations
This “bonus” episode features three athletes. David Ball, senior member of the BYU Men’s Tennis Team, is the creator of Untold Athletes, an online community of athletes sharing their story of overcoming obstacles and the loss they experienced having their season cut short because of Covid-19. Sydney Anderson, senior member of the Notre Dame Women’s Lacrosse Team fought hard to get to her senior season and has benefitted from sharing her story. Max Hazzard, senior member of the Arizona Men’s Basketball Team overcame obstacles to continue his basketball career only to have it cut short as well. These athletes talk about how having a platform to connect with other athletes has been helpful and hopeful.
We have all heard that its only the strong who survive, but its actually those who can adapt who get through tough times! Dr. Mac Brown helps us to see that there’s more strength in flexibility than in standing our ground. When we can go with the wind we can get through any storm.
Three Head Athletic Directors share their experiences, concerns, and insights into planning for an uncertain future in this Unit3d conversation. Keith Carter of Ole Miss Athletics, Dr. Nicki Moore of Colgate University and Ross Bjork of Texas A & M University talk with Dr. Josie Nicholson about their time as leaders through the global pandemic.
Whether it’s the loss of routine and connection or the loss of a loved one, everyone has experienced loss during the Covid-19 crisis and everyone is missing something. Dr. Ken Chew of Indiana State University talks today about the importance of recognizing and attending to the grief we all experience at some point. We can be tempted to dismiss our experiences by comparing our loss to others, but when we acknowledge what has been difficult we can more easily move through the tough times that challenge us.
Today's episode kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month! Mark and Kym Hilinski, the founders of the Hilinski's Hope Foundation and Morgan Chall, Chair of the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and former gymnast at Cornell University, will discuss how conversations around student athlete mental health have shifted in the past few years and how these conversations will be impacted by the current pandemic. We will learn some creative ways to continue spreading awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental illness as well.
As student athletes head into finals we all need to put in one last push to finish out what has been heck of a semester! Dr. Kelli Moran-Miller, Director of Sport Psychology at Stanford Athletics and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, helps us understand why we may feel drained at this time and how to manage the renewable resource of energy.
Gratitude is more than just feeling thankful. Dr. Nicole Gabana, Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology at Florida State University and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, helps explain what gratitude is and how we can use it to help us cope with difficult situations.
When we hear a suggestion to engage in self compassion there can be resistance thinking that we will become indulgent, make excuses or generally let ourselves off the hook. But Dr. Jeni Shannon, Director of Mental Health and Performance Psychology for UNC Chapel Hill, explains that having self-compassion can actually allow us to perform better and push ourselves in ways we can’t when we fear failure and criticism. Self-compassion is not only an important tool in getting through this difficult time, but is a skill that can improve our performance in athletics, academics, work, and our lives.
No one knows when we can return to campus or what things will look like in the fall, or any time in the future for that matter. The unknown creates fear and there is so much unknown right now that anxiety is almost an expected part of this ordeal. However, there are some practical things we can do to keep our anxiety manageable and to prepare for the future. Dr. Cody Commander, Director of Sport Psychology for the University of Oklahoma Athletics, walks us through how anxiety can be helpful in some ways, as well as how we can take control and add some certainty to this uncertain time.
It’s very common right now to be struggling with sleep. So many have been thrown out of routine, sent home to a different time zone, and the daily demands of the current situation are very different. Dr. Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, discusses these and other sleep struggles and gives useful advice for getting better ZZZs.
For many of our student athletes, this time has brought the added bonus of quality family time…a LOT of family time. Although in many ways this is a blessing, it can also bring with it tension and difficulties as most of us are not use to having this much concentrated time together in one space. Also, some student athletes are not returning to ideal family situations. Dr. Rhea Merck discusses the challenges of so much togetherness and ways that we can bring more quality to the quantity.
Gyms are closed, fields/courts/tracks are locked up, and no one is able to train like they want. But does that mean you can’t improve? Dr. Adrian Ferrera, Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology for Auburn University, talks about some ways to improve your mental game while away from formal training. Return to play mentally stronger and you have an added element that elevates your game and gives you a competitive edge.
Boredom, stress, uncertainty and feeling overwhelmed can make it difficult to have balance in the way we eat, exercise and love. Dr. Jen Carter, Counseling and Sport Psychologist at Ohio State University Sports Medicine, discusses the difficulty in achieving balance during these times and gives some practical suggestions for a healthier way.
We are physically distant, but are virtual social connections enough? (And how import is it?) Dr. Dave Botsford, Clinical and Sport Psychologist at UC Santa Barbara, talks about the importance of connecting meaningfully during this stressful time.
Boredom, stress, anxiety and not having a time line for our next end goal can all be reasons that can lead to temptations to turn to drugs and and alcohol. But is it worth the cost? Dr. LaTisha Bader, Chief Clinical Officer for Women's Recovery, will speak about these temptations, ways to avoid the pitfalls and keep a focus on health, drawing from over 18 years of experience in the field of mental health, addiction and sport psychology.
Having a solid, predictable routine can help us move effectively through tough times. Dr. Chris Bader, Assistant Athletic Director for Mental Health and Performance at the University of Arkansas, discusses ways to create and maintain an effective routine in a time when structure doesn't come easily.
Dr. Jamey Houle, lead sport psychologist with Ohio State Athletics, discusses how mindfulness can help us manage our anxiety and reduce our stress. He explains R.A.I.N. as a helpful acronym to follow in a mindfulness practice.
Why is our mental health so vulnerable during this strange time of COVID-19? Dr. Tom Golightly, licensed/team sport psychologist for BYU athletics, will address this question as well as things we can do to look after our mental health. He will discuss signs that may suggest we need to spend extra time tending to our mental health, as well as signs that might signal to us that our friends and loved ones may be struggling.