On today's episode, we're doing a sports psychology roundup with Hearts & Minds' founder and CEO, Trevor Conner!

We explore the importance of mental recalibration during competitions, the role of parents in shaping an athlete's mindset, and the balance between ambition and acceptance. Plus, we're emphasizing the significance of internal pressures, the impact of the environment on performance, and the need for athletes to focus on the process rather than just outcomes. Tap in!

In this episode of the Get Mental podcast, host Dave Matthews interviews Joseph Kennedy, a doctoral candidate in counseling psychology and expert in sports psychology. They discuss the evolving landscape of sports psychology, focusing on the growing acceptance of mental health support among athletes, the integration of mindfulness practices, and the importance of self-awareness in performance. Kennedy shares insights on the ATC model for understanding thoughts and emotions, the significance of consistency in athletic performance, and the concept of 'shrinking the game' to simplify focus and enhance performance.

The conversation emphasizes the need for athletes to balance self-judgment with non-judgmental awareness to improve their mental game and overall performance. In this conversation, Joe Kennedy and Dave Matthews explore the complexities of being a college athlete, focusing on the mental health challenges they face during their transition from high school to college sports.

In this episode of the Get Mental podcast, we're sitting down with Soul Cole, a retired NFL player turned mental performance coach. Together, we dive into Soul's journey from a promising athlete to a dedicated health and wellness coach. We talk about his early passion for sports, the pressures of recruitment, and the challenges he faced in the NFL. Soul opens up about the importance of grit, resilience, and emotional intelligence for athletes, sharing practical strategies for tackling the mental hurdles of sports.

We explore the evolving world of college athletics, the influence of social media, and why self-compassion is a crucial ingredient for personal growth. Soul shares how transformative experiences, like injury, taught him the value of courage and introspection. He also talks about the difficulty of advocating for mental health, particularly in athletic communities, and the power of listening to yourself in times of struggle.

As we chat, Soul outlines his vision for the "Soul Ecosystem," a platform centered on sustainable practices and empowering future generations with mindfulness and gratitude. We wrap up with a lightning round where Soul highlights key mental skills and personal practices that keep him grounded.

In this episode of The Get Mental Podcast, we sit down with Kenny Glenn, a former athlete and professional speaker, to explore the mental side of sports and life. Together, we dive into the critical skills of confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence—tools every athlete needs to succeed. Kenny shares his journey of overcoming self-doubt and discovering the power of self-belief, offering lessons we can all learn from.

We also discuss the importance of balancing hard work with rest and recovery, a topic that resonates deeply for student-athletes and anyone striving for their best. Kenny brings valuable insights on goal setting, self-advocacy, and the evolving understanding of mental health in sports. One of the standout moments for us was hearing his perspective on authenticity, mentorship, and how failure can be embraced as a stepping stone to success.

This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice, from self-affirmation to being your own biggest supporter. Join us for an empowering discussion you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of the Get Mental podcast, host Dave Matthews speaks with Dr. Ford Dyke, a human performance optimization expert. They discuss Dr. Dyke's journey from a beach kid in Florida to a professor and coach for Team USA. The conversation explores the impact of the pandemic on personal growth, the importance of creating boundaries in high-performance environments, and the balance between striving for success and maintaining mental health. Dr. Dyke shares his experiences coaching Paralympic athletes and building a new team from scratch, emphasizing the role of mindfulness in performance and coaching. In this conversation, Ford Dyke discusses the integration of mindfulness in coaching, particularly within adaptive sports. He emphasizes the importance of silence and reflection for athletes, the unique resilience found in adapted athletes, and the effective coaching practices that foster an empowering environment. The dialogue also touches on the mental skills crucial for success in sports, the significance of understanding one's audience, and personal insights into routines and preferences.

In this episode of the Get Mental podcast, Dave Matthews and Trevor Connor discuss the increasing pressures and anxieties faced by athletes today. They explore the impact of societal expectations, the role of parents, and the importance of mental fitness in sports. Trevor shares insights on coaching strategies for managing stress, the significance of belief systems, and the need for experiential learning to build resilience. The conversation culminates in the introduction of the Stress Initiative, a new program designed to help athletes navigate stress through practical, hands-on experiences. In this conversation, Trevor Conner and Dave Matthews delve into the Stress Initiative, an innovative program designed to help athletes develop mental skills and resilience under pressure. They discuss the experiential learning aspect of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of practicing mental skills in high-stress situations. The conversation highlights how the initiative serves as a gateway to deeper mental training and the necessity of managing stress in today's world.

In this episode of the Get Mental podcast, we talk with Dr. Brendan Hanley, a performance psychologist with a rich background in sports and military training. They explore the critical mental skills necessary for high-pressure environments, emphasizing the importance of self-identity, motivation, and resilience. Dr. Hanley shares transformative experiences from his work with military personnel, highlighting the significance of authenticity and care in leadership. The conversation delves into the balance between praise and criticism in coaching, the impact of shame and guilt, and the journey of personal development. As they wrap up, they discuss future directions in performance psychology and the importance of intentional recovery practices.

In this conversation, Dave Matthews interviews David Ford, a Division 1 golfer, about the mental skills necessary for high performance in golf. They discuss the importance of accepting losses, knowing strengths and weaknesses, and having self-belief. Ford shares how he learned to accept losses and move on quickly, and how he developed a strong self-belief in his abilities. He also talks about the role of faith in his golf game and how reading Bible verses helps calm his nerves and give him peace. Ford emphasizes the importance of using his platform to glorify God, regardless of his golf scores. In this conversation, David Ford discusses the importance of desire and simplicity in his golf game. He shares how his desire to win propelled him to success, even when his fundamentals were not perfect. He emphasizes the need to understand one's game and focus on what works well, rather than constantly seeking to make changes. Ford also talks about his pre-tournament routine, which involves keeping things simple and maintaining a positive mindset. He advises athletes going through the recruiting process to take it slow, find a coach they mesh well with, and not get too stressed about where they go to college. He also highlights the role of supportive and hands-off parents in building confidence and self-esteem.