We Have Lost Our Damn Minds (S6:E05)
In this episode, Dan shares an unscripted rant focusing on the chaotic reality of youth sports. He discusses the financial burdens placed on families, the overwhelming expectations on young athletes, …
Behind the Whistle: The Real Lives of Coaches
Coaching youth sports is more than just a job. It’s a passion, a commitment, and, often, a sacrifice. But it’s not all glory, wins, and high-fives. Sometimes, it’s about managing …
Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
One of the most powerful elements in any team sport is trust. Without it, even the most skilled athletes won’t perform at their peak. Trust in the coach, in each …
Small Steps, Big Moves
Change is inevitable. It’s a given. Whether it’s a sudden shift in your team dynamic, an unexpected challenge, or a transition in life that throws you off balance, change tends …
From Panic to Power: How to Lead Through Change
Change. It’s inevitable, right? Whether it’s a sudden shift in team dynamics, an unexpected injury, or a season’s worth of unpredictability, change is the one thing you can always count …
The IKEA Method to Coaching
As a coach, have you ever explained a skill to your athletes only to watch them fumble through it like they’re assembling an IKEA bookshelf without the instructions? (And let’s …
A Coach’s Guide to Staying Zen
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but yelling louder doesn’t actually make a ref change their mind. It also doesn’t make your athletes suddenly execute that play you’ve …
Conversation with Summer Montabone (S6:E04)
In this enlightening episode of The Mental Cast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Summer Montabone, a retired pro athlete and performance mindset coach. They delve into critical discussions on …
The Hidden Struggles of Neurodivergent Athletes
As coaches, we pride ourselves on being able to read our athletes. We see when they’re tired, when they’re frustrated, when they need encouragement, and when they need a good …
Psychological Safety for Neurodivergent Athletes
Psychological safety gets tossed around a lot in coaching circles these days, but let’s be honest—most of the time, it’s treated like an afterthought. Sure, every coach wants their athletes …