The Mental Approach To Youth Sports

I am joined by 11-time Ironman champion, Author of An Unlikely Champion, motivational speaker and cystic fibrosis advocate Lisa Bentley to explore what it really means to compete with heart. Lisa walks me through her journey from a self-described “chubby little girl” who was told she’d never be an athlete, to becoming one of the world’s premier endurance racers. She shares how discovering her cystic fibrosis in university reshaped her perspective, and how she turned that adversity into a superpower and a source of purpose for others. We dig into the mental side of high performance—self‑talk in the darkest miles, problem‑solving under pressure, building an ‘asset list,’ and using visualization to prepare for race day. Lisa also opens up about retirement, identity beyond sport, the importance of community, and why doing “the thing you don’t want to do” is often exactly what you need. It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, joy, and choosing to show up fully in everyday life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Huber, a mental performance coach specializing in youth sports.The episode provides a deep dive into the mental side of youth athletics, Huber shares his transition from business consulting to sports psychology, driven by his own experiences as a youth coach and a former player who struggled with the "mental game."Key themes include:• The Intentional Parent• Identity Foreclosure• The "Professionalization" of Youth Sports• Practical ToolsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Mental Approach podcast, host Todd Arkell interviews Dr. Jen Fry, a TEDx speaker and conflict expert, about the role of conflict in sports and organizational dynamics. They discuss how conflict can be a driver for growth, the importance of acknowledging different identities and experiences, and the challenges of creating inclusive environments in sports. Jen shares insights from her experience as a volleyball coach and her research in sports geography, emphasizing the need for proactive conflict management and the impact of identity on performance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell and mental health professional Dale Curd delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome. They explore its definition, common misconceptions, and the role of the ego in shaping our self-perception. Dale shares personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, emphasizing the importance of repetition, visualization, and mentorship. The conversation highlights the significance of curiosity in combating self-doubt and offers actionable advice for listeners seeking to navigate their own journeys of personal growth.TakeawaysImposter syndrome is an identity lag between self-perception and reality.Fake it till you make it means doing the reps to build confidence.Life is about taking steps forward and growing through experiences.The ego protects our self-image and can create self-doubt.Confidence is built through repetition and practice, not just belief.Visualization can be a powerful tool for athletes and individuals.Curiosity can help shift the mindset from fear to growth.Tracking evidence of success can combat feelings of inadequacy.It's important to distinguish between healthy self-criticism and debilitating doubt.Seeking mentorship can provide guidance and support in overcoming challenges.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when good intentions collide with outdated systems?In this episode, Todd sits down with Allison for an unfiltered conversation about what’s really happening inside youth sport—especially hockey—and why “safe sport” policies aren’t translating into safer experiences for kids.They dig into the gap between policy and practice: why 60-page rulebooks and online modules don’t change behavior, how coaches are being asked to navigate issues they were never trained for, and why meeting people where they’re at matters more than slamming down new rules. From dressing room policies that don’t work in real facilities, to hazing framed as “tradition,” to the escalating abuse of referees, this episode exposes the cultural blind spots no one wants to talk about.The conversation goes deeper into the pressure cooker of modern youth sport—early specialization, financial investment, outcome obsession, and entitlement—and how these forces shape both harm and silence. Allison explains the “pyramid of harm,” showing how unchecked attitudes and behaviours can escalate over time, and why punishment alone doesn’t lead to real change.This is also a deeply human episode. Allison speaks candidly about trauma, survival, and why the damage done in sport often doesn’t surface until decades later. Together, Todd and Allison ask the hard questions parents, coaches, and organizations need to face—before another kid gets hurt.If you care about youth sport, coaching, parenting, or changing toxic culture from the inside, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Andrew Simpson, founder of Players Fitness and Performance, discussing the importance of mental performance in youth sports. Andrew shares his journey from a fitness enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that includes mindset coaching, nutrition, and physical training. Andrew outlines his "peak performance state triangle" and the "say nothing challenge" for parents. The discussion covers various topics such as parental pressure, early specialization in sports, and practical mindset hacks for athletes. Andrew also highlights the significance of coaches in shaping athletes' mental resilience and the unexpected positive outcomes of integrating mental performance training into athletic programs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When your sport background includes, national champion and professional surfer, UCLA collegiate softball player, dirt bike racer and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt multi-world, national, international, and Pan American champion, you might know a thing or two about mindset.  In this conversation, Mental Performance coach Danielle Martin joins the show for a second time to discuss her upcoming book Martial Mentality as well as  diving into the importance of embracing failure in sports, particularly in baseball, where the statistics show a higher rate of failure than success. She emphasizes the need for athletes to prepare for failure as a rational approach and to reassess their performance without labeling it as good or bad. This mindset allows for a more constructive evaluation of their experiences and fosters emotional resilience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Food fuels the brain and in todays high performance culture, food fuels your body to become bigger, stronger and faster. In this episode, Todd Arkell interviews Shannon Mendez, A D1 sports dietitian and sports nutrition specialist, discussing the critical role of nutrition in athletic and mental performance. They explore Shannon's personal journey into sports nutrition, the importance of fueling the body for both physical and mental performance, and practical strategies for athletes to improve their eating habits. The conversation also covers the impact of the microbiome on mental health, the dangers of energy drinks, and the significance of meal prep and consistent eating for athletes. Shannon emphasizes the need for athletes to understand their nutritional needs and develop healthy habits that will support their performance and overall mental well-being.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When an MLB broadcast casually criticized her son, Leslee Holliday wasn’t shocked. She’s spent two decades riding the highs and lows of professional baseball with her husband Matt Holliday, and now with their sons Jackson and Ethan. What did surprise her was a different thought: What are the other parents feeling right now—the ones who didn’t grow up in this world? In this conversation, Todd Arkell speaks with Leslie Holliday about the challenges and joys of parenting young athletes. Leslie shares her insights on the importance of identity, the role of family, and the need for self-assessment in sports. They discuss the impact of social media, the significance of embracing failure, and the necessity of maintaining a balanced perspective in youth sports. Leslie emphasizes the importance of being present and nurturing a supportive environment for children to thrive in their athletic pursuits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Dan Connerty, founder of Ntangible, a company focused on enhancing mental performance for athletes through innovative assessment tools. They discuss the importance of measuring mental resilience, the science behind Ntangible's assessments, and how these tools can be applied in various sports and even beyond athletics. The conversation highlights the need for personalized mental training recommendations and the role of coaches in supporting athletes' mental development. Dan shares insights on the accessibility of their tools for different levels of sports organizations and the potential applications in fields like law enforcement and corporate leadership.Find out about Ntangible - www.ntangible.cotakeawaysNtangible provides tools to measure mental performance in athletes.The assessment focuses on how well athletes perform under pressure.Mental performance is often overlooked compared to physical skills.The tool offers personalized recommendations for mental training.Ntangible's assessments are accessible to various sports organizations.Coaches can use the assessment to make informed decisions about player roles.The scores indicate a player's mental resilience and readiness for high-pressure situations.The tool can be applied in non-sporting environments, such as law enforcement.AI capabilities enhance the personalization of mental training drills.Understanding mental performance is crucial for developing well-rounded athletes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Todd Arkell interviews Canadian golfer Monet Chun, who shares her journey from a young athlete in Richmond Hill Canada to playing at the University Michigan, where she won 2024 Big Ten Golfer of the Year and is a two-time Big Ten Championship medalist (2022, 2024). Chun now has her sites set on a LPGA tour card, currently playing on the Epson Tour developing her game to rise to the next level. Monet discusses the importance of mental performance in golf, her goals for the future, and the challenges of transitioning from the NCAA to the LPGA Tour. She emphasizes the significance of building confidence, handling pressure, and the role of a supportive community in her success. Monet also offers valuable insights for young golfers on improving their mental game and the importance of travel in gaining competitive experience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan Mittleman, Vice President of Pro Scouting for the Toronto Blue Jays, discussed his journey from hockey to baseball, highlighting his role in player acquisition and scouting. He detailed the differences between amateur and pro scouting, emphasizing the importance of player projection and financial considerations. Mittleman shared insights on managing emotional highs and lows in scouting, the impact of new leadership, and the evolving role of data and technology in baseball operations. He also discussed the challenges of international scouting, particularly in Japan and Korea, and the importance of cultural and language expertise.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell engages with mental performance coach Travis Rogers and young athletes Jalen Jacob and Korbin Greaves in preparation for their participation in the 2025 Prep Baseball Future Games in Atlanta Georgia.. They discuss the mental aspects of playing baseball, including personal journeys, mental preparation, handling pressure, setting goals, and the importance of routines. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, the transfer portal, and balancing academics with athletics. The athletes share their insights on maintaining a positive mindset and learning from failure, emphasizing the importance of being the best version of oneself.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with Bob Wilkie — former professional hockey player, author, founder of I Got Mind, and mental health advocate. Bob’s journey through the highs of junior and professional hockey and the deep lows of trauma, loss, and identity struggles provides an unflinching look at the realities behind the game.Key Topics Covered:Falling in Love with Hockey: Bob’s early inspirations, Hockey Night in Canada, and forming his identity around the game.The Swift Current Broncos Bus Crash: How tragedy reshaped his life and inspired the “For the Boys” scholarship honouring lost teammates.Mental Health and Hockey Culture: The lasting impacts of stigma, the toxic side of “tough it out,” and the dangers of unchecked hockey culture.Resilience and Redemption: From hoisting the Memorial Cup to battling trauma, substance abuse, and rediscovering purpose.I Got Mind: Building mental wealth through communication, expectations, teamwork, and soft skills for athletes, parents, and coaches.The Sideways Documentary: Telling the story of the crash, its aftermath, and the long path toward healing.Practical Advice for Young Athletes & Parents: Managing expectations, focusing on fun and development, and building habits that strengthen both mental and physical performance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with former Canadian baseball player and current mental health professional Graham Tebbit. Graham shares his journey from growing up in Canadian baseball, earning a college scholarship in the U.S., and playing semi-pro in the IBL, to transitioning into a career in mental health and performance coaching.Drawing on both personal experience and professional training, Graham dives into:The mental ups and downs of being an athlete and how to normalize them.Strategies for building resilience and reframing setbacks.The role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in sports performance.How perfectionism, ADHD, and social media influence young athletes today.Common mistakes parents and coaches make—and how to better support athletes.The conversation also explores myths about “mental toughness,” why early mental skills training matters, and how to balance external expectations with personal passion for the game. Graham’s perspective blends the competitive mindset of a high-level athlete with the empathy and insight of a therapist, offering practical advice for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this weeks episode, host Todd Arkell talks with Ryan Long current hitting coach Witherspoon the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate the Buffalo Bisons. The two chat about the difference in culture and mindset between North American and Korean players. Growing up in Texas, being recruited to LSU and drafted by the Kansas City Royals. How his experiences led Ryan to coaching and how he applies that knowledge today for those up and coming professionals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode features an insightful conversation with Jeremy Booth, visionary Founder and CEO of Program 15, President of Baseball Operations for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, former MLB scout, and accomplished baseball analyst and author.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell sits down with Libby Triolo, a mental performance coach and licensed professional counselor based in Colorado. Livy, a former competitive soccer player and current billet mom for a junior hockey team, specializes in helping athletes optimize their performance through mindset mastery and emotional intelligence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Mental Approach podcast, Todd Arkell interviews Dr. Colt Olson, a mental skills coordinator for the Colorado Rockies. They discuss the challenges of being a student-athlete, the journey into sports psychology, and the importance of mental skills in sports. Dr. Olson shares insights on building confidence in athletes, the role of education in sports psychology, and effective goal-setting strategies. The conversation emphasizes the significance of focusing on controllables rather than outcomes, and the integration of mental skills training in spring training for baseball players. In this conversation, Todd Arkell and Colt Olson explore the importance of delegation, the impact of reading and journaling, and the significance of mental resilience in personal and professional growth. They discuss practical tools for self-improvement, including journaling techniques and morning routines, and share valuable book recommendations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for change and the benefits of servant leadership, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from past experiences and interactions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Cooper Davis, a former collegiate baseball player at Vanderbilt University, discussing his journey from youth sports in Mississauga, Canada to playing at a prestigious college. They explore themes of mentorship, perseverance, and the cultural transition from Canada to the U.S. Davis shares insights on the importance of sticking with challenges, the role of leadership in sports, and how his experiences in baseball have translated into his current career in aviation. The discussion also touches on the impact of injuries and the lessons learned from them, emphasizing the value of teamwork and personal growth. In this conversation, Cooper Davis and Todd Arkell discuss the journey of baseball players, focusing on late bloomers, the value of college baseball, and the importance of facing elite competition. They share insights on influential coaches, the experience of Canadian players in U.S. baseball, and the significance of building a strong foundation in the sport. The discussion also touches on life lessons learned through baseball and advice for young players.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.