Mental Training Room

Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim
  • 5.0 (11)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Mental Training Room is a podcast hosted by former Division I athletes, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim. Haley is a current Mental Health Therapist who works with athletes on their mental game and Naomi is a real estate investor with a passion for spreading awareness around mental health in sports. Designed as a community and safe space for athletes, our goal is to foster honest conversations about the mental health challenges that athletes face within their sport while also advocating for more mental skills coaching imbedded into overall training programs,  in hopes to close the gap from mental unprepared to MENTALLY ELITE!  Through insightful discussions with a diverse range of guests—including mental health professionals, current and former athletes, coaches, and much more—we aim to provide comfort, relatability, and practical takeaways for our listeners. In our episodes, we talk mindset, performance pressure, recovery, identity, and other authentic stories. While this podcast is not a substitute for professional help, we hope each episode reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey.  If you are in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

  1. JAN 27

    How to Build Resilience as an Athlete: Mental Skills for Handling Pressure and Adversity

    Resilience is one of the most important—and misunderstood—mental skills in sports. In this episode, we break down what resilience actually is, why it matters for athletic performance, and how athletes can strengthen resilience in real, practical ways. Athletes face constant pressure, setbacks, injuries, mistakes, and expectations. Resilience isn’t about being “mentally tough” or ignoring emotions—it’s about how quickly and effectively you respond to adversity and continue to show up aligned with your goals. We explore the psychology of resilience in sports, how it impacts confidence, focus, and emotional regulation, and why resilient athletes are better equipped to perform under pressure. You’ll learn: The difference between mental toughness and resilienceWhy resilience is essential for long-term performance and mental healthHow stress, failure, and discomfort actually strengthen resilienceEvidence-based mental skills athletes can use to build resilience, including mindset shifts, self-talk, emotional regulation, and values-driven actionHow coaches and athletes can create environments that support resilience rather than burnoutWhether you’re a youth athlete, collegiate competitor, professional athlete, or coach, this episode provides actionable tools to help you bounce back faster, stay grounded during adversity, and perform with confidence—even when things don’t go as planned. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    28 min

  2. JAN 20

    Mental Imagery in Sports: How Visualization Improves Confidence, Focus, and Performance

    Mental imagery is one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—mental performance tools in sport. In this episode of Mental Training Room, we break down what imagery is, how it works in the brain, and how athletes can use visualization to improve confidence, focus, and performance under pressure. You’ll learn the sport psychology science behind imagery, including how mental rehearsal activates the same neural pathways as physical practice. We discuss why imagery isn’t just “positive thinking,” but an evidence-based mental skills training tool used by elite athletes across college, professional, and Olympic sports. This episode walks athletes through practical imagery techniques they can immediately apply in training, competition, injury recovery, and confidence-building moments. We also address common mistakes athletes make with visualization and how to personalize imagery so it actually translates to performance. Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, inconsistency, or performing under pressure, this episode shows how mental imagery can help bridge the gap between physical ability and mental confidence. Topics covered include: What imagery is and why it works in sport psychologyThe neuroscience behind visualization and performanceHow imagery improves confidence, focus, and emotional regulationUsing imagery before games, during practice, and in recoveryHow athletes can build a consistent mental imagery routinePerfect for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone interested in mental performance training, sport psychology, and mindset development. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    21 min

  3. JAN 12

    More Than an Athlete: Redefining Identity and Why It’s Critical for Mental Health & Performance

    What happens when your sport becomes your entire identity—and what happens when it’s taken away? In this episode, we break down athlete identity, why over-identifying with sport can increase anxiety, burnout, and emotional distress, and how de-fining identity can actually improve both mental health and performance. We explore how identity foreclosure shows up in youth, collegiate, and professional athletes, why injuries, transitions, and setbacks can feel so destabilizing, and how developing a more flexible sense of self helps athletes stay grounded, confident, and resilient. You’ll learn practical mindset shifts and mental training strategies to separate who you are from what you do, without losing competitiveness or drive. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation highlights why redefining identity isn’t about caring less—it’s about creating sustainable performance, healthier relationships with sport, and a stronger sense of self beyond the game. Key topics include: – Athlete identity & mental health – Identity foreclosure in sports – Performance anxiety & burnout prevention – Life after sport & injury recovery – Mental skills for long-term athletic success Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    23 min

  4. 12/03/2025

    PAIGE BUECKERS.

    In this episode, Haley and Naomi discuss the insights gained from a mental performance coaching session with Paige Bueckers, focusing on the importance of perspective, emotional intelligence, and the role of mental training in athletic success. They explore how reframing challenges can lead to growth, the impact of ego on performance, and the significance of serving the moment rather than seeking external validation. The discussion emphasizes the need for athletes to cultivate a strong internal foundation to navigate the pressures of competition and life beyond sports. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    37 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    Athlete Body Image Struggles: Our Mental Take on Food, Movement, and Self-Acceptance

    In this week’s episode, we introduce our very first Mental Take—a segment where we break down the mental side of sport, life, and everything in between. We kick things off by reflecting on why we created this segment: to give athletes and former athletes a space to feel seen, validated, and mentally equipped for the challenges that don’t always show up on box scores. From there, we shift into a raw and honest conversation about body image—both as athletes and now in life after college sports. We open up about the pressures we felt in our playing days and how those expectations shaped (and sometimes distorted) the way we viewed our bodies. We talk about the identity shift that happens when sport ends, the loss of structure, and how confusing it can be to build a new relationship with food, movement, and our bodies without the constant demands of competition. This episode is a deep dive into the messy, nonlinear journey toward self-acceptance. We share the challenges, the unlearning, and the small wins as we work to create healthier, more compassionate relationships with ourselves. Whether you’re an athlete, a former athlete, or someone navigating your own body image story, this conversation is for you. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    34 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Post-College Grief: Why We Miss the College Years and How to Move Forward

    In this heartfelt episode, Haley and Naomi open up about the deep sense of loss and nostalgia they feel when reflecting on her college experience. The hosts share how the transition from the structured, social world of college into the responsibilities of full-time work brought unexpected emotions, including grief for the moments they missed and wishes they had appreciated more. As Haley and Naomi explore the challenges of life transitions, they talk honestly about the pressure young adults feel to constantly move forward—often without slowing down to enjoy the present. They dive into the emotional impact of entering post-college life, the difficulty of planning time for joy, and the universal feeling of wishing we had embraced certain seasons more fully. This conversation touches on themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and mental health, reminding listeners how important it is to live in the moment, savor their current chapter, and acknowledge the complexity of change. Haley and Naomi's experiences and insights resonate with anyone who has ever looked back with a mix of nostalgia and regret while trying to navigate adulthood with intention. If you’ve ever struggled with the transition out of college, felt the weight of growing up, or wondered how to balance ambition with presence, this episode offers comfort, connection, and perspective. Tune in to feel seen, supported, and encouraged to cherish the life you’re living right now. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    26 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    Building Media Confidence: How Athletes Can Master Storytelling and Presence in the Media with Katy Temple

    In this episode of The Mental Training Room, Haley sits down with media coach and former sports broadcaster Katy Temple to talk about how athletes can build confidence, composure, and authenticity in front of the camera. Katy shares expert insights on how to communicate under pressure, manage interviews with confidence, and use storytelling to shape your personal brand as an athlete. You’ll also hear how the media landscape has changed for young athletes, why mastering communication is now a key mental skill, and what it takes to turn nerves into presence. Katy gives a behind-the-scenes look at her virtual coaching program, The Impactful Speaker, where she helps athletes develop media readiness, leadership skills, and mental toughness for every arena—on and off the field. Whether you’re a high school athlete, college player, or professional competitor, this episode is packed with mental performance tools, media tips, and mindset strategies to help you perform with confidence everywhere you show up. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    35 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    How Locker Room Talk Shapes Team Culture: Energy, Awareness, and Leadership in Sports

    In this episode of The Mental Training Room, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of team culture — locker room talk. The words and energy athletes bring into that space set the tone for how a team connects, competes, and supports one another. We explore why locker room conversations matter, how they shape team chemistry, and ways athletes can become more aware of the messages they send — both verbal and nonverbal. Whether it’s building confidence, promoting positivity, or calling out toxic habits, this episode unpacks how awareness and intentional energy can transform a team from the inside out. Tune in to learn practical mental performance tools for creating a strong, supportive locker room culture that elevates both individual and team success. Support the show Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com

    30 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Mental Training Room is a podcast hosted by former Division I athletes, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim. Haley is a current Mental Health Therapist who works with athletes on their mental game and Naomi is a real estate investor with a passion for spreading awareness around mental health in sports. Designed as a community and safe space for athletes, our goal is to foster honest conversations about the mental health challenges that athletes face within their sport while also advocating for more mental skills coaching imbedded into overall training programs,  in hopes to close the gap from mental unprepared to MENTALLY ELITE!  Through insightful discussions with a diverse range of guests—including mental health professionals, current and former athletes, coaches, and much more—we aim to provide comfort, relatability, and practical takeaways for our listeners. In our episodes, we talk mindset, performance pressure, recovery, identity, and other authentic stories. While this podcast is not a substitute for professional help, we hope each episode reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey.  If you are in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

Information

  • Creator
    Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mental Training Room
  • Show Website
    Mental Training Room