Mental Playbook

Maliya Saphia Patel
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Mental Playbook champions mental wellness in the sports community by fostering open dialogue, challenging stigmas, and offering actionable strategies for holistic growth. Through candid conversations and expert insights, the podcast empowers athletes and sports enthusiasts to prioritize their mental health as a vital cornerstone of success and well-being. Subscribe here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/maliya-saphiapatel/subscribefbclid=PAdGRleASvy3BwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtATEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMTI0MDI0NTc0Mjg3NDE0AAGntnigt6VycA9UH_puoZBQztkqtdUhVyr6Fo3uUUzkXmcrieDBnwdPi0rCjug_aem_xlOzsdS

  1. Ep. 40: The Road Ahead: Chad King's Journey with MS

    May 31

    Ep. 40: The Road Ahead: Chad King's Journey with MS

    We all know the iconic duo A Great Big World, made up of Chad King and Ian Axel. Today, I sat down with singer, songwriter, and one half of the Grammy Award-winning duo, Chad King, to discuss his journey navigating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) while continuing to pursue his passion for music. Chad opens up about the life-changing symptoms he has experienced, including challenges with walking and changes to his voice that have impacted his singing, playing, and songwriting. From touring, opening for Maroon 5, and now releasing his latest project, The Road Ahead, he reflects on how authenticity, resilience, and the huge reminder that no one is truly alone have become central themes in both his life and work. Chad is also currently working on the musical adaptation of Wonder, the beloved book and film. Be sure to follow @itsmechadking to stay updated on this exciting project and everything he has coming next. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, passion, and embracing the road ahead.

    29 min
  2. Ep. 39: Grief Isn’t Linear: Rethinking Loss, Guilt, and Healing

    Apr 19

    Ep. 39: Grief Isn’t Linear: Rethinking Loss, Guilt, and Healing

    In this episode of the Mental Playbook, I sit down with Reshma Kearney , Trauma-Informed yoga teacher and Mindful Healing Guide, for an open and honest conversation about grief, loss, and healing. We unpack the common misconception of the “5 stages of grief” and why the grieving process is far more complex and non-linear than we’ve been taught. Reshma shares insight into the unique pain of losing someone to suicide, including the guilt and unanswered questions that often follow. We also dive into how to approach conversations about grief with children, the importance of making time for ourselves, and meaningful ways to practice mindfulness in everyday life. Most importantly, we talk about the difficulty of reaching out for help and why doing so can be one of the most important steps toward healing. This episode is a reminder that there is no “right” way to grieve and that you don’t have to go through it alone because there are people wanting to support you. https://www.reshmakearney.com/ Insta: @reshmakearney

    29 min
  3. Ep. 38: Same Athlete, New Environment

    Apr 12

    Ep. 38: Same Athlete, New Environment

    This episode is all about what really changes when you step into a new environment. Ashley Thurk, USC Women’s Soccer Defender and Maya McDermott, USC Women’s Soccer Forward join host, Maliya Patel to discuss all about the student-athlete journey from playing at a young age to performing at the collegiate level. They even got the opportunity to play against the pros: Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC, elevating their confidence and perspective. We dive into the transfer experience and how a fresh start can completely reshape confidence, mindset, and performance…not just as athletes, but as people. From balancing academics and athletics to navigating misconceptions around NIL and the transfer portal, this conversation goes deeper than what we see at games. We talk about the power of a strong support system, the difference an empowering environment makes, and why learning to focus on what you can control: your attitude, preparation, and effort, changes everything. And through it all, one message stays consistent: trust the process, stay present, and be grateful, because the people and moments come and go. That said, we had some fun with this episode, so sit back, relax and laugh out loud!

    1 hr
  4. Ep. 37: Gratitude Through Pressure

    Apr 5

    Ep. 37: Gratitude Through Pressure

    In this episode, we dive into how gratitude and perspective can transform the way we handle pressure and nerves with Olivia Papakyrikos, Licensed Therapist (MA & CT),  Mental Performance Coach for Athletes & High-Achievers, and Performance Consultant & Speaker. We talk about practical ways to build gratitude practices, how to stay grounded while still chasing big goals, and why nerves aren’t something to fight but something to reframe. From learning how to stay present in high pressure moments to making time for yourself and shifting from reactive to proactive thinking. This conversation is all about performing at your best without losing yourself in the process. A reminder to step back, reflect on what’s going well, and make thoughtful decisions even in the chaos of it all. Papakyrikos Therapy & Performance Inc.

    38 min
  5. Ep. 36: Bridging Cultures Through Football | Maria Rodriguez & the Steelers

    Mar 29

    Ep. 36: Bridging Cultures Through Football | Maria Rodriguez & the Steelers

    Maria Jose Rodriguez’s journey is about more than sports, it’s about identity, belonging, and building community across cultures. Born and raised in Honduras, Maria shares what it was like leaving home and finding a new sense of belonging through sports. From working in Formula 1 to her time at TCU, she eventually found her way to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where she started as an intern and spent eight years growing into a manager role. In this episode, Maria, former International Content Manager for the Steelers and Host of the EMpoderadas Podcast, opens up about the challenges of being a Latina woman in the sports industry, the pressure of losing parts of herself along the way, and how reconnecting with her identity and mentors ultimately became her greatest strength. She also shares how she worked to connect players, fans, and communities from different backgrounds proving that the love of a team can bring people together no matter where they come from. This conversation is about more than career growth, it’s about the WHY behind what you do, representation, and the power of staying true to who you are. Check out her podcast: EMpoderadas Podcast

    56 min
  6. Ep. 35: The Cliff Effect

    Jan 18

    Ep. 35: The Cliff Effect

    In this episode of the Mental Playbook, Emily Huston, former volleyball player and founder of HomeTeam, joins the show to talk about life after sport. Emily shares her athletic journey, why she retired, and the mental health challenges injured and retired athletes often face, such as isolation. She introduces the “cliff effect,” where athletes spend their lives building toward their sport, only to lose structure and control once it ends.​ This often leads to unhealthy coping habits like substance abuse or depression. With suicide now the second leading cause of death among athletes, Emily explains why she created HomeTeam: a space for athletes to reconnect, feel supported, and navigate the transition together. Join HomeTeam: https://www.hometeamgo.com/

    57 min
  7. Ep. 34: Identity Beyond Sports

    Jan 12

    Ep. 34: Identity Beyond Sports

    In this special collaboration episode, The Anxious Athlete and The Mental Playbook come together for a deep conversation about building an identity that isn’t dependent on performance. So many athletes grow up tying their self worth to the end result, playing time, stats, and external validation from coaches and parents. But what happens when performance declines, you get injured, or the sport eventually comes to an end? We dive into why athletes connect their worth to sport in the first place, how early praise and structure shape identity, and what anxiety, burnout, or identity loss can look like during transitions whether it’s the sophomore slump or the big jump to college sports. If you’ve ever wondered who you are beyond your sport, this conversation is for you. The Anxious Athlete Podcast

    53 min
  8. Ep. 33: The Future of Sports Management

    Jan 4

    Ep. 33: The Future of Sports Management

    In this episode of the Mental Playbook, we sit down with Karse Klijian, Founder and CEO of Klijian Sports Management, to break down the realities of athlete representation. Karse shares why athlete branding, NIL, and athlete likeness are essential for long term success on and off the field. We dive into how he’s built trusting relationships with clients, the mindset required to start and grow a business while still in school, and the challenges young entrepreneurs face when competing in an industry dominated by bigger firms. Karse also explains what truly sets Klijian Sports Management apart and why authenticity, education, and adaptability matter. Whether you’re an athlete trying to go pro, a student with big entrepreneurial goals, or someone interested in the business side of sports, this conversation carries valuable insight into mindset, credibility, and building what the sports industry often ignores.

    31 min
See All (42)

Trailer

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Mental Playbook champions mental wellness in the sports community by fostering open dialogue, challenging stigmas, and offering actionable strategies for holistic growth. Through candid conversations and expert insights, the podcast empowers athletes and sports enthusiasts to prioritize their mental health as a vital cornerstone of success and well-being. Subscribe here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/maliya-saphiapatel/subscribefbclid=PAdGRleASvy3BwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtATEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMTI0MDI0NTc0Mjg3NDE0AAGntnigt6VycA9UH_puoZBQztkqtdUhVyr6Fo3uUUzkXmcrieDBnwdPi0rCjug_aem_xlOzsdS

Information

  • Creator
    Maliya Saphia Patel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maliya Saphia Patel
  • Show Website
    Mental Playbook

You Might Also Like