The Next Season Podcast

Kevin Kuhn
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Being an athlete today is hard. Talent isn't enough. I know because I’ve been there—fighting through failure, struggling with mindset, and ultimately walking away, despite the talent. That’s exactly why I coach mindset and mental skills for baseball players who want more. It’s about more than just playing well—it’s about optimizing habits, leveling up your confidence, and building the grit to thrive both on and off the field. Backed by neuroscience and combining the grit of sports with the precision of executive coaching, I’m bringing real, hard-earned lessons to athletes like you. Together, we’ll crush performance anxiety, build mental toughness and hit peak focus. My style? It’s raw, real and gritty. No fluff—just straight-up truth with a dose of fun to keep it fresh. At Next Season, we process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future…whatever is NEXT.

  1. 041 - Who Are You When Your Game Ends?

    6D AGO

    041 - Who Are You When Your Game Ends?

    In the old myth, Atlas loses a fight and is condemned to carry the sky forever — not for a moment, but for a lifetime. Knees bent. Back hunched. No recognition. No help in sight. That’s what life feels like for a lot of athletes after the game ends. And that’s why I built ATLAS Athletes. This episode marks the official launch of ATLAS — a new coaching program for athletes adjusting to life after sport. Not the pressure of game day, but the quieter, heavier pressure that follows: identity loss, uncertainty, responsibility, and the question nobody prepares you for... “If I’m not an athlete anymore… who am I?” In Episode 041, I break down: why athletes often struggle more after sport than during ithow identity tied to performance becomes a trapwhy grinding harder stops working in real lifeand how ATLAS helps athletes rebuild direction, confidence, and purpose without carrying everything alone This is for ATLAS Athletes — former competitors, transitioning athletes, and high performers who still feel the weight long after the lights go off. The game may be over. Your life isn't. This is the start of your Next Season. 👉 Learn more about ATLAS Athletes at nextseasonathletes.com   00:00 Intro & Attention 00:48 The Myth of Atlas: A Deeper Meaning 02:12 The Pressure and Weight of Life 05:01 Identity Beyond Athletics 08:26 A Mindset Shift 11:06 Announcing: Athletes Adjusting to Life After Sport 16:52 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 1: Name Your Throughline 19:40 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 2: Stack Bricks of Evidence for Confidence 20:49 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 3: Win the Inning 21:50 Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts

    23 min
  2. 040 - Process. Perform. Prepare. (Part 2)

    FEB 2

    040 - Process. Perform. Prepare. (Part 2)

    039 gave you the awareness. 040 gives you the tools. Nothing was “wrong”… but everything felt heavy. I wasn’t injured. I wasn’t unprepared. I wasn’t lazy. I was exhausted because I was carrying too many moments at once. In this episode, I give you simple, practical tools to stop replaying the past, stop worrying about the future, and finally put your energy where it belongs — right here. We build on the Process. Perform. Prepare framework from Episode 39 and break down: How to process the past without carrying itHow to get back into the present when pressure hitsHow to prepare for the future without letting ambition hijack performance You’ll learn why pressure builds, confidence feels fake, and the game speeds up — and how to reset your mind so you can play free again.  This isn’t fluffy motivation. These are tools to get out of your head and back into the moment that actually matters. If you feel mentally tired, tight, distracted, or stuck — this episode is for you. 00:00 Intro & Highlights 01:00 The Weight of the Moments 02:01 Understanding Energy Blocks 03:40 Tools for Processing the Past: Write It & Burn It; Write & Don't Send 08:35 Other Tools for Processing the Past 09:56 Tools for Performing in the Present: Breathing and Power Presence Words 13:37 Tools for Preparing for the Future: Values and Visualization 19:04 Putting Your Energy into the Right Block 20:23 Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts

    21 min
  3. 039 - Process. Perform. Prepare.

    JAN 12

    039 - Process. Perform. Prepare.

    Some of my biggest struggles had nothing to do with talent. They came from my head being in the wrong place. I was physically present, but mentally stuck — replaying the past, worrying about the future, and trying to perform somewhere other than where my feet were. In this episode, I break down a simple framework I call Process. Perform. Prepare. It's how to align your focus, effort, and energy with the right moment for the right job: Process the pastPerform in the presentPrepare for what’s next I explain why pressure builds, confidence drops, and performance tightens — even when you care and even when you’re prepared. Most athletes aren’t broken. They’re just living in the wrong moment. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. Episode 39 gives you awareness and clarity. Episode 40 gives you the tools. If you’ve ever felt distracted, overwhelmed, or unable to play free — on the field or in life — this is for you.   00:00 Intro & Highlights 00:55 My Struggles & Realizations 02:34 Process, Perform & Prepare: Understanding Energy Blocks 03:30 Pressure vs. Anxiety (and the impact on mind, body & performance) 06:37 Your Job/The Purpose of Each Energy Blocks 10:09 Processing the Past 14:17 Performing in the Present 18:18 Preparing for the Future 21:36 Wrap-up, Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

    24 min
  4. New Years Day Special: Revisiting Ep. 014

    JAN 1

    New Years Day Special: Revisiting Ep. 014

    **REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS DAY 2026** This is episode 014 of the Next Season Podcast! In episode 013, I gave you a better way to set and pursue goals using a brain-based, next-level framework.  In this episode, we're going to take those goals and turn them into habits using neuroscience-backed tips and tools. We'll start with some brain mechanisms and processes, and bust the 21-day habit myth. Then, I'll share 5 practical strategies or tools to create habits that stick. These insights will help you build a sustainable system that actually helps you achieve your goal and drive life-long growth. Let's go! 00:00 Introduction - Turning Goals into Habits 02:30 Habits & the Brain: Long-Term Potentiation & Long-Term Depression 07:04 Goal & Habit Cycles: Key Brain Regions & Neurochemicals 13:08 Debunking the 21-Day Habit Myth 16:34 Tool 1: Create-a-Player Identity & Never Summit Goals 19:38 Tool 2: Habit Stacking 22:48 Tool 3: The Sweet Spot Rule 25:53 Tool 4: Using Failure as Feedback, Short-Term Memory & Chunking (Win the Inning) 28:34 Tool 5: Creating Friction in Bad Habits 30:30 My Challenge to You & Wrap-Up ________________________________________ Find me, follow, share & get in the game: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextseasoncoach/ Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg  Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com

    32 min
  5. New Years Eve Special: Revisiting Ep. 013

    12/31/2025

    New Years Eve Special: Revisiting Ep. 013

    **REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS EVE 2025** It's the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions.  In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they're helping your progress.  This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Episode Objectives 02:52 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals  06:02 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals 06:40 The Power of Writing Down Goals  09:08 SMART Goals and Beyond  11:00 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal  14:04 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences  17:00 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection  20:37 Step 4: Specify the Actions You'll Take Consistently 23:50 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles  27:17 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes  30:30 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System  34:48 Recapping the 7 Steps 35:34 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit  40:45 Wrap Up _________________________________________________________ Find me, follow, share & get in the game: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextseasoncoach/ Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg  Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com

    41 min
  6. 038 - Blindsided & Broken, but Not Done Yet

    12/11/2025

    038 - Blindsided & Broken, but Not Done Yet

    What do you do when life blindsides you - left laying on the side of the road? In this powerful episode, Jimmy Mudgett shares the story of nearly dying while training for an Ironman after being hit by a car and told he might never walk again. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt his identity, his confidence, his character, and eventually crossed the Ironman finish line he almost lost. This conversation cuts straight into the heart of what athletes actually struggle with: identity, comparison, purpose, pain, rebuilding, and becoming the kind of person who refuses to quit. If you’re in a season of transition, dealing with self-doubt, or trying to figure out who you are after sports, Jimmy’s story is one you can't miss. A raw, honest, long-overdue conversation with Maryland's other Ironman: Jimmy Mudgett. 00:00 Introducing Jimmy Mudgett 02:14 Jimmy's Origin Story 04:52 Character Development & Becoming a True Athlete 08:47 College Recruiting Process & an Unexpected Offer 11:12 More on the Importance of Character in Sports & Life 23:09 Transition from College Athlete to Business Owner 28:15 Struggling with Emptiness & Discovering Triathlons 34:25 Building a Mindset of the Biggest Badass in the World 37:23 The Neuroscience of Runner's High 40:30 August 6, 2014: A Life Altering Accident 43:47 The Miracle 44:56 The Necessity of Strong Bodies & Support Systems 46:15 Mental & Physical Pain and the Grueling Recovery Process 52:28 Training Tool: Chunking in the Pursuit of Goals 53:45 Finish What You Start: Returning to Ironman Training 57:16 Facing Fear, Staring at Walls & the Neuroscience of Chunking 01:00:44 Becoming an Ironman & Lessons Learned

    1h 5m
  7. 037 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 2)

    11/25/2025

    037 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 2)

    Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. If you play baseball — or live a meaningful life — you’re going to get bruised, banged up, embarrassed, humbled, and tested. The question isn’t if pain shows up. It’s what you do next. In Part 2 of our deep dive into pain & toughness, I break down the exact mindsets, tools, and tactics you can use to: Train toughness over time (gradual exposure, mental training, reframing, physical conditioning)Recover faster and smarter using the modern P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. frameworkHandle pain in the moment with my go-to S.E.A. WALK method—shake it off, exhale, affirm, and move forwardAnd yes… even the psychology behind swearing as a pain tool (my older athletes will get it) If you want to build real grit, raise your pain threshold, recover better, and stay composed when it hurts, this episode gives you everything you need. Listen in and start training toughness the right way — with your brain and body working together, not against each other. DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family's pain & injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event. 00:00 Introduction & Recap of Part 1 (Understanding Pain) 01:28 Episode Goal: Moving from Understanding to Mastering Pain 02:32 Tool #1 (Preparing for Pain): Conditioning for Toughness 02:56 Step 1 - Acknowledge & Understand Multi-dimensional Pain 04:15 Step 2 - Get Comfortable with Discomfort 05:59 Step 3 - Mental Training for Pain 08:33 Step 4 - Physical Conditioning 09:43 Step 5 - Support & Recovery 11:07 Tool #2 (Recovering from Pain): P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. Framework 16:55 Tool #3 (Handling Pain in the Moment): S.E.A. WALK 20:38 Bonus Tool (NOT FOR YOUTH): Profanity as a Pain Response 23:39 Key Takeaways, Closing Thoughts & My Challenge To You

    26 min
  8. 036 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 1)

    11/04/2025

    036 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 1)

    If you’ve got real passion, you’re signing up for pain. Pain is inevitable—it’s the cost of chasing something that matters. But it’s not just physical. Pain is multidimensional. It’s mental, emotional, even social. And when you start to understand that, everything about how you handle it changes. In this episode, I break down the science of pain and toughness—the way your brain interprets pain, how toughness impacts your reputation, why two players can feel the same injury completely differently, and how you can learn to use pain to become tougher, smarter and grittier on and off the field. This isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about learning how pain works, why it shows up, and how to make it mean something. Listen now to understand pain differently -- and don't forget to subscribe and click notifications to catch Part II for specific mindsets and tools to shift from understanding pain to controlling it. DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family's pain & injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event. 00:00 Introduction to Pain and Toughness 01:31 The Importance of Toughness 02:30 Neuroscience of Pain 03:17 The Neuroscience of Pain: Multidimensional & Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence Pain 06:31 Practical Advice for Parents & Coaches 08:21 Distinguishing Pain from Injury 11:26 Gate Control Theory & Pain Inhibition 14:33 Heat & Cold Therapy (The Changing Science, Bad Advice and 18:41 Closing Thoughts & Preview of Part II

    20 min
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About

Being an athlete today is hard. Talent isn't enough. I know because I’ve been there—fighting through failure, struggling with mindset, and ultimately walking away, despite the talent. That’s exactly why I coach mindset and mental skills for baseball players who want more. It’s about more than just playing well—it’s about optimizing habits, leveling up your confidence, and building the grit to thrive both on and off the field. Backed by neuroscience and combining the grit of sports with the precision of executive coaching, I’m bringing real, hard-earned lessons to athletes like you. Together, we’ll crush performance anxiety, build mental toughness and hit peak focus. My style? It’s raw, real and gritty. No fluff—just straight-up truth with a dose of fun to keep it fresh. At Next Season, we process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future…whatever is NEXT.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Kuhn
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved. All content owned exclusively by The Next Season Podcast and Next Season.
  • Show Website
    The Next Season Podcast