The Mindset U Playbook

Curtis Pelletier

The Mindset U Playbook isn’t about baseball. Baseball is just the entry point. This is about building a person who can actually carry pressure, handle reality, and perform when it matters. On the field, in business, and in life. Every episode breaks down what most people avoid.Discipline. Standards. Emotional control. Decision-making under pressure.Not the highlight reel. The stuff that determines who you become when nobody’s watching. We get into the real gap.The one between what you know and what you actually do.Because talent isn’t the separator. Behaviour is. And you won’t just hear it from me. We bring in athletes, coaches, doctors, and high performers who are in it, not talking about it.People doing real work, dealing with real pressure, making real decisions. No theory for the sake of sounding smart.Just lived experience, hard lessons, and what actually holds up when things get difficult. This is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who knows they’re capable of more but keeps hitting the same ceiling. No hype. No shortcuts. Just a system for showing up properly, consistently, across every area of your life. Because what you do off the field isn’t separate.It’s the whole game.

  1. MAR 31

    # 84 - Unfiltered with Kels

    The Divide in Canada: Understanding the Growing Disconnection Discover the roots of Canada's societal divide and how it affects our daily lives. Explore insights from Kelsey of "Unfiltered with Kels" and learn actionable steps to reconnect with your community. In today's rapidly changing world, many Canadians feel a growing disconnection within their society. This feeling is not just an emotional response; it stems from a larger divide in leadership, truth, and community values. In this post, I’ll dive into the conversation I had with Kelsey from Instagram, known as "Kelsey and Filter," where we explored these pressing issues and how they impact everyday Canadians. Understanding the Disconnect: What’s Happening in Canada? The divide in Canada has become increasingly apparent, leading many to question the state of their country. Kelsey points out that there is a significant gap between what people experience in their daily lives and what they are told by leaders. For instance, while some officials claim that Canadians are thriving, many face rising costs and job shortages, leading to confusion and frustration. The Reality Check Kelsey shares her experience of watching her own children struggle to find jobs, despite the narrative of economic prosperity. This discrepancy between perceived and actual conditions breeds distrust in leadership and media. People are increasingly skeptical of the information presented to them, feeling that their lived experiences contradict the official stories. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perspectives Social media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and community connection. Kelsey turned to Instagram to share her observations and engage with others who felt similarly disillusioned. Her journey from a casual social media user to a prominent voice highlights how digital platforms can amplify individual experiences and foster community discussions. Finding Connection in Online Spaces Through her posts, Kelsey aims to resonate with those who may feel isolated in their thoughts. By sharing content that prompts critical thinking, she encourages her audience to question narratives and engage with their intuition. This approach not only empowers individuals but also helps them feel less alone in their concerns about the future. Leadership, Truth, and Responsibility The conversation with Kelsey also touches on the themes of leadership and responsibility. Many Canadians are seeking leaders who genuinely address their concerns rather than perpetuating narratives that do not align with their realities. This desire for authenticity in leadership is essential for rebuilding trust in our institutions. What Can Be Done? To bridge the gap and reconnect Canadians with their communities, Kelsey suggests a few actionable steps: - **Engage in Conversations:** Start discussions with friends and family about current issues and share different perspectives.  - **Stay Informed:** Seek out diverse sources of information to gain a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by your community. - **Support Local Initiatives:** Get involved in community projects that aim to address local issues and foster a sense of belonging. Key Takeaways - There is a significant divide in Canada, leading to growing frustration among citizens.  - Social media can be a powerful tool for fostering community and conveying individual experiences.  - Authentic leadership is crucial for rebuilding trust in institutions and addressing the real concerns of Canadians. In conclusion, understanding the divide in Canada requires open dialogue and a willingness to engage with different perspectives. By taking action and supporting one another, we can work towards a more connected and informed society.

    1h 26m
  2. MAR 27

    # 83 - Baseball EQ - 30 Day Reset Program Description

    Most baseball players do not have a talent problem. They have a pressure, load, and capacity problem. They can hit in practice. They can throw in bullpens. They can look confident when nothing is on the line. Then the game starts… And everything changes. The swing tightens. The thoughts speed up. The body language drops. One bad at-bat turns into three. One bad inning turns into a full spiral. That’s not just “mindset.” That’s a system problem. In this video, I break down exactly why so many high school and youth baseball players are struggling to access their real game under pressure, and why the old advice:  • “just be confident”  • “relax”  • “trust the process”  • “slow the game down” …isn’t enough anymore. This generation is carrying:  • more pressure  • more comparison  • more phones  • more distractions  • more scouts / recruiters / expectations  • and more kids chasing the exact same goals Big goals. But even bigger distractions. That’s why I built the 30-Day Baseball Reset. This program is designed for baseball players who need help with:  • confidence under pressure  • emotional control  • body language  • routines  • overthinking  • performance anxiety  • recovery after mistakes  • learning how to compete in games the same way they do in practice This is not generic “mental performance” coaching. This is baseball-specific performance coaching built around:  • load  • pressure  • capacity  • awareness  • nervous system regulation  • and what actually breaks down when the game gets hard If your athlete has the tools but can’t consistently access them in games… this is probably the missing piece. Message me “RESET” or use the link below to learn more / apply. [INSERT LINK] ⸻ Who this is for:  • youth baseball players  • high school baseball players  • travel ball / rep players  • academy athletes  • parents of serious ballplayers  • athletes chasing college / junior / pro opportunities ⸻ Topics covered in this video:  • why the game “speeds up”  • why confidence disappears in games  • awareness vs capacity  • overthinking under pressure  • baseball IQ vs EQ  • social media / comparison and performance  • why players unravel emotionally  • why this generation needs a different approach ⸻ If this hit home, subscribe and share it with a parent or player who needs it.

    21 min
  3. FEB 9

    # 81 - Jordan Comadena - Pittsburgh Pirates

    In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier interviews Jordan Comadena, a catching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, discussing his unique journey from being a walk-on at Purdue University to becoming a bullpen catcher and eventually a catching coach. They explore the evolution of catching techniques, the importance of building relationships with pitchers, managing emotions in high-pressure situations, and the significance of routine and preparation in a player's development. Jordan shares insights on mentorship, particularly from Clint Hurdle, and reflects on the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding coaching career. Takeaways Jordan Comadena's journey from walk-on to catching coach is inspiring. Building relationships with pitchers is crucial for a catcher. Modern catching techniques are evolving, focusing on skill development. Emotional intelligence is key in managing players' performance. Routine and preparation significantly impact a player's success. Family life can be challenging for coaches during the season. Mentorship from experienced coaches like Clint Hurdle is invaluable. Catchers have a unique opportunity to impact the game defensively. The importance of communication and trust between players and coaches. Players need to learn to separate their offensive and defensive roles.  Titles From Walk-On to Catching Coach: Jordan Comadena's Journey The Evolution of Catching: Insights from Jordan Comadena Sound bites "It's a crazy story of events." "Jacob won the gold glove in 2021." "The bat comes last for catchers." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jordan Comadena's Journey 02:40 Transition from Bullpen Catcher to Coach 05:37 The Evolution of Catching Techniques 08:35 Skill Development and Player Relationships 11:22 Strategic Game Management in the Dugout 14:14 Organizational Development and Catching Philosophy 16:54 Emotional Intelligence in Catching 19:56 Impact of Defense on Game Performance 26:39 The Pressure of Performance 31:16 Routine vs. Raw Talent 37:33 Balancing Family and Career 41:05 Reflections on Career Progression 43:34 Mentorship and Life Lessons

    51 min
  4. JAN 29

    # 80 - Why I Work in the Dark - EQOS

    Keywords awareness, capacity, emotional intelligence, coaching, personal growth, chaos, order, blame, performance psychology, suffering Summary In this episode, Curtis Pelletier breaks down why awareness without capacity leads to collapse. He challenges the habit of seeking validation instead of building structure and explains how emotional intelligence functions as an internal operating system, not a personality trait. The discussion moves through chaos and order, blame versus responsibility, and the real role of a coach in developing capability. Suffering is framed as a teacher, not an enemy, and structure is positioned as the bridge between insight and resilience. Takeaways Awareness without capacity creates failure, not progress. Blame is avoidance dressed up as explanation. Balance is an ongoing correction, not a middle ground. A real coach builds independence, not dependence. Emotional intelligence governs behaviour under pressure. Structure prevents collapse when stress rises. Suffering refines character when it is faced directly. Chaos grows when responsibility is outsourced. Order creates freedom when applied properly. Growth is the repeated alignment of awareness and capacity. Titles Why I Work in the Dark The Price of Needing Approval Sound Bites “Why I work in the dark.” “A real coach makes you more capable.” “EQ is the ability to hold reality without breaking.” Chapters 00:00 Why I Work in the Dark 02:03 The Price of Needing Approval 05:07 Awareness vs Capacity 07:09 Emotional Intelligence as an Operating System 09:04 Why Blame Creates Chaos 10:55 When Opinions Replace Responsibility 15:01 Balancing Chaos and Order 19:47 What a Coach Is Actually For 25:31 Applied Performance Psychology 28:40 Baseball as a Life Model 33:45 Suffering and Meaning 37:06 What Emotional Intelligence Really Is This version hits harder, reads cleaner, and actually matches what you’re saying instead of sounding like a therapy brochure.

    50 min
  5. JAN 17

    # 79 - Tanner Swanson - New York Yankees Director of Catching / Major League Field Coordinator

    In this episode of the Mindset U Playbook, Curtis Pelletier reconnects with Tanner Swanson, the director of catching for the New York Yankees. They discuss Tanner's journey through coaching, starting from his time at the University of Washington to his current role with the Yankees. Tanner shares insights on the evolution of catching techniques, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new data and analytics in player development. He reflects on the challenges of introducing innovative catching styles, particularly the knee-down stance, and how it has transformed the way catchers approach their roles in the game. Tanner also highlights the significance of mental skills in coaching, focusing on building trust and maintaining a consistent mindset among players. Keywords Tanner Swanson, New York Yankees, catching techniques, player development, analytics in baseball, mindset coaching, knee-down stance, baseball coaching, catcher training, mental skills Takeaways "You continue to want to push and sharpen your craft.""I kind of wake up every day with this panic that we're missing something.""The act of doing and being available and saying yes to things before you maybe feel ready was a really positive thing for my journey.""It's hard to be stagnant in this industry; the expectations are so high.""You want to feel the ground; we're anchored to the ground.""It's about influencing, not necessarily selling concepts to players.""You have to know the player and how they respond to feedback.""The quality of hitter that we're seeing at the position right now is much different than it was five, seven, ten years ago.""You have to get that piece; you just lose credibility with the people you're trying to impact.""Focus on improving yourself rather than comparing to others."Titles Revolutionizing Catching: Insights from Tanner SwansonThe Evolution of Catching Techniques with Tanner SwansonSound Bites "It's hard to be stagnant in this industry.""I wake up every day with this panic.""I don't have many non-negotiables."Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reconnection 01:39 The Journey to the Yankees 06:34 Innovative Catching Techniques 10:19 Understanding Pitch Framing 16:44 Implementing New Techniques in Real Time 20:52 Shifting Scouting Philosophies 24:12 The Impact of the Challenge System 25:32 Understanding Umpires and Their Impact 27:04 The Mental Game: Coaching Mindsets 29:23 Building Relationships with Young Players 31:44 Adapting Techniques for Individual Players 34:04 Non-Negotiables in Catching Development 38:06 Advice for Aspiring Coaches 40:09 The Importance of Influence in Coaching

    51 min
  6. JAN 17

    # 78 - Raegyn Hall - Vancouver Whitecaps

    In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Raegyn Hall, the head of goalkeeping for the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy. They discuss Raegyn's journey from player to coach, the importance of building a supportive culture among goalkeepers, and the methodologies used in training young talent. Raegyn emphasizes the significance of mental resilience, consistency, and the evolving nature of goalkeeping in modern soccer. The conversation also touches on the use of data analytics in coaching and the importance of recovery and physical management for goalkeepers. Sound Bites "We want to produce first team players.""You need to trust the process.""I smash balls for a living." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Raegyn Hall and His Journey 02:49 Raegyn's Coaching Philosophy and Experience 05:24 The Whitecaps Academy Structure and Culture 08:24 Goalkeeping Culture and Support Systems 11:11 Recruitment and Development in the Academy 13:56 Pathways for Young Players and Future Opportunities 16:47 Opportunities and Pathways for Young Goalkeepers 18:54 The Importance of Consistency in Goalkeeping 23:23 Building Trust and Resilience in Young Athletes 27:03 The Role of Mental Anchors in Performance 30:46 Adapting Training for Modern Goalkeeping 38:36 Continuous Learning and Evolving Coaching Methods 43:28 The Importance of Planning and Coordination in Coaching 49:41 Quantifying Success in Goalkeeping Training 55:40 Managing Physical Load and Recovery for Goalkeepers

    1h 4m
  7. JAN 11

    # 77 - Chris Begg - OTU Baseball | SF Giants | Canadian National Team

    In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Chris begs, a former professional baseball player and current coach, discuss his journey from independent baseball to the SF Giants the national team and his transition into coaching. They explore the importance of mental performance, the launch of OTU and Oppotaco, a comprehensive baseball program, and the significance of grassroots development in the sport. Chris shares insights on dealing with failure, emotional management, and the role of parents and coaches in player development. Takeaways Coaching is more stressful than playing.Enjoying the moment can alleviate pressure.You can only control what you can control.Mental performance is crucial for success.Grassroots development is essential for baseball growth.Involvement of parents can enhance player accountability.Quality production can elevate educational content.Understanding the game is vital for young players.Failure is a part of baseball; managing it is key.Open-mindedness is necessary for learning and growth.Titles From Player to Coach: Chris's Baseball JourneyThe Mental Game: Insights from ChrisSound Bites "I was just having fun.""It was a game changer for me.""I had nothing to lose."Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:37 Journey Through Independent Baseball 05:30 Joining the National Team and Olympic Aspirations 08:13 Transitioning from Player to Coach 11:05 The Launch of Alpo Taco 13:37 Target Audience and Program Focus 16:32 Involvement of Parents and Coaches 19:08 Production Quality and Future Plans 22:23 Grassroots Development in Baseball 25:11 Mental Skills and Performance 27:58 Dealing with Failure and Emotional Management 30:39 Final Thoughts and Advice

    50 min

About

The Mindset U Playbook isn’t about baseball. Baseball is just the entry point. This is about building a person who can actually carry pressure, handle reality, and perform when it matters. On the field, in business, and in life. Every episode breaks down what most people avoid.Discipline. Standards. Emotional control. Decision-making under pressure.Not the highlight reel. The stuff that determines who you become when nobody’s watching. We get into the real gap.The one between what you know and what you actually do.Because talent isn’t the separator. Behaviour is. And you won’t just hear it from me. We bring in athletes, coaches, doctors, and high performers who are in it, not talking about it.People doing real work, dealing with real pressure, making real decisions. No theory for the sake of sounding smart.Just lived experience, hard lessons, and what actually holds up when things get difficult. This is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who knows they’re capable of more but keeps hitting the same ceiling. No hype. No shortcuts. Just a system for showing up properly, consistently, across every area of your life. Because what you do off the field isn’t separate.It’s the whole game.