The Mental Approach To Youth Sports

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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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Welcome to The Mental Approach, a podcast that explores the power of mindfulness and mental performance in sports. Host Todd Arkell collects resources, techniques and strategies from his guests with the intention to share tools with athletes so they can develop a winning mindset and build confidence. With a quest to grow mindset alongside physical training in sports, Todd sees a gap in athletics that demands more attention. Tune in for expert insights, inspirational stories, and practical advice for athletes of all levels and sports. Let's unlock the mental game together; the goal is to be an MVP both in and out of play.

  1. How to Survive the Redshirt Year: A Mental Playbook with Morgan Kane-Brons

    6D AGO

    How to Survive the Redshirt Year: A Mental Playbook with Morgan Kane-Brons

    In this episode of The Mental Approach, we sit down with Morgan Kane-Brons of Winning Edge Coaching to talk about what it actually looks like to build a championship mindset from the ground up. Morgan went from winning a Big 12 title at Iowa State to becoming a mental performance coach, but her path wasn’t always smooth. She’s incredibly open about the fact that as a freshman, she basically laughed off the idea of sports psychology—until the pressure of D1 ball hit her and she realized that the physical side of the game was only half the battle. We dive deep into the "Redshirt Reality," exploring that unique mental grind where you're doing all the heavy lifting and practice reps without the immediate payoff of game time. Morgan shares how she had to flip the script, turning what felt like a failure into a year of "consequence-free" growth. What I love about this conversation is how practical it gets. Morgan isn’t just talking theory; she shares the exact tools she used to stay present, like drawing a literal "reset button" on her hand with a Sharpie or using her famous "Goose" trigger at the free-throw line. We also get into the "all gas, no brakes" mentality that so many athletes fall into and why it’s so important to find a holistic balance that includes recovery and a life outside of the jersey. Finally, we tackle the tough stuff: the difference between "hard coaching" that builds resilience and the kind of toxic environments that actually break an athlete down. It’s a great conversation for any parent or player who knows that the six inches between the ears is where the game is truly won. You can contact Morgan at www.winningedgecoaching.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    49 min
  2. The Tyranny of Talent: Dr. Joe Baker on Why Early Labels Are Failing Youth Athletes

    APR 1

    The Tyranny of Talent: Dr. Joe Baker on Why Early Labels Are Failing Youth Athletes

    Do you ever wonder why "can't-miss" youth athletes sometimes disappear while late bloomers eventually rise to the top? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joe Baker, a leading researcher on athlete development and co-author of The Tyranny of Talent. Together, we challenge one of the sports world's most deeply held beliefs: that success is primarily driven by natural ability. Dr. Baker explains how placing early labels on kids can negatively shape their athletic identity , breaks down the realities of the "relative age effect" , and reveals why psychological traits—like resilience, mental toughness, and a consistent willingness to practice—are much better indicators of long-term success than early physical advantages. We also explore innovative concepts like "bio-banding," which groups athletes based on their physical maturation rather than their birth year to create better learning environments. If you want to cut through the developmental myths and learn how to create environments where young athletes can truly grow, this conversation will completely change how you look at "talent." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 8m
  3. Beyond the Drills: Coach Craig on Body Language, Recruiting, and Building Unbreakable Athletes

    MAR 18

    Beyond the Drills: Coach Craig on Body Language, Recruiting, and Building Unbreakable Athletes

    Coach Craig Kolek , a former NCAA volleyball coach who has transitioned to a mental performance coach joins the show emphasizing body language, focus, and self-talk. He highlights the importance of athletes' ability to bounce back from mistakes quickly and maintain present-moment focus. Craig's approach has evolved, now seeking athlete input before coaching. He stresses the significance of goal setting, routines, and intrinsic motivation. Craig advises parents to model composure and let athletes learn from their mistakes. He also discusses the need for athletes to play multiple sports and manage social media to avoid distractions. Craig's philosophy is rooted in building trust and leadership through values and communication. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    49 min
  4. The 11-Time Champion with a Secret: Lisa Bentley’s Unlikely Journey

    MAR 4

    The 11-Time Champion with a Secret: Lisa Bentley’s Unlikely Journey

    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.

    1h 8m
  5. Beyond the X’s and O’s: Michael Huber On Coaching the Human, Not Just the Player

    FEB 18

    Beyond the X’s and O’s: Michael Huber On Coaching the Human, Not Just the Player

    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 Tools See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m
  6. The Conversations That Shape Team Culture with Dr. Jen Fry

    JAN 28

    The Conversations That Shape Team Culture with Dr. Jen Fry

    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.

    49 min
  7. Navigating Imposter Syndrome - Dale Curd Provides Insights And Strategies To Move Past It.

    JAN 14

    Navigating Imposter Syndrome - Dale Curd Provides Insights And Strategies To Move Past It.

    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. Takeaways Imposter 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.

    1h 2m
  8. The Truth About Team Culture - Safe Sport Advocate Allison Forsyth provides examples on how to improve

    12/31/2025

    The Truth About Team Culture - Safe Sport Advocate Allison Forsyth provides examples on how to improve

    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.

    1h 9m
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About

Welcome to The Mental Approach, a podcast that explores the power of mindfulness and mental performance in sports. Host Todd Arkell collects resources, techniques and strategies from his guests with the intention to share tools with athletes so they can develop a winning mindset and build confidence. With a quest to grow mindset alongside physical training in sports, Todd sees a gap in athletics that demands more attention. Tune in for expert insights, inspirational stories, and practical advice for athletes of all levels and sports. Let's unlock the mental game together; the goal is to be an MVP both in and out of play.

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