Hope Heroes

Athletes For Hope
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

Hope Heroes is where sports and mental health collide. Hosted by Dr. Mena Mirhom, psychiatrist and Chief Wellbeing Officer at Athletes for Hope, this podcast dives into the real struggles and triumphs athletes face on and off the field. Through raw, insightful conversations with athletes and experts, Hope Heroes explores resilience, performance, and the power of mental wellness. Whether you're an athlete or just passionate about growth, these stories will move you.

Episodes

  1. Listening to Your Mind & Body, and Learning to Accept Help ft. Jack Beer

    11/03/2025

    Listening to Your Mind & Body, and Learning to Accept Help ft. Jack Beer

    "There can be some really beautiful things that come from being vulnerable and expressing what you're going through." Sometimes the people closest to us are the hardest to share our true feelings with. That's why courageous athletes like pro footballer Jack Beer are working to shift the narrative around mental wellness. A willingness to ask for help, thus fighting through doubts and fears, puts athletes on the road to recovery quicker, and positions them better to succeed – both on and off the field. In this intimate and meaningful conversation, professional soccer player Jack Beer opens up to AFH Chief Wellbeing Officer Mena Mirhom, MD, FAPA about the difficult internal struggles he has faced throughout his life and athletic career at Georgetown University and in the pros. Beer shares emotional stories, key moments, and important people that reshaped the way he looked at things from a mental health standpoint. Now working with AFH to share his story, Beer reminds us why we should all tear down the stigma surrounding mental health: His story helps others. Tap in today to hear inspiring insight about the importance of supporting and uplifting your loved ones.

    58 min
  2. Sports Doctors dish on Courage, Empathy, and Mental Health ft. Dr. Jorge Aguilar & Dr. Alicia Naser

    10/29/2025

    Sports Doctors dish on Courage, Empathy, and Mental Health ft. Dr. Jorge Aguilar & Dr. Alicia Naser

    "If you're an athlete and you're suffering... Please know you're not alone." For many people, especially pro athletes, reaching out for help can be frightening. But there are wonderful clinicians out there who dedicate their lives to supporting athletes during their lowest moments. Two of these incredible and passionate professionals are Dr. Jorge Aguilar, MD, PhD and Dr. Alicia Naser, PhD, BCBA-D. In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Dr. Jorge Aguilar–Director, Sports Mental Health & Performance at Montefiore Einstein, and Dr. Alicia Naser–Founder & Director of The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology, sit down with AFH Chief Wellbeing Officer Mena Mirhom, MD, FAPA for an honest conversation about athlete mental health, wellbeing, anxiety, courage, and empathy. Sharing real stories and experiences from their work assisting athletes in the NHL, MLB, and other pro sports leagues, they teach important life lessons about uplifting others, recognizing warning signs, and fighting to break down the stigma around mental health. Tap in today for an amazing discussion that could help you, or someone close to you who is struggling.

    58 min
  3. Leadership, Giving Back and Checking in on Those Around You ft. Julie Foudy

    09/12/2025

    Leadership, Giving Back and Checking in on Those Around You ft. Julie Foudy

    In this episode, Athletes for Hope Chief Wellbeing Officer Mena Mirhom, MD, FAPA talks with soccer legend Julie Foudy—World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, and former U.S. Women’s National Team captain. Julie shares her leadership journey, why great leaders tailor their message to the person and not the crowd, her hopes for the future of women’s sports, and how giving back has shaped her purpose. She also reveals a simple trick from her sports psychologist that helped her stay grounded through the toughest mental moments. Tap in for a conversation about leadership, service, and mental health—on and off the field.

    40 min
  4. The Myth of Men’s Mental Health ft. Dr. Jay Barnett

    01/29/2025

    The Myth of Men’s Mental Health ft. Dr. Jay Barnett

    In this premiere episode of Hope Heroes, Dr. Mena Mirhom sits down with Dr. Jay Barnett—former NFL player, therapist, and nationally recognized speaker—to break down one of the biggest misconceptions in sports and society: the myth of men’s mental health. For years, athletes and men everywhere have been told to “man up,” “push through,” and “never show weakness.” But at what cost? Dr. Barnett shares his powerful journey from the NFL to the mental health field, opening up about the unspoken struggles elite athletes face, the real cost of suppressing emotions, and how we can rewrite the narrative on what it truly means to be strong. This episode is for anyone who wants to break the silence, challenge outdated mindsets, and champion a healthier, more honest conversation about mental wellness for men—on and off the field.

    1 hr
  • 4 Episodes

About

Hope Heroes is where sports and mental health collide. Hosted by Dr. Mena Mirhom, psychiatrist and Chief Wellbeing Officer at Athletes for Hope, this podcast dives into the real struggles and triumphs athletes face on and off the field. Through raw, insightful conversations with athletes and experts, Hope Heroes explores resilience, performance, and the power of mental wellness. Whether you're an athlete or just passionate about growth, these stories will move you.

Information

  • Creator
    Athletes For Hope
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Athletes For Hope 2025
  • Show Website
    Hope Heroes