The Assist Podcast

The Assist Podcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Daily

This is a show where two people set out on a journey through mental health, athletics, personal growth, falling down, getting back up, and moving forward—even when it’s hard. This is a space for real conversations about what’s happening in our lives, in the world around us, and why we as humans do the things we do. We believe we’re all wired for connection, love, and the freedom to share our stories—without judgment or shame. Here, we speak up, say what needs to be said. We try to be brave and let the words come out, hoping they help you feel seen, heard, and supported on your journey in life

  1. Sep 1

    Sawyer Smith: The Power of Standards and Self-Awareness in Mental Health

    From Big Ten decathlons to the therapy room, what does it take to build real mental toughness? In this episode, Charlie Wills and Scott Brinen sit down with former Wisconsin Badger decathlete turned Licensed Professional Counselor, Sawyer Smith. Sawyer breaks down the powerful parallels between elite athletics and mental health, sharing how self-awareness, personal growth, and practical therapy techniques can transform performance both on and off the field. Key Topics Transition from athlete to mental health professionalParallels between sports and mental healthImportance of self-awareness and standardsTherapeutic approaches including DBTCommunity support and program overview 00:00Introduction to Sawyer Smith and his background 01:11Transition from athlete to mental health professional 05:09Parallels between athletics and mental health motivation 07:01Dealing with injury and identity loss 08:33Therapy as a journey, not a quick fix 12:19The importance of challenging conversations in therapy 16:19The impact of honesty and directness in growth 19:32The role of failure and learning in progress 24:18Self-talk, affirmations, and mental resilience 30:24Introduction to DBT and its application 34:29Understanding emotional signals and responses 43:50The importance of standards in personal and professional life 50:36Vision for expanding mental health support in the community

  2. Jul 28

    Anna Hockett: The Power of No Regrets in Sports and Life

    In this episode, Anna Hockett, Director of Sales and Account Services at Nei-Turner Media Network, sits down with Charlie Wills and Scott Brinen and shares her inspiring journey from high school athletics to college sports, her insights on sports specialization, and the life lessons learned through sportsmanship, ownership, and resilience. Discover how her experiences shape her views on youth sports, personal growth, and living without regrets. In this episode, we explore personal growth, authenticity, and the power of storytelling through heartfelt conversations. Anna shares insights on embracing your true self, overcoming challenges, and building meaningful connections. Key Topics -Athletic journey from high school to college -Impact of sports specialization and diversification -Lessons learned about ownership, effort, and attitude -The importance of resilience and handling loss -The role of sports in personal development and leadership The importance of authenticity in personal and professional life -How storytelling can inspire and connect people -Overcoming challenges and embracing vulnerability -The role of standards and self-improvement -Building meaningful relationships and community TakeAways -Being the best version of yourself is more valuable than trying to be the best at everything. -Sharing real, unpolished stories creates genuine connections. -Setting high standards helps you grow and avoid mediocrity. -Embracing vulnerability and authenticity leads to personal fulfillment. -Your unique qualities are your greatest assets. Resources Anna Huckett - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annahockett1/ Brava Media Group - https://www.bravamediagroup.com Netflix - Nadal Documentary - https://www.netflix.com/title/xxxxxx Amazon - The Power of Authenticity - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Power+of+Authenticity LinkedIn - Anna Hockett - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annahockett Brava Magazine - https://bravamagazine.com Persona Magazine - https://personamagazine.com

  3. Jul 13

    Jasmin Nass: From Dumpster Fire to Self-Love: Jasmine Nass's Journey

    In this episode, Jasmine Nass a Certified Professional Hypnotist sits down with Charlie Willsand Scott Brinen and shares her transformative journey through relationships, self-love, and personal accountability. She discusses the concept of the 'Dumpster Fire Era,' the importance of self-awareness, and how to buildhealthy, lasting relationships by choosing 'us' over 'me.' In this episode, we explore the transformative power of hypnosis, relationship dynamics, and personal growth strategies. Jasmin shares insights on building healthy partnerships, setting standards, and using mental tools to elevate lifequality.  Key  Topics -The 'Dumpster Fire Era' and its significance -The role of mirror work in self-awareness -Personal accountability as a catalyst for growth -Red flags in relationships and how to interpret them -The importance of shared vision and 'we' in partnerships -The impact of thoughts and beliefs on life outcomes -The concept of King and Queen in relationships -How to close bad chapters without ending relationships -The influence of external validation on self-worth The roleof hypnosis in mental health and self-improvement -How to set clear relationship standards and communicateneeds -The importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance inpartnerships -Strategies for effective conflict resolution and emotionalregulation -The impact of societal norms on personal relationships Keywords:self-love, relationships, personal growth, accountability,emotional intelligence, self-awareness, love, mindset, transformation hypnosis,relationships, personal growth, self-improvement, mental health, communication,emotional intelligence https://www.elevatemindworks.com/about-jasmin-nass

  4. Jun 25

    Nick Pasquarello: The Future of Division III Athletics, Opportunities and Challenges

    In this episode, Scott and Charlie sit down with Nick Pasquarello, Athletic Director at Edgewood University, about the evolving landscape of college athletics, focusing on Division III, the transfer portal, NIL, and building a strong athletic program at Edgewood University. They explore the importance of relationships, facilities, and the true purpose of sports in personal development. Key Topics: Division III model and its benefitsTransfer portal and NIL challengesImportance of facilities and resourcesBuilding relationships with student-athletesBalancing academics and athleticsLeadership and coaching strategiesThe role of community and culture in sportsFuture opportunities for Division III programs Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nick Pascarello's Journey 01:00 Transitioning to Edgewood University 02:55 Reflections on Division III Athletics 06:08 The Impact of the Transfer Portal 09:06 Understanding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) 12:04 The NCAA's Evolving Role 14:57 The Future of College Athletics 18:09 Building a Strong Athletic Program at Edgewood 20:46 The Importance of Facilities in Recruitment 23:56 The Role of Education in Student-Athlete Success 26:44 Navigating the Path to College Athletics 30:11 The Value of Division III Opportunities 33:22 Navigating Athletic Choices: The Dilemma of College Sports 39:29 The Pressure of Youth Sports: Balancing Competition and Enjoyment 45:36 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports: Support vs. Pressure 51:14 The Importance of Resilience: Learning from Failure 57:44 Building Relationships in Coaching: The Heart of Leadership More information about Nick Pasquarello https://edgewoodeagles.com/staff-directory/nick-pasquarello/436

  5. Jun 15

    Sheriff Kalvin Barrett: Building Trust and Rehabilitation in Law Enforcement

    In this episode, Charlie and Scott sit down with Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, who shares his inspiring journey from childhood to becoming Dane County's first African American sheriff. He discusses his experiences in law enforcement, community engagement, mental health initiatives, and strategies for youth development and rehabilitation. Key Topics -Sheriff Calvin Barrett's background and journey into law enforcement -Community engagement and building trust in policing -Mental health response and crisis intervention programs -Rehabilitation and re-entry programs for offenders -Youth mentorship and development initiatives -Challenges of law enforcement budgets and resource allocation -The role of education and sports in personal development -Strategies for reducing recidivism and breaking cycles of crime Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sheriff Calvin Barrett 01:31 Calvin's Early Life and Athletic Journey 09:38 Transition from Athletics to Career 17:08 Finding Purpose in the Workforce 24:24 Teaching and Community Engagement 24:46 Becoming a Deputy Sheriff 30:20 The Importance of Empathy in Law Enforcement 34:00 Rehabilitation vs. Punishment in the Justice System 47:01 Innovations in Mental Health Response 49:08 The Role of Community in Law Enforcement 50:07 Community Caretaking and Mentorship 53:25 Addressing Gaps in Youth Resources 56:30 The Need for Centralized Support 01:01:05 Challenges in County Governance 01:02:28 The Impact of Technology on Youth Behavior resources Sheriff Kalvin Barrett - Dane County Sheriff's Office - https://www.danecounty.gov/

  6. Apr 30

    Lexi Westley: Breaking the Silence, Mental Health in College Athletics

    In this episode, Scott and Charlie sit down to speak with Lexi Westley, a former Wisconsin cross country and track athlete and now cross country and track coach at Rutgers University. In this heartfelt interview, Lexi Westley shares her journey through college athletics, mental health struggles, and her inspiring path to coaching. She discusses the importance of mental health awareness, the impact of coaching environments, and her work with the Sarah Schultz Foundation to break stigma and support athletes. Key topics -Transition from high school to college athletics -Mental health challenges and support systems -Good Runners Don't look like you -It's ok to say no and put yourself first -Impact of coaching environments on athlete well-being keywords college athletics, mental health, coaching, athlete journey, Sarah Schultz Foundation, athlete mental health, college sports challenges, athlete advocacy

  7. Apr 2

    AJ Sue: Unapologetically You: Embracing Authenticity in a Complex World

    This episode features a deep and insightful conversation about life, relationships, self-awareness, and authenticity. The host and guest explore how to manage worry, be unapologetically oneself, and find meaningful connections in a complex world. This conversation explores personal growth, authenticity, power, and relationships, emphasizing self-awareness and honest communication. The guest shares insights on overcoming trauma, understanding power dynamics, and building meaningful connections. Key Topics: -Managing worry and anxiety by assessing system health -The importance of authenticity and self-awareness -Strategies for effective communication and connection -The impact of self-reflection and quiet time on personal -growth Self-awareness and authenticity -Power dynamics and control -Trauma and personal growth Key Takeaways -Authenticity and honesty are crucial for meaningful relationships. -Understanding and controlling your power is essential for personal safety and growth. -Trauma often influences behavior and growth, but awareness can lead to healing. self-awareness, relationships, authenticity, worry management, life lessons, personal growth, communication, mental models, personal growth, authenticity, power, relationships, trauma, self-awareness, communication, emotional intelligence

  8. Mar 13

    Jenn Sluga Part 2: Attachment Styles and Navigating Relationships

    In this episode, Jen Sluga, a trauma therapist, returns to discuss attachment styles, their origins, and their impact on relationships. The conversation explores the four main attachment styles: Secure Anxious -Pre-occupied Dismissive Avoidant Disorganized How they manifest in various aspects of life. The discussion also delves into the effects of childhood experiences on attachment, the dynamics of relationships and breakups, parenting strategies, and the evolving gender roles in modern relationships. The importance of communication and understanding in navigating these dynamics is emphasized throughout the conversation. This conversation delves into the complexities of relationship dynamics, focusing on the differences between male and female brains, the importance of meeting emotional needs, and effective communication strategies. The speakers discuss attachment styles, particularly avoidant attachment, and how they impact relationships. They emphasize the significance of personal growth and change in navigating these dynamics, highlighting the need for understanding, patience, and modeling behavior for children. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of attachment styles in relationships, particularly focusing on the transition from avoidant to secure attachment. They discuss the importance of communication, vulnerability, and trust in building healthy relationships. The conversation also touches on the significance of having backup plans in relationships, the role of personal growth, and the necessity of healing through connection with others. Additionally, they explore the challenges of overcoming trauma and the importance of creating a holistic healing space for individuals seeking support. Takeaways Attachment styles are formed from infancy and can evolve over time.Secure attachment fosters trust and comfort in relationships.Anxious attachment leads to fear of abandonment and insecurity.Avoidant attachment results in fear of intimacy and self-reliance.Disorganized attachment is characterized by a push-pull dynamic in relationships.Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one's attachment style.Childhood experiences significantly shape adult relationship behaviors.Effective communication is key to resolving relationship conflicts.Parenting styles can influence children's attachment styles.Gender roles impact how individuals navigate relationships and responsibilities. Men's brains function like filing cabinets, focusing on one task at a time.Women are often multi-taskers, managing various responsibilities simultaneously.Emotional conflicts arise when needs are not communicated or met.Repairing relationships involves prioritizing the partner's needs.Date nights should focus on connection, not grievances.Weekly meetings can help address issues before they escalate.Modeling behavior is essential for teaching children about relationships.Setting boundaries in parenting is crucial for maintaining unity.Avoidant attachment styles can create challenges in relationships.Personal growth requires recognizing and changing unhealthy patterns. I wasn't giving him any of his needs.It took him years but now we're in a different place.I've had a backup plan since the moment I met my husband.I have a safety net and for me that meant safety.It's a lot of communication.I want to be able to continue talking to these people.I don't want to deal with this anymore.I have always been an over performer.99.9% of people are going to heal in relationship.If you're not failing you're not trying.

See All (26)

Trailers

About

This is a show where two people set out on a journey through mental health, athletics, personal growth, falling down, getting back up, and moving forward—even when it’s hard. This is a space for real conversations about what’s happening in our lives, in the world around us, and why we as humans do the things we do. We believe we’re all wired for connection, love, and the freedom to share our stories—without judgment or shame. Here, we speak up, say what needs to be said. We try to be brave and let the words come out, hoping they help you feel seen, heard, and supported on your journey in life

Information

  • Creator
    The Assist Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Assist Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Assist Podcast