Love Your Inner Athlete

Inner Athlete Podcast
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The "Love Your Inner Athlete" podcast, hosted by Hans Skulstad, is all about mental fitness. Hans interviews professional athletes, coaches, and all around fitness-minded individuals to hear their perspectives on the mental side of sports and athletics. They share their experiences, stories, and how Hans and the Center for Sports and the Mind has changed their mental trajectories, making them fitter, healthier, happier versions of themselves. Follow along to hear inspiring stories from ordinary people who have taken the steps to become mentally fit!

  1. APR 21

    Reclaiming Identity and Purpose: Jon Engfer on Serving Veterans Through Every Third Saturday

    What does it take to help veterans who’ve lost themselves after service find their way back to purpose and belonging? Jon Engfer, with Every Third Saturday’s Warriors Return program, shares insights from his journey as a former All-American hockey player to leading a five-week interpersonal development program that’s transforming lives through dignity, accountability, and community. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Jon to explore how moral injury differs from PTSD, why “victor not victim” mindset matters, and what it means to truly support veterans in reclaiming their identity and bringing honor back to their brotherhood and sisterhood. Whether you’re a veteran seeking support, someone wanting to serve your community, or a leader interested in how mental fitness principles apply beyond sports, this conversation offers powerful insights on building stronger communities through authentic connection. Connect with Every Third Saturday: Executive Director: Jess McKennaPrograms: Veterans Resource Empowerment Center, Warriors ReturnOpportunities: Volunteer groups, donations (clothing, hygiene), events (gala, golf tournament, walk)The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on resilience, community building, and reclaiming purpose.

    44 min

  2. APR 7

    Bart Inniger: Prepare the Child for the Path, Not the Path for the Child

    What does it take to walk into two different programs and lead both to their first state tournament appearances decades apart? Bart Inniger’s journey from watching his dad coach at North Dakota State to building championship culture at Minnetonka and Chanhassen reveals timeless truths about what really drives success in athletics. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with longtime coaching friend Bart to explore how mental fitness transformed his coaching approach, why relationships matter more than tactics, and what he wishes every parent of an athlete understood. Whether you’re a coach looking to build a winning culture, a parent trying to support your athlete, or someone interested in the intersection of mental fitness and athletic performance, this conversation offers practical wisdom from over 30 years in the gym. Connect with Bart: Head Girls Basketball Coach, Chanhassen High School, Minnetonka School District The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on coaching excellence, building culture, and developing young people through sports

    35 min

  3. MAR 24

    50+ Years of Coaching Wisdom: Bruce Johnson on Development, Perspective, and Showing Up

    What happens when a coach who started in 1970 shares insights from five decades of watching the game, athletes, and culture evolve? Bruce Johnson’s journey from player to longtime Armstrong High School coach to current assistant at Buffalo reveals timeless truths about what really matters in developing young people through sports. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Bruce to explore how coaching has evolved, why Minnesota’s community-based model works so well, and what separates coaches who build wins from coaches who build people. Whether you’re a coach navigating modern challenges, a parent trying to support your athlete, or someone interested in how sports development has changed over half a century, this conversation offers perspective that can only come from decades of experience. Connect with Bruce: Former head coach at Armstrong High School, current assistant coach at Buffalo High School The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on coaching excellence, athlete development, and the evolution of sports culture.

    35 min

  4. MAR 11

    The Missing Link in Athletic Performance: Stephanie Esser on Breath Training

    What happens when a former teacher and premature twin discovers that most elite athletes—despite their incredible conditioning—are actually terrible breathers? Stephanie Esser’s journey from struggling to breathe during yoga to becoming a certified breath coach reveals a critical performance factor that nine out of ten people are missing. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Stephanie to explore why breathing mechanics matter more than cardiovascular fitness, how trauma gets stored in breathing patterns, and why your diaphragm might be the key to better performance, recovery, and mental health. Whether you’re an athlete looking for an edge, a coach seeking practical tools for nervous system regulation, or someone dealing with stress and anxiety, this conversation offers evidence-based strategies that are measurable, practical, and potentially life-changing. Connect with Stephanie: Business: Balancing ElephantsServices: Breath assessments, personalized training programs, workshopsAvailable: In-person and online worldwideThe Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on performance optimization, nervous system regulation, and holistic athlete development.

    36 min

  5. FEB 24

    Kathleen Gazich: From Stars on Ice to Developing NHL Players

    What happens when a professional performer who skated alongside Olympic legends discovers her true calling is helping young athletes find confidence and joy in their sport? Kathleen’s journey from Disney on Ice and Stars on Ice to becoming one of Minnesota’s most sought-after skating coaches reveals what it really takes to develop both technical skills and mental resilience. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Kathleen to explore how performing at the highest level shaped her coaching philosophy, why small steps create big goals, and how to help athletes separate practice mindset from performance mindset. Whether you’re a coach looking to develop deeper connections with athletes, a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete learning to trust yourself under pressure, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on what makes great coaching truly transformational. Connect with Kathleen: Head Pro at Braymar Figure Skating SchoolPrivate power skating clinicsWorking with athletes from youth through NHL levelThe Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on coaching excellence, athlete development, and building confidence through sports.

    37 min

  6. FEB 12

    Bob Gazich: The Messy Truth About Junior Hockey and Life Transitions

    What happens when a leadership development expert, former hockey executive, and hockey dad combines decades of experience helping people navigate life’s biggest transitions? Bob Gazich unique perspective on emotional intelligence, failure, and success offers insights that transcend sports and business alike. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with longtime friend Bob to explore what makes great leaders, why failure might be your best teacher, and how to support young athletes through the messy reality of development - whether in junior hockey, college, or life after sports. Whether you’re a leader looking to develop your team, a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete facing transitions, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on what really matters when developing people. Connect with Bob: Email: bob@tapyourpotential.comServices: Leadership development, athlete transition coaching, family business succession planningFaculty: St. John’s University/College of St. BenedictThe Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, development, and navigating life’s transitions.

    32 min

  7. JAN 20

    Justin Lochner: The Leadership Shadow I Wish I’d Developed Earlier

    From 98 Saves to Healthcare Leadership: Justin Lochner’s Journey Beyond the Net What happens when a college goalie who once made NCAA history discovers that the mental skills learned between the pipes become his greatest professional asset? Justin Lochner’s journey from Augsburg University to healthcare consulting reveals how athletic experiences shape leadership, resilience, and success long after the final buzzer. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad reconnects with his former college athlete to explore what it takes to perform under extreme pressure, why visualization became a game-changer, and how the lessons from a historic performance continue to influence his approach to challenges today. Whether you’re an athlete learning mental skills, a parent wondering about the long-term value of sports, or a professional seeking insights on team dynamics and leadership, this conversation offers a roadmap for translating athletic experiences into life success. Connect with Justin: Former Augsburg University starting goalie, current healthcare consultant The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on mental preparation, peak performance, and life after competitive sports.

    33 min

  8. JAN 6

    Greg Miller: The Coach Whose Players Still Show Up 20 Years Later

    What happens when a coach spends over two decades building something bigger than wins and losses? Greg Miller’s journey through three high schools and college basketball reveals how authentic leadership and genuine care for players creates bonds that transcend the game itself. In this episode of the Inner Athlete Podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with Greg to explore how mental training evolved from stigmatized to essential, why the best coaches embrace new approaches even after decades of success, and what it means when former players show up 20 years later just to say thank you. Whether you’re a coach looking to build lasting impact, a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete learning about leadership, this conversation offers insights on what it truly means to develop people through sports. Connect with Greg: Former head coach at Richfield, Armstrong, and Hamline University The Inner Athlete Podcast explores mental fitness strategies for athletes at every level. Subscribe for more conversations on coaching excellence, building relationships, and developing young people through athletics

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The "Love Your Inner Athlete" podcast, hosted by Hans Skulstad, is all about mental fitness. Hans interviews professional athletes, coaches, and all around fitness-minded individuals to hear their perspectives on the mental side of sports and athletics. They share their experiences, stories, and how Hans and the Center for Sports and the Mind has changed their mental trajectories, making them fitter, healthier, happier versions of themselves. Follow along to hear inspiring stories from ordinary people who have taken the steps to become mentally fit!

Information

  • Creator
    Inner Athlete Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Inner Athlete Podcast
  • Show Website
    Love Your Inner Athlete