The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast Mario Soto

James Brett Wilks is an English film producer, vegan activist, and former professional mixed martial artist. A professional from 2003 until 2012, he competed for the UFC, King of the Cage, and was the winner of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. After winning his title and several UFC fights, it was during a sparring session towards the end of fight camp where he was dealt a major setback injuring both knees. Having limited mobility, it was during his rehabilitation he searched for a way to be productive, so he immersed himself in the science of
recovery and proper diet for athletes. In doing so, he came across research, science and scientist that forever changed how he looked at food. This interview is so much about adaptation, debunking limiting beliefs, and seeing how you can reinvent yourself through food.

Jeannie Bartholomew is a professional canopy pilot who (along with her husband, Curt Bartholomew) has put everything she has into the sport of skydiving. She is a member of Team Alter Ego Fastrax, travels the globe to teach canopy piloting skills and compete in events, and holds multiple records: National women’s records: longest distance (127.25 m), fastest speed (2.386 seconds in 2017), fastest speed (2.411 seconds in 2016). North American women’s records: fastest speed, longest distance. State women’s records: Tennessee longest distance and fastest speed, Florida fastest speed, North Carolina fastest speed
With over 9,000 jumps to her credit her goal is to become the world’s best in her sport but first she claims she needs to beat her husband, who is currently ranked #1 in the world.
In this interview that Jeannie was kind enough to allow a few of my student to sit in on, we discuss the importance of routines, visualization, physical endurance, preparation and the attention to detail for maintaining success and safety in this high risk sport. Jeannie’s passion for life and sport can be summed up in this statement: “Your character is defined by how you treat someone who can do nothing for you.”
Bonus Content - Check this out!
https://vimeo.com/426426360?fbclid=IwAR3eoIpRnBGf4-_NUKbSK9KNRTCTDSCBHhFX7Wm3Luh-LLutknYK0dfQq-E

Ladies and Gentlemen, This might just be the most important interview that I’ve ever had.  When I finally got to watching the Netflix documentary “Losers", it ripped my heart open because of the raw honesty of Michael Bentt.  Michael’s emotional courage shows in how he reveals his roller coaster journey from being in a household where fatherly love was conditional to his winning, the high of becoming Heavyweight Champion of the world to the deep abyss of losing the title going through extreme depression, a loss of identity and contemplation of taking his life.  
This former heavyweight boxing champion of the world has a story to tell with life lessons important for every parent, athlete, and coach.  The pain he is willing to share is really his gift to us so that others don’t repeat the same mistakes.  As a complement to this interview, I ask that you watch the first episode of Losers and also read the article that Michael wrote many years ago called “The anatomy of a knockout”.  
 
Enjoy and I hope Michael’s story disturbs you enough to make sure you are doing the right things, the right way, for the right reasons.  As a parent or coach know that your job is to inspire, encourage but also be willing to check in with the athlete to make sure they are doing what they want to do.  It's their journey not ours.
 
Bonus Content: Anatomy of a Knockout
Download PDF (Apple Podcast)
Direct Link (Spotify): https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thesportsdoc/Anatomy-of-A-Knockout.pdf?dest-id=1196012

Choosing the right food source to support what both the mind and the body need for the elite athlete and everyday human being. Leslie is as good as they get when it comes to understanding how food can impact one’s performance. Her resume is a who’s who of professional teams is always in demand for her expertise. I am so glad to hear her to speak on the subject of fad diets (Keto, Paleo, etc.), supplements, hydration and factors critical to keeping ourselves healthy, productive and effective.
More about Leslie
Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, is the owner of ActiveEatingAdvice.com- Be fit, fed and Fearless? – A nutrition consulting company. Her clients include: The National Dairy Council, California Dried Plum Board, The National Peanut Board, Potatoes, USA, Gatorade, Ready Nutrition, General Mills and Douglas Labs. She is the nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs, Carnegie Mellon University athletics and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She was the sports dietitian for the Super Bowl Champ Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Blue Jays, world champion Washington Nationals and teams within the WNBA.
Show Notes
Referenced: 1938 Fueling Young Athletes by Heather Mangieri
(https://www.amazon.com/Fueling-Young-Athletes-Heather-Mangieri/dp/1492522090)
 

I am so excited to share this interview with Rolando Garza, pitching coordinator for the Tampa Bay Rays.  In this session, he shares his journey from awkward teenage kid to getting drafted out of high school by the Sox organization, his playing experiences as a pro, his eventual transition into coaching and the people who were his greatest influence along the way. This podcast provides great insight and advice for anyone (player or coach) wanting to perform at the highest levels.

Smiling Sam Alvey has been a professional MMA fighter since 2008 compiling an impressive 33-13 record over his twelve years .  Like so many who have chosen this way of life 
Sam Alvey worked his way through the myriad of organizations like Bellator and King of the Cage before earning a spot competing in the Ultimate Fighter and eventually leading to his becoming a UFC fighter.
 
What has impressed me the most about Sam’s journey is what I refer to as the four F’s (Family, Faith, Focus, and Fighting).  In this podcast, Sam opens up about why he loves this sport, his feelings for Jon Jones, his infectious energy for teaching and how he finds time to manage his career while still making family and faith the priorities in his life.
 
Please enjoy
 
Coach Mario
 
For more information about how I work with athletes and coaches, visit my website www.mariosoto.com and follow @mariosportsdoc on all major Social Media channels.