The Mental Cast

Dan Mickle & 717 Soul, LLC.

A Podcast for Mental Performance Training, Coaching and Great Discussions.

  1. JUN 11

    Nicole Christner Conversation (Ep. 047)

    Episode 047 | A Conversation with Coach Nicole - Life Pivots, Coaching Philosophy, and Embracing Growth | June 2025 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle interviews the inspiring Coach Nicole from USA Volleyball. Nicole shares her unique journey through multiple careers, ultimately dedicating her life to coaching volleyball. Despite facing imposter syndrome, Nicole speaks about her “fake it till you make it” philosophy and how it has driven her to new heights in her professional life. She also shares how her supportive husband and a changing career landscape led her to coaching full-time — ultimately earning her recognition as USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior Beach Coach of the Year. The conversation explores Nicole’s adaptive coaching philosophy, how she tailors her methods to different environments, and her insights on the shifting dynamics of volleyball coaching and international sport. Nicole’s story is a powerful testament to adaptability, passion, and resilience — and offers valuable lessons for coaches, athletes, and anyone pursuing growth in an uncertain world. Topics covered: Nicole’s career transition from private chef to full-time coach Overcoming imposter syndrome in the coaching profession How adaptability fuels growth in coaching The importance of embracing diverse coaching environments Building open dialogue and athlete-centered coaching Insights from USA Volleyball’s NTDP programs Nicole’s aspirations for international and Olympic-level coaching Mentioned in this episode: USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Girls Junior Beach Coach of the Year award Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    47 min
  2. JUN 4

    Are Athletes Today Really Apathetic? (Ep. 046)

    Episode 046 | Athlete Apathy - Rethinking Motivation in Youth Sports | June 2025 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle tackles one of the most debated topics in today’s coaching circles: athlete apathy. Are today’s young athletes truly apathetic, or are coaches failing to ignite their spark? Dan dives into an engaging conversation that challenges the common misconceptions about today’s youth in sports. You will explore how shifting coaching perspectives and embracing new methods can foster motivation and enthusiasm in athletes — rather than writing them off as unmotivated. The episode also highlights the complexities of coaching neurodivergent athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding each athlete’s unique motivations, learning styles, and needs. In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener’s question about how to support a player who feels discouraged by a coach’s negative comments about today’s athletes. Topics covered: Are athletes really apathetic — or are we missing their motivations? How coaching methods can either inspire or stifle engagement The importance of adapting coaching to generational needs Understanding neurodivergent athletes and what drives them Strategies for creating empowering sports environments How to move from a participation model to true ownership of success Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    15 min
  3. FEB 26

    A Conversation with Summer Montabone (Ep. 043)

    Episode 043 | A Conversation with Summer Montabone | February 26, 2025 In this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Summer Montabone, retired pro athlete and performance mindset coach, for an inspiring conversation about empowerment, leadership, and the mental side of sports. They dive into important discussions around empowering girls through sports, addressing the unique challenges of female leadership in the fitness industry, and why mental performance training is a critical piece of the puzzle. Summer shares her remarkable journey from high school teacher to national fitness champion to business owner and mindset coach, offering valuable insights on overcoming obstacles and building resilience. Together, Dan and Summer explore the developmental challenges in youth sports and the important roles that parents and coaches play in fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. If you are a parent, coach, or athlete, youth or adult , and this episode is packed with actionable ideas for building fearless action and leadership in both sports and life. Topics covered: Empowering girls through sports Female leadership in fitness and sports The value of mental performance training Overcoming personal and professional obstacles Building resilience and confidence in young athletes Developing fearless action and personal leadership Mentioned in this episode: Summer Montabone Website The Softball Mindset Workbook The Volleyball Mindset Workbook The Basketball Mindset Workbook The Soccer Mindset Workbook The Fearless Mindset for Women Workbook Dream Big, Be Fearless Notebook Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    57 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A Podcast for Mental Performance Training, Coaching and Great Discussions.