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. MAY 30

    Honor The Past Without Being Trapped By It (Ep. 045)

    Episode 045 | Honor The Past Without Being Trapped By It | May 30, 2025 Welcome to this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, where host Dan Mickle explores the complex relationship between tradition and progress in sports and coaching. As athletes and coaches strive to honor time-tested customs while adapting to the evolving needs of modern sports, this episode asks a critical question: does tradition support growth, or does it sometimes hold us back? Through thoughtful discussion, Dan examines how outdated practices can unintentionally create barriers to inclusivity, especially for neurodivergent athletes, and shares strategies for evolving traditions in ways that foster a more supportive and empowering atmosphere for all. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone seeking to balance respect for the past with a forward-thinking approach to coaching and leadership. Topics covered: The value and limitations of tradition in sports When honoring the past can become a barrier to progress The impact of outdated practices on neurodivergent athletes Strategies for evolving team culture to be more inclusive How to balance respecting tradition with embracing modern needs Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    23 min

  4. MAR 21

    We Have Lost Our Damn Minds (Ep. 044)

    pisode 044 | We Have Lost Our Damn Minds | March 21, 2025 Welcome to The MentalCast, hosted by Dan Mickle and supported by Soul Performance Academy. In this episode, Dan shares an unscripted rant about the chaotic and often unhealthy state of youth sports today. He dives into the financial burdens placed on families, the unrealistic expectations heaped on young athletes, and the increasingly out-of-control behaviors seen from parents and coaches on the sidelines. Dan calls for a balanced approach that puts the well-being of children first — advocating for a return to the simple joys of sports and a greater focus on mental performance training. This episode is a call to action for everyone involved in youth sports to move beyond the obsession with winning and instead prioritize the emotional and physical development of young athletes. Topics covered: The financial pressures of modern youth sports Unrealistic expectations placed on young athletes Toxic behaviors from parents and coaches Why we need to prioritize well-being over winning The role of mental performance training in healthy sports development A call to return to the joy of the game Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    35 min

  5. 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

  6. JAN 8

    Building Confidence for Success (Ep. 042)

    Episode 042 | Building Confidence for Success | January 2025 Confidence is more than just belief; it is a skill that can be trained, honed, and protected. In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the key elements of building true, lasting confidence, from preparation and visualization to setting achievable goals. You will learn how to bounce back from setbacks, foster a growth mindset, and create supportive environments that help athletes, coaches, and parents alike nurture confidence. This episode also includes tips specifically tailored for coaching neurodivergent athletes, using structured routines, sensory-friendly tools, and visual trackers to help build and sustain confidence. And in The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener's question about helping a player with autism thrive in team settings. Packed with actionable strategies, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to develop their mental edge. Topics covered: How confidence is built and sustained Preparation and visualization as confidence tools Setting achievable goals for progressive growth Fostering a growth mindset after setbacks Supporting neurodivergent athletes in building confidence Creating environments that nurture belief and resilience Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    27 min

  7. 07/06/2024

    Last Time You Had Fun (Ep. 041)

    Episode 041 | Last Time You Had Fune | June 2024 We all experience moments of joy and happiness — but when was the last time you truly had fun? The kind of fun where you lost track of time, laughed until it hurt, or experienced a moment that changed your life. In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores how our lives — and especially the lives of young athletes — have become so packed and performance-driven that we often forget to make space for fun. And that has real consequences. It is time to rethink what fun means, why it matters, and how we can intentionally bring more of it into our lives and our sports environments. This episode draws inspiration from The Power of Fun by Catherine Price and offers actionable ideas for coaches, parents, and athletes alike. Topics covered: Defining true fun and why it matters How busyness and burnout crowd out fun The mental and physical benefits of fun Why fun is critical for athlete development and team culture Practical ways to bring fun back into your life and your coaching Mentioned in this episode: The Power of Fun by Catherine Price Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    38 min

  8. 05/08/2024

    Where Have I Been? (Ep. 040)

    Episode 040 | Where Have I Been? | May 2024 About a year ago, host Dan Mickle quietly stepped away from The MentalCast. At the time, he was not entirely sure why — but a recent conversation and a powerful book helped provide clarity and sparked the return. Before diving into a brand new season, Dan wanted to share this personal reflection on why he left, what brought him back, and what he hopes to bring to the show moving forward. If you have ever needed to hit pause on something you love, this episode will resonate. And most importantly — Dan is glad to be back and excited for the great conversations to come this season! Topics covered: Why Dan stepped away from the podcast The personal and professional factors behind the break How The Power of Fun by Catherine Price helped inspire the return Lessons learned about burnout, reflection, and passion What to expect in the new season of The MentalCast Mentioned in this episode: The Power of Fun by Catherine Price Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

    34 min
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out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Mickle & 717 Soul, LLC.
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024- 717Soul, LLC. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Mental Cast