The Mental Health Playbook

Underdog Podcasts
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the "machines" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport. Join Coach Trav as he helps athletes navigate the highs and lows of their journey, pushing them to think outside the box and discover their authentic selves. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or fan, this podcast offers powerful conversations about mental health, resilience, and self-discovery in the world of sports. Together, we’ll explore the truth behind the statement: You are more than an athlete Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. MAR 11

    Nick Ferguson's Unorthodox Path To The NFL

    In this episode of the Mental Health Playbook, Coach Trav interviews NFL safety Nick Ferguson, who shares his inspiring journey from being a walk-on at Georgia Tech to a 10-year NFL career. Ferguson discusses the challenges he faced, including his experiences in the CFL and NFL Europe, the disappointment of not being drafted, and the invaluable lessons learned from his upbringing in Miami. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, sacrifice, and the impact of honest leadership, particularly from Coach Wade Phillips, in shaping his career. Nick Ferguson reflects on his extensive NFL career, the influence of legendary coach Bill Parcells, and the evolution of coaching in relation to mental health. He discusses the challenges of injuries, the importance of mental fortitude, and how he redefined his identity beyond football. Ferguson also advocates for mental health awareness in sports, emphasizing the need for support among players during and after their careers. In this conversation, Nick Ferguson shares his journey of breaking the cycle of parenting he experienced as a child, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience and open communication. He reflects on his experiences in sports, the role of coaches in supporting players' mental well-being, and the significance of being honest and forthcoming about emotions. The discussion highlights the need for a supportive environment in both parenting and coaching, where individuals feel safe to express their struggles and seek help. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 Flava Flav & The Winter Olympics 01:14 The Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme 01:58 The 2026 NFL Draft 06:41 Introduction to Nick Ferguson's Journey 08:38 The Soul Bowl Experience 12:53 Growing Up in Miami: Lessons Learned 14:57 The Path to the NFL: Overcoming Challenges 18:14 The Disappointment of the Draft 22:38 CFL Journey: Sacrifices and Growth 25:39 The Impact of Coach Wade Phillips 29:34 NFL Free Agency Insights 32:41 Mental Health Awareness in Sports 34:44 Nick Ferguson's NFL Journey and Influences 39:29 The Evolution of Coaching and Mental Health Awareness 47:01 Advocacy for Mental Health in Sports 1:23:23 Close Out & Takeaway Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m

  2. FEB 26

    Coach The Player, Protect The Person

    In this episode, Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss their personal journeys, the importance of consistency in coaching, and the emotional impact of the Olympics. They reflect on the significance of mental preparation in sports and express curiosity about other sports, particularly hockey and curling. The dialogue emphasizes the value of accountability and structure in training, as well as the extraordinary stories of athletes competing at the highest level.  Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the critical importance of mental wellness in sports, emphasizing the need for coaches to support their athletes beyond just performance metrics. They explore the responsibilities of coaches in fostering a supportive environment, the distinction between mental health issues and identity crises, and the courage it takes for athletes to pivot in their careers, using Ricky Williams as a case study. The discussion highlights the pressures athletes face today and the necessity for open conversations about mental health within sports teams. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 The Incredible Story of Ron Simmons: The Rock's Mentor 01:20 The Mental Health Playbook Theme 02:04 The Importance of Consistency in Coaching 05:52 Olympic Highlights and Personal Experiences 11:52 Curiosity About Other Sports and Their Dynamics 14:56 The Significance of Mental Preparation in Sports 18:05 The Importance of Mental Wellness in Sports 22:11 Honoring Rondale Moore: What Can Coaches Do? 36:09 The Courage to Pivot: Lessons from Ricky Williams 40:54 The Importance of Vulnerability Among Teammates 56:06 Quot of the Day 59:10 Close Out and Thanks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m

  3. FEB 19

    How To Redefine Your Dream

    In this episode, Coach Trav interviews Allen Hay Jr., a former college athlete who shares his journey from being a high school football player to navigating the challenges of college football at the University of Miami. Allen discusses the newfound freedom he feels after leaving the sport, his experiences growing up in South Florida, and the lessons he learned along the way. He reflects on the importance of resilience, the impact of coaching changes, and offers advice to his younger self about the realities of college athletics. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 Shout Out to Former NFL Star Nate Burleson 00:56 The Mental Health Playbook Theme 01:41 Introduction to Allen Hay Jr.  04:19 Finding Freedom Beyond Football 05:49 Growing Up in South Florida 07:34 The Journey to Football 12:14 Transitioning to College Football 14:34 Lessons Learned at University of Miami 16:10 Navigating Coaching Changes 17:40 Advice to Freshman Self 22:51 The Decision to Transfer 31:51 Graduation & Growth 42:21 How To Evolve 1:04:32 Quote of The Day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m

  4. FEB 12

    Coaches Corner: How To Develop Elite RBs

    In this episode, Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the impact of coaching in sports, share personal experiences, and analyze the recent Super Bowl. They delve into the motivational themes found in the Rocky movie franchise and how these lessons apply to life and sports. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health, personal growth, and the dynamics of the NFL season. Coach Trav interviews Coach Jerry Seymour, the founder of the Running Back Academy, discussing the evolution of football, the importance of player development, and the unique challenges faced by running backs today. Coach Seymour shares insights on the significance of football IQ, the financial hurdles of starting a coaching business, and his vision for the future of running backs in the NFL. Coach Jerry Seymour discusses his aspirations for the running back coach position at the University of Miami, reflecting on his journey, confidence, and coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding players, building relationships, and providing authentic feedback to help athletes grow. The discussion also highlights the potential of standout player Mark Fletcher and the qualities that make a successful coach. Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the challenges faced by the Las Vegas Raiders in their rushing attack, the importance of stance and technique for running backs, and the potential for improvement with a new coaching staff. They evaluate the performance of Kenneth Walker III and reflect on the overall NFL season, emphasizing the need for comfort and confidence in a player's stance and the impact of a solid quarterback on a team's success. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 Jahvid Best Post Football Journey 01:17 The Mental Health Playbook Theme 02:00 Introduction and Mental Check-In 04:45 Rocky Movies and Their Life Lessons 09:05 Super Bowl Recap and Analysis 15:37 Highlighting Coach Jerry's Journey 16:09 The Evolution of Football and Coaching 19:10 The Birth of the Running Back Academy 22:14 Understanding the IQ of Running Backs 25:19 Overcoming Early Challenges in Coaching 27:59 The Future of Running Backs in the NFL 28:05 Pursuing Opportunities: Coach J's Ambition 31:08 Building Confidence: The Journey to Coaching 34:08 Understanding Players: The Key to Coaching 36:58 Analyzing Talent: Mark Fletcher's Potential 39:58 Coaching Style: Authentic Feedback and Growth 43:28 Revamping the Raiders' Rushing Attack 46:18 The Importance of Stance and Technique in Running Backs 50:08 The Role of Comfort and Confidence in Performance 53:05 Evaluating the Raiders' Future Prospects 55:55 Kenneth Walker III: A Rising Star 58:58 Closing Thoughts on the NFL Season 1:01:00 Quote of the Day: Jim Brown 1:02:47 Close Out & Takeaway Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m

  5. FEB 5

    Leadership In Action

    In this episode, Coach Trav emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness for leaders, particularly athletes, in navigating the pressures of public scrutiny and social media. He discusses the challenges of responding to immediate emotional triggers, the identity struggles young athletes face, and the need for emotional regulation in high-pressure situations. Coach Trav also highlights the responsibility that comes with having a platform and the necessity of preparing athletes to handle tough questions and public expectations with grace and thoughtfulness. Coach Trav discusses the importance of emotional processing, acquiring accurate information, understanding different perspectives, setting personal boundaries, and expressing oneself clearly and calmly as essential skills for effective leadership, especially for athletes in the public eye. He introduces the acronym PAUSE to guide individuals in responding wisely rather than reacting impulsively to challenging situations. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 Celebrating Laila Edwards 01:00 The Mental Health Playbook Theme 01:43 Intro 03:54 Emotional Awareness in Leadership 05:42 Navigating Public Expectations and Identity 08:36 Emotional Regulation and Media Pressure 11:47 The Responsibility of Having a Platform 13:19 The Importance of Emotional Processing 16:12 Acquiring Accurate Information 19:11 Understanding Perspectives and Setting Boundaries 21:40 Expressing Yourself Calmly and Clearly 21:55 Carrying More Than The Game 24:55 Quote of the Day: James Baldwin 26:12 Close Out & Takeaway Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min

  6. JAN 29

    Winning Games, Losing Futures

    In this episode, Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the current state of college football, reflecting on the recent national championship game and the implications of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and the transfer portal on player development and team culture. They emphasize the importance of building character and relationships in college sports, while also addressing the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of college athletics. The conversation delves into the challenges facing college football today, focusing on the broken support system for athletes, the impact of money on their decisions, the diminishing importance of education, and the need for a broader definition of success that includes character and life skills beyond performance on the field. Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the critical role of coaches in shaping athletes' futures, emphasizing the importance of graduation, financial literacy, and developing a sense of identity beyond sports. They advocate for creating a culture that prioritizes education and career preparation, treating NIL opportunities as business ventures, and building mentorship pipelines with successful alumni. The discussion also highlights the necessity of networking during college and embracing failure as a vital part of personal growth. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 Dexter McCleon Jr 01:21 The Mental Health Playbook Theme 01:56 Introduction and Personal Check-in 06:00 Reflections on the College Football Season 10:09 The Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal 17:05 Future of College Football and Player Development 21:03 Understanding the Broken System in College Football 25:34 The Impact of Money on Young Athletes 29:52 Education Takes a Backseat 34:53 Identity Beyond Performance 39:12 Coaching Success Redefined 45:24 Addressing the Responsibility of Coaches 47:25 The Importance of Graduation and Career Preparation 49:54 Financial Literacy and NIL as a Business 53:22 Developing Identity Beyond Sports 56:28 Building Alumni Mentorship Pipelines 1:02:38 Networking and Life After Football 1:06:16 Embracing Failure as Part of Growth 1:11:16 Close Out Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m

  7. JAN 22

    The NIL Playbook

    In this episode of the Mental Health Playbook, Coach Trav interviews Kylon Lewis, the head of the NIL department at WMA Sports. At just 22 years old, Kylon has made significant strides in the sports business world, particularly in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for athletes. He shares his journey from being a standout athlete in high school to pursuing a career that combines his love for sports with business acumen. Kylon emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system and how his experiences as a first-generation student-athlete have shaped his mission to help others navigate the complexities of NIL deals. Coach Trav and Kylon Lewis delve into the intricacies of endorsement deals, paid social posts, and the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for athletes. Kylon explains the fundamental differences between endorsement deals, which foster ongoing partnerships, and paid social posts, which are more transactional and often yield lower compensation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the commitment involved in endorsement deals, including the need for athletes to actively engage with the products they promote. The conversation also touches on the significance of budgeting and financial literacy for young athletes, highlighting the necessity of having open discussions about money management within families. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 Frederick Flip Richards 01:09 The Mental Health Playbook Theme 01:54 What Happens After The Success? 04:47 Introduction to Kylon Lewis 06:50 Kylon's Background and Passion for Sports 11:52 Understanding NIL: Basics and Myths 15:00 The Importance of Personal Branding in NIL 16:04 How NIL Deals Work 19:12 Determining Athlete Compensation 25:12 Understanding Endorsements vs. Paid Posts 27:36 The Role of NIL in Athlete Branding 31:12 Family Involvement in NIL Decisions 34:48 09:42 The Importance of Budgeting for Athletes 37:46 Protecting Young Athletes in NIL Situations 40:26 Starting Early: When to Think About NIL 43:43 Building Your Brand the Right Way 45:53 Overcoming the Pressure of NIL Competition 48:07 WMA Sports: Supporting Athletes in NIL 55:26 Quote of the Day: Denzel Washington 56:45 Close Out & Takeaway NIL, endorsement deals, paid social posts, athlete branding, financial literacy, budgeting, Kylon Lewis, Coach Trav, athlete marketing, sports business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min

  8. JAN 14

    NFL's Fired Coaches & Hot List Coordinators

    In this episode of Coaches Corner, Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the recent changes in the NFL coaching landscape, particularly focusing on Mike Tomlin's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers. They explore the implications of such changes, the qualities that define effective head coaches, and the future prospects for coaches in the league. The conversation also touches on the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the challenges faced by coaches in managing player relationships. Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the essential traits of a successful head coach, contrasting them with those of elite coordinators. They explore the importance of building a strong culture, effective leadership, staff hiring, game management, emotional control, and communication skills. The discussion emphasizes that a head coach's role extends beyond just football strategy, focusing on people management and creating a cohesive team environment. Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour discuss the vital roles of elite assistants in coaching, emphasizing the importance of scheme mastery, teaching, player development, adaptability, detail, execution, and small group leadership. They explore how these elements contribute to a successful coaching strategy in the NFL, highlighting the need for coordinators to lead their departments effectively while head coaches oversee the entire organization. Coach Trav and Coach Jerry Seymour evaluate various NFL coaches who have recently been fired or are under scrutiny. They discuss whether these coaches should return as head coaches, take on assistant roles, or step back as analysts. The conversation covers notable figures like Pete Carroll, Raheem Morris, Kevin Stefanski, Jonathan Gannon, Mike McDaniel, Brian Dable, and Brian Callahan, providing insights into their coaching styles, challenges faced, and potential future paths in their careers.  SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog 00:00 Erin Jackson USA Women's Speed Skater 01:05 The Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme 01:48 Introduction and New Directions 03:48 Coaching Carousel and Mike Tomlin's Departure 11:48 Future Prospects for Coaches and Teams 12:44 The Foundation of Coaching: Head Coach vs. Coordinator 15:44 Building Culture and Leadership in Coaching 18:40 Staff Hiring and Delegation Challenges 21:32 Game Management and Situational Mastery 24:39 Emotional Control and Player Management 27:39 Communication and Public Leadership as a Coach 29:04 The Role of Elite Assistants in Coaching 45:40 Game Time: Evaluating Coaching Careers NFL, coaching carousel, Mike Tomlin, sports analysis, leadership, coaching strategies, team dynamics, player management, coaching changes, football insights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m
See All (29)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the "machines" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport. Join Coach Trav as he helps athletes navigate the highs and lows of their journey, pushing them to think outside the box and discover their authentic selves. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or fan, this podcast offers powerful conversations about mental health, resilience, and self-discovery in the world of sports. Together, we’ll explore the truth behind the statement: You are more than an athlete Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Underdog Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chris Horwedel
  • Show Website
    The Mental Health Playbook