Episodes

Coach Craig Kolek , a former NCAA volleyball coach who has transitioned to a mental performance coach joins the show emphasizing body language, focus, and self-talk. He highlights the importance of athletes' ability to bounce...

I am joined by 11-time Ironman champion, Author of An Unlikely Champion, motivational speaker and cystic fibrosis advocate Lisa Bentley to explore what it really means to compete with heart. Lisa walks me through her journey ...

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Huber, a mental performance coach specializing in youth sports. The episode provides a deep dive into the mental side of youth athletics, Huber shares his transition from business co...

In this episode of the Mental Approach podcast, host Todd Arkell interviews Dr. Jen Fry, a TEDx speaker and conflict expert, about the role of conflict in sports and organizational dynamics. They discuss how conflict can be a...

In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell and mental health professional Dale Curd delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome. They explore its definition, common misconceptions, and the role of t...

What happens when good intentions collide with outdated systems? In this episode, Todd sits down with Allison for an unfiltered conversation about what’s really happening inside youth sport—especially hockey—and why “safe spo...

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Andrew Simpson, founder of Players Fitness and Performance, discussing the importance of mental performance in youth sports. Andrew shares his journey from a fitness enthusiast to ...

When your sport background includes, national champion and professional surfer, UCLA collegiate softball player, dirt bike racer and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt multi-world, national, international, and Pan American champi...

Food fuels the brain and in todays high performance culture, food fuels your body to become bigger, stronger and faster. In this episode, Todd Arkell interviews Shannon Mendez, A D1 sports dietitian and sports nutrition speci...

When an MLB broadcast casually criticized her son, Leslee Holliday wasn’t shocked. She’s spent two decades riding the highs and lows of professional baseball with her husband Matt Holliday, and now with their sons Jackson and...

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Dan Connerty, founder of Ntangible, a company focused on enhancing mental performance for athletes through innovative assessment tools. They discuss the importance of measuring men...

Todd Arkell interviews Canadian golfer Monet Chun, who shares her journey from a young athlete in Richmond Hill Canada to playing at the University Michigan, where she won 2024 Big Ten Golfer of the Year and is a two-time Big...

Ryan Mittleman, Vice President of Pro Scouting for the Toronto Blue Jays, discussed his journey from hockey to baseball, highlighting his role in player acquisition and scouting. He detailed the differences between amateur an...

In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell engages with mental performance coach Travis Rogers and young athletes Jalen Jacob and Korbin Greaves in preparation for their participation in the 2025 Prep Baseball F...

In this powerful episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with Bob Wilkie — former professional hockey player, author, founder of I Got Mind, and mental health advocate. Bob’s journey through the highs of junior and professional hockey and the deep lows of trauma, loss, an…

In this episode of The Mental Approach Podcast , host Todd Arkell sits down with former Canadian baseball player and current mental health professional Graham Tebbit . Graham shares his journey from growing up in Canadian bas...

In this weeks episode, host Todd Arkell talks with Ryan Long current hitting coach Witherspoon the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate the Buffalo Bisons. The two chat about the difference in culture and mindset between North Ame...

This episode features an insightful conversation with Jeremy Booth, visionary Founder and CEO of Program 15, President of Baseball Operations for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, former MLB scout, and accomplished baseball analyst and author.

In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell sits down with Libby Triolo, a mental performance coach and licensed professional counselor based in Colorado. Livy, a former competitive soccer player and current bill...

In this episode of the Mental Approach podcast, Todd Arkell interviews Dr. Colt Olson, a mental skills coordinator for the Colorado Rockies. They discuss the challenges of being a student-athlete, the journey into sports psyc...

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Cooper Davis, a former collegiate baseball player at Vanderbilt University, discussing his journey from youth sports in Mississauga, Canada to playing at a prestigious college. The...

In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell speaks with former MLB pitcher Jason Grilli about resilience, mental preparation, and the emotional challenges faced by athletes. Grilli shares insights from hi...

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Chase Lambin about the mental approach to youth sports and coaching. Chase has been the bench coach for the Texas Rangers AAA affiliate the Round Rock Express for the past 5 season...

The discussion follows Ian's journey through numerous injuries, the mental resilience required to overcome them, and the importance of hard work and dedication in youth sports. Ian shares his philosophy on training and the impact of social media on young athletes