Episodes

34
Aug. 26, 2025

From Tragedy to Triumph: One mans story of Hockey, Healing, and Mental Health

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, and identity struggles provides an unflinching look at the realities behind the game.
33
Aug. 12, 2025

From the Mound To The Mind

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 baseball, earning a college scholarship in the U.S., and playing semi-pro in the IBL, to transitioning into a career in mental health and performance coaching. Drawing on both personal experience and professional training, Graham dives into: The mental ups and downs of bei...
33
July 30, 2025

Playing The Long Game

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 American and Japanese players. Growing up in Texas, being recruited to LSU and drafted by the Kansas City Royals. How his experiences led Ryan to coaching and how he applies that knowledge today for those up and coming professionals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...
31
July 22, 2025

Impact Over Dollars - Jeremy Booth

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.
30
July 8, 2025

Understanding Spheres Of Control - Libby Triolo

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 billet mom for a junior hockey team, specializes in helping athletes optimize their performance through mindset mastery and emotional intelligence.
29
June 24, 2025

Embrace Change or Stay Stuck

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 psychology, and the importance of mental skills in sports. Dr. Olson shares insights on building confidence in athletes, the role of education in sports psychology, and effective goal-setting strategies. The conversation emphasizes the significance of focusing on controllables r...
28
June 10, 2025

I owe everything to baseball - Life beyond the game

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. They explore themes of mentorship, perseverance, and the cultural transition from Canada to the U.S. Davis shares insights on the importance of sticking with challenges, the role of leadership in sports, and how his experiences in baseball have translated into his current caree...
27
May 27, 2025

Today’s Menu….Grilled Cheese

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 his extensive career, discussing the importance of mental toughness, the internal competition within teams, and the impact of injuries on performance. He reflects on his experiences during the 2006 World Series and emphasizes the significance of momentum in sports. The convers...
26
May 14, 2025

If you are always trying to fix them... They're always going to feel broke

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 seasons. They discuss the importance of confidence in players, the evolution of mental skills in baseball, and the predator vs. prey mentality that players should adopt. Chase shares insights on how to improve a player's mentality, the significance of simplicity in coaching, and t...
25
April 30, 2025

I’ve Failed, So You Don't Have To

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
24
April 15, 2025

The Mind Is The Engine Of The Car

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Alan Jaeger, a pioneer in the sporting world known for his contributions to arm care and mental training in youth sports. They discuss the importance of mental health awareness, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the need for a balanced approach to physical and mental training. Jaeger emphasizes the significance of mental practice, trust, and neutrality in enhancing performance and well-being. He also shares insights on current projects and memorable success stories from his work with athletes. In this conversation, Todd Arkell and Alan Jaeger explore the significance of mindfulness and mental training in sports and life. They discuss the transformative power of mental practices such as meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises, emphasizing their role in enhancing performance and well-being. Alan shares personal anecdotes and insights on how these practices can lead to tangible results, even in a short time frame. The disc…
23
April 2, 2025

Tryout Season - Crush That Anxiety

Host Todd Arkell brings together Sara Reichenbach and Rob Pallante, two deeply experienced hockey players and mental performance coaches to provide you some assistance to crush that anxiety over tryouts. This conversation delves into the various aspects of tryout anxiety faced by young athletes, particularly in hockey. The discussion highlights the pressures from parents, coaches, and the athletes themselves, and emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment. The speakers share ...
22
March 19, 2025

Hurdle-isms

Baseball icon and now author Clint Hurdle joins the show to share his wisdom on the game and mental performance
21
March 5, 2025

What A Rattlesnake Taught Me About Baseball And Life

In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Will Rogers, a Division I baseball player from the University of Michigan. They discuss Will's experiences in high school and college baseball, as well as his mindset and mental approach to the game. Will shares his journey from being a highly recruited high school player to choosing the college route over pursuing professional baseball. He also talks about the importance of mindset, staying calm under pressure, and playing for the team rather than individual success. In this conversation, Will Rogers discusses his purpose as a baseball player and how he channels his inner Rattlesnake mentality in the game. He talks about the importance of journaling and positive thinking in overcoming challenges and staying focused. Will shares his plan for his senior year at Michigan, balancing school, training, and competing. He emphasizes the need to simplify and stay in the present moment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California…
20
Feb. 26, 2025

Six Pillars To Success

Lucinda Snyder, founder of Peak Flow, discusses the importance of mental performance in youth sports and how she stumbled into this field. She shares her journey of teaching yoga to athletes and the transformative impact it had on them. Lucinda emphasizes the integration of mindfulness and mental performance in sports and how it can benefit athletes beyond the game. She highlights the six pillars of her program, which include mindfulness, body awareness, finding your why, managing the inner critic, building confidence, and bouncing forward from mistakes. Lucinda also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and gratitude in daily life. Lucinda Snyder is a Yoga Alliance 200 RYT Yoga Instructor, Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor, Mental Performance Mastery Coach with certification in Mindfulness for Student Athletes Contact Lucinda Website: Peakflow.info Instagram: @Peak_Flow_ Watch Pillar One: The Foundation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr…
19
Feb. 12, 2025

"Looks Like Somebody's Not Going To The Big Leagues"

Canadian boy cracks the code to play College baseball in the USA and get drafted to his hometown Toronto Blue Jays, now focused on giving back and coaching young kids with a similar dream
18
Jan. 29, 2025

Parenting Athletic Kids - Are You Doing It Wrong?

As a parent do you struggle with how you deal with your young athlete? Do you find friction between the two of you? If that is the case, Travis Rogers provides some insight in how to support your young athlete and maintain you relationship as parent and child.
18
Jan. 15, 2025

We walk into the picture we hold of ourselves.

Pete is a world leader in goalie mindset training. Working with and consulting for many NHL, College and Major Junior Goalies. Discover Pete's mental techniques which are used in the toughest position in sports... goaltending. These techniques are applicable for all sports.
16
Jan. 1, 2025

Nobody's coming to save your life...but you

Jon advocates for creating a supportive and connected environment in youth sports, rather than focusing solely on winning. The conversation explores the themes of self-awareness, mindfulness, and the pursuit of external validation. It emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from distractions and taking moments of stillness to reflect on oneself.
15
Dec. 18, 2024

Screen Time vs Athletic Performance (Shocking Secrets Revealed)

If your childs smartphone limiting their ability to perform in their given sport? Thta is the basis for discussion in this episode of The Mental Approach
14
Dec. 4, 2024

Man In The Mirror

Edwar Gonzalez also shares his philosophy on the mental side of hitting, focusing on the process, preparation, and the ability to make adjustments. He highlights the challenges of transitioning to the big leagues and the need for players to constantly evaluate and improve their game.
13
Nov. 20, 2024

The Cycle Of Change

In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, Todd Arkell interviews Reggie Calhoun Jr., the founder and president of RPA College Prep and the director of operations for 5430, the Colorado Buffaloes NIL collective. They discuss athlete development, the cycle of change, and the impact of mental health on athletes. They also delve into the concept of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and how it allows college athletes to monetize their brand. Reggie provides insights on building a personal brand, leveraging social media, and the allocation of funds in the NIL space. TakeawaysAthlete development encompasses mental, academic, physical, and career aspects.The cycle of change starts with uninformed optimism, goes through the valley of despair, and ends with informed optimism. Concept is explainedNetworking is crucial for athletes to build connections and opportunities.Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) allows college athletes to monetize their brand and receive compensation for their image an…
12
Nov. 13, 2024

Stay Crispy

Jason Ferber, the founder of Real Ballers National Teams and co-founder of Evolution Events, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Coney Island to becoming a successful coach and social media influencer.
11
Nov. 6, 2024

Three Questions To Ask Yourself.....

Dr. Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist and executive coach, shares his background and journey into sports psychology and mental performance.