The Athlete's Mindset

Sam Stuhr is back on The Athlete’s Mindset and this time, a lot has changed. Sam was the very first guest on this podcast , and since that first conversation, he's gone from college baseball at the University of Portland to professional baseball in the Athletics organization. In this episode, we talk about what Sam has learned about pitching at the professional level, including execution, stuf...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by my former University of Portland teammate Jonas Salk . Jonas and I dive into the idea of the “insecure overachiever,” why athletes often focus more on their weaknesses than their strengths, and what it means to raise your ceiling instead of your floor. We also talk about separating performance from identity, managing the things you can contr...

What happens in your mind when the pressure hits? In this episode of The Athlete's Mindset , I'm joined by Jeanene Gray, M.S., M.Ed., a mental performance professional with more than 14 years of experience working with athletes in Power 4 football, including at the University of Oregon. Jeanene breaks down the mental side of performance and explains why athletes often get "mentally st...

In this episode of The Athlete's Mindset , I'm joined by professional pitcher Drew Christo of the Atlanta Braves organization. Drew takes us through his journey from being one of the top baseball recruits in Nebraska, to playing at the University of Nebraska, going undrafted, and eventually getting his opportunity with the Braves. We talk about handling expectations, overcoming struggles e...

In this episode of The Athlete's Mindset , I'm joined by Shay Schanaman , professional pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization and former Nebraska standout. Shay shares his journey from growing up in Nebraska to earning an opportunity in professional baseball after going undrafted. We dive into what life in the minor leagues is really like, the preparation that goes into competing every...

In this episode of The Athlete's Mindset , I'm joined by Jed Collins , former NFL fullback, Certified Financial Planner, and founder of Money Vehicle . Jed shares his incredible journey from going undrafted and being cut 13 times to building a seven-year NFL career. We dive into what it's really like to play in the NFL, the mindset that helped him overcome constant rejection, and why r...

In this episode of The Athlete's Mindset , I'm joined by Jax Brockett , left-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization and former standout at the University of Nebraska. Jax shares the highs and lows of his baseball journey, from growing up in Nebraska and pitching for the Huskers to throwing one of the most memorable no-hitters in recent program history. We dive into the mental chal...

In this episode of The Athlete's Mindset , I'm joined by legendary former Nebraska Volleyball Head Coach Terry Pettit , the coach who built Nebraska Volleyball into a national powerhouse and led the program to its first national championship in 1995. Coach Pettit shares his incredible journey into coaching, the lessons he learned while building one of the most successful programs in colleg...

In this episode of The Athlete's Mindset , I'm joined by Millard North Head Baseball Coach and 2026 Nebraska Class A State Champion Bob Hlavac . Coach Hlavac has built a championship program rooted in accountability, discipline, leadership, and high standards. As someone who had the opportunity to play for Bob during my own baseball career, this conversation was especially meaningful as we...

In this solo episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I reflect on some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through sports, podcasting, broadcasting, and conversations with collegiate and professional athletes over the past year. From confidence and discipline to leadership, comparison, relationships, and personal philosophy, this episode dives into the ideas and quotes that have genuinely changed the w...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by former California State University, Fullerton catcher and former Baltimore Orioles draft pick Cole Urman . Cole shares his journey from high school baseball to Cal State Fullerton, overcoming injuries, earning the starting catcher role, and eventually getting drafted into professional baseball. We dive into the mindset behind catching, what...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by James Conway , the all-time Division I leader in career tackles and a standout linebacker from Fordham University . James’ journey is built on consistency, discipline, and a relentless approach to preparation. From his path to college football to becoming one of the most productive defensive players in the history of the game, he shares what...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by former Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. Tommy shares his journey from high school to becoming the starting quarterback at the University of Nebraska, one of the most demanding positions in college football. We dive into the pressure that comes with leading a program like Nebraska, what it means to truly “own” the quarterback role, an...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by former Oregon and Northwestern baseball player Tyler Ganus. Tyler’s journey through college baseball wasn’t a traditional path. From navigating the recruiting process as a walk-on to facing rejection and uncertainty, he had to develop a strong mental foundation to stay confident and keep moving forward. In this conversation, we dive into the...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by former Nebraska quarterback and current member of the San Francisco 49ers, Adrian Martinez. Adrian opens up about what it was really like being the starting quarterback at University of Nebraska, a place where football carries immense history, passion, and expectation. We talk about the pressure that comes with leading a program like Nebrask...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by Caden Connor , former Cal State Fullerton standout and current member of the Chicago White Sox organization. Caden shares his journey from growing up with strong family support to earning the opportunity to play at Fullerton and eventually being drafted into professional baseball. We dive into what the transition from college to pro ball rea...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by Max Browne , former five-star quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst, for an honest conversation about expectations, adversity, and life after football. Max takes us inside what it was really like being one of the most highly touted recruits in the country at USC, from the external hype to the internal pressure that came with...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by Kenyon Yovan , a former standout two-way player at the University of Oregon, as he shares his journey through college baseball, injury, and the challenges of professional ball. Kenyon opens up about his decision to play at Oregon, the pride of helping build the program close to home, and how a serious injury forced him to confront adversity...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with my brother, Colby Gomes, a standout two-way player at the University of Nebraska, for a conversation that’s equal parts personal and powerful. We dive into the competitiveness that defined our childhood, the role our parents played in shaping our mindset, and Colby’s journey through college baseball. Colby opens up about the mental and emo...

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin McGonigle , the Detroit Tigers’ No. 1 prospect and the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball , to talk about what it really takes to handle expectations at the highest level. Kevin shares his journey from falling in love with the game at a young age to the emotions of draft day, representing Team USA , and transitioning into professional baseball. We dive into th...

Max Anderson is back on The Athlete’s Mindset for his second appearance on the podcast, and this time he’s reflecting on a breakout 2025 season in the Detroit Tigers organization. In this episode, Max dives into his experience playing at both Double-A and Triple-A, the mental adjustments that fueled his consistency, and how learning to play freely helped him elevate his performance. He shares what...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with Cincinnati Reds prospect and Omaha native Tyson Lewis to talk through his journey from Nebraska high school standout to professional baseball player. Tyson opens up about the highs and lows of recruitment, battling injuries, and the pressure that comes with being a young athlete with big expectations. We dive deep into the mental side of t...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with Hunter Breault, a right-handed pitcher in the Oakland Athletics organization who has carved out a role as a steady, high-pressure closer. From growing up in Hawaii with limited scouting exposure to competing at the University of Oregon and eventually signing with the A’s, Hunter shares the mindset and preparation that shaped his journey. W...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , Emma Spence shares her inspiring journey from a young gymnast in Canada to competing on the world stage and becoming a leader at the University of Nebraska. She opens up about the mental challenges that come with elite performance, the lessons she learned as an Olympic alternate, and how transitioning to NCAA gymnastics gave her a new appreciation for com...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with Husker legend and former No. 1 overall MLB Draft pick Darin Erstad . From growing up in North Dakota to leading the Nebraska baseball program to national prominence, Darin shares his incredible journey through college baseball, professional success, and his transition into coaching. We discuss the mindset that fueled his consistency at the...