Athlete Mindset

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii shares insights with Kai Laird, a distinguished figure in sport and performance psychology, as well as a mental health advocate. With an extensive background that bridges athletic performance and mental well-being, Laird brings knowledge and experience to this enlightening conversation. This 3-part podcast series is titled: Developing the N...

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii shares space with Doug Middleton, a six-year NFL veteran and mental health advocate. Doug shares his journey through professional football, his transition to becoming a yoga instructor and studio owner of Dream Yoga and Wellness, and his passionate advocacy for mental health through his leadership of the Dream The Impossible Foundation. Fro...

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa shares space with Dr. Brook Choulet, a renowned concierge psychiatrist specializing in sports psychiatry. With a passionate commitment to enhancing the mental health and performance of athletes and high achievers, Dr. Choulet shares her unique approach to psychiatry, her journey into the specialized field of sports psychiatry, and valuable advice for athlet...

An Athlete Mindset special episode featuring Lisa Bonta Summi's thoughts on the importance of therapy.   In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii discusses the following topics: The importance of seeking out a mental health professional. Therapy does not make you weak, and you don’t have to tell everything to your therapist. You can engage in preventative therapy; you don’t have to wait for something to...

An Athlete Mindset podcast episode featuring Ashlee Fontes-Comber, the founder and CEO of TLH Reckoning and the former president of United Soccer Coaches. TLH Reckoning, also known as Tallahassee Reckoning, is a professionally operated women’s soccer franchise breaking geographic and institutional barriers. TLH Reckoning is inspired by the generations of elite talent in Tallahassee, Florida. They...

In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii shares space with Dr. Wilsa Charles Malveaux to discuss the role of sports psychiatry in enhancing athletes' mental health and performance. This is the Athlete Mindset podcast. And it’s all about mental health in sports. Presented and produced as part of the podcast network by SportsE Media. Topics discussed in this episode "The Intersection of Sports Psychiatry a...

In this empowering episode of Athlete Mindset, we're honored to host Danita Johnson, a trailblazer in the world of sports. As the President of Business Operations for D.C. United, Danita brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the forefront. We discuss the core themes of consistency, communication, and commitment. And then explore how these principles have shaped her career an...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast! In today's conversation, we sit down with Vanessa De Jesus, a remarkable collegiate basketball player from Duke University, also known for her significant role in the Philippine National Team. Beyond her prowess on the court, Vanessa discusses her life off the court, where it’s all about family! SUBSCRIBE to Athlete Mindset for $...

Bianca McCall. A story and a journey that transcends the AAU courts and professional basketball in Italy. Her story on the Athlete Mindset podcast touches on valuable lessons learned both on and off the court. Witnessing the limitations of access to youth sports, Bianca champions efforts to make it more inclusive. Her transition from athlete to advocate highlights the challenges and triumphs of a...

A conversation about the mental game of sports and performance. This episode features special guest, Aren Ulmer. In this episode, we discuss athlete mental health and Aren's own journey as an athlete and beyond. Episode Highlights: Journey to Mental Wellness: Discover the spark that ignited Aren's interest in athlete mental health and led him to pursue a master's degree. Birth of the Podcast: Unco...

In this special episode of the Athlete Mindset, two influential figures in the field of athlete mental health join forces. This time our host Lisa Bonta Sumii is a guest along with Dr. Tiana S. Woolridge, on the Twins Talk it Up Podcast . As experts in the field, they offer their distinctive insights on athlete mental health. Moreover, they have an exciting announcement to share – their book, The...

For Amobi Okugo, efficiency is paramount. While we recognize that efficiency is crucial for high-performing athletes, Amobi extends this concept beyond the realm of sports. Efficient living is not just about optimizing athletic performance; it’s also a key element in managing our lives and finances effectively. This is particularly important for athletes, given their shorter careers, as cultivatin...

Be Playful. Be Purposeful. Be Passionate. The core values of our guest today Kim Brady. As a small business coach, soccer player, and former therapist, Kim’s experiences have shaped her unique perspective on success and personal growth. In this episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast, we dive into Kim Brady’s fascinating insights on athlete identity, the business and coaching world, and the importa...

Meet Duke University’s Dr. Aaron Goodson, the driving force behind Duke University’s Mental Health and Performance Department. In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we explore the vital significance of embedding clinical mental health and mental performance consultation services within athletic departments, the importance of racial and ethnic representation among practitioners, and much more. Join u...

This episode features Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center, Derek Bylsma. This episode is about bringing lived experience to clinical work, suicide prevention and awareness, and addressing the mental health stigma that still exists today. In this Athlete Mindset podcast, Derek also discusses mental health in young athletes, his background...

Many see the NFL as the peak, but for Colin Jonov that was just the beginning. We talk all things mental fortitude in this episode of Athlete Mindset.  In this episode: Getting cut from the Buffalo Bills was a huge wakeup call for Colin Learning to identify with the things you can control (who you are) Athletes are often seen as gladiators, but behind the scenes, they are normal people with lives...

Michelle Colson, a professional footballer, reflects on her journey to becoming the player she is today and explores her personal growth beyond the football field. In this episode: Michelle Colson recalls her childhood where she often found herself as the only girl on the pitch. Michelle discusses her decision to become an ambassador for Devine Time and highlights the vital work they do for women...

Allison Schmitt, a professional swimmer and 10-time Olympic medalist shares her journey in swimming, her experiences at the Olympics, and her passion for sports and mental health. In this episode: Allison shares the profound impact her cousin’s tragic suicide had on her — it’s what fueled Allison’s passion for mental health. Allison talks about feeling different, fame, and experiencing isolation a...

This is a unique Athlete Mindset episode where Lisa Bonta Sumii is the guest. And it’s all about helping athletes transition to life after sports… Athletes to Entrepreneurs. The host for this episode is Rob Finkelstein. Rob is the CEO & Founder of Alumni Direct. And he is the host of the podcast Athletes to Entrepreneurs. We’re bringing an episode of his show to the Athlete Mindset podcast bec...

In this special episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii was featured on the Between Two Worlds podcast, hosted by Megan Reyes. Megan is a sports industry influencer, on-camera host, content creator, and a leading voice for social justice, diversity and inclusion, and mental health in sports. In this riveting conversation originally aired on Between Two Worlds, Lisa joins other notable Fi...

This is a special episode from the flagship show on SportsEpreneur: “The Sports Backdrop” Sports got us together in the first place, but in this podcast, sports are the backdrop for way bigger conversations! This is a conversation on the simplification of sports science, a story on bullying, and sleep. You can find “The Sports Backdrop” on your podcast player of choice. In this episode, sports sci...

In this Roots Radio episode, co-hosts Lisa Bonta Sumii and Richie Nuñez feature singer/songwriter, Fantastic Negrito. Fantastic Negrito takes you on a journey, portraying a narrative of triumph over adversity. His journey is a representation of a musician from Oakland who experienced the zenith of securing a million-dollar record contract, plummeted into the abyss after a life-threatening car acci...

In this Roots Radio episode, co-hosts Lisa Bonta Sumii and Richie Nuñez feature musician, singer, songwriter, and creator, Mara Hruby. About Mara Hruby:  Mara Hruby doesn’t just play music—she lives it. Since the onset of her career, the Oakland, CA native has poured her soul into her velvet confections, drawing inspiration from lessons that she’s gleaned in her personal life and funneling them in...

You’re in for a treat on this episode of Athlete Mindset! Our very own Lisa Bonta Sumii, founder and guiding force behind AthMindset, takes the hot seat to dish out some game-changing perspectives. We’re diving deep into the crucial role of mental health in sports and business performance. So, get ready as we discuss mental coaching, the urgent need for more funding for mental health initiatives,...

In this week’s very special episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii sits in on a conversation with Prim Siripipat, host of The Next Chapter, as part of LG Electronics’ Transparent Conversations live podcast series discussing Student-Athlete mental health and wellbeing. The conversation took place from the LG Fan Court experience on-location for the Men’s Final Four Championship in Housto...