The Athlete's Mindset

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with Joe Burton , founder of NJTraining, to explore how powerful the mind can be, especially for young athletes. We dive into the importance of mental coaching, understanding your “why” as a coach, and how self-talk and mindset shape performance both on and off the field. Joe shares practical strategies to help athletes manage comparison, contr...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with former Purdue walk-on turned NFL player Jake Thieneman to explore the journey from overlooked athlete to professional — and how that journey continues long after the final snap. We talk about overcoming adversity, building self-confidence, and what it takes mentally to not only compete at a high level, but to grow beyond the game. Jake sha...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , Dalys Beanum shares his inspiring journey from a high school athlete in Omaha, Nebraska, to becoming a standout cornerback at South Dakota State University , and now, a professional player with the New Orleans Saints . Dalys opens up about navigating the uncertainty of college football during COVID-19, working through injuries, and the mental toughness it...

In this powerful episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , mental health and sports performance consultant Mark Jones offers a masterclass on the psychology behind athletic performance. From his early days at Boys Town to his current role supporting athletes at Creighton University , Mark shares decades of experience helping athletes build resilience, manage pressure, and develop a healthier, more sustai...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with Jake Kistaitis , a former college baseball player turned sports performance coach in professional baseball. Jake shares his journey from the field to the weight room and what it takes to keep athletes physically and mentally sharp throughout a long season. We dive into the importance of building trust with athletes , injury prevention , an...

In this episode, Kyle Perry shares his journey from pitching at the University of Nebraska to entertaining crowds as a member of the Savannah Bananas. Kyle opens up about the highs and lows of his college career, including the adversity he faced through injury and how it shaped his mental game. He reflects on leadership, resilience, and why connecting with teammates on a personal level matters. We...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , Brice Matthews shares his journey from high school standout to first-round MLB draft pick . Brice opens up about the mental challenges of transitioning to college baseball, navigating slumps, and staying confident through adversity. He reflects on the cultural differences between college and pro ball, the routines that keep him locked in, and the mindset...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , Colby Halter dives into his journey from growing up in Florida to playing in the SEC at the University of Florida, and now pursuing his dream in professional baseball. Colby opens up about the mental side of the game—how he handled adversity, embraced competition, and learned to control what he could. We talk about the importance of perspective, the grind...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , Spencer Schwellenbach takes us through his incredible journey from being a standout two-way player at the University of Nebraska to making his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning to professional baseball, overcoming Tommy John surgery, and the mental resilience needed to compete at the highest level. Spence...

From Omaha to the big leagues—Max Anderson’s journey is one of relentless work and a winning mentality. In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , Max shares his path from the University of Nebraska, where he became a 1st Team All-Big Ten and 2nd Team All-American, to getting drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2nd round of the 2023 MLB Draft. We dive into the mindset that has fueled his success,...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I’m joined by Nick Brink , a right-handed pitcher from Portland, Oregon, who overcame a season-ending injury in his sophomore year at the University of Portland. Despite the setback, Nick rebounded to become a First-Team All-Conference pitcher two years in a row and earned a 7th-round draft selection by the Miami Marlins. We discuss the mindset it takes t...

In this first episode of The Athlete’s Mindset , I sit down with Sam Stuhr , a right-handed pitcher from Portland, Oregon. After a standout season at the University of Portland—where he earned Second Team All-WCC honors —Sam was drafted in the 5th round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics . We dive into the mental side of baseball , including how he battled through adversity, learned to...