The Millennium Counseling Center Podcast

Welcome to the Millennium Counseling Center Podcast, hosted by therapist Lilly Wehman and intern Amelia Abernathy. In this episode of the Dating in Your 20s series, Lilly and Amelia dive into attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and how they shape dating in your twenties. From overanalyzing texts to ghosting fears, they share personal insights, client experiences, and prac...

In this fun and nostalgic episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Lyda Robinson and Sasa (Alessandra DiPace) dive into the athletes who inspired them most growing up. Sharing stories from their childhood, they reflect on the power of sports idols in shaping their athletic journeys, mentalities, and even their identities beyond the game. From Lyda’s admiration for Jenny Finch and Rachel Garc...

In this solo episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, Lyda Robinson reflects on her journey of identity, loss, and personal growth since stepping away from competitive softball. Lyda shares how watching herself play again brought back powerful memories, both good and challenging, and how it reminded her of the rush and purpose that sports once gave her. She talks about the difficulty of moving on...

In this episode of the Life After Sport series on the Athlete Wellness Podcast, Sarah Meister and Natalie Miller explore the journey of finding purpose and redefining identity once the athletic chapter comes to an end. Both former athletes-turned-therapists share their personal stories of navigating career shifts, discovering new passions, and embracing the uncertainties that come with life beyond...

In this special episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, host Lyda Robinson sits down with fellow Millennium intern Natalie Miller to discuss her unique path from a successful career in photography to pursuing her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Natalie shares how her background as a collegiate volleyball player and her creative experience in art therapy have shaped her appro...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Alessandra DiPace and Thomas Kalapurakal continue the Life After Sport series with an in-depth discussion on the emotional and psychological challenges athletes face when stepping away from their sport. They explore the profound sense of identity loss, the struggle to find purpose beyond competition, and the importance of rebuilding one’...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, our Athlete Wellness Director, Sarah Meister, talks with intern Laney Malloy about the importance of finding community after sport. As former athletes themselves, they share personal stories about navigating the social shifts that come with stepping away from competitive athletics. Sarah and Laney explore the challenges of building new friendships,...

This episode is part of the Dating in Your 20s series, where Amelia and Lilly dive into the complexities of the “talking stage” – that ambiguous period of getting to know someone before officially dating. They explore the emotional highs and lows of modern communication, from text anxiety to navigating expectations in a digital age. Through candid discussions and relatable experiences, Amelia and...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, host Alessandra DiPace welcomes registered dietitian and former elite athlete Katie Spada Hilliard to discuss the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and athletic identity. Katie, a former synchronized swimmer at The Ohio State University and a U.S. National Team member, shares her journey through elite athletics, the pressures of...

In this first episode of the Life After Sport series on the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Amelia and Lilly discuss the transition from competitive athletics to everyday life. They explore the emotional and mental challenges of leaving sports behind and redefining one’s identity. Through their personal experiences, Amelia and Lilly reflect on the highs and lows of post-sport life, the pressures o...

Dating in your twenties can be a thrilling yet confusing time, and this episode of the Dating in Your 20s series delves into the realities of modern relationships. Amelia and Lilly discuss the emotional challenges and societal pressures that come with dating in your 20s. From the fear of being labeled “clingy” or “too independent” to the struggle of staying authentic, they...

Welcome back to our Dating in Your 20s series! In this episode, Amelia and Lilly dive into an important and often overlooked topic—how dating impacts mental health. Navigating modern dating is already overwhelming with apps, social media, and conflicting advice, but how do we take care of our minds and well-being in the process? Key Discussion Points in “Dating in Your 20s – Prioritizing Mental He...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Lyda Robinson and Dr. Derick Boyd continue the Life After Sport series with a discussion on finding identity and purpose. They explore the challenges and emotions athletes face when stepping away from their sport. As former athletes turned therapists, they share their personal experiences navigating post-sport identity shifts, the struggles of...

New Year’s resolutions often come with high expectations, but how do we actually sustain meaningful change? In this episode, Oren and Derek dive into the psychology of resolutions, goal-setting, and the importance of consistency over perfection. They explore why many people abandon their resolutions by late January and how shifting the focus from outcome-driven goals to daily progress can lead to...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Amelia and Lilly kick off a new series: Dating in Your 20s. They discuss online dating and the modern dating landscape, focusing on dating apps, social media’s influence, and navigating relationships while establishing personal identity. Whether you’re actively dating or taking time for self-discovery, this episode offers perspectiv...

In this conversation, Lilly sits down with Olga Gvozdenovic, a former standout athlete and passionate advocate for youth sports and mental health. Olga played a pivotal role in leading Loyola Academy to state championships and continued her basketball and tennis careers at Duke University, where she contributed to multiple conference titles and NCAA tournament runs. This conversation explored the...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness series from Millennium Counseling Center, clinical intern Alessandra DiPace sits down with Paralympic gold medalist Noelle Malkamaki to discuss the intersection of mental health and athletics, particularly focusing on identity and performance in both able-bodied and Paralympic sports. They discuss: Noelle’s journey from youth sports to becoming a Paral...

In this episode, Derek appears as a guest on the show Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable (RAV), hosted by Jacob Newton. Derek shares his personal and professional insights on the many paths to recovery and mental wellness. With 20 years of sobriety, Derek describes recovery not as a straight line but as a gradual journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning. He emphasizes there’s no single &...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness series from Millennium Counseling Center, Lilly and Lyda talk about the complex world of college sports recruitment. Sharing their personal experiences, they offer insights into the highs and lows of the process, tips for prospective college athletes, and the importance of balancing mental health alongside athletic pursuits. This episode is packed with pract...

In this inspiring episode, Derick sits down with Jonathon Dues, co-founder of Swish House, to discuss his journey in creating a unique basketball-based fitness experience. Balancing a demanding career, family life, and his love for the game, Jonathon searched for a way to stay connected to basketball—a sport that brought him joy and fitness. Noticing a gap in the fitness industry for high-quality,...

In this Athlete Wellness episode of the Millennium Counseling Center podcast, Derek and Lyda discuss practical strategies for staying mentally and physically healthy in winter. They share personal tips, psychoeducation, and actionable ideas for creating routines that support mental and physical well-being during the colder months. Whether you’re an athlete or not, this episode offers inspiration f...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the complexities of communication in relationships — how open dialogue, emotional awareness, and intentional check-ins can strengthen connections. They explore the challenges of navigating conflict, the importance of understanding personal reactions, and how small daily practices can foster intimacy and trust. Whether you...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren explore how to cultivate a sense of self-worth and let go of the need for constant comparison. They discuss the idea of the “measuring stick” we use to gauge our success and how it can motivate or harm us. Learn how to shift your perspective, focus on personal growth, and embrace a mindset of enoughness to manage life’s pressures...

In this Athlete Wellness podcast series episode, Sarah Meister and Laney Malloy, former Division One college volleyball players and now therapists, dive into the role of mental preparation and pregame rituals for athletes. They discuss how routines, superstitions, and team rituals can reduce anxiety, build confidence, and foster team unity. Topics Covered in “Pregame Rituals and Mental Preparation...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the role of honesty, transparency, and vulnerability in building trusting relationships. They explore the difference between avoiding dishonesty and embracing transparency. They share how honesty can help relationships and create intimacy. Build trust, communicate openly, and feel more connected. Topics Covered in “Honest...