The Thinklete Podcast

Why do so many ADHD athletes get labeled as "too emotional," "not paying attention," or "badly behaved" when the reality is something completely different? In this episode of The Thinklete Podcast , Derek and Aleka are joined by Thinklete mentor Janie Kokakis —former Division I track athlete, speech-language pathologist, and ADHD parent—to have an honest conversation...

Our guest this episode is Amy Pieczarka, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with over 40 years of experience specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, food sensitivities, and personalized nutrition strategies. She is the creator and director of PrevyMedica Nutrition Services, where she helps individuals and families improve focus, regulation, health, and performance through nutritio...

In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with Michael McLeod , founder of GrowNOW ADHD, creator of the Internal Skills Coaching Model, and an award-winning speaker with over 20 years of experience helping kids and families navigate ADHD and executive functioning challenges. As the author of The Executive Function Playbook and a leading voice in ADHD development, Mike’s work centers on owne core i...

In this episode, Derek sits down with Special Olympics athlete leaders Declan Fawcett and Amanda Harrinauth, along with Alyssa Cress, Manager of Inclusive Leadership Development for Special Olympics North America, to explore the true meaning of leadership, inclusion, and opportunity. Together, they share how Special Olympics has created a space where athletes can not only compete, but lead—amplify...

What if the biggest threat to your child’s development isn’t failure… but the environment they’re in? In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Frazier—best-selling author of The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit Brain —to unpack the hidden impact of bullying, toxic coaching, and psychological abuse in youth sports. A former award-winning educator who taught at the University of Toronto, Jennifer left...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cat Lutz , Director of Mental Performance at IMG Academy, to break down what truly separates elite athletes from the rest—and why it has far more to do with mindset than talent. With over a decade of experience working with athletes from youth to professional levels—and a background as a Division I athlete and professional basketball player herself—Cat brings...

Youth sports should build confidence, resilience, and character. But too often, pressure, comparison, and adult expectations get in the way. In this episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with John O’Sullivan, internationally recognized TEDx speaker and founder of the Changing the Game Project. Since launching the organization in 2012, John has helped schools, clubs, and sports organizations...

On this episode of Thinklete , Derek Shunk sits down with Emma Lapierre , an Accredited Social Worker specializing in athlete mental health, to explore the unique mental pressures athletes face—especially neurodivergent athletes navigating performance, perfectionism, emotional regulation, and burnout. Emma shares both professional insight and personal experience as a former athlete, offering pract...

On almost every team, there are young athletes who want to succeed. They look capable. They understand the game. They care. But something isn’t clicking. They’re inconsistent. They overreact. They miss instructions. And too often, they get labeled lazy, unfocused, or "uncoachable".But what if the issue isn’t effort? What if it’s processing??In this episode, Derek sits down with Dr. Timothy Baghurs...

Every parent says they just want what’s best for their kid. But in youth sports, that line gets blurry fast. When does support turn into pressure? When does coaching cross into control? And how do you raise a competitive athlete without damaging the relationship? In this episode of Thinklete, Derek sits down with Ben Cecchini, author of Full-Time Parent… Part-Time Coach, to unpack the real challen...

Talent gets you noticed. Character keeps you in the room. In this powerful episode of the Thinklete Podcast, Derek sits down with former NFL defensive back, Vernon Kearney, to talk about what truly separates elite athletes from the rest, neurodivergent or not. After playing at Lane College and spending time with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cleveland Browns, Coach Vern transitioned f...

In this episode of the Thinklete Podcast , I sit down with Dr. Ross Greene , author of The Explosive Child and Lost at School , to challenge everything we’ve been taught about discipline, behavior, and defiance. Dr. Greene’s core belief is simple—and disruptive: kids do well if they can. When they don’t, the issue isn’t motivation or attitude—it’s unmet skills and unsolved problems. This conversat...

In this episode of the Thinklete Podcast , I sit down with Coach Werther Marciales , founder of Fellowship Jiu-Jitsu in Sarasota, Florida, for a deep, honest conversation about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, neurodivergent athletes, and real-world development beyond wins and medals . Coach Werther shares his personal journey—from struggling with ADHD as a kid, losing his first 19 wrestling matches, and find...

In this powerful episode of Thinklete , Derek Shunk sits down with Eric Chessen , founder of Autism Fitness , to explore how fitness can become a lifelong skill for neurodivergent athletes—not just a short-term activity. Eric shares his personal journey from a non-elite sports background to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt, strength coach, and behavior science specialist. Along the way, he explains...

In this introductory episode, host  Derek Shunk , a former professional baseball player, Division I baseball coach, and Villanova Hall of Fame inductee, shares the story behind Thinklete and the journey that shaped its philosophy. Now a parent navigating life with a neurodivergent child, Derek reflects on the challenges, missteps, and small adjustments that led to meaningful change. This episode s...