Today’s guest is someone whose journey blends faith, excellence, and mentorship in a way that’s truly inspiring. Phil Van Horn is an Emmy Award-winning professional whose career spans decades of impactful storytelling and creative leadership. But beyond the accolades, Phil is a man of deep faith, a mentor who’s had a personal impact on my own journey, and a passionate advocate for data-driven innovation in baseball. From navigating the world of sports analytics to living with purpose and intention, Phil brings insight, humility, and heart to everything he touches. I’m honored to welcome Phil Van Horn to the show.

In this heartfelt episode of The Healthy Mental Pod, Devin sits down with longtime friend and former Los Angeles Dodger, Nick Aikens. From little league diamonds to professional ballparks, their journey together comes full circle as they reflect on the choices they made growing up—and the hard truths we often have to face (and forgive) as adults.

Together, they explore the deep impact of fatherhood, both as sons and now as fathers themselves. With raw honesty, Nick opens up about the emotional blueprint a father leaves on his child, and how presence, love, and vulnerability shape the next generation. This episode is about accountability, healing, and breaking generational cycles—with a few laughs and a whole lot of love along the way.

“Today’s guest is someone I’m proud to call a former teammate from the University of Oklahoma — Joseph Hughes. After a playing career that included time with the Kansas City Royals, Joe moved into coaching and operations, helping lead Texas Tech to four College World Series appearances. Now, through Hughes Baseball Consulting, he guides young athletes and their families through the recruiting process, bringing a full understanding of not just the game itself, but the mental challenges that often get overlooked when choosing the right college fit. Today, we share our own recruiting experiences, reflect on how the landscape has changed, and break down what it truly takes to succeed at the next level. Let’s get into it.”

In today’s episode, I sit down with Sharon Tharp — a veteran entertainment journalist and podcast host with a deep passion for reality TV. We dive into her love for shows like Big Brother and Survivor, and how she’s continuing to cover the latest reality TV moments, often working closely with former Big Brother contestants. Sharon shares how loyalty and trust are at the core of the friendships she’s built within the reality TV world, and why it’s so important to her to spread real news, not misinformation. She also opens up about her personal battles with anxiety, the steps she’s taken to overcome it, and her belief in always investing in yourself and advocating for your worth. To wrap it up, Sharon leaves younger women with some heartfelt advice on staying true to themselves in any industry.

In this episode, Devin sits down with Colombian artist and Berklee College of Music alum, Sergio Salamanca, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. They dive into Sergio’s educational journey, the impact of Berklee on his growth as a musician, and the future of Colombia’s evolving music scene. Sergio opens up about the realities of working in Los Angeles — from creative opportunities to the unseen pressures and potential risks that come with chasing dreams in a competitive industry. Whether you’re an artist, student, or just curious about global music culture, this episode offers real insight into what it takes to carve your path with passion and purpose.

“Welcome to The Healthy Mental Pod, where high performers get real about stress, balance, and mental resilience. I’m your host, Devin Shepherd, bringing you unfiltered conversations with individuals who thrive under pressure—athletes, entrepreneurs, and creatives—sharing how they decompress, disconnect, and stay grounded. Together, we’ll dive into personal stories, mental strategies, and the raw truths of navigating high-stakes environments. This is more than a podcast—it’s a space to reflect, reset, and grow. Brought to you by HallwayEntertainment, let’s get into it!”