In this episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with former Canadian baseball player and current mental health professional Graham Tebbit. Graham shares his journey from growing up in Canadian baseball, earning a college scholarship in the U.S., and playing semi-pro in the IBL, to transitioning into a career in mental health and performance coaching.

Drawing on both personal experience and professional training, Graham dives into:

• The mental ups and downs of being an athlete and how to normalize them.
• Strategies for building resilience and reframing setbacks.
• The role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in sports performance.
• How perfectionism, ADHD, and social media influence young athletes today.
• Common mistakes parents and coaches make—and how to better support athletes.

The conversation also explores myths about “mental toughness,” why early mental skills training matters, and how to balance external expectations with personal passion for the game. Graham’s perspective blends the competitive mindset of a high-level athlete with the empathy and insight of a therapist, offering practical advice for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

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In this weeks episode, host Todd Arkell talks with Ryan Long current hitting coach Witherspoon the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate the Buffalo Bisons. The two chat about the difference in culture and mindset between North American and Korean players. Growing up in Texas, being recruited to LSU and drafted by the Kansas City Royals. How his experiences led Ryan to coaching and how he applies that knowledge today for those up and coming professionals.

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This episode features an insightful conversation with Jeremy Booth, visionary Founder and CEO of Program 15, President of Baseball Operations for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, former MLB scout, and accomplished baseball analyst and author.

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In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell sits down with Libby Triolo, a mental performance coach and licensed professional counselor based in Colorado. Livy, a former competitive soccer player and current billet mom for a junior hockey team, specializes in helping athletes optimize their performance through mindset mastery and emotional intelligence.

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In this episode of the Mental Approach podcast, Todd Arkell interviews Dr. Colt Olson, a mental skills coordinator for the Colorado Rockies. They discuss the challenges of being a student-athlete, the journey into sports psychology, and the importance of mental skills in sports. Dr. Olson shares insights on building confidence in athletes, the role of education in sports psychology, and effective goal-setting strategies. The conversation emphasizes the significance of focusing on controllables rather than outcomes, and the integration of mental skills training in spring training for baseball players. In this conversation, Todd Arkell and Colt Olson explore the importance of delegation, the impact of reading and journaling, and the significance of mental resilience in personal and professional growth. They discuss practical tools for self-improvement, including journaling techniques and morning routines, and share valuable book recommendations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for change and the benefits of servant leadership, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from past experiences and interactions.

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In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Cooper Davis, a former collegiate baseball player at Vanderbilt University, discussing his journey from youth sports in Mississauga, Canada to playing at a prestigious college. They explore themes of mentorship, perseverance, and the cultural transition from Canada to the U.S. Davis shares insights on the importance of sticking with challenges, the role of leadership in sports, and how his experiences in baseball have translated into his current career in aviation. The discussion also touches on the impact of injuries and the lessons learned from them, emphasizing the value of teamwork and personal growth. In this conversation, Cooper Davis and Todd Arkell discuss the journey of baseball players, focusing on late bloomers, the value of college baseball, and the importance of facing elite competition. They share insights on influential coaches, the experience of Canadian players in U.S. baseball, and the significance of building a strong foundation in the sport. The discussion also touches on life lessons learned through baseball and advice for young players.

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In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell speaks with former MLB pitcher Jason Grilli about resilience, mental preparation, and the emotional challenges faced by athletes. Grilli shares insights from his extensive career, discussing the importance of mental toughness, the internal competition within teams, and the impact of injuries on performance. He reflects on his experiences during the 2006 World Series and emphasizes the significance of momentum in sports. The conversation highlights the human side of athletes, revealing their struggles and triumphs both on and off the field. In this engaging conversation, Jason Grilli shares his journey from a middle reliever to an All-Star closer, discussing the mental and physical challenges he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of family legacy, the emotional weight of pursuing baseball dreams, and the politics of youth sports. Grilli emphasizes the significance of confidence, overcoming doubt, and the speed of the game. He also delves into his transition to entrepreneurship after baseball, navigating financial challenges, and the importance of trust in business. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for personal growth and the importance of connections.

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In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Chase Lambin about the mental approach to youth sports and coaching. Chase has been the bench coach for the Texas Rangers AAA affiliate the Round Rock Express for the past 5 seasons. They discuss the importance of confidence in players, the evolution of mental skills in baseball, and the predator vs. prey mentality that players should adopt. Chase shares insights on how to improve a player's mentality, the significance of simplicity in coaching, and the impact of influential coaches on his career. The two also spend time discussing Chase's recent book entitled The Hitters Handbook on how to compete with clarity, and be a Tiger in the batters box. The conversation concludes with advice for young players and the importance of daily routines for success.

Connect with Chase

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chaselambin/

https://www.instagram.com/the_hitters_handbook/

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