In this episode, we are joined by Michael Huber, a mental performance coach specializing in youth sports.

The episode provides a deep dive into the mental side of youth athletics, Huber shares his transition from business consulting to sports psychology, driven by his own experiences as a youth coach and a former player who struggled with the "mental game."

Key themes include:

• The Intentional Parent

• Identity Foreclosure

• The "Professionalization" of Youth Sports

• Practical Tools

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In this episode of the Mental Approach podcast, host Todd Arkell interviews Dr. Jen Fry, a TEDx speaker and conflict expert, about the role of conflict in sports and organizational dynamics. They discuss how conflict can be a driver for growth, the importance of acknowledging different identities and experiences, and the challenges of creating inclusive environments in sports. Jen shares insights from her experience as a volleyball coach and her research in sports geography, emphasizing the need for proactive conflict management and the impact of identity on performance.

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In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell and mental health professional Dale Curd delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome. They explore its definition, common misconceptions, and the role of the ego in shaping our self-perception. Dale shares personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, emphasizing the importance of repetition, visualization, and mentorship. The conversation highlights the significance of curiosity in combating self-doubt and offers actionable advice for listeners seeking to navigate their own journeys of personal growth.

Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome is an identity lag between self-perception and reality.
• Fake it till you make it means doing the reps to build confidence.
• Life is about taking steps forward and growing through experiences.
• The ego protects our self-image and can create self-doubt.
• Confidence is built through repetition and practice, not just belief.
• Visualization can be a powerful tool for athletes and individuals.
• Curiosity can help shift the mindset from fear to growth.
• Tracking evidence of success can combat feelings of inadequacy.
• It's important to distinguish between healthy self-criticism and debilitating doubt.
• Seeking mentorship can provide guidance and support in overcoming challenges.

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What happens when good intentions collide with outdated systems?

In this episode, Todd sits down with Allison for an unfiltered conversation about what’s really happening inside youth sport—especially hockey—and why “safe sport” policies aren’t translating into safer experiences for kids.

They dig into the gap between policy and practice: why 60-page rulebooks and online modules don’t change behavior, how coaches are being asked to navigate issues they were never trained for, and why meeting people where they’re at matters more than slamming down new rules. From dressing room policies that don’t work in real facilities, to hazing framed as “tradition,” to the escalating abuse of referees, this episode exposes the cultural blind spots no one wants to talk about.

The conversation goes deeper into the pressure cooker of modern youth sport—early specialization, financial investment, outcome obsession, and entitlement—and how these forces shape both harm and silence. Allison explains the “pyramid of harm,” showing how unchecked attitudes and behaviours can escalate over time, and why punishment alone doesn’t lead to real change.

This is also a deeply human episode. Allison speaks candidly about trauma, survival, and why the damage done in sport often doesn’t surface until decades later. Together, Todd and Allison ask the hard questions parents, coaches, and organizations need to face—before another kid gets hurt.

If you care about youth sport, coaching, parenting, or changing toxic culture from the inside, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Andrew Simpson, founder of Players Fitness and Performance, discussing the importance of mental performance in youth sports. Andrew shares his journey from a fitness enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that includes mindset coaching, nutrition, and physical training. Andrew outlines his "peak performance state triangle" and the "say nothing challenge" for parents. The discussion covers various topics such as parental pressure, early specialization in sports, and practical mindset hacks for athletes. Andrew also highlights the significance of coaches in shaping athletes' mental resilience and the unexpected positive outcomes of integrating mental performance training into athletic programs.

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When your sport background includes, national champion and professional surfer, UCLA collegiate softball player, dirt bike racer and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt multi-world, national, international, and Pan American champion, you might know a thing or two about mindset. In this conversation, Mental Performance coach Danielle Martin joins the show for a second time to discuss her upcoming book Martial Mentality as well as diving into the importance of embracing failure in sports, particularly in baseball, where the statistics show a higher rate of failure than success. She emphasizes the need for athletes to prepare for failure as a rational approach and to reassess their performance without labeling it as good or bad. This mindset allows for a more constructive evaluation of their experiences and fosters emotional resilience.

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Food fuels the brain and in todays high performance culture, food fuels your body to become bigger, stronger and faster. In this episode, Todd Arkell interviews Shannon Mendez, A D1 sports dietitian and sports nutrition specialist, discussing the critical role of nutrition in athletic and mental performance. They explore Shannon's personal journey into sports nutrition, the importance of fueling the body for both physical and mental performance, and practical strategies for athletes to improve their eating habits. The conversation also covers the impact of the microbiome on mental health, the dangers of energy drinks, and the significance of meal prep and consistent eating for athletes. Shannon emphasizes the need for athletes to understand their nutritional needs and develop healthy habits that will support their performance and overall mental well-being.

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When an MLB broadcast casually criticized her son, Leslee Holliday wasn’t shocked. She’s spent two decades riding the highs and lows of professional baseball with her husband Matt Holliday, and now with their sons Jackson and Ethan. What did surprise her was a different thought: What are the other parents feeling right now—the ones who didn’t grow up in this world?

In this conversation, Todd Arkell speaks with Leslie Holliday about the challenges and joys of parenting young athletes. Leslie shares her insights on the importance of identity, the role of family, and the need for self-assessment in sports. They discuss the impact of social media, the significance of embracing failure, and the necessity of maintaining a balanced perspective in youth sports. Leslie emphasizes the importance of being present and nurturing a supportive environment for children to thrive in their athletic pursuits.

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