Shows
Mental Training RoomHow the NCAA Supports Holistic Student-Athlete Development | Lisa Auld on Mental Health & GrowthIn this episode, we sit down with Lisa Auld, a leader in student-athlete development, to explore what holistic development truly means in the world of college athletics. We unpack how universities—and the NCAA—are evolving beyond performance-based models to support the whole student-athlete: mind, body, and identity.Lisa shares insights from her work implementing strategic programs that prioritize mental health, life skills, academic success, and personal growth. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone invested in sports culture, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the initiatives shaping the future of college sports.2025-06-2541 minMental Training RoomInside the Mind of a Pro: Jhasmin Player on Kim Mulkey, Career Transitions & Advice for Young AthletesIn this episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with Coach Jhasmin Player, former Baylor basketball star and current college coach, to unpack the powerful lessons she learned from legendary coach Kim Mulkey. Coach Player opens up about her journey through career transitions—from player to coach—and shares the mindset shifts that helped her navigate change with confidence. We also dive into her best advice for high school athletes navigating recruiting, pressure, and identity on and off the court. This episode is filled with practical gems, inspiration, and honest reflections for any athlete looking to grow mentally and...2025-06-1843 minMental Training RoomHow to Set SMART Goals That Stick | Dr. Kasey Philyaw on Motivation & Mental PerformanceIn this episode, we sit down with sport psychology expert Dr. Kasey Philyaw to break down the power of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Whether you're an athlete striving for that next level, a coach helping your players stay focused, or just someone working toward personal growth, this episode gives you the tools to set goals that actually stick.Dr. Philyaw shares how SMART goals create clarity, motivation, and momentum, and she explains the science behind why vague goals often fall flat. We also walk through real-life examples of how to set...2025-06-1133 minMental Training RoomFrom Basketball to Softball: Morgan DeBord on Leadership, Confidence & Team CultureIn this episode, we’re joined by professional softball player Morgan DeBoard, who shares her unique journey as a multi-sport athlete and her experience playing one unforgettable season of college basketball alongside Haley. We dive deep into the topic of leadership—what it really looks like on and off the field, and why it’s so important. Morgan opens up about the challenge of consistently showing up with positivity, especially when things get tough, and how she’s learned to lead by example through resilience, empathy, and staying true to herself. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just someone striving...2025-05-2144 minMental Training RoomHow to Train Game-Time Emotions | Jenny Smith, LMFT on Mental Skills for AthletesIn this episode, we sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Jenny Smith to explore the powerful framework of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how its core skills can help athletes regulate emotions during high-pressure game moments. Jenny breaks down DBT’s four pillars—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—and connects each one to the athlete experience, from pre-game anxiety to in-game frustrations and post-game reflections. Whether you’re on the field, court, or in the locker room, this conversation offers practical tools athletes can start using today to stay grounded, manage emotional spikes, and perform...2025-05-1440 minMental Training RoomSidelined by Injury: Jalyn Mosley on Mental Resilience, Recovery & Staying Game ReadyIn this Spring Session, we sit down with Jalyn Mosley—former University of Iowa soccer player and host of The Jist Podcast—to talk about one of the hardest realities in sport: injury. Jalyn shares her personal journey through the physical and emotional challenges of repeated injuries that ultimately led to her medical retirement from college soccer. We explore what it means to have your identity tied to being an athlete, how to cope when that identity is shaken, and the resilience it takes to find new purpose beyond the game. This honest conversation is for anyone who's had to p...2025-05-0746 minMental Training RoomFinding Peace in the Pursuit of Perfection with Sae La ChinIn this powerful episode, we sit down with former Rockette and Broadway dancer Sae La Chin to dive deep into the mental health challenges behind the spotlight. Sae La shares her inspiring story of growing up as an athlete with immigrant parents, overcoming the intense pressure of the professional dance industry, and navigating her personal journey with OCD. We discuss mental health in athletes and performers, resilience in high-pressure careers, and the search for identity and peace while striving for perfection. Don't miss this honest and motivational conversation about mental health, overcoming adversity, and thriving in the world...2025-04-3053 minMental Training RoomMindful Moments with Tal SaharIn this episode, Haley Herdman is joined by Tal Sahar to discuss Tal's mindfulness journey and how it played a pivotal role in navigating the pressures of her Division I basketball career and her professional athletic journey. Tal shares valuable insights into how mindfulness practices helped her manage stress, enhance focus, and improve mental resilience on and off the court. The conversation explores how athletes can incorporate mindfulness into their routines to better handle challenges and stay grounded throughout their careers. Follow Tal on Instagram @tal.saharr and catch more from this episode on our Instagram @mtr.pod! 2025-04-2356 minMental Training RoomNavigating Quarter-Life Crises & ADHD Diagnosis | Real Talk with Haley Herdman & Naomi YimWe're back and kicking off Spring Sessions of Mental Training Room by sharing some of our life updates with you all! In today's session you'll learn about our full-time jobs, how we are trying to navigate adulthood, and what we are doing to manage the lingering effects of being DI athletes (cough cough ADHD!!!!!!). We hope you enjoy listening as we work to close the gap from mentally unprepared to mentally elite! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod to see more from our hosts and takeaways f...2025-04-1631 minMental Training RoomMental Health Awareness and Team Culture with LMU WBB Head Coach, Aarika HughesHaley sits down with her former head coach from LMU, Aarika Hughes, to chat about the pressures student-athletes face, how coaches' awareness on mental health are changing, and some of Coach A's personal self-care techniques. Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com 2024-09-1031 minMental Training RoomFrom Dance Moms to DI Athlete with Juliana FriedmanJuliana Friedman is a recent graduate from the University of Miami. Juli was a four year member of the Hurricanes Spirit squad. In this episode, she gives us an inside scoop on dance culture and its effect on her development as a young woman. She also shares with us what it was like for her to be a Sunsations dancer! Follow us on @mhtrpod for more! Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com 2024-06-2042 minMental Training RoomDebunking Mental Health Myths in SportsIn our second episode with Lisa Bonta Sumii, we spend some time dunking myths that exist within the sport community when it comes to mental health. Share this with your friends and start spreading more positive awareness around mental health! Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod / @Lisa_bontasumii / @athmindset.io2024-05-0818 min
Athlete MindsetMental Health Training Room Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSWIn this episode of the Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii appears as a guest on the Mental Health Training Room Podcast hosted by Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, former Division I basketball players. Lisa discusses the intersection of mental health and athletic performance, emphasizing mental wellness's role in achieving peak athletic results.Mental Health Training Room Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW Highlights:The founding of AthMindset and its mission to support athletes through mental health struggles.The differences and synergies between mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants.Practical tips on how athletes can manage...2024-05-0750 minMental Training RoomAthlete Mental Health 101 with Lisa Bonta SumiiLisa Bonta Sumii is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She founded AthMindset to work specifically with Athlete's on their mental training and she is the Mental Health and Sports Performance Specialist for the Oakland Roots SC. In this episode, Lisa and Haley talk about what it is like to be a clinician for athletes as well as discussing a wide range of other mental health topics like grief and anxiety that affect athletes. To hear more from Lisa, stay tuned for our next episode! You can also follow her on Instagram @Lisa_bontasumii and @athmindset.io!Follow...2024-05-0338 minMental Training RoomRecovery and Values with Isabelle IraniIn this episode, University of Maine swimmer, Isabelle Irani, opens up about the eating disorder she struggled with in high school. Although this was an extremely difficult time for her, she is able to speak about it now and reflect on important lessons she learned during this tough time in her life. Swimming at a very elite level now, Isabelle knows how to engage in appropriate self-care and monitor her mental health so that she can show up feeling her best. In addition to swim, Isabelle is a huge advocate for mental health within the University of Maine's athletic de...2024-04-0347 minMental Training RoomPersevering through Adversity with JaKorey Hawkins, NFL Draft ProspectIn this episode, Haley and Naomi sit down with NFL Draft Prospect and University of Wyoming alumni, JaKorey Hawkins. Hawkins begins by inviting us into the formative years of his life, emphasizing how his childhood experiences shaped his attitude toward sports and the messaging he received around maintaining a healthy mindset. Central to the episode is the theme of perseverance; Hawkins shares how he stayed motivated through times of hardship. We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation and can take some helpful insight from it! Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod and be sure to share this episode with y...2024-03-2132 minMental Training RoomBreaking Stereotypes with Kaylee Byon and Anthony YuIn this episode, we feature two very special guest, Kaylee Byon and Anthony Yu. Both of these athletes share their experience as an Asian American athlete, the struggles they have faced due to their race in sports, and how they are currently using their platforms to inspire younger generations and break the stereotypes placed on the AAPI community. Kaylee Byon @kayleebyonAnthony Yu @anthonyyu_ @rdf.world@mhtrpod on InstagramFollow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com 2023-05-2625 minMental Training RoomJust Keep Swimming…Until You Can’t Anymore with Elise GarciaOn this special episode, Elise Garcia (@Elisegarcia_13) opens up about her time as a swimmer at the University of California Berkley. Elise speaks on the struggles she faced with her coach and how the affected her mental health. There is so much power in being vulnerable and we are so grateful Elise took the time to sit down with us and tell her story. To all student-athletes, we see you, we hear you, and never forget: you matter. Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Perf...2023-04-2551 minMental Training RoomLearning about Resilience with Dr. Theodore BurnesDr. Theo Burnes is a licensed psychologist, LPCC, and one of Haley's grad school professors at USC! In this episode, Dr. Burnes sat down with us to discuss resiliency, growth mindset, and grit. Throughout our conversation we de-bunk some myths about these three concepts while Haley and Naomi also share some personal struggles they face trying to be resilient student athletes. This episode is very educational and reflective. Perfect for any athlete, parents, and/or coach! Make sure to download this episode, share it, and follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod!Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod2023-04-1934 minMental Training RoomOne Year Later with Haley HerdmanThis is an emotional and authentic solo episode with host, Haley Herdman. In this episode, Haley shares updates about life after hanging up her jersey. "It is not as glamorous as I thought it would be", Haley says. Listen to hear more about the anxious thoughts and major transitions she has been facing as she tries to navigate life without her athlete identity. This is a must listen for athletes who's collegiate career is coming to an end soon, or any athlete truthfully, because this will all be us one day...Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod2023-04-0619 minMental Training RoomKnowing Your Worth with Jazlyn PipkinsJazlyn Pipkins is the founder of Jazleticz. She is an author, trainer, Holistic Health Coach, and mentor. Jaz also incorporates the aspect of spirituality in her work and focuses a lot on Spiritual Endurance with her clients. In this episode we talk about the transition from high school to college and how to manage the struggles that come along with that. Jaz also emphasizes the importance not basing your health on solely physical aspects of your body. Listen to hear more about Jazz her struggle, and how she is currently coaching her Jazletes mental game. For more information ab...2023-01-3145 minMental Training RoomExploring Envy with Nikki Kett (pt. 2)In our continued conversation with Nikki Kett, we talk all things envy and how this feeling emerges in sports and life after sports. Nikki shares some very important insight on feeling envious and how she sees it show up in her own personal life and her clients' lives. Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod @nikkikettcoaching 2023-01-1113 minMental Training RoomAthlete-Minded with Nikki KettNikki Kett is a former Division I swim coach and current athlete life and mindset coach who works with ambitious, athlete minded women to create success and fulfillment in their individual lives. In this episode, Nikki touches on her transition out of coaching college athletics and the struggles female athletes face within sports and life after sports, her perspective on how the patriarchy sucks us in and invalidates a lot of female's experiences within sports, and how to manage toxic coaching. Follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod @nikkikettcoaching Follow us on Instagram @mtr...2023-01-0639 minMental Training RoomPurpose, Discipline, Consistency with Da RulkDa Rulk is a Certified strength and condition specialist. He is also a functional training expert who has taught his Raw Functional Training (RFT) method to military and first responders, Olympic gold medalists, MMA fighters, and pro athletes, along with the famous actor, Chris Hemsworth. In this episode, Da Rulk talks about the benefits of RFT, how it helps with the mental side of sports, his three keys to staying motivated, and how he sees trauma effecting his athletes. This episode includes a lot of information that can help athletes in their sport strengthen their mental game and find...2022-12-2145 minMental Training RoomIdentity Crisis with Taylor HallTaylor Hall is a basketball player at Biola University. She has over 10,000 followers on Instagram and has used her platform to advocate for mental health while also giving people an inside scoop of what it’s like to be a student athlete. Recently, Taylor published her story through a platform called Hope for Athletes. On this episode, we gaveTaylor the space to talk about her experience and give more people the opportunity to hear her story. Listen to find out more about Taylor's struggles as she endured two ACL injuries and body dysmorphia. Follow us on Instagram, Tik...2022-12-1430 minMental Training RoomNavigating Injuries and Life After Sports with Dani IwamiDani Iwami (@daniiwami) is a former collegiate basketball player who suffered three season ending injuries throughout her career at Hawaii Pacific University and Western Washington University. As she navigated her way through the injury/recovery process, she found a new love for art. Dani is now a successful ceramicist (@danikawaiistudios) who gained a large following through Tik Tok. In this episode, Dani, Haley, and Naomi talk about the struggles they individually faced in college with coaches, self-discipline, and trying to find new passions in their post-athlete lives. This episode is authentic and relatable for any athlete. Follow us...2022-12-0732 minMental Training RoomYouth Mental Health with Monica Chernoff, AMFTMonica Chernoff is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with a lot of young athletes to help guide them through the struggles of adolescence and sports. In this episodes Monica speaks on people pleasing within the sports culture, the stigma of being a D III athlete, and how sports have helped her through her own mental health journey. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok @mhtrpod2022-11-3022 minMental Training RoomIntentionality with Josh LozanoJosh Lozano is a basketball mentor and coach who specializes in player development. We featured him on our podcast this week because he takes pride in implementing mental health awareness into his training sessions. In this episode, he talks about the empathetic approach he takes as a coach, what it's like being Asian in sports, and how he sees the sport culture slowly changing. There are a lot of great tips in here for coaches, parents of young athletes, and of course, athletes of all genders, ages, and levels. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube @mhtrpod! 2022-11-2332 minMental Training RoomEmpowering Athlete's Mindset with Cindy MosleyThis week's guest is mindset coach, Cindy Mosley. Cindy owns "Empowering Athlete's Mindset" where she coaches and specializes in guiding female athletes to harness confidence in their sport and life. Throughout this episode, we talk about unlocking athlete's potential through mental work and the importance of empathy when coaching/raising athletes. Such an important episode so make sure to give it a listen! If you're interested in receiving individual or team mindset coaching from Cindy, please visit her website to book an appointment! https://www.eamcoach.com/Find us on Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok @mhtrpod 2022-11-1640 minMental Training RoomInequity in Sports with Ali KershnerIn the 2020 NCAA Championship bubble, Ali Kershner, the Sports Performance Coach for the Stanford Women’s Basketball team, exposed the inequities present within the men's and women's tournament. Although this is nothing new to female athletes, this is the first time the higher ups have listened. In this episode we talk about the effects of inequities on our mental health, what Ali has been up to as of late with her company "Art of Coaching", and the importance of seeking professional help!! A much needed conversation for sure, listen now! Follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok...2022-11-0944 minMental Training RoomThe Illusion of Confidence with Dr. William ParhamFor this episode we had the pleasure of sitting down with Sports Psychologist, Dr. William Parharm. Dr. P shared some amazing insight regarding all things confidence. This is a MUST listen for EVERYONE! The things Dr. P touched on are truly life changing...Follow us on Instagram / Tik Tok @mhtrpod & Like/subscribe to our YouTube channel!Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com 2022-11-0243 minMental Training RoomTips from a Therapist with LMFT, Jennifer SmithIn this episode we sat down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Jennifer Smith. Jennifer talked about the transition from high school to college, pressures that student-athletes face, and how to manage high stress environments. Jennifer is the CEO of Smith Psychotherapy Group, a group private practice located in Newport Beach, CA. They offer in person and virtual therapy sessions and are always accepting new clients! If you are interested in seeking therapy please visit their website smithpsychotherapygroup.com and follow them on Instagram @smithpsychotherapygroup to get matched with an amazing therapist from their group. Follow us o...2022-10-1938 minMental Training RoomEmbracing the Journey with Collin BishopIn this episode, Collin Bishop, freshman safety at Trinity University, shares his battle with mental health and what he learned from that struggle that allows him to inspire others through their own journey. And be sure to read his article to learn more about Collin! https://thotrinityu.wixsite.com/the-hidden-opponent/post/collin-bishop-the-war-within Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mhtrpod/Like/subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR-JG918EczHSV3C9Rb-3oAFollow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com 2022-10-1233 minMental Training RoomThe Breaking Point with Gabby GreenAlthough ex-professional basketball player, Gabby Green, earned all the accolades any athlete could dream of, there is a lot that these awards do not show us. On this episode, Green opens up about the mental struggles she experienced throughout her collegiate career and how she was able to turn to others for support which helped her preserve through the tough times.Follow us on instagram @mhtrpod @itssmeegabby @haleyherd @naomiyim_Like & subscribe to our YouTube channel (Mental Health Training Room) !Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com 2022-10-0536 minMental Training RoomRedefining Mental Toughness with Devon BrookshireDevon Brookshire, a professional basketball player and mindset coach to young athletes, shared her tips and tricks on how she lives a mindful lifestyle as an athlete. She also opened up about her own struggles with mental health and how she was able to manage with the stressors that come along with playing her sport at such a high level. This episode is a MUST LISTEN for every athlete, parent, coach, and anyone looking for ways to improve their mental game.If you are interested in receiving mindset coaching from Devon, please contact her at this email...2022-09-2830 minMental Training RoomBuilding a Champion with Coach Jason FlowersIn this episode we sat down with Coach Jason Flowers to discuss the important effect that coaches have on their student-athlete's mental health. This is a must listen for every coach; the way Flowers leads his team shows how coaches can always better themselves when it comes to showing up for their players! Don't forget to like & subscribe to our YouTube channel as well as follow us on Instagram @mhtrpod! 2022-09-2148 minMental Training RoomThe Story behind Mental Training Room with hosts, Haley Herdman and Naomi YimOur first episode is finally here!! We wanted to start off with sharing a little bit more about ourselves, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, and why we wanted to start this journey. We have a passion for student athlete's mental health and our goal is to create a platform to amplify stories surrounding this issue. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@mhtrpod)! Hope you enjoy... Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com 2022-09-1317 min