Shows
Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 127: "Old Dog, New Tricks", Barry DavisThe MAP boys sit down with Barry Davis. The longtime college baseball coach discusses his new book, "Old Dog, New Tricks -- the Power of Leading with Emotional Intelligence." Coach Davis spent 20 years as head coach at Rider University and a total of 35 years of coaching at different levels. His previous appearance on the Mental Advantage Podcast was to discuss "Five Pillars of Leadership" a project designed to look at how to turn struggling programs into perennial winners. "Old Dogs" can be found on Amazon and other locations where books are sold. Twitter: @BarryDavis42 Instagram: Barry...2025-06-231h 13Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 126: "(Sp)identity", Holly StofaThe MAP boys sit down for a fascinating conversation with Holly Stofa, a smalltown girl who went on to become a Covert CIA Operator, author, coach, mom, collegiate athlete and mental performance coach. After her career in the CIA, she has now set her agenda on helping people like yourself to become their best and truest self. A few of the topics we discuss are the importance of placing an emphasis on self-awareness in personal and professional relationships; teamwork; maintaining relationships in high-pressure careers and how staying connected to one's identity is so critical in all-consuming roles; importance of sel...2025-04-171h 06Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 125: "Nobody's Sleeping," Dr. Bijoy JohnThe MAP boys caught up with Dr. Bijoy John, a board-certified sleep specialist with over 25 years of experience in treating various sleep disorders across all age groups. In addition to his book, "Nobody's Sleeping: 7 Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health and Happiness," Dr. John also runs the Sleep Fix Academy. The book emphasizes a holistic approach to sleep, moving away from temporary solutions like sleeping pills. In this episode, Dr. John discusses the importance of getting quality sleep and provides practical, step-by-step strategies to help readers fall asleep quickly, maintain deep sleep and wake up rejuvenated.2025-02-1749 minMental Advantage PodcastEpisode 124: "Confidence is Overrated," Travis ThomasIn today's episode, the MAP boys sit down with second-time guest, Travis Thomas, to discuss such topics as confidence and courage. Travis is a speaker, author, coach and creator of "Live Yes, And." He has dedicated his life to helping individuals, teams and organizations with mindset, team dynamics and culture. He spent three years with U.S. Men's National Soccer team working with team dynamics, culture and mental performance. He is a speaker and coach for Limitless Minds and the author of "3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And"; as well as his latest book, "Confidence is Overrated." Finally, Travis has...2025-01-241h 09Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 123: "We're Back", John Cullen and Brandon AllenAfter a longer than expected holiday break, the MAP boys are back. On this episode, they discussed their experiences with wellness, mental health and meditation. They also explored the importance of focus, mental preparation, and control in in sports and life; the role of gratitude and discipline in achieving personal goals. Lastly, they shared their experiences with prayer and meditation, emphasizing the need for presence and connection.John discussed his "Full 90" program that he started on January 1 that focuses on physical fitness, nutrition and spiritual development. He also talked about the "Let Them" theory from Mel Robbins. Brandon discussed using...2025-01-2047 minMental Advantage PodcastEpisode 122: "What is Your Legacy?", Tim NeimanThe MAP boys welcome Tim Neiman, head baseball coach at DeSales University, to the program. Coach Neiman is also the author of "What is Your Legacy? A Blueprint for Your Personal and Professional Journey". Coach Neiman has over 35+ years of experience as a college baseball coach and he shares some of the insights he has gained over his years in developing great baseball players into great pillars of their communities. His thoughts on team building, culture building and how by putting the focus on Love, Empowerment, Giving, Accountability, Commitment and Yearning you can also build a lasting LEGACY. You...2024-10-281h 10Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 121: "Kick Anxiety's Ass", Dr. Bhrett McCabeThe MAP boys welcome back to the show, Dr. Bhrett McCabe. Bhrett is a clinical and sport psychologist known by top performers, teams, organizations and companies as a true catalyst for excellence. He works with those on the razor's edge of human performance, striving to illuminate pathways to find strength and stability in a world of chaos and competition. Author of the books, "Mindside Manifesto", "Breakfree from Suckville" and his most recent book, "Kick Anxiety's Ass." In addition to the work he does with athletes at the University of Alabama, he works with countless PGA Tour players as well as many...2024-10-181h 00Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 120: "Celebrate Everything", Shawn LopezThe MAP boys sit down with longtime friend and former college teammate, Shawn Lopez. "Pez" has been the Head Softball Coach at Olathe Northwest in Olathe, KS since 2019. In 2024, his team went 23-4 and won the 6A State Championship and he was named the 6A Coach of the Year. Shawn shares his learnings from each of his stops in over 20 years of coaching. He talks about the coach/player relationship with his daughter, Claire, what it was like coaching through COVID, what it was like to transition from coaching baseball to softball, etc.Get your pen and paper read...2024-08-281h 25Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 119: "Keep It Simple", Monte LeeOn this week's episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with Monte Lee, the Associate Head Baseball Coach at the University of South Carolina. He talks about the various stops he has made in his coaching journey from being an assistant coach for Tim Wallace (Spartanburg Methodist) and Ray Tanner (South Carolina) to being the head coach at Clemson and the College of Charleston. He shares the lessons he learned at each stop and also talks about his thoughts on toughness, the mental side of the game, the importance of process (stacking days) and other great in...2024-08-161h 08Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 118: "Authentic Excellence", Joanna LohmanOn this week's episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with Joanna Lohman. Joanna is a former professional soccer player and member of the United States Women's National Team. She is the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired, honoring her 16-year playing career where she built a platform for social impact. Along with Paul Tukey, she co-authored, "Raising Tomorrow's Champions". She is currently a global keynote speaker and authenticity activator. She continues her influence as a Sport Diplomat and will be your new favorite celesbian. Joanna is also a Limitless Minds Coach...2024-06-291h 02Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 117: "Don't Fight the Game", Isaac Collins, Nashville SoundsThe MAP boys sit down with Isaac Collins, a professional baseball player with the Nashville Sounds (AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers). It won't take long to understand why Isaac's mindset and mental toughness are a big part of his success in baseball. He credits alot of people for helping him develop this mindset, but says that when he was with the Colorado Rockies organization, Doug Chadwick, a mental performance coach, was instrumental in building the foundation.Isaac is a native of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Creighton University. He was drafted in the 9th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by...2024-06-171h 11Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 116: "Score Better", Dr. Mo PickensHe's back!! After a long break, Dr. Mo returns to the Mental Advantage Podcast to talk to the boys about the mental game of golf. A longtime friend of the show, Dr. Mo discusses the Netflix series, Full Swing, and the episode on mental performance. He discusses the real life challenges so many of these players are facing beyond the ropes. He also gives some tips and tricks on how you can excel at managing your thinking on the golf course. Dr. Mo has helped his clients achieve a combined 30 PGA Tour victories, including 4 majors, over 300 amateur wins and 2...2024-05-311h 07Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 115: "Live 'Yes, And'", Travis ThomasThe MAP boys sit down with Travis Thomas a team performance coach – improvisor – author (book Live Yes, And) – speaker and founder of the “Live Yes, And” movement. He is also a Limitless Minds room tilter. Travis was the Leadership and Team Dynamics coach for the US Men's National Soccer Team and has worked with many college and professional teams including the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and currently FC Dallas and St. Louis University. Travis discusses how the principles of improvisation are the principles of life. By applying the "yes, and" approach to life, you can better accept the new reali...2024-05-251h 15Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 114: "Find Your Calling, Change the World", Chad MetcalfThe MAP boys sit down with Chad Metcalf, a Navy SEAL turned professional golfer turned entrepreneur and author. Chad discusses the keys to building mental toughness and the lessons he learned at a young age that served him well during BUDs (Basic Underwater Demolition school) on his way to become a Navy SEAL. He also talks about the key lessons he is trying to teach his kids and others in his book, "Young Athletes' Ultimate Guide to Mental Toughness." Other topics include how to use failure as fuel, the importance of mental toughness in the real world, his definition of GRIT...2024-05-171h 26Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 113: "Leading Leaders", Dave KlineThe MAP boys sit down with Dave Kline, an entrepreneur, writer, speaker and coach who founded and developed MGMT Accelerator and Codified Management Playbook as well as many other resources designed to train leaders on the playbook for leading high-performance teams.Dave's 20+ years of experience leading high-performing divisions at Bridgewater and Moody's made him the perfect guest to answer questions about many leadership/management topics like when and how to manage up, how to have crucial conversations with direct reports and other challenges facing managers and leaders. He also talks about the importance of feedback and creating the r...2024-05-111h 09Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 112: "Shatterproof", Lauren SislerOn this week's episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with Lauren Sisler. Lauren is a two-time Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster who has worked for ESPN and SEC Network since 2016.In 2003 as a freshman on the gymnastics team at Rutgers University, a phone call in the middle of the night would change her life forever as she unexpectedly lost both of her parents within hours of each other. In the next days, months and years, Lauren would learn more about her parents' battle with prescription drug addiction. As Lauren has navigated her journey through gri...2024-04-261h 12Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 111: "No Finish Line", China McCarneyThe MAP boys sit down with long time friend of the show (and one of their favorite humans), China McCarney. They talk about China's social media posts and his ongoing journey towards mental wellness. The unpack how there is "no finish line" when you are on this journey, but the key is to embrace your progress and just keep working on yourself. Other topics included the importance of changing identity to achieve long-term success, letting go of suffering, filling in the gaps with facts you don't have, etc.China is the founder of the Athletes Against Anxiety and Depr...2024-04-131h 12Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 110: "Challenges of the High Performer", Kamini WoodThe MAP boys sit down with Kamini Wood, a certified life coach who helps high-achievers heal their relationships with themselves. She is a best-selling author who is also the creator of AuthenticMe and CEO of Live Joy Your Way.Topics of discussion include: raising high-performing young adults, internal and self-aware leadership, helping to overcome stress, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, the importance of curiosity when it comes to self awareness and many more topics.Get your pen and paper ready for Kamini Wood.Learn more about Kamini at: www.kaminiwood.comTo contact...2024-04-0557 minMental Advantage PodcastEpisode 109: "NeuroBased Training", Mischelle LeeThe MAP boys sit down with Mischelle Lee, a former collegiate athlete who is now a personal trainer and coach who specializes in neurobased training. Her program combines her degree in Exercise Science with lymphatics knowledge, Z-Health neurology, nutrition, breathing techniques, RPR (reflexive performance reset), bioenergy healing and more.She believes the brain is where the injury starts and she shares some systems and strategies that will help you overcome some of the mental blocks that stand in your way of optimal performance.Get your pen and paper ready for Mischelle Lee.Learn more...2024-03-021h 03Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 108: "Building Psychological Fitness", Dr. Karen DollThe MAP boys sit down with Dr. Karen Doll, the author of Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease. Dr. Doll is a licensed psychologist, consultant, coach, and #1 international bestselling author. She collaborates with industry-leading organizations and coaches high-achieving professionals. Her mission is to help people thrive, enhance well-being and optimize leadership skills at every phase.The many topics include: what is psychological fitness; how to deal with chronic stress and burnout in the workplace and how it can be identified by the individual and the leader; working through the mental health continuum; the...2024-02-051h 04Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 107: "Finishing Out 2023 - A Year in Review", John Cullen and Brandon AllenIn the last show of 2023, the MAP boys reflect back on the year and the lessons learned from all of the amazing guests that have been on the show. Thank you all for listening this year -- there will be lots of great guests coming on the show in 2023.To write the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.net For Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net2023-12-2951 minMental Advantage PodcastEpisode 106: "The Search for GRIT", Mike Taylor and Roger Kitchen Jr.The MAP boys sat down with Mike Taylor and Roger Kitchen Jr. to discuss an athlete assessment that uses AI to take a comprehensive view of an athlete's profile to measure "heart" and "head" through the merits of five traits: mastery; persistence; competitiveness; work ethic and team orientation. Mike Taylor is the co-founder of AgDiago and has worked in the sports industry for more than 20 years where he has held leadership roles working with college coaches, the American Football Coaches Association, American Football Coaches Foundation and with other sports organizations such as United States Olympic Committee...2023-11-221h 15Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 105: "You are Loved", Aaron MachbitzIn this episode the MAP boys talk with Aaron Machbitz, host of podcasts, "Something for Everybody" and "Champions Adjust." A former D-1 baseball player and professional wrestler Aaron is also the founder and CEO of "You are Loved". Aaron opens up about how pain and curiosity fueled him on his journey to be an advocate for those suffering from mental health issues. He discusses the tragic loss of his sister and how that impacted his life and lays out some great strategies to be used in helping others who may be suffering as well. Many other topics are discussed.2023-10-021h 00Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 104: "Freedom to Fail", Major General (Ret.) Chris HughesIn this episode, the MAP boys sit down with Major Gen. (Ret.) Chris Hughes to discuss the lessons of leadership that he learned in over 35 years of leadership experience in the US Army, from platoon leader to Commanding General.Over the course of his career, Chris served as the Executive Officer for the Secretary of the Army, the Army Senior Liaison to the US House of Representatives, and he commanded an Infantry Battalion from the 101st Airborne Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He assisted in the creation of five major organizations within the Department of Defense...2023-09-231h 34Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 103: "I AM, because WE ARE." Vital AkimanaThe MAP boys sit down with public speaker, facilitator and master of healing arts, Vital Akimana. Vital shares his unbelievable journey from Rwanda where he and his family escaped the genocide that saw 800,000 people slaughtered in 100 days of blood-letting. He talks about the unspeakable things he saw before he was even 10 years old and how these events shaped his life. A graduate of Guilford College, he studied Comparative Religion and Peace Studies. He is a certified mediator and facilitator trainer through the Guilford College Conflict Resolution Center and an NEDA End of Life Counselor. In his...2023-09-151h 11Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 102: "Productive Thought", John Cullen and Brandon AllenThe MAP boys sit down to discuss the feedback from the Brendan Suhr episode. They also talk about some of the interesting things they have been following in the world of mental performance. For more information about MindVue and the mindset skills assessment go to www.mindvue.com - to receive a 20% discount use the code: MA20 at checkout.Have a question or comment for the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netWant to work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net2023-08-2839 minMental Advantage PodcastEpisode 101: "Coaching U", Brendan SuhrThe MAP boys sit down with Brendan Suhr, the founder of Coaching U and long-time NBA assistant coach who coached many of the greatest basketball players of all-time. Brendan talks to the boys about his start in coaching and shares some of the stories from his distinguished career that saw him be a part of two teams that won NBA titles (with the Bad Boys teams of the Detroit Pistons). He shares the lessons he learned from all of the great coaches and players he was around and how those lessons can help you become better coaches and leaders with...2023-08-111h 30Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 100: "How it Started..How it's Going", Dave MeyerFor the 100th episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with their very first guest ever, Dave Meyer. Dave is a physical therapist and mental performance coach who has been working in professional sports for many years. He is the author of the book, "Injured to Elite" and the host of the podcast, "Beyond Zero." He is truly considered a "friend of the show" as always brings a ton of great insights and energy. Special thanks to all of our listeners for 100 episodes!!Get your pen and paper ready.For more information...2023-07-141h 27Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 99: "Major League University", Austin BylerThe MAP boys sit down with Austin Byler, co-founder of Major League University to discuss his career and how he got motivated to become a mental performance coach. The importance of culture in programs, the Breath A.I.R. method for helping improve better self-talk and many other topics. For more information about MindVue and the mindset skills assessment go to www.mindvue.com - to receive a 20% discount use the code: MA20 at checkout.Have a question or comment for the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netWant to work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage...2023-07-071h 11Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 98: "Mental Performance in Action", John Cullen and Brandon AllenThe MAP boys sit down to discuss the feedback from the Damon West episode, "The Coffee Bean." They also talk about the hard choices that have to made around when it is time to retire or walk away from something you have been doing for a long time. The importance of identity in that decision. Other topics include lessons from the College World Series in Omaha. Upcoming guests: Austin Byler, Major League University.For more information about MindVue and the mindset skills assessment go to www.mindvue.com - to receive a 20% discount use the code: MA20 at...2023-06-2639 minMental Advantage PodcastEpisode 97: "The Coffee Bean", Damon WestThe MAP boys sit down with Damon West to hear one of the most fascinating and inspiring stories you will ever hear. Make sure you are sitting somewhere that you can take lots of notes as this one is packed full of life lessons. Damon tells us the story of his life and the lessons he has learned along the way. A story of an All-American kid who essentially has everything in life going his way yet he ends up on the streets of Dallas an addict and a thief. Damon grew up in a very loving and...2023-06-0254 minMental Advantage PodcastEpisode 96: “Mental Performance Observations”, Sean ONeill and Zach CohenThe MAP boys catch up with Sean ONeill, founder of ONE Mental Performance and Zach Cohen, founder of ACME Mental Performance. Both men are friends of the show and have been doing a lot of great work in the field of mental performance. Topics include: learnings from their work with athletes, dangers of NIL influences on culture, what they have recently been learning as they continue to dig into the power of performance coaching. For comments or questions for the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netFor Brandon Allen...2023-05-201h 10Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 95: "The Character Edge", Lt. General Bob Caslen and Dr. Mike MatthewsThe MAP boys were honored to sit down with Lt. General (Retired) Bob Caslen and Dr. Mike Matthews to discuss the important role that character plays in our lives. Among the many topics discussed were character as a "toolbox" of attributes that is a great "multiplier of talent" and predictor of great leadership. The co-authors of "The Character Edge: Leading and Winning with Integrity" also discussed: the reason they decided to write the book, what to do when there is a default in character, what makes up character, how to build character, the importance of trust in leadership and many...2023-04-281h 16Mental Advantage PodcastEpisode 94: "Just Move Forward", Dr. Mary Ritz, Almenta InternationalThis week, the MAP boys sit down with Dr. Mary Ritz, the owner and founder of Almenta International. Almenta International focuses on customer management and leadership development training. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Dr. Ritz discusses the challenges she faced growing up in the Southern African country where there was a clear divide between privileged and non-privileged. How one inexplicable decision by her grandmother, who didn't speak English and couldn't read or write, changed the course of history for her and her family. She also discusses what role education played in her life, the importance of HOPE and why...2023-04-221h 02