Shows
The AppetiteThe Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports: A Conversation with Author and Therapist Katie SteeleSimone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Mary Cain all share something powerful in common: they’ve bravely opened up about their mental health journeys, using their platforms as elite athletes to advocate for change. Their courage is paving the way for a healthier, more supportive sports environment—especially for those facing mental health challenges. On today’s episode of The Appetite, Kara Bazzi, LMFT—co-founder and Clinical Director of Opal’s Exercise+Sport program—chats with Katie Steele, former Division I runner at the University of Oregon and now a mental health therapist and co-author of The Price She Pays. To...2025-03-0440 min
The Lane 9 PodcastKatie Steele on Mental Health in Sports, Coaching Dynamics, and "The Price She Pays"Katie Steele LMFT competed for University of Oregon and Florida State as a collegiate runner, and now incorporates her experiences with mental health struggles, unethical coaching practices, and the pressures of collegiate athletics into her work as a therapist. She co-authored the book, "The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental Health Crises in Women's Sports, from the Schoolyard to the Stadium" The title says a lot, and the book lives up to it. Telling the stories of female athletes across the country and across a variety of sports who have struggled with eating disorders, mental health, m...2025-01-2853 min
Sports ShrinksSPECIAL EPISODE: Devon Allen InterviewWow! We feel so lucky to have spent some time at Hayward Field with the incredible Devon Allen. Sometimes the stars align and we get to chat with the greats!In this episode, Devon Allen, 2x Olympian and 4x USA champion, shared insights into his athletic journey and personal growth. He discussed his experiences in sports, emphasizing the importance of well-being and recovery, especially after dealing with injuries. Devon also highlighted his role in coaching emerging elite athletes and balancing his career as both a pro football player in the NFL and a track and field athlete.2024-06-2639 min
I Could Never Do That102 Katie Steele, LMFT and Tiffany Brown, PhD, LMFT - Confronting the Hidden Mental Crisis in Women's SportsWomen’s sports are certainly having a moment and with more eyes on women’s sports, comes more scrutiny and pressure. The new book, "The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports—from the Schoolyard to the Stadium" explores this crisis in women’s athletics from early childhood exploration to elite-level competition, up to retirement. Authors Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown of @Athletesmentalhealthfoundation are both Licensed Family and Marriage Therapists who work with athletes in their practice and have noticed the unique pressures that female athletes have faced to be thin, b...2024-06-121h 01
Sports ShrinksSuicide and SportIn this episode, we unravel the complexities of suicide, particularly within the realm of athletics. We explore statistics, reasons behind suicidal ideation, and the crucial role of support. Join us as we navigate this important dialogue, shedding light on how to effectively support athletes facing mental health challenges. We also challenge misconceptions, clarifying the distinction between self-harm and suicide.Additional Resources for SuicideCall/Text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; https://988lifeline.org/)Text 741741 (Crisis Text Line; https://www.crisistextline.org/)***Pre-order our book: The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental...2024-06-1258 min
I Could Never Do ThatKatie Steele, LMFT and Tiffany Brown, PhD, LMFT - Confronting the Hidden Mental Crisis in Women's SportsWomen’s sports are certainly having a moment and, with more eyes on women’s sports comes more scrutiny and more pressure. The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports—from the Schoolyard to the Stadium explores this crisis in women’s athletics from early childhood exploration, to elite-level competition, and retirement. Authors Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown are both Licensed Family and Marriage Therapists who work a lot with athletes in their practice and have noticed the unique pressures that female athletes have faced to be thin, but not too th...2024-06-121h 01Sports ShrinksExcuses, excuses?In this episode, we dive into the role of physical fitness tests in schools, exploring what crosses the line and how it can be used productively. We wrestle with a controversial listener question: do athletes sometimes use mental health as an excuse? We answer this question as we hold space for the high expectations of sport and performance. We discuss the best ways athletic programs can respond to ensure everyone is supported and gets what they need. We emphasize the importance of belonging and how fostering connection is key for athletes who are struggling. Join us as we explore...2024-05-2950 minSports ShrinksCoaching DynamicsIn this episode, we discuss the layers of old-school coaching, marked by discipline and uniformity, contrasting them with the modern emphasis on personalized relationships and individualized attention. We talk about the power of empathy, communication, and adaptability in nurturing athlete potential. Join us as we explore the evolution from old school tactics to a dynamic, athlete-centric coaching approach, uncovering how these shifts not only enhance performance but also foster deeper connections and personal growth.2024-05-1546 minSports ShrinksThe Lasting ImpactIn this compelling episode, we delve deep into the harrowing journey of a resilient athlete who endured the trauma of manipulation and abuse in sport. Our very own Katie bravely jumps in to some of the details of her own story. She shares her raw and candid experience, shedding light on the profound impact it had on her life, both during her athletic career and beyond.As we navigate her story, we explore the critical importance of integrating mental health in sports. We uncover why this integration is not just necessary but essential for the well-being of...2024-05-0153 minSports ShrinksControversy and CamraderieIn this episode, we dive into the contentious Nike uniform debate, exploring its implications on well-being and mental health. From concerns about sexualization to the impact on performance, we examine the multifaceted issues at play. We explore effective strategies for understanding and supporting teens in athletics. From building strong bonds to fostering an environment conducive to growth and success, we offer insights and practical tips for coaches, parents, and mentors alike. Join us as we navigate the intersection of controversy and camaraderie in the world of sports.2024-04-1740 minSports ShrinksThe Heart of Performance AnxietyJoin us in this eye-opening episode as we delve into the controversial coaching tactics of Kim Mulkey for our Par For the Course segment. While Mulkey's intense coaching style has garnered attention, we discuss the complexities beneath the surface. Next, we reveal how performance anxiety is often misunderstood and explore what truly happens in the therapy room when athletes seek support. This episode challenges common perceptions and sheds light on the multifaceted nature of performance anxiety. Our website: athletesmentalhealthfoundation.orgOur Instagram: @athletesmentalhealthfoundationInstagram mentioned in performance anxiety discussion: @mentalsideofsports2024-04-0350 minSports ShrinksThe Single Sport DilemmaWe are back with episode two and we're getting the hang of it! We couldn't get too far into podcasting without talking about the current belles of the (foot) ball! We take on a recent article that notes the Kelce brothers make it "cool" to be emotional in sports (we're not a fan of that perspective). Then, a listener asks a fundamental question about kids choosing only one sport - we break down the pros and cons along with the overwhelming research findings about specialization. Join us as we confront the sobering realities and urgent implications of prioritizing early...2024-03-2036 minSports ShrinksFor the Love of SportsHey hey! It's the very first episode and we are so thrilled for these conversations! In this episode, we talk about Kelsey Plum's sage advice about Caitlin Clark, how being a competitor is not the only part of an athlete, and Katie and Tiffany both share examples of what happens when we think we know all there is to know about a person.2024-03-0740 min
The People of Penn StateEpisode 54 — Mental Health Awareness For Female Athletes With Erin Strout '97Alumni Association Paul Clifford '20g is joined by journalist Erin Strout '97 for an engaging conversation on her career — including covering health, fitness, and Olympic sports — mental health awareness for female athletes, the state of media coverage on higher education, and more. Erin's work has appeared in the Washington Post, ESPN-W, Self, Women's Health, Outside, Runner’s World, and more. Her upcoming book, "The Price She Pays: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Women's Sports — From the Schoolyard to the Stadium," co-authored with Tiffany Brown, Ph.D., and Katie Steele, LMFT, will be published in June 2...2024-02-2243 min