Episodes
This episode is a raw tool that Ben started using with a golfer who was not happy with her routine. She felt like her mind was wandering too much during her rounds and the distractions were taking away from her game. At some point this will be cleaned up and polished, but sometimes it is helpful to see the behind the scenes of how you can help an athlete when they say, "I don't think my routine is good enough." If you do not have any sort of pre shot or post shot routine I would encourage...
Published 03/28/24
Have you ever wondered what fuels the relentless drive of athletes and entrepreneurs alike? Dre Baldwin, the mastermind behind Work On Your Game Inc., pulls back the curtain on the power of mental toughness that's essential for triumphing in both arenas. Through the lens of his own transformation from a high school bench player to a professional athlete, Dre explains the pivotal role of discipline and confidence—tools that don't just elevate your game on the court, but can catapult your...
Published 03/25/24
When Brad, the mastermind behind the School of Grit, agreed to join us, I knew it was an opportunity to share a profound narrative of human resilience. His journey through the unforgiving Kokoro Camp, where he faced a 50-hour crucible that tested every fiber of his being, isn't just a story of endurance; it's a testament to the transformative power of extreme challenges. Together, we reflect on how these trials reveal character, forge mental toughness, and impart invaluable lessons for...
Published 03/18/24
Want to learn more about who Ben is and what Mental Training Plan is all about? This is a great place to start! Join Ben Carnes on his transformative journey, ignited by a pivotal moment in high school sports in 1999. From struggling to perform under pressure to realizing the power of mental training, Ben's evolution as a coach and mentor took flight. Through coaching experiences, including a humbling defeat in the state championship in 2013, Ben honed the Prime Five method, a groundbreaking...
Published 03/12/24
Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Westfield's football program alongside Coach Jake Gilbert. From struggles to triumphs, this story paints a picture of a team that went from underdogs to champions, united by a simple motto: "out work, out love." With each game, Gilbert's players not only make their mark on the field but also forge lasting bonds of brotherhood. This episode explores what it truly means to be a winner, both in sports and in life. We'll discuss the challenge of...
Published 03/04/24
Discover the secrets to transforming a high school sports team from average to exceptional with insights from two seasoned coaches. As we welcome Coach Fendley and Coach Dan Douglas to our Coaching Minds podcast, they share their unique perspectives on instilling a winning mentality in athletes, drawing from military experiences and honoring the legacy of the late Coach George Gilbert. The wisdom imparted in this episode promises to equip you with the strategies to navigate the nuances of...
Published 02/26/24
Ever pushed your limits and hit a wall, only to find a deep well of resilience you never knew you had? Zeke does just that and more as he recounts his grueling experiences at the Chicago and Indianapolis Monumental Marathons. With each stride and stumble, he imparts the lessons learned on mental fortitude and the essential adjustments needed when tackling such formidable challenges. Join us as we traverse his journey of perseverance, exploring the depths of mental strategies that range from...
Published 02/20/24
On The Spot: Where the questions are pulled on the spot, no prep time just raw honest answers on the spot. Are the tides turning in college football team-building? Strap in as we tackle the game-changing dynamics of the transfer portal and its effects on loyalty and team culture. It's a wild ride through the strategies that coaches must employ, akin to planning a Grand Canyon adventure, where every step counts and preparation is key. Discover how the art of persuasion and the nurturing of a...
Published 02/07/24
Have you ever faced a challenge so daunting it transformed you? This week, we're joined by the extraordinary Matt Comer, who shares the raw and real experiences from his rim-to-rim-to-rim run of the Grand Canyon that actually ended up being a 100k run through the Grand Canyon. It's a tale of grit and resilience that digs deep into the mental fortitude required to endure such an arduous 47-mile trek. While the Grand Canyon's vistas are undeniably breathtaking, the trails themselves offer a...
Published 01/30/24
Have you ever stood at life's crossroads, contemplating a leap of faith that could redefine everything? Cailyn Henderson did just that, swapping collegiate golf greens for the arduous chase toward the professional ranks. This episode invites you into Cailyn's world, where she lays bare the mental challenges that came with this transformative decision. Her story sheds light on the seldom-discussed mental side of sports, particularly the high stakes of the LPGA's Q school, and the subsequent...
Published 01/22/24
Embark on a journey of fortitude with Andy Sweet, the former quarterback and current Marine Corps infantry weapons platoon leader, as we unravel the essence of mental and physical toughness. Andy brings to the table the concept of "callousing the mind"—a powerful practice of facing and overcoming adversity that he has mastered both on the playing field and the battlefield. By delving into the analogy of storing "cookies" in a jar, we reveal a unique method for building resilience and...
Published 01/17/24
Welcome to a power-packed episode of the Coaching Minds podcast, where we guide you on how to foster a championship mindset in your athletes and keep their motivation burning high. We kick off with the importance of expectation, perserverance, and determination. Discover the impact of big goals, the influence of media and music, and the critical role of a strong 'why'. You'll be equipped with practical tools to keep your athletes motivated leading to their personal and team success. Are you...
Published 11/21/23
Imagine if you could offer your athletes the tools to master control over their physical reactions to stress, anxiety, and pressure. That's exactly what we discuss in this episode. We delve into the fascinating world of the human body's physiological responses to stress, pulling references from the US military's research on how to manage such reactions in high-pressure combat situations. We shed light on the role of the vagus nerve in this process and discuss the power of controlled breathing...
Published 08/23/23
In this episode of Coaching Minds, we delve into the intricacies of enhancing athlete focus and performance. We explore the science behind concentration, introducing tools like concentration grids and activities designed to help athletes refine both narrow and broad focus. Did you know that just a few minutes of targeted training a week can make a noticeable difference in performance? Our discussion also touches on the significance of mental preparation in sports. We talk about the value of a...
Published 08/16/23
Losing a season due to injury, loosing a teammate who moves away, losing a loved one, coach, or teammate who tragically passes away...the list is endless and the topic can feel overwhelming. How can coaches help the people in their program navigate loss without falling victim to comparison. How can coaches help athletes process tragedy when they feel broken and confused themselves? Navigating the stormy seas of grief and loss can seem like an impossible journey, especially within the...
Published 07/16/23
As coaches, we have all seen confidence's crucial role in an athlete's performance, mindset, and overall success. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, we provide valuable strategies and practical tips for coaches, trainers, and mentors to empower their athletes and help them build unwavering confidence. Ready to take your team's mental training to the next level? Check out the MTP Academy by visiting our website: mtp.academy, and as always, please feel free to visit us at...
Published 06/20/23
This week we welcome Ben Smith as he dives deep into the topic of coaches reclaiming control over their physical health after their playing days are over. Transitioning from a career on the field to a role on the sidelines can present a complex and challenging journey, often filled with overwhelming amounts of information. However, fear not, as Ben expertly breaks down this feat into bite-sized, actionable steps that will empower coaches to take charge of their well-being. We will post the...
Published 06/09/23
In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of building mental toughness within tennis teams, a factor often overlooked yet crucial to success on the court. We're joined by Trudy Coler, a seasoned coach who has tirelessly worked on developing her team's mental fortitude. Trudy shares her journey, challenges, and the remarkable transformation she's witnessed in her team's performance and dynamics through integrating the Focus Cycle and other skills and techniques she has brought to her...
Published 05/31/23
In this episode, we look at how tennis coaches can design a comprehensive mental training program for their entire team.  We talk through our Foundation Program that we have available in the MTP Academy that covers: 1. Road Map 1.1.Hopes, dreams, ambitions 1.2.Principles, Passion, Purpose 1.3.Why and Wall of Why 1.4.Full Potential 1.5.Goal Setting 1.6.Prime Five Evaluation 2. Preparation 2.1.Deliberate Practice 2.2.Plus One Mentality 2.3.Visualization 2.4.Pre-Practice Routines 2.5.Pressure...
Published 05/19/23
This week we look at how golf coaches can design a comprehensive mental training program for their entire team.  We talk through our Foundation Program that we have available in the MTP Academy that covers: 1. Road Map 1.1.Hopes, dreams, ambitions 1.2.Principles, Passion, Purpose 1.3.Why and Wall of Why 1.4.Full Potential 1.5.Goal Setting 1.6.Prime Five Evaluation 2. Preparation 2.1.Deliberate Practice 2.2.Plus One Mentality 2.3.Visualization 2.4.Pre-Practice Routines 2.5.Pressure...
Published 05/19/23
This week we look at how baseball and softball coaches can design a comprehensive mental training program for their entire team.  We talk through our Foundation Program that we have available in the MTP Academy that covers: 1. Road Map 1.1.Hopes, dreams, ambitions 1.2.Principles, Passion, Purpose 1.3.Why and Wall of Why 1.4.Full Potential 1.5.Goal Setting 1.6.Prime Five Evaluation 2. Preparation 2.1.Deliberate Practice 2.2.Plus One Mentality 2.3.Visualization 2.4.Pre-Practice...
Published 05/09/23
Spencer Glass, a former college soccer player who went through redshirting, injuries, and the disappointment of falling short on the national championship stage, sits down with us to share his story. Spencer discusses how he dealt with setbacks during his time at Indiana University, and how those experiences shaped him both as an athlete and as a person. Despite facing challenges, he persevered and learned valuable mental skills that he later used at the professional level. In this episode,...
Published 05/02/23
How can coaches develop a complete mental training program specifically for their football program?  This episode begins a new chapter for the Coaching Minds Podcast as we shift our focus to helping coaches implement mental training with their athletes. In this episode, we discuss: 1. Road Map 1.1.Hopes, dreams, ambitions 1.2.Principles, Passion, Purpose 1.3.Why and Wall of Why 1.4.Full Potential 1.5.Goal Setting 1.6. Prime Five Evaluation 2. Preparation 2.1.Deliberate Practice 2.2.Plus One...
Published 04/25/23