The Mental Cast

Episode 046 | Athlete Apathy - Rethinking Motivation in Youth Sports | June 2025
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle tackles one of the most debated topics in today’s coaching circles: athlete apathy. Are today’s young athletes truly apathetic, or are coaches failing to ignite their spark?
Dan dives into an engaging conversation that challenges the common misconceptions about today’s youth in sports. You will explore how shifting coaching perspectives and embracing new methods can foster motivation and enthusiasm in athletes — rather than writing them off as unmotivated.
The episode also highlights the complexities of coaching neurodivergent athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding each athlete’s unique motivations, learning styles, and needs.
In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener’s question about how to support a player who feels discouraged by a coach’s negative comments about today’s athletes.
Topics covered:
Are athletes really apathetic — or are we missing their motivations?
How coaching methods can either inspire or stifle engagement
The importance of adapting coaching to generational needs
Understanding neurodivergent athletes and what drives them
Strategies for creating empowering sports environments
How to move from a participation model to true ownership of success
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 045 | Honor The Past Without Being Trapped By It | May 30, 2025
Welcome to this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, where host Dan Mickle explores the complex relationship between tradition and progress in sports and coaching.
As athletes and coaches strive to honor time-tested customs while adapting to the evolving needs of modern sports, this episode asks a critical question: does tradition support growth, or does it sometimes hold us back?
Through thoughtful discussion, Dan examines how outdated practices can unintentionally create barriers to inclusivity, especially for neurodivergent athletes, and shares strategies for evolving traditions in ways that foster a more supportive and empowering atmosphere for all.
This is a must-listen conversation for anyone seeking to balance respect for the past with a forward-thinking approach to coaching and leadership.
Topics covered:
The value and limitations of tradition in sports
When honoring the past can become a barrier to progress
The impact of outdated practices on neurodivergent athletes
Strategies for evolving team culture to be more inclusive
How to balance respecting tradition with embracing modern needs
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

pisode 044 | We Have Lost Our Damn Minds | March 21, 2025
Welcome to The MentalCast, hosted by Dan Mickle and supported by Soul Performance Academy.
In this episode, Dan shares an unscripted rant about the chaotic and often unhealthy state of youth sports today. He dives into the financial burdens placed on families, the unrealistic expectations heaped on young athletes, and the increasingly out-of-control behaviors seen from parents and coaches on the sidelines.
Dan calls for a balanced approach that puts the well-being of children first — advocating for a return to the simple joys of sports and a greater focus on mental performance training. This episode is a call to action for everyone involved in youth sports to move beyond the obsession with winning and instead prioritize the emotional and physical development of young athletes.
Topics covered:
The financial pressures of modern youth sports
Unrealistic expectations placed on young athletes
Toxic behaviors from parents and coaches
Why we need to prioritize well-being over winning
The role of mental performance training in healthy sports development
A call to return to the joy of the game
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 043 | A Conversation with Summer Montabone | February 26, 2025
In this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Summer Montabone, retired pro athlete and performance mindset coach, for an inspiring conversation about empowerment, leadership, and the mental side of sports.
They dive into important discussions around empowering girls through sports, addressing the unique challenges of female leadership in the fitness industry, and why mental performance training is a critical piece of the puzzle.
Summer shares her remarkable journey from high school teacher to national fitness champion to business owner and mindset coach, offering valuable insights on overcoming obstacles and building resilience. Together, Dan and Summer explore the developmental challenges in youth sports and the important roles that parents and coaches play in fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes.
If you are a parent, coach, or athlete, youth or adult , and this episode is packed with actionable ideas for building fearless action and leadership in both sports and life.
Topics covered:
Empowering girls through sports
Female leadership in fitness and sports
The value of mental performance training
Overcoming personal and professional obstacles
Building resilience and confidence in young athletes
Developing fearless action and personal leadership
Mentioned in this episode:
Summer Montabone Website
The Softball Mindset Workbook
The Volleyball Mindset Workbook
The Basketball Mindset Workbook
The Soccer Mindset Workbook
The Fearless Mindset for Women Workbook
Dream Big, Be Fearless Notebook
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 042 | Building Confidence for Success | January 2025
Confidence is more than just belief; it is a skill that can be trained, honed, and protected. In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the key elements of building true, lasting confidence, from preparation and visualization to setting achievable goals.
You will learn how to bounce back from setbacks, foster a growth mindset, and create supportive environments that help athletes, coaches, and parents alike nurture confidence.
This episode also includes tips specifically tailored for coaching neurodivergent athletes, using structured routines, sensory-friendly tools, and visual trackers to help build and sustain confidence.
And in The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener's question about helping a player with autism thrive in team settings. Packed with actionable strategies, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to develop their mental edge.
Topics covered:
How confidence is built and sustained
Preparation and visualization as confidence tools
Setting achievable goals for progressive growth
Fostering a growth mindset after setbacks
Supporting neurodivergent athletes in building confidence
Creating environments that nurture belief and resilience
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 041 | Last Time You Had Fune | June 2024
We all experience moments of joy and happiness — but when was the last time you truly had fun? The kind of fun where you lost track of time, laughed until it hurt, or experienced a moment that changed your life.
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores how our lives — and especially the lives of young athletes — have become so packed and performance-driven that we often forget to make space for fun. And that has real consequences.
It is time to rethink what fun means, why it matters, and how we can intentionally bring more of it into our lives and our sports environments. This episode draws inspiration from The Power of Fun by Catherine Price and offers actionable ideas for coaches, parents, and athletes alike.
Topics covered:
Defining true fun and why it matters
How busyness and burnout crowd out fun
The mental and physical benefits of fun
Why fun is critical for athlete development and team culture
Practical ways to bring fun back into your life and your coaching
Mentioned in this episode:
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 040 | Where Have I Been? | May 2024
About a year ago, host Dan Mickle quietly stepped away from The MentalCast. At the time, he was not entirely sure why — but a recent conversation and a powerful book helped provide clarity and sparked the return.
Before diving into a brand new season, Dan wanted to share this personal reflection on why he left, what brought him back, and what he hopes to bring to the show moving forward. If you have ever needed to hit pause on something you love, this episode will resonate. And most importantly — Dan is glad to be back and excited for the great conversations to come this season!
Topics covered:
Why Dan stepped away from the podcast
The personal and professional factors behind the break
How The Power of Fun by Catherine Price helped inspire the return
Lessons learned about burnout, reflection, and passion
What to expect in the new season of The MentalCast
Mentioned in this episode:
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 039 | Colin C. Thompson | July 2023
Friend of the show Colin C. Thompson returns to The MentalCast for an exciting update to his 2021 appearance — this time with news about his inspiring new “50 at 50” plan.
In this motivating conversation, host Dan Mickle and Colin dive into the power of self-improvement, goal setting, and simply getting it done. They explore the mindset behind Colin’s 50 at 50 Movement and how it is helping people around the world pursue growth, fitness, and well-being.
Be sure to check out the show links below to see how you can get involved and make an impact through the 50 at 50 Movement!
Topics covered:
What has changed for Colin since 2021
The origin and goals of the 50 at 50 Movement
How to stay motivated at any stage of life
Tips for sustainable personal improvement
Spreading a positive movement worldwide
Guest links:
50 at 50
Facebook
Oligye
LinkedIn
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

pisode 038 | Nuerodivergent Athletes | May 2023
This is one of the most challenging and personal episodes that host Dan Mickle has recorded to date.
In this episode of The MentalCast, Dan opens up about the self-doubt and reflection that comes with wondering if, at times, he may have failed some of the athletes he coached, including those closest to him.
It is time for all of us, as coaches and educators, to deepen our understanding of how to best support neurodivergent athletes and performers. By learning to adapt our coaching strategies, we can help all athletes thrive, perform at their best, and feel fully supported on and off the field.
This is a vital conversation for any coach or leader who works with diverse athletes and wants to do better.
Topics covered:
Why coaching neurodivergent athletes requires new understanding
Recognizing the unique needs of neurodivergent performers
Strategies to help neurodivergent athletes succeed
Reflections on coaching failures and lessons learned
How the coaching community can grow and improve in this area
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 037 | Being a Better Coach - Part 2: Empathy | April 2023
Continuing the five-part Being a Better Coach series, this episode of The MentalCast dives into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) coaching skills: empathy.
Host Dan Mickle explores what empathy really means in a coaching context, how it can transform relationships with athletes, and why it is essential for building trust and fostering a positive team culture.
If you are looking to strengthen your connection with your athletes and lead with greater understanding, this is an episode you will not want to miss. And as always, this episode is also available on YouTube!
Topics covered:
The true meaning of empathy in coaching
How empathy builds trust and team cohesion
Recognizing and responding to athletes' emotional needs
Balancing empathy with accountability
Practical ways to develop and demonstrate empathy as a coach
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul