The Mental Cast

Episode 014 | Chat with Erik Weiss - Little League Baseball Umpire | September 2020
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has an insightful conversation with Erik Weiss, a Little League umpire based in Stockton, California. After hosting many coaches and athletes on the show, Dan thought it was time to hear directly from the officials who help keep the game running.
Dan and Erik dive into what it is really like to be a Little League umpire, the mental skills required, how to handle the stress of the job, and the often overlooked role of umpires in youth sports culture. They also discuss the launch of Erik’s own podcast, The Umpire Strikes Back, and the lessons he is sharing with the broader sports community.
If you’re involved in youth sports in any way, this episode is full of valuable insights and behind-the-scenes perspective.
Topics covered:
The mental demands of being a youth sports official
How umpires manage stress and high-pressure moments
Building mental toughness and focus as an umpire
The role of umpires in shaping sports culture
The launch of The Umpire Strikes Back podcast
Guest links:
The Umpire Strikes Back Podcast on Apple
The Umpire Strikes Back Facebook Page
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 013 | Chat with Donald Reeser Jr. - His Weight Loss Journey | August 2020
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down once again with long-time friend Donnie Reeser for Part 2 of their conversation series. This time, the focus is on Donnie’s remarkable weight loss journey over the past year and the physical and mental challenges that came with it.
While this conversation is not intended as a weight loss program or medical advice, it offers an honest, unfiltered look at the personal struggles and victories that accompany such a significant lifestyle change. True to form, Dan and Donnie also share plenty of their signature banter along the way.
If you’re interested in personal growth, resilience, and the mental aspects of major life changes, this episode is well worth a listen.
Topics covered:
The mental and emotional challenges of weight loss
Maintaining motivation through setbacks
The impact of lifestyle changes on mindset
The importance of support systems during major life transformations
Honest reflections from a year-long journey
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 012 | Chat with DJ Roueche - Lakers/AVP/Olympic DJ | July 2020
In this high-energy episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with the always entertaining DJ (Jeremy) Roueche. DJ Roueche is currently the official DJ for the Los Angeles Lakers, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, and was one of the DJs for the Rio Olympic Games in beach volleyball. He is also half of the L.A.-based band The Suicide Doors.
Dan and DJ Roueche dive into life choices, pivotal moments, and the unexpected journey that led DJ Roueche to the global stage. They also share stories from their years playing sitting volleyball together, including back-to-back national championships and gold medals.
This fun, insightful conversation is all about following your passion, embracing life’s twists and turns, and finding joy in the journey.
Topics covered:
Life-changing choices and career pivots
Behind the scenes with the Lakers, AVP, and Olympic events
The mental side of performance in high-profile entertainment
Building a life around passion and purpose
Shared stories from sitting volleyball and national championships
Guest links:
DJ Roueche Website
DJ Roueche on MixCloud
DJ Roueche on SoundCloud
DJ Roueche on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The Suicide Doors Website
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 011 | Chat with Kyle Wagner Baseball Guru and Educator | July 2020
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with coach and educator Kyle Wagner for a long-awaited conversation about coaching youth sports and keeping the game fun and meaningful.
A former standout high school baseball player, Kyle went on to play Division I baseball at Wake Forest University and spent a year playing professionally. He was also part of the coaching team behind the historic 2015 Red Land Little League squad that won the United States Championship.
Dan and Kyle dive into coaching philosophy, player development, and the importance of fostering joy and curiosity in young athletes. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about youth sports and positive coaching practices.
Topics covered:
How to keep sports fun for young athletes
Coaching philosophy for youth sports
Lessons from the 2015 Red Land Little League team
Player development and long-term success
The role of education in coaching
Guest links:
How the RiverCats Won Amazon Book (Insert exact link if you’d like)
Green Light Hitting Book Website
Green Light Hitting on Facebook
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 010 | Chat with Jen Fry | June 2020
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with educator and speaker Jen Fry (JenFryTalks.com) to explore the intersection of sports, leadership, and social justice. Together they discuss how coaches and athletes can foster inclusive environments, lead with awareness, and embrace the kind of uncomfortable conversations that drive real growth.
Jen, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Michigan State University, brings a unique perspective on how geography, race, and team culture impact performance both on and off the field. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, equity, and the evolving role of sports in society.
Topics covered:
Fostering inclusion through intentional coaching
Building leadership skills for today's athletes
Understanding the role of geography, culture, and race in team dynamics
Embracing growth through difficult conversations
Guest links:
JenFryTalks.com
Jen Fry on Twitter, Instagram
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 009 | Chat with Trevor Ragan of The Learner Lab | June 2020
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Trevor Ragan from The Learner Lab for an engaging conversation about Trevor’s personal journey, from growing up in the Midwest to working with Duke Basketball, creating Train Ugly, and launching The Learner Lab podcast.
Trevor is a well-known voice on learning science, growth mindset, and skill development. In this conversation, Dan shifts the spotlight to Trevor’s own story, how his experiences have shaped his philosophy on learning, and where he sees the future of coaching, education, and personal development heading.
If you’re a coach, athlete, teacher, or lifelong learner, this episode will give you fresh insights into how learning works and how to apply it in your own world.
Topics covered:
Trevor Ragan’s personal journey as a learner and educator
Lessons from working with elite athletes and coaches
How learning science applies to everyday life
The future of growth mindset and coaching
Guest links:
The Learner Lab Website
The Learner Lab on Facebook
The Learner Lab on Twitter
The Learner Lab on Instagram
The Learner Lab Podcast
The Learner Lab on LinkedIn(You can insert exact links as needed — I preserved your structure.)
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 008 | Coaching Burnout | January 2020
Coaching burnout is one of the most common topics that comes up when The MentalCast host Dan Mickle works with coaches and managers. While many people recognize the late stages of burnout, they often miss the early warning signs and opportunities to take preventive action.
In this episode, Dan explores the root causes of coaching burnout and shares actionable strategies to help coaches, leaders, and managers stay mentally and physically well over the long term. Burnout is more common than many realize, but with the right awareness and tools, it can absolutely be managed and even avoided.
If you are a coach, team leader, or anyone working in high-pressure environments, this is an essential listen to help you sustain your passion and performance.
Topics covered:
Common causes of coaching burnout
Early warning signs to watch for
Practical strategies to prevent burnout
Building a sustainable coaching practice
Mental wellness tips for long-term success
Mentioned resources:
Whoop Fitness Bands
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 007 | Donald Reeser Jr. Interview - Part 1| January 2020
In this special three-part series of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with local entrepreneur and dart player Donald Reeser, Jr., the owner of Reeser’s Soft Ice Cream.
Recorded casually in the parking lot of their favorite local spot, Nick’s 114 Café, this first episode in the series dives into the mental challenges and unique pressures faced by small business owners. Donnie shares insights from his journey running a beloved community business, navigating stress, adapting to change, and maintaining resilience in an unpredictable world.
This episode is a fun departure from the usual format and offers valuable takeaways for anyone balancing the mental demands of leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Stay tuned for parts two and three, where Donnie discusses his remarkable weight loss journey and his life as a competitive dart player under the persona “Grimm Reeser.”
Topics covered:
The mental side of small business ownership
Coping with the stress and uncertainty of entrepreneurship
Building community through local business
The human side of leadership and resilience
Guest links:
Reeser’s Soft Ice Cream on Facebook
Nick’s 114 Café on Facebook
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 006 | Effect of Sports Injuries on the Mind | December 2019
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores a critical but often overlooked topic: the psychological effects of sports injuries on athletes. While much of the conversation around injury focuses on physical recovery, Dan dives into how injuries can impact an athlete’s mental health, confidence, identity, and overall well-being.
He also offers actionable strategies for supporting athletes through the mental side of rehabilitation and making the recovery process smoother and more holistic. Whether you are an athlete, coach, parent, or sports professional, this episode will deepen your understanding of the mental challenges that accompany injury and provide tools to help navigate them.
Dan also recaps highlights from Episode 005 ("Be a Tim") and previews upcoming episodes on coaching depression, parental conversations in sports, and Episode 007, which will feature listener questions and comments from #Ask717Soul.
Topics covered:
The mental health impacts of sports injuries
How injuries affect athlete identity and motivation
Building psychological support into the rehabilitation process
Practical steps for coaches and parents to assist injured athletes
Preview of future MentalCast episodes
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 005 | Be A Tim! | October 2019
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the concept of accountability, both personally and professionally. Through the story of his friend and mentor, Tim, who serves as Dan’s own accountability partner for podcasting, Dan highlights the importance of having people who challenge us to stay on track.
He also discusses how to build accountability relationships, how to navigate conversations about accountability with others, and how these principles apply in coaching, leadership, and team dynamics. If you’re looking to strengthen your own accountability structures, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.
Topics covered:
The value of having an accountability partner
How to create healthy accountability systems
The psychology of accountability and motivation
Strategies for having accountability conversations with others
Mentioned resources:
The Chopra Center
Surveillant Intentions and Intrinsic Motivation (Michael E. Enzle and Sharon C. Anderson)
Effects of Person versus Process Praise on Student Motivation: Stability and Change in Emerging Adulthood (Kyla Haimovitz; Jennifer Henderlong Corpus)
Accounting for the Effects of Accountability (Jennifer S. Lerner and Philip E. Tetlock)
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul