The Mental Cast

Episode 004 | Traditions | August 2019
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle takes a thoughtful look at the role of traditions in our lives, from the playing field to the boardroom. We often follow traditions without much reflection, but what purpose do they serve? Are they helping or holding us back?
Dan explores how to evaluate traditions in your personal and professional life, how they fit into your bigger “master plan,” and how to approach them with intentionality. If you are a coach, leader, or athlete looking to build stronger, more conscious practices, this conversation will inspire new ways of thinking.
Topics covered:
What traditions really are and where they come from
How to evaluate whether a tradition is helping or hindering growth
The impact of tradition on learning, performance, and leadership
How to intentionally shape new traditions aligned with your goals
Mentioned resources:
The ESOP Podcast
Reeser’s Soft Ice Cream
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 003 | Journaling | February 2018
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the power of journaling for athletes, coaches, and professionals. He shares practical methods, common pitfalls, and personal experiences with journaling, offering actionable tips to help others build their own writing habits.
Dan also answers listener questions from the #Ask717Soul tag, providing fresh insights for anyone new to journaling or looking to enhance their current approach. Whether you are looking to improve performance, process emotions, or simply build greater self-awareness, this episode is packed with tools to help you get started.
Topics covered:
Why journaling is valuable for mental performance
Techniques to help athletes and professionals build writing habits
Common pitfalls to avoid when starting a journaling practice
Listener Q&A about incorporating journaling into daily routines
Mentioned resources:
Writing on the Bus
BestSelf Journal
Panda Planner
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 002 | Goal Setting | December 2017
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle dives into the art and science of goal setting. From common pitfalls to actionable strategies, Dan shares insights drawn from both research and personal experience.
He also answers listener questions from the #Ask717Soul tag, offering practical advice for those just starting with goal setting as well as those looking to refine their methods. Whether you are an athlete, coach, or anyone striving for personal or professional growth, this episode will give you new tools to sharpen your approach to achieving goals.
Topics covered:
How to set effective and realistic goals
Common mistakes to avoid when setting goals
Personal stories about goal setting successes (and failures)
Listener Q&A on building sustainable goal systems
Mentioned resources:
Finding Mastery Podcast
Tim Ferriss Blog
Fear Setting PDF
Fear Setting TED Video
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Episode 001 | Functional Philosophy with Sean Manzi | November 2017
In this debut episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with long-time volleyball coach Sean Manzi to explore what it means to develop a truly functional coaching philosophy.
Dan and Sean discuss why having a coaching philosophy matters, how to ensure it evolves over time, and how these same principles can be applied beyond the sports world, helping corporate leaders, sales professionals, and performing artists alike foster more intentional and effective approaches to their work.
Whether you’re a coach, leader, or professional in any field, this conversation will challenge you to reflect on your guiding principles and how they shape your success.
Topics covered:
Building a meaningful coaching philosophy
The importance of revisiting and updating your philosophy
How coaching principles translate to business and the arts
Maintaining authenticity while evolving your approach
Guest: Sean Manzi
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

The Mental Cast is a monthly podcast dedicated to great discussions and interviews focused on Mental Performance Training, Coaching, and Education, and originates from the East Coast of the United States.
If you have any questions or topics for us to explore or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email us at podcat@mentalcast.com or contact us across all social medial platforms at @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
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