• Today’s Menu….Grilled Cheese
    May 28 2025

    In this episode of the Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell speaks with former MLB pitcher Jason Grilli about resilience, mental preparation, and the emotional challenges faced by athletes. Grilli shares insights from his extensive career, discussing the importance of mental toughness, the internal competition within teams, and the impact of injuries on performance. He reflects on his experiences during the 2006 World Series and emphasizes the significance of momentum in sports. The conversation highlights the human side of athletes, revealing their struggles and triumphs both on and off the field. In this engaging conversation, Jason Grilli shares his journey from a middle reliever to an All-Star closer, discussing the mental and physical challenges he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of family legacy, the emotional weight of pursuing baseball dreams, and the politics of youth sports. Grilli emphasizes the significance of confidence, overcoming doubt, and the speed of the game. He also delves into his transition to entrepreneurship after baseball, navigating financial challenges, and the importance of trust in business. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for personal growth and the importance of connections.

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    58 mins
  • If you are always trying to fix them... They're always going to feel broke
    May 14 2025


    In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Chase Lambin about the mental approach to youth sports and coaching. Chase has been the bench coach for the Texas Rangers AAA affiliate the Round Rock Express for the past 5 seasons. They discuss the importance of confidence in players, the evolution of mental skills in baseball, and the predator vs. prey mentality that players should adopt. Chase shares insights on how to improve a player's mentality, the significance of simplicity in coaching, and the impact of influential coaches on his career. The two also spend time discussing Chase's recent book entitled The Hitters Handbook on how to compete with clarity, and be a Tiger in the batters box. The conversation concludes with advice for young players and the importance of daily routines for success.


    Connect with Chase

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chaselambin/

    https://www.instagram.com/the_hitters_handbook/

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    31 mins
  • I’ve Failed, So You Don't Have To
    Apr 30 2025

    How do you handle the mental part of recovering from injury? In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Ian Jenkins, a former college baseball player and founder of the Freak Protocol. They discuss Ian's journey through numerous injuries, the mental resilience required to overcome them, and the importance of hard work and dedication in youth sports. Ian shares his philosophy on training, the impact of social media on young athletes, and the lessons learned from his failures, emphasizing the need for a strong mindset and realistic assessments of one's abilities. In this conversation, Ian shares his insights on personal growth, the importance of listening to emotions, and the journey of becoming a successful athlete. He discusses the significance of specialized training for athletes, the value of reading and mindset, and the lessons learned from sports that apply to life. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of self-comparison, embracing challenges, and pursuing goals with passion, while also recommending a future guest who focuses on instilling a positive mentality in young athletes.

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    47 mins
  • The Mind Is The Engine Of The Car
    Apr 15 2025

    In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Alan Jaeger, a pioneer in the sporting world known for his contributions to arm care and mental training in youth sports. They discuss the importance of mental health awareness, the challenges faced by young athletes, and the need for a balanced approach to physical and mental training. Jaeger emphasizes the significance of mental practice, trust, and neutrality in enhancing performance and well-being. He also shares insights on current projects and memorable success stories from his work with athletes. In this conversation, Todd Arkell and Alan Jaeger explore the significance of mindfulness and mental training in sports and life. They discuss the transformative power of mental practices such as meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises, emphasizing their role in enhancing performance and well-being. Alan shares personal anecdotes and insights on how these practices can lead to tangible results, even in a short time frame. The discussion also touches on the importance of holistic health approaches and the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health. Alan recommends several impactful books that have shaped his journey, and they conclude with reflections on life lessons and the serendipity of experiences.


    Contact Alan

    Website: https://jaegersports.com

    X: @jaegersports

    Instagram: @jaegersports

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    58 mins
  • Tryout Season - Crush That Anxiety
    Apr 2 2025

    Host Todd Arkell brings together Sara Reichenbach and Rob Pallante, two deeply experienced hockey players and mental performance coaches to provide you some assistance to crush that anxiety over tryouts. This conversation delves into the various aspects of tryout anxiety faced by young athletes, particularly in hockey. The discussion highlights the pressures from parents, coaches, and the athletes themselves, and emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment. The speakers share insights on managing anxiety, building confidence, and the role of visualization techniques. They also discuss the significance of preparation and character in tryouts, providing practical advice for both athletes and parents. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of youth sports, particularly focusing on hockey tryouts. They explore the importance of resilience in players, the impact of parental influence, and the necessity of a positive mindset. The conversation also touches on the design of tryouts to alleviate anxiety, the significance of learning from adversity, and the evolving landscape of youth hockey with open borders. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of supporting teammates and the personal journeys of athletes in navigating their sports careers.

    Contact our Guests

    Sara Reichenbach

    A native of Quebec, Sara played NCAA D1 hockey competing in 4 ECAC tournaments including 2 NCAA Frozen Four appearance. Transitioning from playing, Sara coached NCAA D1 hockey for two decades at schools like Dartmouth, Mercyhurst and Maine. Sara currently works as a mental performance coach as part of the CEP Mindset team.

    Website - https://www.cepmindset.com

    X: https://www.x.com/sarereichen

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reichenbach.sara

    Rob Pallante

    Rob is a former D1 and pro player who founded Mindset Body Bank, focused on assisting players with the modern day demands of youth sports. Rob has also coached the highest level of minor hockey in Canada and is well suited to work with players of all levels through their shared experiences

    Rob's Website is here. https://www.mindsetbodybank.com

    Rob on X: https://x.com/mindsetbodybank

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetbodybank


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    54 mins
  • Hurdle-isms
    Mar 19 2025

    In this conversation, Clint Hurdle shares his journey from a promising baseball career to struggles with alcoholism and eventual recovery. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, service to others, and the lessons learned through personal challenges. Hurdle reflects on his family life, the impact of his children, and the significance of maintaining focus and composure in both parenting and professional settings. In this engaging conversation, Clint Hurdle shares his insights on life, baseball, and the importance of resilience. He reflects on personal experiences, the evolution of the game, and the balance between tradition and modern analytics. Hurdle emphasizes the significance of mental health in sports, the value of failure, and the need for emotional engagement in the game. He also offers practical advice for listeners, encouraging them to embrace life's challenges and prioritize their well-being.*editors note, there were some minor audio issues when the episode was recorded

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    57 mins
  • What A Rattlesnake Taught Me About Baseball And Life
    Mar 5 2025

    In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Will Rogers, a Division I baseball player from the University of Michigan. They discuss Will's experiences in high school and college baseball, as well as his mindset and mental approach to the game. Will shares his journey from being a highly recruited high school player to choosing the college route over pursuing professional baseball. He also talks about the importance of mindset, staying calm under pressure, and playing for the team rather than individual success. In this conversation, Will Rogers discusses his purpose as a baseball player and how he channels his inner Rattlesnake mentality in the game. He talks about the importance of journaling and positive thinking in overcoming challenges and staying focused. Will shares his plan for his senior year at Michigan, balancing school, training, and competing. He emphasizes the need to simplify and stay in the present moment.

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    36 mins
  • Six Pillars To Success
    Feb 26 2025

    Lucinda Snyder, founder of Peak Flow, discusses the importance of mental performance in youth sports and how she stumbled into this field. She shares her journey of teaching yoga to athletes and the transformative impact it had on them. Lucinda emphasizes the integration of mindfulness and mental performance in sports and how it can benefit athletes beyond the game. She highlights the six pillars of her program, which include mindfulness, body awareness, finding your why, managing the inner critic, building confidence, and bouncing forward from mistakes. Lucinda also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and gratitude in daily life.

    Lucinda Snyder is a Yoga Alliance 200 RYT Yoga Instructor, Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor, Mental Performance Mastery Coach with certification in Mindfulness for Student Athletes

    Contact Lucinda

    Website: Peakflow.info

    Instagram: @Peak_Flow_

    Watch Pillar One: The Foundation

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    28 mins
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