State of the Podcast 2026: Finding Our “Why” and What’s Next

In this behind-the-scenes episode, we reconnect after a break to reflect on why we started The Mentally Fit Athlete and where the podcast is headed next. What begins as a casual conversation turns into a thoughtful exploration of purpose, creativity, and how mental performance principles—like knowing your “why”—apply not just to athletes, but to their own work as podcast hosts.We discuss the balance between structure and spontaneity, the role of curiosity in learning, and how the podcast can evolve to better serve athletes, performers, and anyone striving to be mentally fit in everyday life.1. The Importance of “Why”Just like athletes need a clear “why” to stay motivated, creators benefit from reconnecting with their purpose.For both of us, the podcast is driven by creativity, connection, and a desire to make helpful information accessible.2. Making Mental Skills AccessibleThe show aims to provide practical, evidence-informed insights for people who may not otherwise have access to sport psychology resources.Mental performance skills aren’t just for elite athletes—they apply to students, performers, and everyday challenges.3. Expanding the Definition of “Athlete”The conversation highlights how mental performance applies across domains:Traditional sportsPerforming arts (dance, theater)Academic and competitive settings (debate, testing)The “mentally fit athlete” includes anyone striving to perform under pressure.4. Future Format IdeasWe explore potential structures for upcoming episodes, including:Educational segments: Breaking down the science (e.g., anxiety, routines, performance mindset)Listener Q&A: Addressing real-world questions from athletesCurrent events in sport: Reflecting on trends and their psychological impact5. Balancing Structure and AuthenticityA more structured format can help listeners know what to expect.At the same time, the podcast will continue to embrace a conversational, improvisational style rooted in curiosity and authenticity.6. Learning in PublicThe podcast is not just about teaching—it’s also a space for ongoing learning.Researching topics, responding to questions, and exploring new ideas helps both hosts grow alongside their audience.7. Barriers to Creating (and How to Move Through Them)The realities of content creation come up, including:Time constraintsPerfectionism and “cringe factor”Social media fatigueA key mindset shift: focus on creating valuable content first, rather than chasing trends or metrics.8. Consistency Over PerfectionProgress comes from showing up consistently, even when the audience is small.Early content doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to exist.We share several ideas for the future of the podcast:More consistent episode releasesShort-form content (e.g., Q&A clips, YouTube Shorts)Potential guest interviews with coaches, athletes, and professionalsWritten content (e.g., articles or newsletters) connected to podcast topicsThe possibility of workshops, talks, or even a future bookNIL deals and their impact on athlete experienceLifelong athletic identity and participationWomen in sport and performance across the lifespanThe mental side of competing at any ageHow culture and society shape performance opportunitiesThis episode serves as a reset and a recommitment—to the process, to the audience, and to the idea that being “mentally fit” is an ongoing practice. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, performer, or simply someone navigating challenges, the goal remains the same: show up, stay curious, and keep building skills that help you perform and live well.Dr. Jason von StietzWebsite: drjasonvonstietz.comInstagram: @CBTSportsPsychLydia GarciaWebsite: LydiaGarcia.net🎧 If you’ve been following the podcast, thanks for sticking with us—and if you’re new, this is a great place to start. More episodes coming soon.