Coats in Conversation Podcast
by Kendrique Coats
Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, associate therapist who works with couples and athletes. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. The show also offers educational insights from experts on topics such as performance anxiety, relationships, mindset, and emotional wellness. New episodes drop twice a month. Follow, rate, and leave a comment to support the show and help Coats in Conversation reach more listeners.
Episodes
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Rethinking Success in Youth Sports | Bryan McDermand, Progression Volleyball Club
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, mental health therapist, Kendrique Coats, MS, ALMFT interviews, Bryan McDermand, former sand volleyball athlete, now the head volleyball coach and owner of Progression Volleyball Club, which is a premier volleyball organization in the...
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Parenting Through Sports, Identity, and Letting go | Jake Carr, Sports Photographer & Entrepreneur
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, mental health therapist, Kendrique Coats, MS, ALMFT interview, Jake Carr, a Illinois based sports photographer (owner of J7 Images), entrepreneur, and speaker. We discuss he world of sports parenting and the powerful role sports can play in...
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Understanding Trauma and Polyvagal Theory | Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, mental health therapist, Kendrique Coats, MS, ALMFT interviews Trauma Expert and Founder of Trauma Therapist Institute, Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT. In this episode, Rebecca breaks down trauma in a way that’s clear, grounded, and understandable....
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More Than an Athlete | Tuskegee University Head Baseball Coach, Chad Hall
Athletes are expected to perform, on the field, in the classroom, and in life, but we don’t talk enough about what that pressure actually does to their mental health. In this episode, I discuss with Tuskegee Universitys' Head Baseball Coach ,Chad Hall about the reality of balancing performance…
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Sports Related Concussions, CTE, and Mental Health | Former Team USA Bobsled Athlete, William Person
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, mental health therapist, Kendrique Coats interview William Person, who is a former Team U.S.A Bobsled Athlete. Sports related concussions and CTE have become a growing concern in athletics, but we still don’t hear enough from the athletes living…
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Early Sports Specialization: The Hidden Mental Health Risks | Chicago Sports Institute Coach Alex Sutrinaitis
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, mental health therapist, Kendrique Coats interview Alex Sutrinaitis, who is a Chicago Sports Institute Performance Coach. We discuss early sports specialization, athlete mental health, and the real impact year-round training can have on young…
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Athlete Mental Health, Identity, and Growth | Lauren Huber, Notre Dame Track and Field
In this Coats in Conversation Podcast episode, Host Kendrique Coats speaks with former Illinois Wesleyan University standout athlete, now University of Notre Dame track and field athlete, Lauren Huber. We talk about the realities of being a college athlete, from playing through injuries and…
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Women in College Sports and Athlete Mental Health |Fionna Hatton, Worcester State University Hockey
In this episode, host Kendrique Coats, sit down with Fiona Hatton, a Worcester State University Women's Hockey student-athlete, to talk about college athlete mental health, anxiety, and the unseen pressures of student-athlete life. Fiona shares what it’s like balancing academics, performance, and...
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Navigating Change in Sports: Mental Health, Grief, and The Importance of Faith | Wesley Steiner
Welcome back to Coats in Conversation I'm your host Kendrique Coats! In today's episode I interview professional football athlete, Wesley Steiner. Wesley was a standout football athlete at Auburn University and Washington State University before making it to the big leagues. In this conversation,...
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Life After The Game: Mental Health & Identity in Sports | Josh Kauten
In this episode, athlete therapist, Kendrique Coats, sits down with Josh Kauten, a former college and professional baseball player who's now the owner of K's Training Academy, in Bloomington Illinois. We talk about what it’s really like with dreams of playing baseball at a highest level, the…
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Sports Recruiting, NIL & Athlete Mental Health: Setting Your Athlete Up for Success in Today’s Changing Sports World | Barb Smith
If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete trying to navigate today’s world of college recruiting, NIL deals, and the rising mental health pressures in sports, this episode is a must-listen. Podcast host and therapist for athletes, Kendrique Coats interviews Barb Smith, former Division 1 basketball...
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Youth Sports Crisis: What Well-Meaning Parents Need to Know | Dr. Travis Dorsch
What’s it really like to grow up in a sports-centered household? In this episode of Coats in Conversation, host Kendrique Coats, LMFTA sits down with, Dr. Travis Dorsch, former Purdue University All-American, former NFL athlete, and now an Associate Professor and Founding Director of the…
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From Gymnast to College Coach: Mental Health, Resilience, and The Whole Athlete Mindset
In this episode of Coats in Conversation, host Kendrique Coats, LMFTA sits down with Megan Harrington, a former elite gymnast and former Illinois State University gymnastic coach to discuss the powerful connection between athlete identity, mental health, and coaching culture. Megan opens up about...
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Life after the NFL : Mental health, resilience, and purpose with Drew Davis
From childhood football to the big leagues, Drew has seen it all, from navigating his identity after he retired from the NFL, to losing his father, his adult adhd diagnosis, and his work as a certified life and performance coach. This episode moved me, especially as Drew shared what it was like…
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An athlete's battle with cancer and mental health | Gabby Orlet
In this amazing Coats in Conversation episode, Kendrique Coats speaks with Gabby Orlet, who is a volleyball student athlete at Grand Valley State University. Gabby opens up about her battle with cancer and the mental health challenges that came with it. From diagnosis to treatment, she shares how...
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Mental Health Matters: Exploring Suicide & Depression in Men of Color | Ronald Downs, LCSW
In this episode of Coats in Conversation, we dive deep into an often overlooked but urgent topic: suicide and depression in Men of Color. Mental health struggles in communities of color are frequently silenced or stigmatized, leaving many without the support they need. Our goal in this discussion...
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The silent struggle of athlete mental health: Pressure, pain, and perseverance
In this Coats in Conversation, I sit down with Millikin University student-athlete Kendra Manul to talk about the real challenges of transitioning from high school to college sports. Kendra opens up about adjusting to a new team, balancing academics with athletics, and the mental toll of…
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The Mental Game: Inside the Mind of Injured Athletes | Jackson State University Student-Athlete, Steve Spurgeon
In this episode of Coats in Conversation, Licensed Therapist Kendrique Coats interviews Steve Spurgeon, A former JUCO baseball player turned D1 athlete at Jackson State University, who battled injuries, self-doubt, and came out stronger in mind, body, and faith. This podcast is a real look at…
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Building Strong Minds Through Community & Sports | Dr. Bianca Obinyan
In this episode of Coats in Conversation, licensed therapist Kendrique Coats interviews Dr. Bianca Obinyan to explore the crucial impact of strong community connections, including those through family, educators, and mentors, on the mental health and resilience of students, especially those from...
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What you should know about athlete mental health & mental performance | Braden Brown, PH.D, CMPC
In this Coats in Conversation, I speak with Dr. Braden Brown, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified mental performance consultant, serves as the Associate Athletic Director of Mental Health at Brigham Young University (BYU). Braden shares some of the barriers keeping…
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Athletes Transferring Schools, New Struggles, and Real Growth | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this episode, I talk with CJ Lewis, who was a standout baseball athlete for Normal West High School in Illinois, and Jackson State University Alum. After transferring schools multiple times, coping with the tragic loss of a friend to suicide, and stepping far outside his comfort zone, he opens...
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The Pain They Don't See: Injury, Grief, and Identity
In this Coats in Conversation, I speak with former Illinois State University student athletes, Jaden Johnson. Jaden opens up about the layered grief that followed the end of his athletic career. He shares the heartbreaking story of losing a close friend who was silently battling mental health...
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EMDR 101: The Power of Healing with EMDR Therapy
Ever wondered what EMDR therapy really is and why so many people are turning to it for mental clarity and breakthrough results? In this episode, I speak with Stacy Stoodard, A licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR Therapist and Trainer, to break down Eye Movement Desensitization…
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Sports Injuries, The PWI Struggle, and Identity | S2 E 10 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with a Franchesca Smith, a student athlete at Illinois Wesleyan University to talk about the real impact of sports injuries on performance and mental health. We dive into what it's like navigating life at a predominantly white institution (PWI), the challenges of…
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Athlete Mental Performance and Anxiety | Coats in Conversation Podcast | S2 Ep 9
In this episode of Coats in Conversation, therapists Eric Stevenson, LCPC, CMPC, and Kendrique Coats, LMFTA, discuss athletes' mental performance, the crucial roles of anxiety management, emotional regulation, resilience, and navigating toxic sports cultures. Listeners will gain insight into the...
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More Than an Athlete: Identity, Loss, and Mental Health | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this powerful episode, I sit down with a University of Tennessee track and field athlete, Myrèanna Bebe to discuss the mental health struggles athletes face both on and off the track. We dive deep into identity in sports, the challenges of grieving the loss of a loved one, and how athletes...
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Surviving D1 Athletics: Transferring, Injuries, and Athlete Mental Health | Coats in Conversation Podcast
What does it take to survive the mental and physical challenges of D1 athletics? In this Coats in Conversation, we sit down with Wayne Lawrence, a former University of Kentucky track athlete turned coach to discuss the struggles of transferring schools, navigating injuries, and the mental health...
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Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Injuries with Mental Resilience Ft. Jenoah McKiver | S2 E6
In today’s Coats in Conversation, I sit down with Jenoah Mckiver, a former University of Iowa track athlete and current University of Florida track star, to explore his journey of overcoming multiple injuries. Jenoah shares how mental resilience, the unwavering support of his family, and the...
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The Impact of Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence on Mental Health and Relationships | S2 Ep5 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this Coats in Conversation episode, the host, Kendrique Coats, sits down with Dylann Lowery who is a licensed therapist and a doctoral student at Florida State University. We discuss the effects of childhood trauma and the complexities of domestic violence. We also explore how early childhood...
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The Mental Health of Black Men | S2 E4 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this episode of Coats in Conversation, I sit down with Nelson Graves https://www.instagram.com/shrewdnels?igsh=eDhjbGFkc25wOThs, a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Georgia. We discuss the mental health of Black men, how Black men navigate seeking out therapy…
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Perinatal Mental Health in Black Women | S2 Ep 3 | Coats in Conversation
In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapy associate Kendrique Coats speaks with Auburn University's School of Nursing associate professor, Dr. Katilya Ware, and Auburn University's Clinic Psychology doctoral student Courtney Williams to discuss the critical topic of perinatal mental...
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Mental Health in the Black Community: The Black Men's Perspective | S2 Ep2 | Coats In Conversation
In this Coats In Conversation podcast episode, with three Black Male mental health clinicians ( Nelson Graves, Andre, and Joshua Brisman), including myself, we discuss the mental health experiences of Black Men. We also discuss the unique challenges us Black men face with depression, anxiety, and...
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Mental Health and Racial Issues in Sports | S2 Ep1 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this conversation, I talk with Mika Cox, a former University of Iowa Track and Field athlete and a recent graduate of Northwestern University, where she received her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. You can find Mika on Instagram at...
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Navigating Sexual Consent & Sexually Transmitted Infections | Ep 23 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this Conversation, I talk with Candida Crasto, who is a marriage and family therapist intern and the Co-Founder of the podcast called #Sexhappens. Candida shares the nuances of sexual consent, and the importance of ongoing communication. We discuss the power differentials often present in...
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The Stigma of Addiction & Mental Health | Ep 22 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
Welcome back to Coats in conversation. In today’s conversation I speak with Dr. LaToya Wadell, who is a Counselor Educator, mental health counselor, specifically in trauma and addiction, and owner of Inspired 2 B U PLLC in North Carolina . From Dr. Waddell, I learned how people can approach the...
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Mental Illness and Gun Violence in Sports | Ep 21 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
Welcome back to Coats in Conversation. In today's conversation, I speak with Coach Chip Bates, a football Coach at Peoria High School and Trainer in Peoria, Illinois. From Coach Bates, I learned about the impact of gun violence on high school athletes' mental health and how his teams generally…
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Mental Health in High Performance Pilots | Ep 20 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In today’s awesome conversation (Mental Health in High Performance Pilots), I speak with Jean-Marc Charles, who is a Cognitive Performance Specialist for Air Force pilots. From Jean-Marc, I learned how intense the training for pilots can be, and about the tolls it can take on their mental health.…
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Beyond the Game: Rediscovering Identity Beyond the Field | Ep 19 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In today’s awesome conversation, my guest is my long time childhood friend, Chase Alford. Interestingly, our relationship start off with some tension, which we discuss. At the beginning of this conversation, Chase shares how he grew to love the game of football and his transition from high school...
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Tackling Adversity: Mental Health after Football | Ep 18 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
Welcome back to Coats in Conversation. This conversation, Tackling Adversity: Mental Health after Football, with Jack Glenn, a former football athlete who was forced to leave the game due to concussions, was eye-opening. In this conversation, Jack sheds light on the struggles and the resilience...
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Elevating Athlete's Mental Health: A Coach's Perspective | Ep 17 | Coats in Conversation
In the world of sports, where physical prowess often takes the spotlight, the crucial realm of mental well-being for athletes cannot be overstated. From a coach's perspective, understanding and elevating an athlete's mental health is not just an optional addition to training—it is a fundamental...
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From College Athlete to Therapist: Navigating Mental Health with Former University of Virginia Squash Athlete, Giovanna Veiga
In this compelling Coats in Conversation Podcast Episode, we sit down with a remarkable guest, Giovanna Veiga, who's taken a unique journey from being a former University of Virginia Squash Athlete to becoming a recent marriage and family therapy graduate from Auburn University. As an…
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The Challenges of Coaching in the Modern Era | Connecting with Athletes, Handling Parents, and Athlete Mental Health | Ep 15
In this compelling Coats in Conversation episode, we sit down with Lawrence Harden, a former collegiate track and field athlete who has transitioned into a high school track and field coach while launching a new training business. Join us as we delve into the world of coaching in today's…
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Embracing Self-Confidence | 1 year of Coats in Conversation | Ep 14
Welcome to the one-year anniversary episode of Coats in Conversation. In this episode, we discuss our personal growth over the past few years, growing confidence, and moving toward our future goals. Listen to the Coats in Conversation podcast on Apple Podcasts:...
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The Impact of Representation: Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community | Coats in Conversation Ep. 13
Join us in this compelling Coats in Conversation episode as we sit down with an extraordinary undergraduate student, Gabriella Jackson, from Auburn University, as she shares her unique journey of transitioning from high school to college. We explore the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth…
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Mastering the Mental Game: A Collegiate Golfer's Journey to Overcome Challenges | Coats in Conversation Ep 12
In this episode, we dive into the compelling story of Griffin Nyi, a Millikin University collegiate golfer, who shares his personal experiences and challenges as a competitive athlete. Griffin Nyi takes us through his humble beginnings in golf, from gripping his first club to falling in love with...
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Mental Health in Sports with Pontiac Township High School Track & Field Coach Corey Christenson | Ep 11 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
Welcome to another episode of Coats in Conversation! I sit down with Pontiac Township High School Track & Field Coach Corey Christenson, an exceptional coach who has embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, shifting his coaching approach towards an athlete-centric focus while…
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Navigating Adult ADHD, Switching Careers, & Confidence with Vince Bracy | Ep 10 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
Welcome back to the latest Coats in Conversation episode where we discuss an important topic that many people face - being diagnosed as an adult with ADHD and navigating the process of switching careers. Our guest today is a successful entrepreneur who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and had…
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Maintaining Your Mental Health & Achieving Success | Ep 9 | Coats in Conversation Podcast
In this podcast, @gjentertainer and @Kendriquecoats discuss two important topics. First, he emphasizes the importance of staying focused when pursuing goals and the need to block out negativity from haters. He explains that to achieve success, one must have a clear and focused mindset, and not…
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The First Therapy Session | Ep 7 | Coats in Conversation
In this episode, we discuss going to therapy for the first time and how it can be a daunting experience for many people. However, it is important to remember that therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. One of the key...
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How To Use The Law of Attraction to Manifest Anything You Want in 2023 | EP 6 | Coats in Conversation
In this podcast episode, we will explore the concept of the law of attraction and the practice of manifesting. The law of attraction is a popular idea that suggests people can attract positive or negative experiences into their lives based on their thoughts and feelings. According to this...
About this show
Coats in Conversation is a mental health podcast hosted by Kendrique Coats, associate therapist who works with couples and athletes. Each episode features authentic, powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and mental health professionals who share their personal journeys of struggle, resilience, and growth. The show also offers educational insights from experts on topics such as performance anxiety, relationships, mindset, and emotional wellness. New episodes drop twice a month. Follow, rate, and leave a comment to support the show and help Coats in Conversation reach more listeners.
Hosted by
Kendrique Coats