PODCAST · sports
The Athlete CAFE
by Emily Marcinowski
The Athlete C.A.F.E. features former collegiate athlete Mental Performance Coaches discussing the importance of prioritizing your mental health. If you find yourself struggling with the mental challenges of your sport, you have come to the right place. We are aiming to provide insight, education, and experience to shed light on common topics to help athletes perform at their best mentally. Listen in if you are looking for tools and perspective on topics such as confidence, coping with mistakes, expectations, mindfulness, and so much more!
Episodes
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Battling Burnout: Pt 2
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE revisits the idea of Burnout. We discuss different warning signs, how to determine if you are balancing your schedule well, and different phases of burnout. We provide some helpful tips to manage burnout and make the most of your season! Check us out:...
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Mental Breakdown: 2025 March Madness
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members, Michael and Frances, break down various parts of the 2025 March Madness. They discuss different mental aspects of plays throughout the men and women's final game and give their perspectives on how to think through different scenarios. Check us out:...
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Transitioning Seasons/Sports
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE explores how athletes can manage a transition between different sport seasons. This is mainly focused around our 'Off-season' tips and what to look out for in between seasons. We discuss how to recovery properly even in short amounts of time between seasons. We...
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Negative Thoughts/Pressure for Athletes
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE explores how negative thoughts and pressure affect athletes performances. This is a popular concern for many athletes. We discuss how pressure can be both a positive and negative experience.We talk about self doubt and how it effects your mentality in…
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Confidence Pt. 2 (Additional Tips)
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE revisits a familiar topic: Confidence. This is one of the biggest topics talked about with athletes and we discuss ways for athletes to build their confidence in different ways. We discuss how confidence is something you can actually DO and how having an alter…
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Mental Breakdown: SuperBowl 2025
Welcome back to Mental Breakdown! In this episode we recap the 2025 SuperBowl, Philadelphia Eagles v. Kansas City Chiefs. We discuss background and how each team has played throughout the year leading into the SuperBowl. We picked out moments from both teams, good and not so great, and explored…
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Mental Performance Coaching: Case Examples
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE takes some of their favorite moments with individual athletes and talk about how they have gone through our program. We discuss we've helped our athletes and what their stories and challenges were in their sports. Check us out:...
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Mental Toughness/Mental Resilience
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE defines mental toughness and mental resilience. We discuss ways for athletes to build their mental toughness and routines that will help them overcome their challenges. We discuss how mental resilience is built. Finally, we provide some tips for athletes who are...
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Managing Your Emotions
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE takes a deep dive into the steps for managing your emotions before, during and after competitions. We normalize that having and feeling emotions is natural and we discuss finding out what triggers emotions. We discuss how managing emotions has looked like for…
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The Athlete CAFE: 2024 Year In Review
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members recap their new year. We talk about big achievements at our business and in our personal lives. We touch on a few themes we each want to focus on in 2025 and we begin a discussion on how and what it means to set intentional goals for the new year. Check…
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Chatting with The Boss: Ryan Harrington, owner of Sharpen Skills Training
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE invites the owner of Sharpen Skills Training, Ryan Harrington. We discuss Ryan's background with sports and his journey as an athlete, father, coach and business owner. We discuss how his personal life ties into his professional ambitions. Finally, Ryan shares…
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Penn State Special Guest: David Lucas
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE invites former Penn State teammate and Track & Field alum, David Lucas. We discuss David's background with track and field and his journey throughout high school and college athletics. We discuss the transition into college from both the academic and athletic...
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Mental Breakdown: World Series 2024
Welcome back to Mental Breakdown! In this episode we recap the World Series from the mental aspect. Yankees v Dodgers we discuss background and how each team has played throughout the year leading into the World Series. We picked out moments like Freddie Freeman's grand slam in Game 1 and Volpe's...
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Strength and Conditioning Meets Mental performance with Alexis Perney
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE invites Alexis Perney to discuss the bridge between strength and conditioning and mental performance coaches. We discuss Alexis' background with Sharpen Skills Training and her volleyball specific training background. We discuss how strength and conditioning...
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How Important Are Your Routines?
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE takes a deep dive into routines before, during and after competitions. We discuss the difference between physical and mental routines and how to adjust routines. We discuss how during games/competitions routines can look different depending on the sport. Finally,...
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How Parents Can Best Support their Athletes ft. Laura Cole
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE invites Laura Cole to discuss various aspects of being a parent in sports. Laura has a background in education and we talk about her various roles with our company, Sharpen Skills Training. We discuss how parents behaviors reflect on children and how to allow…
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Do you struggle with Mental Blocks?
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE discusses various aspects of mental blocks. We discuss what a mental block is and how to determine if you are experiencing a mental fear or physical fear. We discuss how to identify fear, build awareness, and determine how to find the facts in the situation....
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Mental Breakdown: Olympics Recap pt. 2
In this episode, the Athlete Cafe highlights various moments from the Olympics and discusses the mental side of the events. We highlight tennis, surfing, rugby, golf, and weighlifting. Check us out: https://sharpenskillstraining.com/mental-performance-coaching/…
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Mental Breakdown: Olympics Recap pt. 1
In this episode, the Athlete Cafe highlights various moments from the Olympics and discusses the mental side of the events. We highlight men's and women's track events, swimming, men's and women's gymnastics, and basketball. Check us out:...
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Social Media and Sports
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE discusses various aspects of social media. We discuss how social media can be a recruiting tool/branding and determining what is the best platform for your sport. We discuss the idea of comparison and how it is important to think of the big picture, not just the...
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Mental Breakdown: The Championships, Wimbledon
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members, Michael and Braden, break down various parts of the 2024 Wimbledon final. They discuss different mental aspects of plays throughout the game and give their perspectives on how to think through different scenarios. Check us out:...
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Summer Training Motivation
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE discusses their personal experiences with summer training, the idea of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, ways to help find motivation and routine in the summer, and the idea of quality over quantity and balancing your summer. Check us out:...
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Transition out of sports
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE discusses the idea of transitioning out of sports. We talk about our own experiences transitioning out of competitive sports and how it impacted us. We discuss how to change perspective on the last season and how to redefine what it means to be an athlete and...
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Am I doing enough for my youth athlete?
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE talks about the benefits of youth athletes playing sports (social connection and being active); why being involved in multiple sports through youth and adolescence is beneficial (injuries, burnout, working with different teams and teammates); and the pros and…
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Meet our new team member, Kyleen!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE welcomes a new Sharpen Skills Training mental performance coach, Kyleen Wilson. Kyleen comes to us from Canada! In this episode, we discuss how playing sports in Canada is different from American sports. Kyleen talks about her experience playing softball and…
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College Recruiting Tips with Alyson Campell
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE has a special guest, Alyson Campell. She is an independent educational consultant with Estrela Consulting out of Hudson, Ohio. She works with high school students and families across the US with all parts of the college discernment and application process. She is…
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Special Guest: Parkour expert, Gideon Goff!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE has a special guest, Gideon Goff! Fun fact, this is Abbie's husband! Gideon comes to us with his own coaching experience in gymnastics as well as experience in parkour. Today, Abbie and Gideon discuss finding your “thing” even if it is uncommon or against the...
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Battling Burnout
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE discusses the idea of Burnout. We discuss different warning signs, how to determine if you are balancing your schedule well, and different phases of burnout. We provide some helpful tips to manage burnout and make the most of your season! Check us out:...
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Women in Sports
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE discusses various topics around women in sports. We talk about women in the sporting world we look up to, some struggles female athletes face, and how to potentially manage certain mindsets. Check us out:...
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Mental Health vs Mental Performance: What's the Difference?
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE defines the difference between mental health and mental performance. We discuss the difference between roles of performance coach and counselor (Credentials, schooling, background, etc). Finally, we discuss some different symptoms and where to find a…
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Mental Breakdown: Tackling Super Bowl Mental Performance
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members, Michael and Braden, break down various parts of the 2024 Super Bowl. They discuss different mental aspects of plays throughout the game and give their perspectives on how to think through different scenarios. Check us out:...
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Q&A for Athletes!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE answers some of the most common questions we receive from our athletes, coaches, and parents. Feel free to listen and see if you answer any questions that you may personally think about. Comment below if there are any additional questions you have that we did not...
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Injury Mentality
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE discusses the topic of injuries. We talk about communication around injuries, the grief process when injured, and things you can do to continue to train while injured. Each member discusses some of their own experiences with injuries and how it affected their...
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Pre-Game Jitters
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE discusses and normalizes pre game jitters. We discuss hat pre-game jitters are and how to normalize those feelings to try and make them positive. We talk about the difference between pre-game jitters and anxiety and how to manage either of those feelings.…
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Deep dive on Goal Setting
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE dives into some important aspects to think about when setting goals. We touch on the different types of goals, break down SMART goals, and give some examples and tips when beginning to set goals. Be creative and do not put pressure on yourself when setting goals!...
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Happy New Year from the Athlete CAFE!!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members recap their new year. We talk about big achievements at our business and in our personal lives. We touch on a few themes we each want to focus on in 2024 and we begin a discussion on how and what it means to set intentional goals for the new year. Check…
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Who wants Stress Management Tips and Tricks?
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members discuss how to manage stress during finals week. We discuss how to understand all of your identities as a "student-athlete" and knowing what is most important to communicate during this time. We discuss time management during a stressful week. We provide...
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Calling all coaches!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE provide some tips for coaches from a mental performance perspective. We touch on various aspects on communication, what it means to build good people not just good athletes, supporting through failure, how to model behavior, and so much more! We are sharing...
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Do Expectations Hurt Your Performance?
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members discuss how setting strict expectations for yourself can potentially hurt your performance. We define what expectations are and how they differ from goals. We discuss how expectations can add pressure when you are telling yourself the "I should's", "I…
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Let's evaluate your Self-Talk!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members discuss different aspects regarding self-talk and how it impacts our daily life and sports experience. We define what self talk is and the different forms that exist for it. We discuss how self-talk can differ before, during, or after competition.…
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To see or not to see? Mental Imagery and Visualization
In this episode, the Athlete CAFE provides different perspectives on Visualization and Mental Imagery. We explain what important aspects should be included in your process, how different visualization can look for every person, and shed some perspective on how it could be helpful to integrate…
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Gooooooo Team!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members discuss different aspects about the differences between individual and team sports. Each member on today's podcast shares a unique perspective based on their sports background. The members also dive into the dynamic differences between male and female...
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Meet our first guest, Tim Mack!
The Athlete CAFE would like to give a warm welcome to our first guest, Tim Mack! Tim Mack was an 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in Pole Vault. He started vaulting at age 13 and didn’t retire until he was 37 yrs old. He went to Saint Ignatius High School and was not recruited out of high school but...
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Let's talk about the recruiting process!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members discuss different aspects about deciding to play college sports and the recruiting process that followed. The mental performance coaches discuss what it was like when they actually got to college and how it felt throughout their careers. They also break...
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Who's excited for college?!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE members share their stories on the biggest aspects surrounding the high school to college transition as athletes and students. We hope to educate listeners on understanding how to be okay with making changes on your path to figuring out life. Everyone touches on...
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Tennis Anyone? featuring Michael O'Brien
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE switches up the dynamic once again and introduces another one of our new Mental Performance Coaches, Michael O'Brien! Michael provides an introduction to who he is and how he ended up in Ohio at Sharpen Skills Training. He discusses his own personal tennis and...
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Talking Baseball with Braden Bova
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE switches up the dynamic and introduces one of our new Mental Performance Coaches, Braden Bova! Braden provides an introduction to who he is and how he ended up in Ohio at Sharpen Skills Training. He discusses his own personal baseball and academic career, insight...
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Parents, this one is for you!
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE shifts gears this week to address parents. We touch on various communication styles and relationship aspects to help improve the dynamic with your athlete. We hope to shed some helpful tips on how to improve any situations to help enhance your athlete's sports...
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Who wants tools for Coping with Mistakes?
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE continues talking about the idea of making mistakes. We recap our previous episode where different concepts about making mistakes are discussed. We then provide some of our favorite "tools" to help athletes cope with mistakes. Everyone wants the tangible tools…
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How do you cope with your mistakes?
In this episode, The Athlete CAFE begins talking about the idea of making mistakes. Nobody likes making mistakes but it is important to do our best to understand them, accept them, and find the best way to move on from them. Your favorite mental performance coaches discuss the important role that...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Athlete C.A.F.E. features former collegiate athlete Mental Performance Coaches discussing the importance of prioritizing your mental health. If you find yourself struggling with the mental challenges of your sport, you have come to the right place. We are aiming to provide insight, education, and experience to shed light on common topics to help athletes perform at their best mentally. Listen in if you are looking for tools and perspective on topics such as confidence, coping with mistakes, expectations, mindfulness, and so much more!
HOSTED BY
Emily Marcinowski
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Athlete CAFE have?
The Athlete CAFE currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Athlete CAFE about?
The Athlete C.A.F.E. features former collegiate athlete Mental Performance Coaches discussing the importance of prioritizing your mental health. If you find yourself struggling with the mental challenges of your sport, you have come to the right place. We are aiming to provide insight, education,...
How often does The Athlete CAFE release new episodes?
The Athlete CAFE has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Athlete CAFE?
You can listen to The Athlete CAFE on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Athlete CAFE?
The Athlete CAFE is created and hosted by Emily Marcinowski.
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