The Balanced Athlete Car Convos; About Purpose, Balance and Play!

After a car convo with Jason Doran, Jessie reflects on the power of connection — with body, mind, spirit, nature, and community — and how sharing stories can become a purposeful act. This episode encourages listening without judgment, respecting different life lenses, and leaning into friendships and community for balance and rejuvenation.

In this episode, the Jessie shares a personal Memorial Day back pain story and introduces a powerful mental shift: treat injury as information, not frustration. She explains how adapting workouts, focusing on mobility and flexibility and learning from weaknesses can make you a better athlete and help prevent future issues. She also encourages downshifting during the summer—changing tempo, prioritizing recovery and movement work, and incorporating lessons from injury into regular training for long-term benefits.

Description: Short episode: the Jessie experiments with organic, car-recorded mini-episodes as she recounts attending an American Heart Association Heart Walk with her daughter. She meets Jason, a local 6A high school football coach who lost his highschool aged son to a heart attack and now shares his story to spread hope and purpose. Expect an upcoming in-depth car conversation with him, plus reflections on purpose, balance, and play through the lens of Ikigai.

Today’s guest is Nicholas Kemp An author, podcaster, coach and lifelong student of ikigai who’s challenging one of the most common misunderstandings of the concept. Nick’s work exists to gently—but clearly—push back on the idea that Ikigai is a neat intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid for and what the world needs. That framework may be familiar in Western culture, but it isn’t the heart of Ikigai. For Nick, ikigai is something far more personal, lived and human. It isn’t dependent on a career, productivity or monetizing passion—though it can include those things. At its core, Ikigai is about what gives life meaning now: the small moments, the daily practices, the relationships, the movement, the struggle, the joy and the quiet reasons we choose to keep going. In this conversation, Nick shares his own journey into ikigai—how curiosity, challenge and lived experience led him to explore purpose beyond achievement, and why simplifying ikigai into a formula can actually move us further away from it. This episode is an invitation to step away from chasing purpose and instead listen more closely to the life you’re already living. LinkedIn Ikigai Tribe A Year of Ikigai

This is part one of a two-part episode. Today’s guest is Nicholas Kemp—an author, podcaster, coach and lifelong student of ikigai who’s challenging one of the most common misunderstandings of the concept. Nick’s work exists to gently—but clearly—push back on the idea that Ikigai is a neat intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid for and what the world needs. That framework may be familiar in Western culture, but it isn’t the heart of Ikigai. For Nick, ikigai is something far more personal, lived and human. It isn’t dependent on a career, productivity or monetizing passion—though it can include those things. At its core, Ikigai is about what gives life meaning now: the small moments, the daily practices, the relationships, the movement, the struggle, the joy and the quiet reasons we choose to keep going. In this conversation, Nick shares his own journey into ikigai—how curiosity, challenge and lived experience led him to explore purpose beyond achievement, and why simplifying ikigai into a formula can actually move us further away from it. This episode is an invitation to step away from chasing purpose and instead listen more closely to the life you’re already living. LinkedIn Ikigai Tribe A Year of Ikigai  

The Season Between Seasons: What This Year Taught Us & How to Prep for What’s Next: We’re closing out another year of school and club ball, and before we rush into tryouts, swim team, and summer schedules, I want to pause with you. What did this year really teach your athlete — and how do we help them carry the right things forward?   This episode is the bridge between reflection and preparation — a grounded, encouraging conversation about the transition from the end of school + club season into the summer window of tryouts, swim team, and gearing up for next school year.    The “In‑Between” Season This is the season – the space between- where athletes recharge and burnout prevention kicks in.   School is wrapping up. Club ball is winding down. Swim team is starting. Tryouts are on the horizon. Everyone feels the mix of excitement, fatigue and pressure. Lessons Learned from This Year (Club + School Ball, School Swim Team) What surprised me this year – The amount of energy parents and athletes give to the drama. The gossip, the pressuring noise that goes on behind the scenes from parents and the coaches and the athletes. The lengths that some parents will go to, to make sure their kids get play time. The environment that coaches have to put up with, not necessarily from their athletes but from the parents of their athletes. I was impressed how deliberate my kid was during competition. What sometimes appeared to be just a kid out on the court playing the game, has been her taking in the information, learning and developing a court IQ that was more in depth than I was giving her credit for until we started talking about short term goals before each game. What athletes struggled with most Navigating hard conversations with their coaches Pressure from parents to perform perfectly and get play time Being okay with failure and using it as a starting place/way to learn. What helped them thrive Incorporating play, no pressure playtime that is another sport, games with the family or friend time. Making sure that they have other hobbies, interests and are not defined by their sport or the title of athlete. Giving them autonomy and space to figure things out for themselves. Trusting when the coach asks them to step out of their comfort zone to try something new and hard. What I’ve learned about supporting my athlete Sports and teen athletes would be better off if parents would back off and let their kids play their sport, navigate the ups and downs on their own as long as there isn’t anything abusive going on and be allowed to keep the purity of the sport and fun. Don’t chirp from the stands. Yell encouragements not coaching and keep in mind that the score keepers in club volleyball and maybe other club sports are kids! Factor in mess-ups from the score table and keep your composure, be a model for your athlete. Your behavior effects them and their future in sports (coaches/scouts are watching).Your kids might tune you out when you yell things for them to fix but they notice your behavior. Taking the fun out of sports burns them out faster than anything else. If you want your kids to love their sport and thrive in their sport past the age of 13, find ways to not be a fun sucker. Let them play! Let the athlete initiate the car conversation after their games.    The Reset: How to Close Out the Year Well A simple reflection ritual for parents + athletes between the seasons (summer). This ritual isn’t about fixing, evaluating, or strategizing. It’s about honoring what was, clearing space, and letting summer be a reset — not another grind.   🌿 The “Pause, Pull Forward, Release” Ritual A 20‑minute end‑of‑year reset for parents & athletes This ritual honors the idea that this moment is a bridge between reflection and preparation, not a rushing point into the next thing. Step 1: Pause (5 minutes Purpose: Create emotional space before evaluating anything. Sit together somewhere neutral (kitchen table, living room, outside). No phones, no coaching talk, no fixing. Parent opens with a grounding line: “Before we talk about what’s next, I want to hear about what this season was like for you.” Guiding questions (athlete answers, parent listens): What felt heavy this year? What felt surprisingly good? When did you feel most like yourself while playing? Parent’s role: Listen without correcting or reframing. This models the calm, steady presence that is central to this transition season. Step 2: Pull Forward (7–10 minutes) Purpose: Identify growth without tying it to stats or playing time. Each person answers these out loud: Athlete: One thing I’m proud of from this year (not necessarily performance‑based) One skill or strength I didn’t know I had One moment that helped me grow, even if it was uncomfortable   Parent: One thing I noticed you handling with more maturity One way I saw you stay engaged or work through something hard One thing I admire about how you showed up this year This connects the dots between engagement and meaning beyond outcomes. Step 3: Release (5 minutes) Purpose: Prevent carrying emotional clutter into summer. Ask together: What am I ready to let go of from this season? (Examples: mistakes, roles, drama, pressure, comparisons) Make it concrete: Write each “let go” on a small piece of paper. Tear it up or throw it away.   Parent reinforces: “This doesn’t erase the lesson — it just means we’re not dragging it into summer.” This mirrors your emphasis on letting go intentionally rather than rushing ahead in panic.   Step 4: Name the Summer Intention (2–3 minutes) Purpose: Set direction without pressure. Each person fills in this sentence: “This summer, I want my relationship with my sport to feel like ___.” Examples: Lighter Curious Strong Fun again Confident Balanced No goals yet. No timelines. Just tone.   Step 5. Three things to consider for this summer… How can you decompress physically and mentally What to let go of from the season What to carry forward   Your athlete doesn’t need perfection this summer — they need presence, purpose, and a plan that honors who they are becoming.    

Today’s guest is Melia Kane—known to many as “Coach Kane”—a local volleyball coach recognized for developing athletes on and off the court. With a coaching style rooted in fundamentals, confidence, and personal accountability, Melia helps players elevate their performance while also building the life skills that last far beyond the season. Parents and athletes alike appreciate her steady leadership and the way she emphasizes character, resilience, and team-first habits. This past club season, she coached my daughter and made a lasting impact—not just by helping the girls become better volleyball players, but by challenging them to become great humans.   Purpose How can athletes discover identity beyond volleyball? How do you as a coach and an academic advisor help people align their passion, skill and contribution? What do you say to an athlete who feels lost when volleyball isn’t going well? Balance Time management – This is a huge skill for young adults to learn to be successful in the future. What are your thoughts on this topic and what do you think the difference and connection is between time management and energy management is? Any golden nuggets you can share? What are some burnout signals that you have seen in student athletes? What do you think is a healthy way to do things versus “doing it all perfectly” What do you think is one thing high school athletes misunderstand about college balance?   Play Why does play matter for performance?   Positive Emotion How do you help athletes bounce back emotionally after tough performances?   Academics How have you helped athletes/students choose their major?   Personal Are there any other little golden nuggets that you would like to leave our listeners with that we didn’t talk about today? Volleyball with Coach Melia  

Week 4 Building a Life That Feels Good  What if life wasn’t just about winning but about wanting to keep going? Fous: Integration Core Idea: Success isn’t just performance-it’s sustainability. Talking Points: Creating your own version of ikigai- instead of thinking about it as a destination, think about it as a daily alignment practice. Your version of Ikigai isn’t one big answer – it’s built through small, consistent choices. What gives you energy vs. drains you? When do you feel most like yourself? What moments make you lose track of time? For athletes, this might look like: Loving competition and loving being a great teammate Valuing growth and enjoying the process Caring about performance and relationships It’s less about finding “the one thing” and more about stacking meaningful moments that create a life that feels good to live. Simple weekly rhythm: Compete – This is your edge. Practice, games, lifting, pushing limits. It’s where growth and discomfort live. But competition isn’t just physical- it’s showing up with focus and intention. Connect – Relationships are often the first thing sacrificed, but they’re the glue. Teammates, family coaches, friends – connection builds resilience and perspective. Recover – Not just physical recovery – mental and emotional too. Sleep, downtime, reflection, even boredom. Without this, burnout isn’t a risk – it’s a guarantee. Play – The most underrated pillar. Unstructured, fun no-pressure movement or activity. This is where joy lives – and ironically, it often improves performance the most. The goal isn’t to be perfectly balance every day- it’s making sure your week reflects all four. Most athletes accidentally live in only one or two of these. Balance comes from intentionally hitting all four. Identity beyond sport: One of the biggest traps athletes fall into is identity foreclosure – when “athlete” becomes the only way they see themselves. When sport is your only identity: Injuries feel like identity loss Performance dictates self-worth Transition (graduation, retirement) becomes overwhelming So the question becomes: Who are you when you’re not playing your sport? Interests outside of sport (music, art, school subjects, hobbies) Roles you play (friend, sibling, leader, student) Values you hold (kindness, curiosity, discipline, humor) This doesn’t weaken performance – it strengthens it. Athletes with broader identities: Handle pressure better Bounce back faster Enjoy sport more Because their whole self isn’t on the line every time they compete. Long-term athlete development (and life development) Model emphasizes building athletes over time: Fundamentals before specialization Skill development before outcome-obsession Health and longevity over early success Confidence > trophies Character> Stats Consistency > intensity Questions to ask: Will this help them love the sport in 5 years? Are we developing decision makers or just performers? Are we building a human…or just an athlete? Because the goal isn’t just better athletes – it’s better people who happen to be athletes.   Action Step: Build a Balanced Week Blueprint: This isn’t rigid – it’s a framework you can adapt.   Example: Monday Compete: Practice/training Connect: Team check-in, dinner with family Tuesday Compete: Strength + Skill work Recover: Stretch, Early bedtime Wednesday Play: Pickup game, different sport for fun movement or spend time outside Connect: Hang out with friends Thursday Compete: High-Intensity practice Recover: Light mobility, journaling Friday Compete: Game Day Connect: Team Bonding after game Saturday Recover: Sleep in, light movement (walk or yoga) Play: Something fun, no pressure Sunday Recover: Reset, reflect, plan Connect: Family Time Light Play: Something creative or relaxing This is what building a life that feels good looks like in practice. Not perfect, not optimized to the minute, but intentional, balanced and sustainable. Linktree

https://linktr.ee/jessiebrodmerkel Week 3: When Balance Feels Impossible If your athlete is always tired, moody, or checked out… this could be why. Focus: Obstacles Core Idea: Burnout doesn’t come from doing too much—it comes from doing too much of what drains you. *Check out the episode with Paul Gamble PHD, Parents are Key! His research, book and work speaks more in depth on much of what I talk about in today’s episode. Signs of Burnout in Teen Athletes Burnout is not just physical fatigue. Research defines athlete burnout as a combination of emotional exhaustion, reduced sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation—when athletes stop caring about something they once loved. [apa.org] Common signs parents and coaches notice first: Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest Increased irritability, mood swings, or emotional shutdown Loss of motivation or enthusiasm toward practice and competition Drop in performance despite continued or increased effort Frequent minor illnesses, injuries, or sleep disturbances Studies published in Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association show burnout is one of the primary drivers of early sport dropout and can precede depressive symptoms if left unaddressed. Unfortunately, although over 60 million children and adolescents currently participate in organized sports, attrition rates remain staggeringly high, with 70% of youth athletes choosing to discontinue participation in organized sports by 13 years of age.1  Discontinuation of sports during childhood plays a role in the more than 75% of adolescents in the United States who fail to meet physical activity recommendations.2  Injury and burnout have been suggested as two of the primary causes for attrition from sports.3   [publications.aap.org], [apa.org] Key reframe for parents: When an athlete looks “lazy” or unmotivated, it’s often nervous system overload, not a lack of discipline. Overtraining vs. Under‑Recovery Most families assume burnout means too much training. In reality, the problem is usually insufficient recovery for the total load placed on the athlete. The American Academy of Pediatrics defines overtraining as a state where training demands consistently exceed the body’s ability to recover, leading to performance decline, hormonal disruption, and mental exhaustion. [publications.aap.org] Important distinction: Overtraining = excessive physical workload – Another critical issue in youth sports is early specialization. Defined as intensive, year-round training in a single sport (typically over 8 months per year) while excluding participation in other sports [16], early specialization has become increasingly prevalent. Research indicates that this practice may elevate the risk of overuse injuries and psychological burnout, while potentially hindering long-term athletic success [8]. Iona et al. [17] reported that 17% and 41% of youth athletes are involved in early specialization, often driven by external pressures from coaches, parents, and competitive frameworks. While early specialization may result in early athletic proficiency and success in junior competitions, it may paradoxically be detrimental in the long run. A meta-analysis by Güllich and Barth [18] found that although participation in talent development programs correlates positively with performance at the junior level, it correlates negatively with success at the senior level. These findings underscore the importance of a diversified athletic experience during childhood as a foundation for sustained performance and physical health.   Under‑recovery = inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, chronic stress, and no mental downtime Research shows that young athletes often experience under‑recovery not just from sport, but from academic pressure, social stress, and packed schedules—even when training volume seems reasonable. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] What this means practically: Rest days alone don’t fix burnout if the athlete is still emotionally and cognitively overloaded.   External Pressure: Parents, Coaches & Social Media Burnout risk skyrockets when external expectations replace intrinsic motivation. Research and youth sport organizations consistently identify these pressure sources: Outcome‑focused coaching (results over development) Parental anxiety about playing time, exposure, or scholarships Constant comparison driven by social media and highlight culture Articles from Positive Coaching Alliance and SafeAthlete show that perceived pressure, not actual encouragement, is strongly linked to anxiety, loss of enjoyment, and burnout in youth sports. [positivecoach.org], [safeathlete.org] Social media adds a new layer: athletes feel they are performing for an audience, not learning a skill. Constant comparison erodes autonomy and joy, two essential buffers against burnout. [news.spreely.com] Talking point for parents: Support isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about reducing unnecessary noise so athletes can reconnect with why they play. Challenge for parents: It’s disconcerting for athletes to have parents/caregivers yell out instructions. Athletes may struggle to decipher what to do when they get instructions from the stands and from their coaches – especially if they are conflicting. Being mindful of what you are yelling to your athlete can help them better focus on the game and the strategy that the coach employs. [org/resource-zone/no-directions-cheering/] No Directions Cheering. https://positivecoach.org/resource-zone/no-directions-cheering/ Losing Identity Outside of Sport One of the most damaging—and overlooked—factors in burnout is identity foreclosure: when a young athlete’s sense of worth becomes tied almost entirely to being “the athlete.” Research in Frontiers in Psychology shows that early specialization and intense year‑round participation increase the likelihood of a narrow athletic identity, making setbacks feel catastrophic. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] When sport becomes the only identity: Injuries feel like personal failures Benchings feel like rejection Burnout accelerates because there’s no emotional outlet elsewhere Research consistently links strong, exclusive athletic identity with higher stress, anxiety, and difficulty coping during transitions (injury, team changes, or season endings). [taylorfrancis.com], [frontiersin.org] Key message: Developing interests and roles outside of sport doesn’t take away from performance—it protects it. Life Buckets Check: A Simple Awareness Tool sport, school, social, rest, spiritual Prompt: Which bucket feels overfilled right now? Which one is nearly empty? That answer often explains why balance feels impossible. Big Takeaway for Week 3 Burnout is not a failure of toughness or work ethic. It’s a signal—that something essential is being drained faster than it’s being restored. When we shift the focus from doing more to recovering better and living fuller, balance becomes possible again. When Balance Feels Impossible A Parent Reflection Worksheet Designed to help parents recognize burnout early and support their athlete without adding pressure. Start Here (A Quick Reframe) If your athlete seems: Constantly exhausted Moodier than usual Less excited about sport Or emotionally checked out This does not mean they’ve lost discipline, motivation, or grit. Often, it means their system is overloaded—not weak. Burnout Awareness Check Circle any statements that have shown up more often than not in the past few weeks: ☐ My athlete is tired even after normal rest ☐ They seem irritable, withdrawn, or emotionally flat ☐ Practices or games feel heavier—not exciting ☐ Small setbacks feel overwhelming ☐ They’re getting sick or injured more frequently ☐ They talk about quitting, not caring, or “being done” Reflection: Which of these surprises you the most?     Overtraining or Under‑Recovery? Burnout doesn’t always come from “too much training.” It often comes from too little recovery from everything else. Consider your athlete’s full load: Area Low Moderate Heavy Physical training ☐ ☐ ☐ School pressure ☐ ☐ ☐ Social stress ☐ ☐ ☐ Expectations (internal or external) ☐ ☐ ☐ Sleep quality ☐ ☐ ☐ Reflection: Which area feels heaviest right now? Pressure Check (Without Blame) Pressure doesn’t have to be negative to still be draining. Ask yourself honestly: Do conversations after games focus more on results or effort? Does my athlete feel watched, evaluated, or compared? Are scholarships, rankings, or exposure talked about often? Does social media play a role in how they see themselves? Reflection: Where might pressure be coming from—even unintentionally?   Identity Beyond the Jersey Healthy athletes have more than one place they belong. Answer yes or no: Can my athlete name something they enjoy outside of sport? Do they feel valued even when they don’t perform well? Do we celebrate who they are—not just how they play? ☐ Yes   ☐ Sometimes   ☐ Not really Reflection: If sport disappeared tomorrow, what parts of my child would remain strong? The Life Buckets Check Burnout often appears when one bucket overflows and the others run dry. Fill in how “full” each bucket feels right now: Sport: ☐ Empty ☐ Balanced ☐ Overflowing School: ☐ Empty ☐ Balanced ☐ Overflowing Social / Connection: ☐ Empty ☐ Balanced ☐ Overflowing Rest & Recovery: ☐ Empty ☐ Balanced ☐ Overflowing Key Insight: Which bucket needs attention first to restore balance? One Small Shift (This Week Only) Kaizen Moment You don’t need a big fix—just a small one. Choose one:  ☐ Add intentional rest (earlier bedtime, no‑agenda evening) ☐ Reduce evaluative talk (less feedback, more presence) ☐ Create space for play (unstructured, no coaching) ☐ Reconnect beyond sport (shared time, no performance talk) What will this look like in practice? Final Reminder for Parents Burnout is not a parenting failure. It’s a signal, not a verdict. When adults slow down, lower the noise, and widen identity— young athletes don’t just recover… They remember why they love playing

Episode 2 of Finding Your Sweet Spot Series The Power of Play (Yes Even for Athletes) The best athletes aren’t just disciplined-they know how to play. Focus: Application Core Idea: Play is not a distraction from performance it fuels it. What is play? The Oxford dictionary says: engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. The National Institute for Play defines play not as an activity, but as a state of mind. Play is essential for a fulfilling life because it fosters joy, creativity, stress reduction, and social connection, acting as a "carefree" form of ikigai. Within the ikigai framework, play enables intrinsic motivation, allowing individuals to engage in activities for the sheer pleasure of it, leading to self-actualization and vibrant, meaningful daily life, often termed asobigai. Talking Points: How play improves creativity, resilience and performance – Importance of Play in Life Mental & Physical Well-being: Play reduces stress and increases life satisfaction by allowing for spontaneity and relaxation. Creativity & Learning: It enhances curiosity and cognitive development, helping teens and adults "re-wire" their brains for better problem-solving. Social Connection: It strengthens relationships and fosters empathy, which is crucial for emotional health. Flow State: Play encourages immersion in the present moment, similar to the "flow" described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (muh·haylee chik·sent·mee·hai·ee), where one loses track of time and experiences peak enjoyment. Peter Gray https://substack.com/@petergray a Boston Colleague Research Professor who specializes in the nature and value of play says that play has four characteristics https://petergray.substack.com/p/2-what-exactly-is-this-thing-we-call Play is self-chosen and self-directed- it is always voluntary. Play is intrinsically motivated (internal not external) means are more valued than the ends. Play is activity that, from the conscious perspective of the player, is done for its own sake more than for some reward outside of itself. When people are notplaying, what they value most are the results of their actions. Play is guided by mental rules: Play is freely chosen activity, but not freeform activity, not random. Play always has structure, and that structure derives from rules in the player’s mind. If it is social it allows the opportunity for players to abide by socially agreed upon rules - an ability that is essential to life in any human society. Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky (vai·gaatskee) (1933/1978) emphasized most strongly in an essay about the roles of play in children’s development. He argued that play is the primary means by which children learn this concept. Play is aways creative and imaginative: The rules of play provide boundaries within which the actions must occur, but they do not precisely dictate the actions. The rules always leave plenty of room for creativity. It is the primary means by which all of us exercise our capacity for creativity. Most play is not only creative, but also imaginative.    Why structured athletes lose their spark When every session is evaluated, timed, or corrected, athletes stop exploring and the brain shifts from curiosity to self-protection, which quietly kills the “spark.” Tying play back to Ikigai (what you love) Asobigai (Value of Play): Play is part of ikigai-kan (the feeling of having a purpose). As a "carefree" ikigai, it provides a simple, accessible way to find joy and vibrancy in life. Intrinsic Motivation: Play aligns with doing what you love (the "Passion" intersection of ikigai), where the process itself brings satisfaction rather than the end result. Lifelong Growth: It is a transformative process, allowing individuals to recreate themselves through "playful" exploration of hobbies and leisure. "Flow" and Immersion: Play allows for deep engagement, or chanto suru, doing something thoroughly and finding meaning in the process, which is essential to the Japanese perspective of ikigai.   Play, through the lens of ikigai, is often described as something carefree not something that feels burdensome. Nicholas Kemp (Ikigai Tribe; A Year of Ikigai) frames play as an essential part of a meaningful life, not an optional extra. The National Institute for Play also argues that incorporating play into your day is not only possible, but necessary for wellbeing and they define play not as an activity, but as a state of mind. Ask someone to define play, and most will name an activity playing basketball, playing catch, or even gin rummy. But play isn’t actually an activity. It’s an experience that feels pleasurable a state of being. Dr. Stuart Brown says that when you’re truly playing, you’re in a state of play. And because we’re each unique individuals, the experiences and activities that put us in a play state will look different for each of us. As evolutionary psychologist Peter Gray writes in Free to Learn: Two people could engage in the same activity say throwing a ball or building something yet one might be playing while the other is not. To distinguish between them, we have to observe their expressions and behaviors in other words, their state of being. Play is engaging, we don’t lose interest when we are in a state of play in fact it is usually a place where we find flow or lose track of time. Source: National Institute for Play, What Is Play, Anyway?  (nifplay.org), Nicholas Kemp Ikigai Tribe;” A Year of Ikigai”, Peter Gray - in “Free to Learn” Play - freely choose and enjoy, for its own sake. I heard someone talk about life’s journey like dancing which could be considered a form of play to some people but not to others. If you enjoy dancing, then you are not dancing to reach the end of the song or a final destination- you are dancing for the pure joy of the act itself. It can be a very carefree experience.   Action Step: Add one No-pressure play session this week.    

Find Your Sweet Spot (Series) Over the next four weeks, we’re breaking down how athletes can find their sweet spot-where performance, purpose and actually enjoying the process all come together.   Week 1 You Don’t Need to Have it All Figured Out  What if the pressure to figure it all out is actually what’s holding you back? Focus: Awareness Core Idea: Purpose isn’t one thing-it’s something you build. The Japanese ikigai scholar is Mieko Kamiya. The author of Ikigai ni Tsuite Commonly translated in English as On the Meaning of Life published in 1966. She is widely regarded as the founder of ikigai psychology, and her work is very different from the popular Western “ikigai Venn diagram.” The core insight Mieko Kamiya would give a teen athlete “Your worth is not tied to winning, titles, or future success.” Kamiya studied ikigai through people living with extreme limitations and suffering (including patients with chronic illness), and her central finding was this: Ikigai is the feeling that life is worth living—right now—not a goal you earn later. For a teen athlete, this completely reframes pressure, performance, and identity. Ikigai is found in daily life, not a single “big purpose” Kamiya emphasized that ikigai is not about finding one grand calling or mapping out your entire future. Instead, it comes from small, meaningful moments that make life feel alive. [ikigaitribe.com] What she might say to a teen athlete: “Your ikigai might be the feeling after practice when you’re tired but proud.” “It could be laughing with teammates, learning a new skill, or helping someone else improve.” “You don’t need to know what you’ll become—you need to notice what gives today meaning.” 👉 This directly counters the pressure teens feel to figure it all out early. Suffering and setbacks do NOT mean you’ve lost your ikigai A huge part of Kamiya’s work showed that meaning can exist even during pain, injury, or failure. Ikigai doesn’t disappear when circumstances change—it often deepens. [jstage.jst.go.jp] For an injured, benched, or burned-out athlete, she’d say: “Your life still has value, even when sport is hard.” “Ikigai isn’t proof that life is easy—it’s proof that life is still worth engaging with.” This is powerful for athletes navigating: Injuries Being cut from a team Loss of confidence Identity crisis when sport doesn’t go as planned Ikigai is NOT about money, scholarships, or productivity Kamiya explicitly did not define ikigai through career success or income. She warned against tying meaning to external rewards, something the Westernized ikigai diagram often gets wrong. [finde-zukunft.de] For teen athletes, that means: A scholarship is not your ikigai. Playing at the next level is not your ikigai. Your value doesn’t increase as competition increases. 👉 Sport can support ikigai—but it should never be the only source of it.   Talking Points: Purpose isn’t something you find once and you’re done… it’s something you build over time. Why teens feel pressure to pick their path- you’re not supposed to have this all figured out as a teen athlete. Exploring different things isn’t falling behind-it’s actually how you move forward. Research is showing that the athletes who last the longest and perform the best aren’t the ones who rushed to specialize… they’re the ones who stayed curious. The western form of Ikigai was turned into the Venn Diagram which actually contradict the Ikigai that Mieko Kamiya researched and wrote about. We have been breaking down ikigai into relatable pieces to help give a starting point and direction What you love What you’re good at – or getting better at What feels meaningful to you? What energizes you? But focusing on monetization and career doesn’t reflect the Mieko’s ikigai. The myth of early specialization:   Growth matters more than outcomes Kamiya identified change and growth as a core human need connected to ikigai. Feeling alive comes from learning, developing, and moving forward—not from perfection. [saltnpepper.sg] What she’d emphasize in sports: Progress > trophies Curiosity > specialization Effort > comparison This aligns beautifully with: Multi-sport participation Play Long-term athlete development Connection is essential to ikigai Another key insight from Kamiya’s research is that resonance with others—feeling connected and seen—deeply supports meaning in life. [saltnpepper.sg] For teen athletes: Ikigai grows in healthy relationships with teammates, coaches, parents, and friends. When sport becomes isolating or transactional, ikigai fades. Belonging matters as much as performance. This is a powerful lens for parents listening to your podcast. If you summed up Kamiya’s message to a teen athlete in one sentence: “You don’t need to earn your right to feel fulfilled—your ikigai is already present in how you live, grow, connect, and engage with life today.” How this fits beautifully into The Balanced Athlete message Mieko Kamiya’s philosophy naturally supports: ✅ Purpose without pressure ✅ Balance without burnout ✅ Play without guilt ✅ Identity beyond sport   Action Steps: Energy Audit – What gives you energy vs drains it? This week pay attention to one thing: what gives you energy-and what drains it. There is where your version of purpose starts. “When we wake up from sleep, we are greeted by the morning. We did not create the morning; it somehow came to give us the chance to live another day. We wake up and discover the morning. The meaning of life is like the morning. “ — Mieko Kamiya

Daily Oklahoman KFOR 2Wra024 Survivor.net Cancer Survivor with 1 Lung Runs His 5th Marathon 7 on 7 in 7 The Great World Race Unbreakable Hope 1 Unbreakable Hope 2   Unbreakable Hope 3 The Great World Race Facebook Instagram Chan Hellman Hope Centered Today’s guest is someone who embodies grit, resilience, and the absolute refusal to accept limitations. Greg Gerardy is a cancer survivor, a father, and an endurance athlete who has accomplished what most people with two lungs will never attempt. After losing the function of his right lung to a rare, aggressive tumor that wrapped around his spine and shoulder, doctors told Greg he only had a few years to live and would lose the use of his limbs. But he proved them wrong—again and again. Greg has climbed Mnt. Kilimanjaro, completed multiple marathons, including the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, and even became one of only two people ever to finish an Ironman Triathlon with one functional lung. He has literally died on the table and was brought back to life. His story has been featured across Oklahoma media as he continues to push boundaries, most recently finishing the Great World Race with his friend Sean another 1 lunger – this race is a challenge: seven marathons, in seven days, on seven continents.  Beyond the races, Greg shares his journey to inspire others who feel stuck, discouraged, or written off. His message is simple but powerful: you don’t have to give up hope, and you don’t have to stop chasing what lights you up.  I’m thrilled to have him here today to talk about resilience, mindset, and what it really means to redefine what’s possible and to spread hope!

This is part one of two! Today’s guest is someone who embodies grit, resilience, and the absolute refusal to accept limitations. Greg Gerardy is a cancer survivor, a father, and an endurance athlete who has accomplished what most people with two lungs will never attempt. After losing the function of his right lung to a rare, aggressive tumor that wrapped around his spine and shoulder, doctors told Greg he only had a few years to live and would eventually lose the use of his limbs becoming a paraplegic resulting in death after his body finally shuts down. But he proved them wrong—again and again. Greg has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, completed multiple marathons, including the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, and even became one of only two people ever to finish an Ironman Triathlon with one functional lung. He has literally died on the table and was brought back to life. Greg's story has been featured across Oklahoma media as he continues to push boundaries, most recently being among the first two people with one lung-alongside his friend Sean to not only try but to successfully complete and cross the finish line together-The Great World Race: seven marathons, in seven days, on seven continents.  Beyond the races, Greg shares his journey to inspire others who feel stuck, discouraged, or written off. His message is simple but powerful: you don’t have to give up hope, and you don’t have to stop chasing what lights you up.  I’m thrilled to have him here today to talk about resilience, mindset, and what it really means to redefine what’s possible. Daily Oklahoman KFOR 2Wra024 Survivor.net Cancer Survivor with 1 Lung Runs His 5th Marathon 7 on 7 in 7 Facebook Instagram One Breath  Why Not a Lung Transplant?  

Episode on Accomplishment A — Accomplishment “Accomplishment is about becoming someone you’re proud of, not just someone who wins.” Teach athletes to set layered goals: daily, weekly, seasonal. Go back to Kaizen moments. Celebrate progress, not just outcomes. Track personal bests to build internal motivation. Reinforce that accomplishment includes character growth, not just stats. A — Accomplishment Check List/Journal Prompts For Teen Athletes Did I set and complete a small goal today? Did I track progress toward a larger goal? Did I recognize improvement, even if it was small? Did I celebrate a character win (patience, grit, leadership)? For Parents Did I celebrate progress, not perfection? Did I help my teen set realistic, layered goals? Did I acknowledge their growth outside of stats or scores? Did I reinforce that accomplishment includes who they are becoming?     Car Convo Talking Points: What did you achieve today, both big and small? How does this accomplishment bring you closer to fulfilling your Ikigai? What’s one accomplishment you’re proud of?   How Coaches and Parents Can Use PERMA Together Create shared language: “What was your engagement moment today?” Encourage parents to praise effort and attitude, not just performance. Use PERMA check-ins during car rides, team meetings, or recovery days.   What Teen Athletes Say When PERMA Is Working “I feel more confident.” “I’m not as stressed.” “I actually enjoy practice again.” “I feel like I belong.” These are the outcomes that keep kids in sports longer — and healthier.   Wrap-Up Message for the Episode “PERMA isn’t another thing to add to training — it’s the foundation that makes training meaningful. When teen athletes feel positive, engaged, connected, purposeful, and accomplished, they don’t just perform better. They become better humans.” Linktree

Episode on Meaning  M — Meaning “Meaning is the anchor that keeps teens steady when performance gets shaky.” Connect training to something bigger than the scoreboard. Ask: “Who do you want to become through this sport?” Tie team goals to values like resilience, service, leadership. Use community service or mentoring younger athletes to deepen purpose. M — Meaning Check List/Journal Prompts For Teen Athletes Did I connect today’s training to who I want to become? Did I remember why I love this sport? Did I act in alignment with my values (effort, leadership, resilience)? Did I do something that made me feel part of something bigger? For Parents Did I help my teen connect their sport to their personal growth? Did I reinforce values over outcomes? Did I support their long‑term development, not just short‑term wins? Did I help them see the bigger purpose behind the hard days? Car Convo Talking Points: How did today’s events contribute to something larger than yourself? Did you take any actions that aligned with your life purpose or helped others? When did you feel most engaged? What felt meaningful about your effort? Linktree

Episode on Relationships R — Relationships “Teen athletes don’t just need teammates — they need a tribe.” Team culture is everything for teens — belonging drives effort. Build rituals: partner warm-ups, shout-outs, buddy accountability. Teach communication skills: how to give feedback, how to ask for help. Model coach-athlete trust through consistency and transparency. R — Relationships Check List/Journal Prompts For Teen Athletes Did I support a teammate today? Did I communicate clearly and respectfully? Did I ask for help when I needed it? Did I contribute to a positive team environment? For Parents Did I strengthen my connection with my teen today? Did I model healthy communication and emotional regulation? Did I support their relationships with coaches and teammates? Did I avoid adding pressure that could strain our relationship?   Relationship Car Convo Talking Points:   Who did you connect with today, and how did those interactions support your growth or your contributions to others? Episode on Relationships R — Relationships “Teen athletes don’t just need teammates — they need a tribe.” Team culture is everything for teens — belonging drives effort. Build rituals: partner warm-ups, shout-outs, buddy accountability. Teach communication skills: how to give feedback, how to ask for help. Model coach-athlete trust through consistency and transparency. R — Relationships Check List/Journal Prompts For Teen Athletes Did I support a teammate today? Did I communicate clearly and respectfully? Did I ask for help when I needed it? Did I contribute to a positive team environment? For Parents Did I strengthen my connection with my teen today? Did I model healthy communication and emotional regulation? Did I support their relationships with coaches and teammates? Did I avoid adding pressure that could strain our relationship?   Relationship Car Convo Talking Points:   Who did you connect with today, and how did those interactions support your growth or your contributions to others? Linktree

Episode on Engagement E — Engagement “When teens feel engaged, they stop performing for approval and start performing from purpose.” Help athletes find their “flow moments” — drills or roles where they feel fully absorbed. Rotate responsibilities so each athlete experiences challenge and mastery. Use short, focused training blocks to keep attention high. Encourage athletes to set micro-goals for each practice. E — Engagement Check List/Journal Prompts For Teen Athletes Did I find a moment of “flow” in practice or competition? Did I stay focused on the drill or task in front of me? Did I challenge myself in a way that felt meaningful? Did I set a small goal for today’s practice? For Parents Did I ask my teen what part of practice felt most engaging? Did I encourage them to explore roles or skills they enjoy? Did I help reduce distractions that pull them out of focus? Did I praise their curiosity and effort to improve? Engagement Car Convo Talking Points: When did you feel fully absorbed in an activity? What were you doing, and how did it connect to your sense of purpose? Linktree  

PERMA EPISODEs Positive Psychology in Sports PERMA is gold for teen athletes, and weaving it into a training conversation on your podcast will feel both practical and inspiring. You can frame it as a way to build not just better athletes, but healthier, more resilient humans. Here’s a set of strong, clear talking points you can drop straight into an episode.   Incorporating PERMA Into Teen Athlete Training Why PERMA Matters for Teen Athletes Teen athletes are developing identity, confidence, and emotional regulation — PERMA gives them a framework to thrive on and off the field. It shifts training from performance-only to whole-person development, which parents love and coaches need. Helps prevent burnout, comparison culture, and the “win-at-all-costs” mindset. Helps celebrate small wins: effort, attitude, leadership moments. Uses gratitude practices at the start or end of practice. Reframes mistakes as data, not failure. Teach athletes to recognize what went right before what went wrong. P — Positive Emotion - “Positive emotion isn’t about fake hype — it’s about helping teens build emotional momentum.” P- Positive emotions – the foundation of well-being, this includes joy, gratitude, serenity, excitement, pride, hope and inspiration. This element focuses on increasing the frequency of positive emotions in daily life which leads to greater overall happiness.   Positive Emotions – from Pat Ivey Performance How NFL Stars Stay Motivated & Resilient: The PERMA Model in Action - My Doctoral Dissertation Part 5 - Pat Ivey Positive Emotions: Controlling Your Mindset The best athletes understand one simple truth: your thoughts control your performance. NFL players deal with extreme pressure. Every snap is scrutinized, every mistake is amplified, and every decision is made under intense conditions. If they allow negativity to take over—self-doubt, frustration, fear—they won’t last long. That’s why elite players train themselves to focus on positive emotions that fuel their performance. They use tools like: Pre-game routines that put them in a confident, focused state. Visualization to see themselves executing at a high level. (Many of the same areas of the brain light up in a FMRI when experiencing a vivid visualization and the actual event. I did find it fascinating that there is new research from the University College London that a region in the brains temporal lobe called the Fusiform Gyrus does play a crucial role in this process. It might help them to understand more about mental health conditions such as schizophrenia} Self-talk to control their internal dialogue and block out doubt. For athletes looking to build this skill, the key is to be intentional about how you think. Your brain will naturally focus on stress if you don’t train it otherwise.   How to apply this: Before practice or games, take time to focus on what excites you about competing. Use short, powerful self-talk phrases to keep your mindset locked in. Shift your focus from what could go wrong to what you’re capable of doing right now. The mind is a powerful tool. Control it, and you control your performance. Visualization techniques significantly enhance athletic performance by  improving focus, building confidence, and refining skills through mental  rehearsal. Benefits of Visualization for Athletes Mental Rehearsal: Visualization allows athletes to mentally practice their movements and strategies before actual performance. By vividly imagining themselves executing specific actions with precision, athletes reinforce neural connections and enhance muscle memory, which can lead to improved physical performance.    Improved Focus: Engaging in visualization helps athletes develop a heightened sense of concentration. By picturing themselves successfully performing complex movements or strategies, they train their minds to stay present and block out distractions, which can enhance decision-making and reaction times during competitions.    Building Confidence: Visualization plays a crucial role in boosting athletes' confidence. By repeatedly visualizing successful outcomes, such as overcoming challenges or achieving personal bests, athletes cultivate a positive mindset and belief in their abilities. This mental confidence can reduce anxiety and increase resilience in high-pressure situations.    Enhanced Performance: Research indicates that visualization activates the same neural pathways in the brain as actual physical execution. This means that when athletes visualize their performance, they are effectively training their brains and bodies to work in sync, leading to improved coordination and execution during real events.    Stress Management: Visualization techniques can also help athletes manage stress and anxiety. By imagining themselves in calm and successful scenarios, they can create a mental buffer against the pressures of competition, allowing them to perform at their best.    PERMA Checklist/Journaling for Parents & Teen Athletes a PERMA checklist is such a powerful tool for families because it gives both parents and teen athletes a shared language for well‑being, confidence, and performance. If you would like for me to send you my free PERMA Checklist for Parents and Teen Athletes, drop me a message on IG or FB with the word Free PERMA Checklist and I’ll send you a copy. We will go over each pillar’s checklist in each episode and it will also be included in my show notes.   P — Positive Emotion Check List For Teen Athletes Did I notice at least one thing that went well today? Did I celebrate effort, not just outcomes? Did I reframe a mistake as something I can learn from? Did I do something that genuinely made me feel good? For Parents Did I acknowledge my teen’s effort before asking about results? Did I model calm, positive energy during stressful moments? Did I help my teen recognize what went right today? Did I avoid comparing them to other athletes?   Positive emotions Car Convo Talking Points: What moments brought you joy or gratitude today? How did those moments align with your passions or talents? What was one positive moment today?

In this episode I speak about the positive phycology practice called PERMA and how you can use this to craft a life of happiness ad meaning in sports, careers and every aspect of living.  Parent and Teen Athlete PERMA PERMA is a positive psychology practice developed by Martin Seligman. It provides a structured approach to well-being through five distinct elements: Positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. When combined with Ikigai, it helps offer a powerful methodology to find alignment between internal passions and external contributions, promoting a balanced, powerful a fulfilling life. PERMA helps bridge the gap between goal setting and action plans and deeper emotional psychological and existential questions that some face. It can help: Discover your passions and align with societal needs. Cultivate meaningful relationships Achieve balance between ambition and satisfaction Enhance emotional resilience- handle life’s challenges Foster continuous improvement P- Positive emotions – the foundation of well-being, this includes joy, gratitude, serenity, hope and inspiration. This element focuses on increasing the frequency of positive emotions in daily life which leads to greater overall happiness. E- Engagement – This refers to being fully absorbed in activities where experiences flow.  Remember, flow is the state where time seems to stand still, one is completely immersed in what one is doing. This aspect of PERMA emphasizes that being engaged in meaningful activities leads to fulfillment. R- Relationships – Positive relationships are essential to well-being, and meaningful, supportive relationships provide the love, care and sense of belonging that are integrated to a happy life. M – Meaning – This is about feeling connected to something larger than oneself. Whether it’s contributing to the community, connecting with spiritual or religious beliefs or perusing work that impacts society positively, meaning provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. A -Accomplishment – The desire to achieve, accomplishment is a natural human drive. Setting goals, experiencing success, and getting recognition all contribute to one’s sense of competence and self-worth. Linktree Journey of a Volleyball Mom Book

Nanci Cosby is a devoted mom to three girls and one boy, and a proud “Nonni” to her grandbabies. She loves God, cherishes her family and friends, and never turns down a good cup of coffee. Nanci is the founder of NJ Consulting, LLC, where she brings together her passion for people and her extensive professional experience. She became a certified life coach through the World Coach Institute in 2019 and earned her Master of Education with a focus in Talent Development in 2021. In 2012, Nanci published her autobiography, High on Hope, which shares her journey as a preacher’s kid who lost her way in the world of addiction and ultimately found her path back through hope and healing. By telling her story with honesty and courage, she inspires others to transform their hurt into hope. With more than 12 years in the mental health field and 20 years in the addiction field, Nanci blends education, expertise, and lived experience to help individuals discover their path to success. Through NJ Consulting, LLC, she offers: Life coaching for individuals Wellness training for corporate and business organizations Consulting services for individuals and families Nanci’s mission is simple and powerful: to guide people toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful growth. NJ Consulting, LLC Facebook Nanci's Instagram High on Hope Book  

Nanci Cosby is a devoted mom to three girls and one boy, and a proud “Nonni” to her grandbabies. She loves God, cherishes her family and friends, and never turns down a good cup of coffee. Nanci is the founder of NJ Consulting, LLC, where she brings together her passion for people and her extensive professional experience. She became a certified life coach through the World Coach Institute in 2019 and earned her Master of Education with a focus in Talent Development in 2021. In 2012, Nanci published her autobiography, High on Hope, which shares her journey as a preacher’s kid who lost her way in the world of addiction and ultimately found her path back through hope and healing. By telling her story with honesty and courage, she inspires others to transform their hurt into hope. With more than 12 years in the mental health field and 20 years in the addiction field, Nanci blends education, expertise, and lived experience to help individuals discover their path to success. Through NJ Consulting, LLC, she offers: Life coaching for individuals Wellness training for corporate and business organizations Consulting services for individuals and families Nanci’s mission is simple and powerful: to guide people toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful growth. NJ Consulting, LLC Facebook Nanci's Instagram High on Hope Book  

Today’s guest is someone whose career has stretched across three decades, three continents, and just about every corner of elite and professional sport. Dr. Paul Gamble has worked with athletes of all ages and backgrounds, but his deepest passion lies in helping young athletes unlock their potential and supporting the next generation of sport stars in a healthy, sustainable way. Paul is the author of Sports Parenting—first released in 2022 and now arriving in a newly revised edition in January 2026—where he brings parents into the conversation around youth development and long‑term athlete wellbeing. Originally from the UK, Paul’s journey has taken him through New Zealand and now to Canada, where he lives with his wife Sian and his son Leo. In addition to running his independent coaching initiative launched in 2019, Paul consults with organizations around the world and provides continuing education for coaches and practitioners across disciplines. He also shares thoughtful, research‑driven insights on youth sport and talent development through his Athlete Generation Substack. I’m thrilled to have him here today to dig into what really shapes young athletes, how families can support the journey, and what the future of youth sport could—and should—look like. Sports Parenting Book Instagram Books/Amazon Linktree Athlete Generation substack Informed Practitioner in Sport website  Prepared Athlete Training & Health

In this episode I have a convo with Audrey Costa — a dedicated wellness professional whose work bridges health, experiential learning, and trauma-informed care. Audrey holds a B.Sc. in Physical Education and Health, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey. With extensive experience supporting adolescents and adults through addiction, recovery, trauma, grief, and emotional dysregulation, she’s guided individuals across every level of care, from residential treatment to outpatient settings. Before stepping into clinical practice, Audrey spent over 14 years in public education and later served as a Regional Wellness Manager in corporate wellness. She’s also certified and trained in personal training, health coaching, yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and nature-informed therapy. As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Licensed Hiking & Camping Guide, Audrey blends therapeutic skill with somatic, movement-based, and nature-centered approaches to healing. As the founder of Deep Rooted Wellness & Creatives, Audrey integrates her 20 years of outdoor education into powerful experiential offerings. She leads monthly nature therapy hikes and Wild Resilience Backpacking Retreats for women—small, intentional groups designed to foster healing, resilience, and connection. Through holistic mind-body-spirit coaching, she creates transformative spaces where individuals can regulate their nervous systems, build inner strength, and reconnect with their authentic selves through the healing power of nature. 🌿 Audrey Costa, M.A., LAC, NCC Certified Nature-Informed Therapist NY Licensed Hiking & Camping Guide #9759 Founder, Deep Rooted Wellness & Creatives Guiding women to heal, grow, and reconnect through nature. Learn more at www.deeprootedwellnessnj.com Instagram Audrey's recommended Podcasts: Stories from the Field with Will White-it's everything OUTDOORS Mental Health Related, Audrey was a guest back in April. NEW one -The Nature of Mental Health!  A colleague- William Henry is starting on December 21st. National Park Aft Dark and Tooth and Claw- outdoors gone wild ..lol Huberman Lab, The Drive, Dr Hyman- Cutting edge research for mind and body For women by women- MyInner Struggle, Inner Truth Healing Podcast Books: The Places that Scare you, Pema Chodron Don Miguel Ruiz (Indigenous and Shamanic Culture- The Medicine Bag, The Four Agreements, etc.) Yung Pueblo- Lighter “If the hurt is deep, you will have to let it go MANY times”

Mandi Clouse grew up in MN, swam on a swim team from third grade through colleague. Mandi has been active all her life and has enjoyed many different types of athletic activities including marathons, CrossFit games and body building competitions! She was married in 2003 to a man in the Air Force and has moved every two years, taking her and her family all around the world. She is the mom of four athletes all in different sports and with different personalities. God is the center of their family. Mandi's husband has just recently retired, and they have decided to make OK their forever place. Mandy shares with us some great insight on how success can look different for each athlete and how working hard and giving your 100% can pay off and leave a legacy even if you're not the team's top scoring MVP.

This live unedited episode was something I wanted to do on the first day of 2026 to highlight the amazing humans that I had on as guests! I took some of my favorite talking points from each guest's episode along with the books and podcasts they recommended! I also share my two words to set my intention and filter for 2026! Happy New Year! Buckle up and enjoy the ride! Thank you to all my guests for being vulnerable and sharing your story to help those in this world around you! Love you guys!!!

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that is centuries old and it is a holistic way of uncovering your life's meaning or purpose by tapping into what you love, what this world needs that only you can give in your uniqueness, what you are good at, and what you can get paid for. In today's episode we dig a bit deeper into this concept and how to apply it to your life. After all, it is easy to fall into the idea that you are your title, whether that be the title of an athlete in a specific sport or whether your job title. We are all human beings, and we are not limited to our titles that only tell you what we do, we are much more than that! Uncovering your unique purpose frees you up to live a life full of purposeful meaning that is tailored to who you are and what you can contribute to the world around you on and off the field, court, classroom or job! https://linktr.ee/jessiebrodmerkel?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=2f992062-0d1d-4203-9f66-d7778b5afc34

Tiffany Bankston is my dear friend a fellow volleyball mom and main character in my self-help book Journey of a Volleyball Mom: Surviving the First Club Season - You can do it! She is a reinvention and identity coach, speaker and founder of ThriveOLOGY Health and Wellness, LLC. As a practicing Physician Assistant of 20 years, Tiffany felt God calling her to help powerhouse, high-functioning women break free from burnout and rediscover who they are beyond their titles, to-do lists and perfectionism.  Through her signature faith-based transformational coaching experiences, THE R.O.O.M (Release ->Open->Own->Move) and BecomingHER (Healed. Empowered. Restored.), Tiffany helps women detox from performance pressure, rest their identity in Christ, and step into a more peaceful, purpose-filled rhythm of life. She's passionate about helping women stop striving and start surrendering by creating lives that are both wildly productive and deeply aligned with who God designed them to be.  When she's not coaching, Tiffany is a wife and proud mom of two teen athletes, and a fur mom to two dogs that think they're human!  Instagram (2) Facebook Select a Date & Time - Calendly https://a.co/d/dpROheY Journey of a Volleyball Mom book

Jonathan Carone is the creator of Healthy Sports Parents, a podcast and social platform helping parents lead their kids through youth sports without losing their minds. With a background in sport management, coaching, and student ministry, Jonathan brings 20 years of experience across all levels of youth sports. From rec leagues to Division I athletics, he has seen how the right kind of support can shape a kid’s experience and strengthen the parent–child relationship. Today, he helps parents focus less on raising great athletes and more on raising great humans. HealthySportsParents Youtube Healthy Sports Parents Facebook Healthy Sports Parents Instagram Healthy Sports Parents Threads Healthy Sports Parents Youtube  

This is a continuation of my interview with Lauren Whalley Adventure Therapist and my sister! We had such a great conversation about purpose, balance and play that we split it into two parts. I always end each podcast with asking questions that are the four pillars of the Japanese concept called Ikigai - a holistic way of uncovering and incorporating your purpose into your life, and it is always the richest part of the conversation! If you haven't listened to part 1, I highly recommend listening to that first. Then drop into this conversation to hear what she has to say about the best way to connect and support your teen athlete through the pain points of life/sports and performance anxiety.  p.s. the word we couldn't remember in this episode is biophilia! Lauren Smith (Whalley)  Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Lauren is Jessie's sister, an Oklahoma native who spent time in Kentucky for graduate school to become a psychotherapist before moving to Canada in 2012 to pursue her dream job as a wilderness therapist. She’s lived in Ottawa since 2015 with her husband, their 10-month-old daughter, and their dog. Lauren currently runs a private psychotherapy practice, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families, including walk-and-talk sessions that integrate the outdoors. She takes a curious and compassionate approach, helping people understand their emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, and connect more deeply with themselves. Lauren is also the founder of the Ottawa Adventure Therapy Networking Group and continues to explore creative ways to bring nature and adventure into her work. Lauren Smith (Whalley) Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Danny Brown is a firefighter/paramedic in the Oklahoma City metro, where he's served for 13 years. He's also a devoted husband and father- his son Zac plays varsity tennis, and his daughter Ashley is a competitive dancer. Away from the firehouse, Danny is the host of The Pretend Painters' Show and Podcast, a unique project where painting becomes the backdrop for powerful conversations. Through art and storytelling, he helps guests share their journeys while raising awareness and funds for meaningful causes. Danny believes in turning struggle into strength and creating community through creativity, hope and love.  Buckle up and take a listen!  The Pretend Painter Facebook Instagram The Pretend Painters' Show Podcast

My purpose is to help parents and teen athletes uncover their purpose by discovering their gifts and strengths and then putting them on paper to create their personal mission statement. In this episode, I talk about why that can be such a life changing event and why I believe it is so important for curating the life that you want and the life that makes room for purpose, balance and play! Buckle up and enjoy the ride!  The Balanced Athlete

Why set a New Year's Resolution when statistics show that only 1% of people who set one, follow through reaching their goals 12 months later? Instead, uncover your personal mission statement so you can thrive on and off the field, court, classroom or job! Take a deep dive into who you are, what your unique strengths and gifts are and craft a personal mission statement to live by, starting each day in 2026 you can reflect on that mission statement and use it to catapult you towards a life that is in alignment with where you are wanting to go and how you want to live! Join me on Dec. 20th in my workshop! It's on sale now through Nov. 30 for only $11!!! Hope to see you there!  https://linktr.ee/jessiebrodmerkel?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=2f992062-0d1d-4203-9f66-d7778b5afc34

Today’s episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and radical self-belief. Our guest, Emma Naylor-Weston, is a powerhouse coach and global 9-to-5 exit strategist who’s redefining what it means to build a life—and a business—on your own terms. Originally from London and now based in Miami with her husband and three beloved animals, Emma’s journey is anything but linear. From cold-calling 120 times a day to leading high-performing sales teams and consulting CEOs, she’s lived the grind—and chosen to rise above it. After hitting rock bottom in 2017, Emma embarked on a transformative journey of sobriety, self-discovery, and entrepreneurship. Today, she runs a thriving six-figure coaching practice helping women break free from corporate burnout and build businesses that align with their values, their purpose, and their dreams. Emma’s story is one of grit, grace, and growth—and whether you’re a parent, an athlete, or someone standing at a crossroads, her insights will inspire you to play bigger, live freer, and lead with intention. So buckle up—this car convo is about to get real. Let’s dive in. Emma Naylor Weston Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

My personal mission statement is to help others find purpose, balance and play through leading a life of wellbeing and longevity by using my gifts of creating things (like this podcast), moving physically, empowering others and shaping environments. This podcast is a vehicle (pun intended) to help me live out my purpose by helping parents and teen athletes find connection and experience lives of purpose, balance and play while connecting to a sense of meaning, while contributing to the world around them. Find all things The Balanced Athlete here: https://linktr.ee/jessiebrodmerkel  

Take a listen to this teaser episode for the new podcast: The Balanced Athlete Car Convos about Purpose, Balance and Play! Each Monday we will drop a new episode where we have conversations about living out our purpose as athletes, parents and humans looking to make a difference on and off the court for the world around us while still finding time for balance and play.  Buckle up and enjoy the ride! https://linktr.ee/jessiebrodmerkel