PODCAST · society
The Mental Cast
by Dan Mickle & 717 Soul, LLC.
A podcast dedicated to mental performance topics in the sport, performing arts, and business world.
Episodes
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What Am I Actually Doing?!?!?! (Ep. 054)
Episode 055 | What Am I Actually Doing? | July 2026 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle shares a story that almost never became an episode. After sitting down to write what he thought would be the next podcast, he stopped halfway through, looked at his notes, and realized he was...
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A Chat with Coach Gabe of Coquí (Ep. 053)
Episode 053 | A Conversation with Coach Gabe of Coquí Volleyball | June 2026 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Coach Gabe, founder of Coquí Volleyball Club, for a candid conversation about coaching, athlete development, and the realities of building a volleyball…
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You're Not Supposed to Be Sure (Ep. 052)
Episode 052 | You’re Not Supposed to Be Sure | April 2026 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle takes on the pressure athletes and parents feel to make the “right” decision in youth sports. From tryouts to team selection, people search for certainty in a system that simply does not...
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State of MY Universe 2025 (Ep. 051)
Episode 051 | The State of MY Universe (2025) | December 2025 In this special year-end episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle steps away from the usual structure to offer a deeply personal reflection on 2025. Rather than teaching a skill or breaking down a framework, this episode serves as a...
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Stop Calling Them ‘Soft’ Skills (Ep. 050)
Episode 050 | Stop Calling Them Soft Skills | December 2025 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle challenges the common belief that sports automatically teach confidence, resilience, accountability, and leadership. While sports expose athletes to pressure, failure, and feedback, Dan...
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Buyers Remorse (Ep. 49)
Episode 049 | Buyer’s Remorse | December 2025 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores buyer’s remorse in youth sports, a feeling that often surfaces after tryouts, team changes, and when the excitement of a new environment fades. Athletes, parents, and coaches begin…
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The B Word (Ep. 048)
Episode 048 | The B Word | December 2025 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the complicated and often misunderstood use of the word bully in youth sports. Are young athletes truly experiencing bullying in more situations, or have we started labeling every uncomfortable...
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Nicole Christner Conversation (Ep. 047)
Episode 047 | A Conversation with Coach Nicole - Life Pivots, Coaching Philosophy, and Embracing Growth | June 2025 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle interviews the inspiring Coach Nicole from USA Volleyball. Nicole shares her unique journey through multiple careers, ultimately...
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Are Athletes Today Really Apathetic? (Ep. 046)
Episode 046 | Athlete Apathy - Rethinking Motivation in Youth Sports | June 2025 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle tackles one of the most debated topics in today’s coaching circles: athlete apathy. Are today’s young athletes truly apathetic, or are coaches failing to ignite…
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Honor The Past Without Being Trapped By It (Ep. 045)
Episode 045 | Honor The Past Without Being Trapped By It | May 30, 2025 Welcome to this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, where host Dan Mickle explores the complex relationship between tradition and progress in sports and coaching. As athletes and coaches strive to honor time-tested…
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We Have Lost Our Damn Minds (Ep. 044)
pisode 044 | We Have Lost Our Damn Minds | March 21, 2025 Welcome to The MentalCast, hosted by Dan Mickle and supported by Soul Performance Academy. In this episode, Dan shares an unscripted rant about the chaotic and often unhealthy state of youth sports today. He dives into the financial…
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A Conversation with Summer Montabone (Ep. 043)
Episode 043 | A Conversation with Summer Montabone | February 26, 2025 In this enlightening episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Summer Montabone, retired pro athlete and performance mindset coach, for an inspiring conversation about empowerment, leadership, and the mental…
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Building Confidence for Success (Ep. 042)
Episode 042 | Building Confidence for Success | January 2025 Confidence is more than just belief; it is a skill that can be trained, honed, and protected. In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the key elements of building true, lasting confidence, from preparation and...
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Last Time You Had Fun (Ep. 041)
Episode 041 | Last Time You Had Fune | June 2024 We all experience moments of joy and happiness — but when was the last time you truly had fun? The kind of fun where you lost track of time, laughed until it hurt, or experienced a moment that changed your life. In this episode of The MentalCast,...
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Where Have I Been? (Ep. 040)
Episode 040 | Where Have I Been? | May 2024 About a year ago, host Dan Mickle quietly stepped away from The MentalCast. At the time, he was not entirely sure why — but a recent conversation and a powerful book helped provide clarity and sparked the return. Before diving into a brand new season…
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Colin C. Thompson Returns (Ep. 039)
Episode 039 | Colin C. Thompson | July 2023 Friend of the show Colin C. Thompson returns to The MentalCast for an exciting update to his 2021 appearance — this time with news about his inspiring new “50 at 50” plan. In this motivating conversation, host Dan Mickle and Colin dive into the power of...
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Five Hundred Fifty-One (Ep. 038)
pisode 038 | Nuerodivergent Athletes | May 2023 This is one of the most challenging and personal episodes that host Dan Mickle has recorded to date. In this episode of The MentalCast, Dan opens up about the self-doubt and reflection that comes with wondering if, at times, he may have failed some…
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Fixing Dan - Part 2 (Ep. 037)
Episode 037 | Being a Better Coach - Part 2: Empathy | April 2023 Continuing the five-part Being a Better Coach series, this episode of The MentalCast dives into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) coaching skills: empathy. Host Dan Mickle explores what empathy really means in a...
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Filling Big Shoes (Ep. 036)
Episode 036 | Taking over a successful program | March 2023 Taking over a successful program can be incredibly rewarding — but it also brings unique challenges. In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores some of the common issues new coaches face when stepping into an already...
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Fixing Dan - Part 1 (Ep. 035)
Episode 035 | Fixing Dan - Part 1 | February 2023 As shared in the Season 4 finale, The MentalCast is kicking off Season 5 with a new focus, host Dan Mickle’s personal journey of self-reflection and growth. In this first installment of the Fixing Dan series, Dan begins exploring the values that...
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State of the Universe 2022 (Ep. 034)
Episode 034 | State of the Universe 2022 | December 2022 It is time for the annual recap and roadmap episode of The MentalCast! In this special year-end reflection, host Dan Mickle shares a personal and unscripted look back at 2022 — the challenges, the lessons learned, and the growth that came...
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The Benefits of Losing (Ep. 033)
Episode 033 | Benefits of Losing | December 2022 Losing sucks…no question about it. But in this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle digs into why losing and failure can actually be some of the most powerful tools for growth. Too often, we slap shallow motivational sayings on the back of...
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They Ain’t Coachable (Ep. 032)
Episode 032 | They Ain't Coachable | November 2022 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle challenges the common narrative that players today “aren’t coachable.” Maybe the issue is not the players — maybe it is how we, as coaches, are trying to reach them. Dan explores the importance…
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Pump the Brakes (Ep. 031)
Episode 031 | Pump The Brakes | October 2022 Are we headed toward a cliff in the youth sports world? Possibly. Can we avoid it? Absolutely. In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the growing concerns in youth sports from burnout to corruption to declining participation. The...
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The Grey (Ep. 030)
Episode 030 | A Personal Look at Living in the Grey | September 2022 In this deeply personal episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle returns from a month-long hiatus to open up about his ongoing mental health journey — specifically, what it feels like to live in “the grey.” There is a space...
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Pam Brant Interview (Ep. 029)
Episode 029 | Interview with travel writer, Pam Brant | June 2022 In this episode of The MentalCast, we go back to our roots with a new interview format. Host Dan Mickle sits down with travel writer, blogger, and volleyball super-fan Pam Brant for a wide-ranging conversation about reinvention,...
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Legos and Scrabble (Ep. 028)
Episode 028 | Legos and Scrabble | May 2022 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle shares a personal story that starts with his childhood dislike of Legos and the board game Scrabble — and evolves into a deeper reflection on the fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO). What began as...
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Say Goodbye (Ep. 027)
Episode 027 | Say Goodbye | April 2022 Season 4 kicks off with this reflective episode of The MentalCast, where host Dan Mickle explores the concept of walking away — how to recognize when it is time, why it is sometimes necessary, and the personal and professional growth that can come from…
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Why I Walked Away (Ep. 026)
Episode 026 | Why I Walked Away | November 2021 Continuing the theme of openness and personal reflection, in this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle shares from the heart about why he made the difficult decision to walk away from his role as a youth club director. This unscripted and...
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I Wasn‘t Prepared (Ep. 025)
Episode 025 | I Wasn't Prepared | September 2021 In what may be the most open and vulnerable episode of The MentalCast to date, host Dan Mickle takes the mic solo to share where he has been over the past two months and the personal struggles he has been navigating. This unscripted and unedited...
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Dr. Laura Cobb Interview (Ep. 024)
Episode 024 | Chat with Dr. Laura Cobb - LPC, NCC, and CFLE. | July 2021 Episode 6 of Season 3 brings us a powerful conversation between host Dan Mickle and Dr. Laura Cobb — life coach, licensed professional counselor (LPC), nationally certified counselor (NCC), and certified family life educator...
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Sadie Evans Interview (Ep. 023)
Episode 023 | Chat with Sadie Evans - Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host | June 2021 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has a thoughtful conversation with Sadie Mae Evans — accomplished author, speaker, and podcast host. Dan and Sadie discuss what inspired her to write her books,...
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Joanna Pohorski Interview (Ep. 022)
Episode 022 | Chat with Joanna Pohorski - Accountability and Mindset Coach | May 2021 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with UK-based accountability and mindset coach Joanna Pohorski for an engaging conversation about business planning, personal growth, and staying...
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Tracy Lamouire Interview (Ep. 021)
Episode 021 | Chat with Tracy Lamourie - Public Relations Guru and Social Justice Warrior | May 2021 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle chats with international PR powerhouse Tracy Lamourie. They dive into the world of public relations — what it really takes to launch a PR…
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Colin C. Thompson Interview (Ep. 020)
Episode 020 | Chat with Colin C. Thompson - Founder of Oligye Enterprises | February 2021 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has a fascinating conversation with Colin C. Thompson, founder of Oligye Enterprises, personal development and career transition coach, and blockchain...
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Anne-Marie Brandt Interview (Ep. 019)
Episode 019 | Chat with Anne-Marie Brandt - Marketing Guru | February 2021 We kick off Season 3 of The MentalCast with a thoughtful conversation between host Dan Mickle and solopreneur Anne-Marie Brandt, owner of Team Brandt Marketing. Dan and Anne-Marie, friends for over 30 years, dive into the...
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Brent Magnussen Interview (Ep. 018)
Episode 018 | Chat with Brent Magnussen - Author, Public Speaker, and Fmr. Army Engineer | November 2020 This episode of The MentalCast features a dynamic conversation between host Dan Mickle and Brent Magnussen, author of Roger Up!, public speaker, and former Army engineer. Dan and Brent dive…
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Jay Hosack Interview (Ep. 017)
Episode 017 | Chat with Jay Hosack - George Mason Men's Volleyball Head Coach. | November 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with friend and fellow coach Jay Hosack, head coach of George Mason University Men’s Volleyball. Dan and Jay dive into the realities of the...
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Claudio Reilsono Interview (Ep.016)
Episode 016 | Chat with Claudio Reilsono - Carnegie Mellon Baseball Head Coach and | November 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has an engaging conversation with Claudio Reilsono, head baseball coach at Carnegie Mellon University, professional scout with the Global Scouting...
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Karl France Interview - Part 1 (Ep. 015)
Episode 015 | Chat with Karl France - NYU Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach (Part 1) | October 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with long-time friend Karl France, assistant coach for NYU Men’s Volleyball. This conversation was sparked by a casual discussion between...
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Erik Weiss Interview (Ep. 014)
Episode 014 | Chat with Erik Weiss - Little League Baseball Umpire | September 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has an insightful conversation with Erik Weiss, a Little League umpire based in Stockton, California. After hosting many coaches and athletes on the show, Dan...
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Donnie Reeser Interview - Part 2 (Ep. 013)
Episode 013 | Chat with Donald Reeser Jr. - His Weight Loss Journey | August 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down once again with long-time friend Donnie Reeser for Part 2 of their conversation series. This time, the focus is on Donnie’s remarkable weight loss journey...
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DJ Roueche Interview (Ep. 012)
Episode 012 | Chat with DJ Roueche - Lakers/AVP/Olympic DJ | July 2020 In this high-energy episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with the always entertaining DJ (Jeremy) Roueche. DJ Roueche is currently the official DJ for the Los Angeles Lakers, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour,...
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Kyle Wagner Interview (Ep. 011)
Episode 011 | Chat with Kyle Wagner Baseball Guru and Educator | July 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with coach and educator Kyle Wagner for a long-awaited conversation about coaching youth sports and keeping the game fun and meaningful. A former standout high...
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Jen Fry Interview (Ep. 010)
Episode 010 | Chat with Jen Fry | June 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with educator and speaker Jen Fry (JenFryTalks.com) to explore the intersection of sports, leadership, and social justice. Together they discuss how coaches and athletes can foster inclusive...
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Trevor Ragan Interview (Ep. 009)
Episode 009 | Chat with Trevor Ragan of The Learner Lab | June 2020 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Trevor Ragan from The Learner Lab for an engaging conversation about Trevor’s personal journey, from growing up in the Midwest to working with Duke Basketball,...
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Coaching Burnout (Ep. 008)
Episode 008 | Coaching Burnout | January 2020 Coaching burnout is one of the most common topics that comes up when The MentalCast host Dan Mickle works with coaches and managers. While many people recognize the late stages of burnout, they often miss the early warning signs and opportunities to...
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Donald Reeser Jr. Interview - Part 1 (Ep. 007)
Episode 007 | Donald Reeser Jr. Interview - Part 1| January 2020 In this special three-part series of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with local entrepreneur and dart player Donald Reeser, Jr., the owner of Reeser’s Soft Ice Cream. Recorded casually in the parking lot of their favorite...
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Sports Injuries & The Mind (Ep. 006)
Episode 006 | Effect of Sports Injuries on the Mind | December 2019 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores a critical but often overlooked topic: the psychological effects of sports injuries on athletes. While much of the conversation around injury focuses on physical…
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Be a Tim (Ep. 005)
Episode 005 | Be A Tim! | October 2019 In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the concept of accountability, both personally and professionally. Through the story of his friend and mentor, Tim, who serves as Dan’s own accountability partner for podcasting, Dan highlights the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast dedicated to mental performance topics in the sport, performing arts, and business world.
HOSTED BY
Dan Mickle & 717 Soul, LLC.
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Mental Cast have?
The Mental Cast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Mental Cast about?
A podcast dedicated to mental performance topics in the sport, performing arts, and business world.
How often does The Mental Cast release new episodes?
The Mental Cast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Mental Cast?
You can listen to The Mental Cast 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 Mental Cast?
The Mental Cast is created and hosted by Dan Mickle & 717 Soul, LLC..
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