The Mental Cast

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 dedicating her life to coaching volleyball. Despite facing imposter syndrome, Nicole speaks about her “fake it till you make it” philosophy and how it has driven her to new heights in her professional life. She also shares how her supportive husband and a changing career landscape led her to coaching full-time — ultimately earning her recognition as USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior Beach Coach of the Year. The conversation explores Nicole’s adaptive coaching philosophy, how she tailors her methods to different environments, and her insights on the shifting dynamics of volleyball coaching and international sport. Nicole’s story is a powerful testament to adaptability, passion, and resilience — and offers valuable lessons for coaches, athletes, and anyone pursuing growth in an uncertain world. Topics covered: Nicole’s career transition from private chef to full-time coach Overcoming imposter syndrome in the coaching profession How adaptability fuels growth in coaching The importance of embracing diverse coaching environments Building open dialogue and athlete-centered coaching Insights from USA Volleyball’s NTDP programs Nicole’s aspirations for international and Olympic-level coaching Mentioned in this episode: USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) Girls Junior Beach Coach of the Year award Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

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 their spark? Dan dives into an engaging conversation that challenges the common misconceptions about today’s youth in sports. You will explore how shifting coaching perspectives and embracing new methods can foster motivation and enthusiasm in athletes — rather than writing them off as unmotivated. The episode also highlights the complexities of coaching neurodivergent athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding each athlete’s unique motivations, learning styles, and needs. In The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener’s question about how to support a player who feels discouraged by a coach’s negative comments about today’s athletes. Topics covered: Are athletes really apathetic — or are we missing their motivations? How coaching methods can either inspire or stifle engagement The importance of adapting coaching to generational needs Understanding neurodivergent athletes and what drives them Strategies for creating empowering sports environments How to move from a participation model to true ownership of success Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Welcome to this enlightening episode of The Mental Cast, where host Dan Mickle delves into the intricate relationship between tradition and progress in sports and coaching. As athletes and coaches face the challenge of honoring age-old customs while adapting to modern needs, this episode raises the question of whether tradition supports or stifles growth. Through thoughtful discussion, Dan explores how outdated practices can hinder inclusivity, particularly for neurodivergent athletes, and offers strategies for evolving traditions to create a supportive atmosphere for all. Join the conversation on how to strike a balance between respecting the past and embracing the present, ensuring every athlete feels valued and empowered. Show: Season 6 - Episode 06 (May 30, 2025) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Honor The Past Without Being Trapped By It Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Welcome to The Mental Cast, hosted by Dan Mickle and supported by Soul Performance Academy. In this episode, Dan shares an unscripted rant focusing on the chaotic reality of youth sports. He discusses the financial burdens placed on families, the overwhelming expectations on young athletes, and the increasingly intense behaviors exhibited by parents and coaches on the sidelines. Dan emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of the children involved, advocating for a return to the simple joys of sports and the importance of mental performance training. This episode is a call to action for everyone involved in youth sports to shift their focus from just winning to nurturing young athletes' emotional and physical development. Show: Season 6 - Episode 05 (March 21, 2025) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: We Have Lost Our Damn Minds Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

In this enlightening episode of The Mental Cast, host Dan Mickle sits down with Summer Montabone, a retired pro athlete and performance mindset coach. They delve into critical discussions on empowering girls through sports, addressing the challenges of female leadership in the fitness industry and the importance of mental performance training. Summer shares her journey from being a high school teacher to a national fitness champion and successful business owner, offering insights into the obstacles she faced and the solutions she created. They explore the developmental challenges in youth sports and the role of parents and coaches in fostering resilience and confidence among young athletes. Join them as they uncover the keys to developing fearless action and personal leadership in both youth and adults. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the mental aspects of performance. Show: Season 6 - Episode 04 (February 26, 2025) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: A Conversation with Summer Montabone Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Mentioned in This Episode Summer Montabone Website The Softball Mindset WorkbookThe Volleyball Mindset WorkbookThe Basketball Mindset WorkbookThe Soccer Mindset WorkbookThe Fearless Mindset for Women WorkbookDream Big, Be Fearless Notebook Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Confidence is more than just belief—it's a skill that can be trained, honed, and protected. In this episode of The MentalCast, Dan Mickle explores the key elements of building confidence, from preparation and visualization to setting achievable goals. Learn how to bounce back from setbacks, foster a growth mindset, and create supportive environments that nurture confidence for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. This episode also includes tips tailored for neurodivergent athletes, like using structured routines, sensory-friendly tools, and visual trackers to build and sustain confidence. In the The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener's question about helping a player with autism thrive in team settings. Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to develop the mental edge! Show: Season 6 - Episode 03 (January 2025) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Building Confidence for Success Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

We have moments of joy and happiness, but when did you last have true fun? A time when you lost track of time, laughed so hard you hurt, or maybe a moment that changed your life. Our lives, and more importantly, the lives of our young athletes, have become so busy that we forget to have fun, which can have serious consequences. It is time we rethink what it means to have true fun and its value. Show: Season 6 - Episode 02 (June 2024) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Last Time You Had Fune Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Mentioned in Episode The Power of Fun by Catherine Price Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

About one year ago, I walked away from my podcast. I was unsure why, but a conversation and a book led me back. We need to discuss that before I can continue this new season. And let me say I am glad to be back and even more excited to have some great conversations. Show: Season 6 - Episode 01 (May 2024) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Where Have I Been? Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Mentioned in Episode The Power of Fun by Catherine Price Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Colin C. Thompson returns to the show for an update from 2021 plus his new "50 at 50" plan. This is an excellent chat between Dan and Colin about motivation, improvement and just getting it done. Please visit the show links below to see how you can join the 50 at 50 Movement and make an impact worldwide! Show: Season 5 - Bonus Episode (July 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Colin C. Thompson Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Colin C. Thompson 50 at 50 |Facebook | Oligye | LinkedIn Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

One of the most challenging episodes I have done to date. It is hard when you worry that you may have failed as a coach, not only those you worked with in the past but maybe those closest to you. It is time we, as coaches and educators, work to understand how to coach neurodivergent athletes/performers better, to get their best, and to set them up for success. Show: Season 5 - Episode 04 (May 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Nuerodivergent Athletes *Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)! Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Continuing my five-part series on being a better coach. In this episode, we are going to look at empathy! Show: Season 5 - Episode 03 (April 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Taking over a successful program *Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)! Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Taking over a successful program can be rewarding. It can also be very challenging. In this episode, we explore some of the issues a new coach may have when taking over a successful program, as well as some tips to help them make it their own, while still honoring the past success. Show: Season 5 - Episode 02 (March 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Taking over a successful program *Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)! Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

As I stated in the Season 4 finale, I was going to focus on fixing myself to kick off Season 5. This is the first of many episodes where you can follow me on my self-reflective journey. I am going to look at the values that mean the most to me, and I have can be better living them. Show: Season 5 - Episode 01 (February 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Fixing Dan - Part 1 *Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)! Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

My annual recap of the past year and the roadmap for 2023. Warning, this is pretty personal and unscripted. I decided I wanted to open up a little more about my struggles and how I plan to be better in 2023. Show: Season 4 - Episode 08 (December 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: State of the Universe 2022 Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Losing sucks. I get that. However, we can learn and grow from it. The key is making sure we know how to use losing and failure to grow. It is time to ditch the stupid sayings on the back of t-shirts and really dig deep into failure, loss, and growth. Show: Season 4 - Episode 07 (December 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Benefits of Losing Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

I think it is time to look at this narrative that players aren't coachable and that maybe it is how we are trying to reach them. We need to first look and understand WHO are players are. More than their position and value they bring. Really work on knowing what relationship you have. We have to also understand that generations change, and so do their needs. It does not make them weaker or "less of an athlete". It makes them unique to the time and situation. Show: Season 4 - Episode 06 (November 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: They Ain't Coachable Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Are we headed for a cliff in the youth sports world? Possibly. Can we avoid it? Absolutely. We need to stop finger-pointing and help educate everyone on ALL the aspects of youth sports. We need to get all the stakeholders involved (coaches, parents, players, administration, and officials) all to the table to fix it. I am not saying time is running out, but it certainly is not on our side. Show: Season 4 - Episode 05 (October 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Pump The Brakes Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.com or across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Washington Post Article - "Billions flow through youth sports. And some of it keeps disappearing." Dan Mickle's Book - Shitty Haiku (Volume 1) Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

This is the first episode back from Dan's month-long hiatus on content creation. He opens up about living in "the grey" and the mental struggles he battles on a regular basis. There is a space between happiness and depression where many people live, but do not talk about it. Thank to reading Jay Glazer's new book "Unbreakable", a lot of people (Dan included) are finally able to put a name to and a plan to combat it. This episode is one of the most personal we have done. Show: Season 4 - Episode 04 (September 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: A Personal Look at Living in the Grey Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.com or across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Unbreakable by Jay Glazer The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma Headspace Meditation App and Site Best Self Journal Shitty Haiku (Volume 1) by Dan Mickle Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Going back to our Mental Cast Podcast roots, we bring you a new interview. This session is with travel writer, blogger, and volleyball super-fan; Pam Brant. Pam talks about becoming a travel writer, the life of a "volley mom" and of course the pivots she made with COVID. I wanted to bring a great story about someone who had to change their life path and create something new. Often we talk about the creation of new projects after they have been around a while. I wanted to get the feel at ground level when a new venture starts. It was a great chat that happened in the early spring of 2022. Show: Season 4 - Episode 03 (June 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Interview with travel writer, Pam Brant Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.com or across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Volleyball and Sunsets (Facebook) Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

I always hated playing with Legos as a kid. As I got older, I also developed the same feeling for the board game Scrabble. I always passed it off as just being bad at both (not being artistic and not comfortable with language skills). What I would come to realize was that my feelings were not about inadequacies, but fear of people's opinions. In this episode, I explore my journey and some of the information behind FOPO. Show: Season 4 - Episode 02 (May 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Legos and Scrabble Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.com or across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Tips to Soothe Your Worries of What Others Think of You Are You Limited by the Fear of What Other People Think? By Leah Cox Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed Tuned -In | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio