Explore every episode of the podcast Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stop Letting Anxiety Control Your Game | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:20:54 | |
Welcome to Episode 91 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: Stop Letting Anxiety Control Your Game. Every athlete feels pressure. The nerves before a big game. The fear of making a mistake. The worry about letting your team down. But what if those nerves could actually help you perform better? In this episode, Jeff Lerg and mental performance coach Chris Palmer break down why doubt, fear, and anxiety are normal parts of competitionāand how athletes can learn to turn that nervous energy into excitement and confidence. Jeff shares a powerful story from his professional hockey career when he was unexpectedly called into Game 7 of the playoffs after going two months without playing. With the season on the line, he had to rely on three things:
They also discuss why even the best athletes experience self-doubt, how routines build confidence, and why your mindset can make the difference when the pressure is on. Because you can't always control the pressure, but you can control how you respond to it. Episode Highlights:
The biggest message? Feel the nerves. Trust your preparation. Do your job. You don't have to eliminate fear to perform at your best. You just have to learn how to manage it. šØ WANT TO TAKE YOUR MENTAL GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL? Listening is just the beginning. Now it's time to put what you're learning into action. Try Our Training FREE! Get a firsthand look at the Dialed & Driven Success Formula, our mental performance training program designed to help athletes build confidence, develop better habits, handle pressure, and compete with a stronger mindset. Because improving your mental game takes more than motivation. It takes consistent training. š„ Ready to start training your mindset like you train your game? š TRY OUR TRAINING FREE HERE Stay coachable. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Want More Playing Time? Become More Coachable. | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:22:17 | |
Welcome to Episode 90 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: Want More Playing Time? Become More Coachable. Talent matters. But if you want more trust, more responsibility, and more opportunities, you also have to be coachable. In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down what being coachable really looks likeāand why simply hearing feedback isnāt enough. You have to:
They also discuss how ego can get in the way of growth, why great athletes never stop learning, and why coaches trust the players who prove they can listen and apply what theyāre taught. Because when the game is on the line, coaches want athletes they can count on. Episode Highlights:
The biggest message? Retain. Execute. Be consistent. You donāt have to be perfect. You just have to keep learning, applying, and improving. Stay coachable. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Got Benched? Hereās How Great Athletes Respond | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:21:23 | |
Welcome to Episode 89 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: Got Benched? Hereās How Great Athletes Respond. Getting benched can wreck an athleteās confidence fast. One minute youāre competing. The next, youāre sitting there wondering: Why am I not playing? What did I do wrong? Does my coach not trust me anymore? In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down how athletes should respond when their role gets smaller, their playing time disappears, or a coach makes a decision they donāt agree with. Because getting benched is frustrating. But how you respond can say more about you than how you perform when everything is going your way. Jeff, Chris, and Natalie discuss why athletes need to learn the difference between what they can control and what they canāt. You may not control the lineup. You may not control when your number gets called. You may not even understand why the decision was made. But you can control your body language, your preparation, your attitude, how you support your teammates, and what you do with your next opportunity. Natalie also shares her experience as a college goaltender, including playing for a coach who made it clear that allowing four goals could mean getting pulled. Over time, she learned that being taken out wasnāt always about her individual performanceāit could also be a way to change the energy of the entire team. The biggest message? Getting benched doesnāt have to break your confidence. It can become fuel. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! At some point, almost every competitive athlete is going to experience a decision they donāt like. Someone else gets the opportunity. Your role changes. Your playing time disappears. And your first reaction might be: This isnāt fair. But you still have a choice. You can disconnect, sulk, and wait for someone else to fix it. Or you can stay ready. Support your teammates. Attack the next practice. Learn what you can improve. And when your next opportunity comes, execute what you know. You may not control the coachās decision. You always control your response. And sometimes, that response is exactly what creates your next opportunity. Got benched? Donāt let it define you. Show them how you respond. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Want More Confidence? Prove It to Yourself. | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:22:35 | |
Welcome to Episode 88 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: Want More Confidence? Prove It to Yourself. In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc break down one of the most importantāand misunderstoodāparts of athletic performance: self-belief. Every athlete wants to feel confident. They want to step into a game knowing they're ready. They want to trust their skills. They want to stop second-guessing themselves when the pressure rises. But confidence doesn't appear just because you tell yourself to believe. You have to build it. Jeff and Natalie discuss why real self-belief comes from preparation, action, and repeatedly proving to yourself that you're capable of handling the challenge in front of you. Because there's a major difference between hoping you're ready and knowing you've done the work. Athletes can use positive self-talk, visualize success, and tell themselves they're going to have a great gameābut if there isn't preparation behind those words, that confidence can disappear the moment adversity hits. Real belief is built through evidence. It's built when you have a difficult practice and keep going. It's built when you prepare with intention. It's built when you accomplish something you weren't sure you could do. And it's built every time you prove something to yourself instead of trying to prove something to everyone around you. Jeff also shares how he developed that belief throughout his own career despite being an undersized goalie, dealing with asthma, and repeatedly hearing reasons why he shouldn't reach the next level. The lesson? Nobody else gets to measure how much you believe in yourself. But you do have to earn that belief. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! Everyone wants confidence. But confidence without evidence is fragile. It's easy to say, āI believe in myself.ā The harder question is: What have you done to prove it to yourself? Did you prepare when nobody was watching? Did you stay focused during practice? Did you attack the difficult parts of your game instead of avoiding them? Did you follow through on the habits you said were important? Did you give yourself evidence that you're capable of handling the moment? Because when game day arrives, you can't manufacture months of preparation in a few minutes. You can only trust what you've built. That's why belief isn't arrogance. It isn't pretending you're better than everyone else. And it isn't blindly telling yourself everything is going to work out. It's the internal feeling that you are equal to the task in front of you because you've prepared for it. And when adversity hitsāa bad game, an injury, a mistake, a setback, or a new level of competitionāyou don't have to suddenly prove everything all over again. Get back to where your feet are. Focus on today's work. Win the next task. Then do it again tomorrow. Small wins become evidence. Evidence becomes belief. And belief becomes confidence. Want more confidence? Stop waiting to feel it. Start proving it to yourself. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Stuck in a Slump? How Athletes Get Their Confidence Back | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:26:43 | |
Welcome to Episode 87 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: Stuck in a Slump? How Athletes Get Their Confidence Back In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down something almost every athlete will experience at some point in their career: a slump. Maybe the results suddenly aren't there. Your confidence starts dropping. You begin questioning your game, changing things that used to work, and thinking about every mistake. So how do you get yourself out of it? Jeff, Chris, and Natalie discuss why slumps happen, how athletes often make them worse by focusing too much on the outcome, and why getting back to simple, controllable actions can be one of the most effective ways to rebuild confidence. They explore the mental battle that happens when an athlete knows what they're capable of but isn't seeing the results they expect. Instead of trying to force your way out of a slump overnight, sometimes the answer is getting back to your foundationāyour preparation, habits, routines, effort, and the parts of your performance you can actually control. Because one bad game doesn't define you. One bad week doesn't erase your ability. And struggling doesn't mean you've suddenly become a different athlete. The challenge is learning how to respond before a temporary slump becomes a long-term confidence problem. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! Every athlete loves competing when things are going well. Confidence is high. The results are there. Everything feels easy. But your mentality is tested when those results disappear. That's when doubt starts creeping in. You begin wondering what changed. You start searching for answers. And sometimes, in trying so hard to fix everything, you move even further away from the athlete you were when things were going well. Getting out of a slump isn't always about doing more. Sometimes it's about simplifying. Get back to your routine. Get back to your preparation. Get back to the fundamentals. Focus on the next practice, the next shift, the next play, and the next opportunity to do something well. You can't always control when the results come back. But you can control how you prepare, how you respond, and whether you continue showing up. A slump doesn't define the athlete. How you respond to it does. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Consistency Is the Most Underrated Skill in Sports: Joe Neal, Founder of 2SP Sports | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:35:54 | |
Welcome to Episode 86 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: Consistency Is the Most Underrated Skill in Sports: Joe Neal, Founder of 2SP Sports In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc sit down with longtime strength and conditioning coach Joe Neal, founder of 2SP Sports Performance, to talk about what more than two decades of training athletesāfrom young beginners to NHL, MLB, and other professional athletesāhas taught him about performance. Joe has worked with athletes at nearly every level, including some of the biggest names in professional hockey. But one lesson continues to stand out above everything else: The best athletes are usually the most consistent. Talent matters. Work ethic matters. Training matters. But Joe explains why athletes who consistently stack productive days often separate themselves from athletes who rely on occasional bursts of extreme effort. Jeff also shares how working with Joe changed the way he approached his own professional career. Jeff already knew how to work hardābut Joe helped him understand the difference between simply exhausting yourself and training with a specific purpose, plan, and long-term outcome in mind. Together, Jeff, Natalie, and Joe break down what smart athletic development actually looks like, how physical preparation can directly impact confidence, why every athlete requires something different, and why staying healthy and available may be one of the greatest competitive advantages in sports. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! If you're an athlete who believes working harder is always the answer, this episode may change the way you think about training. More workouts don't automatically create better athletes. More exhaustion doesn't automatically create better performance. And doing everything isn't the same as doing the right things consistently. The athletes who last aren't always the athletes who have the most impressive workout. They're the athletes who show up again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. They learn what their body needs. They train with purpose. They stay healthy enough to keep practicing. And they build confidence by continually proving to themselves that they can execute the process. As Joe explains throughout this conversation, there isn't one perfect exercise, training program, or formula that creates elite athletes. Every athlete is different. But there is one quality that continues showing up among the best: Consistency. Because improvement doesn't come from one unbelievable day. It comes from stacking enough good days together that eventually, you become a completely different athlete. Talent can give you an advantage. Hard work can open doors. But consistency is what gives you the opportunity to keep getting better. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Good Habits Arenāt Enough: How High Performers Raise Their Standards | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:26:09 | |
Welcome to Episode 85 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: Good Habits Arenāt Enough: How High Performers Raise Their Standards In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc dive into what it really takes to become a high-performing athleteāand why having good habits is only the beginning. Athletes can set big goals, create routines, train consistently, and put in the work. But thereās a difference between simply having good habits and holding yourself to a high standard. Jeff, Chris, and Natalie break down what that difference looks like and why high standards require athletes to consistently do difficult things, make tough decisions, and stay committed long after the initial motivation wears off. They also explore the role habits play in athletic performance and how repeated behaviors eventually become automatic. When pressure hits, athletes donāt suddenly become someone differentāthey fall back on what theyāve trained themselves to do. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! If you're an athlete trying to reach the next level, this episode is a reminder that your goals don't determine your standardsāyour daily actions do. You can have big goals. You can have big dreams. You can say you want to play at the highest level. But none of that matters if your daily behaviors don't match the standard required to get there. The athletes who separate themselves aren't necessarily the ones who are motivated every single day. They're the ones who build habits that make doing the right things second natureāand then hold themselves to those standards when it's difficult. Because when pressure hits, you don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall back on what you've trained. Good habits create the foundation. High standards push you to the next level. And consistency is what turns both into performance. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| High-Level Sports Are Ruthless. Are You Ready? | 25 aoƻt 2026 | 00:31:58 | |
Welcome to Episode 84 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast: High-Level Sports Are Ruthless. Are You Ready? In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc talk about what the start of a new season really demands from athletesāand why simply working hard all summer doesnāt guarantee youāll be ready when it matters most. A new season brings new coaches, new teammates, new expectations, new roles, and plenty of opportunities to overthink everything. Athletes can quickly get caught worrying about where they fit, what the coach thinks, whether theyāre starting, or how they compare to everyone around them. But when the season starts, the preparation phase is over. Itās time to execute. Jeff, Chris, and Natalie break down why athletes need to understand the difference between doing more and doing the right things with intention. They discuss first impressions, practice habits, leadership, fitting in with a new team, managing distractions, and why overtraining can actually leave athletes unprepared for the moments that matter most. They also get into the reality of high-level athletics: the standards become harder, expectations rise, and eventually your performance has to speak for itself. Athletes who want to reach junior, college, professional, or elite levels have to learn how to consistently show up prepared, make sacrifices, and perform when they're expected to perform. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! If you're an athlete entering a new season, trying to earn a bigger role, adjusting to a new team, or chasing the next level, this episode is for you. You canāt control every coaching decision. You canāt control where you start in the lineup. You canāt control what your teammates think of you. And you canāt eliminate every distraction that comes with a new season. But you can control how prepared you are. You can control your effort. You can control your intention. You can control whether you show up ready to execute when your opportunity arrives. Because the higher you climb in sports, the smaller the margin for error becomes. High-level sports are ruthless. If you want to surviveāand eventually thriveāyou have to be ready to meet the standard every single day. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Why Todayās Athletes Struggle to Believe in Themselves | 18 aoĆ»t 2026 | 00:21:14 | |
Welcome to Episode 83 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc take a step back from the technical side of sports to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing young athletes today: self-belief. Athletes are training more than everābut are they training the part of the game that controls everything else? Jeff and Natalie share what they've seen firsthand through years of coaching, mentoring, competing, and working with athletes across different sports. From athletes breaking down after one mistake to young players struggling to identify their own strengths, they explore why so many athletes are having a harder time believing in themselvesāand what can be done about it. You'll hear Jeff's personal story of overcoming adversity and developing an unwavering belief in himself, along with practical strategies athletes and parents can use to build confidence, create better practice habits, set meaningful goals, and stay committed when success doesn't happen overnight. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! If you're an athlete who has struggled with confidence, a parent trying to support your child's development, or a coach looking for ways to help athletes become more mentally resilient, this episode is for you. You can't control every result. You can't eliminate every mistake. You can't guarantee where your athletic journey will take you. But you can control the work you put in, the goals you set, and the belief you build along the way. Because success isn't about guaranteeing that you'll become a professional athlete. Success is leaving no stone unturned in your development to reach your personal peak potential. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik U.S. Olympic Ice Dancers: āYou Have One LifeāRun Toward Your Dreamsā | 11 aoĆ»t 2026 | 00:44:01 | |
Welcome to Episode 82 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc sit down with U.S. Olympic Ice Dancers Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik to go behind the scenes of their incredible rise to the highest level of their sport. Just four and a half years after becoming skating partners, Emilea and Vadym went from being in the middle of a highly competitive U.S. ice dance field to the Grand Prix Final, U.S. Nationals podium, Four Continents Champions, 5th at the Olympics, and 3rd at Worlds. But as they explain throughout this episode, their success was anything but overnight. Their story is filled with sacrifice, setbacks, pressure, doubt, family support, mental preparation, and thousands of hours of repetition. You'll hear how they learned to trust each other, overcome fear of failure, handle the enormous pressure of performing on the Olympic stage, and stay focused when the outside world became louder than ever. Emilea and Vadym also open up about the mental challenges they faced before working with Chris Palmer, how improving their communication changed their partnership, and why knowing that they had each other's backs allowed them to perform with more freedom and confidence. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! This episode is about so much more than ice dancing. It's about what happens when you choose a dream that other people don't believe is possible. It's about surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. It's about preparing so relentlessly that when something goes wrong, you're ready to respond. It's about learning to trust your partner, your preparation, and yourself. And most importantly, it's about continuing to move forward when the results, the opinions, or the circumstances don't go your way. Emilea and Vadym are incredible examples of what can happen when you combine belief, preparation, repetition, resilience, and the courage to keep chasing something you care about. As Vadym says: āYou have one life. If you're not running towards your dreams like there's no tomorrow, you're doing something wrong.ā Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Cooper Black: Charlotte Checkers Goaltender on the Power of Self-Belief | 04 aoƻt 2026 | 00:23:50 | |
Welcome to Episode 81 of the Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast! Up next in The Goalie Nation Series, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc sit down with one of the fastest-rising young goaltenders in professional hockey, Charlotte Checkers goaltender Cooper Black. Standing 6'9" and coming from the small hockey town of Alpena, Michigan, Cooper's journey is anything but conventional. From playing house hockey and AA, leaving home at 14 to chase AAA, returning to high school hockey, getting cut from multiple junior teams, and nearly walking away from the game altogether, his story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path to success. Now entering his fourth professional season after signing with the Florida Panthers organization out of Dartmouth College, Cooper shares how resilience, patience, and an unwavering belief in himself helped him overcome rejection after rejection while continuing to chase his NHL dream. Throughout the conversation, Cooper explains why adversity became his greatest motivator, how learning to trust the process transformed both his game and mindset, and why developing the mental side of hockey has become the biggest separator at the professional level. He also gives listeners an inside look at the realities of junior hockey, Division I college hockey, and life in the American Hockey League, while sharing what it's really like competing every day with one goal in mind: earning an opportunity to play in the NHL. Episode Highlights: ā¢ Growing up in Alpena, Michigan, and taking an unconventional path to professional hockey ā¢ Why returning from AAA to high school hockey didn't end his hockey dreams ā¢ Nearly quitting hockey after his junior yearāand what changed everything ā¢ Getting cut from multiple junior teams before finally earning an opportunity ā¢ Using rejection as fuel instead of letting it define you ā¢ The importance of loving the game through every setback ā¢ Choosing Dartmouth for both hockey and academicsāand how his mindset evolved once he arrived ā¢ Transitioning from college hockey into the business of professional hockey ā¢ What surprised him most during his first days as a pro ā¢ Why the mental side of the game becomes even more important at the AHL level ā¢ Learning to trust preparation instead of overthinking during games ā¢ Why patience is one of the most important qualities for developing athletes ā¢ How confidence is built through consistent workānot outside opinions ā¢ Why every athlete's journey looks different, and why that's exactly how it's supposed to be AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether you're a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is filled with valuable lessons on perseverance, patience, confidence, and trusting your own pathāeven when it doesn't look like everyone else's. Cooper's story proves that setbacks don't determine your future. Being cut, overlooked, or doubted doesn't mean your journey is over. If you're willing to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself, your biggest opportunities may still be ahead. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Cam Johnson: Florida Everblades Goaltender & 4x Kelly Cup Champion on the Secret to a Champion's Mindset | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:42:02 | |
Welcome to Episode 80 of the Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast! Up next in The Goalie Nation Series, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc sit down with one of the most accomplished winners in professional hockey, Florida Everblades goaltender Cam Johnson. A four-time Kelly Cup Champion, three-time Kelly Cup Playoff MVP, and NCAA National Champion at the University of North Dakota, Cam has built a career defined by resilience, belief, and performing when the stakes are highest. But his path to professional hockey wasn't nearly as traditional as many would expect. From playing AA hockey throughout his youth, going undrafted into the USHL, being traded before his junior season even began, and patiently waiting for his opportunity at North Dakota, Cam shares how trusting his own journeyāand believing in himselfāallowed him to accomplish things very few athletes ever will. Throughout the conversation, Cam explains why confidence is built through self-belief rather than outside validation, how learning to embrace adversity shaped his mentality, and why the biggest difference between good athletes and great athletes is their ability to elevate their game when it matters most. He also takes listeners behind the scenes of life in professional hockey, discussing the reality of the ECHL, the culture that has helped the Florida Everblades become one of the greatest dynasties in minor league hockey, his experience with the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets organizations, and what it truly takes to sustain championship success year after year. Episode Highlights: ā¢ Why playing AA hockey didn't stop him from reaching Division I and professional hockey ā¢ Going undrafted, getting traded early in junior hockey, and trusting the process ā¢ The importance of believing in yourself before anyone else does ā¢ Learning patience while waiting behind an All-American goaltender at North Dakota ā¢ Winning an NCAA National Championship and how preparation creates opportunity ā¢ What life is really like in the ECHL and why winning cultures are built differently ā¢ His journey through the New Jersey Devils organization and NHL opportunities with Columbus ā¢ Inside the COVID NHL bubble and what he learned from being around NHL players every day ā¢ Why Florida's championship culture continues to produce winning teams ā¢ How self-talk and confidence help him perform in the biggest playoff moments ā¢ Why nerves are a sign that you careāand how to use them to your advantage ā¢ The importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you forward ā¢ Why every athlete has their own path and shouldn't compare their journey to anyone else's ā¢ How to build a mentality that allows you to perform when the lights are brightest AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether you're a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with lessons on confidence, resilience, leadership, and developing the mindset needed to overcome setbacks while continuing to chase your goals. Cam's story is proof that your journey doesn't have to look like everyone else's. You don't have to be the most highly recruited player, the earliest developer, or follow the "perfect" path. What matters most is believing in yourself, embracing every opportunity, and being ready when your moment arrives. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Truth About Mental Performance Coaching & Why Athletes Hold Themselves Back | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:23:53 | |
Welcome to Episode 79 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood aspects of athletic success: mental performance coaching. For years, athletes have been taught to train their bodiesābut what about the part of the game that controls confidence, focus, resilience, and decision-making under pressure? Chris shares his unique philosophy on mental performance coaching, explaining why it's not therapy, why it isn't about fixing something that's "wrong," and why every athleteāfrom youth hockey players to Olympians, CEOs, military personnel, and professional athletesāhas one common obstacle standing between them and their potential: doubt, fear, and worry. You'll learn why your brain is designed to protect you, how those protective instincts can also hold you back, and what it actually takes to build lasting self-belief when things don't go your way. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! If you've ever wondered why you perform differently in games than you do in practice, struggled with confidence after making mistakes, or questioned whether mental performance coaching is right for you, this episode is for you. Your brain isn't broken. Doubt, fear, and worry are part of being human. The goal isn't to eliminate them. The goal is to learn how to perform anyway. Because when you manage your mind... You unlock your potential. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Perfect Offseason Recipe for Athletes | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:20:44 | |
Welcome to Episode 78 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc discuss one of the biggest challenges athletes face during the offseason: finding the balance between resting, training, and avoiding burnout. Summer is supposed to be a time to rechargeābut what happens when taking time off starts to make you feel guilty? How do you recover mentally and physically without feeling like you're falling behind everyone else? We dive into why the offseason isn't about doing nothing or doing everythingāit's about finding the right recipe to come back stronger than ever. You'll learn why rest is actually part of the training process, how to avoid burnout before the season even begins, and why your best offseason may not involve spending every day at the rink. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If you've ever felt guilty for taking a day off, worried that everyone else was outworking you, or struggled to find the right balance between training and enjoying your summer, this episode is for you. Rest is not weakness. Recovery is part of the process. Train with intention. Enjoy being a kid. And rememberāthe goal isn't to be at your best in July. It's to be at your best when the season begins. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Truth About Getting Drafted Nobody Talks About | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:25:00 | |
Welcome to Episode 77 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc tackle one of the most emotional moments in an athlete's journey: getting drafted, getting cut, or feeling like you've been left behind. Whether you weren't drafted, got released from a tryout, or watched teammates move on without you, it's easy to believe your hockey career is over. But is one decision really enough to define your future? So how do athletes move forward when rejection feels personal? We dive into why draft season creates so much pressure for athletes and families, why getting passed over isn't a final judgment, and how the most successful players use setbacks as fuel instead of letting them become the end of their story. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If you've ever felt like everyone else was moving forward while you were standing still, questioned whether you were good enough after getting cut, or wondered if one setback changed your entire future, this episode is a reminder that your journey is far from over. A draft is an opportunity. A cut is not a career-ending decision. One team's "no" can become another team's "yes." Keep doing your job. Keep getting better. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Callie Shanahan: PWHL New York Sirens Goaltender | 30 juin 2026 | 00:23:45 | |
Welcome to Episode 76 of the Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast! Up next in The Goalie Nation Series, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc welcome back PWHL New York Sirens goaltender Callie Shanahan following the completion of her rookie season in professional hockey. After joining us shortly after being drafted last fall, Callie returns to share what life is really like as a first-year professional goaltender. From the intensity of training camp and earning her first PWHL start to adapting to the speed of the game and navigating the highs and lows of a rookie season, Callie provides an honest look inside the journey of becoming a professional athlete. Throughout the conversation, she discusses the biggest adjustments she had to make after college hockey, the patience required while waiting for opportunities, and how intentional practice habits helped prepare her for the moment she finally stepped into the crease. Callie also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at life in the PWHL, including travel, team culture, professional expectations, fan support, and the continued growth of women's hockey. She shares her goals for Year 2, why simplifying her game became one of her biggest breakthroughs, and the mindset that continues to drive her forward. Episode Highlights: ā¢ What training camp is really like in the PWHL ā¢ The biggest differences between NCAA and professional hockey ā¢ How Callie stayed mentally prepared while waiting months for her first start ā¢ The emotions behind earning her first professional game and first PWHL victory ā¢ Why "doing less" helped her perform better under pressure ā¢ The importance of treating every practice like game day ā¢ Adjusting to the speed, hockey IQ, and skill level of the professional game ā¢ Technical changes she made to become a more effective goaltender ā¢ Life behind the scenes in the PWHL, including travel, road trips, and team culture ā¢ How her brand, Trendy Tendies was created and why connecting with fans has been so rewarding ā¢ Her offseason goalie camp and giving back to the next generation ā¢ Her goals of earning a starting role in the PWHL ā¢ Why she believes the future of women's professional hockey is only getting brighter ā¢ The power of trusting the process, embracing the daily grind, and getting 1% better every day AND SO MUCH MORE! If you're a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking to better understand what it takes to transition from college athletics to the professional level, this episode is filled with valuable lessons on patience, preparation, resilience, and believing in yourself when opportunities don't come right away. Growth isn't always immediateābut if you stay committed to the process, your opportunity will come. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| How to Handle Failure Without Losing Confidence | 23 juin 2026 | 00:23:39 | |
Welcome to Episode 75 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc tackle one of the most difficult experiences every athlete faces: failure. Whether it's a bad game, getting cut from a team, making a costly mistake, or simply feeling like you're falling short of your goals, failure can quickly become something athletes are ashamed of. But what if failure isn't something to fear? What if it doesn't mean you're broken, incapable, or not good enough? So how do athletes actually recover from failure without losing confidence? We dive into why failure feels so personal, where those beliefs often come from, and how athletes can rebuild belief by going back to the basics, focusing on what they can control, and surrounding themselves with supportive people who help them keep moving forward. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If you've ever walked off the ice feeling like you let everyone down, questioned whether you're good enough, or struggled to bounce back after a setback, this episode is a reminder that failure is part of the journeyānot the end of it. Every athlete fails. Champions fail. Hall of Famers fail. The difference is that resilient athletes learn, adjust, and keep getting back up. Fall down seven times. Get up eight. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Kris Eberly: From Tier 2 Hockey to Starting Goaltender at The Ohio State University | 16 juin 2026 | 00:23:41 | |
Welcome to Episode 74 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc continue the Goalie Nation series with The Ohio State University goaltender Kristoffer Eberly. Krisā journey to Division I hockey has been anything but conventional. From Tier 2 youth hockey and Michigan high school hockey, to the Metro Jets, Compuware, the NCDC, the USHL, and ultimately The Ohio State University, Kris shares the long-term path that shaped him both as a goaltender and as a person. Throughout the conversation, Kris reflects on what it was like growing up as an overlooked goalie who was never considered a can't-miss prospect. Despite never making many of the elite select camps and not playing AAA consistently until age 18, he maintained an unwavering belief that he would one day become a Division I athlete. He opens up about the challenges of comparing himself to others, being cut from teams, navigating injuries, and embracing the setbacks that ultimately helped build the resilience and confidence that have defined his career. Now entering his senior season at Ohio State, Kris gives listeners an inside look at what it takes to continue earning opportunities at the Division I level while staying humble, staying grateful, and trusting the process every step of the way. Episode Highlights: ā¢ Kris' journey from Tier 2 hockey and Michigan high school hockey to Division I college hockey ā¢ Why being a late bloomer became one of his greatest advantages ā¢ How playing with friends and focusing on enjoyment fueled his development ā¢ The impact of injuries, adversity, and being overlooked throughout his career ā¢ How an Instagram direct message helped open the door to the next level ā¢ His rapid rise from the NCDC to the USHL and eventually The Ohio State University ā¢ Why belief in yourself matters more than comparing your path to others ā¢ The importance of doing the work when nobody is watching ā¢ Lessons learned from getting cut and missing out on elite select camps ā¢ Why every goalie's journey is different and why patience matters ā¢ What he learned from attending the Detroit Red Wings Development Camp ā¢ Working with NHL stars, including Pavel Datsyuk and Connor Hellebuyck ā¢ How confidence is built through preparation, consistency, and experience ā¢ The importance of being a student of the game and learning from multiple goalie coaches ā¢ His "I made it" moment during his first collegiate start against Minnesota ā¢ The goals he and Ohio State have for his senior season ā¢ Advice for young goalies navigating adversity, development, and the pressure to rush the process AND SO MUCH MORE! If you're a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking to better understand what long-term development really looks like, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on perseverance, patience, self-belief, and trusting your own path. Success doesn't always happen on the timeline you expect. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Longevity Formula for Athletes: Chris Phillips | 10 juin 2026 | 00:41:54 | |
Welcome to Episode 73 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! "The Longevity Formula for Athletes: Chris Phillips" In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc sit down with one of the most experienced sports medicine and performance professionals in the industry, Chris Phillips, Founder and Owner of Compete Sports Performance & Rehab. Chris is a board-certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with more than 30 years of experience helping athletes stay healthy, recover from injuries, and maximize their performance. Throughout his career, he has worked across the NHL, professional soccer, arena football, Olympic figure skating, and elite youth sports, building a reputation for developing athletes who are built to performāand built to last. Chris served as the Athletic Trainer for the Czech Figure Skating Team during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and previously worked with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Sol, Los Angeles Avengers, Orange County Blues, and Anaheim Bolts. He was also selected as the Head Athletic Trainer for the 2002 USA Hockey Men's National Team and was part of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finalist Mighty Ducks organization. Over the years, Chris has worked alongside some of the world's greatest athletes, including Alex Ovechkin, Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, J.S. GiguĆØre, Marta, Joy Fawcett, Shannon Boxx, Nathan Chen, and Mariah Bell. Drawing from decades of experience, Chris recently authored Built to Go the Distance: The Athlete's Guide to Performance and Longevity, a book designed to help athletes and families understand the importance of injury prevention, long-term development, and building careers that last. You can learn more about Chris and Compete Sports Performance & Rehab at: https://competeperformance.com And find his book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Built-Go-Distance-Performance-Longevity/dp/B0GXL54FZV In a sports culture that constantly pushes athletes to do more, specialize earlier, and train year-round, Chris shares why longevityānot intensityāis the ultimate competitive advantage. From his experiences in the NHL, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the Olympic Games, Chris reveals why the best athletes are often the ones who master the basics, prepare before problems arise, and commit to doing the simple things well. Episode Highlights: ā¢ Why longevity is the missing piece in youth sports development AND SO MUCH MORE! If you've ever dealt with an injury, worried about burnout, or wondered how elite athletes stay healthy while competing at the highest levels, this episode is a reminder that success isn't just about how hard you train. It's about how long you can keep training. Because talent doesn't matter if you're unavailable. Do the simple things well. Play the long game. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| How Athletes Build Grit Before the Season Starts | 03 juin 2026 | 00:29:22 | |
Welcome to Episode 72 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! āHow Athletes Build Grit Before the Season Startsā In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down one of the most important traits every athlete needs before the season begins: grit. Every athlete says they want to get better. They say they want to make the team, earn the role, play at the next level, or become the kind of player coaches can trust when the game gets hard. But talent only gets you so far. At some point, every athlete runs into discomfort, pressure, fatigue, doubt, and the daily grind of doing what they said they would do. So how do athletes actually build grit before the season starts?Ā We dive into why grit is not something you magically have once the season begins. It is built in the offseason through daily habits, hard choices, uncomfortable reps, and the willingness to complete the tasks you signed up forāeven when you do not feel like doing them.Ā Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If youāve ever struggled to get up for the early workout, finish the extra rep, stay focused when no one is watching, or push through the moments when training gets uncomfortable, this episode is a reminder that grit is built before you need it. The season will test you. The pressure will come. The difficult moments will show up. The question is whether you used the offseason to prepare for them. Do the hard things. Build the habit. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Owen Bartoszkiewicz: Michigan Tech University Goaltender and the Road That Led Him There | 26 mai 2026 | 00:25:09 | |
Welcome to Episode 71 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc continue the Goalie Nation series with Michigan Tech University goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz. Owenās path through college hockey has been anything but ordinary.Ā Throughout the conversation, Owen opens up about the uncertainty, setbacks, and unexpected turns that came with navigating the modern college hockey landscape. After arriving early at Minnesota, going back to juniors, being de-committed late in the process, and eventually finding the right opportunity at Lindenwood, Owen leaned on a simple but powerful mentality: everything is going to work out. He reflects on the importance of controlling what you can control, staying grounded through change, and keeping hard work at the core of everything he does.Ā Now entering his senior season at Michigan Tech, Owen gives listeners an inside look at what it takes to stay composed, keep improving, and continue chasing success through a path filled with adversity, patience, and perseverance. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If youāre a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking to better understand the reality of development, opportunity, and resilience in todayās college hockey world, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on hard work, patience, composure, and trusting your path. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Best Find a Way, the Rest Find Out: Building a No-Excuses Mentality | 19 mai 2026 | 00:29:04 | |
Welcome to Episode 70 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! āThe Best Find a Way, the Rest Find Out: Building a No-Excuses Mentalityā In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down one of the core principles of the Dialed and Driven mentality: no excuses. Every athlete says they want to do whatever it takes. They start the season, the offseason, or a new training program with big goals and big intentions. But somewhere along the way, something slips. A workout gets missed. The effort drops. The focus fades. And while there may always be a reason, the hard truth is this: at the highest level, it comes down to one simple scaleādone or not done. So what does it actually mean to build a no-excuses mentality? We dive into the difference between having a reason and making an excuse, why the best athletes point thumbs instead of fingers, and how taking full ownership of your development can completely change your path.Ā Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If youāve ever caught yourself blaming the schedule, the coach, the team, the circumstances, or anything outside your control, this episode is a reminder to look inward first. Because success is not built on perfect conditionsāitās built by athletes who decide their standard and live up to it when things get hard. No excuses. Find a way. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Trey Augustine: Signed with the Detroit Red Wings & Former Michigan State University Goaltender | 12 mai 2026 | 00:22:33 | |
Welcome to Episode 69 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc continue the Goalie Nation series with one of the brightest young goaltenders in hockey ā Detroit Red Wings prospect and Michigan State standout Trey Augustine.Ā Trey opens up about the mental side of elite performance, the importance of staying level-headed, and why ābeing where your feet areā has become such a powerful tool throughout his hockey journey. He also reflects on getting drafted by his hometown Detroit Red Wings, representing Team USA on the international stage, and the lessons heās learning as he transitions into professional hockey. Already a two-time Big Ten Goalie of the Year, Mike Richter Award winner, two-time World Champion, and two-time All-American both athletically and academically, Trey gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what truly separates elite athletes from the rest. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If youāre a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking to learn what it takes to compete at the highest levels of hockey, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on mindset, preparation, composure, and long-term development. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Johnny Hicks: 2026 National Champion & University of Denver Goaltender | 05 mai 2026 | 00:33:33 | |
Welcome to Episode 68 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc sit down with 2026 National Champion and University of Denver goaltender Johnny Hicks ā or more famously āJohnny Bricks.ā From starting the season as Denverās third-string goalie to becoming the backbone of a national championship run, Johnny shares one of the most inspiring goalie stories in college hockey. Johnny opens up about the mindset shifts, preparation habits, and mental discipline that helped him stay ready when nobody outside the locker room expected him to be the guy. He dives into the power of his process, journaling, staying present, and embracing adversity ā lessons that every athlete, parent, and goalie family can learn from. From going winless during his first junior season to posting one of the greatest statistical seasons in NCAA history, Johnnyās journey is a masterclass in resilience, patience, and belief. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If youāre a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking for insight into what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level, this episode delivers powerful lessons on resilience, mindset, and preparation. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Confident Athletes Donāt GuessāThey Decide | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:17:06 | |
Welcome to Episode 67 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! āConfident Athletes Donāt GuessāThey Decideā In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down one of the most underrated skills in sports: trusting yourself when it matters most. Every athlete has heard ātrust your gutāābut what does that actually mean when the game is on the line, the pressure is high, and you donāt have time to think? The reality is, great athletes donāt sit there analyzing every option. They decide. Instantly. And that ability doesnāt come from luckāitās built through the right training, the right mindset, and learning how to operate in uncertainty. So how do you stop second-guessing and start playing with confidence? We dive into what intuition really is, why so many athletes struggle to trust it, and how modern training environments may actually be holding you back from developing it.Ā Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! If youāve ever hesitated, second-guessed yourself, or felt stuck trying to make the āperfectā decision, this episode will change how you approach the game. Because at the highest level, there is no perfect answerāonly decisive action. Stop guessing. Start deciding. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Mindset You Need to Come Back From Injury | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:26:37 | |
Welcome to Episode 66 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! āThe Mindset You Need to Come Back From Injuryā In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc tackle one of the toughest realities athletes face: injuriesāand not just the physical side, but the mental battle that comes with them. When you get injured, you donāt just lose time on the ice or field. You lose confidence. You lose your routine. You start to feel like your team is moving on without you. And before you know it, youāre questioning your identity, your progress, and even your future in the game. So what do you do when everything feels like itās slipping away? We break down how to handle both short-term and long-term injuries, how to avoid the dangerous trap of coming back too early, and how to rebuild your mindset so you donāt just returnābut come back stronger. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether youāre currently injured, coming back from one, or just want to be prepared for the inevitable challenges of sports, this episode is a must-listen. Injuries are part of the journeyābut how you respond to them is what separates good athletes from great ones. Stay resilient. Stay patient. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Talent Sets the Floor, Character Sets the Ceiling | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:21:02 | |
In Episode 65 of the Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast, we break down one of the most overlooked ā yet most important ā elements of athletic success: character. Athletes today spend countless hours developing their skills, training in the gym, and chasing performance gains. But when was the last time you worked on who you are as a teammate, competitor, and person? We dive into why talent may get you noticed, but character is what ultimately determines how far you go. From tryouts to team selection, from locker room culture to long-term success, coaches arenāt just evaluating skill ā theyāre evaluating trust, consistency, and who they can rely on when it matters most. In this episode, we explore:
We also highlight powerful examples from elite athletes and championship teams, showing how characterānot just abilityādrives sustained success. If youāre serious about reaching the top of your sport, this episode will challenge you to look beyond your skillset and focus on the foundation that truly elevates your ceiling. Because in the end, character doesnāt just matterā¦ it changes everything. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The 3 Real Signs Youāre on the Right Path | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:26:37 | |
Welcome to Episode 64 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! āThe 3 Real Signs Youāre on the Right Pathā In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc take on one of the most frustrating questions athletes face: How do you know if youāre actually on the right path? When you have big dreams, itās easy to get caught up in the noise ā the teams, the jerseys, the rankings, the tournaments, the exposure, and the constant pressure of feeling like everyone else is moving faster than you. You start asking yourself: Am I doing enough? Am I in the right environment? Am I getting passed? We break down how to cut through that chaos and focus on what really matters. From learning the difference between real development and just being busy, to understanding how your environment, habits, and self-accountability shape your future, this episode dives into the three real signs that youāre moving in the right direction ā even when the path doesnāt look how you expected. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether youāre an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a powerful reminder that being on the right path doesnāt always look impressive from the outside. What matters most is whether youāre being challenged, developing intentionally, and building habits that actually serve your long-term goals. Stay focused. Stay intentional. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Seasonās Overā¦ Now What? | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:23:57 | |
Welcome to Episode 63 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! āThe Season's Overā¦ Now What?ā In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc tackle one of the most uncertain ā and most important ā moments in an athleteās journey: the offseason. The season ends, the jersey comes off, and suddenly the questions hit: What now? Where am I playing? Should I be training? Am I falling behind?Ā For many athletes, this time brings not just uncertaintyā¦ but an identity crisis. The team dives into how to navigate that exact moment with clarity and purpose ā instead of panic. From the importance of stepping away and resetting mentally, to the power of reflection, cross-training, and building a plan, this episode breaks down why the offseason isnāt about doing moreā¦ itās about doing what actually matters. Episode Highlights: AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether youāre an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a powerful reminder that the offseason isnāt something to survive ā itās something to maximize. Take a step back. Reset. Build your plan. And go create whatās next. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| You Carry the Answer in Your Pocket ā And Still Donāt Use It | 25 mars 2026 | 00:34:20 | |
Welcome to Episode 62 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! āYou Carry the Answer in Your Pocket ā And Still Donāt Use Itā In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc flip the script on one of the biggest conversations in sports today: your phone. Youāve heard it before ā phones are distractions, phones are the problem. But what if thatās completely wrong? The team dives into the reality that your phone isnāt holding you back ā your lack of discipline and intention is. From instant gratification and social media traps to using your phone as a tool for growth, preparation, and mindset, this episode breaks down how athletes can either be controlled by their phoneā¦ or use it to gain a competitive edge. They also tackle one of the biggest lies young athletes believe about success ā that itās easy ā and explain why mindset, not talent or even work ethic, is the foundation of long-term success. Through real stories, practical strategies, and honest perspective, this conversation challenges athletes to take ownership, build awareness, and start using the most powerful tool they already have in their pocket. Episode Highlights: ā¢ The biggest lie young athletes believe about success AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether youāre an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a powerful reminder that the tools for success are already in your hands ā but only if you choose to use them with purpose. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Most Underrated Skill in Sports (And Itās Not What You Think) | 18 mars 2026 | 00:31:44 | |
Welcome to Episode 61 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc dive into a concept that might be the most underrated skill in sports: encouragement.Ā While athletes often focus on training harder, getting stronger, or improving their technique, the team explores how the energy you bring to your teammates ā and the people you surround yourself with ā can dramatically impact performance, confidence, and team culture. From learning how to handle difficult moments after a bad game to understanding why the right environment can shape an athleteās development, this conversation breaks down the powerful role encouragement plays in both individual success and team dynamics.Ā The episode also highlights the importance of self-encouragement ā the ability to challenge negative self-talk and build confidence by recognizing your own effort, resilience, and growth along the way. Episode Highlights: ā¢ Why encouragement might be the most underrated skill in sports AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether youāre an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest actions ā a word of encouragement, a positive attitude, or supporting a teammate ā can have the biggest impact on performance and personal growth. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Confidence You Forgot You Built | 10 mars 2026 | 00:25:47 | |
Welcome to Episode 60 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down a powerful concept that goes far beyond the gym: stacking gains. While the term is often used in the weightlifting world, the team explores how the real power of stacking gains lies in the mental side of performance ā building confidence through the experiences, habits, and challenges you've already overcome. From navigating the fear of entering a new level of competition to understanding how elite performers rely on past experiences to fuel present confidence, this conversation highlights why remembering who you are and what you've already built can completely change the way you approach pressure moments. Episode Highlights: ā¢ Why āstacking gainsā is about mental deposits, not just physical progress AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether youāre an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is a reminder that the confidence youāre searching for might already exist ā because youāve been stacking it for years. Stay dialed. Stay driven. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Nobody Owes You Playing Time | 03 mars 2026 | 00:35:18 | |
Welcome to episode 59 of the Dialed and Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! In this episode, host Jeff Lerg is joined by our producer, Natalie Ferenc while Chris Palmer is away speaking to U.S. Army Special Operations Forces. From Olympic gold medal moments to powerful lessons on practice habits, specialization, and joy in sport, this episode dives deep into what truly separates athletes who rise from those who stall. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! From stories of Olympic redemption to behind-the-scenes insights on what it really takes to earn and keep your opportunity, Episode 59 reinforces a core Dialed and Driven truth: You donāt rise to the moment. You rise to your habits. š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| This Is Why Sports Are Never Predictable | 24 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:32:55 | |
Welcome to episode 58 of the Dialed and Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! In this episode, hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer, joined by Natalie Ferenc, dive into the reality of chaos in sport ā using powerful storylines from the Winter Olympics to explore what really separates athletes who fold under pressure from those who rise when it matters most. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! ā¼ļø Ask Us Your Questions ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://www.dialedanddrivenmentality.com/home Thank you for tuning in to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast. Weāre grateful for every listen, comment, rating, and shareāit truly means a lot. š Build Your Mental Game š¤ Sponsor š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The World Is Watching: Thriving on the Olympic Stage | 17 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:24:15 | |
Welcome to episode 57 of the Dialed and Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! In this episode, hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer, joined by Natalie Ferenc, take you inside the mental battle of the Olympics ā where pressure is highest, distractions are everywhere, and the world is watching. This conversation breaks down what truly separates athletes who crumble under pressure from those who rise when it matters most. Using real Olympic storylines across winter sports, the crew explores how focus, resilience, and commitment ā not perfect conditions ā drive elite performance. Connecting real Olympic moments directly to your life as an athlete, parent, or coach, showing that chaos, setbacks, injuries, expectations, and noise arenāt signs youāre doing something wrong ā theyāre the price of chasing big goals. Episode Highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! ā¼ļø Ask Us Your Questions ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://www.dialedanddrivenmentality.com/home Thank you for tuning in to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast. Weāre grateful for every listen, comment, rating, and shareāit truly means a lot. š Build Your Mental Game š¤ Sponsor š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| What Happens When You Stop Expecting Things to Go Right | 10 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:32:18 | |
Welcome to another episode of the Dialed and Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! Today, hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer, joined by Natalie, dive into one of the most important (and unavoidable) realities of sport and life: learning how to manage chaos when things donāt go as planned. From youth hockey to the Olympics, this episode breaks down why setbacks, distractions, injuries, pressure, and unexpected changes arenāt signs that something is wrong ā theyāre simply part of the process. The difference between athletes who spiral and athletes who thrive is how they respond when the wheels come off. Through listener Q&A, real-life coaching examples, and powerful stories from elite performers like Sidney Crosby, Lindsey Vonn, AJ Edelman, and Olympic ice dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, this conversation shows how mentally strong athletes reset, adapt, and stay dialed in no matter whatās happening around them. Episode highlights:
AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether youāre a youth athlete, parent, coach, or someone chasing big goals in any area of life, this episode is a reminder that chaos isnāt the enemy ā resisting it is. ā¼ļø Ask us questions ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://dialedanddrivenmentality.com/podcast Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula!Ā šÆ https://dialedanddrivenmentality.com/successformula Check out our sponsor, Vaughn's website: https://vaughnhockey.com/ š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Why 70% of Athletes Quitāand How to Be the Exception | 04 fĆ©vr. 2026 | 00:34:35 | |
Welcome to episode 55 of the Dialed and Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast ā brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports! Today, hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer are joined by Natalie as they tackle one of the biggest challenges athletes face at every level: how to stay mentally strong when the grind gets heavy, burnout creeps in, and the big picture gets lost in the day-to-day chaos. This conversation highlights how pressure, comparison, fear of failure, and unrealistic expectations can strip the fun from sportsāand how elite performers reset, refocus, and move forward.Ā Episode highlights:Ā
AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø Ask us questions ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://www.dialedanddrivenmentality.com Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula!Ā šÆ https://www.goaliementors.com/successformula Check out our sponsor, Vaughn's website: https://vaughnhockey.com/ š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Suck It Up and Deal With It vs. Real Mental Strength | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:35:09 | |
Welcome to Episode 54 ā Suck It Up and Deal With It vs. Real Mental Strength ā¦ brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports!Ā Today, host Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer discuss the main topic focused on managing future anxiety and comparison during the competitive season. Noting the struggle with players getting opportunities on other teams while others don't. It's emphasized that this time of year is particularly challenging because players hear about teammates and competitors securing positions for the following year, creating anxiety and distraction from current performance. Episode 54 highlights:Ā - The importance of dominating the present moment, noting that despite being in the thick of the hockey season with playoffs approaching, many athletes have their minds focused on next year rather than peaking for current competitions. - How hard work doesn't immediately translate to opportunities, explaining that while long-term hard work leads to success, short-term results can be unpredictable and sometimes unfair. - The importance of acknowledging negative feelings rather than suppressing them, using Chris Palmer's concept of "puking things out" to release emotional burdens. Once these feelings are processed, athletes can focus on what they can control and identify remaining opportunities.Ā - Being process oriented and what it means and while life presents unfair situations to everyone at different times, maintaining focus on controllable elements and personal process leads to exponential improvement over time.Ā - That opportunities continue to arise throughout the season and that maintaining an "attack mode" mentality is crucial for being noticed by decision-makers. AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø Ask us questions ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://www.dialedanddrivenmentality.com Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula!Ā šÆ https://www.goaliementors.com/successformula Check out our sponsor, Vaughn's website: https://vaughnhockey.com/ š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Hockey Is What You Do, Not Who You Are: Identity, Mindset, and Growth | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:24:55 | |
Welcome to Episode 53 ā Hockey Is What You Do, Not Who You Are: Identity, Mindset, and Growth ā¦ brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports!Ā Today, host Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer discuss the main topic: identity and the dangers of over-identification with being āa hockey playerā. We also dive into why we linked identity to standards, or daily codes of conductā and how youth systems that push single-sport immersion can narrow identity and increase risk. š„Ā Episode 53 highlights:Ā - How other roles (e.g., fisherman, skateboarder, friend, artist) are very important because off-ice joy refuels on-ice performance. - Jeff's example of founding his goalie coaching business as a college sophomore, which 20 years later has evolved into mentoringāan example of expanding identity that energized his playing years - How identity drives standardsādaily codes of conductāthat shape behavior. - We warned that even highly successful players can feel lost post-hockey; he urged building a full life and revisiting the identityāstandardsāhabits loop, noting brains develop until ~25 - How one can have multiple identities, because being just a "hockey player" can be suffocating.Ā AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø Ask us questions ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://www.dialedanddrivenmentality.com Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula!Ā šÆ https://www.goaliementors.com/successformula Check out our sponsor, Vaughn's website: https://vaughnhockey.com/ š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Our Recruiting Journeys with Jeff Lerg & Natalie Ferenc | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:47:17 | |
Welcome to Episode 52 ā Our Recruiting Journeys with Jeff Lerg & Natalie Ferenc ā¦ brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports!Ā Today, host Jeff Lerg and our producer Natalie Ferenc sit down and discuss their recruitment process in committing and playing at Division 1 universities.Ā Episode 52 highlights:Ā - How recruitment has revealed significant changes in modern college sports such as NIL and the number of athletes in the transfer portal, emphasizing that modern athletes are "always being recruited" rather than just during traditional recruitment periods in youth.Ā - Both Jeff and Natalie walk through when they first started to get recruited, what the process looked like for them, and when they committed.Ā - The importance of dominating at your current level. - They highlighted key recruiting characteristics including being coachable, reliable, trustworthy, and a good teammate. Coaches avoid players who are overly confident without proof, cocky, or create headaches regardless of skill level.Ā - How consistent performance and character development remain crucial throughout the process. - Differences in men's and women's recruitment to college hockey. AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://www.goaliementors.com/dialedanddriven Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula!Ā šÆ https://www.goaliementors.com/successformula Check out our sponsor, Vaughn's website: https://vaughnhockey.com/ š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Why 2026 Is Your Year to Take Action | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:20:00 | |
Happy New Year and welcome back to the Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! Weāre kicking off the year with a major announcement: weāve officially partnered with Vaughn Custom Sports, a premier goalie gear company proudly based right here in Michigan. Vaughn has been part of our hockey story long before this partnership ever existed. Both Natalie and Jeff wore Vaughn gear throughout their playing careers, and this collaboration is a natural extension of the trust, craftsmanship, and innovation we've always believed in. Their commitment to quality and their decades of impact on the game make them a perfect fit for the Dialed & Driven community.Ā Check out Vaughn's website:Ā https://vaughnhockey.com/ Today our hosts, Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg discuss overcoming obstacles in pursuit of hockey dreams as well as setting the tone for a year of growth, belief, and action. Episode 51 highlights:Ā - Natalie Ferenc, our producer, is back on the podābringing fresh inspiration as we dive into the stories of high-performing athletes and whatās truly possible in just one yearās time. - Inspirational athletes who exemplify their overcoming philosophy. Natalie highlighted Fernando Mendoza, Indiana's quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy and Alex Ovechkin's remarkable comeback story, emphasizing how the 39-year-old hockey legend broke his leg but returned to set the all-time goal-scoring record. - Finding your "why". - How sports follow a non-linear path and that perfection is impossible, but the process of pursuing excellence leads to great outcomes. - The importance of having fun and cherishing the small moments spent doing what you love.Ā AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø https://www.goaliementors.com/dialedanddriven Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula! šÆ https://www.goaliementors.com/successformula š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| If You Stop Evolving, Youāre Losing | 30 dĆ©c. 2025 | 00:25:26 | |
Welcome to Episode 50 - If You Stop Evolving, Youāre Losing š§°Ā Our hosts, Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg discuss innovation in athletic performance and the importance of being a student of the game by identifying strengths and growth opportunities, and continuously seeking improvement.Ā Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula! ā”ļø Click here to learn more Episode highlights:Ā - How growth mindset facilitates innovation and creativity. - The importance of positioning innovation as an additional tool rather than an obligation. Fundamental skills remain paramount! - What it means to keep putting tools in your tool box.Ā - How mental performance tools can become stale through overuse, suggesting athletes regularly update motivational phrases or reminders on equipment. - Why innovation doesn't require dramatic changes. Small tweaks can yield significant improvements, such as dietary adjustments or enhanced visualization techniques. - We warned against over-training without proper recovery, noting that physical presence at training sessions doesn't guarantee development without adequate nutrition and focus. AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø Click here to submit your questions! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Are You Really Giving 100%ā¦ or Just Saying You Are? | 23 dĆ©c. 2025 | 00:25:26 | |
Welcome to Episode 49 - Are You Really Giving 100%ā¦ or Just Saying You Are? šÆ Today, our hosts, Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg discuss mid-season check-ins for hockey players and the challenge of self-assessment during holiday breaks when numerous distractions compete for athletes' attention. Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula! ā”ļø Click here to learn more Episode highlights:Ā - A personal story from Jeff about his journey on becoming the starting goalie at Michigan State University his freshmen year along with the steps it took to gain that title.Ā - Why a mid-season self-assessment is important in evaluating your timeline in achieving the goals you set at the beginning of the season.Ā - How the self-assessment doesn't require abandoning fun but rather making intentional time for honest evaluation and targeted improvement. - Practical self-assessment strategies. Palmer outlined a systematic approach: first, evaluate what's working and what isn'tāsuccess in practice, drill execution, ice time allocation, and overall performance satisfaction. He encouraged athletes to identify both strengths worth reinforcing and weaknesses requiring attention - Why removing external blame from self-assessment, particularly the tendency to focus on coaches or teammates rather than personal controllables is crucial.Ā - A statistical self-assessment method, suggesting athletes review their last 10 games individually, tracking goals, assists, total points, and plus-minus ratings. Also, using trusted coaches or advisors if you cannot honestly perform a self-assessment on your own. AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø Click here to submit your questions! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Recipe for a Successful Team Culture | 16 dƩc. 2025 | 00:28:03 | |
Welcome to Episode 48 - The Recipe for a Successful Team Culture šĀ Today, our hosts, Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg go into a detailed conversation about team culture. The hosts emphasized that effective leadership doesn't necessarily come from the most skilled players or those with official captain roles.Ā Register for our Mentality Building Curriculum, The Dialed & Driven Success Formula! ā”ļø Click here to learn more Episode highlights:Ā - Highlighting the significance of collective success over individual achievements. Jeff shared experiences from his championship teams, emphasizing that talent alone doesn't guarantee successā team chemistry and mutual support are crucial factors.Ā - How modern sports' increasing individualization, particularly with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, can potentially impact team dynamics. - The hosts shared examples of how encouragement and positive team interaction, even through simple gestures like high-fives, can significantly impact team performance and success. - Maintaining discipline during breaks while enjoying time with family and friends. Hosts recommended maintaining basic fitness routines while taking mental breaks, suggesting specific workout strategies like 30-minute bike sessions. - Why players should incorporate both physical and mental preparation into their pre-game routines, adapting to their specific positions and personal styles. AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø Click here to submit your questions! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| How to Build an Athlete Who NEVER Stops Believing in Themselves | 09 dƩc. 2025 | 00:33:03 | |
Welcome to Episode 47 - How to Build an Athlete Who NEVER Stops Believing in Themselves š¤© Our hosts, Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg start the conversation on the topic of belief and its connection to bullying. Jeff shares his personal experience of potentially being an easy target for bullying due to his physical conditions but maintained a positive attitude through athletic achievement. Chris discusses different approaches to handling bullying, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that bullying often reflects the bully's issues rather than the victim's worth. šØChris Palmer and Jeff Lerg introduce their new "Dialed and Driven Success Formula," a comprehensive 14-week program designed for athletes aged 10-17. The program consists of 89 videos covering various topics including belief, perseverance, thought control, and personal development, requiring only 20 minutes per week from participants.Ā And, it's LIVE š But, to only individuals on the waitlist! Join the waitlist now, to secure the Founder's Price and sign up now! Click here to join the waitlist ā”ļø https://www.goaliementors.com/successformula Episode highlights:Ā - The concept of a "sliding scale of belief" in athletes' performance and motivation levels. - The conversation explores the relationship between belief and bullying, featuring personal experiences from both hosts. Jeff shares his story of overcoming potential bullying through athletic achievement, while Chris discusses different approaches to handling bullying situations. - Practical strategies for maintaining and rebuilding belief during challenging times, including the concept of the Belief Book and the importance of focusing on controllable aspects of performance. AND A LOT MORE! ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø Click here to submit your questions! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Mindset Flip Every Athlete Must Learn | 02 dƩc. 2025 | 00:27:38 | |
Welcome to Episode 46 - The Mindset Flip Every Athlete Must Learn ššŖ Hosts Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg center this discussion around mental performance in hockey, focusing on several key themes. Emphasizing the importance of reframing negative situations and maintaining hope while acknowledging adversity.Ā ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø Click here to submit your questions! Episode highlights:Ā - The concept of staying "dialed in," explaining that while it's impossible to be 100% focused all the time, it's about doing simple things consistently well.Ā - Pre-game focus techniques, with both hosts discussing various strategies including breath work, visualization, and finding quiet moments. - Natalie shared her personal experience of transferring from the University of Vermont to Lindenwood, demonstrating how perspective and adaptability can transform challenging situations into opportunities. - Jeff shared his experiences in college recruitment, highlighting how maintaining a positive mindset and continuous improvement led to opportunities, even when initial paths seemed closed. AND A LOT MORE! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Why Your Hard Work STILL Isnāt Enough: Dillon Kelley is back! | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:32:58 | |
Welcome to Episode 45 - Why Your Hard Work STILL Isnāt Enough š¤ÆĀ Hosts Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg welcome back Dillon Kelley aka DKthemobilityguy! In this episode, we discuss various aspects of athlete development, mentorship, and DK's specialty ā mobility training! ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø Click here to submit your questions! Episode highlights:Ā - Insights about Dillon's DKmobility and his journey as a mobility specialist on how he focused specifically on hockey goalies and mobility training to start his brand.Ā - the importance of understanding athletes' personal challenges and providing appropriate support and mentorship. - DK's unique approach to combining strength and mobility training, which helped him maintain an injury-free career as a professional hockey goalie. - The importance of making less appealing but necessary training elements more engaging through technology and competition. - Why one should maintain consistent morning routines and habits during challenging times. AND A LOT MORE! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Check out Dillon Kelley's instagram - @dkthemobilityguy š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| The Complete Practice Prep Checklist Every Player Needs | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:24:22 | |
Welcome to Episode 44 - The Complete Practice Prep Checklist Every Player Needs šā Hosts Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg introduce a new practice preparation checklist! They outlined four key elements: proper nutrition and hydration, pre-practice focus routines, active listening during coach instructions, and maintaining a competitive mindset throughout practice sessions. ā¼ļø New Segment Alert! ā¼ļø ā”ļø Click here to submit your questions! Episode highlights:Ā - Diving into the 4 key elements of the Practice Prep Checklist. - The importance in practicing like a game and building the "compete mentality" - How to be at your best for practice and stand out to your coach. AND A LOT MORE! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| Developing the Complete Athlete ā in Collaboration with Phil Osaer and The Athlete Lab Podcast | 10 nov. 2025 | 00:48:26 | |
Welcome to Episode 43 - Developing the Complete Athlete ā in Collaboration with Phil Osaer and The Athlete Lab Podcast šļøĀ Dialed & Driven x The Athlete Lab Podcastā¼ļø Hosts Chris Palmer and Jeff Lerg sit down with Phil Osaer, the host of The Athlete Lab Podcast in this collaboration episode.Ā Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Phil Osaer share more than just a passion for athlete development ā they work together at The Athlete Academy, an academy for youth athletes which is part of The Athlete Lab. Phil, the Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group and a former NHL scout, brings a wealth of experience and perspective on what it truly takes to build the complete athlete. Episode highlights:Ā - The importance of understanding failure as a pathway to success, particularly in youth development. Highlighting how athletes often seek help reactively when facing challenges rather than proactively seeking mental performance guidance. - Delayed gratification in modern athlete development, noting how today's instant-gratification culture conflicts with the long-term nature of athletic development. - Phil Osaer, with his experience in NHL goalie scouting and development, provided insights on what separates successful professional athletes. He emphasized that competitiveness is the key differentiating factor among elite goalies. - Real stories and experiences from all hosts on developing the whole athlete. AND A LOT MORE! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! The Athlete Lab Podcast: For more information about The Athlete Lab please visit The Athlete Lab website Follow The Athlete Lab on instagram @AthleteLabDet & The Athlete Lab Podcast @theathletelabpodcast š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||
| How to Quiet Your Mind When the Game Gets Loud with Natalie Ferenc | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:27:19 | |
Welcome to Episode 42 - How to Quiet Your Mind When the Game Gets Loud š£ļø Hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer welcome back our producer, Natalie Ferenc, a former Division 1 goaltender. In this episode, we primarily discuss ways to manage emotions to not only help on the ice, but in real life moments such as present moment awareness. Furthermore, Jeff Lerg emphasized that while technical skills are important, mental preparation and presence are crucial for advancing in sports. Episode highlights:Ā -How the mind needs training just like any other muscle, drawing parallels between academic learning and sports-related mental development. We stress that focus, listening, and active participation are essential skills that require deliberate development. - How consistent practice leads to habit formation. - Words and/or phrases that Natalie and Jeff would tell themselves to find that "center" to reset and refocus in games and even in practice.Ā - Actionable mechanisms to help yourself not get engulfed in doubt, fear, or worry to help with consistent performance.Ā AND A LOT MORE! Thank you for listening to The Dialed & Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast! We appreciate every listener, comment, rating, and share! Looking to connect with one of our hosts?Ā Find Chris Palmer here and find Jeff Lerg by clicking here š² Connect With Us šļø Listen On | |||