Explore every episode of the podcast THE MENTAL GAME Sports Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Matt Brown - Calgary Flames Sports Psychologist | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:48:17 | |
| Will Mansour - What Can We Fix In Hockey? | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:34:12 | |
| The Mental Game Sports Podcast - Bryan Gent | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:36:33 | |
On this episode of The Mental Game Sports Podcast, host Larissa Mills talks with Bryan Gent, a former pro hockey player who is now a nutrition coach and firefighter. Bryan runs Hockey Nutrition, where he helps young athletes build healthy routines, understand their energy needs, and fuel for stronger performance. He can be reached at bryan@hockeynutrition.ca Bryan shares insights from his time in Junior A, NCAA, SPHL and UHL hockey, and explains how proper nutrition supports focus, recovery, confidence, and long-term development. He also offers practical tips for parents and coaches to make healthy eating realistic at home. This conversation gives families clear tools to help young athletes grow stronger both physically and mentally. | |||
| FIXING Canada's Sports Ecosystem with Matt Young | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:45:43 | |
On this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we welcome Matt Young, founder of FSQ Sport and a global leader in Long Term Athlete Development. With over 20 years of experience transforming sport systems, Matt shares how to move from theory to action—helping organizations, coaches, and athletes build sustainable, people-centered programs. He dives into why outcome-obsessed cultures fail, how to “give sport back to the kids,” and what true leadership in sport really looks like from the top down. 📱Connect with Matt: matt@fsqsport.com | LinkedIn | fsqsport.com | |||
| HOCKEY HOCKEY Hockey, Honesty, Honesty Honesty with Warren Nye | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:35:35 | |
Warren Nye has become a MGA Certified Cognitive Performance Coach. He has played, he as coached he has been an advisor and agent, now teaming up with MGA to make more impact. We discuss what is happening to development in Canada and what is happening under that helmet. Behaviour has changed in the passed 20 years but hockey is still the same game. | |||
| How to fix Women's Hockey in Canada - Linda Massie | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:36:18 | |
On this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we welcome Linda Massie, founder of Mental Strides and high-performance hockey coach. Linda dives into the growing challenges athletes face with phones, focus, and pressure, especially in women’s sports. From helping athletes set healthy tech habits to empowering young women to play with confidence and composure, she shares powerful strategies to protect mental energy and unlock peak performance. If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation sheds light on the real needs behind the jersey. Connect with Linda: Instagram @mental_strides | |||
| The Mental Game Academy Podcast - Warren Nye | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:36:02 | |
On this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we welcome Warren Nye, founder of Mind Over Sport and a seasoned mental performance coach with over 30 years of experience in youth sports, including coaching national championship-winning hockey teams. Warren delves into the critical role of mental fitness in athletic success, emphasizing strategies like visualization, pregame preparation, and overcoming perfectionism. He shares insights on building confidence, managing pressure, and developing a resilient mindset both on and off the field. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation offers valuable tools to enhance performance and well-being. Connect with Warren: Instagram @coachnye33 | |||
| Satoshi and Larissa making Athletes Brains Faster Together | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:42:43 | |
In this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, we chat with Satoshi Takano from ReactForge about what athletes truly need to stay ahead—sharper decision-making, faster reactions, and a mindset built for pressure. We dive into the cognitive skills that separate good players from great ones and how mental performance training is changing the game. Athletes need to recognize patterns faster, react faster and phones aren't helping their cognitive processing. Hockey IQ can go up but only if athletes work on it. We are excited to announce a partnership between REACT FORGE and MGA. Thank you Benny and Satoshi for this honour. We are to up their mental game.https://reactforge.com | |||
| Jeff Nelligan on How to Raise Resilient Kids- They need the MENTAL SKILLS | 20 Apr 2025 | 00:41:15 | |
https://www.nelliganbooks.com/https://www.nelliganbooks.comThe Mental Game Academy Podcast: Featuring Jeff Nelligan Hosted by Larissa Mills, this episode welcomes Jeff Nelligan, author of Four Lessons from My Three Sons – How You Can Raise Resilient Kids. A well-known voice in American parenting, Jeff shares his no-nonsense approach to building resilience, confidence, and character in young athletes. With a background in public affairs, military service, and raising three sons who attended the U.S. Naval Academy, Williams College, and West Point, Jeff brings a unique perspective on mental toughness, discipline, and overcoming challenges. Tune in for insightful strategies on developing grit in today's athletes and how modern distractions, like phone use, impact performance and resilience. | |||
| Team Taunting Starts Online and Ends in Violence In Person | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:42:33 | |
In this episode of TEG Talks, hosts Teg Cosgriff and Larissa Mills dive into the controversial topic of team taunting—where’s the line between competitive spirit and unsportsmanlike behaviour? They break down the psychological impact of taunting on athletes, how it affects team dynamics, and why coaches and parents play a crucial role in shaping a respectful sports culture. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on fostering mental toughness without crossing the line. | |||
| Matt Dumouchelle talks about Junior A Hockey and its Ecosystem of Preventable Behavioural Concerns | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:52:27 | |
In this episode of, "The Mental Game Academy" Podcast, host Larissa Mills sits down with Matt Dumouchelle, author of The Hockey Factories series on TheCoachesSite.com. Matt has spent years researching the world’s top hockey development programs, uncovering the tools and strategies that any youth organization can use to create a better experience for their players and families. Now, in his fifth year as Assistant General Manager of the Leamington Flyers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge on player development, team culture, and what it takes to build a winning program. Tune in as he shares his insights on the mental side of the game and how young athletes can reach their full potential. If you listen to the end, we discuss what will happen with open borders and how your hockey associations can prepare. But one thing is for sure, it will need to change in coaching education, parent support, and athlete development to succeed in this model. | |||
| Hockey Players Need to Develop Scanning with Mike McGinnis | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:42:03 | |
The Mental Game Academy Podcast: Featuring Mike McGinnis Hosted by Larissa Mills, this episode welcomes Mike McGinnis, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Player Development, a Hockey Canada Certified Skill Coach, and the founder of Norcan Hockey. With over a decade of experience developing players and training coaches, Mike shares his insights on skill development, the mental side of the game, and how phone use is impacting young athletes ability to scan. Scanning is hockey skill and it can be developed in practice. The younger the athlete the weaker this ability for many reasons, too much scrolling, too much sitting around and less multi-sport training. From mindset training to the evolving challenges in hockey, this episode dives into the tools and strategies needed to help players reach their full potential. Tune in for expert advice and actionable takeaways! For more tools and drills to improve this skill check out, Norcan Hockey, Thanks Mike! | |||
| Jake Gradwell - Accountable Athletes Are Successful | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:45:29 | |
| MGA Podcast - RPG Training Systems' Coach Rory and MGA Coach Stephane Vlachos | 26 Dec 2024 | 00:53:23 | |
The Mental Game Academy Podcast – Featuring Coach Rory and Stephane Vlachos In this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, Larissa Mills is joined by two experts dedicated to shaping the next generation of athletes: Coach Rory, owner of RPG Training Systems with over 20 years of coaching experience, and Stephane Vlachos, a Cognitive Performance Coach for MGA and Women’s Volleyball Coach at UWO. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge in mental performance, athletic development, and the challenges facing young athletes today. The discussion dives into pressing issues, including:
Rory and Stephane also preview the upcoming RPG x MGA events designed to support coaches, parents, and athletes. Coaches can attend the January 9th session at 7 PM, while parents and athletes are invited on January 16th. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers invaluable insights into how we can address these challenges and empower the next generation to thrive both mentally and physically. Connect with the guests:
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| Soccer Coach, Ryan Quinn Discusses hie Concerns about Competitive Soccer TODAY! | 24 Dec 2024 | 00:35:39 | |
The Mental Game Academy Podcast – Featuring Ryan Quinn In this episode, Larissa Mills welcomes Ryan Quinn, an accomplished soccer coach and mental performance specialist, to discuss his impressive coaching journey and his approach to developing athletes on and off the field. With three youth state titles under his belt—U14 Girls PC Royals, OSA U16 Girls PWSI Courage, and U14 Girls VA Valor VYSA—Ryan brings a wealth of experience in leading teams to success. Ryan shares how he integrates his USSF B License training with mental performance strategies to help athletes unlock their full potential. From individual and small-group training sessions to fostering resilience and focus, Ryan’s holistic approach equips athletes with the tools they need to excel both mentally and physically. Tune in to hear Ryan’s perspectives on building team cohesion, enhancing mental toughness, and the critical role of mindset in achieving success at any level of competition. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about performance and growth. | |||
| - Bob Humphreys, How Behaviour in Soccer is Changing | 24 Dec 2024 | 00:44:21 | |
The Mental Game Academy Podcast – Featuring Bob Humphreys In this episode, Larissa Mills sits down with Bob Humphreys, a Mindset Consultant and Body Language Instructor with a remarkable journey spanning finance, sports coaching, and performance consulting. Bob shares his insights on fostering mental resilience, improving communication through body language, and supporting athletes and coaches in achieving their goals. With a passion for inclusivity and accessibility in sports, Bob discusses the importance of mental well-being for young athletes and his mission to positively impact the sports and coaching industry. Tune in to hear about his innovative approaches to leadership, his commitment to helping others thrive, and how he integrates lessons from diverse fields to empower individuals both on and off the field. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about personal growth, sports, and mental performance! | |||
| Teg Talk #7 - Amani Kimball-McKavish | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:31:05 | |
Teg Talks powered by The Mental Game Academy with hosts Teg Cosgriff and Larissa Mills features Amani Kimball-McKavish, a midfielder for the Ohio State Univerisity Women’s Lacrosse team. In this episode, Amani shares her journey growing up playing multiple sports and the moment she fell in love with lacrosse. She dives into her decision to attend Ohio State, highlighting the benefits of being at a larger school, including the resources and opportunities available. Amani also discusses her experience with the "Sharpen Your Pro Athlete" course by the Mental Game Academy and emphasizes the importance of being comfortable seeking help. She explores the power of team goals over individual ambitions, strategies for managing negative self-talk, and the balance she maintains between her athletic and academic commitments. Tune in to hear Amani's insights on building a successful academic and athletic career while navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with being a student-athlete. | |||
| MGA Podcast - Rob Taylor | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:28:06 | |
In this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, hosted by Larissa Mills, we welcome Rob Taylor, founder of Titan Performance, to explore the mental skills that enhance athlete performance. Rob discusses cognitive abilities, leadership in sports, and the importance of fostering a "fountain vs. drain" mindset. He also shares insights on building confidence in athletes and offers advice for parents on raising resilient, confident kids. Together, Larissa and Rob tackle the impact of phone usage on focus and performance, offering practical strategies for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on mental toughness and athlete development. Guest: Rob Taylor, Titan Performance | |||
| MGA Podcast - Brian Snow | 05 Sep 2024 | 00:34:36 | |
The Mental Game Academy Podcast with Host Larissa Mills In this episode of The Mental Game Academy Podcast, host Larissa Mills is joined by Brian Snow, a passionate play-by-play broadcaster and founder of Snow Man Multi-Media. They discuss Brian's journey, from his work with coaches and young athletes to his perspectives on phone habits, kids growing up, and his personal battle with cancer. Brian also shares insights from his YouTube audio diary, Diary of a Mad Snowman. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about life, sports, and overcoming challenges, both on and off the field. For more information about Brian Snow, visit snowmanmultimediasports.com or contact him at snowmanmultimedia@gmail.com. | |||
| Quinnpiniac, Pro Hockey Player Brandon Wong | 05 Jul 2024 | 00:44:53 | |
Meet Brandon Wong, Owner of Brandon Wong Hockey. | |||
| Teg Talk #5 - Ben Fanelli | 05 Jul 2024 | 00:55:57 | |
| Teg Talk #6 - Janet Dickey Field Hockey Coach | 04 Jul 2024 | 00:39:40 | |
As we discuss the challenges of coaching elite athletes today she shares her tricks of the trade. While she still has a passion for coaching, she has also pursued another career and became a Certified Mindset Coach. With this certification, she opened her own business-Victory Mindsets! She is excited for the potential to share mindset techniques and training with you and your team. These simple but efficient tools have helped Westbrook, one of the smallest teams in Connecticut, to be known as a perennial contender! Feel free to contact Coach Dickey at victorymindsets@gmail.com | |||
| TEG TALK #4 How Soccer should CHANGE with Kim Brady | 16 Mar 2024 | 00:48:55 | |
Kim Brady loves soccer she has played and she has coached at high levels. She is s Business coach and wears many hats. | |||
| Dale Ann Melnick - Six Pack Recruiting | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:35:08 | |
| TEG TALK #3 "High Performance Athletes, need High Performance Parents to Succeed." | 21 Dec 2023 | 00:55:22 | |
As we discuss the role or parents with Mental Performance Consultant, Rob Pallante we learn parents have the most important role of a ll. | |||
| TEG TALK #2 "Javelin Guidry, "How is Social Media impacting the Eco-system of sports? | 21 Dec 2023 | 01:02:54 | |
Javelin is the founder of WP3 Sports, which empowers athletes to live in Greatness on and off the field, through holistic character, confidence and leadership development. He serves teens, parents and schools through coaching and programs designed to enable them to reach their highest potential in sports and life. | |||
| Teg Talk #1, "How are Phones Impacting Schools and Student Athletes?" | 21 Dec 2023 | 00:42:46 | |
We have a new season for 2024. Teg Talk , joins the Mental Game Sports Podcast. | |||
| Athletes, "Don't Press Send" with Katie Duffy | 25 Nov 2023 | 00:40:04 | |
What is happening to our kids, they are obsessed with social media and can't get off it? They come home, eat and start scrolling, they don't even talk to their parents, siblings or pet their dogs... Even our pets are happy to see us and people are too addicted with their head in their own phones as parents to notice. We must equip children with mental skills and good habits to prevent mental health issues and phone addiction. Kids need to Play. https://dontpresssend.com | |||
| Professional Soccer Development takes MENTAL GAME with Jenn Ireland | 03 Sep 2023 | 00:37:55 | |
Soccer athletes cannot make it up the ranks without solid routines, healthy phone habits, routines, discipline, period. Learn how Jenn Ireland is turning female soccer players into top athletes. The trick as you may have guessed is all mental discipline and practice.
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| Go the Educational Route in Hockey, Nasha Sports Mark H. | 03 Sep 2023 | 00:43:56 | |
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| Gord says, "Parents are the Determining Factor to Successful Athletes" | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:26:57 | |
| TEG TALK, What Athletic Directors Pain Points are NOW! | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:32:10 | |
We open the conversation up with VP of Athletics, Education, & Leadership, Teg Cosgriff from Connecticut. We get to the bottom of what Athletic Directors need help with right now. | |||
| Manchester United Retired Coach Pete Lowe has a lot to say to ATHLETES TODAY! | 11 Jun 2023 | 00:42:39 | |
Pete worked with Manchester City Football Club for thirteen years, during which time he helped put in place a training program that cultivated strong teams as well as strong players. In his role as a coach and the Head of Education and Performance Management, Pete learned how to navigate a high-pressure environment that demanded sustained success. Pete knows how to make the ‘glue’ that helps teams stick and work together and he applies that knowledge now to businesses. Currently, he is a professional speaker and leadership consultant at First Team Ltd. and a Director at PlayersNet, an organization which aims to help athletes and their families make the right personal and professional decisions, with the advice of a network of highly experienced mentors. Pete’s passion has always been mentorship, and he articulates his philosophy in this way: “My philosophy comes from real life stories and a career built on authenticity, integrity and passion for what I do. There are no shortcuts to sustained success and you can achieve so much more when your whole team works together and everyone gets the credit. Excellence is not a destination. Instead we must focus on continuous improvement to maintain high performance.”
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| Dr. Stacy Feiner's TOP NOTCH ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS FOR ATHLETES | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:30:58 | |
Dr. Stacy Feiner has joined "The Mental Game Academy" Sports Company. We are more than thrilled and honoured she has joined our space to equip athletes, coaches and executives with mental skills and pathways to have mental health in a balanced Eco-System. | |||
| JC Westerlund - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:58:31 | |
| Olympic Swimmer Roy Allan Burch, Swimmers, Invest in the MENTAL GAME! | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:41:46 | |
Meeting with Hall of Fame Olympian, Roy Allan Burch what he wants all swimmers aiming high to know. Learn from his experience and thousands of hours in training. Roy shares what he wished was in place for him while he was training for the Olympics and what he had to overcome to finally make the podium. | |||
| NCAA Athletes NEED MORE HELP,, but Scott Fox is here! | 03 Apr 2023 | 00:41:03 | |
Scott Fox is CEO of Champion Play Book. He is a former NCAA Baseball Player who could have gone further if he had access to other resources. He is on a mission to bring these tools to athletes, parents, coaches, and universities. Universities are struggling to help their athletes, the volumes are too high. We can help prevent Mental Health issues and reduce this volume with our courses and programs like Scott's. Certifications: Emotional Freedom Techniques (“EFT”) Energy Psychology Process Healing Method
Youth league coach in baseball, football and soccer for over 30 years. Graduate of Brown University and captain of the baseball team for two seasons. Married father of high school and college athletes.
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| Pro Goalie, Taylor Cook is Cooking up a NEW Journey | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:35:00 | |
Taylor Cook has had a strong career as a professional goalie and now she is cooking up a new journey. | |||
| Everyone wants to be the best NBA player but what about being their best selves? | 11 Jan 2023 | 00:32:16 | |
He is the Coach you want for your kids.... he puts a high priority on teaching mental skills to his athletes and building trust... with them... and then what happens? The team starts winning...... in life and in their sport. | |||
| "How to Spot a Spider" with Dr. Amy Saltzman | 18 Dec 2022 | 00:37:05 | |
Do you know "How to Spot a Spider?" | |||
| What today's Elite Coaches are Missing with Shawnee Harle | 26 Nov 2022 | 00:44:39 | |
https://www.shawneeharle.com Thanks so much for being here today Shawnee. It’s great to have you here helping us on our mission to make sports fun for kids. The goal is to make sports better to support our athletes and coaches as they work their way up elite levels and in the process - to prevent mental health issues along the way as best we can.
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| The Transformed Shea Hillenbrand, are we preparing players right? | 26 Nov 2022 | 00:45:43 | |
Shea is a 2-Time MLB All-Star for the Boston Red Sox & Toronto Blue Jays, has an Emmy® award- | |||
| "The Bullied Brain"it can be Healed with Dr. Jennifer Fraser | 13 Oct 2022 | 00:52:52 | |
She was pulled into a crisis at a school where teachers were bullying students. Her new book "The Bullied Brain", https://www.bulliedbrain.com/ looks at the science of what all forms of bullying and abuse does to brains. She learned brain scans show that bullying and abuse do visible damage to the brain. Even more important, she discovered that our brains are adept at repair and restoration | |||
| How do we WIN THE MENTAL GAME? | 19 Sep 2022 | 01:00:36 | |
I had the pleasure of being on 4D Athletes Podcast with Hosts, Jason Holzer and Jim Huber. | |||
| NHL SCOUT Jason Bukala | 11 Aug 2022 | 00:33:50 | |
What are players missing today? What patterns of behaviour are we seeing in athletes in the digital age? | |||
| Eric Lindros | 22 Dec 2025 | 01:00:53 | |
| Soccer in Canada with Abbi GOLD. | 22 Jul 2022 | 00:36:30 | |
President of Whitecaps, Abbi Lezizidis on London sitting down for a our Mental Game Podcast with Host, Mike Stubbs. | |||
| OHL ALUMNI Bob Murray Talks about Hockey!!! | 30 May 2022 | 00:28:20 | |
Mike Stubbs and I had the pleasure of chatting with Bob and learning how the OHL is rich in tradition but has growing in its programs development for the athletes. | |||
| High school Sports can't Go. Here is How we Save Them | 16 May 2022 | 00:35:19 | |
After talking to long time friend, high school teacher, competitive basketball coach and all around awesome human, Jamie Clark shares his grave concerns about why we need to keep all the sports and activities for students in the digital age. | |||
| Olympic Coach, Shawnee Harle says Old School Yelling doesn't work. | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:45:06 | |
Mike Stubbs hosted our Mental Game Sports Podcast with Olympic Basketball Coach, Shawnee Harle from, "Winning Matters". Thanks so much for being here today Shawnee. It’s great to have you here helping us on our mission to make sports fun for kids. The goal is to make sports better to support our athletes and coaches as they work their way up elite levels and in the process - to prevent mental health issues along the way as best we can.
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