Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the """"machines"""" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

In this conversation, Coach Kayla Butler shares her journey as a sports neuroscientist and coach, emphasizing the importance of mental health and visualization in athletic performance. She discusses her educational background in psychology and neuroscience, her experiences working with athletes, and the significance of understanding the brain's role in sports. Kayla highlights the challenges athletes face, including desensitization to their achievements and the need for mental training. She encourages aspiring pioneers to embrace their unique paths and offers practical neuroscience-based techniques for managing anxiety and improving focus. In this conversation, Kayla B and Coach Trav explore the intersection of mental health, neuroscience, and athletic performance. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, breathing techniques, and gratitude in managing stress and enhancing focus. Visualization is highlighted as a powerful tool for athletes to prepare mentally for competition and life beyond sports. The conversation emphasizes the significance of identity outside of athletics, the role of sleep in performance, and the necessity of applying self-discovery in daily life. They also touch on the importance of affirming young athletes in their pursuits beyond sports.

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0:00 What Is Neuroscience

0:30 Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

1:20 The Kickoff

3:08 In The Trenches With Coach Kayla Baker

48:10 Journal Reflection - Gratitude

48:59 Spotlight - Shedeur Sanders

50:41 2 Minute Drill

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the ""machines"" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

In today’s episode (Episode 6) of Coach Trav’s Mental Health Playbook, we dive into how comparison can quietly rob athletes of their confidence and focus. Whether it’s comparing stats, roles, or highlight reels on social media, it’s easy to lose sight of your own growth by watching someone else’s lane. Coach Trav breaks down how this mindset creeps in, why it’s so dangerous, and how to shift your focus back to your own journey. We also reflect on Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality and the importance of building confidence through preparation, not praise. The message is clear: your story is yours—stay locked in and run your race. Summary

In this conversation, Coach Trav interviews Xavier Carlton, a promising athlete from Cal University who is transitioning to the NFL with the Chicago Bears. They discuss Xavier's journey through high school, the importance of family, his passion for poetry, and the challenges he faced during the NFL draft process. Xavier shares insights on mental health, the significance of finding purpose beyond sports, and the lessons he learned from his experiences, including the biblical story of Joseph. The conversation emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and the importance of giving back to the community.

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog

0:00 Nate's Negative Inner Thoughts

0:56 Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

2:11 The Kickoff

9:41 Kobe Bryant & The Mamba Mentality

15:06 In The Trenches With Chicago Bears Undrafted Free Agent OL Xavier Carlton

46:02 Journal Reflection

47:20 2 Minute Drill

Follow Coach Trav and The Mental Health Playbook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the """"machines"""" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

In Episode 5 of Coach Trav’s Mental Health Playbook, Coach Trav takes a look in the mirror and reflects on what he would say to the freshman version of himself arriving at Howard University. Being a student-athlete in a new city with new pressures isn’t easy and in this episode, he shares the emotional, mental, and personal challenges that Young Trav needed to prepare for.

In this conversation, Coach Trav discusses the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the context of athletes. He reflects on recent tragedies and the need for ongoing support rather than temporary attention to mental health issues. He emphasizes the role of coaches as mentors and the necessity of building strong relationships with athletes to ensure they feel supported. Additionally, he shares an inspiring story about Ryan Coogler, highlighting the potential for athletes to pursue diverse paths beyond sports and the importance of embracing new opportunities. Coach Trav reflects on his past experiences as a student-athlete, offering insights into personal growth, leadership, and academic challenges. He emphasizes the importance of embracing new environments, learning to lead effectively, and seeking help when needed. Through self-reflection, he shares valuable lessons that shaped his journey at Howard University. Coach Trav shares personal insights and advice for young athletes navigating college life. He emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself beyond sports, exploring social opportunities, and understanding the struggles that come with being an athlete. He reflects on his own experiences, the challenges he faced with his love for the game, and the need for academic direction. Coach Trav encourages athletes to seek purpose and make the most of their college experience, highlighting the importance of mental health and self-discovery.

He offers three key pieces of advice:

As a person

As an athlete

As a student

It’s not always easy to look back, but it’s necessary. And through this honest reflection, Coach Trav invites listeners to do the same:

If you could speak to your younger self, what would you say?

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog

0:00 Nate's Back

0:40 The Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

1:31 The Kickoff

5:52 Thoughts on Kyren Lacy & Ryan Coogler

17:25 In The Trenches With Young Trav

28:40 3rd & Long with Young Trav

37:31 Reflection Timeout

38:14 2 Minute dRILL

Follow Coach Trav and The Mental Health Playbook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.