What do you do when life changes in a single moment? Dave Randall knows. After surviving a life-altering medical condition while serving in the U.S. Navy, Dave could’ve quit. Instead, he rebuilt—body, mind, and mission. Now a world champion hand cyclist and founder of Alive Day Apparel , Dave joins Ben to talk about identity, faith, pain, purpose, and what it takes to thrive after hitting rock bottom. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone trying to rise from a setback. ...
Jun 21, 2025•32 min•Ep. 134
In just one season, South Ripley went from a middle-of-the-pack team to a 19–0 start, a #1 ranking, and a sectional championship. The difference? A full commitment to mental training. Assistant coach Tom Beach , a 40-year coaching veteran, joins us to share how implementing MTP Academy transformed the mindset—and the results—of a small-town Indiana basketball team. “MTP can’t guarantee you championships… but I can guarantee you—we wouldn’t have won a sectional without it.” If you’ve ever wondere...
Apr 23, 2025•57 min•Ep. 133
Your life moves in the strongest direction of your thoughts – a powerful truth that forms the foundation of this eye-opening conclusion to our Positive Intelligence series. What if all your distress was self-generated? What if you could transform every challenge into an opportunity simply by shifting your perspective? In this enlightening conversation with mental performance coach Brenna, we explore how to activate your "sage" mindset – that wiser, calmer part of your brain – through practical, ...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min
Ever wondered why that voice in your head keeps sabotaging your performance? In this revealing exploration of Chapters 3 and 4 from "Positive Intelligence," we dive deep into understanding the mental saboteurs that derail even the most talented athletes. The conversation uncovers how these negative thought patterns—which we all possess—initially formed as protection mechanisms in childhood but now cause more harm than good. Everyone has a primary "judge" saboteur along with accomplice saboteurs ...
Mar 31, 2025•36 min•Ep. 131
What if the biggest obstacle to your performance isn’t physical—but the voice in your head? In this first episode of our 3-part series on Positive Intelligence , former Division I gymnast Brenna Munson joins us to explore how mastering mental fitness transformed her approach to sports, injuries, and life. Together, we break down key ideas from Chapters 1 and 2 of Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine, introducing the foundational concepts that every athlete, coach, and competitor needs to und...
Mar 24, 2025•39 min•Ep. 130
What does it take to develop a champion—not just on the scoreboard, but in life? Coach Tommy Richardson brings 60+ years of wisdom to this question, revealing a framework that transforms athletes from the inside out. At 88 years young, Richardson shares the journey that led him from high school football fields to corporate leadership positions at State Farm, and finally to his current work as a mental performance coach. His "three-dimensional approach" to coaching addresses not just physical ski...
Mar 10, 2025•47 min•Ep. 129
From walk-on to the NFL, Don Thomas's journey is a masterclass in mental toughness, resilience, and relentless work ethic. He didn’t play football in middle or high school, but after his baseball career ended, he walked on to the University of Connecticut football team—eventually earning a scholarship, a starting spot, and All-Big East honors. He went on to be drafted by the Miami Dolphins, endured the struggles of a 1-15 season, and later played for the Lions and Patriots, even competing for a ...
Feb 25, 2025•51 min•Ep. 128
At just 24, Jackson Lantz carries the coaching wisdom of someone twice his age. A former multi-sport athlete at Hamilton Southeastern High School and a Division I football player at Ball State, Jackson quickly transitioned from athlete to coach—spending valuable time as a strength coach at Indiana University and also working with other elite programs like the University of Utah and the New York Giants. In this episode of Coaching Minds , Jackson shares the habits and principles that set great co...
Feb 15, 2025•35 min•Ep. 127
Eddie's journey from the basketball court to the world of financial services and broadcasting offers a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation. Formerly with the Indiana Pacers, Eddie shares how basketball provided solace following the loss of his father and became a driving passion that shaped his early life. Through candid reflections on high school and college experiences, listeners gain insights into the mental challenges he overcame, such as adjusting to new environments and maint...
Dec 05, 2024•28 min•Ep. 126
Coach Miracle asked if I could do a video for the players this week so that they could come back to it through out the week if needed as Westfield prepares to play in the 6A State Championship on Friday. We go through a quick review of the Focus Cycle, weekly planner, and two tools that Russell Wilson used while preparing to win a Super Bowl from the book It Takes What It Takes: https://amzn.to/3OsDRt2 Good luck to the Shamrocks this week! Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the ...
Nov 26, 2024•22 min•Ep. 125
High school volleyball coach Lucy Grenda reached out to me with a simple text after I completed a team session with the high school team she helps coach, "Sometimes when I use my self talk in those anxious moments, I feel like it doesn't work to calm me down because I 'know all the tricks' I tell my students to do." Discover her journey through mental training techniques both on and off the court, as she uncovers the power of wearable technology in understanding and managing stress in real-time....
Nov 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 124
Join youth baseball stars Caleb and Noah as they take center stage, sharing how they leverage the Focus Cycle framework to conquer performance anxiety and excel in the Little League World Series. In this episode, we dive deep into the essential skills of Focus, Self-Talk, and Body Control—key components that empower young athletes to manage their emotions and perform at their best, even under pressure. Through Caleb and Noah's experiences, you'll discover practical strategies for shifting focus ...
Oct 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 123
Have your athletes ever come to you saying, “I tried the breathing, but it didn’t work”? In this episode of Coaching Minds , we tackle exactly that—what to do when athletes struggle with using breathing techniques during competition. We’ll break down why diaphragmatic breathing sometimes feels ineffective and provide practical solutions to help athletes stay calm under pressure. From refining breathing exercises to understanding how to use them in high-stress moments, we share real-life examples...
Sep 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 122
What if your Go-To Statement doesn't work? What if positive self-talk feels fake, forced, or you just don't believe it? In this episode, we tackle the tough questions athletes face when self-talk strategies seem to fall flat. We dive deep into how to convince the part of your brain wired to fix problems that, yes, you have earned the right to be confident in competition. You’ll learn practical ways to shift your mindset when self-doubt creeps in, helping you push past those mental roadblocks. It...
Sep 17, 2024•27 min•Ep. 121
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Focus Cycle, exploring what to do when athletes struggle to implement this powerful tool during competition. Coaches, you’ve laid the groundwork, but now it’s time to troubleshoot. Whether your athletes are forgetting to use the Focus Cycle, not taking it seriously, feeling overwhelmed with thoughts, or trying but just not succeeding, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break down the most common challenges and provide practical strategies to help ath...
Sep 10, 2024•24 min•Ep. 120
Back in 2014, my head coach, Jake Gilbert, walked into a quarterback meeting where we were doing some mental training. He looked at what we were doing and said, “We have to do this for the entire team.” I remember thinking, I don’t know how to train 130 guys all at once! Little did I know, that conversation would change everything—leading to a book, a podcast, and even a complete shift in my career. In this episode, we’re breaking down the Focus Cycle, which has become the foundation of everythi...
Sep 05, 2024•41 min
Explore the essential elements of mental toughness in sports with Westfield's head coach, Josh Miracle, in this insightful episode. We delve into the processes and strategies necessary to build a resilient sports program, examining the incremental steps that contribute to a team’s mental fortitude. This discussion not only covers the development of mental training techniques but also highlights their practical application during high-pressure situations and the evolution of team dynamics. Gain a...
Apr 24, 2024•45 min•Ep. 118
This episode is a raw tool that Ben started using with a golfer who was not happy with her routine. She felt like her mind was wandering too much during her rounds and the distractions were taking away from her game. At some point this will be cleaned up and polished, but sometimes it is helpful to see the behind the scenes of how you can help an athlete when they say, "I don't think my routine is good enough." If you do not have any sort of pre shot or post shot routine I would encourage you to...
Mar 28, 2024•24 min•Ep. 117
Have you ever wondered what fuels the relentless drive of athletes and entrepreneurs alike? Dre Baldwin, the mastermind behind Work On Your Game Inc., pulls back the curtain on the power of mental toughness that's essential for triumphing in both arenas. Through the lens of his own transformation from a high school bench player to a professional athlete, Dre explains the pivotal role of discipline and confidence—tools that don't just elevate your game on the court, but can catapult your business...
Mar 25, 2024•37 min•Ep. 116
When Brad, the mastermind behind the School of Grit, agreed to join us, I knew it was an opportunity to share a profound narrative of human resilience. His journey through the unforgiving Kokoro Camp, where he faced a 50-hour crucible that tested every fiber of his being, isn't just a story of endurance; it's a testament to the transformative power of extreme challenges. Together, we reflect on how these trials reveal character, forge mental toughness, and impart invaluable lessons for tackling ...
Mar 18, 2024•51 min•Ep. 115
Want to learn more about who Ben is and what Mental Training Plan is all about? This is a great place to start! Join Ben Carnes on his transformative journey, ignited by a pivotal moment in high school sports in 1999. From struggling to perform under pressure to realizing the power of mental training, Ben's evolution as a coach and mentor took flight. Through coaching experiences, including a humbling defeat in the state championship in 2013, Ben honed the Prime Five method, a groundbreaking app...
Mar 12, 2024•29 min•Ep. 114
Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Westfield's football program alongside Coach Jake Gilbert. From struggles to triumphs, this story paints a picture of a team that went from underdogs to champions, united by a simple motto: "out work, out love." With each game, Gilbert's players not only make their mark on the field but also forge lasting bonds of brotherhood. This episode explores what it truly means to be a winner, both in sports and in life. We'll discuss the challenge of ble...
Mar 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 113
Discover the secrets to transforming a high school sports team from average to exceptional with insights from two seasoned coaches. As we welcome Coach Fendley and Coach Dan Douglas to our Coaching Minds podcast, they share their unique perspectives on instilling a winning mentality in athletes, drawing from military experiences and honoring the legacy of the late Coach George Gilbert. The wisdom imparted in this episode promises to equip you with the strategies to navigate the nuances of coachi...
Feb 26, 2024•46 min
Ever pushed your limits and hit a wall, only to find a deep well of resilience you never knew you had? Zeke does just that and more as he recounts his grueling experiences at the Chicago and Indianapolis Monumental Marathons. With each stride and stumble, he imparts the lessons learned on mental fortitude and the essential adjustments needed when tackling such formidable challenges. Join us as we traverse his journey of perseverance, exploring the depths of mental strategies that range from mant...
Feb 20, 2024•34 min
On The Spot: Where the questions are pulled on the spot, no prep time just raw honest answers on the spot. Are the tides turning in college football team-building? Strap in as we tackle the game-changing dynamics of the transfer portal and its effects on loyalty and team culture. It's a wild ride through the strategies that coaches must employ, akin to planning a Grand Canyon adventure, where every step counts and preparation is key. Discover how the art of persuasion and the nurturing of a robu...
Feb 07, 2024•22 min•Ep. 110
Have you ever faced a challenge so daunting it transformed you? This week, we're joined by the extraordinary Matt Comer, who shares the raw and real experiences from his rim-to-rim-to-rim run of the Grand Canyon that actually ended up being a 100k run through the Grand Canyon. It's a tale of grit and resilience that digs deep into the mental fortitude required to endure such an arduous 47-mile trek. While the Grand Canyon's vistas are undeniably breathtaking, the trails themselves offer a psycho...
Jan 30, 2024•36 min•Ep. 109
Have you ever stood at life's crossroads, contemplating a leap of faith that could redefine everything? Cailyn Henderson did just that, swapping collegiate golf greens for the arduous chase toward the professional ranks. This episode invites you into Cailyn's world, where she lays bare the mental challenges that came with this transformative decision. Her story sheds light on the seldom-discussed mental side of sports, particularly the high stakes of the LPGA's Q school, and the subsequent lows ...
Jan 22, 2024•37 min•Ep. 108
Embark on a journey of fortitude with Andy Sweet, the former quarterback and current Marine Corps infantry weapons platoon leader, as we unravel the essence of mental and physical toughness. Andy brings to the table the concept of "callousing the mind"—a powerful practice of facing and overcoming adversity that he has mastered both on the playing field and the battlefield. By delving into the analogy of storing "cookies" in a jar, we reveal a unique method for building resilience and confidence ...
Jan 17, 2024•36 min•Ep. 107
Welcome to a power-packed episode of the Coaching Minds podcast, where we guide you on how to foster a championship mindset in your athletes and keep their motivation burning high. We kick off with the importance of expectation, perserverance, and determination. Discover the impact of big goals, the influence of media and music, and the critical role of a strong 'why'. You'll be equipped with practical tools to keep your athletes motivated leading to their personal and team success. Are you read...
Nov 21, 2023•23 min•Ep. 106
Imagine if you could offer your athletes the tools to master control over their physical reactions to stress, anxiety, and pressure. That's exactly what we discuss in this episode. We delve into the fascinating world of the human body's physiological responses to stress, pulling references from the US military's research on how to manage such reactions in high-pressure combat situations. We shed light on the role of the vagus nerve in this process and discuss the power of controlled breathing in...
Aug 23, 2023•29 min
