Bianca McCall. A story and a journey that transcends the AAU courts and professional basketball in Italy. Her story on the Athlete Mindset podcast touches on valuable lessons learned both on and off the court. Witnessing the limitations of access to youth sports, Bianca champions efforts to make it more inclusive. Her transition from athlete to advocate highlights the challenges and triumphs of a life beyond the game. Reach-In Now, Bianca's platform connecting athletes through mental health reso...
Jan 03, 2024•46 min•Ep. 73
A conversation about the mental game of sports and performance. This episode features special guest, Aren Ulmer. In this episode, we discuss athlete mental health and Aren's own journey as an athlete and beyond. Episode Highlights: Journey to Mental Wellness: Discover the spark that ignited Aren's interest in athlete mental health and led him to pursue a master's degree. Birth of the Podcast: Uncover the story behind the creation of the Athlete Mindset podcast and its mission. The CMPC Role: The...
Dec 12, 2023•51 min•Ep. 72
In this special episode of the Athlete Mindset, two influential figures in the field of athlete mental health join forces. This time our host Lisa Bonta Sumii is a guest along with Dr. Tiana S. Woolridge, on the Twins Talk it Up Podcast . As experts in the field, they offer their distinctive insights on athlete mental health. Moreover, they have an exciting announcement to share – their book, The Athmindset Workbook, is now available ! Topics: Discussion of The AthMindset Workbook Exploring the ...
Nov 28, 2023•51 min•Ep. 71
For Amobi Okugo, efficiency is paramount. While we recognize that efficiency is crucial for high-performing athletes, Amobi extends this concept beyond the realm of sports. Efficient living is not just about optimizing athletic performance; it’s also a key element in managing our lives and finances effectively. This is particularly important for athletes, given their shorter careers, as cultivating these habits becomes essential. SUBSCRIBE to Athlete Mindset for $10/month As a subscriber, you wi...
Nov 17, 2023•34 min•Ep. 70
Be Playful. Be Purposeful. Be Passionate. The core values of our guest today Kim Brady. As a small business coach, soccer player, and former therapist, Kim’s experiences have shaped her unique perspective on success and personal growth. In this episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast, we dive into Kim Brady’s fascinating insights on athlete identity, the business and coaching world, and the importance of mental health. SUBSCRIBE to Athlete Mindset for $10/month As a subscriber, you will receive e...
Oct 31, 2023•46 min•Ep. 69
Meet Duke University’s Dr. Aaron Goodson, the driving force behind Duke University’s Mental Health and Performance Department. In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we explore the vital significance of embedding clinical mental health and mental performance consultation services within athletic departments, the importance of racial and ethnic representation among practitioners, and much more. Join us for a game-changing conversation that’s reshaping athlete well-being. Now Available: The AthMindse...
Oct 23, 2023•51 min•Ep. 68
This episode features Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center, Derek Bylsma. This episode is about bringing lived experience to clinical work, suicide prevention and awareness, and addressing the mental health stigma that still exists today. In this Athlete Mindset podcast, Derek also discusses mental health in young athletes, his background as a clinician, and how he leads as a coach of a girls’ high school soccer team. Topics discussed in...
Oct 19, 2023•33 min•Ep. 67
Many see the NFL as the peak, but for Colin Jonov that was just the beginning. We talk all things mental fortitude in this episode of Athlete Mindset. In this episode: Getting cut from the Buffalo Bills was a huge wakeup call for Colin Learning to identify with the things you can control (who you are) Athletes are often seen as gladiators, but behind the scenes, they are normal people with lives and emotions outside of their sport Social media is a great tool with the potential to be negative, b...
Oct 03, 2023•33 min•Ep. 66
Michelle Colson, a professional footballer, reflects on her journey to becoming the player she is today and explores her personal growth beyond the football field. In this episode: Michelle Colson recalls her childhood where she often found herself as the only girl on the pitch. Michelle discusses her decision to become an ambassador for Devine Time and highlights the vital work they do for women in sports. A conversation on the significance of mental health in overall well-being and the importa...
Sep 28, 2023•36 min•Ep. 65
Allison Schmitt, a professional swimmer and 10-time Olympic medalist shares her journey in swimming, her experiences at the Olympics, and her passion for sports and mental health. In this episode: Allison shares the profound impact her cousin’s tragic suicide had on her — it’s what fueled Allison’s passion for mental health. Allison talks about feeling different, fame, and experiencing isolation and depression after success at the Olympics. What made a difference for Allison: seeking therapy aft...
Sep 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 64
This is a unique Athlete Mindset episode where Lisa Bonta Sumii is the guest. And it’s all about helping athletes transition to life after sports… Athletes to Entrepreneurs. The host for this episode is Rob Finkelstein. Rob is the CEO & Founder of Alumni Direct. And he is the host of the podcast Athletes to Entrepreneurs. We’re bringing an episode of his show to the Athlete Mindset podcast because it’s all about sports and mental health. About the Athletes to Entrepreneurs podcast: Athletes ...
Aug 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 63
In this special episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii was featured on the Between Two Worlds podcast, hosted by Megan Reyes. Megan is a sports industry influencer, on-camera host, content creator, and a leading voice for social justice, diversity and inclusion, and mental health in sports. In this riveting conversation originally aired on Between Two Worlds, Lisa joins other notable Filipino-American figures in the sports industry, including Bianca Verar, Alex Monis, and Camille Wils...
Jul 28, 2023•37 min•Ep. 62
This is a special episode from the flagship show on SportsEpreneur: “The Sports Backdrop” Sports got us together in the first place, but in this podcast, sports are the backdrop for way bigger conversations! This is a conversation on the simplification of sports science, a story on bullying, and sleep. You can find “The Sports Backdrop” on your podcast player of choice. In this episode, sports scientist Dr. Erik Korem joins The Sports Backdrop. With his extensive background in collegiate footbal...
Jul 24, 2023•39 min•Ep. 61
In this Roots Radio episode, co-hosts Lisa Bonta Sumii and Richie Nuñez feature singer/songwriter, Fantastic Negrito. Fantastic Negrito takes you on a journey, portraying a narrative of triumph over adversity. His journey is a representation of a musician from Oakland who experienced the zenith of securing a million-dollar record contract, plummeted into the abyss after a life-threatening car accident that resulted in a coma, and is now witnessing a resurgence that has brought him from the alley...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 60
In this Roots Radio episode, co-hosts Lisa Bonta Sumii and Richie Nuñez feature musician, singer, songwriter, and creator, Mara Hruby. About Mara Hruby: Mara Hruby doesn’t just play music—she lives it. Since the onset of her career, the Oakland, CA native has poured her soul into her velvet confections, drawing inspiration from lessons that she’s gleaned in her personal life and funneling them into rich, organic compositions. In just a few years, the singer-songwriter has become one of acoustic ...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 59
You’re in for a treat on this episode of Athlete Mindset! Our very own Lisa Bonta Sumii, founder and guiding force behind AthMindset, takes the hot seat to dish out some game-changing perspectives. We’re diving deep into the crucial role of mental health in sports and business performance. So, get ready as we discuss mental coaching, the urgent need for more funding for mental health initiatives, and the surprising overlap between skills honed on the playing field and in the boardroom. Key point...
May 23, 2023•40 min•Ep. 58
In this week’s very special episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii sits in on a conversation with Prim Siripipat, host of The Next Chapter, as part of LG Electronics’ Transparent Conversations live podcast series discussing Student-Athlete mental health and wellbeing. The conversation took place from the LG Fan Court experience on-location for the Men’s Final Four Championship in Houston, TX. Prim and Lisa were joined by Indiana Hoosier Senior Forward, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Houston...
Apr 19, 2023•50 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii was invited as a guest on Bliss Radio Jordan’s “Rise and Shine” show. The short interview covers a range of topics including mental health, mental performance, the zone of optimal functioning, emotional adjustment, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Lisa also touches on the importance of viewing confidence and motivation as skills rather than innate traits. A major topic in this episode is the idea that you are more than your sport...
Apr 14, 2023•12 min•Ep. 56
In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with sports industry influencer, Megan Reyes. Megan is a sports host and content creator. She joins this episode to discuss her journey in the soccer world, being a Filipina in the sports industry, and the pros and cons of being an influencer in sports. Megan is also a mental health advocate, and in this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of differentiating mental health from mental illness. Lisa and Megan share valuable ins...
Apr 11, 2023•50 min•Ep. 55
Breaking Barriers and Building a Legacy: Marcia Tafarel’s Journey to the US Women’s Futsal National Team In this inspiring episode of the Athlete Mindset podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii talks with Marcia Tafarel, the first-ever US Women’s Futsal National Head Coach and a trailblazing former Brazilian National soccer player. Together, they delve into Marcia’s remarkable journey, the challenges she faced along the way, and the role of her mother’s unwavering support in her success. As they explore ...
Mar 27, 2023•58 min•Ep. 54
This episode of Athlete Mindset features Lisa Bonta Sumii as a guest on Roots Radio, the official podcast of the Oakland Roots. In this engaging conversation, Roots Radio host, Richie Nuñez sits down with Lisa, an accomplished Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, to explore the various facets of becoming a top-tier athlete. Discover practical mental health strategies that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine to enhance your overall well-being, performance, an...
Mar 21, 2023•41 min•Ep. 53
Join us on the Athlete Mindset podcast as Lisa Bonta Sumii appears as a guest on Culture in Action presented by WISL – Women’s Independent Soccer League. In this episode Culture in Action host, Alexa Doebler, learns more from Lisa about mental health & wellness in the sports ecosystem, how leaders in the sports industry can support positive mental health practices for their athletes, and how we can shift the view on understanding mental health. Lisa provides a clear distinction between menta...
Feb 13, 2023•31 min•Ep. 52
Join us on the Athlete Mindset podcast as Lisa Bonta Sumii shares space with a resident physician in the UC San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Pediatrics and a Founder of Embrace the Mind, Dr. Tiana Woolridge. Tiana’s father, a former professional NBA player Orlando Woolridge, was diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Tiana and Lisa talk about substance use disorder, mental illness, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to cope with stress and loss. Conversation list from “Dr. Tiana Woolridg...
Jan 30, 2023•35 min•Ep. 51
Join us on the Athlete Mindset podcast as Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with professional soccer player Michelle Alozie. American-born, Nigerian national team player, Michelle shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and persevering through college at the University of Tennessee to become a forward for the Houston Dash of the NWSL. The Dash is affiliated with the MLS’s Houston Dynamo. Listen as she and host Lisa delve into the mental strength and determination required to achieve her d...
Jan 20, 2023•29 min•Ep. 50
The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with Ohio State Buckeye, Nate Oliver. Nate was a key member of the 2007 to 2011 Ohio State Buckeye football program under legendary coach, Jim Tressel. Nate and Lisa discuss the influence of life-changing mentorship on collegiate athletes. (a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way!) Conversation list from “Coach Jim Tressel’s Legacy: A Buckeye’s Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver”: Coach Jim Tressel – more...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 49
At this point, we’ve all seen or at least heard about what happened in the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football game in early January 2023. Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety for the Bills suffered cardiac arrest after what seemed like a routine tackle. Damar collapsed on the field in front of millions of people watching. Such an event has an impact on the mental health of all of the players on the field, coaches, other teams, fans, and everyone watching the game. In this co...
Jan 11, 2023•47 min•Ep. 48
The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with the Elev8 Podcast host, Tyler Johnson. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW is interviewed by Tyler Johnson — they discuss mental health, therapy in sports, developing mental skills, and positive self-talk. (a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way!) Conversation list from “Developing Mental Skills | Elev8 Podcast”: “Lack of black and brown therapists” Your sport is what you do, not what you are Sports men...
Dec 16, 2022•25 min•Ep. 47
The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with a professional female soccer player, Luca Deza. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW and Luca Deza discuss gratefulness/thankfulness, Luca’s journey to pro female soccer career, her company/agency – Divine Time, and things you can do to improve your health (physically, mentally and spiritually). Conversation list: An offer to play in LaLiga for Sevilla FC Luca Dez received a two-day notice and was invited for tryouts – she bought a...
Dec 09, 2022•36 min•Ep. 46
The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with student-athlete, Albert Urias. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW and Albert Urias discuss “controlling your controllables”, the life of a wrestler in college, and mindset. Conversation list: CSUB Wrestler, Bachelor’s Degree Mindset is crucial, and mental health is a huge component in sports and in life There’s still a stigma in talking about mental health Recommendations to shift your mindset – making conscious decisions to bett...
Dec 05, 2022•30 min•Ep. 45
The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with the owner of Fearless & Capable, Candice Fabry. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW and Candice discuss the horrifying abuse in the NWSL , suppressed abuse, victim blaming, and being a survivor of abuse. Also discussed is what Candice is doing to help athletes through her female-led and inspired sport career mentorship program. Stop Being Silent! Candice Fabry, Owner Fearless & Capable, LLC Candice Fabry is the owner of Fe...
Nov 29, 2022•46 min•Ep. 44
