Advertise on podcast: Coaching Mind's Podcast: Perform at your best!

In this episode of the Coaching Minds Podcast, Ben Carnes interviews Myron Burr Jr., who shares his journey from being an athlete to a coach and now an assistant city manager. They discuss the importance of mental preparation in sports, the lessons learned from veteran players, and the unique challenges of coaching young athletes. Myron emphasizes the significance of building relationships, understanding individual needs, and the transition of skills from sports to professional life. He concludes with advice for young athletes to relax and enjoy their journey. Mental preparation is crucial for performance.Building relationships with athletes is essential.Understanding individual needs helps in coaching.Preparation leads to confidence in performance.The mental aspect of sports is often overlooked.Lessons from veterans can shape a player's approach.Track and field requires a different mindset than team sports.Coaching young athletes involves navigating their social development.Routine and preparation can limit decision fatigue.Flexibility in routines is important for adaptability. Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

Baseball is a game of failure — and how athletes respond to that failure often determines who lasts and who fades. In this episode of The Coaching Minds Podcast, Ben Carnes sits down with Tyler Rubasky, Head Baseball Coach at Anderson University, to talk about what it really takes to build mentally tough athletes in today’s college game. Tyler shares his journey from player to assistant coach to head coach, how injuries shaped his mindset, and why he chose to fully invest in mental training — even during a major coaching transition. He explains how mental skills impact performance between pitches, after errors, and during slumps, and why mental preparation matters just as much as physical development. You’ll also hear how mental training: Shapes recruiting and cultureHelps athletes move on from failure fasterPrepares players for life after baseballChanges how coaches show up in big momentsWhether you’re a coach, athlete, or leader working under pressure, this conversation is packed with insight on identity, resilience, and long-term development. Episode Chapters / Timestamps (Highly Recommended) 00:00 – Intro & Tyler’s coaching journey 02:00 – Why mental training matters in baseball 03:15 – Playing through injury & mental resilience 05:20 – Initial skepticism about mental training 06:40 – Why Anderson invested in Mental Training Plan 08:00 – Why baseball is uniquely mentally demanding 10:45 – NIL, transfers, and new mental challenges 12:40 – Building culture players want to stay in 14:15 – Mental training’s role in recruiting 17:15 – How players actually use mental skills in games 18:45 – How mental training changed Tyler’s coaching style 20:05 – Preparing athletes for life after baseball 22:10 – Advice to coaches on the fence about mental training 24:45 – Advice Tyler would give his younger self 26:20 – Advice for first-year coaches Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

In this episode, we officially introduce Matt Hallock, the newest member of Mental Training Plan and the Co-Founder & Chief Performance Officer of MTP Biz—our new division bringing mental performance training to the corporate world. Matt brings 25 years of corporate leadership, decades of experience coaching athletes nationwide, and a lifelong passion for serving and developing people. From managing Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches in his 20s to leading early-career talent development for Fortune 100 companies, Matt has seen firsthand how stress, burnout, imposter syndrome, leadership gaps, and performance pressure impact the modern workforce. Together, we break down: • Matt’s unique background in coaching, biomechanics, recruiting, and corporate leadership • How his upbringing shaped a service-driven, people-first philosophy • Why athletes and corporate professionals experience the exact same pressure patterns • Why information isn’t training—and why mental performance tools actually stick • The massive costs of burnout, turnover, and untrained middle managers • The launch of MTP Biz and what early partner companies will receive • How micro-learning, assessment, and coaching can transform culture & performance If your company struggles with stress, retention, leadership readiness, burnout, or performance under pressure, this conversation shows why training the mind is no longer optional—it's the next competitive advantage. Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

Today marks a major moment for the Mental Training Plan. After helping athletes in 90+ schools across 14 states perform at their best, we’re officially expanding into the business world with the launch of MTP Biz — a mental performance division built specifically for high-performing leaders and teams. In this episode, Ben shares the story behind the decision to move into corporate America, the imposter syndrome that held him back, and the conversations that made it clear: We don’t have a football brain or a corporate brain. We have a human brain. And human performance under pressure works the same everywhere.You’ll hear: How burnout, pressure, mergers, and promotions mirror high-stakes sportsWhy tools that increase playoff wins and point differentials also improve corporate KPIsWhat the research shows about performance psychology in Fortune 100 companiesThe simple system we’ll use with businesses (assessment → alignment → training → application → reassessment)Why MTP Biz is only for high performers who want an edgeA preview of next episode with new MTP Biz co-founder & Chief Performance Officer, Matt HallockIf you're a business leader curious about bringing mental performance training to your organization, this is the place to start. Next episode: A deep dive with Matt Hallock on what’s really happening inside corporate America and why this training is desperately needed. As always: Make your plan and put it to work. Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

Today, I’m joined by Jocelyn Bruch: Indiana individual state champion, Division I golfer at Purdue, national championship competitor, and now a professional who just returned from Q-School. We dig into the real tools she used in competition — not theory — to calm nerves, trust her preparation, and perform when it counts: Diaphragmatic Breathing (16+ seconds, not 2!) to lower heart rate and get presentFMR (Forced Muscular Relaxation) to release tension before swings and puttsGo-To Statement she repeats before every shot to push out negative thoughtsCaddie Game-Plan Meetings and a simple “got it” cue to protect her routineEarned / Shows / Trained Confidence (and why “fake it till you make it” cracks under pressure)Using the book out of order to solve immediate problems, then spot-checking before roundsIf this helps you, please share it with a teammate, parent, or coach who could use a practical confidence framework. Resources: My book: Confidence: Build It, Trust It, Show It — https://amzn.to/3LqECEB (includes FREE athlete workbook)Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

In this episode of the Coaching Minds Podcast, Ben Carnes, founder of The Mental Training Plan, breaks down the next layer of the Confidence Wall: how to train confidence like a muscle. Learn practical, science-backed tools that help athletes hardwire belief into their body and nervous system through three powerful bricks: The Breath Brick – how controlled breathing regulates the vagus nerve and restores focus.The Reset Brick – how pros like Drew Brees and Victor Oladipo flush mistakes and get back in rhythm.The Recovery Brick – why sleep, rest, and recovery are the secret advantage most athletes ignore.Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, you’ll walk away with real tools you can use to help your athletes perform under pressure and bounce back stronger after mistakes. 📘 Get the book Confidence on Amazon (includes free workbook download) https://amzn.to/46RhDJJ  Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

In this episode of the Coaching Minds Podcast, we continue our Confidence series and dig into three critical building blocks every athlete needs: identity, body language, and self-talk. You’ll learn why confidence isn’t just earned through practice and reps — it’s also chosen by who you decide to be. Ben shares a powerful example from an NBA player who missed six straight shots but still had the confidence to take — and make — the game-tying shot. Coaches will discover how to use self-schema theory to shape team culture, why body language impacts performance, focus, and even how opponents view you, and how tools like a Go-To Statement and mental reset phrases can rewire an athlete’s belief system. Whether you’re a high school athlete, college competitor, coach, or sports parent, this episode provides actionable mental performance strategies that strengthen confidence on and off the field. Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

Confidence doesn’t come from hype—it comes from work. In Episode #2 of our Confidence Series, we break down how athletes, coaches, and parents can build earned confidence through three critical “bricks”: Reps – putting in the work with intentionEvidence – gathering proof of growth and winsPreparation – creating routines that build stabilityYou’ll hear stories from the field, practical tools (like the Rep Tracker and Confidence Journal), and the science behind why deliberate practice and routines create real, lasting belief. 📖 Following along with the Confidence book? Grab your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pfeU5a and be sure to download the free workbook that comes with it! Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

Athletes don’t lose games because of talent. They lose because of confidence. In this episode, I’m sharing some big news: The launch of my new book, Confidence: Tools to Build Belief for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents. This is the first book in the Prime Five Series — a collection of tools, stories, and systems I’ve used with athletes from youth sports to state champions and even professionals. Inside the episode: Why Confidence had to be Book #1.The story of where this journey started.What the “Prime Five” are and why they matter.How coaches, athletes, and parents can start building confidence brick by brick.If you’re a coach, parent, or athlete who wants to learn how to train confidence like a skill: this episode is for you. 👉 Grab your copy on Amazon: amzn.to/4lSeSNN Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

In this episode of The Coaching Minds Podcast, we flip the script on performance by focusing on the other 12 hours of the day—rest and recovery. Ben Carnes sits down with Lori Oliver and Jill MacRae, co-founders of The Inactive Company and creators of the Inactivator Sleep Mask, to explore the science of sleep and why most people are doing it wrong. With powerhouse careers at Spanx, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks, Lori and Jill know what it’s like to push limits—and what it costs when rest is ignored. They share research-backed strategies, from small weekly sleep tweaks to blackout environments, and explain why better sleep can unlock creativity, decision-making, and game-day performance. If you’re a coach, athlete, or high-performer who wants to recover faster, think sharper, and win more, this conversation will change the way you think about rest. Highlights: Why elite athletes and teams are making sleep a top priorityThe Sleep 7 Playbook: small changes that make a big impactHow blackout & temperature regulation can transform recoveryWhy “sleep is a workout” is the message every teenager needs to hearTools for coaches to integrate sleep into performance cultureResources Mentioned: The Inactive Company: inactiveco.comWhy We Sleep by Matthew Walker: amzn.to/4lsqDKy🎧 Listen now: mentaltrainingplan.com/podcast Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

In this episode of the Coaching Minds podcast, we sit down with former Baylor pole vaulter Kierstyn Ballard to talk about the real journey behind the highlights — from early gymnastics to Division I athletics, injuries, identity loss, and choosing joy through adversity. Kierstyn opens up about navigating mental and emotional challenges, her faith, and what it really takes to ask for help when things feel like they’re falling apart. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, her insight will challenge you to rethink what toughness means — and how to grow through setbacks. Topics we cover: Transitioning from gymnastics to pole vaultingThe mental side of committing in high-risk performanceThe identity crisis of injury and retirementAsking for help and breaking the stigmaHer faith and mindset through four chaotic yearsAre you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

In this episode of the Coaching Minds Podcast, Ben Carnes sits down with Marc Nudelberg—former college football coach and founder of On The Ball—to explore the principles behind consistent, high-level performance. Drawing from his experiences at programs like Florida State and Cincinnati, Marc explains why simplicity beats complexity, how culture can make or break a team, and why most businesses are failing when it comes to real leadership development. The conversation dives into athlete identity, the dangers of tying your worth to your title, and the difference between feedback in football vs. feedback in business. Marc also shares tactical ways entrepreneurs and coaches can build sustainable habits using the “1% better every day” philosophy—without burning out or chasing perfection. TimeTopic 1:10 | Marc's coaching and entrepreneurial journey 3:00 | Why he left college football despite success 5:10 | Special teams = leadership bootcamp 7:00 | The hidden culture behind Florida State’s national title 10:00 | Identity shifts and the cost of chasing success 15:00 | Why most athletes (and coaches) struggle with identity 18:00 | What business gets wrong about leadership + training 21:00 | The importance of visibility and feedback loops 25:00 | How solo entrepreneurs can use AI (like ChatGPT!) as a coach 28:00 | What “1% better every day” really means in practice 30:00 | Avoiding burnout and perfectionism through minimum standards 33:30 | Applying time + mindset management for MTP coaches 37:00 | The 3 priorities every coach-entrepreneur must schedule 40:00 | How to hold others accountable without sacrificing care 42:00 | Marc’s advice to his younger self: Be obsessively curious Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

What’s it really like to go through MTP Certification? In this episode, you’ll hear directly from Coach Danny Tippett — the very first coach to complete the program. Danny shares: Why he decided to pursue mental performance trainingHow the tools helped him coach his son, lead a middle school football team, and improve his own anxietyWhat the certification process was likeHow he’s now applying MTP tools in sports like cheerleading, volleyball, and footballWhy every coach should have this in their toolbox — even if it’s not their main roleWhether you're a coach, trainer, or someone who wants to make a bigger impact — this episode gives you a clear picture of what’s possible when you get MTP Certified. 🔗 Apply at mentaltrainingplan.com → Click “Get Certified” Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

If you're a coach who believes in the power of the mental game — and you're ready to start teaching it — this episode is for you. MTP founder Ben Carnes breaks down exactly what MTP Certification is, who it’s for, and how it equips you to start leading 1-on-1 coaching and team workshops right away. You'll hear: The story behind how the MTP system was builtWhat makes MTP Certification different from any other mental training programHow certified coaches are using this to serve athletes in their schools or build their own coaching businessWhat tools, training, and support you’ll walk away withAnd why now is the best time to join the missionWhether you’re a trainer, team coach, AD, or just someone who wants to make a lasting impact… this is the launchpad you’ve been waiting for. 🔗 Learn more or apply at mentaltrainingplan.com → Click “Get Certified” Are you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams

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. Highlights include: The story behind “Alive Day” and what it means to DaveWhy purpose makes discipline effortlessHow to win the mental game before the race even beginsThe role of faith in high performanceWhy your comeback is always stronger than the setbackAre you an ATHLETE looking to take your training to the next level? Check out our website to learn more about 1-on-1 training opportunities: mentaltrainingplan.com/athletes Are you a COACH looking for an affordable year-round mental performance training program? Check out the MTP Academy available through our website: mentaltrainingplan.com/teams