The Mental Edge: Chad McGehee on Performance, Injury Prevention & Focus

Want fewer injuries, better readiness to train, and athletes who can actually handle pressure?
In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Chad McGehee, Director of Meditation Training at University of Wisconsin Athletics and co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation. Chad works directly with elite athletes and coaches to train attention, reduce injury risk, and improve performance—without adding more volume, stress, or drills.
Together, they break down how mindfulness functions as strength and conditioning for the mind, why attention is involved in every rep and decision, and how short, consistent meditation practices are linked to better readiness, recovery, and resilience in high-pressure environments.

You’ll hear how Chad went from meditation skeptic to leading mindfulness inside a major Division I athletic department, how teams like Wisconsin Volleyball integrated daily practices, and why mental training supports both performance and mental health for athletes and coaches alike.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How training attention supports injury prevention and recovery
• Why mindfulness improves mood, energy, and readiness to train
• How meditation helps athletes bounce back faster after mistakes
• How coaches can introduce mindfulness without losing buy-in
• Why the teacher’s personal practice matters as much as the technique
• Simple practices teams can use this week

If you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or leader who wants sustainable performance without burnout, this conversation is a practical blueprint.

You’ll walk away with:
✅ A clear understanding of how mindfulness impacts performance and injury risk
✅ Simple meditation tools for warm-ups, cooldowns, and meetings
✅ Language to help skeptical athletes and coaches engage
✅ Encouragement to treat mental training like physical training

Sponsor:
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Release Dates
Medical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025
Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026
Discount Code: PFH25

Offer Windows
Medical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026
Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.
Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourself

Links & Resources
More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com
Mental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.com
Book Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.com

If this episode helps you, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one coach, athlete, or parent who needs it.

This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/

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