Mental Advantage Podcast

The MAP boys sit down for a fascinating conversation with Holly Stofa, a smalltown girl who went on to become a Covert CIA Operator, author, coach, mom, collegiate athlete and mental performance coach.  After her career in the CIA, she has now set her agenda on helping people like yourself to become their best and truest self.  A few of the topics we discuss are the importance of placing an emphasis on self-awareness in personal and professional relationships; teamwork; maintaining relationships in high-pressure careers and how staying connected to one's identity is so critical in all-consuming roles; importance of self-belief and how a belief in the possible can help someone be more resilient.So, get your pen and paper ready, you won't want to miss this one -- here is Holly Stofa.To read Holly's newsletter (Sp)identity, follow her on LinkedIn. To contact the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

The MAP boys caught up with Dr. Bijoy John, a board-certified sleep specialist with over 25 years of experience in treating various sleep disorders across all age groups.  In addition to his book, "Nobody's Sleeping: 7 Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health and Happiness," Dr. John also runs the Sleep Fix Academy. The book emphasizes a holistic approach to sleep, moving away from temporary solutions like sleeping pills.  In this episode, Dr. John discusses the importance of getting quality sleep and provides practical, step-by-step strategies to help readers fall asleep quickly, maintain deep sleep and wake up rejuvenated.Link for the book: Amazon.com: Nobody’s Sleeping: 7 Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health and Happiness: 9781636983554: John MD, Bijoy E.: BooksGet your pen and paper ready -- here is Dr. Bijoy John.To find out more about Dr. John and his projects, you can visit his website www.sleepfixacademy.com To contact the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

In today's episode, the MAP boys sit down with second-time guest, Travis Thomas, to discuss such topics as confidence and courage. Travis is a speaker, author, coach and creator of "Live Yes, And."  He has dedicated his life to helping individuals, teams and organizations with mindset, team dynamics and culture.  He spent three years with U.S. Men's National Soccer team working with team dynamics, culture and mental performance.  He is a speaker and coach for Limitless Minds and the author of "3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And"; as well as his latest book, "Confidence is Overrated."  Finally, Travis has been performing as an improvisational comedian for over 25 years.Would you rather be courageous or fearless?  We discuss neutral thinking and validation in responses, embracing vulnerability in leadership and the importance of nurturing courage over confidence.  Get your pen and paper ready -- here is Travis Thomas.To find out more about Travis and his projects, you can visit his website www.liveyesand.com To contact the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

After a longer than expected holiday break, the MAP boys are back.  On this episode, they discussed their experiences with wellness, mental health and meditation.  They also explored the importance of focus, mental preparation, and control in in sports and life; the role of gratitude and discipline in achieving personal goals.  Lastly, they shared their experiences with prayer and meditation, emphasizing the need for presence and connection.John discussed his "Full 90" program that he started on January 1 that focuses on physical fitness, nutrition and spiritual development.  He also talked about the "Let Them" theory from Mel Robbins.  Brandon discussed using the Amuse 2 brain wave monitor and said he will report back about it on future episodes.  John and Brandon are excite d about next week's guest, Travis Thomas, who will be discussing his new book, "Confidence is Overrated."To contact the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

The MAP boys welcome Tim Neiman, head baseball coach at DeSales University, to the program.  Coach Neiman is also the author of "What is Your Legacy? A Blueprint for Your Personal and Professional Journey".  Coach Neiman has over 35+ years of experience as a college baseball coach and he shares some of the insights he has gained over his years in developing great baseball players into great pillars of their communities.  His thoughts on team building, culture building and how by putting the focus on Love, Empowerment, Giving, Accountability, Commitment and Yearning you can also build a lasting LEGACY. You won't want to miss this episode -- so, get your pen and paper ready, here is Tim Neiman.To order the book, go to What is Your Legacy?: Leadership, Life Lessons, Business and Baseball: Neiman, Tim: 9798337578194: Amazon.com: Books To contact the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

Dr. Bhrett McCabe, a clinical and sport psychologist celebrated for mentoring top athletes, shares his insights on managing anxiety. He discusses how confronting fears can empower individuals and emphasizes the necessity of recognizing emotions rather than suppressing them. The conversation also touches on the pressures faced by youth athletes in today’s society, particularly from social media. Bhrett highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in both sports and life, offering strategies for overcoming perfectionism and enhancing performance.

The MAP boys sit down with longtime friend and former college teammate, Shawn Lopez.  "Pez" has been the Head Softball Coach at Olathe Northwest in Olathe, KS since 2019.  In 2024, his team went 23-4 and won the 6A State Championship and he was named the 6A Coach of the Year.  Shawn shares his learnings from each of his stops in over 20 years of coaching.  He talks about the coach/player relationship with his daughter, Claire, what it was like coaching through COVID, what it was like to transition from coaching baseball to softball, etc.Get your pen and paper ready, here is Shawn Lopez.To contact the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

On this week's episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with Monte Lee, the Associate Head Baseball Coach at the University of South Carolina.  He talks about the various stops he has made in his coaching journey from being an assistant coach for Tim Wallace (Spartanburg Methodist) and Ray Tanner (South Carolina) to being the head coach at Clemson and the College of Charleston.  He shares the lessons he learned at each stop and also talks about his thoughts on toughness, the mental side of the game, the importance of process (stacking days) and other great information that you won't want to miss.  So, get your pen and paper ready....here is Monte Lee.To contact the show with questions or comments: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

On this week's episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with Joanna Lohman.  Joanna is a former professional soccer player and member of the United States Women's National Team. She is the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired, honoring her 16-year playing career where she built a platform for social impact.  Along with Paul Tukey, she co-authored, "Raising Tomorrow's Champions".  She is currently a global keynote speaker and authenticity activator.  She continues her influence as a Sport Diplomat and will be your new favorite celesbian.  Joanna is also a Limitless Minds Coach and currently working on a leadership project with former MAP guest, Travis Thomas.On many social media apps, she can be found @joannalohman15For more information about her and how to book her for a speaking engagement or purchase the book, you can visit: www.joannalohman.com To contact the show with questions or comments: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

The MAP boys sit down with Isaac Collins, a professional baseball player with the Nashville Sounds (AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers).  It won't take long to understand why Isaac's mindset and mental toughness are a big part of his success in baseball.  He credits alot of people for helping him develop this mindset, but says that when he was with the Colorado Rockies organization, Doug Chadwick, a mental performance coach, was instrumental in building the foundation.Isaac is a native of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Creighton University.  He was drafted in the 9th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies and was picked up by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2023 Minor League Rule 5 Draft.  In this episode, Isaac talks about the game day and in-game systems, strategies and routines that he uses to remain present in the moment.  He discusses his journey through minor league ball and his turnback moment and how he overcame it.This episode is a MUST listen for any athlete or coach.  Get your pen and paper ready, here is Isaac Collins.On many social media apps, he can be found @isaaccollins2To contact the show with questions or comments: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo work with John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net