
Mental Advantage Podcast
This podcast will serve as your MAP to the best version of yourself. No matter what your goals, it all starts with having the right mindset and the right system, in place, that will set you up for success. We want to give you the Mental Advantage.
Latest episodes

Jun 22, 2022 • 57min
Episode 76: "Win Every Day", Adrian Dinkel, Head Baseball Coach, Southeastern University
The MAP boys talk to Adrian Dinkel, the head baseball coach at Southeastern University in Florida. Coach Dinkel talks about the amazing ride in 2022 that ended with his second National Championship at the school. He discusses how he stresses to his players to win every day at everything you do. A mindset that has resulted in a record of 530-123 in his time as a head coach. Among other topics, Coach breaks down what he thinks makes for a great teammate and leader, as well as some of the ways that he builds mental toughness in his players by putting them in time sensitive situations. Whether you are a coach, parent or business leader, you will learn a lot from this episode. Get your pen and paper ready -- here is Adrian Dinkel.To ask a question or leave a comment for the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.net To reach John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

Jun 16, 2022 • 1h 8min
Episode 75: "Bet On Yourself," Tyler Gillum, Head Coach, Savannah Bananas
The MAP boys sit down with Tyler Gillum, Associate Head Coach at South Mountain CC in Phoenix, AZ and the Head Coach of the world-famous, Savannah Bananas. Tyler has been a college baseball coach for almost 15 years and after listening to this interview, you will quickly understand why he has had so much success. He has been a speaker at the ABCA Coaches Conference and is considered one of the best infield coaches in the country. He has developed the "Green Light Special" baserunning system, the "All You Can Eat" Infield Camp and "The Growth Toolbox". You can find these on www.gillumbaseball.com Tyler shares the story of how a bet on himself has now created "one of the best jobs in the country through hard work, perseverance, patience and discipline." His life goal is "to have a positive impact on 1 million people through baseball, education and exercise." He also discusses his time as head coach of the Savannah Bananas and explains "Banana Ball."To follow Tyler on Instagram and Twitter: @Gillum13Website: GillumBaseball.comTo ask a question or leave a comment for the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.net To reach John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo reach Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

Jun 9, 2022 • 59min
Episode 74: "Learning to Compete", Erika Ford
The MAP boys sit down with Erika Ford, former basketball player at the University of Georgia and now coach and teacher. Erika breaks down how she navigated the early years of a collegiate career. She discusses how she became more mentally tough after changing her circle of friends. Other topics include, transitioning to a coaching role and the best ways to deal with today's young athletes and how she is trying to pass down her knowledge to help them become better. She also shares her experiences as a special education teacher.To write the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo write John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo write Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

Jun 2, 2022 • 1h 11min
Episode 73: "ACME Mentality", Zach Cohen
The MAP boys sit down with Zach Cohen, a Mental Performance Coach and founder of ACME Mental Performance. They discuss the importance of thinking less negatively; developing competence, relatedness and autonomy. Other topics discussed include: asking the right questions of your players in travel ball, setting the right expectations for summer leagues and how to set baselines when it comes to mental performance.To work with Zach Cohen and ACME Mental Performance -- go to www.acmementality.com Find him on Instagram: @acme.mentality To write the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo write John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo write Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

May 24, 2022 • 47min
Episode 72: "Winning, Not Losing, Habits and Routines", John Cullen and Brandon Allen
The MAP boys sit down to discuss feedback from the previous episode with Ashley Merryman and her book "Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing." They also review some questions sent in by long-time friend of the show, Sean O'Neil, who shared some questions relating to the role of ego and momentum in competition. The boys breakdown the difference between playing to win vs. playing not to lose. They share some great personal development questions and strategies to be used in habit forming and goal setting.To write the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo write John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo write Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

May 19, 2022 • 1h 15min
Episode 71: "The Science of Winning and Losing", Ashley Merryman
The MAP boys sit down with Ashley Merryman, the co-author (along with Po Bronson) of "Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing." Their book, "NurtureShock", has become one of the most influential books about children ever published. Both books are New York Times bestsellers. Merryman has written for the NY TImes, Time, the Washington Post, CNN.com, the Guardian, ESPN Magazine, and others. She has made appearances on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360; Fox and Friends; CBS This Morning; ESPN's Outside the Lines; HBO's Real Sports with Bryant GumbelAmong other topics, she discusses the importance of competition in development - difference in types of competitors - the impact TEAM can have on competitors - how the way you set up a competition can have influence on the competitors - difference between genders in competition, etc.To view more from Ashley -- go to her website: www.ashleymerryman.com Questions or comments for the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo contact John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo contact Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

May 11, 2022 • 57min
Episode 70: "Mental Health in College Athletics", Devi Jags, Entrepreneur, Writer and Activist
The MAP boys sit down with Devi Jags to discuss her recent article in the Washington Post, “There’s a Mental Health Crisis in College Sports – I know it firsthand.” They explore what are some of the issues that have led to this crisis and where do we go from here. This is just part one of a series of shows the boys will do about mental health and college athletics.Jags is the Marketing & Sales Director of Chatty Monks Brewing and is co-founder of an Indian food brand, Sambar Kitchen. Devi holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She has been published in the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Bon Appetit, Ms. Magazine and more.In her writing, Devi aims to share her story in healing from sexual violence, discuss pressures in NCAA athletics, and define her identity despite past trauma. She uses the power of storytelling to elevate others, create social change, and above all, find solidarity for herself.To join her journey, follow her work @devijags or visit her website at www.devijags.com To write the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo write John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo write Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

Apr 26, 2022 • 35min
Episode 69: “Research and Show Notes”, John Cullen and Brandon Allen
On this episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys discuss such topics as: research on the science of winning and losing, staying calm in the competition and some upcoming guests.To write the show: podcast@mentaladvantage.net To get in touch with John Cullen or Brandon Allen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.net or brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

Apr 9, 2022 • 56min
Episode 68: "Back In the Arena", Andy Riise
Back from Episode 12, the MAP boys sit down with Andy Riise, the man with many titles or even more life experiences. Andy is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, who is now the Texas A&M University Program Director for the National Security Innovation Network. He is also a Presidential Leadership Scholar. Andy's a West Point graduate and former Army football player who spent over 20 years leading Soldiers including multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan and five years with two elite Special Forces units. He taught Performance Psychology and leadership at West Point, the Air Force Academy and Texas A&M University. Andy works with high performing populations in multiple arenas including pro sports, business, health care and emergency services. He is the owner/operator of Design to Perform, LLC and co-author of the best selling book, "Deliberate Discomfort: How US Special Operations Forces Overcome Fear and Dare to Win by Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable.Social Media: Instagram: @coach_riise Twitter: @andy.riise Mental Advantage Podcast: @mentaladvantagepodcast@jc_mental_advantage @midwodbickering

Mar 25, 2022 • 1h 10min
Episode 67: "Purpose over Position," Vad Lee, Founder/Director, Vad Lee Foundation
The Mental Advantage Podcast welcomes Vad Lee, the former quarterback at Georgia Tech and James Madison University. Among some of the topics, Vad talks to the MAP boys about his books, "Purpose over Position" and "That's My Friend." He discusses some of the many highlights of his journey through football as well as some of the low moments and how through all of these experiences he found his Purpose. After listening to this interview, you will understand how Vad Lee became one of the top college QBs in the country and now uses all of these personal experiences to inspire and motivate so many others. Get your pen and paper ready.Vad Lee on Twitter: @_VL2Vad Lee on Instagram: _vlee2Website: www.vadlee.orgTo contact the Mental Advantage Podcast: podcast@mentaladvantage.netTo contact John Cullen: john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netTo contact Brandon Allen: brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net