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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The MAP boys were pumped up to sit down with Steve Springer, founder of Quality-At-Bats academy and former performance coach and scout for the Toronto Blue Jays. After not starting in his senior year of HS, getting cut in college, Springer was drafted by the Mets after a breakout junior season in college.Springer played over 14 years as a professional baseball player and compiled 1,600 professional hits.Over 35 years as a professional player, agent and scout. He is also the author of the book, "Spring Time: My Amazing Journey from High School Benchwarmer, to the Big Leagues, to Mentor of Major League All-Stars."He is currently a scout for the Oakland A's.You can find out more about Quality At Bats and what Spring has to offer at www.qualityatbats.com If you want to reach the show, please contact podcast@mentaladvantage.net If you want to work with John Cullen, please contact john.cullen@mentaladvantage.netIf you want to reach Brandon Allen, please contact brandon.allen@mentaladvantage.net

The MAP boys sit down with mental performance coach, Mandy Patterson, to discuss how to turn mental blocks and fears into confidence and joy. Mandy offers individual and team coaching and is a speaker in the Atlanta, GA area. To work with Mandy or to fill out the no-cost performance check, go to mgpcoach.com/performancechecksession.com To follow Mandy Patterson on Instagram and Facebook: @mandypattersoncoachingTo 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