The WellSport Podcast

On this week’s WellSport Podcast, we sat down with Bekah Shininger (@bekinreallife) — a marathoner (33 and counting) , creator, and community builder who’s redefined what mental toughness looks like.We talked about everything from:💭 Why she started running to prove she was “capable of more”💄 Her belief that “you can be pretty and gritty” — authenticity as a form of strength🔥 How stacking the hard days (not just the sunny ones) builds grit🤝 The power of finding (and creating) your community in an individual sportWhat I loved most? Bekah’s perspective that running — like any pursuit of excellence — is about freedom, expression, and growth through challenge.

Golf coach Mitch Farrer might be one of the best technical minds in the sport — but what stood out most in our conversation wasn’t swing mechanics. It was mindset.We talked about how the best players don’t wait for pressure to find them — they train for it.They build stress into practice, create consequence, and learn how to perform when their heart rate spikes.Mitch put it perfectly:“Simulate pressure in practice so the game feels easy. Most people do the opposite.”We also unpacked:Why nerves are a sign that something mattersHow to practice confidence, not just mechanicsWhy experience under pressure is the best mental training there isIf you’re a coach or athlete, this episode is a reminder that mental performance isn’t something you “work on later” — it’s built into how you train today.

On Episode 46 we sat down with the Founder of the ⁠Performance Advisory Group⁠, ⁠Justin Su'a⁠. Justin has worked with multiple teams in the MLB, NFL, NHL, and the NBA and is someone I've looked up to since the start of my journey in this field. We covered so much ground — from how his mission trip in Nicaragua helped shape his ability to communicate and empathize, to working with the top athletes in the world — but what stood out most was how he thinks.Justin approaches performance through systems thinking that prioritizes: 🧠 Understanding variables that influences behavior ⚙️ Building intentional environments for consistency 💬 Asking better questions rather than giving quick answers

On Episode 45 we sit down with Dr. Alex Auerbach, performance psychologist for the Jacksonville Jaguars (and formerly with the Toronto Raptors).One of the biggest takeaways? The role of AI in the future of mental performance.We talk about:How journaling connects to neuroscience—and how using AI tools can surface patterns and insights athletes might miss on their ownWhy AI will become an essential between-sessions teammate to help athletes stay accountable and consistentThe balance between human connection and technology in high-performance environmentsHis mental skills pyramid for pros—from sleep and recovery, to composure strategies, to cognitive toolsHow acceptance and mindset shape performance at the highest levelsAlex made it clear: AI isn’t here to replace coaches or athletes—it’s here to augment performance and open new doors for growth.

On Episode 44 I sat down with Dr. Logan Hartnell, Director of Student-Athlete Wellness at Clemson University, to talk about:Building a truly integrated mental health + performance modelHow culture, trust, and connection break down stigmaThe new pressures college athletes face — NIL, social media, even sports betting — and how to support themWhy knowing your “why” matters as much as any physical skillThis conversation left me fired up about where our field is headed. Logan’s perspective on creating spaces where athletes feel seen as people first is exactly the kind of shift the collegiate world needs.🎧 Give it a listen if you’re passionate about athlete well-being, performance, and leadership.

🔥 New Episode with J Jaggers 🔥On Episode 43 we sit down with J Jaggers. From 4x State Champ to 2x NCAA Champion to Associate Head Coach of The Ohio State Wrestling team — J’s journey is built on loyalty, blue-collar values, and a relentless competitive spirit.In this conversation, we dive into:💥 What separates elite athletes on the mental side💥 Balancing “work hard” with “work smart”💥 Building culture + loyalty in today’s transfer portal era💥 Lessons on leadership, coaching, and even parenting through sportThis one is packed with wisdom for athletes, coaches, and leaders.🎧 Tune in now — link in bio.

On Episode 42 of The WellSport Podcast we sit down with Ryan Hawk — host of the top-ranked podcast The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk and best-selling author of Welcome to Management, The Pursuit of Excellence, & The Score that Matters Most.We dive into: ✅ What separates elite performers from the rest ✅ How curiosity fuels growth & resilience ✅ Building habits that last under pressure ✅ The one question leaders should ask themselves every day

Brian Smith, the head coach of Mizzou wrestling and author of Tiger Style, shares his insights on building a winning culture. He discusses the core values of 'Tiger Style' and how he sets a vision from day one, recruiting key leaders like Ben Askren. Smith emphasizes mental toughness through initiatives like Mental Mondays and Tough Talk Thursdays. He also details the importance of variety in training to prevent burnout, reflecting on athletes' journeys, such as Mark Ellis, to highlight the impact beyond just winning.

On episode 40 we sit down with Director of Performance Psychology & Team Behavioral Health Clinician for the Green Bay Packers: Dr. Chris Carr2d

On Episode 39 we sit down with Buffalo Bills Sport Psychologist: Dr. Desaree Festa. We dive into her story into becoming one of seven full-time sport psychologists in the NFL, the critical incident that led to her and her team winning an ESPY, common mental tools used in the NFL, the future of sport psych and so much more.Be sure to visit her website @ drdez.co