Episodes

  • Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O'Connor

    Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O'Connor
    Sep 20 2024
    In this powerful episode of Athlete Mindset, "Who You Are, Not What You Do," host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Kelsey O'Connor, a motivational speaker, former D1 student-athlete, and recent North Carolina State University social work graduate. Kelsey shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery following a career-ending head injury. Her story of overcoming adversity and redefining her identity resonated with millions when her commencement speech went viral, amassing over 40 million views across TikTok and many social media platforms.This is the Athlete Mindset podcast, which explores mental health in sports. It is presented and produced by SportsE Media as part of the podcast network.'Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O'Connor' Highlights:Kelsey's background in softball and her journey to becoming a D1 athlete at NC StateThe traumatic head injury that abruptly ended her athletic career and its impact on her identityKelsey's struggle with recovery and the process of rebuilding her sense of selfThe importance of faith, family, and service in Kelsey's life and recoveryKelsey's viral commencement speech and its message about identity beyond performanceThe transition from athlete to advocate and motivational speakerKelsey's commitment to mental health advocacy for student-athletes and her pursuit of further education in social work and mental performance counselingThe power of resilience and the importance of defining oneself beyond titles and achievementsAbout Kelsey O'Connor: Kelsey O'Connor is a motivational speaker and recent social work graduate from North Carolina State University. After recovering from a head injury that ended her D1 softball career, Kelsey found a new purpose in sharing her story and perspective with others. Her commencement speech, which went viral with over 40 million views, touched on themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth. Kelsey now travels the country, speaking to organizations and teams about building confidence, developing a strong identity, and improving team culture.Kelsey's mission: To help individuals and teams boost confidence, build strong identities, and improve team culture by sharing her unique perspective on identity and resilience. Through her talks, Kelsey aims to remind people that their worth is not defined by their achievements or titles, but by the qualities that truly matter.Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network SportsE MediaSportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.https://sportsepreneur.com/Athlete Mindset is also a part of QuietLoud StudiosQuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.https://quietloudstudios.com/Athlete Mindset is produced by the team at KazCMKazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.https://kazcm.com/Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:Kelsey O'Connor: LinkedIn | TikTok | https://www.kelseyoconnor.net/Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | websiteSportsE Media: LinkedIn | XRelated episodes to "Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O'Connor":Kelsey O’Connor Turns Medically Retiring Into Motivational SpeakingAngela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health RevolutionKeep Showing Up, Like ChloeMusic credit:Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    32 mins
  • Angela Lee Pucci's Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution

    Angela Lee Pucci's Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution
    Sep 6 2024
    In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Angela Lee Pucci, a retired professional MMA fighter, six-time MMA world champion, and founder of Fight Story. Angela opens up about her journey from the world of combat sports to becoming a mental health advocate. She shares her personal experiences with suicide, including her own attempt in 2017 and the loss of her sister, Victoria, by suicide in 2022. The conversation explores the pressures of professional fighting, the importance of mental health awareness in combat sports, and how Fight Story aims to revolutionize the industry by providing support and resources for fighters' mental and physical well-being.This is the Athlete Mindset podcast, which is about mental health in sports. It is presented and produced by SportsE Media as part of the podcast network."Angela Lee Pucci's Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution" Highlights:Angela's background in martial arts and her journey to becoming an MMA world champion at age 19The intense pressure of weight cutting and its impact on mental health in combat sportsAngela's personal experience with a suicide attempt in 2017 and how it shaped her perspective on mental healthThe profound loss of her sister Victoria by suicide and its impact on Angela's life and careerThe founding of Fight Story, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health awareness in combat sportsThe importance of changing the narrative around mental health and "mental toughness" in athleticsAngela's transition from professional fighting to advocacy and her mission to help others through Fight StoryThe significance of open conversations about mental health and providing support for athletesClick Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset CommunityBy supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network SportsE MediaSportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.https://sportsepreneur.com/Athlete Mindset is also a part of QuietLoud StudiosQuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.https://quietloudstudios.com/Athlete Mindset is produced by the team at KazCMKazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.https://kazcm.com/About Angela Lee Pucci and Fight Story:Fight Story is a platform where fighters unite to revolutionize combat sports, inspire hope, and champion a global movement for mental and physical wellness.Fight Story vision: Our goal is to create a community that empowers one another to embrace the journey. We are starting the conversation. By sharing real stories of overcoming mental health struggles, we shine the light on a topic kept in the dark, and we break down the stigma surrounding mental health. We are here to pioneer the way for athlete guidance, support, advocacy, connection, education, and wellness in combat sports. Join us in the fight for a better, kinder, and more loving world.Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:Angela Lee Pucci: Instagram | WikipediaFight Story: https://fightstory.org/ | InstagramLisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | websiteSportsE Media: LinkedIn | XRelated episodes to "Angela Lee Pucci's Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution":Marine Corps Veteran | Michael Baldridge on Combat, Loss, and RedemptionEmpowering Women in Soccer with Grace AhrensRight State of MindMusic credit:Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    34 mins
  • Empowering Women in Soccer with Grace Ahrens

    Empowering Women in Soccer with Grace Ahrens
    Aug 27 2024
    In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Grace Ahrens, the executive director of Women in Soccer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting women and underrepresented individuals in soccer. Grace shares her multicultural background, her journey into social work, and how she found her way to Women in Soccer. The conversation explores the importance of mental health in sports and the growing soccer landscape in the United States.This is the Athlete Mindset podcast. It is all about mental health in sports. It is presented and produced by SportsE Media as part of the podcast network.Memorable Quote: “Soccer transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, serving not just as a sport but as a powerful medium for social change and community building.” - Grace Ahrens"Grace Ahrens | Empowering Women in Soccer" Highlights:Grace's multicultural background and how it influences her work in soccerThe mission and growth of Women in Soccer, connecting over 4,600 members nationallyThe importance of social work principles in the sports industryMental health considerations for athletes and underrepresented individuals in the workforceThe rapidly evolving landscape of soccer in the United States, including the upcoming World CupsThe intersection of social work values and soccer in creating inclusive spacesThe significance of representation and belonging in the sports industryClick here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset CommunityBy supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!About Grace Ahrens and Women in Soccer:Grace Ahrens recently joined Women in Soccer (WIS) as the Executive Director, bringing her passion for building inclusive communities and her background in social work to the organization. With her previous experience as the GM of NYC Footy, the largest coed adult recreational soccer league in New York City, Grace is well-positioned to lead WIS in its mission to empower women and marginalized individuals in the soccer world.Women in Soccer, founded in late 2020, is a national network that connects women and underrepresented individuals who love soccer. The organization's mission is to increase agency and representation for these groups within the beautiful game through community building. WIS welcomes people of all mind/body types, sexual orientations, gender identities, races, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities, including allies.The idea for WIS was born from the experiences of co-founder Courtney Carroll Levinsohn and founding member Tracy Hamm, who recognized the need for a support network for those facing barriers in the male-dominated soccer industry. The organization gained momentum following the U.S. women's national team's 2019 World Cup victory and their subsequent fight for equal pay and inclusion.WIS values inclusion, passion, action, and grit. The organization provides a free platform for its members to connect, access resources, and find job opportunities in soccer. With over 4,600 members nationally, WIS is rapidly growing and evolving to meet the needs of the changing soccer landscape in the United States.As Executive Director, Grace Ahrens is excited about the future of women's soccer and is committed to making the industry more equitable and inclusive. Her leadership at WIS aligns perfectly with her background in social work and her dedication to creating progressive communities within the sport. Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | websiteGrace Ahrens: LinkedInWomen In Soccer (WIS): https://womeninsoccer.org/SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X | https://sportsepreneur.com/Related episodes to "Empowering Women in Soccer with Grace Ahrens":TLH Reckoning – Women’s Soccer Franchise | Ashlee Fontes-ComberBrandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring LeaderAthMindset | Advancing Women’s Soccer with Dr. Missy Price of the USLMusic credit:Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    37 mins
  • Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader

    Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader
    Jun 18 2024

    In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with soccer legend Brandi Chastain to explore her journey from youth soccer to international stardom. Brandi discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including her famous penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, overcoming injuries, and the impact of mentorship and leadership. They also discuss the importance of resilience, celebrating successes, and the evolving role of mental health in sports. Brandi shares valuable insights for young athletes and parents, emphasizing the significance of support, hard work, and self-belief.

    "Find Your Yes!"

    "Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader" Topics:

    • The pressure of playing on the national stage and Brandi's iconic penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup
    • Overcoming injuries and the mental and physical challenges of recovery
    • The importance of leadership and mentorship in sports
    • The evolving role of mental health in athletic performance
    • Celebrating successes and building confidence in athletes
    • The impact of youth sports coaching and parental influence on young athletes
    • The vision and mission behind founding AFC (Athletic Football Club) and its future in women's soccer

    Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

    By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

    Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

    • Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram
    • Brandi Chastain: X | Instagram | The Players' Tribune articles
    • SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

    Related content:

    • How NBC Sports’ Premier League Streaming Fuels Soccer in the U.S.
    • TLH Reckoning – Women’s Soccer Franchise | Ashlee Fontes-Comber
    • US World Cup Series | Soccer: The World’s Most Popular Sport

    Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Embracing Grief and Building Community with Myra Sack

    Embracing Grief and Building Community with Myra Sack
    May 22 2024

    In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii speaks with Myra Sack, an All-American scholar athlete and founder of E-Motion, a nonprofit supporting grieving individuals. Myra shares her journey through grief after losing her daughter, Havi, and discusses the importance of community, rituals, and emotional literacy. Learn how Myra's experiences as an athlete influence her work and how E-Motion makes a difference for those dealing with loss. Discover the collaborations with Women in Soccer and Common Goal to promote emotional literacy in sports.

    Myra Sack runs E-Motion, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals through grief. She has led sports-based youth development nonprofits for over a decade and is a dedicated writer, coach, and activist. Myra lives in Boston with her family, honoring the memory of her daughter, Havi, through her impactful work.

    Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

    By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

    Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

    Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram

    Myra Sack: about | LinkedIn | E-Motion | Today article

    SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

    Related content:

    Touching Loved Ones Through Content Creation | Frank Van Buren

    Kelsey O’Connor Turns Medically Retiring Into Motivational Speaking

    Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports

    Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    31 mins
  • Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC

    Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC
    May 17 2024

    In this third episode of our three-part series, Lisa Bonta Sumii talks with Dan Ourian, CMPC, a certified mental performance consultant and assistant director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. They discuss integrating mental performance coaching into athletic coaching, the significance of mindfulness practices, and the importance of practical placements for students training to become mental performance consultants.

    Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC Highlights:

    • Importance of mental performance in athletic coaching.
    • Tips for youth coaches on improving mental fitness.
    • Benefits of mindfulness practices for coaches.
    • Role of practical placements in training mental performance consultants.

    Memorable Quote: "Recognize that you are a performer in your own right, and your coaching is highly impactful on your athlete's experience."

    This 3-part podcast series is titled: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants

    Dominican's Applied Sport and Performance Psychology (ASPP) department trains students to be ethical, professional, and culturally competent practitioners who work with performers in a variety of domains. Our program is committed to supporting both the professional and personal growth of students to become practitioners and leaders of Sport and Performance Psychology who integrate the art and science of mental skills training.

    About Dan Ourian, CMPC: Dan Ourian is a certified mental performance consultant and the Assistant Director of the Applied Sport and Performance Psychology program at Dominican University of California. With a background in coaching basketball, Dan integrates mental performance principles into athletic coaching, helping develop well-rounded athletes and future mental performance consultants.

    Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

    By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

    Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

    • Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
    • Dan Ourian, CMPC | LinkedIn | Dominican University of California
    • SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

    Related episodes to "Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dan Ourian, CMPC":

    • Part 1 of the series: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Kai Laird, MA, CMPC, LPC
    • Part 2 of the series: Developing the Next Generation of Mental Performance Consultants | Dr. Alison Pope-Rhodius, CMPC
    • Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports

    Music credit:

    • Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    24 mins
  • Female Footballers Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW

    Female Footballers Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW
    May 15 2024

    In this episode of the Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii is a guest on the Female Footballers Podcast, where she discusses the profound impacts of mental health in sports. She shares insights on the pressures athletes face, the importance of recognizing mental health struggles, and how they intersect with performance on the field.

    Female Footballers Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW Highlights:

    1. Exploring the critical role mental health plays in sports and athlete performance.
    2. Discussion on the unique challenges faced by youth and collegiate athletes.
    3. Strategies for coaches and athletes to address mental health proactively.
    4. Emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and how to foster it.

    Memorable Quote: "Every human has mental health, just like we have physical health. We live on a continuum of how healthy we are and how healthy we feel day-to-day, week to week, month to month."

    Female Footballers podcast: Hosted by a dynamic duo focused on mental health in sports, the Female Footballers Podcast creates a vital community for student-athletes. The show features diverse voices from the sports world, offering relatable insights and fostering a supportive space for mental health discussions.

    Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

    By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

    Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

    • Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram
    • Female Footballers podcast: website | Apple Podcasts
    • SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

    Related content:

    • How NBC Sports’ Premier League Streaming Fuels Soccer in the U.S.
    • TLH Reckoning – Women’s Soccer Franchise | Ashlee Fontes-Comber
    • US World Cup Series | Soccer: The World’s Most Popular Sport

    Music credit:

    • Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    42 mins
  • Mental Health Training Room Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW

    Mental Health Training Room Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW
    May 7 2024

    In this episode of the Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii appears as a guest on the Mental Health Training Room Podcast hosted by Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, former Division I basketball players. Lisa discusses the intersection of mental health and athletic performance, emphasizing mental wellness's role in achieving peak athletic results.

    Mental Health Training Room Podcast Featuring Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW Highlights:

    1. The founding of AthMindset and its mission to support athletes through mental health struggles.
    2. The differences and synergies between mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants.
    3. Practical tips on how athletes can manage performance anxiety and set effective mental health goals.
    4. The importance of tailored mental health support that acknowledges the unique pressures faced by athletes.

    Memorable Quote:
    "Every human being has mental health, just like we have physical health. We live on a continuum of how healthy we are and how healthy we feel from day to day, week to week, month to month."

    Mental Health Training Room podcast:

    Mental Health Training Room is a podcast hosted by Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim, former Division I basketball players. This podcast aims to create a community and safe space for all student-athletes. We want our listeners to find comfort and relatability in their mental health struggles through the conversations that will be held with the variety of guests featured. These people include but are not limited to mental health professionals, current/former athletes, coaches, and academic advisors. While our podcast does not serve as professional help, we hope you can all learn something from each episode and be reminded that you are not alone in this journey. If you are in crisis, please reach out to the suicide hotline at 988.

    Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

    By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

    Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:

    • Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram
    • Mental Health Training Room Podcast: Buzzsprout | Apple Podcasts
    • SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

    Related episodes:

    • Normalizing Mental Health in Sports with Lisa Bonta Sumii
    • From The Players Podcast
    • Recognizing the Drama in the Ordinary

    Music credit:

    • Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot
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    51 mins