In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell engages with mental performance coach Travis Rogers and young athletes Jalen Jacob and Korbin Greaves in preparation for their participation in the 2025 Prep Baseball Future Games in Atlanta Georgia.. They discuss the mental aspects of playing baseball, including personal journeys, mental preparation, handling pressure, setting goals, and the importance of routines. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media, the transfer portal, and balancing academics with athletics. The athletes share their insights on maintaining a positive mindset and learning from failure, emphasizing the importance of being the best version of oneself.

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In this powerful episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with Bob Wilkie — former professional hockey player, author, founder of I Got Mind, and mental health advocate. Bob’s journey through the highs of junior and professional hockey and the deep lows of trauma, loss, and identity struggles provides an unflinching look at the realities behind the game.

Key Topics Covered:

• Falling in Love with Hockey: Bob’s early inspirations, Hockey Night in Canada, and forming his identity around the game.
• The Swift Current Broncos Bus Crash: How tragedy reshaped his life and inspired the “For the Boys” scholarship honouring lost teammates.
• Mental Health and Hockey Culture: The lasting impacts of stigma, the toxic side of “tough it out,” and the dangers of unchecked hockey culture.
• Resilience and Redemption: From hoisting the Memorial Cup to battling trauma, substance abuse, and rediscovering purpose.
• I Got Mind: Building mental wealth through communication, expectations, teamwork, and soft skills for athletes, parents, and coaches.
• The Sideways Documentary: Telling the story of the crash, its aftermath, and the long path toward healing.
• Practical Advice for Young Athletes & Parents: Managing expectations, focusing on fun and development, and building habits that strengthen both mental and physical performance.

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In this episode of The Mental Approach Podcast, host Todd Arkell sits down with former Canadian baseball player and current mental health professional Graham Tebbit. Graham shares his journey from growing up in Canadian baseball, earning a college scholarship in the U.S., and playing semi-pro in the IBL, to transitioning into a career in mental health and performance coaching.

Drawing on both personal experience and professional training, Graham dives into:

• The mental ups and downs of being an athlete and how to normalize them.
• Strategies for building resilience and reframing setbacks.
• The role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in sports performance.
• How perfectionism, ADHD, and social media influence young athletes today.
• Common mistakes parents and coaches make—and how to better support athletes.

The conversation also explores myths about “mental toughness,” why early mental skills training matters, and how to balance external expectations with personal passion for the game. Graham’s perspective blends the competitive mindset of a high-level athlete with the empathy and insight of a therapist, offering practical advice for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

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In this weeks episode, host Todd Arkell talks with Ryan Long current hitting coach Witherspoon the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate the Buffalo Bisons. The two chat about the difference in culture and mindset between North American and Korean players. Growing up in Texas, being recruited to LSU and drafted by the Kansas City Royals. How his experiences led Ryan to coaching and how he applies that knowledge today for those up and coming professionals.

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This episode features an insightful conversation with Jeremy Booth, visionary Founder and CEO of Program 15, President of Baseball Operations for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, former MLB scout, and accomplished baseball analyst and author.

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In this episode of The Mental Approach, host Todd Arkell sits down with Libby Triolo, a mental performance coach and licensed professional counselor based in Colorado. Livy, a former competitive soccer player and current billet mom for a junior hockey team, specializes in helping athletes optimize their performance through mindset mastery and emotional intelligence.

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In this episode of the Mental Approach podcast, Todd Arkell interviews Dr. Colt Olson, a mental skills coordinator for the Colorado Rockies. They discuss the challenges of being a student-athlete, the journey into sports psychology, and the importance of mental skills in sports. Dr. Olson shares insights on building confidence in athletes, the role of education in sports psychology, and effective goal-setting strategies. The conversation emphasizes the significance of focusing on controllables rather than outcomes, and the integration of mental skills training in spring training for baseball players. In this conversation, Todd Arkell and Colt Olson explore the importance of delegation, the impact of reading and journaling, and the significance of mental resilience in personal and professional growth. They discuss practical tools for self-improvement, including journaling techniques and morning routines, and share valuable book recommendations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for change and the benefits of servant leadership, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from past experiences and interactions.

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In this conversation, Todd Arkell interviews Cooper Davis, a former collegiate baseball player at Vanderbilt University, discussing his journey from youth sports in Mississauga, Canada to playing at a prestigious college. They explore themes of mentorship, perseverance, and the cultural transition from Canada to the U.S. Davis shares insights on the importance of sticking with challenges, the role of leadership in sports, and how his experiences in baseball have translated into his current career in aviation. The discussion also touches on the impact of injuries and the lessons learned from them, emphasizing the value of teamwork and personal growth. In this conversation, Cooper Davis and Todd Arkell discuss the journey of baseball players, focusing on late bloomers, the value of college baseball, and the importance of facing elite competition. They share insights on influential coaches, the experience of Canadian players in U.S. baseball, and the significance of building a strong foundation in the sport. The discussion also touches on life lessons learned through baseball and advice for young players.

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