The Mental Cast

Building Confidence for Success (S6:E03)

Confidence is more than just belief—it's a skill that can be trained, honed, and protected. In this episode of The MentalCast, Dan Mickle explores the key elements of building confidence, from preparation and visualization to setting achievable goals. Learn how to bounce back from setbacks, foster a growth mindset, and create supportive environments that nurture confidence for athletes, coaches, and parents alike.
This episode also includes tips tailored for neurodivergent athletes, like using structured routines, sensory-friendly tools, and visual trackers to build and sustain confidence. In the The Proper Atmosphere segment, Dan answers a listener's question about helping a player with autism thrive in team settings. Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to develop the mental edge!
Show: Season 6 - Episode 03 (January 2025) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Building Confidence for Success
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
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Last Time You Had Fun (S6:E02)

We have moments of joy and happiness, but when did you last have true fun?  A time when you lost track of time, laughed so hard you hurt, or maybe a moment that changed your life.  Our lives, and more importantly, the lives of our young athletes, have become so busy that we forget to have fun, which can have serious consequences.  It is time we rethink what it means to have true fun and its value.
Show: Season 6 - Episode 02 (June 2024) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Last Time You Had Fune
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Mentioned in Episode
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
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Where Have I Been? (S6:E01)

About one year ago, I walked away from my podcast.  I was unsure why, but a conversation and a book led me back.  We need to discuss that before I can continue this new season.  And let me say I am glad to be back and even more excited to have some great conversations.
Show: Season 6 - Episode 01 (May 2024) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Where Have I Been?
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Mentioned in Episode
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul  on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Colin C. Thompson Returns (S5:Bonus)

Colin C. Thompson returns to the show for an update from 2021 plus his new "50 at 50" plan.  This is an excellent chat between Dan and Colin about motivation, improvement and just getting it done.  Please visit the show links below to see how you can join the 50 at 50 Movement and make an impact worldwide!
Show: Season 5 - Bonus Episode (July 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Colin C. Thompson
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Colin C. Thompson 50 at 50 |Facebook | Oligye | LinkedInDan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul  on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Five Hundred Fifty-One (S5:E04)

One of the most challenging episodes I have done to date.  It is hard when you worry that you may have failed as a coach, not only those you worked with in the past but maybe those closest to you.  It is time we, as coaches and educators, work to understand how to coach neurodivergent athletes/performers better, to get their best, and to set them up for success.
Show: Season 5 - Episode 04 (May 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Nuerodivergent Athletes
*Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)!
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul  on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Fixing Dan - Part 2 (S5:E03)

Continuing my five-part series on being a better coach. In this episode, we are going to look at empathy!
Show: Season 5 - Episode 03 (April 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Taking over a successful program
*Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)!
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul  on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Filling Big Shoes (S5:E02)

Taking over a successful program can be rewarding.  It can also be very challenging.  In this episode, we explore some of the issues a new coach may have when taking over a successful program, as well as some tips to help them make it their own, while still honoring the past success.
Show: Season 5 - Episode 02 (March 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Taking over a successful program
*Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)!
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul  on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

Fixing Dan - Part 1 (S5:E01)

As I stated in the Season 4 finale, I was going to focus on fixing myself to kick off Season 5.  This is the first of many episodes where you can follow me on my self-reflective journey.  I am going to look at the values that mean the most to me, and I have can be better living them.
Show: Season 5 - Episode 01 (February 2023) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Fixing Dan - Part 1
*Podcast now available with video on YouTube (link below)!
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Dan Mickle on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul  on social YouTube |Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio

State of the Universe 2022 (S4:E08)

My annual recap of the past year and the roadmap for 2023.  Warning, this is pretty personal and unscripted.  I decided I wanted to open up a little more about my struggles and how I plan to be better in 2023.
Show: Season 4 - Episode 08 (December 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: State of the Universe 2022
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
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The Benefits of Losing (S4:E07)

Losing sucks.  I get that.  However, we can learn and grow from it.  The key is making sure we know how to use losing and failure to grow.  It is time to ditch the stupid sayings on the back of t-shirts and really dig deep into failure, loss, and growth.
Show: Season 4 - Episode 07 (December 2022) Host: Dan Mickle Topic: Benefits of Losing
Feel free to reach out to us at podcast@mentalcast.comor across all social media @717Soul and @RealDanMickle
Dan Mickle on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website 717 Soul  on social Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Download and Stream us! iTunes | Google Play | PodBean | RSS Feed | TunedIn | Amazon Play | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart Radio