The Mental Cast

Pump the Brakes (Ep. 031)

Episode 031 | Pump The Brakes | October 2022
Are we headed toward a cliff in the youth sports world? Possibly. Can we avoid it? Absolutely.
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle explores the growing concerns in youth sports from burnout to corruption to declining participation. The problem is not one group or issue; it is a systemic challenge that requires everyone at the table: coaches, parents, players, administrators, and officials.
Dan shares why the time to pump the brakes is now — before things slide further. This is not a blame game, but a call for education, collaboration, and collective solutions. The clock is ticking, but change is still within reach.
Topics covered:
Current risks and trends in youth sports
The need for collaborative solutions
Why finger-pointing does not work
The role of education in driving change
How all stakeholders can help fix the system
Resources mentioned:
Washington Post Article — "Billions flow through youth sports. And some of it keeps disappearing."
Shitty Haiku (Volume 1) by Dan Mickle
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

The Grey (Ep. 030)

Episode 030 | A Personal Look at Living in the Grey | September 2022
In this deeply personal episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle returns from a month-long hiatus to open up about his ongoing mental health journey — specifically, what it feels like to live in “the grey.”
There is a space between happiness and depression where many people quietly exist, though it is rarely discussed. Thanks to reading Jay Glazer’s book Unbreakable, Dan was able to better understand this space, give it a name, and begin building a plan to combat it. This episode offers an honest look at the struggles Dan faces and aims to encourage others who might also be living in this in-between space.
One of the most personal and vulnerable episodes of the series, this conversation is for anyone seeking connection, understanding, or simply the reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles.
Topics covered:
Understanding what it means to live “in the grey”
The personal challenges of navigating this mental space
How Unbreakable by Jay Glazer inspired new awareness and action
Tools and resources that help manage mental well-being
Breaking the silence around this often hidden experience
Resources mentioned:
Unbreakable by Jay Glazer
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
Headspace Meditation App and Website
Best Self Journal
Shitty Haiku (Volume 1) by Dan Mickle
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Pam Brant Interview (Ep. 029)

Episode 029 | Interview with travel writer, Pam Brant | June 2022
In this episode of The MentalCast, we go back to our roots with a new interview format. Host Dan Mickle sits down with travel writer, blogger, and volleyball super-fan Pam Brant for a wide-ranging conversation about reinvention, resilience, and finding new passions.
Pam shares her journey of becoming a travel writer, her experiences as a proud "volley mom," and the pivots she had to make when COVID disrupted her original life path. Often we hear about new ventures after they are well-established — this conversation brings you the raw, ground-level experience of starting fresh and building something new.
It is an inspiring look at how adaptability, creativity, and passion can lead to exciting new opportunities.
Topics covered:
The journey to becoming a travel writer and blogger
Life as a "volley mom" and the volleyball community
Pivoting and reinventing yourself after COVID
Building something new from scratch
Lessons in resilience and adaptability
Guest links:
Volleyball and Sunsets on Facebook
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Legos and Scrabble (Ep. 028)

Episode 028 | Legos and Scrabble | May 2022
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle shares a personal story that starts with his childhood dislike of Legos and the board game Scrabble — and evolves into a deeper reflection on the fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO).
What began as frustration over not being "good enough" at these activities turned out to be less about ability and more about fear of judgment. Dan explores this journey of self-awareness and digs into the research and psychology behind FOPO, offering insights that can help all of us better understand how fear of external opinions can quietly shape our decisions and confidence.
If you have ever hesitated to try something new or second-guessed yourself based on what others might think, this episode will hit home.
Topics covered:
How childhood experiences can shape fear of judgment
Understanding the concept of FOPO (Fear of Other People’s Opinions)
How FOPO impacts confidence, performance, and risk-taking
Strategies to identify and reduce the influence of FOPO
Personal reflections on growth and overcoming limiting beliefs
Resources mentioned:
Tips to Soothe Your Worries of What Others Think of You
Are You Limited by the Fear of What Other People Think? by Leah Cox
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Say Goodbye (Ep. 027)

Episode 027 | Say Goodbye | April 2022
Season 4 kicks off with this reflective episode of The MentalCast, where host Dan Mickle explores the concept of walking away — how to recognize when it is time, why it is sometimes necessary, and the personal and professional growth that can come from making that difficult choice.
This episode also gets a little personal, as Dan shares his own experiences and insights on walking away from roles, opportunities, and situations that no longer align with his values or vision.
We are excited to bring you another season of conversations centered on mental performance, coaching, leadership, and personal development.
Topics covered:
Recognizing when it is time to walk away
The emotional and mental process of letting go
How stepping away can open the door to new growth
Aligning decisions with values and personal well-being
Reflections on leadership, boundaries, and self-care
Resources mentioned:
5 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Volunteer Role by Cynthia Lockrey
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Why I Walked Away (Ep. 026)

Episode 026 | Why I Walked Away | November 2021
Continuing the theme of openness and personal reflection, in this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle shares from the heart about why he made the difficult decision to walk away from his role as a youth club director.
This unscripted and unedited conversation dives into the challenges he faced with organizational culture, the personal toll it took, and the clarity he gained through the experience. Dan also discusses the new path and vision he is pursuing…one grounded in authenticity, purpose, and personal values.
For anyone facing tough career decisions, culture challenges, or seeking to align their work with their true purpose, this is a deeply relatable and honest episode.
Topics covered:
Why Dan chose to step away from being a youth club director
The struggles and challenges with organizational culture
The personal impact of difficult leadership decisions
Lessons learned and new visions for the future
A message of gratitude to those who supported the journey
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

I Wasn‘t Prepared (Ep. 025)

Episode 025 | I Wasn't Prepared | September 2021
In what may be the most open and vulnerable episode of The MentalCast to date, host Dan Mickle takes the mic solo to share where he has been over the past two months and the personal struggles he has been navigating.
This unscripted and unedited conversation dives into Dan’s experience with burnout: what it looked like, how it impacted him, and how he began to fight his way back. It is a raw and honest look at an all-too-common challenge that many coaches, leaders, and high performers face — often in silence.
If you have ever struggled with burnout, exhaustion, or finding your footing again after a tough season, this episode is here to remind you that you are not alone.
Topics covered:
Recognizing the signs of burnout
What burnout feels like behind the scenes
Fighting through the toughest moments
Why it is okay to step back and ask for help
Coming back stronger and with new perspective
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Dr. Laura Cobb Interview (Ep. 024)

Episode 024 | Chat with Dr. Laura Cobb - LPC, NCC, and CFLE. | July 2021
Episode 6 of Season 3 brings us a powerful conversation between host Dan Mickle and Dr. Laura Cobb — life coach, licensed professional counselor (LPC), nationally certified counselor (NCC), and certified family life educator (CFLE).
Dan and Dr. Laura dive into the topic of imposter syndrome and how our past challenges shape who we become. They explore the dynamics of both being bullied and being a bully, and how reflecting on those experiences can help foster growth and self-awareness.
This is an honest, reflective discussion with plenty of valuable insights for anyone interested in personal growth, mental performance, and emotional resilience.
Topics covered:
Understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome
How past challenges shape personal identity
The dynamics of bullying — from both sides
How to reflect on difficult experiences for growth
Tools for building self-awareness and emotional resilience
Guest links:
Dr. Laura Cobb Website
Dr. Laura Cobb on Facebook | LinkedIn
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Sadie Evans Interview (Ep. 023)

Episode 023 | Chat with Sadie Evans - Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host | June 2021
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle has a thoughtful conversation with Sadie Mae Evans — accomplished author, speaker, and podcast host.
Dan and Sadie discuss what inspired her to write her books, what continues to drive her forward, and how her experiences with early adversity helped shape her powerful message today. This conversation offers an inspiring look at turning challenges into purpose and creating positive impact through storytelling, speaking, and coaching.
If you are looking for motivation to move through life’s obstacles or seeking insight into building a message-driven career, this episode is packed with wisdom and heart.
Topics covered:
What inspired Sadie’s writing and speaking career
Turning adversity into a message of empowerment
How to stay motivated and purposeful
Building a platform through books, speaking, and podcasting
Lessons in resilience and personal growth
Guest links:
Sadie Mae Evans Website
Sadie Mae Evans on Facebook | Instagram | Podcast
Books by Sadie Mae Evans on Amazon
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul

Joanna Pohorski Interview (Ep. 022)

Episode 022 | Chat with Joanna Pohorski - Accountability and Mindset Coach | May 2021
In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle sits down with UK-based accountability and mindset coach Joanna Pohorski for an engaging conversation about business planning, personal growth, and staying accountable in an ever-changing world.
Joanna shares the framework behind her Accountability Mindset program and offers insights on how entrepreneurs and professionals can build the discipline and structure needed to fuel their success. Dan and Joanna also explore how the pandemic has reshaped business practices and the way we approach personal accountability and goal setting.
If you are an entrepreneur, coach, or anyone looking to level up your mindset and follow through on your goals, this episode delivers practical takeaways and plenty of inspiration.
Topics covered:
Building accountability into your daily routine
The Accountability Mindset framework
Why mindset and planning drive business growth
How the pandemic changed business and accountability practices
Tips for holding yourself accountable for personal and professional success
Guest links:
The Accountability Mindset Website
Joanna Pohorski on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com
Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul