Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the ""machines"" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

In today’s episode (Episode 6) of Coach Trav’s Mental Health Playbook, we dive into how comparison can quietly rob athletes of their confidence and focus. Whether it’s comparing stats, roles, or highlight reels on social media, it’s easy to lose sight of your own growth by watching someone else’s lane. Coach Trav breaks down how this mindset creeps in, why it’s so dangerous, and how to shift your focus back to your own journey. We also reflect on Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality and the importance of building confidence through preparation, not praise. The message is clear: your story is yours—stay locked in and run your race. Summary

In this conversation, Coach Trav interviews Xavier Carlton, a promising athlete from Cal University who is transitioning to the NFL with the Chicago Bears. They discuss Xavier's journey through high school, the importance of family, his passion for poetry, and the challenges he faced during the NFL draft process. Xavier shares insights on mental health, the significance of finding purpose beyond sports, and the lessons he learned from his experiences, including the biblical story of Joseph. The conversation emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and the importance of giving back to the community.

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0:00 Nate's Negative Inner Thoughts

0:56 Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

2:11 The Kickoff

9:41 Kobe Bryant & The Mamba Mentality

15:06 In The Trenches With Chicago Bears Undrafted Free Agent OL Xavier Carlton

46:02 Journal Reflection

47:20 2 Minute Drill

Follow Coach Trav and The Mental Health Playbook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the """"machines"""" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

In Episode 5 of Coach Trav’s Mental Health Playbook, Coach Trav takes a look in the mirror and reflects on what he would say to the freshman version of himself arriving at Howard University. Being a student-athlete in a new city with new pressures isn’t easy and in this episode, he shares the emotional, mental, and personal challenges that Young Trav needed to prepare for.

In this conversation, Coach Trav discusses the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the context of athletes. He reflects on recent tragedies and the need for ongoing support rather than temporary attention to mental health issues. He emphasizes the role of coaches as mentors and the necessity of building strong relationships with athletes to ensure they feel supported. Additionally, he shares an inspiring story about Ryan Coogler, highlighting the potential for athletes to pursue diverse paths beyond sports and the importance of embracing new opportunities. Coach Trav reflects on his past experiences as a student-athlete, offering insights into personal growth, leadership, and academic challenges. He emphasizes the importance of embracing new environments, learning to lead effectively, and seeking help when needed. Through self-reflection, he shares valuable lessons that shaped his journey at Howard University. Coach Trav shares personal insights and advice for young athletes navigating college life. He emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself beyond sports, exploring social opportunities, and understanding the struggles that come with being an athlete. He reflects on his own experiences, the challenges he faced with his love for the game, and the need for academic direction. Coach Trav encourages athletes to seek purpose and make the most of their college experience, highlighting the importance of mental health and self-discovery.

He offers three key pieces of advice:

As a person

As an athlete

As a student

It’s not always easy to look back, but it’s necessary. And through this honest reflection, Coach Trav invites listeners to do the same:

If you could speak to your younger self, what would you say?

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0:00 Nate's Back

0:40 The Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

1:31 The Kickoff

5:52 Thoughts on Kyren Lacy & Ryan Coogler

17:25 In The Trenches With Young Trav

28:40 3rd & Long with Young Trav

37:31 Reflection Timeout

38:14 2 Minute dRILL

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In this episode of the Mental Health Playbook, Coach Trav shares his journey of personal growth and the importance of family and brotherhood in fostering a supportive environment. He emphasizes the need to celebrate wins and the concept of 'leveling up' in life, encouraging listeners to push beyond their comfort zones. Coach Trav discusses the journey of Coach Deion Sanders, also known as Coach Prime, highlighting his transition from Jackson State to Colorado. The discussion emphasizes the importance of confidence, growth, and overcoming doubt in the face of challenges. Coach Trav reflects on Coach Prime's impact on HBCUs and the significance of believing in oneself to achieve greater opportunities.

In this engaging In The Trenches On 3rd & Long conversation, Coach Trav interviews Travis Burke, a rising star in college football, who shares his journey from a young athlete in South Florida to becoming a 6'9'', 315-pound offensive lineman at Memphis. The discussion covers Travis's transformation in diet and nutrition, his experiences at different colleges, and the importance of spiritual growth in his life. Travis reflects on moments of dominance on the field, the challenges of transitioning to a new program, and his aspirations for the future, all while emphasizing the role of faith in his journey.

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0:00 Where's Nate? Who's Nate?

0:56 Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

1:49 The Kickoff

9:33 Spotlight: Coach Prime

17:23 In The Trenches On 3rd & Long: Interview w/ Univeristy of Memphis Offensive Lineman Travis Burke

43:07 Reflection Timeout: Just Write

45:50 2 Minute Drill

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast

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In today’s episode of Coach Trav’s Mental Health Playbook, we dive into the powerful message behind the quote, “Don’t put a period where a comma should be.” This conversation is all about recognizing that setbacks, failures, and hard moments are not the end of your story, they’re part of the process. Coach Trav is joined by special guests who reflect on moments in their lives when they could’ve quit, but instead chose to keep going. Together, they explore the importance of continuing to push through and surrounding yourself with people who not only hold you accountable but celebrate your growth. This episode is a reminder that your toughest moments can lead to your greatest breakthroughs, if you choose to keep writing.

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0:00 Me vs. Me

0:50 Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

1:45 The Kickoff

6:42 Athlete's Journey Spotlight - Junior Bridgeman

9:45 In The Trenches On 3rd and Long - Interview with Jerry Seymour of The Runningback Academy

40:58 Reflection Timeout - Journal Prompt

42:14 2 Minute Drill

Follow Coach Trav and The Mental Health Playbook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the """"machines"""" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what mental toughness really is and how it ties into blind faith. Can you keep pushing when you don’t see results right away? Do you really know what it means to trust the process when nothing is guaranteed?

I’m sitting down with Liberty University Defensive Back, Eli Auguste, who’s got an incredible story about betting on himself, walking on, and eventually earning a scholarship. His journey is all about faith, perseverance, and staying locked in, even when the future was unclear.

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog

0:00 Me vs. Me: Why Having Blind Faith Is Valuable

0:41 Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

1:32 The Kickoff

7:01 The Athlete's Journey: Jalen Hurts

10:00 In The Trenches - Interview with Liberty University DB Eli Auguste

16:04 Overcoming Adversity and Building Character

21:48 Faith and Mental Toughness

27:46 Turning Points and Achievements

33:53 Advice for Aspiring Athletes

36:00 Reflection Timeout Journal Prompt: One Word To Guide Your Growth

37:19 2 Minute Drill

Follow Coach Trav and The Mental Health Playbook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the ""machines"" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

In this week's episode of The Mental Health Playbook, we’re tackling a topic that often goes unspoken in the sports world: the mental battles athletes face behind the scenes. Social media shows us highlight reels—game-winning plays, championship celebrations, and personal bests—but rarely do we see the private moments when athletes are struggling with self-doubt, negativity, or mental darkness. Lou Adams, former NFL player and current General Manager of the LEAD Prep Academy in Brighton, MI, joins us to share his experiences. We also discuss a recent example from the sports world where an athlete opened up about their mental health challenges (e.g., Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, or Kevin Love). Highlight the bravery it takes to speak out and normalize these struggles. Transition into the importance of addressing these challenges head-on.

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnderdog

0:00 Me vs. Me: Negative Self Talk

0:58 Mental Health Playbook Intro Theme

2:07 The Kickoff - Simone Biles & the 2020 Olympics

4:10 In The Trenches - Interview with Lou Adams

17:33 Reflection Timeout

17:54 2-Minute Drill

Follow Coach Trav and The Mental Health Playbook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthplaybookpodcast"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the "machines" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport.

Join Coach Trav as he helps athletes navigate the highs and lows of their journey, pushing them to think outside the box and discover their authentic selves. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or fan, this podcast offers powerful conversations about mental health, resilience, and self-discovery in the world of sports. Together, we’ll explore the truth behind the statement: You are more than an athlete

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.