On Episode 46 we sat down with the Founder of the Performance Advisory Group, Justin Su'a. Justin has worked with multiple teams in the MLB, NFL, NHL, and the NBA and is someone I've looked up to since the start of my journey in this field.
We covered so much ground — from how his mission trip in Nicaragua helped shape his ability to communicate and empathize, to working with the top athletes in the world — but what stood out most was how he thinks.
Justin approaches performance through systems thinking that prioritizes:
🧠 Understanding variables that influences behavior
⚙️ Building intentional environments for consistency
💬 Asking better questions rather than giving quick answers
On Episode 45 we sit down with Dr. Alex Auerbach, performance psychologist for the Jacksonville Jaguars (and formerly with the Toronto Raptors).
One of the biggest takeaways? The role of AI in the future of mental performance.
We talk about:
How journaling connects to neuroscience—and how using AI tools can surface patterns and insights athletes might miss on their own
Why AI will become an essential between-sessions teammate to help athletes stay accountable and consistent
The balance between human connection and technology in high-performance environments
His mental skills pyramid for pros—from sleep and recovery, to composure strategies, to cognitive tools
How acceptance and mindset shape performance at the highest levels
Alex made it clear: AI isn’t here to replace coaches or athletes—it’s here to augment performance and open new doors for growth.
On Episode 44 I sat down with Dr. Logan Hartnell, Director of Student-Athlete Wellness at Clemson University, to talk about:
Building a truly integrated mental health + performance model
How culture, trust, and connection break down stigma
The new pressures college athletes face — NIL, social media, even sports betting — and how to support them
Why knowing your “why” matters as much as any physical skill
This conversation left me fired up about where our field is headed. Logan’s perspective on creating spaces where athletes feel seen as people first is exactly the kind of shift the collegiate world needs.
🎧 Give it a listen if you’re passionate about athlete well-being, performance, and leadership.
🔥 New Episode with J Jaggers 🔥
On Episode 43 we sit down with J Jaggers. From 4x State Champ to 2x NCAA Champion to Associate Head Coach of The Ohio State Wrestling team — J’s journey is built on loyalty, blue-collar values, and a relentless competitive spirit.
In this conversation, we dive into:
💥 What separates elite athletes on the mental side💥 Balancing “work hard” with “work smart”💥 Building culture + loyalty in today’s transfer portal era💥 Lessons on leadership, coaching, and even parenting through sport
This one is packed with wisdom for athletes, coaches, and leaders.
🎧 Tune in now — link in bio.
On Episode 42 of The WellSport Podcast we sit down with Ryan Hawk — host of the top-ranked podcast The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk and best-selling author of Welcome to Management, The Pursuit of Excellence, & The Score that Matters Most.
We dive into:
✅ What separates elite performers from the rest
✅ How curiosity fuels growth & resilience
✅ Building habits that last under pressure
✅ The one question leaders should ask themselves every day
On Episode 41 we sit down with the Head Wrestling Coach of the Missouri Tigers: Brian Smith.
On episode 40 we sit down with Director of Performance Psychology & Team Behavioral Health Clinician for the Green Bay Packers: Dr. Chris Carr2d
On Episode 39 we sit down with Buffalo Bills Sport Psychologist: Dr. Desaree Festa. We dive into her story into becoming one of seven full-time sport psychologists in the NFL, the critical incident that led to her and her team winning an ESPY, common mental tools used in the NFL, the future of sport psych and so much more.
Be sure to visit her website @ drdez.co
On Episode 38 we sit down with 2x All-American Wrestler from The Ohio State University, Dylan D'Emilio.
On this episode we discuss:
🌰 His experience at the national tournament
🌰 Overcoming adversity through his injury
🌰 What separated him with his mental game
🌰 Specific mental tools for peak performance
On this episode of the WellSport Podcast, I sit down with Luis Jeronimo, Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Columbus Crew.
From getting rejected for five straight years…
to getting dropped to his knees holding the MLS Cup 🏆 — Luis’s story is one of grit, passion, and purpose.
We dive deep into:
🔹 Building trust with athletes
🔹 What makes a great coach
🔹 Full-circle moments that will hit you hard
🔹 Why connection is the foundation of performance
Whether you're in sport, leadership, or just chasing a dream — this one will leave you fired up.
🎧 Available now on all platforms.
#WellSportPodcast #AthleteMindset #StrengthAndConditioning #Leadership #HighPerformance #SportPsychology #MLS #ColumbusCrew #LuisRosas
🎙️ Episode 36 with Dr. Molly McQueary drops Monday morning. This is a special one for me as Molly has been an incredible mentor and friend throughout the CMPC certification process!
Molly is a Sport Psychologist and founder of Dr. Molly McQ, LLC. Before starting her own business, she was the Director of Student-Athlete Health & Wellness at Michigan State University.
We dive into:
🟢 The importance of awareness as the foundation for mental performance
🟢 Why “performance is performance”—on the field or in the boardroom
🟢 Her journey from anxious athlete to trusted consultant for high performers
🟢 The power of showing up authentically to build trust with athletes and coaches
🟢 And why cringing at your early work might be the best sign of growth
🎙 Episode 35 is live!
This week on the Wellport Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Tess Palmateer, Mental Health Coordinator for the New York Mets ⚾️
From being her own toughest critic as a college athlete to supporting elite performers on the biggest stage, Tess shares a powerful journey through the lens of sport psychology.
We covered:
✅ Building trust in high-performance environments
✅ Integrating mental health & performance
✅ Navigating setbacks, identity, and transitions
✅ Why one stat never tells the full story
One of my favorite takeaways:
“It’s not about ignoring the outcome—it’s about changing your relationship with it.”
This one’s a must-listen for anyone in athlete development, mental performance, or coaching.
#SportsPsychology #MentalHealthInSport #AthleteWellness #HighPerformance #WellportPodcast
On this episode we discuss the intense tryout process, the power of reframing stress as excitement, practicing pressure during training and more!
We are sitting down with Co-Founder of the Old School Gym, Partner in Max Effort Muscle supplement brand, Former Ohio State Wrestling Strength & Conditioning Coach, Former RTC Strength and Conditioning Coach which supports olympic hopefuls, Dustin Myers.
Be sure to follow @CoachMyers_Gutcheck to learn more about his story and purpose.
www.maxeffortmuscle.com
Kylene Bogden is a Men’s Health Dietitian, NBA Nutritionist, and the Cleveland Cavaliers Team Dietitian.
Alex Cooper is a Striking Coach at Strongstyle MMA who was the Striking Coach for the most decorated UFC Heavyweight fighter of all time, Stipe Miocic.
Bobby played linebacker for the Buckeyes (and was a part of their National Championship team in 2002), was drafted 18th overall to the Dallas Cowboys, spent 7 years in the NFL, is current host of The Fan’s Morning Juice, and frequently appears on The Pat McAfee show & ESPN’s Get Up.
Andie is a Mental Performance Coach for the Cleveland Guardians.
Episode 28 is featuring Aaron Mawhirter, Golf Fitness Trainer at Buckeye Performance Golf & The Golf Room.
On this episode we discuss Aaron’s journey from his time playing long-snapper at OSU (including his start against Oklahoma on a rainy evening), how he incorporates what he learned at OSU into his training, golf-specific fitness do’s & dont’s, and more.
On Episode 27, we are welcoming Dr. Jonathan Jenkins! Dr. Jenkins is an Assistant Training Director of Psychology at Massachusetts General Hospital while also serving in their Sport Psych Department. Additionally, he is a member of the Harvard Med School Teaching Community. Dr. Jenkins serves professional, amateur, collegiate, Olympic and Paralympic athletes.