Unit3d

No Struggle No Story

October 13, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.1 MB

“Your scars say you found a way, you’re stronger than what tried to hurt you.” – Joshua Radin Athletes benefit from hearing other athletes talk about the obstacles they have faced and overcome, and Patrick Cacciatore is providing a platform for student athletes to share their stories. His podcast “No Struggle No Story” features athletes from all over the country who share their stories of resilience and courage. In addition to playing tennis at the University of Nebraska, Patrick is putting...

Soldiering On

October 06, 2020 14:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MB

“Embrace the suck” is a phrase that embodies a military mindset. Athletics culture and the military have more in common that we might thing, and embracing the suck is definitely something we need to engage in now. Dr. Erica Force talks about her experience in the Air Force and how there are many lessons athletes can learn from our military to help thrive in difficult times.

Gatta Lotta Love for Gen Z

September 29, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

As has been discussed before on Unit3d, there has been a shift in conversation and prioritization of mental health and wellness over the past decade, particularly in the past 5 years. Much of that has come from the voice of Generation Z, calling for institutions to create resources that address mental health needs. Dr. Chelsi Day is a big fan of Gen Z and discusses how this generation has changed the future of mental health and wellness for all of us

Killer Self Care: Gabby Reece

September 22, 2020 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

The art of self-care is a life-long pursuit and although we all have different ways of approaching how we take care of ourselves, we all must make an effort to create ways to weave these efforts into our daily lives. Gabby Reece has performed at the highest levels in volleyball (collegiately and professionally), sports announcing, modeling, authoring books, and now hosting a podcast, The Gabby Reece Show. On this episode of Unit3d, Reece discusses the importance of self-care as a mindset and...

Just Keep Swimming

September 15, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

Enna Selmanovic was a swimmer at University of Cincinnati training for Olympic trials when she had a career-ending injury. Working through issues of identity and loss, this injury has brought her to the path she is on with a passion for student-athlete mental health. Enna shares the story of her journey to making meaning of her experience and how it has influenced her future. Enna was the recipient of the 2019 JED Student Voice of Mental Health Award. During her college career she was a lead...

Gettin' Gritty With It

September 08, 2020 05:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

In order to face a fall of uncertainty we will all need to tap in to our inner resources. Dr. Tom Golightly discusses the concept of Grit as one that embodies the courage, strength, passion and perseverance we will need to continue to pursue our long term goals. Building and tapping into grit can mean the difference between simply surviving a difficult time and truly growing from it.

Optimism and Advice from the NCAA

September 01, 2020 05:00 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MB

The beginning of this semester, especially for sports, does not look like we would have imagined it 6 months ago. The NCAA has worked to support the health and safety of the student athletes, but how are decisions made and guidelines created? How has mental health factored in to conversations with the NCAA leadership? Dr. Brian Hainline, Chief Medical Officer for the NCAA discusses some of these questions and also lends his medical expertise to talk about the importance of seeing our impact ...

Closed Doors? Grind Through the Window

August 25, 2020 05:00 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MB

This fall is going to be full of challenges and opportunities. Each one of us has it within ourselves to conquer the obstacles and learn from the experiences we will be faced with. Licensed Professional Counselor Bruce Buggs discusses times in his life he has drawn on his inner resilience to overcome disappointment and perceived failure, and what has helped bring him through difficult times.

Positive Vibes

August 18, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

With so much uncertainty and so many obstacles facing us everyday, finding a positive approach can be difficult. Using our strengths and focusing on what we can do can help bring balance during difficult times. Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt discusses practical tips for positive psychology to help carry us in to the fall.

Internal Revolution: Dr. Michael Gervais

August 14, 2020 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

Knowing who you are and what you value elevates your performance and as a high-performance psychologist working with the Seattle Seahawks for the past eight years as well as some of our country’s most elite athletes, Dr. Michael Gervais has seen this play out. We live in a doing-based world, especially in athletics where it's about outcome, so finding who you are apart from what you do can be challenging. On this episode of Unit3d Dr. Gervais discusses the importance of embarking on this cha...

Who Do You Love?

August 11, 2020 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

Self love is hard. Often times finding love for ourselves can be more difficult because we look at what we do to define our self-worth rather than who we are. We also often mistake modesty for humility, dismissing our strengths and awesomeness. Jordan Hughes, LMSW talks through how to cultivate our inner self-worth and value independent of what we do or what others think of us in this episode of Unit3d.

Step Up!

August 07, 2020 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

With all that is going on in the world, so many of us have been looking for ways to put positivity into the world. Step Up! is a bystander intervention program for student athletes that encourages recognition of times when there is an opportunity to intervene. Doug Everhart talks about this program and the importance of learning ways to Step Up! in our every day lives.

Big T little t

August 04, 2020 05:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

Trauma can impact an individual for months, years, or even a lifetime. Traumatic events can be difficult to ignore; however, there are smaller events some refer to as “little t's” that have a cumulative effect on one’s life and often fly under one’s radar. Athletes are practice at being resilient and “going with the flow” when it comes to difficult situations, and may be more likely to leave these “little t's” unresolved. Sarah Noll, LCSW discusses the importance of addressing trauma in one’...

Tee Up: CB Ball

July 31, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

Conner Beth Ball was an SEC Golfer at the top of the game, but it’s her courage and resilience off the course that is most impressive. She shares her story of struggle, persistence and triumph in this episode of UNIT3D

Timeless: 20 Years of Sport Psychology

July 28, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

Student athletes are under more pressure and are experiencing more stress than ever before. As mental illness increases in the student athlete population, so has the importance making of services available. Dr. Gary Bennett has been working with athletes for over 20 years. He has seen the landscape change in the conversation around student athlete mental health. So much of the shift has come from student athletes speaking out and asking for more help. Understanding how mental health has beco...

Behind Happy Faces

July 24, 2020 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

Awareness is not enough when it comes to mental health; we need education in order to reduce stigma and for more people to reach out for help. Ross Szabo has a powerful personal story that has fueled his mission to create resources to help people understand their own mental health. A pioneer, award winning educator, and book author, he is changing the way communities learn about mental health.

Allyship

July 21, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

Everyone has been impacted in one way or another by the events that have brought about much needed conversation and change around inequality and racism. Many are asking the question “How can I be a better ally to Black friends and teammates?” Dr. Derek Vigon outlines some important considerations as athletes begin to return to campuses and rejoin teammates. Being an advocate and an ally means making a commitment to do the work. Athletes can be an ally in this movement and amplify the black ...

Olympic Optimist: Sam Kendricks

July 17, 2020 15:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

Sports have definitely looked different since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, and among the major changes is the delay of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. How do you stay optimistic, consistent in training, and engaged in your sport win the biggest competition you have has been pushed back by a year? Sam Kendricks is currently the greatest pole vaulter in the world (having wine the world competition in 2019). What is his mindset that keeps him motivated for greatness when he’s not sure when hi...

Therapy 101: Chickens and Fish

July 14, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MB

It is becoming much more common to hear that its OK to not be OK and at the end of every Unit3d episode I encourage listeners to reach out to a licensed mental health professional. But how does one go about getting help? What happens in therapy? What should I say? How does it work? For those whom have never before seen a counselor therapy can be shrouded in mystery. From when you may want to think about seeking help to what you should look for in a therapist, Dr. Doug Hankes demystifies and ...

Franky Harrison: Story of an Ace

July 10, 2020 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Owning your story and loving yourself through the process is one of the bravest things you can do. – Brene Brown Franky Harrison is a beach volleyball player passionate about student athlete mental health. This passion led her to host a podcast her last year at South Carolina that focused on student mental health. This experience allowed her to hear other’s stories as well as heal from an event she had experienced. Through an injury, an accident, and other mental health struggles, Franky ha...

Be Your Best Self

July 07, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

“Be careful what you say to yourself because you are always listening.” – Lisa M Hays An aspect of self-talk is self-coaching. We can get through situations by coaching ourselves in productive ways. But just as there are coaches who bring the best out of us with the way they coach us or hinder our performance, the ways in which we coach ourselves can yield different results. Dr. Carmen Tebbe Priebe explains more about this technique and encourages that we ask ourselves about our self-coach...

Shifts in the Conversation

July 03, 2020 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

The way we talked about mental health has dramatically shifted in the past decade, and this is particularly true in the world of sports. Ivan Maisel, senior writer for ESPN covering college football, has seen these shifts happen in his time as a writer covering college sports. His desire to see student athletes get the support they need comes from a personal story of loss and tragedy. His awareness of the needs of student athletes gives him a unique perspective as he sees a new landscape unf...

The Phoenix Mindset

June 30, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

We are heading into the next few months with very little certainty. We all look for a map and a plan to feel better about where we are going, but right now that just isn’t an option. Athletes, however, are uniquely equipped to face an uncertain road ahead because of the skills they use to adapt in unexpected game situations. Dr. Bradley Hack talks about the importance of approaching the unknown with an attitude of curiosity and a flexible mindset. When we recognize our ability to adapt and b...

Dam Worth It

June 26, 2020 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Dam Worth It is a campaign at Oregon State University that serves as a call to student athletes to take care of their mental health because they are worth it. Nathan Braaten and Taylor Ricci started Dam Worth It after connecting in times of darkness. They created meaning out of personal tragedy by starting a platform that helps others. The pillars of the campaign are Education, Resources, and Awareness/Comfort, connecting student athletes to encourage conversations around mental health. Nath...

Speaking the Truth (The Risk of Standing Up)

June 23, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

There is a great deal of unrest right now. Many are protesting, speaking out against injustice and taking a stand. When athletes take a stand however, it carries with it a great risk. Dr. Kweku Smith helps us sort through how we can stay true to our identity and our beliefs when that may seem risky. For some it may be choosing when to speak up around conflicts related to religion, gender, sexual identity, race, or other facets of identity and values. For others, it may be taking a stand agai...

A Story Worth Telling

June 19, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MB

Every person has a story worth telling. That’s the driving philosophy behind D1on1, a platform for student athletes to tell their stories. Andrew Cooper and Kyler Little share the inspiration behind and evolution of D1on1 in this episode of UNIT3D, and encourage every athlete to be the author of their own narrative.

ACT Now for your Mental Health

June 16, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a structured way to approach difficult transitions that can be helpful to move us through. When we accept the discomfort that comes with change, find what we value and commit to moving toward that, we find that we are flexible enough to tolerate negative feelings and can make helpful movement in our lives. Licensed Counseling and Sport Psychologist Dr. Sheriece Sadberry weaves Buddhist philosophies in to an explanation of how to use ACT to help us t...

Brave Heart: Sydney Anderson

June 12, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

The stigma that surrounds mental illness keeps so many silent. For those who struggle, the worry about what teammates, friends, coaches, family, and others will think can force them into hiding their pain. Sydney Anderson kicks stigma in the face as she talks about her struggle with anxiety and depressive symptoms, sharing her experience, her struggle, and her triumph. Her story is unique, and yet shares so much in common with so many athletes. Listen to her story of resilience and courage i...

Dual Pandemics: Coronavirus and Racism

June 09, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

The past few weeks have been painful and heavy for our nation. Conversations are difficult and tensions are extremely high. The Black community is hurting. So many in the White community want to help but feel unsure as to how. Dr. Kensa Gunter, clinical and sport psychologist, talks today with Dr. Josie Nicholson about how to start the conversation and how to be an ally. She also talks about how educational institutions can work to support their student athletes and how athletes can help and...

#RedShirtCoronaYear

June 05, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MB

Today’s conversation features two Senior All-American tennis players who had their season cut short by the pandemic crisis. In the midst of their panic and confusion, they sent out a hashtag that resonated with athletes across the nation: #redshirtcaronayear. It was a cry that united many through social media, desperate to not have their sport careers end so unceremoniously. That cry was heard by many, and now Alexa Bortles and Tim Sandkaulen share their story on Unit3d.

Is it Ok? I'm Not OK!

June 02, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

It's becoming cliché (in a good way) to say it's ok to not be ok; but it's a lot harder to actually share when we aren’t ok. The culture of athletics often promotes a “never show weakness” mentality, but true courage is being able to be vulnerable. Dr. Brett Haskell, Director of Sport Psychology for University of Nebraska Athletics, shares the benefits and power of vulnerability and how it can help us get through tough times, connect fully with others, and help us perform better.

Coach Speak

May 29, 2020 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

Spring seasons were cut short and there’s a great deal of uncertainty about the fall. Some athletes are feeling concerned about what coaches may be expecting from them when they do get to return to campus and training. Turns out, coaches want their athletes to be healthy and safe. Two head coaches, Chris Malloy of Ole Miss Men’s Golf and Toby Hansson of Ole Miss Men’s Tennis talk about what it was like for them to have spring games cancelled abruptly, how they’ve been cooping since, and what...

Mindset is Everything

May 26, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

We hear a lot about having "the right mindset", but what is the right mindset and how do you get it? Dr. Ryan Pittsinger, Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology at Texas A&M University, describes the Growth Mindset, a mindset that can help us get through and learn from difficult times.

Quarterback Conversations

May 22, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MB

This episode features two amazing men sharing their stories of resilience and love. They both happen to be quarterbacks at SEC schools, but it’s their passion for helping others that bonds them together. Ryan Hilinski and Brian Mauer talk through having overcome dark times and their commitments to reducing the stigma that is a barrier to others seeking help.

The Ultimate Quest: Who are You?

May 19, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

Right now is a time that many of us, particularly student atlhetes, may feel lost without school tasks or sport to tell us what to do or who we are. The college years is a time when most people find their identity, and for athletes so much of their day is consumed with their athletic identity that there isn’t much time or space to explore other parts of themselves. During the Covid-19 crisis, however, student athletes are not immersed in their sport and they may not have much to do in school...

Untold Athletes: Share Your Story

May 15, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MB

This “bonus” episode features three athletes. David Ball, senior member of the BYU Men’s Tennis Team, is the creator of Untold Athletes, an online community of athletes sharing their story of overcoming obstacles and the loss they experienced having their season cut short because of Covid-19. Sydney Anderson, senior member of the Notre Dame Women’s Lacrosse Team fought hard to get to her senior season and has benefitted from sharing her story. Max Hazzard, senior member of the Arizona Men’s ...

Strength in Flexibility: Adapt

May 12, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

We have all heard that its only the strong who survive, but its actually those who can adapt who get through tough times! Dr. Mac Brown helps us to see that there’s more strength in flexibility than in standing our ground. When we can go with the wind we can get through any storm.

Leadership Through COVID-19: 3 Athletic Directors

May 08, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

Three Head Athletic Directors share their experiences, concerns, and insights into planning for an uncertain future in this Unit3d conversation. Keith Carter of Ole Miss Athletics, Dr. Nicki Moore of Colgate University and Ross Bjork of Texas A & M University talk with Dr. Josie Nicholson about their time as leaders through the global pandemic.

Good Grief!

May 05, 2020 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

Whether it’s the loss of routine and connection or the loss of a loved one, everyone has experienced loss during the Covid-19 crisis and everyone is missing something. Dr. Ken Chew of Indiana State University talks today about the importance of recognizing and attending to the grief we all experience at some point. We can be tempted to dismiss our experiences by comparing our loss to others, but when we acknowledge what has been difficult we can more easily move through the tough times that ...

Mental Health: Shifts in the Conversation

May 01, 2020 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

Today's episode kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month! Mark and Kym Hilinski, the founders of the Hilinski's Hope Foundation and Morgan Chall, Chair of the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and former gymnast at Cornell University, will discuss how conversations around student athlete mental health have shifted in the past few years and how these conversations will be impacted by the current pandemic. We will learn some creative ways to continue spreading awareness and e...

Time Management? Energy Management!

April 29, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

As student athletes head into finals we all need to put in one last push to finish out what has been heck of a semester! Dr. Kelli Moran-Miller, Director of Sport Psychology at Stanford Athletics and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, helps us understand why we may feel drained at this time and how to manage the renewable resource of energy.

Gratitude for the Win

April 27, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MB

Gratitude is more than just feeling thankful. Dr. Nicole Gabana, Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology at Florida State University and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, helps explain what gratitude is and how we can use it to help us cope with difficult situations.

Self-Compassion: The Way to Win

April 24, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MB

When we hear a suggestion to engage in self compassion there can be resistance thinking that we will become indulgent, make excuses or generally let ourselves off the hook. But Dr. Jeni Shannon, Director of Mental Health and Performance Psychology for UNC Chapel Hill, explains that having self-compassion can actually allow us to perform better and push ourselves in ways we can’t when we fear failure and criticism. Self-compassion is not only an important tool in getting through this difficul...

The Certainty of Uncertainty

April 22, 2020 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

No one knows when we can return to campus or what things will look like in the fall, or any time in the future for that matter. The unknown creates fear and there is so much unknown right now that anxiety is almost an expected part of this ordeal. However, there are some practical things we can do to keep our anxiety manageable and to prepare for the future. Dr. Cody Commander, Director of Sport Psychology for the University of Oklahoma Athletics, walks us through how anxiety can be helpful ...

From Stressful Sleep to Restful Sleep

April 20, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

It’s very common right now to be struggling with sleep. So many have been thrown out of routine, sent home to a different time zone, and the daily demands of the current situation are very different. Dr. Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, discusses these and other sleep struggles and gives useful advice for getting better ZZZs.

All In: The Family

April 17, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

For many of our student athletes, this time has brought the added bonus of quality family time…a LOT of family time. Although in many ways this is a blessing, it can also bring with it tension and difficulties as most of us are not use to having this much concentrated time together in one space. Also, some student athletes are not returning to ideal family situations. Dr. Rhea Merck discusses the challenges of so much togetherness and ways that we can bring more quality to the quantity.

Improving Performance While Away from the Game

April 15, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

Gyms are closed, fields/courts/tracks are locked up, and no one is able to train like they want. But does that mean you can’t improve? Dr. Adrian Ferrera, Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology for Auburn University, talks about some ways to improve your mental game while away from formal training. Return to play mentally stronger and you have an added element that elevates your game and gives you a competitive edge.

Finding Balance: Food, Exercise and Life

April 13, 2020 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

Boredom, stress, uncertainty and feeling overwhelmed can make it difficult to have balance in the way we eat, exercise and love. Dr. Jen Carter, Counseling and Sport Psychologist at Ohio State University Sports Medicine, discusses the difficulty in achieving balance during these times and gives some practical suggestions for a healthier way.

Be Physically Distant; Socially Connect

April 10, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

We are physically distant, but are virtual social connections enough? (And how import is it?) Dr. Dave Botsford, Clinical and Sport Psychologist at UC Santa Barbara, talks about the importance of connecting meaningfully during this stressful time.

Bored in the House: Tempted to Use

April 08, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

Boredom, stress, anxiety and not having a time line for our next end goal can all be reasons that can lead to temptations to turn to drugs and and alcohol. But is it worth the cost? Dr. LaTisha Bader, Chief Clinical Officer for Women's Recovery, will speak about these temptations, ways to avoid the pitfalls and keep a focus on health, drawing from over 18 years of experience in the field of mental health, addiction and sport psychology.

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