Mental

She Wasn’t Stuck—She Was Surrounded

Did you know the average person has over 6,000 thoughts a day—and 80% of them are negative? Now imagine trying to compete with that mindset. That was Riley, a 19-year-old beach volleyball player in Venice Beach, known more for her attitude than her athleticism.
But everything changed the night she stumbled across one 12-second reel. It didn’t go viral—but it hit home. From her self-talk to her body language, things began to shift. She didn’t overhaul her life overnight—she just got open to better inputs: better content, better company, better thoughts. And that made all the difference.

Behind Her Serve Is a Story You’d Never Expect

Did you know the average high school student today reports higher stress levels than adults?Now meet Brianna—a 17-year-old in St. Louis who isn’t just handling school and tennis, but raising her little brother, holding a job, and holding her family together.
This episode of Mental is about grit, grace, and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up—especially when no one’s clapping. Brianna could’ve quit. She didn’t. Because when something matters enough, we find a way. And when it doesn’t, we find an excuse.
Her story is a reminder that even under pressure, you're more capable than you think. And showing up—consistently, imperfectly, fully—can be your biggest win yet.

He Rowed. He Studied. He Raised a Toddler. At 20.

Did you know nearly 1 in 5 college students today are raising a child while pursuing their degree?
Now imagine doing that while rowing for your college team in freezing Maine mornings and chasing a STEM degree. That’s Levi’s life—and it’s anything but average.
In this emotional and empowering episode of Mental, we meet Levi, a 20-year-old forensic science major at Bates College and a full-time solo dad to his 18-month-old son, Jace. From 4:45 AM alarms to late-night study sessions with a baby monitor in hand, Levi’s story is a living reminder: we're made to do hard things.
Through one pivotal call with his uncle and the unexpected support of his teammates, Levi learns that doing hard things isn't about perfection—it’s about persistence. This story will leave you humbled, hopeful, and maybe even calling someone you love.

The Rejection That Became Her Redirection

Did you know that over 90% of people will have a major career change before the age of 30?
Lilah thought she had it figured out—college dropout turned tech startup star. Until the CEO ghosted... the entire company. One minute she’s pitching big ideas, the next she’s Googling, “What do you do when your life plan quits on you?”
But here’s the plot twist: what felt like a total fail turned out to be the start of something better. In this episode of Mental, we explore what happens when life doesn’t just detour—it takes a hard left. Spoiler alert: sometimes the “wrong turn” takes you exactly where you’re supposed to be.

For Anyone Who’s Sick of Almost Winning

Did you know that the average Olympic athlete trains for 10 years before earning a single medal?In today’s episode of Mental, we meet Erika, a 22-year-old track athlete at the University of Nebraska. She's talented, relentless, and respected—but she's never been the one to cross the line first. For years, she’s been second: in races, in rankings, in recognition. But what if second place was never the loss we thought it was? What if it was preparing her—and maybe you—for something bigger? This is the story of grit, heartbreak, and one final race that redefines what it means to win.
🎧 This one’s for anyone who keeps coming in second and wonders if it’s ever going to be enough.

Transferred, Tested, Transformed: Nico’s Journey Through Change

Did you know nearly 60% of high school athletes say they struggle most with change—not competition?In today’s episode of Mental, we step into the cleats of Nico Williams—a junior shortstop navigating a mid-year move to a new school, new city, and a team that feels anything but welcoming. What his parents called an “opportunity,” Nico experienced as isolation. Until one unexpected teammate, Jordan, changes everything. This episode is a reminder that just because something feels uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s wrong—it just might be your growth zone in disguise. If you've ever felt out of place or unsure in a new environment, Nico’s story will show you what’s possible when you stop resisting change and start trusting the process.
🎧 Because real growth happens when you stay in the game—even when you’re not sure how to play it yet.

Don’t Skip the Struggle — It’s Building Your Wings

🦋 What if the very thing you're trying to avoid is the thing you need the most?
In this episode of Mental, we venture into nature to explore one of the most misunderstood skills we all need: adversity. Through the eyes of 9-year-old Mateo on a warm spring day in Gilbert, Arizona, we discover a powerful life lesson—courtesy of a butterfly cocoon, a pair of gentle hands, and a moment that changes everything.
If you've ever asked, "Why is this so hard?" or "When will this get easier?"—this episode is for you. Sometimes, the struggle is the strength.
📍 Because without resistance, there’s no rise. And without adversity, your wings may never form.

The Underrated Skill / Handling Success

Many people know the importance of being able to deal with setbacks and building resilience. But what about when you get a taste of success? Do you know how to keep the drive? How to maintain that level when you're there?
🏆 Did you know that nearly 80% of young adults who reach early success struggle to maintain it—not because of skill, but because of comfort?The real challenge isn’t just getting to the top. It’s staying there without letting it define you—or derail you.
In this episode, we sit down with Liya Brooks, goalkeeper for the University of North Carolina and the Jamaican National Team, to talk about what happens after success. From winning national championships to earning her first international caps, Liya opens up about staying grounded, owning her mistakes, and finding hunger even in the highs.
She shares practical, real-life techniques for how to handle pressure, block out noise, and embrace feedback. Whether you're a young athlete, performer, or just someone chasing your next goal—this conversation will help you develop the mental tools to stay driven, stay patient, and stay growing.

The Soundtrack That Reconnected Us

🎷 Did you know people who play or listen to music regularly are 50% more likely to report stronger emotional bonds with those they care about?Because sometimes, music isn’t just what brings us together—it’s what keeps us together.
In this soulful episode, we meet Big Al, a 24-year-old jazz musician from Memphis who grew up distant from his dad—a quiet Army vet turned city garbage man. They never bonded over sports or long talks… but they always had jazz.
As Al’s love for music deepens, so does his understanding of the man who raised him. What starts as silent porch hangs and shared records turns into something bigger: healing, respect, and an unspoken love carried by rhythm and memory.
This story is a reminder that sometimes the deepest relationships don’t need big moments—they just need consistency, presence, and a little bit of soul.

Grief, Addiction & the Fight to Feel Again

Did you know that roughly 50% of people will experience the sudden death of someone close to them in their lifetime? The impact of that kind of loss is real—and for many young adults, it hits during a season when life is already heavy.
In this emotional and powerful episode of Mental, we meet Emily, a standout athlete at the University of Maryland whose world is turned upside down after the tragic death of her younger brother and best friend, Jake.
What started as a single pill to quiet the pain slowly spiraled into a dependence that cost her the one thing she thought she’d always have—lacrosse.
This story isn’t about perfection. It’s about pain, recovery, and the unexpected strength that comes from asking for help. Because healing doesn’t start when things feel easy—it starts when we stop pretending we’re okay and start reaching for what we need.
📍 This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost after loss.