RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_46cc5c65-1753-4283-ac7a-70de297e205d -- Rendered At Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:37:00 +0000 The Next Season Podcast https://redcircle.com/shows/the-next-season-podcast en-US All rights reserved. All content owned exclusively by The Next Season Podcast and Next Season. Mindset Coaching | Athletes for Life Kevin Kuhn Being an athlete today is hard. Talent isn't enough. I know because I’ve been there—fighting through failure, struggling with mindset, and ultimately walking away, despite the talent. That’s exactly why I coach mindset and mental skills for baseball players who want more. It’s about more than just playing well—it’s about optimizing habits, leveling up your confidence, and building the grit to thrive both on and off the field. Backed by neuroscience and combining the grit of sports with the precision of executive coaching, I’m bringing real, hard-earned lessons to athletes like you. Together, we’ll crush performance anxiety, build mental toughness and hit peak focus. My style? It’s raw, real and gritty. No fluff—just straight-up truth with a dose of fun to keep it fresh. At Next Season, we process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future…whatever is NEXT. 46cc5c65-1753-4283-ac7a-70de297e205d Being an athlete today is hard. Talent isn't enough. I know because I’ve been there—fighting through failure, struggling with mindset, and ultimately walking away, despite the talent.

That’s exactly why I coach mindset and mental skills for baseball players who want more. It’s about more than just playing well—it’s about optimizing habits, leveling up your confidence, and building the grit to thrive both on and off the field.

Backed by neuroscience and combining the grit of sports with the precision of executive coaching, I’m bringing real, hard-earned lessons to athletes like you. Together, we’ll crush performance anxiety, build mental toughness and hit peak focus.

My style? It’s raw, real and gritty. No fluff—just straight-up truth with a dose of fun to keep it fresh.

At Next Season, we process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future…whatever is NEXT.

]]> episodic no Kevin Kuhn nextseasoncoach@gmail.com no full 043 – Let Go to Move Forward 043 – Let Go to Move Forward 43 Kevin Kuhn The Grip Feels Like Effort…It's Actually What's Holding You Back There's a moment every athlete knows. You're in a funk, you're slumping, you're losing confidence, you're not performing like you used to — and instead of moving forward, you grip tighter. To the stats. To the reputation. To the player you remember being. To the past. That grip feels like effort — doing the work you're supposed to do. But what if it's actually a trap? When your identity is anchored to a past version of yourself, your brain treats the gap between then and now as a threat — and it shifts from performance mode into survival mode. Tight muscles. Overthinking. Playing not to fail instead of playing to win. You're not broken. Your brain is responding normally, but that doesn't mean it's what's best in these situations. It's trying to keep you safe, but it's holding you back. This episode is about learning to put down the old version — not because it didn't matter, but because you can't build who you need to become if both hands are gripping so tight to who you were. 👉 Learn more about 1:1 Coaching for active athletes and ATLAS athletes at nextseasonathletes.com 00:00 Intro & Highlights 01:19 Spring Reset & Quitting 03:44 High School Identity 05:44 College Reality Check 07:23 Winter Break Quit 08:24 Mental Highlight Reel 10:35 Brain Threat Response 13:02 Letting Go Science 15:54 Reset Routines Cues 19:28 Build New Identity 22:49 Reinvent To Last 24:38 Closing Thoughts, Assessments, Support & Gratitude There's a moment every athlete knows. You're in a funk, you're slumping, you're losing confidence, you're not performing like you used to — and instead of moving forward, you grip tighter. To the stats. To the reputation. To the player you remember being. To the past.

That grip feels like effort — doing the work you're supposed to do. But what if it's actually a trap?

When your identity is anchored to a past version of yourself, your brain treats the gap between then and now as a threat — and it shifts from performance mode into survival mode. Tight muscles. Overthinking. Playing not to fail instead of playing to win.

You're not broken. Your brain is responding normally, but that doesn't mean it's what's best in these situations. It's trying to keep you safe, but it's holding you back.

This episode is about learning to put down the old version — not because it didn't matter, but because you can't build who you need to become if both hands are gripping so tight to who you were.

👉 Learn more about 1:1 Coaching for active athletes and ATLAS athletes at nextseasonathletes.com

00:00 Intro & Highlights

01:19 Spring Reset & Quitting

03:44 High School Identity

05:44 College Reality Check

07:23 Winter Break Quit

08:24 Mental Highlight Reel

10:35 Brain Threat Response

13:02 Letting Go Science

15:54 Reset Routines Cues

19:28 Build New Identity

22:49 Reinvent To Last

24:38 Closing Thoughts, Assessments, Support & Gratitude

]]> <p>There&#39;s a moment every athlete knows. You&#39;re in a funk, you&#39;re slumping, you&#39;re losing confidence, you&#39;re not performing like you used to — and instead of moving forward, you grip tighter. To the stats. To the reputation. To the player you remember being. To the past.</p><p>That grip feels like effort — doing the work you&#39;re supposed to do. But what if it&#39;s actually a trap?</p><p>When your identity is anchored to a past version of yourself, your brain treats the gap between then and now as a threat — and it shifts from performance mode into survival mode. Tight muscles. Overthinking. Playing not to fail instead of playing to win.</p><p>You&#39;re not broken. Your brain is responding normally, but that doesn&#39;t mean it&#39;s what&#39;s <em>best </em>in these situations. It&#39;s trying to keep you safe, but it&#39;s holding you back.</p><p>This episode is about learning to put down the old version — not because it didn&#39;t matter, but because you can&#39;t build who you need to become if both hands are gripping so tight to who you were.</p><p>👉 Learn more about 1:1 Coaching for active athletes and ATLAS athletes at <strong>nextseasonathletes.com</strong></p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Highlights</p><p>01:19 Spring Reset &amp; Quitting</p><p>03:44 High School Identity</p><p>05:44 College Reality Check</p><p>07:23 Winter Break Quit</p><p>08:24 Mental Highlight Reel</p><p>10:35 Brain Threat Response</p><p>13:02 Letting Go Science</p><p>15:54 Reset Routines Cues</p><p>19:28 Build New Identity</p><p>22:49 Reinvent To Last</p><p>24:38 Closing Thoughts, Assessments, Support &amp; Gratitude</p> 3e5405c7-54ec-4426-8188-e9ee7ba224b0 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:00:20 +0000 1532 no full 042 – Suffering & Self-Reliance for Athletes 042 – Suffering & Self-Reliance for Athletes 42 Kevin Kuhn Forge Your Identity Through Pressure & Resilience We don’t feel suffering or pain because of life's challenges. As an athlete, you may not be struggling because of the pressure and the competition. We struggle because we try to avoid that suffering. We try to avoid the pain. We try to stay clear of the challenges. We resist. In this episode, I break down suffering, self-reliance, pressure, grit, and resilience - and what they actually mean in real life. Drawing from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay Self-Reliance and powerful conversations with Tony Robbins, Alex Hormozi, Chris Williamson and Arthur Brooks, we talk about: - Why pressure builds identity - Why confidence comes after courage - Why avoiding discomfort weakens you - And how suffering can shape you instead of crush you If you’re in a hard season - on the field or after sport - this one’s for you. 👉 Learn more about 1:1 Coaching for active athletes and ATLAS athletes at nextseasonathletes.com We don’t feel suffering or pain because of life's challenges. As an athlete, you may not be struggling because of the pressure and the competition.

We struggle because we try to avoid that suffering. We try to avoid the pain. We try to stay clear of the challenges. 

We resist.

In this episode, I break down suffering, self-reliance, pressure, grit, and resilience - and what they actually mean in real life.

Drawing from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay Self-Reliance and powerful conversations with Tony Robbins, Alex Hormozi, Chris Williamson and Arthur Brooks, we talk about:

  •  Why pressure builds identity
  •  Why confidence comes after courage
  •  Why avoiding discomfort weakens you
  •  And how suffering can shape you instead of crush you


If you’re in a hard season - on the field or after sport - this one’s for you.

👉 Learn more about 1:1 Coaching for active athletes and ATLAS athletes at nextseasonathletes.com

]]> <p>We don’t feel suffering or pain because of life&#39;s challenges. As an athlete, you may not be struggling because of the pressure and the competition.</p><p>We struggle because we try to <em>avoid </em>that suffering. We try to <em>avoid</em> the pain. We try to stay clear of the challenges. </p><p>We <em>resist</em>.</p><p>In this episode, I break down suffering, self-reliance, pressure, grit, and resilience - and what they actually mean in real life.</p><p>Drawing from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay <em>Self-Reliance</em> and powerful conversations with Tony Robbins, Alex Hormozi, Chris Williamson and Arthur Brooks, we talk about:</p><ul><li> Why pressure builds identity</li><li> Why confidence comes after courage</li><li> Why avoiding discomfort weakens you</li><li> And how suffering can shape you instead of crush you</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you’re in a hard season - on the field or after sport - this one’s for you.</p><p>👉<strong> Learn more about 1:1 Coaching for active athletes and ATLAS athletes at nextseasonathletes.com</strong></p> 29a01598-6c5f-4cdb-a3f1-366116f9c0ef https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:00:43 +0000 2188 no full 041 - Who Are You When Your Game Ends? 041 - Who Are You When Your Game Ends? 41 Kevin Kuhn For Athletes Adjusting to Life After Sport In the old myth, Atlas loses a fight and is condemned to carry the sky forever — not for a moment, but for a lifetime. Knees bent. Back hunched. No recognition. No help in sight. That’s what life feels like for a lot of athletes after the game ends. And that’s why I built ATLAS Athletes. This episode marks the official launch of ATLAS — a new coaching program for athletes adjusting to life after sport. Not the pressure of game day, but the quieter, heavier pressure that follows: identity loss, uncertainty, responsibility, and the question nobody prepares you for... “If I’m not an athlete anymore… who am I?” In Episode 041, I break down: - why athletes often struggle more after sport than during it - how identity tied to performance becomes a trap - why grinding harder stops working in real life - and how ATLAS helps athletes rebuild direction, confidence, and purpose without carrying everything alone This is for ATLAS Athletes — former competitors, transitioning athletes, and high performers who still feel the weight long after the lights go off. The game may be over. Your life isn't. This is the start of your Next Season. 👉 Learn more about ATLAS Athletes at nextseasonathletes.com 00:00 Intro & Attention 00:48 The Myth of Atlas: A Deeper Meaning 02:12 The Pressure and Weight of Life 05:01 Identity Beyond Athletics 08:26 A Mindset Shift 11:06 Announcing: Athletes Adjusting to Life After Sport 16:52 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 1: Name Your Throughline 19:40 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 2: Stack Bricks of Evidence for Confidence 20:49 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 3: Win the Inning 21:50 Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts In the old myth, Atlas loses a fight and is condemned to carry the sky forever — not for a moment, but for a lifetime.

Knees bent. Back hunched. No recognition. No help in sight.

That’s what life feels like for a lot of athletes after the game ends.

And that’s why I built ATLAS Athletes.

This episode marks the official launch of ATLAS — a new coaching program for athletes adjusting to life after sport.

Not the pressure of game day, but the quieter, heavier pressure that follows: identity loss, uncertainty, responsibility, and the question nobody prepares you for...

“If I’m not an athlete anymore… who am I?”

In Episode 041, I break down:

  • why athletes often struggle more after sport than during it
  • how identity tied to performance becomes a trap
  • why grinding harder stops working in real life
  • and how ATLAS helps athletes rebuild direction, confidence, and purpose without carrying everything alone


This is for ATLAS Athletes — former competitors, transitioning athletes, and high performers who still feel the weight long after the lights go off.

The game may be over. Your life isn't.

This is the start of your Next Season.

👉 Learn more about ATLAS Athletes at nextseasonathletes.com

 

00:00 Intro & Attention

00:48 The Myth of Atlas: A Deeper Meaning

02:12 The Pressure and Weight of Life

05:01 Identity Beyond Athletics

08:26 A Mindset Shift

11:06 Announcing: Athletes Adjusting to Life After Sport

16:52 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 1: Name Your Throughline

19:40 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 2: Stack Bricks of Evidence for Confidence

20:49 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 3: Win the Inning

21:50 Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts

]]> <p>In the old myth, Atlas loses a fight and is condemned to carry the sky forever — not for a moment, but for a lifetime.</p><p>Knees bent. Back hunched. No recognition. No help in sight.</p><p>That’s what life feels like for a lot of athletes <strong>after the game ends</strong>.</p><p>And that’s why I built <strong>ATLAS Athletes</strong>.</p><p>This episode marks the official launch of <strong>ATLAS</strong> — a new coaching program for athletes <strong>adjusting to life after sport</strong>.</p><p>Not the pressure of game day, but the quieter, heavier pressure that follows: identity loss, uncertainty, responsibility, and the question nobody prepares you for...</p><p><strong>“If I’m not an athlete anymore… who am I?”</strong></p><p>In Episode 041, I break down:</p><ul><li>why athletes often struggle <em>more</em> after sport than during it</li><li>how identity tied to performance becomes a trap</li><li>why grinding harder stops working in real life</li><li>and how ATLAS helps athletes rebuild direction, confidence, and purpose without carrying everything alone</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This is for <strong>ATLAS Athletes</strong> — former competitors, transitioning athletes, and high performers who still feel the weight long after the lights go off.</p><p><strong>The game may be over. Your life isn&#39;t.</strong></p><p>This is the start of your <strong>Next Season</strong>.</p><p>👉 Learn more about <strong>ATLAS Athletes</strong> at <strong>nextseasonathletes.com</strong></p><p> </p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Attention</p><p>00:48 The Myth of Atlas: A Deeper Meaning</p><p>02:12 The Pressure and Weight of Life</p><p>05:01 Identity Beyond Athletics</p><p>08:26 A Mindset Shift</p><p>11:06 Announcing: Athletes Adjusting to Life After Sport</p><p>16:52 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 1: Name Your Throughline</p><p>19:40 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 2: Stack Bricks of Evidence for Confidence</p><p>20:49 Practical Actions for ATLAS Athletes - 3: Win the Inning</p><p>21:50 Wrap-Up &amp; Closing Thoughts</p> aa16401b-6a1d-4049-97bc-25e601e0f81b https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:00:22 +0000 1394 no full 040 - Process. Perform. Prepare. (Part 2) 040 - Process. Perform. Prepare. (Part 2) 40 Kevin Kuhn Tools to Get Out of Your Head and Back Into the Moment 039 gave you the awareness. 040 gives you the tools. Nothing was “wrong”… but everything felt heavy. I wasn’t injured. I wasn’t unprepared. I wasn’t lazy. I was exhausted because I was carrying too many moments at once. In this episode, I give you simple, practical tools to stop replaying the past, stop worrying about the future, and finally put your energy where it belongs — right here. We build on the Process. Perform. Prepare framework from Episode 39 and break down: -How to process the past without carrying it -How to get back into the present when pressure hits -How to prepare for the future without letting ambition hijack performance You’ll learn why pressure builds, confidence feels fake, and the game speeds up — and how to reset your mind so you can play free again. This isn’t fluffy motivation. These are tools to get out of your head and back into the moment that actually matters. If you feel mentally tired, tight, distracted, or stuck — this episode is for you. 00:00 Intro & Highlights 01:00 The Weight of the Moments 02:01 Understanding Energy Blocks 03:40 Tools for Processing the Past: Write It & Burn It; Write & Don't Send 08:35 Other Tools for Processing the Past 09:56 Tools for Performing in the Present: Breathing and Power Presence Words 13:37 Tools for Preparing for the Future: Values and Visualization 19:04 Putting Your Energy into the Right Block 20:23 Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts 039 gave you the awareness. 040 gives you the tools.

Nothing was “wrong”… but everything felt heavy.

I wasn’t injured. I wasn’t unprepared. I wasn’t lazy.

I was exhausted because I was carrying too many moments at once.

In this episode, I give you simple, practical tools to stop replaying the past, stop worrying about the future, and finally put your energy where it belongs — right here.

We build on the Process. Perform. Prepare framework from Episode 39 and break down:

  • How to process the past without carrying it
  • How to get back into the present when pressure hits
  • How to prepare for the future without letting ambition hijack performance


You’ll learn why pressure builds, confidence feels fake, and the game speeds up — and how to reset your mind so you can play free again. 

This isn’t fluffy motivation.

These are tools to get out of your head and back into the moment that actually matters.

If you feel mentally tired, tight, distracted, or stuck — this episode is for you.


00:00 Intro & Highlights

01:00 The Weight of the Moments

02:01 Understanding Energy Blocks

03:40 Tools for Processing the Past: Write It & Burn It; Write & Don't Send

08:35 Other Tools for Processing the Past

09:56 Tools for Performing in the Present: Breathing and Power Presence Words

13:37 Tools for Preparing for the Future: Values and Visualization

19:04 Putting Your Energy into the Right Block

20:23 Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts

]]> <p>039 gave you the awareness. 040 gives you the tools.</p><p>Nothing was “wrong”… but everything felt heavy.</p><p>I wasn’t injured. I wasn’t unprepared. I wasn’t lazy.</p><p>I was exhausted because I was carrying <strong>too many moments at once</strong>.</p><p>In this episode, I give you <strong>simple, practical tools</strong> to stop replaying the past, stop worrying about the future, and finally put your energy where it belongs — <strong>right here</strong>.</p><p>We build on the <strong>Process. Perform. Prepare</strong> framework from Episode 39 and break down:</p><ul><li>How to <strong>process the past</strong> without carrying it</li><li>How to <strong>get back into the present</strong> when pressure hits</li><li>How to <strong>prepare for the future</strong> without letting ambition hijack performance</li></ul><p><br></p><p>You’ll learn why pressure builds, confidence feels fake, and the game speeds up — and how to reset your mind so you can play free again. </p><p>This isn’t fluffy motivation.</p><p>These are <strong>tools</strong> to get out of your head and back into the moment that actually matters.</p><p>If you feel mentally tired, tight, distracted, or stuck — this episode is for you.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Highlights</p><p>01:00 The Weight of the Moments</p><p>02:01 Understanding Energy Blocks</p><p>03:40 Tools for Processing the Past: Write It &amp; Burn It; Write &amp; Don&#39;t Send</p><p>08:35 Other Tools for Processing the Past</p><p>09:56 Tools for Performing in the Present: Breathing and Power Presence Words</p><p>13:37 Tools for Preparing for the Future: Values and Visualization</p><p>19:04 Putting Your Energy into the Right Block</p><p>20:23 Wrap-Up &amp; Closing Thoughts</p> 841885c7-ac0d-415b-9ef7-df167aef46f6 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:00:26 +0000 1251 no full 039 - Process. Perform. Prepare. 039 - Process. Perform. Prepare. 39 Kevin Kuhn How Past Mistakes and Future Worry Kill Your Performance Some of my biggest struggles had nothing to do with talent. They came from my head being in the wrong place. I was physically present, but mentally stuck — replaying the past, worrying about the future, and trying to perform somewhere other than where my feet were. In this episode, I break down a simple framework I call Process. Perform. Prepare. It's how to align your focus, effort, and energy with the right moment for the right job: Process the past. Perform in the present. Prepare for what’s next. I explain why pressure builds, confidence drops, and performance tightens — even when you care and even when you’re prepared. Most athletes aren’t broken. They’re just living in the wrong moment. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. Episode 39 gives you awareness and clarity. Episode 40 gives you the tools. If you’ve ever felt distracted, overwhelmed, or unable to play free — on the field or in life — this is for you. 00:00 Intro & Highlights 00:55 My Struggles & Realizations 02:34 Process, Perform & Prepare: Understanding Energy Blocks 03:30 Pressure vs. Anxiety (and the impact on mind, body & performance) 06:37 Your Job/The Purpose of Each Energy Blocks 10:09 Processing the Past 14:17 Performing in the Present 18:18 Preparing for the Future 21:36 Wrap-up, Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead Some of my biggest struggles had nothing to do with talent.

They came from my head being in the wrong place.

I was physically present, but mentally stuck — replaying the past, worrying about the future, and trying to perform somewhere other than where my feet were.

In this episode, I break down a simple framework I call Process. Perform. Prepare.

It's how to align your focus, effort, and energy with the right moment for the right job:

  • Process the past
  • Perform in the present
  • Prepare for what’s next


I explain why pressure builds, confidence drops, and performance tightens — even when you care and even when you’re prepared. Most athletes aren’t broken. They’re just living in the wrong moment.

This is Part 1 of a two-part episode.

Episode 39 gives you awareness and clarity.

Episode 40 gives you the tools.

If you’ve ever felt distracted, overwhelmed, or unable to play free — on the field or in life — this is for you.

 

00:00 Intro & Highlights

00:55 My Struggles & Realizations

02:34 Process, Perform & Prepare: Understanding Energy Blocks

03:30 Pressure vs. Anxiety (and the impact on mind, body & performance)

06:37 Your Job/The Purpose of Each Energy Blocks

10:09 Processing the Past

14:17 Performing in the Present

18:18 Preparing for the Future

21:36 Wrap-up, Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

]]> <p>Some of my biggest struggles had nothing to do with talent.</p><p>They came from my head being in the wrong place.</p><p>I was physically present, but mentally stuck — replaying the past, worrying about the future, and trying to perform somewhere other than where my feet were.</p><p>In this episode, I break down a simple framework I call <strong>Process. Perform. Prepare. </strong></p><p>It&#39;s how to align your focus, effort, and energy with the <em>right moment</em> for the <em>right job</em>:</p><ul><li><strong>Process the past</strong></li><li><strong>Perform in the present</strong></li><li><strong>Prepare for what’s next</strong></li></ul><p><br></p><p>I explain why pressure builds, confidence drops, and performance tightens — even when you care and even when you’re prepared. Most athletes aren’t broken. They’re just <strong>living in the wrong moment</strong>.</p><p>This is <strong>Part 1</strong> of a two-part episode.</p><p>Episode 39 gives you awareness and clarity.</p><p><strong>Episode 40 gives you the tools.</strong></p><p>If you’ve ever felt distracted, overwhelmed, or unable to play free — on the field or in life — this is for you.</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Highlights</p><p>00:55 My Struggles &amp; Realizations</p><p>02:34 Process, Perform &amp; Prepare: Understanding Energy Blocks</p><p>03:30 Pressure vs. Anxiety (and the impact on mind, body &amp; performance)</p><p>06:37 Your Job/The Purpose of Each Energy Blocks</p><p>10:09 Processing the Past</p><p>14:17 Performing in the Present</p><p>18:18 Preparing for the Future</p><p>21:36 Wrap-up, Closing Thoughts &amp; Looking Ahead</p> dcc1e288-9a67-4dc3-b3eb-47baea009376 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:00:33 +0000 1442 no full New Years Day Special: Revisiting Ep. 014 New Years Day Special: Revisiting Ep. 014 14 Kevin Kuhn Turn Your Goals Into Habits **REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS DAY 2026** This is episode 014 of the Next Season Podcast! In episode 013, I gave you a better way to set and pursue goals using a brain-based, next-level framework. In this episode, we're going to take those goals and turn them into habits using neuroscience-backed tips and tools. We'll start with some brain mechanisms and processes, and bust the 21-day habit myth. Then, I'll share 5 practical strategies or tools to create habits that stick. These insights will help you build a sustainable system that actually helps you achieve your goal and drive life-long growth. Let's go! 00:00 Introduction - Turning Goals into Habits 02:30 Habits & the Brain: Long-Term Potentiation & Long-Term Depression 07:04 Goal & Habit Cycles: Key Brain Regions & Neurochemicals 13:08 Debunking the 21-Day Habit Myth 16:34 Tool 1: Create-a-Player Identity & Never Summit Goals 19:38 Tool 2: Habit Stacking 22:48 Tool 3: The Sweet Spot Rule 25:53 Tool 4: Using Failure as Feedback, Short-Term Memory & Chunking (Win the Inning) 28:34 Tool 5: Creating Friction in Bad Habits 30:30 My Challenge to You & Wrap-Up ________________________________________ Find me, follow, share & get in the game: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextseasoncoach/ Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com **REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS DAY 2026**

This is episode 014 of the Next Season Podcast! In episode 013, I gave you a better way to set and pursue goals using a brain-based, next-level framework. 

In this episode, we're going to take those goals and turn them into habits using neuroscience-backed tips and tools. We'll start with some brain mechanisms and processes, and bust the 21-day habit myth. Then, I'll share 5 practical strategies or tools to create habits that stick. These insights will help you build a sustainable system that actually helps you achieve your goal and drive life-long growth. Let's go!

00:00 Introduction - Turning Goals into Habits

02:30 Habits & the Brain: Long-Term Potentiation & Long-Term Depression

07:04 Goal & Habit Cycles: Key Brain Regions & Neurochemicals

13:08 Debunking the 21-Day Habit Myth

16:34 Tool 1: Create-a-Player Identity & Never Summit Goals

19:38 Tool 2: Habit Stacking

22:48 Tool 3: The Sweet Spot Rule

25:53 Tool 4: Using Failure as Feedback, Short-Term Memory & Chunking (Win the Inning)

28:34 Tool 5: Creating Friction in Bad Habits

30:30 My Challenge to You & Wrap-Up

________________________________________


Find me, follow, share & get in the game:


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

Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg 

Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com

]]> <p>**REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS DAY 2026**</p><p>This is episode 014 of the Next Season Podcast! In episode 013, I gave you a better way to set and pursue goals using a brain-based, next-level framework. </p><p>In this episode, we&#39;re going to take those goals and turn them into habits using neuroscience-backed tips and tools. We&#39;ll start with some brain mechanisms and processes, and bust the 21-day habit myth. Then, I&#39;ll share 5 practical strategies or tools to create habits that stick. These insights will help you build a sustainable system that actually helps you achieve your goal and drive life-long growth. Let&#39;s go!</p><p>00:00 Introduction - Turning Goals into Habits</p><p>02:30 Habits &amp; the Brain: Long-Term Potentiation &amp; Long-Term Depression</p><p>07:04 Goal &amp; Habit Cycles: Key Brain Regions &amp; Neurochemicals</p><p>13:08 Debunking the 21-Day Habit Myth</p><p>16:34 Tool 1: Create-a-Player Identity &amp; Never Summit Goals</p><p>19:38 Tool 2: Habit Stacking</p><p>22:48 Tool 3: The Sweet Spot Rule</p><p>25:53 Tool 4: Using Failure as Feedback, Short-Term Memory &amp; Chunking (Win the Inning)</p><p>28:34 Tool 5: Creating Friction in Bad Habits</p><p>30:30 My Challenge to You &amp; Wrap-Up</p><p>________________________________________</p><p><br></p><p>Find me, follow, share &amp; get in the game:</p><p><br></p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextseasoncoach/</p><p>Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/</p><p>Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05</p><p>Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226</p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg </p><p>Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com</p> eb5d03e1-ffb1-4bba-b02f-61c78eaa2c81 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:00:26 +0000 1916 no full New Years Eve Special: Revisiting Ep. 013 New Years Eve Special: Revisiting Ep. 013 13 Kevin Kuhn A 7 Step Framework to Take Your SMART Goals to the Next Level **REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS EVE 2025** It's the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions. In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they're helping your progress. This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Episode Objectives 02:52 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals 06:02 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals 06:40 The Power of Writing Down Goals 09:08 SMART Goals and Beyond 11:00 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal 14:04 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences 17:00 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection 20:37 Step 4: Specify the Actions You'll Take Consistently 23:50 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles 27:17 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes 30:30 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System 34:48 Recapping the 7 Steps 35:34 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit 40:45 Wrap Up ___________________________________________________ Find me, follow, share & get in the game: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextseasoncoach/ Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com **REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS EVE 2025**

It's the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions. 

In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they're helping your progress. 

This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts.


00:00 Introduction

00:48 Episode Objectives

02:52 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals 

06:02 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals

06:40 The Power of Writing Down Goals 

09:08 SMART Goals and Beyond 

11:00 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal 

14:04 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences 

17:00 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection 

20:37 Step 4: Specify the Actions You'll Take Consistently

23:50 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles 

27:17 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes 

30:30 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System 

34:48 Recapping the 7 Steps

35:34 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit 

40:45 Wrap Up

_________________________________________________________


Find me, follow, share & get in the game:

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

Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg 

Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com

]]> <p>**REPOSTING FOR NEW YEARS EVE 2025**</p><p>It&#39;s the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions. </p><p>In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they&#39;re helping your progress. </p><p>This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>00:48 Episode Objectives</p><p>02:52 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals </p><p>06:02 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals</p><p>06:40 The Power of Writing Down Goals </p><p>09:08 SMART Goals and Beyond </p><p>11:00 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal </p><p>14:04 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences </p><p>17:00 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection </p><p>20:37 Step 4: Specify the Actions You&#39;ll Take Consistently</p><p>23:50 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles </p><p>27:17 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes </p><p>30:30 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System </p><p>34:48 Recapping the 7 Steps</p><p>35:34 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit </p><p>40:45 Wrap Up</p><p>_________________________________________________________</p><p><br></p><p>Find me, follow, share &amp; get in the game:</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextseasoncoach/</p><p>Website: https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/</p><p>Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c4Ysto0Xoy98NPxDDeTXY?si=ac3628c83ea04a05</p><p>Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-season-podcast/id1770193226</p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkF51BhMjh8dy9w0gEzenwg </p><p>Email: nextseasoncoach@gmail.com</p> d3d7f557-e455-4429-9162-57e2e6312e77 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:00:04 +0000 2489 no full 038 - Blindsided & Broken, but Not Done Yet 038 - Blindsided & Broken, but Not Done Yet 38 Kevin Kuhn The Miraculous Story of Maryland's Other Ironman What do you do when life blindsides you - left laying on the side of the road? In this powerful episode, Jimmy Mudgett shares the story of nearly dying while training for an Ironman after being hit by a car and told he might never walk again. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt his identity, his confidence, his character, and eventually crossed the Ironman finish line he almost lost. This conversation cuts straight into the heart of what athletes actually struggle with: identity, comparison, purpose, pain, rebuilding, and becoming the kind of person who refuses to quit. If you’re in a season of transition, dealing with self-doubt, or trying to figure out who you are after sports, Jimmy’s story is one you can't miss. A raw, honest, long-overdue conversation with Maryland's other Ironman: Jimmy Mudgett. 00:00 Introducing Jimmy Mudgett 02:14 Jimmy's Origin Story 04:52 Character Development & Becoming a True Athlete 08:47 College Recruiting Process & an Unexpected Offer 11:12 More on the Importance of Character in Sports & Life 23:09 Transition from College Athlete to Business Owner 28:15 Struggling with Emptiness & Discovering Triathlons 34:25 Building a Mindset of the Biggest Badass in the World 37:23 The Neuroscience of Runner's High 40:30 August 6, 2014: A Life Altering Accident 43:47 The Miracle 44:56 The Necessity of Strong Bodies & Support Systems 46:15 Mental & Physical Pain and the Grueling Recovery Process 52:28 Training Tool: Chunking in the Pursuit of Goals 53:45 Finish What You Start: Returning to Ironman Training 57:16 Facing Fear, Staring at Walls & the Neuroscience of Chunking 01:00:44 Becoming an Ironman & Lessons Learned What do you do when life blindsides you - left laying on the side of the road?

In this powerful episode, Jimmy Mudgett shares the story of nearly dying while training for an Ironman after being hit by a car and told he might never walk again. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt his identity, his confidence, his character, and eventually crossed the Ironman finish line he almost lost.

This conversation cuts straight into the heart of what athletes actually struggle with:

identity, comparison, purpose, pain, rebuilding, and becoming the kind of person who refuses to quit.

If you’re in a season of transition, dealing with self-doubt, or trying to figure out who you are after sports, Jimmy’s story is one you can't miss.

A raw, honest, long-overdue conversation with Maryland's other Ironman: Jimmy Mudgett.


00:00 Introducing Jimmy Mudgett

02:14 Jimmy's Origin Story

04:52 Character Development & Becoming a True Athlete

08:47 College Recruiting Process & an Unexpected Offer

11:12 More on the Importance of Character in Sports & Life

23:09 Transition from College Athlete to Business Owner

28:15 Struggling with Emptiness & Discovering Triathlons

34:25 Building a Mindset of the Biggest Badass in the World

37:23 The Neuroscience of Runner's High

40:30 August 6, 2014: A Life Altering Accident

43:47 The Miracle

44:56 The Necessity of Strong Bodies & Support Systems

46:15 Mental & Physical Pain and the Grueling Recovery Process

52:28 Training Tool: Chunking in the Pursuit of Goals

53:45 Finish What You Start: Returning to Ironman Training

57:16 Facing Fear, Staring at Walls & the Neuroscience of Chunking

01:00:44 Becoming an Ironman & Lessons Learned

]]> <p><strong>What do you do when life blindsides you - left laying on the side of the road?</strong></p><p>In this powerful episode, Jimmy Mudgett shares the story of nearly dying while training for an Ironman after being hit by a car and told he might never walk again. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt his identity, his confidence, his character, and eventually crossed the Ironman finish line he almost lost.</p><p>This conversation cuts straight into the heart of what athletes actually struggle with:</p><p><strong>identity, comparison, purpose, pain, rebuilding, and becoming the kind of person who refuses to quit.</strong></p><p>If you’re in a season of transition, dealing with self-doubt, or trying to figure out who you are after sports, Jimmy’s story is one you can&#39;t miss.</p><p>A raw, honest, long-overdue conversation with Maryland&#39;s other Ironman: Jimmy Mudgett.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introducing Jimmy Mudgett</p><p>02:14 Jimmy&#39;s Origin Story</p><p>04:52 Character Development &amp; Becoming a True Athlete</p><p>08:47 College Recruiting Process &amp; an Unexpected Offer</p><p>11:12 More on the Importance of Character in Sports &amp; Life</p><p>23:09 Transition from College Athlete to Business Owner</p><p>28:15 Struggling with Emptiness &amp; Discovering Triathlons</p><p>34:25 Building a Mindset of the Biggest Badass in the World</p><p>37:23 The Neuroscience of Runner&#39;s High</p><p>40:30 August 6, 2014: A Life Altering Accident</p><p>43:47 The Miracle</p><p>44:56 The Necessity of Strong Bodies &amp; Support Systems</p><p>46:15 Mental &amp; Physical Pain and the Grueling Recovery Process</p><p>52:28 Training Tool: Chunking in the Pursuit of Goals</p><p>53:45 Finish What You Start: Returning to Ironman Training</p><p>57:16 Facing Fear, Staring at Walls &amp; the Neuroscience of Chunking</p><p>01:00:44 Becoming an Ironman &amp; Lessons Learned</p> d38ce3aa-8b69-45c9-8bfa-594d72cc4b6d https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:00:03 +0000 3872 no full 037 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 2) 037 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 2) 37 Kevin Kuhn Mindsets & Tools to Train Toughness, Recover Smarter & Build Real Grit Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. If you play baseball — or live a meaningful life — you’re going to get bruised, banged up, embarrassed, humbled, and tested. The question isn’t if pain shows up. It’s what you do next. In Part 2 of our deep dive into pain & toughness, I break down the exact mindsets, tools, and tactics you can use to: - Train toughness over time (gradual exposure, mental training, reframing, physical conditioning) - Recover faster and smarter using the modern PEACE & LOVE framework - Handle pain in the moment with my go-to SEAWALK method—shake it off, exhale, affirm, and move forward - And yes… even the psychology behind swearing as a pain tool (my older athletes will get it) If you want to build real grit, raise your pain threshold, recover better, and stay composed when it hurts, this episode gives you everything you need. Listen in and start training toughness the right way — with your brain and body working together, not against each other. DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family's pain & injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event. 00:00 Introduction & Recap of Part 1 (Understanding Pain) 01:28 Episode Goal: Moving from Understanding to Mastering Pain 02:32 Tool #1 (Preparing for Pain): Conditioning for Toughness 02:56 Step 1 - Acknowledge & Understand Multi-dimensional Pain 04:15 Step 2 - Get Comfortable with Discomfort 05:59 Step 3 - Mental Training for Pain 08:33 Step 4 - Physical Conditioning 09:43 Step 5 - Support & Recovery 11:07 Tool #2 (Recovering from Pain): P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. Framework 16:55 Tool #3 (Handling Pain in the Moment): S.E.A. WALK 20:38 Bonus Tool (NOT FOR YOUTH): Profanity as a Pain Response 23:39 Key Takeaways, Closing Thoughts & My Challenge To You Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

If you play baseball — or live a meaningful life — you’re going to get bruised, banged up, embarrassed, humbled, and tested. The question isn’t if pain shows up. It’s what you do next.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into pain & toughness, I break down the exact mindsets, tools, and tactics you can use to:

  • Train toughness over time (gradual exposure, mental training, reframing, physical conditioning)
  • Recover faster and smarter using the modern P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. framework
  • Handle pain in the moment with my go-to S.E.A. WALK method—shake it off, exhale, affirm, and move forward
  • And yes… even the psychology behind swearing as a pain tool (my older athletes will get it)


If you want to build real grit, raise your pain threshold, recover better, and stay composed when it hurts, this episode gives you everything you need.

Listen in and start training toughness the right way — with your brain and body working together, not against each other.

DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family's pain & injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event.

00:00 Introduction & Recap of Part 1 (Understanding Pain)

01:28 Episode Goal: Moving from Understanding to Mastering Pain

02:32 Tool #1 (Preparing for Pain): Conditioning for Toughness

02:56 Step 1 - Acknowledge & Understand Multi-dimensional Pain

04:15 Step 2 - Get Comfortable with Discomfort

05:59 Step 3 - Mental Training for Pain

08:33 Step 4 - Physical Conditioning

09:43 Step 5 - Support & Recovery

11:07 Tool #2 (Recovering from Pain): P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. Framework

16:55 Tool #3 (Handling Pain in the Moment): S.E.A. WALK

20:38 Bonus Tool (NOT FOR YOUTH): Profanity as a Pain Response

23:39 Key Takeaways, Closing Thoughts & My Challenge To You

]]> <p><strong>Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.</strong></p><p>If you play baseball — or live a meaningful life — you’re going to get bruised, banged up, embarrassed, humbled, and tested. The question isn’t <em>if</em> pain shows up. It’s <em>what you do next.</em></p><p>In <strong>Part 2</strong> of our deep dive into pain &amp; toughness, I break down the <strong>exact mindsets, tools, and tactics</strong> you can use to:</p><ul><li><strong>Train toughness over time</strong> (gradual exposure, mental training, reframing, physical conditioning)</li><li><strong>Recover faster and smarter</strong> using the modern <em>P.E.A.C.E. &amp; L.O.V.E.</em> framework</li><li><strong>Handle pain in the moment</strong> with my go-to <em>S.E.A. WALK</em> method—shake it off, exhale, affirm, and move forward</li><li>And yes… even <strong>the psychology behind swearing as a pain tool</strong> (my older athletes will get it)</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you want to build <strong>real grit</strong>, raise your pain threshold, recover better, and stay composed when it hurts, this episode gives you everything you need.</p><p>Listen in and start training toughness the right way — with your <strong>brain and body working together</strong>, not against each other.</p><p><em>DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family&#39;s pain &amp; injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event.</em></p><p>00:00 Introduction &amp; Recap of Part 1 (Understanding Pain)</p><p>01:28 Episode Goal: Moving from Understanding to Mastering Pain</p><p>02:32 Tool #1 (Preparing for Pain): Conditioning for Toughness</p><p>02:56 Step 1 - Acknowledge &amp; Understand Multi-dimensional Pain</p><p>04:15 Step 2 - Get Comfortable with Discomfort</p><p>05:59 Step 3 - Mental Training for Pain</p><p>08:33 Step 4 - Physical Conditioning</p><p>09:43 Step 5 - Support &amp; Recovery</p><p>11:07 Tool #2 (Recovering from Pain): P.E.A.C.E. &amp; L.O.V.E. Framework</p><p>16:55 Tool #3 (Handling Pain in the Moment): S.E.A. WALK</p><p>20:38 Bonus Tool (NOT FOR YOUTH): Profanity as a Pain Response</p><p>23:39 Key Takeaways, Closing Thoughts &amp; My Challenge To You</p> 70c0fec5-5e55-4593-a9b6-4a36706867a6 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:00:37 +0000 1551 no full 036 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 1) 036 – The Science of Pain & Toughness (Part 1) 36 Kevin Kuhn Understanding the Complicated Truth of Pain If you’ve got real passion, you’re signing up for pain. Pain is inevitable—it’s the cost of chasing something that matters. But it’s not just physical. Pain is multidimensional. It’s mental, emotional, even social. And when you start to understand that, everything about how you handle it changes. In this episode, I break down the science of pain and toughness—the way your brain interprets pain, how toughness impacts your reputation, why two players can feel the same injury completely differently, and how you can learn to use pain to become tougher, smarter and grittier on and off the field. This isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about learning how pain works, why it shows up, and how to make it mean something. Listen now to understand pain differently -- and don't forget to subscribe and click notifications to catch Part II for specific mindsets and tools to shift from understanding pain to controlling it. DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family's pain & injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event. 00:00 Introduction to Pain and Toughness 01:31 The Importance of Toughness 02:30 Neuroscience of Pain 03:17 The Neuroscience of Pain: Multidimensional & Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence Pain 06:31 Practical Advice for Parents & Coaches 08:21 Distinguishing Pain from Injury 11:26 Gate Control Theory & Pain Inhibition 14:33 Heat & Cold Therapy (The Changing Science, Bad Advice and 18:41 Closing Thoughts & Preview of Part II If you’ve got real passion, you’re signing up for pain.

Pain is inevitable—it’s the cost of chasing something that matters. But it’s not just physical. Pain is multidimensional. It’s mental, emotional, even social.

And when you start to understand that, everything about how you handle it changes.

In this episode, I break down the science of pain and toughness—the way your brain interprets pain, how toughness impacts your reputation, why two players can feel the same injury completely differently, and how you can learn to use pain to become tougher, smarter and grittier on and off the field.

This isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about learning how pain works, why it shows up, and how to make it mean something.

Listen now to understand pain differently -- and don't forget to subscribe and click notifications to catch Part II for specific mindsets and tools to shift from understanding pain to controlling it.

DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family's pain & injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event.


00:00 Introduction to Pain and Toughness

01:31 The Importance of Toughness

02:30 Neuroscience of Pain

03:17 The Neuroscience of Pain: Multidimensional & Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence Pain

06:31 Practical Advice for Parents & Coaches

08:21 Distinguishing Pain from Injury

11:26 Gate Control Theory & Pain Inhibition

14:33 Heat & Cold Therapy (The Changing Science, Bad Advice and

18:41 Closing Thoughts & Preview of Part II

]]> <p><strong>If you’ve got real passion, you’re signing up for pain.</strong></p><p>Pain is inevitable—it’s the cost of chasing something that matters. But it’s not just physical. Pain is multidimensional. It’s mental, emotional, even social.</p><p>And when you start to understand that, everything about how you handle it changes.</p><p>In this episode, I break down the science of pain and toughness—the way your brain interprets pain, how toughness impacts your reputation, why two players can feel the same injury completely differently, and how you can learn to use pain to become tougher, smarter and grittier on and off the field.</p><p>This isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about learning how pain works, why it shows up, and how to make it mean something.</p><p>Listen now to understand pain differently -- and don&#39;t forget to subscribe and click notifications to catch Part II for specific mindsets and tools to shift from understanding pain to controlling it.</p><p><em>DISCLAIMER: This episode includes discussions on medical terminology and treatment options. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. All points made and advice provided is based upon my own independent research, discussions with medical professionals and the treatment of my own/my family&#39;s pain &amp; injuries. Please seek a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any pain, injury, illness or any other medical event.</em></p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Pain and Toughness</p><p>01:31 The Importance of Toughness</p><p>02:30 Neuroscience of Pain</p><p>03:17 The Neuroscience of Pain: Multidimensional &amp; Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence Pain</p><p>06:31 Practical Advice for Parents &amp; Coaches</p><p>08:21 Distinguishing Pain from Injury</p><p>11:26 Gate Control Theory &amp; Pain Inhibition</p><p>14:33 Heat &amp; Cold Therapy (The Changing Science, Bad Advice and</p><p>18:41 Closing Thoughts &amp; Preview of Part II</p> 3e5bf6c3-9106-4a94-bf62-ff7963b64b61 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:30:49 +0000 1223 no full 035 - You Won…So Why Do You Feel Empty? 035 - You Won…So Why Do You Feel Empty? 35 Kevin Kuhn The "Never Summit" Mindset That Keeps Champions Ambitious without Attachment You ever crush a huge goal — and then feel...empty? You thought you’d feel unstoppable, but instead, it’s flat. That’s not weakness — it’s brain science. In this episode of The Next Season Podcast, I break down why success can trigger burnout, emptiness and even depression, and teach a better way to set goals using my Never Summit Goal Setting framework. Learn how to stay ambitious without burning out, and how to climb toward your dreams without tying your identity to the outcome. Backed by neuroscience, real stories, and practical takeaways, this episode will help athletes, parents, and coaches rethink success and rediscover joy in the process. You’ll learn how to: 🏔 Avoid the Arrival Fallacy that kills motivation after a win ⚡Rewire your dopamine system to stay hungry without crashing 🧠Detach your identity from stats, scholarships, or status 💪 Build confidence through continuous growth, not perfection 🎧 Tune in for a science-backed playbook on how to dream bigger, chase smarter, and stay grounded on every climb. 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 01:14 You Hit Your Goal…But… (The Problems with Traditional Goal Setting) 02:48 The Brain Science of Goal Setting & Pursuit (Dopamine & Motivation) 04:41 Brief Intro to Never Summit Goal Setting 04:59 Factor 1: The Arrival Fallacy (& Hedonic Treadmill) 07:44 Factor 2: The Motivation Gap 08:38 Factor 3: Identity Loss 10:18 Factor 4: Emotional Letdown (& Perfectionism) 12:49 The Reality of Climbing Mount Everest (& What It Means For You) 17:47 A Different Approach: Never Summit Goal Setting Framework 18:57 Brain Science to Support Never Summit Goals & Ambition Without Attachment 22:38 Action Steps, Closing Thoughts, How to Help & Useful Resources You ever crush a huge goal — and then feel...empty?

You thought you’d feel unstoppable, but instead, it’s flat. That’s not weakness — it’s brain science.

In this episode of The Next Season Podcast, I break down why success can trigger burnout, emptiness and even depression, and teach a better way to set goals using my Never Summit Goal Setting framework.

Learn how to stay ambitious without burning out, and how to climb toward your dreams without tying your identity to the outcome.

Backed by neuroscience, real stories, and practical takeaways, this episode will help athletes, parents, and coaches rethink success and rediscover joy in the process.

You’ll learn how to:

🏔 Avoid the Arrival Fallacy that kills motivation after a win

⚡Rewire your dopamine system to stay hungry without crashing

🧠Detach your identity from stats, scholarships, or status

💪 Build confidence through continuous growth, not perfection

 

🎧 Tune in for a science-backed playbook on how to dream bigger, chase smarter, and stay grounded on every climb.

 

00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview

01:14 You Hit Your Goal…But… (The Problems with Traditional Goal Setting)

02:48 The Brain Science of Goal Setting & Pursuit (Dopamine & Motivation)

04:41 Brief Intro to Never Summit Goal Setting

04:59 Factor 1: The Arrival Fallacy (& Hedonic Treadmill)

07:44 Factor 2: The Motivation Gap

08:38 Factor 3: Identity Loss

10:18 Factor 4: Emotional Letdown (& Perfectionism)

12:49 The Reality of Climbing Mount Everest (& What It Means For You)

17:47 A Different Approach: Never Summit Goal Setting Framework

18:57 Brain Science to Support Never Summit Goals & Ambition Without Attachment

22:38 Action Steps, Closing Thoughts, How to Help & Useful Resources

]]> <p>You ever crush a huge goal — and then feel...empty?</p><p>You thought you’d feel unstoppable, but instead, it’s flat. That’s not weakness — it’s brain science.</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Next Season Podcast</em>, I break down <strong>why success can trigger burnout, emptiness and even depression</strong>, and teach a better way to set goals using my <strong>Never Summit Goal Setting</strong> framework.</p><p>Learn how to stay ambitious without burning out, and how to climb toward your dreams without tying your identity to the outcome.</p><p>Backed by neuroscience, real stories, and practical takeaways, this episode will help athletes, parents, and coaches <strong>rethink success and rediscover joy in the process</strong>.</p><p>You’ll learn how to:</p><p>🏔 Avoid the <em>Arrival Fallacy</em> that kills motivation after a win</p><p>⚡Rewire your dopamine system to stay hungry without crashing</p><p>🧠Detach your identity from stats, scholarships, or status</p><p>💪 Build confidence through <em>continuous growth</em>, not perfection</p><p> </p><p>🎧 Tune in for a science-backed playbook on how to dream bigger, chase smarter, and stay grounded on every climb.</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Introduction &amp; Episode Overview</p><p>01:14 You Hit Your Goal…But… (The Problems with Traditional Goal Setting)</p><p>02:48 The Brain Science of Goal Setting &amp; Pursuit (Dopamine &amp; Motivation)</p><p>04:41 Brief Intro to Never Summit Goal Setting</p><p>04:59 Factor 1: The Arrival Fallacy (&amp; Hedonic Treadmill)</p><p>07:44 Factor 2: The Motivation Gap</p><p>08:38 Factor 3: Identity Loss</p><p>10:18 Factor 4: Emotional Letdown (&amp; Perfectionism)</p><p>12:49 The Reality of Climbing Mount Everest (&amp; What It Means For You)</p><p>17:47 A Different Approach: Never Summit Goal Setting Framework</p><p>18:57 Brain Science to Support Never Summit Goals &amp; Ambition Without Attachment</p><p>22:38 Action Steps, Closing Thoughts, How to Help &amp; Useful Resources</p> 136a7ca9-4885-4625-8288-99e7a24d8e11 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:23:02 +0000 1455 no full 034 – Stop Self-Hate: How to Be The Best Teammate…To Yourself 034 – Stop Self-Hate: How to Be The Best Teammate…To Yourself 34 Kevin Kuhn You’ve had a garbage teammate before—selfish, lazy, full of excuses. Toxic. Talks crap and puts you down. You're never good enough, you don't belong…you get it. In this episode I continue to garbage teammate series but this time it may be the worst version - that horrible teammate is YOU. You are the worst possible teammate to yourself. We cover what it sounds and looks like to be a garbage teammate to yourself, the danger of those negative self-beliefs and words, and then what to do instead. You’ll learn how to stop being your own worst critic and start being your best teammate—the one who builds confidence, respects identity and plays free. We’ll break it down into three buckets: Identity – Who you really are beyond stats and playing time Authenticity – Staying aligned with your values and self-respect Confidence Evidence – Stacking proof that fuel unshakable belief Packed with real stories, neuroscience and tactical tools like box breathing, reframing, snapback cues, gratitude, journaling and visualization—this episode is your playbook for resilience, confidence, and freedom on and off the field. Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to shift the mental game from toxic self-talk to authentic self-trust. 00:00 Intro, Episode Highlights & Garbage Teammate Recap (032 & 033) 01:17 Hearing the Hate from a Championship Game Disaster 05:00 Inversion Thinking Exercise: Playbook to Being Your Own Worst Teammate 09:25 Three Buckets of How to Be the Best Teammate to Yourself 09:59 Bucket 1 - Identity: Who You Really Are 12:58 Bucket 2 - Authenticity: How Aligned You Are To Your Identity 16:53 Bucket 3 - Confidence Evidence 20:10 Tactics In the Heat of the Moment: Breathwork, Reframe & Snapback, Gratitude 24:15 Strategies To Practice Over Time: Meditation, Journaling, Visualization 27:41 Closing Thoughts: Recap & How To Support You’ve had a garbage teammate before—selfish, lazy, full of excuses. Toxic. Talks crap and puts you down. You're never good enough, you don't belong…you get it.

In this episode I continue to garbage teammate series but this time it may be the worst version - that horrible teammate is YOU. You are the worst possible teammate to yourself.

We cover what it sounds and looks like to be a garbage teammate to yourself, the danger of those negative self-beliefs and words, and then what to do instead.

You’ll learn how to stop being your own worst critic and start being your best teammate—the one who builds confidence, respects identity and plays free.

We’ll break it down into three buckets:

  1. Identity – Who you really are beyond stats and playing time
  2. Authenticity – Staying aligned with your values and self-respect
  3. Confidence Evidence – Stacking proof that fuel unshakable belief


Packed with real stories, neuroscience and tactical tools like box breathing, reframing, snapback cues, gratitude, journaling and visualization—this episode is your playbook for resilience, confidence, and freedom on and off the field.

Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to shift the mental game from toxic self-talk to authentic self-trust.

00:00 Intro, Episode Highlights & Garbage Teammate Recap (032 & 033)

01:17 Hearing the Hate from a Championship Game Disaster

05:00 Inversion Thinking Exercise: Playbook to Being Your Own Worst Teammate

09:25 Three Buckets of How to Be the Best Teammate to Yourself

09:59 Bucket 1 - Identity: Who You Really Are

12:58 Bucket 2 - Authenticity: How Aligned You Are To Your Identity

16:53 Bucket 3 - Confidence Evidence

20:10 Tactics In the Heat of the Moment: Breathwork, Reframe & Snapback, Gratitude

24:15 Strategies To Practice Over Time: Meditation, Journaling, Visualization

27:41 Closing Thoughts: Recap & How To Support

]]> <p>You’ve had a garbage teammate before—selfish, lazy, full of excuses. Toxic. Talks crap and puts you down. You&#39;re never good enough, you don&#39;t belong…you get it.</p><p>In this episode I continue to garbage teammate series but this time it may be the worst version - that horrible teammate is YOU. You are the worst possible teammate to yourself.</p><p>We cover what it sounds and looks like to be a garbage teammate to yourself, the danger of those negative self-beliefs and words, and then what to do instead.</p><p>You’ll learn how to stop being your own worst critic and start being your best teammate—the one who builds confidence, respects identity and plays free.</p><p>We’ll break it down into three buckets:</p><ol><li>Identity – Who you really are beyond stats and playing time</li><li>Authenticity – Staying aligned with your values and self-respect</li><li>Confidence Evidence – Stacking proof that fuel unshakable belief</li></ol><p><br></p><p>Packed with real stories, neuroscience and tactical tools like box breathing, reframing, snapback cues, gratitude, journaling and visualization—this episode is your playbook for resilience, confidence, and freedom on and off the field.</p><p>Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to shift the mental game from toxic self-talk to authentic self-trust.</p><p>00:00 Intro, Episode Highlights &amp; Garbage Teammate Recap (032 &amp; 033)</p><p>01:17 Hearing the Hate from a Championship Game Disaster</p><p>05:00 Inversion Thinking Exercise: Playbook to Being Your Own Worst Teammate</p><p>09:25 Three Buckets of How to Be the Best Teammate to Yourself</p><p>09:59 Bucket 1 - Identity: Who You Really Are</p><p>12:58 Bucket 2 - Authenticity: How Aligned You Are To Your Identity</p><p>16:53 Bucket 3 - Confidence Evidence</p><p>20:10 Tactics In the Heat of the Moment: Breathwork, Reframe &amp; Snapback, Gratitude</p><p>24:15 Strategies To Practice Over Time: Meditation, Journaling, Visualization</p><p>27:41 Closing Thoughts: Recap &amp; How To Support</p> 0a744c10-07b5-4090-8119-3e34a9fd29aa https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:10:10 +0000 1728 no full 033 – Upperclassmen Athletes: 3 Steps to SUCK at Being a Team Leader 033 – Upperclassmen Athletes: 3 Steps to SUCK at Being a Team Leader 33 Kevin Kuhn & What to Do Instead 🚨 Upperclassmen — the way you treat freshmen can make or break your season. Ignore them, exclude them, haze them? You’re not tough… you’re toxic. In this episode of the Next Season Podcast, I lay out 3 huge mistakes upperclassmen make that DESTROY their leadership potential & trash team culture. But I don't stop there - stay to the end because I give you 3 underrated & proven leadership moves that build trust, confidence and team performance. 👉 Discover why exclusion can mimic physical pain (neuroscience doesn’t lie), why hazing kills culture, and how the best leaders model standards, protect the vibe and share their struggles. Whether you’re in high school, college, a more experienced guy on your travel team or a leader in any aspect of life — this episode will show you how to stop being a garbage teammate and start being the culture-builder your team actually want to take the field with. 00:00 Intro & Episode Highlights 01:01 Recapping 032 - Garbage Freshman & New Guy 02:17 Talking to the Upperclassman - Standards, Culture & Neuroscience of Connection 03:53 Stories from my High School & College Freshman Years 06:24 Garbage Upperclassman Step 1: Ignoring & Excluding 10:56 Garbage Upperclassman Step 2: Withholding Knowledge 13:05 Garbage Upperclassman Step 3: Hazing 22:11 Ideal Upperclassman Step 1: Model Standards & Competition 23:59 Ideal Upperclassman Step 2: Set & Protect Team Culture 26:33 Ideal Upperclassman Step 3: Share Your Struggles (Vulnerability) 22:43 Closing Thoughts: What Teammates Remember & How You Can Support 🚨 Upperclassmen — the way you treat freshmen can make or break your season.

Ignore them, exclude them, haze them? You’re not tough… you’re toxic.

In this episode of the Next Season Podcast, I lay out 3 huge mistakes upperclassmen make that DESTROY their leadership potential & trash team culture.

But I don't stop there - stay to the end because I give you 3 underrated & proven leadership moves that build trust, confidence and team performance.

👉 Discover why exclusion can mimic physical pain (neuroscience doesn’t lie), why hazing kills culture, and how the best leaders model standards, protect the vibe and share their struggles.

Whether you’re in high school, college, a more experienced guy on your travel team or a leader in any aspect of life — this episode will show you how to stop being a garbage teammate and start being the culture-builder your team actually want to take the field with.


00:00 Intro & Episode Highlights

01:01 Recapping 032 - Garbage Freshman & New Guy

02:17 Talking to the Upperclassman - Standards, Culture & Neuroscience of Connection

03:53 Stories from my High School & College Freshman Years

06:24 Garbage Upperclassman Step 1: Ignoring & Excluding

10:56 Garbage Upperclassman Step 2: Withholding Knowledge

13:05 Garbage Upperclassman Step 3: Hazing

22:11 Ideal Upperclassman Step 1: Model Standards & Competition

23:59 Ideal Upperclassman Step 2: Set & Protect Team Culture

26:33 Ideal Upperclassman Step 3: Share Your Struggles (Vulnerability)

22:43 Closing Thoughts: What Teammates Remember & How You Can Support

]]> <p>🚨 Upperclassmen — the way you treat freshmen can make or break your season. </p><p>Ignore them, exclude them, haze them? You’re not tough… you’re toxic.</p><p>In this episode of the <em>Next Season Podcast</em>, I lay out <strong>3 huge mistakes upperclassmen make that DESTROY their leadership potential &amp; trash team culture</strong>.</p><p>But I don&#39;t stop there - stay to the end because I give you 3 underrated &amp; proven leadership moves that build trust, confidence and team performance.</p><p>👉 Discover why <strong>exclusion can mimic physical pain </strong>(neuroscience doesn’t lie), why hazing kills culture, and how the <em>best leaders</em> model standards, protect the vibe and share their struggles.</p><p>Whether you’re in high school, college, a more experienced guy on your travel team or a leader in any aspect of life — this episode will show you how to <strong>stop being a garbage teammate and start being the culture-builder your team actually want to take the field with.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Episode Highlights</p><p>01:01 Recapping 032 - Garbage Freshman &amp; New Guy</p><p>02:17 Talking to the Upperclassman - Standards, Culture &amp; Neuroscience of Connection</p><p>03:53 Stories from my High School &amp; College Freshman Years</p><p>06:24 Garbage Upperclassman Step 1: Ignoring &amp; Excluding</p><p>10:56 Garbage Upperclassman Step 2: Withholding Knowledge</p><p>13:05 Garbage Upperclassman Step 3: Hazing</p><p>22:11 Ideal Upperclassman Step 1: Model Standards &amp; Competition</p><p>23:59 Ideal Upperclassman Step 2: Set &amp; Protect Team Culture</p><p>26:33 Ideal Upperclassman Step 3: Share Your Struggles (Vulnerability)</p><p>22:43 Closing Thoughts: What Teammates Remember &amp; How You Can Support</p> 25a50011-1975-4b8a-a4f0-86ead5ccd55b https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:56 +0000 1470 no full 032 - Freshman Athletes: 5 Step Playbook to Be a Garbage New Guy 032 - Freshman Athletes: 5 Step Playbook to Be a Garbage New Guy 32 Kevin Kuhn & What to Do Instead Don’t be that guy on a new team. You know the one—shows up late, acts too cool, doesn’t listen, and loses respect before the first game even starts. In this episode of the Next Season Podcast, I break down 5 brutal mistakes that instantly make you a garbage new teammate—and how to flip them into habits that earn trust, respect and leadership on day one. Whether you’re a freshman walking into high school or college ball, a transfer adjusting to a new program, or a parent/coach trying to help athletes thrive, this is your survival guide for first impressions. We’ll hit on: 🚫 Acting too cool for the team ⏰ Blowing off punctuality 🙅 Not being coachable 😑 Killing trust with bad body language 🧠 Forgetting humility & ownership 🔥 Listen now and learn how to stand out the right way and become the teammate every coach, scout, and player wants in their locker room. 00:00 Intro & Episode Highlights 01:33 Freshman Year Transitions & Challenges 03:47 The Neuroscience of First Impressions 04:39 Inversion Thinking & Episode Structure 06:24 Garbage Freshman Step 1: Acting Too Cool 09:32 Garbage Freshman Step 2: Being Late 13:30 Garbage Freshman Step 3: Trying to be the Clown 16:10 Garbage Freshman Step 4: Blaming & Making Excuses 18:46 Garbage Freshman Step 5: Talking Trash About Old Team 21:17 What to Do Instead: 5 Ways to be an Awesome New Guy 22:11 Ideal Freshman Step 1: Keep Your Mouth Shut & Ears Open 23:59 Ideal Freshman Step 2: Look for Work (No Empty Hands) 26:33 Ideal Freshman Step 3: Keep Your World Small 28:22 Ideal Freshman Step 4: Be Coachable & Take Notes 30:05 Ideal Freshman Step 5: Take Care of Your Gear & Your Body (& Your Mind) 32:35 The Ideal Team Player: Hungry, Humble & Smart 33:45 Closing Thoughts & How You Can Help Don’t be that guy on a new team. You know the one—shows up late, acts too cool, doesn’t listen, and loses respect before the first game even starts.

In this episode of the Next Season Podcast, I break down 5 brutal mistakes that instantly make you a garbage new teammate—and how to flip them into habits that earn trust, respect and leadership on day one.

Whether you’re a freshman walking into high school or college ball, a transfer adjusting to a new program, or a parent/coach trying to help athletes thrive, this is your survival guide for first impressions.

We’ll hit on:

🚫 Acting too cool for the team

⏰ Blowing off punctuality

🙅 Not being coachable

😑 Killing trust with bad body language

🧠 Forgetting humility and ownership

 

🔥 Listen now and learn how to stand out the right way and become the teammate every coach, scout, and player wants in their locker room.

00:00 Intro & Episode Highlights

01:33 Freshman Year Transitions & Challenges

03:47 The Neuroscience of First Impressions

04:39 Inversion Thinking & Episode Structure

06:24 Garbage Freshman Step 1: Acting Too Cool

09:32 Garbage Freshman Step 2: Being Late

13:30 Garbage Freshman Step 3: Trying to be the Clown

16:10 Garbage Freshman Step 4: Blaming & Making Excuses

18:46 Garbage Freshman Step 5: Talking Trash About Old Team

21:17 What to Do Instead: 5 Ways to be an Awesome New Guy

22:11 Ideal Freshman Step 1: Keep Your Mouth Shut & Ears Open

23:59 Ideal Freshman Step 2: Look for Work (No Empty Hands)

26:33 Ideal Freshman Step 3: Keep Your World Small

28:22 Ideal Freshman Step 4: Be Coachable & Take Notes

30:05 Ideal Freshman Step 5: Take Care of Your Gear & Your Body (& Your Mind)

32:35 The Ideal Team Player: Hungry, Humble & Smart

33:45 Closing Thoughts & How You Can Help

]]> <p>Don’t be <em>that guy</em> on a new team. You know the one—shows up late, acts too cool, doesn’t listen, and loses respect before the first game even starts.</p><p>In this episode of the <em>Next Season Podcast</em>, I break down <strong>5 brutal mistakes that instantly make you a garbage new teammate</strong>—and how to flip them into habits that earn <strong>trust, respect and leadership</strong> on day one.</p><p>Whether you’re a <strong>freshman walking into high school or college ball</strong>, a <strong>transfer adjusting to a new program</strong>, or a <strong>parent/coach trying to help athletes thrive</strong>, this is your survival guide for first impressions.</p><p>We’ll hit on:</p><p>🚫 Acting too cool for the team</p><p>⏰ Blowing off punctuality</p><p>🙅 Not being coachable</p><p>😑 Killing trust with bad body language</p><p>🧠 Forgetting humility and ownership</p><p> </p><p>🔥 Listen now and learn how to stand out the <em>right way</em> and become the teammate every coach, scout, and player wants in their locker room.</p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Episode Highlights</p><p>01:33 Freshman Year Transitions &amp; Challenges</p><p>03:47 The Neuroscience of First Impressions</p><p>04:39 Inversion Thinking &amp; Episode Structure</p><p>06:24 Garbage Freshman Step 1: Acting Too Cool</p><p>09:32 Garbage Freshman Step 2: Being Late</p><p>13:30 Garbage Freshman Step 3: Trying to be the Clown</p><p>16:10 Garbage Freshman Step 4: Blaming &amp; Making Excuses</p><p>18:46 Garbage Freshman Step 5: Talking Trash About Old Team</p><p>21:17 What to Do Instead: 5 Ways to be an Awesome New Guy</p><p>22:11 Ideal Freshman Step 1: Keep Your Mouth Shut &amp; Ears Open</p><p>23:59 Ideal Freshman Step 2: Look for Work (No Empty Hands)</p><p>26:33 Ideal Freshman Step 3: Keep Your World Small</p><p>28:22 Ideal Freshman Step 4: Be Coachable &amp; Take Notes</p><p>30:05 Ideal Freshman Step 5: Take Care of Your Gear &amp; Your Body (&amp; Your Mind)</p><p>32:35 The Ideal Team Player: Hungry, Humble &amp; Smart</p><p>33:45 Closing Thoughts &amp; How You Can Help</p> 620d19de-d696-4ca6-afc1-6c4886c5f462 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:43:23 +0000 2107 no full 031 - People Don't Do Dumb Stuff on Purpose (pt 2 of 2) 031 - People Don't Do Dumb Stuff on Purpose (pt 2 of 2) 31 Kevin Kuhn In Episode 030, I hit you with 6 reasons that the "dumb" mistakes you see may not be on purpose - and they fell in the No Choice Bucket. If you missed it, go back and listen first. Now in Part 2, we go even deeper with 10 more brain-based, logic-driven reasons people make choices that look dumb but actually make perfect sense to them in the moment. From processing speed under pressure to emotional hijacking, habit loops, fear of judgment and outdated mental models, we break down the hidden forces that drive behavior, choices and performance — and why these moments almost never come from laziness, disrespect or lack of care. Backed by sports neuroscience, real coaching stories, and practical tools, this episode will help coaches, parents, and players swap judgment for understanding, build trust faster, and create performance environments where athletes can thrive. Plus at the end, I give you some tactical advice on what you can do different and 3 book recommendations that may just change your life. 00:00 Intro & the No Choice Bucket 00:54 What About When They Do Have a Choice? 01:47 Reason 1: They Don't Know Why They Should Do It 05:11 Reason 2: They Think They're Way is Better 06:43 Reason 3: They Think Something Else is More Important 07:47 Reason 4: There's No Perceived Positive Outcome for Doing It 09:01 Reason 5: There's a Perceived Negative Consequence for Doing It 10:15 Reason 6: There's a Perceived Positive Outcome for Not Doing It 12:45 Reason 7: There's No Negative Consequence for Not Doing it 13:40 Reason 8: They're Dealing with Hard Personal Stuff 15:08 Reason 9: They're Afraid of […] 17:18 Reason 10: You're Wrong 19:43 Recapping the Two Buckets: No Choice & Logical Reasons 20:22 Two Tactical Steps to Help You Handle These Situations 21:41 Three Book Recommendations 23:57 Don't Be Dumb - Hit Me Up to Talk Book Recommendations (I don't make any money or commission from these links, just sharing books that have helped me, and maybe you'll like them too): The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom Extreme Ownership: How US Navy SEALS Lead and Win Heads-Up Baseball 2.0: 5 Skills for Competing One Pitch at a Time In Episode 030, I hit you with 6 reasons that the "dumb" mistakes you see may not be on purpose - and they fell in the No Choice Bucket. If you missed it, go back and listen first.

Now in Part 2, we go even deeper with 10 more brain-based, logic-driven reasons people make choices that look dumb but actually make perfect sense to them in the moment.

From processing speed under pressure to emotional hijacking, habit loops, fear of judgment and outdated mental models, we break down the hidden forces that drive behavior, choices and performance — and why these moments almost never come from laziness, disrespect or lack of care.

Backed by sports neuroscience, real coaching stories, and practical tools, this episode will help coaches, parents, and players swap judgment for understanding, build trust faster, and create performance environments where athletes can thrive.

Plus at the end, I give you some tactical advice on what you can do different and 3 book recommendations that may just change your life.

 

00:00 Intro & the No Choice Bucket

00:54 What About When They Do Have a Choice?

01:47 Reason 1: They Don't Know Why They Should Do It

05:11 Reason 2: They Think They're Way is Better

06:43 Reason 3: They Think Something Else is More Important

07:47 Reason 4: There's No Perceived Positive Outcome for Doing It

09:01 Reason 5: There's a Perceived Negative Consequence for Doing It

10:15 Reason 6: There's a Perceived Positive Outcome for Not Doing It

12:45 Reason 7: There's No Negative Consequence for Not Doing it

13:40 Reason 8: They're Dealing with Hard Personal Stuff

15:08 Reason 9: They're Afraid of […]

17:18 Reason 10: You're Wrong

19:43 Recapping the Two Buckets: No Choice & Logical Reasons

20:22 Two Tactical Steps to Help You Handle These Situations

21:41 Three Book Recommendations

23:57 Don't Be Dumb - Hit Me Up to Talk

Book Recommendations (I don't make any money or commission from these links, just sharing books that have helped me, and maybe you'll like them too):

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

Extreme Ownership: How US Navy SEALS Lead and Win

Heads-Up Baseball 2.0: 5 Skills for Competing One Pitch at a Time

]]> <p>In Episode 030, I hit you with 6 reasons that the &#34;dumb&#34; mistakes you see may not be on purpose - and they fell in the No Choice Bucket. If you missed it, go back and listen first.</p><p>Now in Part 2, we go even deeper with 10 more brain-based, logic-driven reasons people make choices that look dumb but actually make perfect sense to them in the moment.</p><p>From processing speed under pressure to emotional hijacking, habit loops, fear of judgment and outdated mental models, we break down the hidden forces that drive behavior, choices and performance — and why these moments almost never come from laziness, disrespect or lack of care.</p><p>Backed by sports neuroscience, real coaching stories, and practical tools, this episode will help coaches, parents, and players swap judgment for understanding, build trust faster, and create performance environments where athletes can thrive.</p><p>Plus at the end, I give you some tactical advice on what you can do different and 3 book recommendations that may just change your life.</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; the No Choice Bucket</p><p>00:54 What About When They Do Have a Choice?</p><p>01:47 Reason 1: They Don&#39;t Know Why They Should Do It</p><p>05:11 Reason 2: They Think They&#39;re Way is Better</p><p>06:43 Reason 3: They Think Something Else is More Important</p><p>07:47 Reason 4: There&#39;s No Perceived Positive Outcome for Doing It</p><p>09:01 Reason 5: There&#39;s a Perceived Negative Consequence for Doing It</p><p>10:15 Reason 6: There&#39;s a Perceived Positive Outcome for Not Doing It</p><p>12:45 Reason 7: There&#39;s No Negative Consequence for Not Doing it</p><p>13:40 Reason 8: They&#39;re Dealing with Hard Personal Stuff</p><p>15:08 Reason 9: They&#39;re Afraid of […]</p><p>17:18 Reason 10: You&#39;re Wrong</p><p>19:43 Recapping the Two Buckets: No Choice &amp; Logical Reasons</p><p>20:22 Two Tactical Steps to Help You Handle These Situations</p><p>21:41 Three Book Recommendations</p><p>23:57 Don&#39;t Be Dumb - Hit Me Up to Talk</p><p>Book Recommendations (I don&#39;t make any money or commission from these links, just sharing books that have helped me, and maybe you&#39;ll like them too):</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GTS3WDFFUH3X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L-x8uSbCENVCVyajat5EpWOGkOhu4bs81IlExfKLB_OkXWM90BEhuTzMTKzyIUegOmTI-m9FiedwQo6UZtDBfw7LtyNJHypnLCnU5FTD-9IxWVAZ9GhouP15eh7TmngJWcH6v1xCLkvOJPFSCDC8VvemAK9Ttgaq5SLgsHz7wSN1xp69Z7ShX8pW5RNkQFXU1eKOk0bDe9hsUlA95lBuFZLjnRn-cvEmff7VkP5aXG0.jSchS1NYRbgMAeEhThStbjRA4Q5YpNa8k2DUguYcWB4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+four+agreements&qid=1754607615&sprefix=the+four+agreements%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Ownership-U-S-Navy-SEALs/dp/1250183863/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TV3FGECFYZPN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x4z6KtGpcudpFUoLUQR7gbJIHBvLl7p0GsSaIax1ybRZ379OeAJsDPduStfKT9DLwZo_vfvnGh7QjhKOgIbtg2yePm6Ak5kqienvYHEoMb5rHPOHwvJnwLVJbhY5UmtmsUvSsuYToYqKcqzh8WcBQs9ecagMvX_Da6ad-UXN8HWknNV1umKFQrGStoFxh1KN0xxUpDlOAA2Yi-S2Z8nByCQG1cS_MDZzSi77z0mqsKI.jyYL0f3LmVm_mi2G6Hd3aPHud-uaMabmjG66jT4TQJ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=extreme+ownership&qid=1754607766&sprefix=extreme+ownership%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow">Extreme Ownership: How US Navy SEALS Lead and Win</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heads-Up-Baseball-2-0-Skills-Competing-ebook/dp/B0786WK3DL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=SRR4ILPXK4KX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DHoQKqz3M9zb4gK6Nqo_stK0W8VPd6vzj1_G8NJBkeb_qOZ_Z4P8TAAygQVIuo0PLQGiGF2nVsFioQi4uUbEzKMEqaj1acK6lv4LeS8iqz23e9sCoq87qEB7lgsuOsFd6sYJ3d23SauYFkFbTCwdsoYyXZgOrH_FWFD-ZkdMoE-WyW0I3Z4TAG6OO7TwyM-67k5t_Y4O3NSKgoH2CT0OOhs8SUJn0Eo2ave5XuDJxQE.iqpQBH_8KMecgF3ukSdSwWVRHkcH8S5almTnMPc9gZI&dib_tag=se&keywords=heads+up+baseball&qid=1754607831&sprefix=heads+up+baseball%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-2" rel="nofollow">Heads-Up Baseball 2.0: 5 Skills for Competing One Pitch at a Time</a></p> e175aeac-8654-47d3-8698-df975aeb92bc https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:00:51 +0000 1484 no full 030 – People Don't Do Dumb Stuff on Purpose (pt 1 of 2) 030 – People Don't Do Dumb Stuff on Purpose (pt 1 of 2) 30 Kevin Kuhn Tell me if these sound familiar… Your shortstop makes a wild throw when he should’ve eaten it. A hitter swings 3–0 with the game on the line and pops up. The ump blows an obvious call. Your mom says something awkward in front of your whole team. A teammate zones out and misses the sign, and you pay the price. Another teammate hits a missile and thinks it's gone, tosses his bat and starts his homerun trot, but it stays in the yard and he's thrown out at second. Your best player loses control of his emotions, slams his bat and gets tossed at the worst possible time. We’ve all seen it — people doing really dumb $**t. But here’s the truth: it’s almost never on purpose. This part 1 of a 2-part series giving you the exact reasons people may do really dumb things. This episode covers the first bucket of 6 reasons. Stay tuned for episode 031 which gives you another bucket of 10 more reasons. Backed by neuroscience, real stories and coaching insights, this series flips how you see “dumb plays” forever. 00:00 Intro: A Dumb Baserunning Play…or not? 02:56 Overview of the Two Buckets 04:25 Reason 1: They Don't Know What They're Supposed to Do 06:25 Reason 2: They Don't Know How to Do it the Right Way 08:53 Reason 3: They Think They Are Doing it Right 11:18 Reason 4: There Are Obstacles Beyond Their Control 14:55 Reason 5: They Have Personal Limitations 19:18 Reason 6: Nobody Can Do It 22:28 Recap & Watch Out for Part 2 Tell me if these sound familiar…

Your shortstop makes a wild throw when he should’ve eaten it.

A hitter swings 3–0 with the game on the line and pops up.

The ump blows an obvious call.

Your mom says something awkward in front of your whole team.

A teammate zones out and misses the sign, and you pay the price.

Another teammate hits a missile and thinks it's gone, tosses his bat and starts his homerun trot, but it stays in the yard and he's thrown out at second.

Your best player loses control of his emotions, slams his bat and gets tossed at the worst possible time.

We’ve all seen it — people doing really dumb $**t.

But here’s the truth: it’s almost never on purpose.

This part 1 of a 2-part series giving you the exact reasons people may do really dumb things. This episode covers the first bucket of 6 reasons. Stay tuned for episode 031 which gives you another bucket of 10 more reasons.

Backed by neuroscience, real stories and coaching insights, this series flips how you see “dumb plays” forever.

00:00 Intro: A Dumb Baserunning Play…or not?

02:56 Overview of the Two Buckets

04:25 Reason 1: They Don't Know What They're Supposed to Do

06:25 Reason 2: They Don't Know How to Do it the Right Way

08:53 Reason 3: They Think They Are Doing it Right

11:18 Reason 4: There Are Obstacles Beyond Their Control

14:55 Reason 5: They Have Personal Limitations

19:18 Reason 6: Nobody Can Do It

22:28 Recap & Watch Out for Part 2

]]> <p>Tell me if these sound familiar…</p><p>Your shortstop makes a wild throw when he should’ve eaten it.</p><p>A hitter swings 3–0 with the game on the line and pops up.</p><p>The ump blows an obvious call.</p><p>Your mom says something awkward in front of your whole team.</p><p>A teammate zones out and misses the sign, and you pay the price.</p><p>Another teammate hits a missile and thinks it&#39;s gone, tosses his bat and starts his homerun trot, but it stays in the yard and he&#39;s thrown out at second.</p><p>Your best player loses control of his emotions, slams his bat and gets tossed at the worst possible time.</p><p>We’ve all seen it — people doing really dumb $**t.</p><p>But here’s the truth: it’s almost never on purpose.</p><p>This part 1 of a 2-part series giving you the exact reasons people may do really dumb things. This episode covers the first bucket of 6 reasons. Stay tuned for episode 031 which gives you another bucket of 10 more reasons.</p><p>Backed by neuroscience, real stories and coaching insights, this series flips how you see “dumb plays” forever.</p><p>00:00 Intro: A Dumb Baserunning Play…or not?</p><p>02:56 Overview of the Two Buckets</p><p>04:25 Reason 1: They Don&#39;t Know What They&#39;re Supposed to Do</p><p>06:25 Reason 2: They Don&#39;t Know How to Do it the Right Way</p><p>08:53 Reason 3: They Think They Are Doing it Right</p><p>11:18 Reason 4: There Are Obstacles Beyond Their Control</p><p>14:55 Reason 5: They Have Personal Limitations</p><p>19:18 Reason 6: Nobody Can Do It</p><p>22:28 Recap &amp; Watch Out for Part 2</p> fb84b362-b384-43b4-954e-7ca4bddf5fc2 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:00:28 +0000 1463 no full 029 – From Selling Red Sox Tickets to Coaching Manny Ramirez 029 – From Selling Red Sox Tickets to Coaching Manny Ramirez 29 Kevin Kuhn How Coach Murph Became One of the Premier Online Coaches for Baseball Players of All Ages Coach Murph is changing the game—literally. Chris “Coach Murph” Murphy went from youth ballplayer to landing a front office job with the Red Sox. When he realized there was something missing, he went all-in and has become one of the premier online coaches, including the personal hitting coach to MLB LEGEND MANNY RAMIREZ & MLB draft prospects. In this episode, we unpack his journey, his coaching philosophy and how he builds real confidence in hitters of all ages. You’ll hear: -Why talent without structure won’t cut it -The secret power of video feedback (and how it trains the brain) -The truth about slumps, self-doubt and hitting mechanics -Why even Manny has a hitting coach—and how Coach Murph earned his trust -What parents need to know about in-season skill development This episode is packed with pure gold for players 10–20, parents and coaches alike. 📲 Find Coach Murphy @icoachbaseball & DM “Core Four” to get started with his program https://www.coachmurphbaseball.com/ 00:00 Episode Highlights & Intro 00:57 Introducing Coach Murph 02:05 Following the Dream & Love of the Game 04:20 Taking Chances & Changing Directions: Red Sox to Coaching 07:07 Communication, Connection and Coaching Tactics 10:18 Becoming the Hitting Coach for Manny Ramirez 15:44 Lessons for Players from an MLB Legend 16:41 Video Feedback: Enhancing Player Performance 18:02 Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt 19:14 Coach Murph on Confidence 25:13 In-season Adjustments 26:59 Commitment & Accountability in Training 30:44 Rapid Fire: Science-based Coaching, How to Connect, What's Next, One Piece of Advice, Breaking Through, Perspectives for A Slumping Player 37:45 Closing Thoughts Coach Murph is changing the game—literally.

Chris “Coach Murph” Murphy went from youth ballplayer to landing a front office job with the Red Sox. When he realized there was something missing, he went all-in and has become one of the premier online coaches, including the personal hitting coach to MLB LEGEND MANNY RAMIREZ & MLB draft prospects. In this episode, we unpack his journey, his coaching philosophy and how he builds real confidence in hitters of all ages.

You’ll hear:

  • Why talent without structure won’t cut it
  • The secret power of video feedback (and how it trains the brain)
  • The truth about slumps, self-doubt and hitting mechanics
  • Why even Manny has a hitting coach—and how Coach Murph earned his trust
  • What parents need to know about in-season skill development


This episode is packed with pure gold for players 10–20, parents and coaches alike.

📲 Find Coach Murphy @icoachbaseball & DM “Core Four” to get started with his program

https://www.coachmurphbaseball.com/

 

00:00 Episode Highlights & Intro

00:57 Introducing Coach Murph

02:05 Following the Dream & Love of the Game

04:20 Taking Chances & Changing Directions: Red Sox to Coaching

07:07 Communication, Connection and Coaching Tactics

10:18 Becoming the Hitting Coach for Manny Ramirez

15:44 Lessons for Players from an MLB Legend

16:41 Video Feedback: Enhancing Player Performance

18:02 Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt

19:14 Coach Murph on Confidence

25:13 In-season Adjustments

26:59 Commitment & Accountability in Training

30:44 Rapid Fire: Science-based Coaching, How to Connect, What's Next, One Piece of Advice, Breaking Through, Perspectives for A Slumping Player

37:45 Closing Thoughts

]]> <p>Coach Murph is changing the game—literally.</p><p>Chris “Coach Murph” Murphy went from youth ballplayer to landing a front office job with the Red Sox. When he realized there was something missing, he went all-in and has become one of the premier online coaches, including the personal hitting coach to MLB LEGEND MANNY RAMIREZ &amp; MLB draft prospects. In this episode, we unpack his journey, his coaching philosophy and how he builds real confidence in hitters of all ages.</p><p>You’ll hear:</p><ul><li>Why talent without structure won’t cut it</li><li>The secret power of video feedback (and how it trains the brain)</li><li>The truth about slumps, self-doubt and hitting mechanics</li><li>Why even Manny has a hitting coach—and how Coach Murph earned his trust</li><li>What parents need to know about in-season skill development</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode is packed with pure gold for players 10–20, parents and coaches alike.</p><p>📲 Find Coach Murphy @icoachbaseball &amp; DM “Core Four” to get started with his program</p><p><a href="https://www.coachmurphbaseball.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.coachmurphbaseball.com/</a></p><p> </p><p>00:00 Episode Highlights &amp; Intro</p><p>00:57 Introducing Coach Murph</p><p>02:05 Following the Dream &amp; Love of the Game</p><p>04:20 Taking Chances &amp; Changing Directions: Red Sox to Coaching</p><p>07:07 Communication, Connection and Coaching Tactics</p><p>10:18 Becoming the Hitting Coach for Manny Ramirez</p><p>15:44 Lessons for Players from an MLB Legend</p><p>16:41 Video Feedback: Enhancing Player Performance</p><p>18:02 Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt</p><p>19:14 Coach Murph on Confidence</p><p>25:13 In-season Adjustments</p><p>26:59 Commitment &amp; Accountability in Training</p><p>30:44 Rapid Fire: Science-based Coaching, How to Connect, What&#39;s Next, One Piece of Advice, Breaking Through, Perspectives for A Slumping Player</p><p>37:45 Closing Thoughts</p> 74472c0a-0cae-41f3-8aa1-9ab11ef9ff76 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:00:55 +0000 2326 no full 028 - How to Tick Off Coaches & Scouts (Part 2) 028 - How to Tick Off Coaches & Scouts (Part 2) 28 Kevin Kuhn 4 More Subtle Red Flags That Get You Cut, Benched, or Passed Over You need to know what coaches and scouts are really looking for. Baseball is a game of details. And if you're missing these ones, you’re in trouble. In Part 2 of this two-part series, I break down 4 more subtle red flags that silently kill trust with coaches and hold players back—on the field and in life. These aren’t just performance issues. These are character issues, mindset traps, and lifestyle habits that coaches notice… even if you think they don’t. (I had a few challenges with the mic and recording this episode, appreciate your understanding with the minor audio issues) 🚩 Victim Mentality & Self-Shaming 🚩 The Impact of Poor Nutrition, Hydration and Sleep 🚩 The 'Always Kinda Hurt' Guy 🚩 Not Cleaning Up The Dugout PLUS why they matter from a brain-science 🧠 perspective, and what you can do about it. If you’re serious about getting recruited, earning playing time and becoming a complete player, this is an episode you can’t afford to skip. 👇 Drop a comment if one of these hits home—or if you’ve seen these in teammates. 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes weekly 00:00 Episode Highlights & Intro 01:12 Red Flag #5: Victim Mentality & Self-Shaming (& the brain science) 06:34 Red Flag #6: Neglecting Physical Health (& the brain science) 12:52 Red Flag #7: The Always Kinda Hurt Guy (& the brain science) 17:55 Red Flag #8: Lack of Stewardship & Accountability (& the brain science) 21:57 My Challenge to You, Recap & Wrapping Up You need to know what coaches and scouts are really looking for. Baseball is a game of details. And if you're missing these ones, you’re in trouble.

In Part 2 of this two-part series, I break down 4 more subtle red flags that silently kill trust with coaches and hold players back—on the field and in life.

These aren’t just performance issues.

These are character issues, mindset traps, and lifestyle habits that coaches notice… even if you think they don’t.

(I had a few challenges with the mic and recording this episode, appreciate your understanding with the minor audio issues)

🚩 Victim Mentality & Self-Shaming

🚩 The Impact of Poor Nutrition, Hydration and Sleep

🚩 The 'Always Kinda Hurt' Guy

🚩 Not Cleaning Up The Dugout

PLUS why they matter from a brain-science 🧠 perspective, and what you can do about it.

If you’re serious about getting recruited, earning playing time and becoming a complete player, this is an episode you can’t afford to skip.

👇 Drop a comment if one of these hits home—or if you’ve seen these in teammates.

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes weekly

 

00:00 Episode Highlights & Intro

01:12 Red Flag #5: Victim Mentality & Self-Shaming (& the brain science)

06:34 Red Flag #6: Neglecting Physical Health (& the brain science)

12:52 Red Flag #7: The Always Kinda Hurt Guy (& the brain science)

17:55 Red Flag #8: Lack of Stewardship & Accountability (& the brain science)

21:57 My Challenge to You, Recap & Wrapping Up

]]> <p>You need to know what coaches and scouts are <em>really</em> looking for. Baseball is a game of details. And if you&#39;re missing these ones, you’re in trouble.</p><p>In Part 2 of this two-part series, I break down 4 <em>more</em> subtle red flags that silently kill trust with coaches and hold players back—on the field and in life.</p><p>These aren’t just performance issues.</p><p>These are character issues, mindset traps, and lifestyle habits that coaches notice… even if you think they don’t.</p><p><em>(I had a few challenges with the mic and recording this episode, appreciate your understanding with the minor audio issues)</em></p><p>🚩 Victim Mentality &amp; Self-Shaming</p><p>🚩 The Impact of Poor Nutrition, Hydration and Sleep</p><p>🚩 The &#39;Always Kinda Hurt&#39; Guy</p><p>🚩 Not Cleaning Up The Dugout</p><p>PLUS why they matter from a brain-science 🧠 perspective, and what you can do about it.</p><p>If you’re serious about getting recruited, earning playing time and becoming a complete player, this is an episode you can’t afford to skip.</p><p>👇 Drop a comment if one of these hits home—or if you’ve seen these in teammates.</p><p>🎧 Subscribe for more episodes weekly</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Episode Highlights &amp; Intro</p><p>01:12 Red Flag #5: Victim Mentality &amp; Self-Shaming (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>06:34 Red Flag #6: Neglecting Physical Health (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>12:52 Red Flag #7: The Always Kinda Hurt Guy (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>17:55 Red Flag #8: Lack of Stewardship &amp; Accountability (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>21:57 My Challenge to You, Recap &amp; Wrapping Up</p> ae02399b-cecb-46e0-ba79-a346a702d9ce https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:00:36 +0000 1395 no full 027 - How to Tick Off Coaches & Scouts 027 - How to Tick Off Coaches & Scouts 27 Kevin Kuhn 4 Subtle Red Flags That Get You Cut, Benched or Passed Over (pt 1) You might have talent—but talent won’t save you if you're making these mistakes. You need to know what coaches and scouts are really looking for. Baseball is a game of details. And if you're missing these ones, you’re in trouble. In this episode, I break down 4 red flags that coaches and scouts hate seeing from players. These aren't the obvious ones. These are the small habits and behaviors that quietly scream, “Not ready.” 🚩 Phones & Earbuds During Warmups 🚩 Over-Reliance on Mom & Dad 🚩 Drip Without a Grip 🚩 False Coachability (Knowing But Not Applying) PLUS why they matter from a brain-science 🧠 perspective, and what you can do about it. If you’re serious about getting recruited, earning playing time and becoming a complete player, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip. 00:00 - Old School Upbringing (& still being a dumb kid) 01:31 - The Price of Entry: Basic Standards & Expectations 02:38 - Red Flag #1: Phones & Earbuds (& the brain science) 08:19 - Red Flag #2: Over-Reliance on Mom & Dad (& the brain science) 12:26 - Red Flag #3: All Drip, No Grip (& the brain science) 16:17 - Red Flag #4: False Coachability (& the brain science) 20:25 - My Challenge to You, Recap & Wrapping Up You might have talent—but talent won’t save you if you're making these mistakes.

You need to know what coaches and scouts are really looking for. Baseball is a game of details. And if you're missing these ones, you’re in trouble.

In this episode, I break down 4 red flags that coaches and scouts hate seeing from players. These aren't the obvious ones. These are the small habits and behaviors that quietly scream, “Not ready.”

🚩 Phones & Earbuds During Warmups

🚩 Over-Reliance on Mom & Dad

🚩 Drip Without a Grip

🚩 False Coachability (Knowing But Not Applying)

PLUS why they matter from a brain-science 🧠 perspective, and what you can do about it.

If you’re serious about getting recruited, earning playing time and becoming a complete player, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.

00:00 - Old School Upbringing (& still being a dumb kid)

01:31 - The Price of Entry: Basic Standards & Expectations

02:38 - Red Flag #1: Phones & Earbuds (& the brain science)

08:19 - Red Flag #2: Over-Reliance on Mom & Dad (& the brain science)

12:26 - Red Flag #3: All Drip, No Grip (& the brain science)

16:17 - Red Flag #4: False Coachability (& the brain science)

20:25 - My Challenge to You, Recap & Wrapping Up

]]> <p>You might have talent—but talent won’t save you if you&#39;re making these mistakes. </p><p>You need to know what coaches and scouts are <em>really</em> looking for. Baseball is a game of details. And if you&#39;re missing these ones, you’re in trouble.</p><p>In this episode, I break down 4 red flags that coaches and scouts hate seeing from players. These aren&#39;t the obvious ones. These are the small habits and behaviors that quietly scream, “Not ready.”</p><p>🚩 Phones &amp; Earbuds During Warmups</p><p>🚩 Over-Reliance on Mom &amp; Dad</p><p>🚩 Drip Without a Grip</p><p>🚩 False Coachability (Knowing But Not Applying)</p><p>PLUS why they matter from a brain-science 🧠 perspective, and what you can do about it.</p><p>If you’re serious about getting recruited, earning playing time and becoming a complete player, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.</p><p>00:00 - Old School Upbringing (&amp; still being a dumb kid)</p><p>01:31 - The Price of Entry: Basic Standards &amp; Expectations</p><p>02:38 - Red Flag #1: Phones &amp; Earbuds (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>08:19 - Red Flag #2: Over-Reliance on Mom &amp; Dad (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>12:26 - Red Flag #3: All Drip, No Grip (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>16:17 - Red Flag #4: False Coachability (&amp; the brain science)</p><p>20:25 - My Challenge to You, Recap &amp; Wrapping Up</p> 6cff8451-fd82-448e-b04f-064738409523 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000 1296 no full 026 - What Are Your 'No Matter Whats?' 026 - What Are Your 'No Matter Whats?' 26 Kevin Kuhn Values-Based Living for Elite Performance with Johnny Martin Welcome back to The Next Season Podcast — and trust me, this one's a masterclass. I’m honored to sit down with Johnny Martin, a speaker, coach and mentor to Fortune 1 executives, elite military operators, world-record holders, pro athletes, and high-level entrepreneurs. More than that, Johnny is a man who lives what he teaches—a life built on values, vision and grit. When I created the Ambition Pillar in my coaching program, it was grounded in lessons I learned from Johnny—because values are the foundation for everything: goals, standards, boundaries, success and a life of purpose. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to live in alignment, how to coach elite performers through pressure and transition, and why character always outlasts talent. If you’re an athlete, parent, coach—or just someone chasing something bigger—get your notepad ready. Here’s Johnny Martin. Connect with Johnny: johnny@veteransfuture.org https://veteransfuture.org/ 00:00 – Opening & Johnny's Origin Story 04:00 – Strict Parents & Firm Expectations 06:18 – Poor Choices, Free Labor & a Life Lesson 10:00 – Finding Purpose & a Path - Lessons from Johnny's Father 16:08 – We DON'T Learn from Experience… 18:41 – The Neuroscience of Real Behavior Change 25:10 – Johnny's Journey From the Classroom to Coaching Elite Performers 36:00 – Different Environments, Same Principles 38:48 – Pillars of Next Season 41:53 – The Ambition Pillar - Identity, Vision, Values, Standards and Boundaries 43:23 – It Starts with Values - Your “No Matter Whats” 52:16 – "We're Gonna Dance, and I'm Gonna Lead" - Stress, Distress & Agency 58:36 – Acknowledge, Accept, Act 1:00:00 – Wrapping Up, Honoring Our Military & Helping Transitioning Veterans Welcome back to The Next Season Podcast — and trust me, this one's a masterclass.

I’m honored to sit down with Johnny Martin, a speaker, coach and mentor to Fortune 1 executives, elite military operators, world-record holders, pro athletes, and high-level entrepreneurs. More than that, Johnny is a man who lives what he teaches—a life built on values, vision and grit.

When I created the Ambition Pillar in my coaching program, it was grounded in lessons I learned from Johnny—because values are the foundation for everything: goals, standards, boundaries, success and a life of purpose.

In this episode, we unpack what it really means to live in alignment, how to coach elite performers through pressure and transition, and why character always outlasts talent.

If you’re an athlete, parent, coach—or just someone chasing something bigger—get your notepad ready.

Here’s Johnny Martin.

Connect with Johnny: johnny@veteransfuture.org

https://veteransfuture.org/

 

00:00 – Opening & Johnny's Origin Story

04:00 – Strict Parents & Firm Expectations

06:18 – Poor Choices, Free Labor & a Life Lesson

10:00 – Finding Purpose & a Path - Lessons from Johnny's Father

16:08 – We DON'T Learn from Experience…

18:41 – The Neuroscience of Real Behavior Change

25:10 – Johnny's Journey From the Classroom to Coaching Elite Performers

36:00 – Different Environments, Same Principles

38:48 – Pillars of Next Season

41:53 – The Ambition Pillar - Identity, Vision, Values, Standards and Boundaries

43:23 – It Starts with Values - Your “No Matter Whats”

52:16 – "We're Gonna Dance, and I'm Gonna Lead" - Stress, Distress & Agency

58:36 – Acknowledge, Accept, Act

1:00:00 – Wrapping Up, Honoring Our Military & Helping Transitioning Veterans

]]> <p>Welcome back to The Next Season Podcast — and trust me, this one&#39;s a masterclass.</p><p>I’m honored to sit down with Johnny Martin, a speaker, coach and mentor to Fortune 1 executives, elite military operators, world-record holders, pro athletes, and high-level entrepreneurs. More than that, Johnny is a man who lives what he teaches—<strong>a life built on values, vision and grit.</strong></p><p>When I created the <strong>Ambition Pillar</strong> in my coaching program, it was grounded in lessons I learned from Johnny—because values are the foundation for everything: goals, standards, boundaries, success and a life of purpose.</p><p>In this episode, we unpack what it <em>really</em> means to live in alignment, how to coach elite performers through pressure and transition, and why character always outlasts talent.</p><p>If you’re an athlete, parent, coach—or just someone chasing something bigger—<strong>get your notepad ready.</strong></p><p>Here’s Johnny Martin.</p><p>Connect with Johnny: johnny@veteransfuture.org</p><p><a href="https://veteransfuture.org/" rel="nofollow">https://veteransfuture.org/</a></p><p> </p><p>00:00 – Opening &amp; Johnny&#39;s Origin Story</p><p>04:00 – Strict Parents &amp; Firm Expectations</p><p>06:18 – Poor Choices, Free Labor &amp; a Life Lesson</p><p>10:00 – Finding Purpose &amp; a Path - Lessons from Johnny&#39;s Father</p><p>16:08 – We DON&#39;T Learn from Experience…</p><p>18:41 – The Neuroscience of Real Behavior Change</p><p>25:10 – Johnny&#39;s Journey From the Classroom to Coaching Elite Performers</p><p>36:00 – Different Environments, Same Principles</p><p>38:48 – Pillars of Next Season</p><p>41:53 – The Ambition Pillar - Identity, Vision, Values, Standards and Boundaries</p><p>43:23 – It Starts with Values - Your “No Matter Whats”</p><p>52:16 – &#34;We&#39;re Gonna Dance, and I&#39;m Gonna Lead&#34; - Stress, Distress &amp; Agency</p><p>58:36 – Acknowledge, Accept, Act</p><p>1:00:00 – Wrapping Up, Honoring Our Military &amp; Helping Transitioning Veterans</p> 64dd2f10-2e6d-4ca6-aafc-e31d81bfd8b8 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000 3801 no full 025 - Mother's Day Special Episode - From Spa Day to Game Day & Flowers to Foul Balls 025 - Mother's Day Special Episode - From Spa Day to Game Day & Flowers to Foul Balls 25 Kevin Kuhn The Real Life of a Baseball Mom w/ Taryn Blake Baseball moms, this one’s for you. You've traded in Mother's Day brunches for the bleachers. Mimosas are out, replaced by jugs of electrolytes & coolers of water. A long weekend in the sun often ends with a 30 minutes scrubbing stains from the white baseball pants, figuring out how you'll get the mixture of grass, dirt, sand, clay, blood and those awesome black turf streaks off the uniform and down the drain. And you do figure it out. We see you. As a coach, a husband, a father and former player - we know that none of this crazy baseball life happens without you. In this special Mother’s Day episode, I talk with my wife, Taryn—a business owner, coach’s wife and baseball mom—about what it's really like behind the scenes. Stories from the ballpark, lessons from our own journey and tips & tricks to try to keep everyone sane. ⚾ We talk: - The emotional toll of raising athletes - Funny (& cringy) sideline moments - How to handle pressure as a parent without transferring it to your kid - Balancing mom life, crazy schedules & sports culture - Why character > stats (& how to keep perspective) - How grit & confidence will earn you a starting spot on the field & in life - Real advice for new & tired baseball moms If you're a mom running on coffee, crockpot meals and sideline adrenaline...I know this conversation will hit home. We appreciate you. 0:00 - Intro & Episode Highlights 01:54 - Who is Taryn: Life, Dating, Marriage, Parenting, Business & Baseball 08:45 - Authenticity for Moms & Athletes 09:55 - No More Mother's Day Brunches - the Life of Athlete Moms 11:15 - Team & Family Culture 13:16 - What do you talk about? 14:51 - Managing the Emotional Swings & Eternal To-Do Lists 17:22 - A Mother's Advice for Dads & Coaches 19:23 - Pressures & Overscheduling 22:40 - When to Push, When to Listen 25:13 - Cringey Moments & Observations 27:37 - Finding & Building the Right Culture (Accountability & Character) 29:40 - Let Them Fall: The Impact of Parental Reactions 35:06 - Advice for Baseball & Life: Grit & Confidence 41:07 - (Very) Imperfect Parents 42:01 - Quick Pitches - Rapid Questions for a Baseball Mom (Breathe, Culture, Humor, Snacks, Shirts & Stay in Your Seat) 53:22 - Closing Thoughts & Eternal Gratitude Baseball moms, this one’s for you.

You've traded in Mother's Day brunches for the bleachers. Mimosas are out, replaced by jugs of electrolytes & coolers of water.

A long weekend in the sun often ends with 30 minutes scrubbing stains from the white baseball pants, figuring out how you'll get the mixture of grass, dirt, sand, clay, blood and those awesome black turf streaks off the uniform and down the drain.

And you do figure it out.

We see you.

As a coach, a husband, a father and former player - we know that none of this crazy baseball life happens without you.

In this special Mother’s Day episode, I talk with my wife, Taryn—a business owner, coach’s wife and baseball mom—about what it's really like behind the scenes.

Stories from the ballpark, lessons from our own journey and tips & tricks to try to keep everyone sane.

⚾ We talk:

  • The emotional toll of raising athletes
  • Funny (& cringy) sideline moments
  • How to handle pressure as a parent without transferring it to your kid
  • Balancing mom life, crazy schedules & sports culture
  • Why character > stats (& how to keep perspective)
  • How grit & confidence will earn you a starting spot on the field & in life
  • Real advice for new & tired baseball moms


If you're a mom running on coffee, crockpot meals and sideline adrenaline...I know this conversation will hit home.

We appreciate you.

0:00 - Intro & Episode Highlights

01:54 - Who is Taryn: Life, Dating, Marriage, Parenting, Business & Baseball

08:45 - Authenticity for Moms & Athletes

09:55 - No More Mother's Day Brunches - the Life of Athlete Moms

11:15 - Team & Family Culture

13:16 - What do you talk about?

14:51 - Managing the Emotional Swings & Eternal To-Do Lists

17:22 - A Mother's Advice for Dads & Coaches

19:23 - Pressures & Overscheduling

22:40 - When to Push, When to Listen

25:13 - Cringey Moments & Observations

27:37 - Finding & Building the Right Culture (Accountability & Character)

29:40 - Let Them Fall: The Impact of Parental Reactions

35:06 - Advice for Baseball & Life: Grit & Confidence

41:07 - (Very) Imperfect Parents

42:01 - Quick Pitches - Rapid Questions for a Baseball Mom (Breathe, Culture, Humor, Snacks, Shirts & Stay in Your Seat)

53:22 - Closing Thoughts & Eternal Gratitude

]]> <p><strong>Baseball moms, this one’s for you.</strong></p><p>You&#39;ve traded in Mother&#39;s Day brunches for the bleachers. Mimosas are out, replaced by jugs of electrolytes &amp; coolers of water.</p><p>A long weekend in the sun often ends with 30 minutes scrubbing stains from the white baseball pants, figuring out how you&#39;ll get the mixture of grass, dirt, sand, clay, blood and those awesome black turf streaks off the uniform and down the drain.</p><p>And you <strong>do</strong> figure it out.</p><p>We see you.</p><p>As a coach, a husband, a father and former player - we know that none of this crazy baseball life happens without you.</p><p>In this special Mother’s Day episode, I talk with my wife, Taryn—a business owner, coach’s wife and baseball mom—about what it&#39;s <em>really</em> like behind the scenes.</p><p>Stories from the ballpark, lessons from our own journey and tips &amp; tricks to try to keep everyone sane.</p><p>⚾ We talk:</p><ul><li>The emotional toll of raising athletes</li><li>Funny (&amp; cringy) sideline moments</li><li>How to handle pressure as a parent without transferring it to your kid</li><li>Balancing mom life, crazy schedules &amp; sports culture</li><li>Why character &gt; stats (&amp; how to keep perspective)</li><li>How grit &amp; confidence will earn you a starting spot on the field &amp; in life</li><li>Real advice for new &amp; tired baseball moms</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you&#39;re a mom running on coffee, crockpot meals and sideline adrenaline...I know this conversation will hit home.</p><p>We appreciate you.</p><p>0:00 - Intro &amp; Episode Highlights</p><p>01:54 - Who is Taryn: Life, Dating, Marriage, Parenting, Business &amp; Baseball</p><p>08:45 - Authenticity for Moms &amp; Athletes</p><p>09:55 - No More Mother&#39;s Day Brunches - the Life of Athlete Moms</p><p>11:15 - Team &amp; Family Culture</p><p>13:16 - What do you talk about?</p><p>14:51 - Managing the Emotional Swings &amp; Eternal To-Do Lists</p><p>17:22 - A Mother&#39;s Advice for Dads &amp; Coaches</p><p>19:23 - Pressures &amp; Overscheduling</p><p>22:40 - When to Push, When to Listen</p><p>25:13 - Cringey Moments &amp; Observations</p><p>27:37 - Finding &amp; Building the Right Culture (Accountability &amp; Character)</p><p>29:40 - Let Them Fall: The Impact of Parental Reactions</p><p>35:06 - Advice for Baseball &amp; Life: Grit &amp; Confidence</p><p>41:07 - (Very) Imperfect Parents</p><p>42:01 - Quick Pitches - Rapid Questions for a Baseball Mom (Breathe, Culture, Humor, Snacks, Shirts &amp; Stay in Your Seat)</p><p>53:22 - Closing Thoughts &amp; Eternal Gratitude</p> a39e665d-4189-4194-8ee8-116ee12aae03 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 12 May 2025 18:00:00 +0000 3318 no full 024 - The Pain Point Series Pt 5: Chasing the Hype is Killing Your Ambition & Identity 024 - The Pain Point Series Pt 5: Chasing the Hype is Killing Your Ambition & Identity 22 Kevin Kuhn Stop Getting Sucked Into the Fake Hype Is your athlete chasing hype instead of building something real? In this episode of The Pain Point Series, I tackle a pattern that frustrates parents and coaches alike: athletes jumping from goal to goal without a clear sense of identity. "He doesn’t know who he wants to be… he just copies what he sees on social," and "His goals change every week. He’s chasing the hype, not something deeper." Sound familiar? I break down what's happening in the athlete’s brain, why delayed gratification is key, and how social media is might be destroying his ambition. You'll get insights on the real damage being done by instant gratification, comparison and chasing the flash, and I'll share some science-backed tools for building discipline and self-identity. In this episode, you'll learn: - What’s going on in the brain when goals are constantly changing - The impact of social media on identity and ambition - How comparison and lack of authenticity are derailing athlete mental health - Simple, actionable strategies to build real direction and self-discipline - Real-world action steps that parents, coaches and athletes can use right now 🎯 Athletes, coaches and parents - this episode is packed with practical, brain-based tools to help athletes find their true path and focus on what really matters. ⚾ If you're looking for strategies to cut through the noise, this one’s for you. Episodes Mentioned: 008 - Ambition is Essential https://youtu.be/0dnK-zEMmrQ 00:00 – Intro 02:27 – Ambition Pain Point: "Chasing Hype, Not Something Deeper" 05:47 – No Identity = No Anchor: The Brain Impact of Chasing Social Media Hype 09:17 – Comparison is Killing Ambition & Identity 13:00 – The Right Ways to Build Authentic Identity 16:11 – Tool 1: Delayed Gratification (& the Stanford University Marshmallow Test) 22:00 – Delayed Gratification Tactic: Build Time & Effort Between Desire & Reward 23:30 – Tool 2: Create Your Personal Highlight Reel 25:16 – Pro Highlight Reel Example: Corbin Burnes 28:13 – Recapping Actionable Steps: Watch Ep. 008, Create-A-Player, Delayed Gratification, Personal Highlight Reel 29:22 – If I'm Talking to This Athlete… 30:53 – Closing Thoughts, My Challenge to You & How You Can Help Is your athlete chasing hype instead of building something real? 

In this episode of The Pain Point Series, I tackle a pattern that frustrates parents and coaches alike: athletes jumping from goal to goal without a clear sense of identity. "He doesn’t know who he wants to be… he just copies what he sees on social," and "His goals change every week. He’s chasing the hype, not something deeper." Sound familiar?

I break down what's happening in the athlete’s brain, why delayed gratification is key, and how social media is might be destroying his ambition. You'll get insights on the real damage being done by instant gratification, comparison and chasing the flash, and I'll share some science-backed tools for building discipline and self-identity.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • What’s going on in the brain when goals are constantly changing
  • The impact of social media on identity and ambition
  • How comparison and lack of authenticity are derailing athlete mental health
  • Simple, actionable strategies to build real direction and self-discipline
  • Real-world action steps that parents, coaches and athletes can use right now


🎯 Athletes, coaches and parents - this episode is packed with practical, brain-based tools to help athletes find their true path and focus on what really matters.

⚾ If you're looking for strategies to cut through the noise, this one’s for you.

Episodes Mentioned:

008 - Ambition is Essential https://youtu.be/0dnK-zEMmrQ

 

00:00 – Intro

02:27 – Ambition Pain Point: "Chasing Hype, Not Something Deeper"

05:47 – No Identity = No Anchor: The Brain Impact of Chasing Social Media Hype

09:17 – Comparison is Killing Ambition & Identity

13:00 – The Right Ways to Build Authentic Identity

16:11 – Tool 1: Delayed Gratification (& the Stanford University Marshmallow Test)

22:00 – Delayed Gratification Tactic: Build Time & Effort Between Desire & Reward

23:30 – Tool 2: Create Your Personal Highlight Reel

25:16 – Pro Highlight Reel Example: Corbin Burnes

28:13 – Recapping Actionable Steps: Watch Ep. 008, Create-A-Player, Delayed Gratification, Personal Highlight Reel

29:22 – If I'm Talking to This Athlete…

30:53 – Closing Thoughts, My Challenge to You & How You Can Help

]]> <p><strong>Is your athlete chasing hype instead of building something real?</strong> </p><p>In this episode of <em>The Pain Point Series</em>, I tackle a pattern that frustrates parents and coaches alike: athletes jumping from goal to goal without a clear sense of identity. &#34;He doesn’t know who he wants to be… he just copies what he sees on social,&#34; and &#34;His goals change every week. He’s chasing the hype, not something deeper.&#34; Sound familiar?</p><p>I break down what&#39;s happening in the athlete’s brain, why delayed gratification is key, and how social media is might be destroying his ambition. You&#39;ll get insights on the real damage being done by instant gratification, comparison and chasing the flash, and I&#39;ll share some science-backed tools for building discipline and self-identity.</p><p><strong>In this episode, you&#39;ll learn:</strong></p><ul><li>What’s going on in the brain when goals are constantly changing</li><li>The impact of social media on identity and ambition</li><li>How comparison and lack of authenticity are derailing athlete mental health</li><li>Simple, actionable strategies to build real direction and self-discipline</li><li>Real-world action steps that parents, coaches and athletes can use right now</li></ul><p><br></p><p>🎯 Athletes, coaches and parents - this episode is packed with practical, brain-based tools to help athletes find their true path and focus on what really matters.</p><p>⚾ If you&#39;re looking for strategies to cut through the noise, this one’s for you.</p><p>Episodes Mentioned:</p><p>008 - Ambition is Essential https://youtu.be/0dnK-zEMmrQ</p><p> </p><p>00:00 – Intro</p><p>02:27 – Ambition Pain Point: &#34;Chasing Hype, Not Something Deeper&#34;</p><p>05:47 – No Identity = No Anchor: The Brain Impact of Chasing Social Media Hype</p><p>09:17 – Comparison is Killing Ambition &amp; Identity</p><p>13:00 – The Right Ways to Build Authentic Identity</p><p>16:11 – Tool 1: Delayed Gratification (&amp; the Stanford University Marshmallow Test)</p><p>22:00 – Delayed Gratification Tactic: Build Time &amp; Effort Between Desire &amp; Reward</p><p>23:30 – Tool 2: Create Your Personal Highlight Reel</p><p>25:16 – Pro Highlight Reel Example: Corbin Burnes</p><p>28:13 – Recapping Actionable Steps: Watch Ep. 008, Create-A-Player, Delayed Gratification, Personal Highlight Reel</p><p>29:22 – If I&#39;m Talking to This Athlete…</p><p>30:53 – Closing Thoughts, My Challenge to You &amp; How You Can Help</p> 8cd67dcf-ed71-437f-afc4-8548e33b0140 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Thu, 01 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000 1889 no full 023 - The Pain Point Series Pt 4: "…but he doesn't always push himself to his limits." 023 - The Pain Point Series Pt 4: "…but he doesn't always push himself to his limits." 23 Kevin Kuhn The Surprising Secret to Elite Effort Are you frustrated watching an athlete crush it one day… then coast the next? You see the talent, you know the toughness is there—but something’s missing: consistent effort. In this episode, I break down a raw comment from a coach and dad: “He has the toughness to handle challenges, but he doesn’t always push himself to his limits.” Why does that happen? And more importantly—what can you do about it? We dive into the psychology and neuroscience 🧠 behind why athletes hold back, explore how to close the gap between capability and consistency, and unpack the mindset blocks that keep players from going all in. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help unlock full potential and build mental toughness that lasts. This one’s for anyone who knows growth happens outside the comfort zone—but wants the secret to help getting there consistently - and the secret may surprise you. Episodes Mentioned: 011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2) 012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2) 021 - The Pain Point Series Pt 3: I wish he realized how much his character shaped his opportunities 0:00 – Intro: The Gap Between Capability and Consistency 1:26 – The Yellowstone Wildfire 2:16 – Pain Point: He's tough, be he doesn't always push his limits. 4:46 – Digging Deeper - The Brain Mechanics of Effort and Hesitation 9:22 – Where Growth Happens (Comfort in Discomfort) 13:05 – Intensity Personified: David Goggins & the 40% Rule 14:51 – The Secret 16:16 – If I Were in Your Shoes (and I am) / Understanding Why Athletes May be Holding Back 18:42 – Perspectives from Experts in Sports Performance & Training 19:36 – Questions to Ask (Awareness, Trust & Ownership) 23:26 – Action Steps for Parents, Coaches & Athletes 23:48 – Effort & Mindset Tool 1: Find Your Next Gear 24:22 – Effort & Mindset Tool 2: Beat Your Yesterday (& Screw Everyone Else's) 25:05 – Effort & Mindset Tool 3: Reframe Discomfort 27:02 – Sticks & Thorns: A Lesson from the Eagle Nest 28:14 – Closing Thoughts & How You Can Help Are you frustrated watching an athlete crush it one day… then coast the next? You see the talent, you know the toughness is there—but something’s missing: consistent effort.

In this episode, I break down a raw comment from a coach and dad: “He has the toughness to handle challenges, but he doesn’t always push himself to his limits.”

Why does that happen? And more importantly—what can you do about it?

We dive into the psychology and neuroscience 🧠 behind why athletes hold back, explore how to close the gap between capability and consistency, and unpack the mindset blocks that keep players from going all in.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help unlock full potential and build mental toughness that lasts.

This one’s for anyone who knows growth happens outside the comfort zone—but wants the secret to help getting there consistently - and the secret may surprise you.

Episodes Mentioned:

011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2)

012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2)

021 - The Pain Point Series Pt 3: I wish he realized how much his character shaped his opportunities

 

0:00 – Intro: The Gap Between Capability and Consistency

1:26 – The Yellowstone Wildfire

2:16 – Pain Point: He's tough, be he doesn't always push his limits.

4:46 – Digging Deeper - The Brain Mechanics of Effort and Hesitation

9:22 – Where Growth Happens (Comfort in Discomfort)

13:05 – Intensity Personified: David Goggins & the 40% Rule

14:51 – The Secret

16:16 – If I Were in Your Shoes (and I am) / Understanding Why Athletes May be Holding Back

18:42 – Perspectives from Experts in Sports Performance & Training

19:36 – Questions to Ask (Awareness, Trust & Ownership)

23:26 – Action Steps for Parents, Coaches & Athletes

23:48 – Effort & Mindset Tool 1: Find Your Next Gear

24:22 – Effort & Mindset Tool 2: Beat Your Yesterday (& Screw Everyone Else's)

25:05 – Effort & Mindset Tool 3: Reframe Discomfort

27:02 – Sticks & Thorns: A Lesson from the Eagle Nest

28:14 – Closing Thoughts & How You Can Help

]]> <p>Are you frustrated watching an athlete crush it one day… then coast the next? You <em>see</em> the talent, you <em>know</em> the toughness is there—but something’s missing: <strong>consistent effort.</strong></p><p>In this episode, I break down a raw comment from a coach and dad: <em>“He has the toughness to handle challenges, but he doesn’t always push himself to his limits.”</em></p><p>Why does that happen? And more importantly—what can you do about it?</p><p>We dive into the <strong>psychology and neuroscience </strong>🧠 behind why athletes hold back, explore how to close the gap between capability and consistency, and unpack the mindset blocks that keep players from going all in.</p><p>Whether you&#39;re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode delivers <strong>actionable strategies</strong> to help unlock full potential and build mental toughness that lasts.</p><p><strong>This one’s for anyone who knows growth happens outside the comfort zone—but wants the secret to help getting there consistently - </strong>and the secret may surprise you.</p><p>Episodes Mentioned:</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/V_og0tpWoDs?si=wlvGGljSuKlIQqY8" rel="nofollow">011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete&#39;s Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2)</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/_8obXg1hMg8?si=KM9cuIId3I9OZKs4" rel="nofollow">012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2)</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/hYXFCUsJa0A?si=DrkQuyJm7-CVdf4x" rel="nofollow">021 - The Pain Point Series Pt 3: I wish he realized how much his character shaped his opportunities</a></p><p> </p><p>0:00 – Intro: The Gap Between Capability and Consistency</p><p>1:26 – The Yellowstone Wildfire</p><p>2:16 – Pain Point: He&#39;s tough, be he doesn&#39;t always push his limits.</p><p>4:46 – Digging Deeper - The Brain Mechanics of Effort and Hesitation</p><p>9:22 – Where Growth Happens (Comfort in Discomfort)</p><p>13:05 – Intensity Personified: David Goggins &amp; the 40% Rule</p><p>14:51 – The Secret</p><p>16:16 – If I Were in Your Shoes (and I am) / Understanding Why Athletes May be Holding Back</p><p>18:42 – Perspectives from Experts in Sports Performance &amp; Training</p><p>19:36 – Questions to Ask (Awareness, Trust &amp; Ownership)</p><p>23:26 – Action Steps for Parents, Coaches &amp; Athletes</p><p>23:48 – Effort &amp; Mindset Tool 1: Find Your Next Gear</p><p>24:22 – Effort &amp; Mindset Tool 2: Beat Your Yesterday (&amp; Screw Everyone Else&#39;s)</p><p>25:05 – Effort &amp; Mindset Tool 3: Reframe Discomfort</p><p>27:02 – Sticks &amp; Thorns: A Lesson from the Eagle Nest</p><p>28:14 – Closing Thoughts &amp; How You Can Help</p> 51537988-a073-4dbd-82ec-37a047f12bf0 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 1771 no full 022 - No Easy Button: Baseball & Life Lessons from a 10 Year Pro 022 - No Easy Button: Baseball & Life Lessons from a 10 Year Pro 22 Kevin Kuhn Former pro baseball player Jason Aspito shares his journey from high school standout to a decade in professional baseball. We dive into: 🔥 The reality of recruiting & the draft process ⚾ Balancing individual goals & performance with a team culture 🧠 The mental side of baseball—goals, resilience, handling failure, overcoming injuries & adapting to new roles 📈 Transitioning from player to coach & life beyond the game This is another episode packed with insights for high school, college & pro players, parents and coaches. Find & Follow Jason: https://x.com/aspito28 https://dcssportscomplex.com/ 00:00 Intro 02:04 Growing Up & Competing as a Multi-Sport Athlete 04:56 College Recruitment & Showcases: Then & Now 07:23 Freshman Year at the University of Texas: Ups, Downs & Seeking Opportunity 12:13 Transferring from Texas to LA - Self-Advocacy the Right Way 19:25 Draft Day Disappointment & Becoming a Pro 23:40 Lots of Gloves in the Bag: The Value of Versatility 24:46 Coaching and Mentoring Young Players 25:38 The Mental Game: The Separator & What I Wish Was Taught More 28:56: What to Do When The Game Beats You Up & Spits You Out 30:55 Traded: Changing Organizations, Culture & Injuries 32:14 Seeing the End of the Road 34:00 The Identity of a Retiring Ballplayer 35:34 Lessons, Current Endeavors & Final Thoughts: Competing, Chunking, The Process, Adversity, Culture, Be Like Howie Former pro baseball player Jason Aspito shares his journey from high school standout to a decade in professional baseball. We dive into:

🔥 The reality of recruiting & the draft process

⚾ Balancing individual goals & performance with a team culture

🧠 The mental side of baseball—goals, resilience, handling failure, overcoming injuries & adapting to new roles

📈 Transitioning from player to coach & life beyond the game

This is another episode packed with insights for high school, college & pro players, parents and coaches.

Find & Follow Jason:

https://x.com/aspito28

https://dcssportscomplex.com/

 

00:00 Intro

02:04 Growing Up & Competing as a Multi-Sport Athlete

04:56 College Recruitment & Showcases: Then & Now

07:23 Freshman Year at the University of Texas: Ups, Downs & Seeking Opportunity

12:13 Transferring from Texas to LA - Self-Advocacy the Right Way

19:25 Draft Day Disappointment & Becoming a Pro

23:40 Lots of Gloves in the Bag: The Value of Versatility

24:46 Coaching and Mentoring Young Players

25:38 The Mental Game: The Separator & What I Wish Was Taught More

28:56: What to Do When The Game Beats You Up & Spits You Out

30:55 Traded: Changing Organizations, Culture & Injuries

32:14 Seeing the End of the Road

34:00 The Identity of a Retiring Ballplayer

35:34 Lessons, Current Endeavors & Final Thoughts: Competing, Chunking, The Process, Adversity, Culture, Be Like Howie

]]> <p>Former pro baseball player Jason Aspito shares his journey from high school standout to a decade in professional baseball. We dive into:</p><p>🔥 The reality of recruiting &amp; the draft process</p><p>⚾ Balancing individual goals &amp; performance with a team culture </p><p>🧠 The mental side of baseball—goals, resilience, handling failure, overcoming injuries &amp; adapting to new roles</p><p>📈 Transitioning from player to coach &amp; life beyond the game</p><p>This is another episode packed with insights for high school, college &amp; pro players, parents and coaches.</p><p>Find &amp; Follow Jason:</p><p><a href="https://x.com/aspito28" rel="nofollow">https://x.com/aspito28</a></p><p><a href="https://dcssportscomplex.com/" rel="nofollow">https://dcssportscomplex.com/</a></p><p> </p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>02:04 Growing Up &amp; Competing as a Multi-Sport Athlete</p><p>04:56 College Recruitment &amp; Showcases: Then &amp; Now</p><p>07:23 Freshman Year at the University of Texas: Ups, Downs &amp; Seeking Opportunity</p><p>12:13 Transferring from Texas to LA - Self-Advocacy the Right Way</p><p>19:25 Draft Day Disappointment &amp; Becoming a Pro</p><p>23:40 Lots of Gloves in the Bag: The Value of Versatility</p><p>24:46 Coaching and Mentoring Young Players</p><p>25:38 The Mental Game: The Separator &amp; What I Wish Was Taught More</p><p>28:56: What to Do When The Game Beats You Up &amp; Spits You Out</p><p>30:55 Traded: Changing Organizations, Culture &amp; Injuries</p><p>32:14 Seeing the End of the Road</p><p>34:00 The Identity of a Retiring Ballplayer</p><p>35:34 Lessons, Current Endeavors &amp; Final Thoughts: Competing, Chunking, The Process, Adversity, Culture, Be Like Howie</p> d5ccf1e6-4578-477f-8546-2ff9942f711c https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:30:00 +0000 2703 no full 021 - The Pain Point Series (Part 3) - Character Traits 021 - The Pain Point Series (Part 3) - Character Traits 21 Kevin Kuhn "I wish he realized how much his character shaped his opportunities." Athletes - You may have heard this before: "You've got a ton of physical gifts, and God-given skills and abilities. BUT…" And what comes after the BUT is the hard truth - your talent isn't enough. In Episode 021 of the Next Season Podcast I dive into one of the most important traits that will impact your opportunities on the field and in life: YOUR CHARACTER. You'll learn about what character really means, what coaches look for, the brain science of character, and practical steps you can take to work on it. This is the same format I did in episodes 11 and 12 - taking questions and comments directly from parents and coaches to help address some of the biggest challenges they face with their athletes. 011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2) 012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2) Got more questions or challenges? Drop a comment, send me a DM, or email. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 021 - Character Traits 01:42 The Hard Truth About Talent 04:21 The Character Traits of Next Season Athletes 05:46 Character - According to Sports Psychology & Coaches 07:58 What is Character, Really? (The Brain Processes of Character Formation) 12:52 Practical Steps for Athletes to Develop Character 14:33 Tool 1 - Repetition & Recognizing Small Wins 15:33 Tool 2 - Pre-Decide Your Ideal Response 16:31 Tool 3 - Define Character Non-Negotiables 17:15 Tool 4 - Surround Yourself with High-Character People 17:41 Tool 5 - Own Your Mistakes (Publicly) 18:18 Tool 6 - Do Hard Things on Purpose 18:56 Tool 7 - Teach Character To Someone Else 19:50 Honest Self-Awareness - Would You Play You? 20:38 Impressive on Paper vs Impressive in Real Life 21:10 Closing Gratitude & How You Can Support Athletes - You may have heard this before: "You've got a ton of physical gifts, and God-given skills and abilities. BUT…" And what comes after the BUT is the hard truth - your talent isn't enough.

In Episode 021 of the Next Season Podcast I dive into one of the most important traits that will impact your opportunities on the field and in life: YOUR CHARACTER.

You'll learn about what character really means, what coaches look for, the brain science of character, and practical steps you can take to work on it.

This is the same format I did in episodes 11 and 12 - taking questions and comments directly from parents and coaches to help address some of the biggest challenges they face with their athletes.

011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2)

012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2) 

Got more questions or challenges? Drop a comment, send me a DM, or email.


00:00 Introduction to Episode 021 - Character Traits

01:42 The Hard Truth About Talent

04:21 The Character Traits of Next Season Athletes

05:46 Character - According to Sports Psychology & Coaches

07:58 What is Character, Really? (The Brain Processes of Character Formation)

12:52 Practical Steps for Athletes to Develop Character

14:33 Tool 1 - Repetition & Recognizing Small Wins

15:33 Tool 2 - Pre-Decide Your Ideal Response

16:31 Tool 3 - Define Character Non-Negotiables

17:15 Tool 4 - Surround Yourself with High-Character People

17:41 Tool 5 - Own Your Mistakes (Publicly)

18:18 Tool 6 - Do Hard Things on Purpose

18:56 Tool 7 - Teach Character To Someone Else

19:50 Honest Self-Awareness - Would You Play You?

20:38 Impressive on Paper vs Impressive in Real Life

21:10 Closing Gratitude & How You Can Support

]]> <p>Athletes - You may have heard this before: &#34;You&#39;ve got a ton of physical gifts, and God-given skills and abilities. BUT…&#34; And what comes after the BUT is the hard truth - your talent isn&#39;t enough.</p><p>In Episode 021 of the Next Season Podcast I dive into one of the most important traits that will impact your opportunities on the field and in life: YOUR CHARACTER.</p><p>You&#39;ll learn about what character really means, what coaches look for, the brain science of character, and practical steps you can take to work on it.</p><p>This is the same format I did in episodes 11 and 12 - taking questions and comments directly from parents and coaches to help address some of the biggest challenges they face with their athletes.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/V_og0tpWoDs" rel="nofollow">011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete&#39;s Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2)</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/_8obXg1hMg8" rel="nofollow">012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2)</a> </p><p>Got more questions or challenges? Drop a comment, send me a DM, or email.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Episode 021 - Character Traits</p><p>01:42 The Hard Truth About Talent</p><p>04:21 The Character Traits of Next Season Athletes</p><p>05:46 Character - According to Sports Psychology &amp; Coaches</p><p>07:58 What is Character, Really? (The Brain Processes of Character Formation)</p><p>12:52 Practical Steps for Athletes to Develop Character</p><p>14:33 Tool 1 - Repetition &amp; Recognizing Small Wins</p><p>15:33 Tool 2 - Pre-Decide Your Ideal Response</p><p>16:31 Tool 3 - Define Character Non-Negotiables</p><p>17:15 Tool 4 - Surround Yourself with High-Character People</p><p>17:41 Tool 5 - Own Your Mistakes (Publicly)</p><p>18:18 Tool 6 - Do Hard Things on Purpose</p><p>18:56 Tool 7 - Teach Character To Someone Else</p><p>19:50 Honest Self-Awareness - Would You Play You?</p><p>20:38 Impressive on Paper vs Impressive in Real Life</p><p>21:10 Closing Gratitude &amp; How You Can Support</p> 2e1e1a22-fc7a-49f5-bebb-160c8c295042 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 1317 no full 020 - From Undersized to Untouchable - The Journey of Dustin Pease 020 - From Undersized to Untouchable - The Journey of Dustin Pease 20 Kevin Kuhn Inside the Mind of a Sidearm Underdog In this episode I chat with my former college teammate Dustin Pease - a Baltimore native, D1 Freshman All-American, Pitcher of the Year, professional pitcher and owner of Pease Baseball Professionals. We dive into his lessons learned as a youth, to his journey becoming a college standout, to his gritty pro career. Dustin shares how he embraced his unique sidearm delivery and mindset to succeed despite being undersized. We also discuss his transition to coaching, the founding of PBP and the importance of mental toughness, hard work and creating a culture for his players. This is a must-watch for athletes, parents and coaches. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:28 Early Life and Baseball Beginnings 07:19 Lessons From a Plumber 11:12 Adapting & The Importance of Grabbing Attention 17:27 "Overnight Success" - College Career 20:33 Struggles and Realizations in College and Pro Career 21:50 Confidence 23:40 Baseball Must Be FUN 24:22 Building a Culture 25:42 Dustin's Pro Journey 28:37 A Wedding Rehearsal & Serendipitous First Pitch 30:47 The End of the Road 33:54 The New Purpose & Entrepreneurship 37:06 Closing Thoughts In this episode I chat with my former college teammate Dustin Pease - a Baltimore native, D1 Freshman All-American, Pitcher of the Year, professional pitcher and owner of Pease Baseball Professionals. We dive into his lessons learned as a youth, to his journey becoming a college standout, to his gritty pro career.

Dustin shares how he embraced his unique sidearm delivery and mindset to succeed despite being undersized.

We also discuss his transition to coaching, the founding of PBP and the importance of mental toughness, hard work and creating a culture for his players.

This is a must-watch for athletes, parents and coaches.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

02:28 Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

07:19 Lessons From a Plumber

11:12 Adapting & The Importance of Grabbing Attention

17:27 "Overnight Success" - College Career

20:33 Struggles and Realizations in College and Pro Career

21:50 Confidence

23:40 Baseball Must Be FUN

24:22 Building a Culture

25:42 Dustin's Pro Journey

28:37 A Wedding Rehearsal & Serendipitous First Pitch

30:47 The End of the Road

33:54 The New Purpose & Entrepreneurship

37:06 Closing Thoughts

]]> <p>In this episode I chat with my former college teammate Dustin Pease - a Baltimore native, D1 Freshman All-American, Pitcher of the Year, professional pitcher and owner of Pease Baseball Professionals. We dive into his lessons learned as a youth, to his journey becoming a college standout, to his gritty pro career.</p><p>Dustin shares how he embraced his unique sidearm delivery and mindset to succeed despite being undersized.</p><p>We also discuss his transition to coaching, the founding of PBP and the importance of mental toughness, hard work and creating a culture for his players.</p><p>This is a must-watch for athletes, parents and coaches.</p><p>00:00 Welcome and Introduction</p><p>02:28 Early Life and Baseball Beginnings</p><p>07:19 Lessons From a Plumber</p><p>11:12 Adapting &amp; The Importance of Grabbing Attention</p><p>17:27 &#34;Overnight Success&#34; - College Career</p><p>20:33 Struggles and Realizations in College and Pro Career</p><p>21:50 Confidence</p><p>23:40 Baseball Must Be FUN</p><p>24:22 Building a Culture</p><p>25:42 Dustin&#39;s Pro Journey</p><p>28:37 A Wedding Rehearsal &amp; Serendipitous First Pitch</p><p>30:47 The End of the Road</p><p>33:54 The New Purpose &amp; Entrepreneurship</p><p>37:06 Closing Thoughts</p> 675d976d-9f01-40a8-909b-78c86c5b61a4 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:15:00 +0000 2399 no full 019 - 5 Silent Killers of Athlete's Brains 019 - 5 Silent Killers of Athlete's Brains 19 Kevin Kuhn What You Must Know About the Mental Challenges Athletes Face ATHLETES: Are mental challenges draining your brain? Your mental game can be your greatest asset—or your biggest liability. In this episode, I’m uncovering the 5 hidden leaks that are silently draining your mental focus, energy and confidence. I’ll break down my top 5 mindset killers that are destroying your performance & mental health. I'll also share actionable strategies to stop them to regain agency and control - on the field and in life. Don’t let these internal obstacles hold you back—your brain is too powerful to let them win. Whether you're a current athlete or transitioning out of the game, this episode is for you…and I'm talking to myself too. Mentioned in this episode: Next Season Podcast 011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2) Next Season Podcast 012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2) 00:00 Intro & Benefits of Being an Athlete 01:10 Life's Not All Puppies & Ice Cream (the Mental Struggles of Athletes) 02:50 The Ones That Didn't Make the Cut 04:11 Mental Challenge #1: Increased Pressure & Expectations 10:06 Mental Challenge #2: Exposure to Criticism & Judgement 16:38 Mental Challenge #3: Mental Fatigue from Constant Competition 22:56 Mental Challenge #4: Over-Reliance on Routine & Structure 27:21 Mental Challenge #5: Identity Foreclosure & Post-Career Transition 32:14 Closing Reminders, Gratitude & How You Can Help ATHLETES: Are mental challenges draining your brain?

Your mental game can be your greatest asset—or your biggest liability. In this episode, I’m uncovering the 5 hidden leaks that are silently draining your mental focus, energy and confidence.

I’ll break down my top 5 mindset killers that are destroying your performance & mental health. I'll also share actionable strategies to stop them to regain agency and control - on the field and in life.

Don’t let these internal obstacles hold you back—your brain is too powerful to let them win.

Whether you're a current athlete or transitioning out of the game, this episode is for you…and I'm talking to myself too.

Mentioned in this episode:

Next Season Podcast 011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2)

Next Season Podcast 012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2)

 

00:00 Intro & Benefits of Being an Athlete

01:10 Life's Not All Puppies & Ice Cream (the Mental Struggles of Athletes)

02:50 The Ones That Didn't Make the Cut

04:11 Mental Challenge #1: Increased Pressure & Expectations

10:06 Mental Challenge #2: Exposure to Criticism & Judgement

16:38 Mental Challenge #3: Mental Fatigue from Constant Competition

22:56 Mental Challenge #4: Over-Reliance on Routine & Structure

27:21 Mental Challenge #5: Identity Foreclosure & Post-Career Transition

32:14 Closing Reminders, Gratitude & How You Can Help

]]> <p>ATHLETES: Are mental challenges draining your brain?</p><p>Your mental game can be your greatest asset—or your biggest liability. In this episode, I’m uncovering the 5 hidden leaks that are silently draining your mental focus, energy and confidence.</p><p>I’ll break down my top 5 mindset killers that are destroying your performance &amp; mental health. I&#39;ll also share actionable strategies to stop them to regain agency and control - on the field and in life.</p><p>Don’t let these internal obstacles hold you back—your brain is too powerful to let them win.</p><p>Whether you&#39;re a current athlete or transitioning out of the game, this episode is for you…and I&#39;m talking to myself too.</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p>Next Season Podcast <a href="https://youtu.be/V_og0tpWoDs?si=eg9OxA6RDv2TJL0M" rel="nofollow">011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete&#39;s Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2)</a></p><p>Next Season Podcast <a href="https://youtu.be/_8obXg1hMg8?si=W1V4UTVnZptytswO" rel="nofollow">012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2)</a></p><p> </p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Benefits of Being an Athlete</p><p>01:10 Life&#39;s Not All Puppies &amp; Ice Cream (the Mental Struggles of Athletes)</p><p>02:50 The Ones That Didn&#39;t Make the Cut</p><p>04:11 Mental Challenge #1: Increased Pressure &amp; Expectations</p><p>10:06 Mental Challenge #2: Exposure to Criticism &amp; Judgement</p><p>16:38 Mental Challenge #3: Mental Fatigue from Constant Competition</p><p>22:56 Mental Challenge #4: Over-Reliance on Routine &amp; Structure</p><p>27:21 Mental Challenge #5: Identity Foreclosure &amp; Post-Career Transition</p><p>32:14 Closing Reminders, Gratitude &amp; How You Can Help</p> 06a97329-b279-4c56-ba37-a6b954654e98 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:07:53 +0000 2034 no full 018 - 5 Superpowers of Athlete's Brains 018 - 5 Superpowers of Athlete's Brains 18 Kevin Kuhn How Sports Strengthen Your Mind for Life Athletes: Are your brains wired differently than non-athletes? YES! Years of physical training, mental training, stress, wins, losses, goals achieved and goals missed, pain, joy and discipline wire your brain to give you mental superpowers that others may not have. In this episode I'm giving you my top 5 mental strengths that athletes have, plus I'm giving you a bonus superpower at the end! You'll learn what they are, what's happening in your brain, and specific things you can do to make the most of your athlete brain. Resources & videos mentioned in this episode: Next Season Podcast 007 - Unlocking Elite Effort https://youtu.be/pCG6wKtyn6M?si=DcWIFsX-gssgfjSP Next Season Podcast 008 - Ambition Without Attachment https://youtu.be/0dnK-zEMmrQ?si=hp1hC7Vl2UL0dFGm Next Season Podcast 010 - Mental Toughness https://youtu.be/pQBpEQuSSWk?si=T-x7U2ViauH6FLPW Next Season Podcast 013 - We Suck at Goal Setting https://youtu.be/kPwEfh5PLak?si=ARU6KWqgI_PCHVaK Next Season Podcast 014 - Turn Your Goals Into Habits https://youtu.be/H25eHDXz4SU?si=7ZvAjNtyEB3-ffd- The Science of Hitting a Major League Fastball (Insider Science) https://youtu.be/RENLMum5wz4?si=D9jGUq_oazRaV6Vn Next Season Athletes Focus Matrix - https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/free-stuff Play Sports for a Quieter Brain: Evidence From Division I Collegiate Athletics (Journal: Sports Health) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31813316/ 00:00 Intro & the Athlete's Brain 00:40 Top 5 Superpowers of an Athlete's Brain 03:50 Superpower 1: Heightened Focus & Concentration 11:31 Superpower 2: Elevated Grit & Resilience 17:57 Superpower 3: Greater Neuroplasticity 23:53 Superpower 4: Decision Making Under Pressure 29:49 Superpower 5: Higher Level Goal-Oriented Thinking 33:44 Bonus Superpower: Managing Pain & Discomfort 37:27 Wrap Up, Gratitude & How You Can Help Athletes: Are your brains wired differently than non-athletes? YES! Years of physical training, mental training, stress, wins, losses, goals achieved and goals missed, pain, joy and discipline wire your brain to give you mental superpowers that others may not have.

In this episode I'm giving you my top 5 mental strengths that athletes have, plus I'm giving you a bonus superpower at the end! You'll learn what they are, what's happening in your brain, and specific things you can do to make the most of your athlete brain.

Resources & videos mentioned in this episode:

Next Season Podcast 007 - Unlocking Elite Effort https://youtu.be/pCG6wKtyn6M?si=DcWIFsX-gssgfjSP

Next Season Podcast 008 - Ambition Without Attachment https://youtu.be/0dnK-zEMmrQ?si=hp1hC7Vl2UL0dFGm

Next Season Podcast 010 - Mental Toughness https://youtu.be/pQBpEQuSSWk?si=T-x7U2ViauH6FLPW

Next Season Podcast 013 - We Suck at Goal Setting https://youtu.be/kPwEfh5PLak?si=ARU6KWqgI_PCHVaK

Next Season Podcast 014 - Turn Your Goals Into Habits https://youtu.be/H25eHDXz4SU?si=7ZvAjNtyEB3-ffd-

The Science of Hitting a Major League Fastball (Insider Science) https://youtu.be/RENLMum5wz4?si=D9jGUq_oazRaV6Vn

Next Season Athletes Focus Matrix - https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/free-stuff

Play Sports for a Quieter Brain: Evidence From Division I Collegiate Athletics (Journal: Sports Health) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31813316/

00:00 Intro & the Athlete's Brain

00:40 Top 5 Superpowers of an Athlete's Brain

03:50 Superpower 1: Heightened Focus & Concentration

11:31 Superpower 2: Elevated Grit & Resilience

17:57 Superpower 3: Greater Neuroplasticity

23:53 Superpower 4: Decision Making Under Pressure

29:49 Superpower 5: Higher Level Goal-Oriented Thinking

33:44 Bonus Superpower: Managing Pain & Discomfort

37:27 Wrap Up, Gratitude & How You Can Help

]]> <p>Athletes: Are your brains wired differently than non-athletes? YES! Years of physical training, mental training, stress, wins, losses, goals achieved and goals missed, pain, joy and discipline wire your brain to give you mental superpowers that others may not have. </p><p>In this episode I&#39;m giving you my top 5 mental strengths that athletes have, plus I&#39;m giving you a bonus superpower at the end! You&#39;ll learn what they are, what&#39;s happening in your brain, and specific things you can do to make the most of your athlete brain. </p><p>Resources &amp; videos mentioned in this episode: </p><p>Next Season Podcast 007 - Unlocking Elite Effort <a href="https://youtu.be/pCG6wKtyn6M?si=DcWIFsX-gssgfjSP" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/pCG6wKtyn6M?si=DcWIFsX-gssgfjSP</a> </p><p>Next Season Podcast 008 - Ambition Without Attachment <a href="https://youtu.be/0dnK-zEMmrQ?si=hp1hC7Vl2UL0dFGm" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/0dnK-zEMmrQ?si=hp1hC7Vl2UL0dFGm</a> </p><p>Next Season Podcast 010 - Mental Toughness <a href="https://youtu.be/pQBpEQuSSWk?si=T-x7U2ViauH6FLPW" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/pQBpEQuSSWk?si=T-x7U2ViauH6FLPW</a> </p><p>Next Season Podcast 013 - We Suck at Goal Setting <a href="https://youtu.be/kPwEfh5PLak?si=ARU6KWqgI_PCHVaK" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/kPwEfh5PLak?si=ARU6KWqgI_PCHVaK</a> </p><p>Next Season Podcast 014 - Turn Your Goals Into Habits <a href="https://youtu.be/H25eHDXz4SU?si=7ZvAjNtyEB3-ffd" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/H25eHDXz4SU?si=7ZvAjNtyEB3-ffd</a>- </p><p>The Science of Hitting a Major League Fastball (Insider Science) <a href="https://youtu.be/RENLMum5wz4?si=D9jGUq_oazRaV6Vn" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/RENLMum5wz4?si=D9jGUq_oazRaV6Vn</a> </p><p>Next Season Athletes Focus Matrix - <a href="https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/free-stuff" rel="nofollow">https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/free-stuff</a> </p><p>Play Sports for a Quieter Brain: Evidence From Division I Collegiate Athletics (Journal: Sports Health) <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31813316/" rel="nofollow">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31813316/</a> </p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; the Athlete&#39;s Brain </p><p>00:40 Top 5 Superpowers of an Athlete&#39;s Brain </p><p>03:50 Superpower 1: Heightened Focus &amp; Concentration </p><p>11:31 Superpower 2: Elevated Grit &amp; Resilience </p><p>17:57 Superpower 3: Greater Neuroplasticity </p><p>23:53 Superpower 4: Decision Making Under Pressure </p><p>29:49 Superpower 5: Higher Level Goal-Oriented Thinking </p><p>33:44 Bonus Superpower: Managing Pain &amp; Discomfort </p><p>37:27 Wrap Up, Gratitude &amp; How You Can Help</p> ade7d156-ca6b-4901-b200-c7ba7996d4c5 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0000 2302 no full 017 - Imposter Syndrome: Why You Feel Like You Don’t Belong (And How to Fix It) 017 - Imposter Syndrome: Why You Feel Like You Don’t Belong (And How to Fix It) 17 Kevin Kuhn Break Free From Feeling Like a Fraud Imposter syndrome is real, and it's a lot more common than you might think. I’ve lived it too - from high school baseball to college - and still damn near every day in my professional work. In this episode, I share my experiences with imposter syndrome, break down what it is, why it happens to us, what's happening in our brains, and I give you 5 legit strategies to it. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, this one’s for you. 00:00 My Introduction to Imposter Syndrome 02:19 "Why Would Anyone Listen to Me?" 03:45 What is Imposter Syndrome? 06:21 Roots & Causes of Imposter Syndrome 09:53 Neuroscience Behind Imposter Syndrome & What's Happening in Your Brain 12:59 Imposter Syndrome in Baseball 14:51 Neuroplasticity & Strategies to Defeat Imposter Syndrome 16:05 Strategy 1: Challenge Your Thoughts 17:47 Strategy 2: Acknowledge Achievements Objectively 18:54 Strategy 3: Progress Over Perfection 20:41 Strategy 4: Stop Comparing! 21:49 Strategy 5: Normalize Imposter Syndrome 25:05 Final Thoughts, Reminders & Gratitude Imposter syndrome is real, and it's a lot more common than you might think. I’ve lived it too - from high school baseball to college - and still damn near every day in my professional work. In this episode, I share my experiences with imposter syndrome, break down what it is, why it happens to us, what's happening in our brains, and I give you 5 legit strategies to it.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, this one’s for you.


00:00 My Introduction to Imposter Syndrome

02:19 "Why Would Anyone Listen to Me?"

03:45 What is Imposter Syndrome?

06:21 Roots & Causes of Imposter Syndrome

09:53 Neuroscience Behind Imposter Syndrome & What's Happening in Your Brain

12:59 Imposter Syndrome in Baseball

14:51 Neuroplasticity & Strategies to Defeat Imposter Syndrome

16:05 Strategy 1: Challenge Your Thoughts

17:47 Strategy 2: Acknowledge Achievements Objectively

18:54 Strategy 3: Progress Over Perfection

20:41 Strategy 4: Stop Comparing!

21:49 Strategy 5: Normalize Imposter Syndrome

25:05 Final Thoughts, Reminders & Gratitude

]]> <p>Imposter syndrome is real, and it&#39;s a lot more common than you might think. I’ve lived it too - from high school baseball to college - and still damn near every day in my professional work. In this episode, I share my experiences with imposter syndrome, break down what it is, why it happens to us, what&#39;s happening in our brains, and I give you 5 legit strategies to it.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, this one’s for you.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 My Introduction to Imposter Syndrome</p><p>02:19 &#34;Why Would Anyone Listen to Me?&#34;</p><p>03:45 What is Imposter Syndrome?</p><p>06:21 Roots &amp; Causes of Imposter Syndrome</p><p>09:53 Neuroscience Behind Imposter Syndrome &amp; What&#39;s Happening in Your Brain</p><p>12:59 Imposter Syndrome in Baseball</p><p>14:51 Neuroplasticity &amp; Strategies to Defeat Imposter Syndrome</p><p>16:05 Strategy 1: Challenge Your Thoughts</p><p>17:47 Strategy 2: Acknowledge Achievements Objectively</p><p>18:54 Strategy 3: Progress Over Perfection</p><p>20:41 Strategy 4: Stop Comparing!</p><p>21:49 Strategy 5: Normalize Imposter Syndrome</p><p>25:05 Final Thoughts, Reminders &amp; Gratitude</p> d958c09b-ebba-462b-aec1-09644b80379a https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:45:00 +0000 1602 no full 016 - 9 Negative Thoughts That Are Destroying Your Mental Game...And How to Crush Them 016 - 9 Negative Thoughts That Are Destroying Your Mental Game...And How to Crush Them 16 Kevin Kuhn Do you ever feel like one mistake defines your entire performance? Do you catch yourself overthinking and expecting the worst? Does the pressure to be perfect hold you back? Do you assume others are talking about you and judging you negatively? Find yourself saying "always" and "never" even if it's not true? You're not alone. The human brain defaults to negative thinking - and it's so common this phenomenon has a name: Automatic Negative Thoughts, or ANTs. Left unchecked, these ANTs can infest your mind, derail your performance and steal your enjoyment. In this episode, we cover: The differences between thoughts, feelings, emotions and moods A breakdown of the 9 ANTs that you are likely dealing with every day A simple 3-step strategy to stomp out these ANTs 00:00 Glory Days & Missing the Opportunity of a Lifetime 01:34 The Human Brain Defaults to Negative Thinking 02:29 An Intro to ANTs 04:01 Revisiting Thoughts, Emotions, Feelings & Moods 04:30 Thoughts (and Dark Thoughts) 06:58 Emotions 08:22 Feelings 11:13 Moods 13:40 Recognizing the ANT Infestation 14:12 ANT 1: Always & Never Thinking 15:36 ANT 2: Focusing on the Negative/Discounting the Positive 17:29 ANT 3: Catastrophizing & Worst Case Scenarios 19:25 ANT 4: Mind Reading & the Spotlight Effect 21:11 ANT 5: Thinking with your Feelings 22:30 ANT 6: Guilt Beatings, Shaming & Perfectionism 24:08 ANT 7: Labeling 25:03 ANT 8: Personalization 26:35 ANT 9: Blame 28:31 Three Steps to Fight the ANTs: Awareness, Challenging, Replacing 32:14 Wrap-Up & Gratitude Do you ever feel like one mistake defines your entire performance? Do you catch yourself overthinking and expecting the worst? Does the pressure to be perfect hold you back? Do you assume others are talking about you and judging you negatively? Find yourself saying "always" and "never" even if it's not true?

You're not alone. The human brain defaults to negative thinking - and it's so common this phenomenon has a name: Automatic Negative Thoughts, or ANTs. Left unchecked, these ANTs can infest your mind, derail your performance and steal your enjoyment.

In this episode, we cover:

  1. The differences between thoughts, feelings, emotions and moods
  2. A breakdown of the 9 ANTs that you are likely dealing with every day
  3. A simple 3-step strategy to stomp out these ANTs 


00:00 Glory Days & Missing the Opportunity of a Lifetime

01:34 The Human Brain Defaults to Negative Thinking

02:29 An Intro to ANTs

04:01 Revisiting Thoughts, Emotions, Feelings & Moods

04:30 Thoughts (and Dark Thoughts)

06:58 Emotions

08:22 Feelings

11:13 Moods

13:40 Recognizing the ANT Infestation

14:12 ANT 1: Always & Never Thinking

15:36 ANT 2: Focusing on the Negative/Discounting the Positive

17:29 ANT 3: Catastrophizing & Worst Case Scenarios

19:25 ANT 4: Mind Reading & the Spotlight Effect

21:11 ANT 5: Thinking with your Feelings

22:30 ANT 6: Guilt Beatings, Shaming & Perfectionism

24:08 ANT 7: Labeling

25:03 ANT 8: Personalization

26:35 ANT 9: Blame

28:31 Three Steps to Fight the ANTs: Awareness, Challenging, Replacing

32:14 Wrap-Up & Gratitude

]]> <p>Do you ever feel like one mistake defines your entire performance? Do you catch yourself overthinking and expecting the worst? Does the pressure to be perfect hold you back? Do you assume others are talking about you and judging you negatively? Find yourself saying &#34;always&#34; and &#34;never&#34; even if it&#39;s not true?</p><p>You&#39;re not alone. The human brain defaults to negative thinking - and it&#39;s so common this phenomenon has a name: Automatic Negative Thoughts, or ANTs. Left unchecked, these ANTs can infest your mind, derail your performance and steal your enjoyment.</p><p>In this episode, we cover:</p><ol><li>The differences between thoughts, feelings, emotions and moods</li><li>A breakdown of the 9 ANTs that you are likely dealing with every day</li><li>A simple 3-step strategy to stomp out these ANTs </li></ol><p><br></p><p>00:00 Glory Days &amp; Missing the Opportunity of a Lifetime</p><p>01:34 The Human Brain Defaults to Negative Thinking</p><p>02:29 An Intro to ANTs</p><p>04:01 Revisiting Thoughts, Emotions, Feelings &amp; Moods</p><p>04:30 Thoughts (and Dark Thoughts)</p><p>06:58 Emotions</p><p>08:22 Feelings</p><p>11:13 Moods</p><p>13:40 Recognizing the ANT Infestation</p><p>14:12 ANT 1: Always &amp; Never Thinking</p><p>15:36 ANT 2: Focusing on the Negative/Discounting the Positive</p><p>17:29 ANT 3: Catastrophizing &amp; Worst Case Scenarios</p><p>19:25 ANT 4: Mind Reading &amp; the Spotlight Effect</p><p>21:11 ANT 5: Thinking with your Feelings</p><p>22:30 ANT 6: Guilt Beatings, Shaming &amp; Perfectionism</p><p>24:08 ANT 7: Labeling</p><p>25:03 ANT 8: Personalization</p><p>26:35 ANT 9: Blame</p><p>28:31 Three Steps to Fight the ANTs: Awareness, Challenging, Replacing</p><p>32:14 Wrap-Up &amp; Gratitude</p> 263acecf-85a0-4ce4-b617-f14d1e20389a https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:45:00 +0000 1998 no full 015 - How Your Beliefs Impact Your Performance 015 - How Your Beliefs Impact Your Performance 15 Kevin Kuhn Can changing your beliefs improve your performance? Your beliefs may shape your game as much as any other skill or ability - and science shows it. In Episode 015 of the Next Season Podcast, we explore the science behind self-belief, placebo effects, and how your brain and body respond to what you think. Stay open-minded - and you can transform your performance on the field and in life. 00:00 The Power of Belief 02:17 Defining & Disentangling the Elements of Self-Belief 07:04 The Rosenthal Experiment 10:53 Belief in Sports Performance 18:49 The Placebo Effect 23:51 The Role of Self-Talk 28:51 Harnessing Faith and Building Resilience 31:54 Wrap-Up Can changing your beliefs improve your performance?

Your beliefs may shape your game as much as any other skill or ability - and science shows it. In Episode 015 of the Next Season Podcast, we explore the science behind self-belief, placebo effects, and how your brain and body respond to what you think.

Stay open-minded - and you can transform your performance on the field and in life.

00:00 The Power of Belief

02:17 Defining & Disentangling the Elements of Self-Belief

07:04 The Rosenthal Experiment

10:53 Belief in Sports Performance

18:49 The Placebo Effect

23:51 The Role of Self-Talk

28:51 Harnessing Faith and Building Resilience

31:54 Wrap-Up

]]> <p>Can changing your beliefs improve your performance?</p><p>Your beliefs may shape your game as much as any other skill or ability - and science shows it. In Episode 015 of the Next Season Podcast, we explore the science behind self-belief, placebo effects, and how your brain and body respond to what you think.</p><p>Stay open-minded - and you can transform your performance on the field and in life.</p><p>00:00 The Power of Belief</p><p>02:17 Defining &amp; Disentangling the Elements of Self-Belief</p><p>07:04 The Rosenthal Experiment</p><p>10:53 Belief in Sports Performance</p><p>18:49 The Placebo Effect</p><p>23:51 The Role of Self-Talk</p><p>28:51 Harnessing Faith and Building Resilience</p><p>31:54 Wrap-Up</p> a1470df3-0b80-4a4e-a440-6a35f2018009 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 1944 no full 014 - Turn Your Goals into Habits 014 - Turn Your Goals into Habits 14 Kevin Kuhn Amateurs Set Goals. Pros Build Habits. This is episode 014 of the Next Season Podcast! In episode 013, I gave you a better way to set and pursue goals using a brain-based, next-level framework. In this episode, we're going to take those goals and turn them into habits using neuroscience-backed tips and tools. We'll start with some brain mechanisms and processes, and bust the 21-day habit myth. Then, I'll share 5 practical strategies or tools to create habits that stick. These insights will help you build a sustainable system that actually helps you achieve your goal and drive life-long growth. Let's go! 00:00 Introduction - Turning Goals into Habits 02:22 Habits & the Brain: Long-Term Potentiation & Long-Term Depression 06:58 Goal & Habit Cycles: Key Brain Regions & Neurochemicals 13:00 Debunking the 21-Day Habit Myth 16:27 Tool 1: Create-a-Player Identity & Never Summit Goals 19:31 Tool 2: Habit Stacking 22:41 Tool 3: The Sweet Spot Rule 25:45 Tool 4: Using Failure as Feedback, Short-Term Memory & Chunking (Win the Inning) 28:27 Tool 5: Creating Friction in Bad Habits 30:22 My Challenge to You & Wrap-Up This is episode 014 of the Next Season Podcast! In episode 013, I gave you a better way to set and pursue goals using a brain-based, next-level framework.

In this episode, we're going to take those goals and turn them into habits using neuroscience-backed tips and tools. We'll start with some brain mechanisms and processes, and bust the 21-day habit myth. Then, I'll share 5 practical strategies or tools to create habits that stick. These insights will help you build a sustainable system that actually helps you achieve your goal and drive life-long growth. Let's go!

00:00 Introduction - Turning Goals into Habits

02:22 Habits & the Brain: Long-Term Potentiation & Long-Term Depression

06:58 Goal & Habit Cycles: Key Brain Regions & Neurochemicals

13:00 Debunking the 21-Day Habit Myth

16:27 Tool 1: Create-a-Player Identity & Never Summit Goals

19:31 Tool 2: Habit Stacking

22:41 Tool 3: The Sweet Spot Rule

25:45 Tool 4: Using Failure as Feedback, Short-Term Memory & Chunking (Win the Inning)

28:27 Tool 5: Creating Friction in Bad Habits

30:22 My Challenge to You & Wrap-Up

]]> <p>This is episode 014 of the Next Season Podcast! In episode 013, I gave you a better way to set and pursue goals using a brain-based, next-level framework.</p><p>In this episode, we&#39;re going to take those goals and turn them into habits using neuroscience-backed tips and tools. We&#39;ll start with some brain mechanisms and processes, and bust the 21-day habit myth. Then, I&#39;ll share 5 practical strategies or tools to create habits that stick. These insights will help you build a sustainable system that actually helps you achieve your goal and drive life-long growth. Let&#39;s go!</p><p>00:00 Introduction - Turning Goals into Habits</p><p>02:22 Habits &amp; the Brain: Long-Term Potentiation &amp; Long-Term Depression</p><p>06:58 Goal &amp; Habit Cycles: Key Brain Regions &amp; Neurochemicals</p><p>13:00 Debunking the 21-Day Habit Myth</p><p>16:27 Tool 1: Create-a-Player Identity &amp; Never Summit Goals</p><p>19:31 Tool 2: Habit Stacking</p><p>22:41 Tool 3: The Sweet Spot Rule</p><p>25:45 Tool 4: Using Failure as Feedback, Short-Term Memory &amp; Chunking (Win the Inning)</p><p>28:27 Tool 5: Creating Friction in Bad Habits</p><p>30:22 My Challenge to You &amp; Wrap-Up</p> 5f35cad0-6c04-4104-b854-b40467645b58 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:30:00 +0000 1898 no full 013 - A 7-Step Framework to Take Your SMART Goals to the Next Level 013 - A 7-Step Framework to Take Your SMART Goals to the Next Level 13 Kevin Kuhn We Suck at Setting Goals. It's the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions. In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they're helping your progress. This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Episode Objectives 02:44 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals 05:56 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals 06:32 The Power of Writing Down Goals 09:02 SMART Goals and Beyond 10:54 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal 13:58 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences 16:54 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection 20:30 Step 4: Specify the Actions You'll Take Consistently 23:44 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles 27:09 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes 30:23 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System 34:40 Recapping the 7 Steps 35:28 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit 40:39 Wrap Up It's the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions.

In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they're helping your progress.

This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts.

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Episode Objectives

02:44 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals

05:56 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals

06:32 The Power of Writing Down Goals

09:02 SMART Goals and Beyond

10:54 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal

13:58 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences

16:54 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection

20:30 Step 4: Specify the Actions You'll Take Consistently

23:44 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles

27:09 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes

30:23 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System

34:40 Recapping the 7 Steps

35:28 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit

40:39 Wrap Up

]]> <p>It&#39;s the time of year for goal setting and New Years Failures…I mean Resolutions.</p><p>In this episode I share some stats to show just how bad most of us are at setting and achieving goals, then introduce a science-supported framework to help you be better at setting and pursuing goals. I also identify three common mistakes that you may be making - even though you think they&#39;re helping your progress.</p><p>This episode is packed with practical advice to help athletes like you set and achieve your goals effectively - using science-backed principles and concepts.</p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>00:41 Episode Objectives</p><p>02:44 Real-Life Examples and Reframing Goals</p><p>05:56 We SUCK at Setting and Pursuing Goals</p><p>06:32 The Power of Writing Down Goals</p><p>09:02 SMART Goals and Beyond</p><p>10:54 Step 1: Create One Hyper-SMART Goal</p><p>13:58 Step 2: Eliminate Distractions and Negative Influences</p><p>16:54 Step 3: Identify Positive Benefits and Emotional Connection</p><p>20:30 Step 4: Specify the Actions You&#39;ll Take Consistently</p><p>23:44 Step 5: Identify and Prepare for Obstacles</p><p>27:09 Step 6: Visualize Negative Outcomes</p><p>30:23 Step 7: Create an Intermittent Random Reward System</p><p>34:40 Recapping the 7 Steps</p><p>35:28 3 Common Mistakes in Goal Pursuit</p><p>40:39 Wrap Up</p> 108add2c-ac35-48bc-906c-5b56cf9dc7e6 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 31 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000 2472 no full 012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2) 012 - MORE Strategies to Overcome Common Athlete Pain Points (Part 2 of 2) 12 Kevin Kuhn This is part two of a two part episode - with more of the Q&A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. In this episode, we cover the pain points related to ambition, mindset, mental health and external pressures. I share insights on managing over-practicing, balancing ambition, dealing with slumps, controlling emotions, and fitting into teams. You're gonna get a blend of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues. DISCLAIMER - I'm not a doctor, therapist, licensed counselor, neuroscientist, and am not licensed or qualified to diagnose, treat or otherwise advise on any clinical or related matters. I'm a baseball coach, a father, a former athlete, and a certified brain-based coach. So I can speak to these things at a high level and can share ideas, perspectives and guidance, and I can have individual and group conversations around mental skills and mental performance. But when it comes to anything clinical, medical or mental health-related - please consult with a trained, certified and authorized party. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:35 Disclaimer and Structure 01:52 Ambition: Over-Practicing and Obsession 11:32 Mindset: Handling Slumps and Mistakes 17:58 Mental Health: Managing Emotions and Outbursts 24:40 External Pressures: Fitting into a New Team 30:33 Wrap Up This is part two of a two part episode - with more of the Q&A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. In this episode, we cover the pain points related to ambition, mindset, mental health and external pressures. I share insights on managing over-practicing, balancing ambition, dealing with slumps, controlling emotions, and fitting into teams. You're gonna get a blend of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues.

DISCLAIMER - I'm not a doctor, therapist, licensed counselor, neuroscientist, and am not licensed or qualified to diagnose, treat or otherwise advise on any clinical or related matters. I'm a baseball coach, a father, a former athlete, and a certified brain-based coach. So I can speak to these things at a high level and can share ideas, perspectives and guidance, and I can have individual and group conversations around mental skills and mental performance. But when it comes to anything clinical, medical or mental health-related - please consult with a trained, certified and authorized party.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:35 Disclaimer and Structure

01:52 Ambition: Over-Practicing and Obsession

11:32 Mindset: Handling Slumps and Mistakes

17:58 Mental Health: Managing Emotions and Outbursts

24:40 External Pressures: Fitting into a New Team

30:33 Wrap Up

]]> <p>This is part two of a two part episode - with more of the Q&amp;A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. In this episode, we cover the pain points related to ambition, mindset, mental health and external pressures. I share insights on managing over-practicing, balancing ambition, dealing with slumps, controlling emotions, and fitting into teams. You&#39;re gonna get a blend of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues.</p><p>DISCLAIMER - I&#39;m not a doctor, therapist, licensed counselor, neuroscientist, and am not licensed or qualified to diagnose, treat or otherwise advise on any clinical or related matters. I&#39;m a baseball coach, a father, a former athlete, and a certified brain-based coach. So I can speak to these things at a high level and can share ideas, perspectives and guidance, and I can have individual and group conversations around mental skills and mental performance. But when it comes to anything clinical, medical or mental health-related - please consult with a trained, certified and authorized party.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview</p><p>00:35 Disclaimer and Structure</p><p>01:52 Ambition: Over-Practicing and Obsession</p><p>11:32 Mindset: Handling Slumps and Mistakes</p><p>17:58 Mental Health: Managing Emotions and Outbursts</p><p>24:40 External Pressures: Fitting into a New Team</p><p>30:33 Wrap Up</p> 80bbc51b-53a9-4dcf-be55-e86574a7b0fe https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:30:00 +0000 1877 no full 011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2) 011 - Strategies to Overcome an Athlete's Biggest Mental Challenges (Part 1 of 2) 11 Kevin Kuhn Here's What I Would Do This is part one of a two part episode - and I'm shaking things up with a Q&A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. I'll address common pain points such as how to handle insecurities, and the frustration of having talent but lacking effort. I'll blend a high-level overview of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive into ambition, mindset, mental health, and external pressures on young athletes. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:09 Q&A Format and Common Pain Points 03:15 Disclaimers, Transparency and Goals for the Episode 06:35 Talent Bucket: Insecurity About Size 16:57 Effort Bucket: Lack of 100% Effort 24:31 Wrap Up and Preview of Part Two This is part one of a two part episode - and I'm shaking things up with a Q&A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. I'll address common pain points such as how to handle insecurities, and the frustration of having talent but lacking effort. I'll blend a high-level overview of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive into ambition, mindset, mental health, and external pressures on young athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:09 Q&A Format and Common Pain Points

03:15 Disclaimers, Transparency and Goals for the Episode

06:35 Talent Bucket: Insecurity About Size

16:57 Effort Bucket: Lack of 100% Effort

24:31 Wrap Up and Preview of Part Two

]]> <p>This is part one of a two part episode - and I&#39;m shaking things up with a Q&amp;A session focused on the challenges athletes (and parents and coaches) face. I&#39;ll address common pain points such as how to handle insecurities, and the frustration of having talent but lacking effort. I&#39;ll blend a high-level overview of what could be happening inside the mind and brain, and some neuroscience-based practical strategies to help you navigate these issues.</p><p>Stay tuned for Part 2, where we&#39;ll dive into ambition, mindset, mental health, and external pressures on young athletes.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview</p><p>00:09 Q&amp;A Format and Common Pain Points</p><p>03:15 Disclaimers, Transparency and Goals for the Episode</p><p>06:35 Talent Bucket: Insecurity About Size</p><p>16:57 Effort Bucket: Lack of 100% Effort</p><p>24:31 Wrap Up and Preview of Part Two</p> bf3dc1fb-e5f6-414a-99a2-80210ebe69f4 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:05:00 +0000 1496 no full 010 - Mindset for Elite Athletes (Part 2 of 2) 010 - Mindset for Elite Athletes (Part 2 of 2) 10 Kevin Kuhn The Traits You Need for Mental Toughness and Confidence This is part two of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. Part one covered the first two mindset bricks: Inside Move (agency and gratitude) and Win the Inning. Part two hits the other three: the Rubberband Traits for Mental Toughness, the 4 C's of a Championship Mindset, and The Two Strike Approach for a Growth Mindset. We're going to cover all the big traits: grit, resilience, perseverance, tenacity, curiosity, competitiveness, courage, confidence and more. Watch part one first - you don't want to miss this. 00:00 Introduction and Recap Part 1 00:29 Brick 3: The Rubberband Traits 08:03 Brick 4: The Four C's of a Championship Mindset 20:21 Brick 5: The Two Strike Approach 25:42 Wrap Up This is part two of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. Part one covered the first two mindset bricks: Inside Move (agency and gratitude) and Win the Inning. Part two hits the other three: the Rubberband Traits for Mental Toughness, the 4 C's of a Championship Mindset, and The Two Strike Approach for a Growth Mindset.

We're going to cover all the big traits: grit, resilience, perseverance, tenacity, curiosity, competitiveness, courage, confidence and more.

Watch part one first - you don't want to miss this.


00:00 Introduction and Recap Part 1

00:29 Brick 3: The Rubberband Traits

08:03 Brick 4: The Four C's of a Championship Mindset

20:21 Brick 5: The Two Strike Approach

25:42 Wrap Up

]]> <p>This is part two of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. Part one covered the first two mindset bricks: Inside Move (agency and gratitude) and Win the Inning. Part two hits the other three: the Rubberband Traits for Mental Toughness, the 4 C&#39;s of a Championship Mindset, and The Two Strike Approach for a Growth Mindset.</p><p>We&#39;re going to cover all the big traits: grit, resilience, perseverance, tenacity, curiosity, competitiveness, courage, confidence and more.</p><p>Watch part one first - you don&#39;t want to miss this.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction and Recap Part 1</p><p>00:29 Brick 3: The Rubberband Traits</p><p>08:03 Brick 4: The Four C&#39;s of a Championship Mindset</p><p>20:21 Brick 5: The Two Strike Approach</p><p>25:42 Wrap Up</p> 2650fcc3-084b-4820-a423-6b0819e657f6 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 13:30:00 +0000 1590 no full 009 - Mindset for Elite Athletes: The REAL Inside Move (Part 1 of 2) 009 - Mindset for Elite Athletes: The REAL Inside Move (Part 1 of 2) 9 Kevin Kuhn This is the part one of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. We'll kick things off with a story and example of the most elite mindset in the history of baseball. I then cover the first two bricks of the pillar: Inside Move and Win the Inning. You'll not only learn about terms and concepts such as agency, gratitude, chunking, choice points, and victor mentality, but also how to apply these tools and the science behind each. Let's get after it! 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:57 The Greatest Mindset in the History of Baseball 02:36 Understanding Mindset 03:19 Brick 1: Inside Move - Controlling Your Mental Game 19:16 Brick 2: Win the Inning - Chunking and Choice Points 32:57 Wrap Up This is part one of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. We'll kick things off with a story and example of the most elite mindset in the history of baseball. I then cover the first two bricks of the pillar: Inside Move and Win the Inning. You'll not only learn about terms and concepts such as agency, gratitude, chunking, choice points, and victor mentality, but also how to apply these tools and the science behind each. Let's get after it!

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:57 The Greatest Mindset in the History of Baseball

02:36 Understanding Mindset

03:19 Brick 1: Inside Move - Controlling Your Mental Game

19:16 Brick 2: Win the Inning - Chunking and Choice Points

32:57 Wrap Up

]]> <p>This is part one of a two part episode on the 4th pillar of Next Season Athletes - the MINDSET pillar. We&#39;ll kick things off with a story and example of the most elite mindset in the history of baseball. I then cover the first two bricks of the pillar: Inside Move and Win the Inning. You&#39;ll not only learn about terms and concepts such as agency, gratitude, chunking, choice points, and victor mentality, but also how to apply these tools and the science behind each. Let&#39;s get after it!</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Recap</p><p>00:57 The Greatest Mindset in the History of Baseball</p><p>02:36 Understanding Mindset</p><p>03:19 Brick 1: Inside Move - Controlling Your Mental Game</p><p>19:16 Brick 2: Win the Inning - Chunking and Choice Points</p><p>32:57 Wrap Up</p> 4da44fd1-d1bf-4ad0-974b-e21074ab16ba https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:25:00 +0000 1986 no full 008 - Ambition Is Essential 008 - Ambition Is Essential 8 Kevin Kuhn Identity, Vision, Boundaries, Generative Drive and a Never Summit Mentality If you don't have a target, your effort is being wasted. Do not confuse movement with momentum. In episode 008, we break down the five bricks of the third pillar of Next Season athletes: Ambition. Each brick is rooted in neuroscience and designed to help you align your effort with your goals, so you can dominate with purpose, drive and identity - on and off the field. 00:00 Introduction to Ambition 01:12 The Create-a-Player Mentality 08:34 Pitch Selection: Defining Your Values and Vision 14:35 Establishing Your Zone 18:01 Never Summit Targets 22:53 Tapping into Your Generative Drive 28:59 Closing Thoughts If you don't have a target, your effort is being wasted. Do not confuse movement with momentum.

In episode 008, we break down the five bricks of the third pillar of Next Season athletes: Ambition. Each brick is rooted in neuroscience and designed to help you align your effort with your goals, so you can dominate with purpose, drive and identity - on and off the field.

00:00 Introduction to Ambition

01:12 The Create-a-Player Mentality

08:34 Pitch Selection: Defining Your Values and Vision

14:35 Establishing Your Zone

18:01 Never Summit Targets

22:53 Tapping into Your Generative Drive

28:59 Closing Thoughts

]]> <p>If you don&#39;t have a target, your effort is being wasted. Do not confuse movement with momentum.</p><p>In episode 008, we break down the five bricks of the third pillar of Next Season athletes: Ambition. Each brick is rooted in neuroscience and designed to help you align your effort with your goals, so you can dominate with purpose, drive and identity - on and off the field.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Ambition</p><p>01:12 The Create-a-Player Mentality</p><p>08:34 Pitch Selection: Defining Your Values and Vision</p><p>14:35 Establishing Your Zone</p><p>18:01 Never Summit Targets</p><p>22:53 Tapping into Your Generative Drive</p><p>28:59 Closing Thoughts</p> 6b4bf5b0-962d-4944-9801-c50fa1aeaa08 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:25:00 +0000 1777 no full 007 - Unlocking Elite Effort 007 - Unlocking Elite Effort 7 Kevin Kuhn Empty the Tank Episode 007 is all about EFFORT. I'm breaking down the five key traits that demonstrate elite-level effort, why effort trumps talent, and how you can the five EFFORT bricks to your game. I'll also dive into some neuroscience to explain how playing fear impacts performance, how to regain focus and presence when you get distracted, a simple tool to boost both mental & physical toughness - and much more! 00:00 Introduction to Effort 03:44 The Effort Equation 04:14 Brick 1: The Spark Plug 06:27 How fear impacts performance 11:41 Brick 2: The Top Step Player 14:53 Brick 3: Small Ball 20:42 Brick 4: PIER - Presence/Purpose in Every Rep 24:23 Tool for Regaining Focus: The 10 Minute Rule 25:54 Brick 5: Leather Skin & Iron Will 29:10 Tool for Responding to Pain: The SEA Walk 35:33 Final Thoughts Episode 007 is all about EFFORT. I'm breaking down the five key traits that demonstrate elite-level effort, why effort trumps talent, and how you can the five EFFORT bricks to your game. I'll also dive into some neuroscience to explain how playing fear impacts performance, how to regain focus and presence when you get distracted, a simple tool to boost both mental & physical toughness - and much more!

00:00 Introduction to Effort

03:44 The Effort Equation

04:14 Brick 1: The Spark Plug

06:27 How fear impacts performance

11:41 Brick 2: The Top Step Player

14:53 Brick 3: Small Ball

20:42 Brick 4: PIER - Presence/Purpose in Every Rep

24:23 Tool for Regaining Focus: The 10 Minute Rule

25:54 Brick 5: Leather Skin & Iron Will

29:10 Tool for Responding to Pain: The SEA Walk

35:33 Final Thoughts

]]> <p>Episode 007 is all about EFFORT. I&#39;m breaking down the five key traits that demonstrate elite-level effort, why effort trumps talent, and how you can the five EFFORT bricks to your game. I&#39;ll also dive into some neuroscience to explain how playing fear impacts performance, how to regain focus and presence when you get distracted, a simple tool to boost both mental &amp; physical toughness - and much more!</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Effort</p><p>03:44 The Effort Equation</p><p>04:14 Brick 1: The Spark Plug</p><p>06:27 How fear impacts performance</p><p>11:41 Brick 2: The Top Step Player</p><p>14:53 Brick 3: Small Ball</p><p>20:42 Brick 4: PIER - Presence/Purpose in Every Rep</p><p>24:23 Tool for Regaining Focus: The 10 Minute Rule</p><p>25:54 Brick 5: Leather Skin &amp; Iron Will</p><p>29:10 Tool for Responding to Pain: The SEA Walk</p><p>35:33 Final Thoughts</p> 0a1fd9ea-3d9d-40c3-88fa-3ddf36c64630 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:20:00 +0000 2206 no full 006: Talent, Effort, Ambition & Mindset (Talent Isn't Enough) 006: Talent, Effort, Ambition & Mindset (Talent Isn't Enough) 6 Kevin Kuhn Become a Five Tool Player in the Pillars that Matter In episode 006 of the Next Season Podcast, I outline the Four Pillars that define a Next Season athlete: Talent, Effort, Ambition & Mindset. We discuss how these pillars are crucial for success both on the field and in life, and dive deeper into the first pillar of Talent. We break down the five key elements - or bricks - of the Talent pillar: body, mind IQ, mind EQ, body language and character traits. Stacking these five bricks and becoming a five-tool player in each pillar will develop you as a well-rounded athlete and human being. In future episodes, we'll explore the other three pillars in detail. 00:00 Introduction to the Four Pillars 00:47 Pillar 1: Talent 01:56 Pillar 2: Effort 02:21 Pillar 3: Ambition 02:35 Pillar 4: Mindset 03:17 The Importance of Being Well-Rounded 06:34 The Five Bricks (The Five-Tool Player) 08:09 Brick 1: Body 09:09 Brick 2: Mind IQ 10:55 Brick 3: Mind EQ 13:55 Brick 4: Body Language 15:23 Brick 5: Character Traits 17:40 Closing Thoughts In episode 006 of the Next Season Podcast, I outline the Four Pillars that define a Next Season athlete: Talent, Effort, Ambition & Mindset.

We discuss how these pillars are crucial for success both on the field and in life, and dive deeper into the first pillar of Talent. We break down the five key elements - or bricks - of the Talent pillar: body, mind IQ, mind EQ, body language and character traits.

Stacking these five bricks and becoming a five-tool player in each pillar will develop you as a well-rounded athlete and human being.

In future episodes, we'll explore the other three pillars in detail.


00:00 Introduction to the Four Pillars

00:47 Pillar 1: Talent

01:56 Pillar 2: Effort

02:21 Pillar 3: Ambition

02:35 Pillar 4: Mindset

03:17 The Importance of Being Well-Rounded

06:34 The Five Bricks (The Five-Tool Player)

08:09 Brick 1: Body

09:09 Brick 2: Mind IQ

10:55 Brick 3: Mind EQ

13:55 Brick 4: Body Language

15:23 Brick 5: Character Traits

17:40 Closing Thoughts

]]> <p>In episode 006 of the Next Season Podcast, I outline the Four Pillars that define a Next Season athlete: Talent, Effort, Ambition &amp; Mindset.</p><p>We discuss how these pillars are crucial for success both on the field and in life, and dive deeper into the first pillar of Talent. We break down the five key elements - or bricks - of the Talent pillar: body, mind IQ, mind EQ, body language and character traits.</p><p>Stacking these five bricks and becoming a five-tool player in each pillar will develop you as a well-rounded athlete and human being.</p><p>In future episodes, we&#39;ll explore the other three pillars in detail.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Four Pillars</p><p>00:47 Pillar 1: Talent</p><p>01:56 Pillar 2: Effort</p><p>02:21 Pillar 3: Ambition</p><p>02:35 Pillar 4: Mindset</p><p>03:17 The Importance of Being Well-Rounded</p><p>06:34 The Five Bricks (The Five-Tool Player)</p><p>08:09 Brick 1: Body</p><p>09:09 Brick 2: Mind IQ</p><p>10:55 Brick 3: Mind EQ</p><p>13:55 Brick 4: Body Language</p><p>15:23 Brick 5: Character Traits</p><p>17:40 Closing Thoughts</p> b2624bc9-8ccb-4018-a202-ac10aa15faa5 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:25:00 +0000 1067 no full 005 - Grit, Soul & More Standards of Next Season Athletes 005 - Grit, Soul & More Standards of Next Season Athletes 5 Kevin Kuhn The Five Values Elite Athletes Must Have In Episode 005, I dive into the five core values and standards that define Next Season athletes. These principles are designed to elevate your game on and off the field, guiding your actions and decisions as you work towards becoming the best version of yourself. We’ll cover: Present-Focused, Forward-Looking: Process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future. Grit and Resilience: Embrace challenges and push through adversity. Raw and Real: Show up authentically with integrity and vulnerability. Play with Soul: Pour your full energy into the game and be your best in the moment. Take to the OARS: Take ownership, accountability, responsibility, and maintain sturdiness even when the winds aren’t in your favor. I also touch on how these values connect with the four pillars that drive Next Season athletes. 00:00 Introduction to Episode 005 00:19 Understanding Values 01:53 Defining Standards 02:49 Expectations vs. Standards 03:57 Next Season Coaching Values 04:46 Value 1: Present-Focused, Forward-Looking 05:53 Value 2: Grit and Resilience 06:40 Value 3: Raw & Real 07:32 Value 4: Playing with Soul 08:21 Value 5: Take to the OARS 09:17 Standards and Expectations for Athletes 10:10 The Four Pillars of a Next Season Athlete 10:45 Conclusion and Next Steps In Episode 005, I dive into the five core values and standards that define Next Season athletes. These principles are designed to elevate your game on and off the field, guiding your actions and decisions as you work towards becoming the best version of yourself.

We’ll cover:

  1. Present-Focused, Forward-Looking: Process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future.
  2. Grit and Resilience: Embrace challenges and push through adversity.
  3. Raw and Real: Show up authentically with integrity and vulnerability.
  4. Play with Soul: Pour your full energy into the game and be your best in the moment.
  5. Take to the OARS: Take ownership, accountability, responsibility, and maintain sturdiness even when the winds aren’t in your favor.

 

I also touch on how these values connect with the four pillars that drive Next Season athletes.


00:00 Introduction to Episode 005

00:19 Understanding Values

01:53 Defining Standards

02:49 Expectations vs. Standards

03:57 Next Season Coaching Values

04:46 Value 1: Present-Focused, Forward-Looking

05:53 Value 2: Grit and Resilience 

06:40 Value 3: Raw & Real

07:32 Value 4: Playing with Soul

08:21 Value 5: Take to the OARS

09:17 Standards and Expectations for Athletes

10:10 The Four Pillars of a Next Season Athlete

10:45 Conclusion and Next Steps

]]> <p>In Episode 005, I dive into the five core values and standards that define Next Season athletes. These principles are designed to elevate your game on and off the field, guiding your actions and decisions as you work towards becoming the best version of yourself.</p><p>We’ll cover:</p><ol><li><strong>Present-Focused, Forward-Looking</strong>: Process the past, perform in the present and prepare for the future.</li><li><strong>Grit and Resilience: </strong>Embrace challenges and push through adversity.</li><li><strong>Raw and Real: </strong>Show up authentically with integrity and vulnerability.</li><li><strong>Play with Soul: </strong>Pour your full energy into the game and be your best in the moment.</li><li><strong>Take to the OARS: </strong>Take ownership, accountability, responsibility, and maintain sturdiness even when the winds aren’t in your favor.</li></ol><p> </p><p>I also touch on how these values connect with the four pillars that drive Next Season athletes.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Episode 005</p><p>00:19 Understanding Values</p><p>01:53 Defining Standards</p><p>02:49 Expectations vs. Standards</p><p>03:57 Next Season Coaching Values</p><p>04:46 Value 1: Present-Focused, Forward-Looking</p><p>05:53 Value 2: Grit and Resilience </p><p>06:40 Value 3: Raw &amp; Real</p><p>07:32 Value 4: Playing with Soul</p><p>08:21 Value 5: Take to the OARS</p><p>09:17 Standards and Expectations for Athletes</p><p>10:10 The Four Pillars of a Next Season Athlete</p><p>10:45 Conclusion and Next Steps</p> 06cfdae7-ecc2-423b-b509-6babdf799d4c https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:25:00 +0000 654 no full 004 - Ease My Pain & Turning Setbacks Into Setups 004 - Ease My Pain & Turning Setbacks Into Setups 3 Kevin Kuhn In episode 004, I share the journey of starting this podcast and reflect on my consulting experience with professional and with athletes. We'll explore how key principles can drive success in sports and life using what I call pillars, bricks and traits. We'll also look ahead a bit to see what's on deck - including fun, authentic and raw conversations with awesome guests. Stay tuned for more! I'm just getting started! 00:00 Welcome to Episode 004 00:42 Introduction to Consulting Work 01:27 The Pillars, Bricks, and Traits 02:30 Personal Reflections and Experiences 03:23 Working with Young Athletes 05:14 Learning from Mistakes 06:35 Turning Setbacks into Setups 07:51 Conclusion and What's Next In episode 004, I share the journey of starting this podcast and reflect on my consulting experience with professional and with athletes. We'll explore how key principles can drive success in sports and life using what I call pillars, bricks and traits.

We'll also look ahead a bit to see what's on deck - including fun, authentic and raw conversations with awesome guests.

Stay tuned for more! I'm just getting started!

00:00 Welcome to Episode 004

00:42 Introduction to Consulting Work

01:27 The Pillars, Bricks, and Traits

02:30 Personal Reflections and Experiences

03:23 Working with Young Athletes

05:14 Learning from Mistakes

06:35 Turning Setbacks into Setups

07:51 Conclusion and What's Next

]]> <p>In episode 004, I share the journey of starting this podcast and reflect on my consulting experience with professional and with athletes. We&#39;ll explore how key principles can drive success in sports and life using what I call pillars, bricks and traits.</p><p>We&#39;ll also look ahead a bit to see what&#39;s on deck - including fun, authentic and raw conversations with awesome guests.</p><p>Stay tuned for more! I&#39;m just getting started!</p><p>00:00 Welcome to Episode 004</p><p>00:42 Introduction to Consulting Work</p><p>01:27 The Pillars, Bricks, and Traits</p><p>02:30 Personal Reflections and Experiences</p><p>03:23 Working with Young Athletes</p><p>05:14 Learning from Mistakes</p><p>06:35 Turning Setbacks into Setups</p><p>07:51 Conclusion and What&#39;s Next</p> e4f2cabc-66ea-409a-ba18-53bfb3bb0f07 https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:35:00 +0000 548 no full 003 - From Quitting to Finding My Purpose 003 - From Quitting to Finding My Purpose 3 Kevin Kuhn I reflect on my sophomore year of college, sharing the challenges I faced balancing academics with athletics and personal distractions. After sustaining a shoulder injury during the fall season, I began to lose my drive, and eventually decided to leave college. This decision, though impulsive, sparked a nearly 20-year journey of self-improvement and discovery. Now, I use my experience to guide players and help them avoid the mistakes I made. Join me as I share insights on resilience, mindset and the importance of learning from others. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:12 Sophomore Year Challenges 01:11 Struggles and Distractions 01:57 Injury and Decline 03:45 Decision to Quit 06:02 Life After Quitting 08:16 Lessons Learned and Mission 11:25 Wrap-up and Next Steps I reflect on my sophomore year of college, sharing the challenges I faced balancing academics with athletics and personal distractions. After sustaining a shoulder injury during the fall season, I began to lose my drive, and eventually decided to leave college. This decision, though impulsive, sparked a nearly 20-year journey of self-improvement and discovery. 

Now, I use my experience to guide players and help them avoid the mistakes I made. Join me as I share insights on resilience, mindset and the importance of learning from others.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:12 Sophomore Year Challenges

01:11 Struggles and Distractions

01:57 Injury and Decline

03:45 Decision to Quit

06:02 Life After Quitting

08:16 Lessons Learned and Mission

11:25 Wrap-up and Next Steps

]]> <p>I reflect on my sophomore year of college, sharing the challenges I faced balancing academics with athletics and personal distractions. After sustaining a shoulder injury during the fall season, I began to lose my drive, and eventually decided to leave college. This decision, though impulsive, sparked a nearly 20-year journey of self-improvement and discovery. </p><p>Now, I use my experience to guide players and help them avoid the mistakes I made. Join me as I share insights on resilience, mindset and the importance of learning from others.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Welcome</p><p>00:12 Sophomore Year Challenges</p><p>01:11 Struggles and Distractions</p><p>01:57 Injury and Decline</p><p>03:45 Decision to Quit</p><p>06:02 Life After Quitting</p><p>08:16 Lessons Learned and Mission</p><p>11:25 Wrap-up and Next Steps</p> 99671e57-1521-4c5e-a91d-eba364e75c8a https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:35:00 +0000 734 no full Next Season Podcast: 002 - The Pains & Struggles of Freshman Year Next Season Podcast: 002 - The Pains & Struggles of Freshman Year 2 Kevin Kuhn What's up fam? Back with the episode 002 of the Next Season Podcast. In this episode, I dive into my college freshman year including some gut checks & reality checks as I navigated the ups and downs of transitioning from high school to college baseball. From a strong senior season to a crappy leg injury, I share my struggles, the impact on my performance and how I dealt with the pressure both on and off the field. As always - please subscribe, like, comment & share! 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:14 College Beginnings: Summer 2003 00:58 Injury Struggles and Freshman Year Challenges 03:02 Mental and Physical Recovery 05:40 Spring Season and Freshman Year Reflections 07:08 Mindset Shift and Summer Revival 09:53 Looking Ahead to Sophomore Year 10:08 Wrapping it Up What's up fam? Back with the episode 002 of the Next Season Podcast. In this episode, I dive into my college freshman year including some gut checks & reality checks as I navigated the ups and downs of transitioning from high school to college baseball. From a strong senior season to a crappy leg injury, I share my struggles, the impact on my performance and how I dealt with the pressure both on and off the field. 

As always - please subscribe, like, comment & share!


00:00 Introduction and Recap 

00:14 College Beginnings: Summer 2003 

00:58 Injury Struggles and Freshman Year Challenges 

03:02 Mental and Physical Recovery 

05:40 Spring Season and Freshman Year Reflections 

07:08 Mindset Shift and Summer Revival 

09:53 Looking Ahead to Sophomore Year 

10:08 Wrapping it Up

]]> <p>What&#39;s up fam? Back with the episode 002 of the Next Season Podcast. In this episode, I dive into my college freshman year including some gut checks &amp; reality checks as I navigated the ups and downs of transitioning from high school to college baseball. From a strong senior season to a crappy leg injury, I share my struggles, the impact on my performance and how I dealt with the pressure both on and off the field. </p><p>As always - please subscribe, like, comment &amp; share!</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction and Recap </p><p>00:14 College Beginnings: Summer 2003 </p><p>00:58 Injury Struggles and Freshman Year Challenges </p><p>03:02 Mental and Physical Recovery </p><p>05:40 Spring Season and Freshman Year Reflections </p><p>07:08 Mindset Shift and Summer Revival </p><p>09:53 Looking Ahead to Sophomore Year </p><p>10:08 Wrapping it Up</p> d6e597b6-d0a1-45a3-af53-79a8106bdb7e https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 627 no full The Next Season Podcast: Episode 001 The Next Season Podcast: Episode 001 1 Kevin Kuhn My Version of Spring Training Welcome to episode 001 of The Next Season Podcast! In this episode, I introduce my personal journey, my passion for baseball and coaching athletes and my vision for the podcast (and the coaching program). I open up about some of the (self-imposed) challenges I faced, and dealing with concussions, which fueled my interest in neuroscience. This episode sets the stage for future conversations about improving performance, coaching strategies and the mental side of the game. 00:00 Welcome to the Next Season Podcast 00:15 The Vision and Purpose 01:22 Embracing Authenticity 01:48 The Next Season Concept 02:37 My Personal Journey Begins 03:26 Childhood Memories and Baseball 06:00 High School Years and Challenges 08:41 College Search and Lessons Learned 10:28 Looking Ahead Welcome to episode 001 of The Next Season Podcast! In this episode, I introduce my personal journey, my passion for baseball and coaching athletes and my vision for the podcast (and the coaching program). 

I open up about some of the (self-imposed) challenges I faced, and dealing with concussions, which fueled my interest in neuroscience. This episode sets the stage for future conversations about improving performance, coaching strategies and the mental side of the game.

00:00 Welcome to the Next Season Podcast

00:15 The Vision and Purpose

01:22 Embracing Authenticity

01:48 The Next Season Concept

02:37 My Personal Journey Begins

03:26 Childhood Memories and Baseball

06:00 High School Years and Challenges

08:41 College Search and Lessons Learned

10:28 Looking Ahead

]]> <p>Welcome to episode 001 of The Next Season Podcast! In this episode, I introduce my personal journey, my passion for baseball and coaching athletes and my vision for the podcast (and the coaching program). </p><p>I open up about some of the (self-imposed) challenges I faced, and dealing with concussions, which fueled my interest in neuroscience. This episode sets the stage for future conversations about improving performance, coaching strategies and the mental side of the game.</p><p>00:00 Welcome to the Next Season Podcast</p><p>00:15 The Vision and Purpose</p><p>01:22 Embracing Authenticity</p><p>01:48 The Next Season Concept</p><p>02:37 My Personal Journey Begins</p><p>03:26 Childhood Memories and Baseball</p><p>06:00 High School Years and Challenges</p><p>08:41 College Search and Lessons Learned</p><p>10:28 Looking Ahead</p> 216b4a23-ca62-43d6-98f1-941f22ee3fea https://www.nextseasonathletes.com/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:07:06 +0000 698 no