All episodes of The Mental Health Playbook
The Mental Health Playbook
Aug 6, 2026
The Mental Health Playbook

How Howard & Detroit Shaped An NFL Free Agent

In this episode, we explore the true meaning of mental toughness, the realities of being an NFL agent, and the importance of building a legacy beyond sports. Guest Edwin Piner shares his journey from Howard University to becoming a top sports agent and emphasizes the need for a culture shift in sports coaching and mentorship. 00:00 MPP Spotlight: Antoine Bethea 01:36 Introduction to Edwin Piner…

Spotify
2 mos ago 1:06:43

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the true meaning of mental toughness, the realities of being an NFL agent, and the importance of building a legacy beyond sports. Guest Edwin Piner shares his journey from Howard University to becoming a top sports agent and emphasizes the need for a culture shift in sports coaching and mentorship. 00:00 MPP Spotlight: Antoine Bethea 01:36 Introduction to Edwin Piner and his journey 02:13 The importance of legacy and community investment 04:11 Misconceptions about mental toughness in sports 06:12 Preparing athletes for the unknown and adversity 07:55 The culture of coaching and youth sports behavior 09:47 The role and responsibilities of a sports agent 12:12 The process of signing and representing athletes 13:47 Lessons learned from negotiations and client relationships 15:58 The impact of injuries and tough conversations 17:51 The influence of Howard University and HBCUs 19:54 The transition from athlete to lawyer and agent 22:08 The effects of NIL and regulation in college sports 24:09 The importance of mental health and resilience 25:55 Advice for young athletes and future professionals 28:09 Reflections on legacy and life after sports 30:03 Closing thoughts and quote of the day

More from The Mental Health Playbook

Why Do You Coach? The Scoreboard Nobody Sees

Wins, championships, rankings...that's the scoreboard everyone sees. Coach Trav makes the case for the one that takes years to show up: who your players become after the uniform comes off. In this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav opens with an MPP Spotlight on former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who recently revealed the massive Minecraft city he's been…

2 wks ago · 36:51

When the Criticism Gets Loud: Protecting Your Confidence

Everybody's got an opinion. Not everybody gets a vote. Coach Trav breaks down how athletes can stay confident when the criticism gets loud — and how to tell useful feedback from noise you need to release. In this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav opens with an MPP Spotlight on legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr., who in 1982 pushed back on being called the first…

1 mo ago · 30:38

Make Your Reps Count: The Tom Brady Story Nobody Talks About

In this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav opens with an MPP Spotlight on Team USA women's basketball and their FIBA World Cup gold medal run — a masterclass in veterans and young stars embracing different roles for one shared goal. He follows it with a personal check-in about a surprising new hobby that's been helping him recenter (and a long-overdue apology to Stanley from…

1 mo ago · 28:49

The Vince Young Story: What Happens When Your Coach Doesn't Believe In You

Your coach's reassurance is a bonus — not a requirement. Coach Trav breaks down the Vince Young documentary, his own ugly experience with a coaching staff that turned on him, and what every athlete needs to understand about confidence that has to travel with you. In this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav opens with an MPP Spotlight on Mike Tyson — not for his power in the…

1 mo ago · 32:05