Society & Culture
Hosted by Coach Trav
Welcome to Coach Trav's Mental Health Playbook: The Athlete's Journey to Self-Discovery, a podcast dedicated to empowering athletes to embrace their identity beyond the game. This show is a safe space where professional, collegiate, and high school athletes are encouraged to explore their purpose, share their stories, and take pride in who they are as individuals. Athletes are more than the "machines" they’re often portrayed as—they are people with unique gifts, passions, and aspirations beyond their sport. Join Coach Trav as he helps athletes navigate the highs and lows of their journey.
Underdog Stories
Sports analysis & explainersWe asked how do great coaches measure success beyond winning, and the answer is a second scoreboard for who players become off the field.
From The Mental Health Playbook · Oct 9, 2026
Sports analysis & explainersAthletes who stay confident under fire separate a bad game from who they are, filter what's useful, and return to their evidence.
From The Mental Health Playbook · Sep 25, 2026
Sports analysis & explainersBrady sat deep on Michigan's depth chart. Counselor Greg Harden helped him stop counting other quarterbacks' reps and focus on his own.
From The Mental Health Playbook · Sep 18, 2026
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…
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…
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…
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…
You never get a two-weeks notice for your opportunity. Coach Trav breaks down why the real test of faith isn't waiting for the door to open — it's staying disciplined while it's still closed.#StayReady #Athlete #MentalHealthIn this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav opens with an MPP Spotlight on WNBA star Angel Reese, fresh off breaking the league's single-season rebounding…
Coach Trav had a rough week — and instead of hiding it, he's breaking down exactly what he does to reset. No vacations, no grand gestures. Just three simple plays anyone can run. In this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav (Mario Hines) opens with an MPP Spotlight on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith — not for his stats, but for what his friendship with former…
Your athlete already has a coach. They already have fans. What they need from YOU is something different. Coach Trav breaks down how to avoid becoming an "additional coach" or "extra fan" to your own child.In this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav (Mario Hines) opens with an MPP Spotlight on former Kentucky national champion and #2 overall NBA draft pick Michael…
You're not just an athlete — you're a whole person. Coach Trav breaks down the "identity trap" and why every athlete needs to explore who they are beyond the game. In this episode of The Mental Health Playbook, host Coach Trav (Mario Hines) kicks things off with an MPP Spotlight on Indiana Fever guard and WNBA All-Star Kelsey Mitchell — a former #2 overall draft pick who's pursuing her doctorate…
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…
In this episode, Coach Trav highlights the importance of building a strong team and surrounding yourself with the right people to leave a lasting legacy. He shares insights from sports legends and personal experiences to illustrate how collaboration, accountability, and purpose drive success. 00:00 Introduction: Building a Legacy Through Teamwork 02:09 Lessons from Hall of Fame: Brian Dawkins'…
