In this compelling episode of the MINDSET Mentoring podcast, we welcome Rafael Roldán — a seasoned professional soccer coach with extensive international experience across Europe, including Norway, Sweden, and Spain. Rafael is a distinguished expert in Mental Periodization, a cutting-edge approach to structuring mental training for elite teams.

What you’ll discover:

• Rafael’s journey: From engineering student to top European coach, fueled by passion, mentors like Ian Burchnell & Manu Torres, and lessons learned from failure.

• Mental Periodization: The innovative, season-long mental training method Rafael co-created to boost team resilience and performance — now adopted by clubs across Spain, Portugal & France.

• Mindset in coaching: How Rafael’s own mental growth reshaped his coaching style, focusing on self-awareness, team trust, and honest feedback.

• Managing player mental load: Practical strategies to keep athletes motivated and balanced through high-pressure competitions without burnout.

• Rest and recovery: Why disconnecting and self-care are crucial for sustained peak performance and building team energy.

• Individualized coaching: Tailoring approaches to each player’s unique background, culture, and mental needs — including real-world examples.

• Match day mindset & AI: Balancing routine, psychological prep, and emerging AI tools to enhance, not replace, human decision-making on the pitch.

• Leadership & growth: Rafael’s advice for coaches to stay curious, open-minded, and resilient through challenges and transitions.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent striving to elevate mental toughness and performance on the soccer field, this episode offers an inspiring, expert-led roadmap to mastering the mind under pressure and beyond

In this episode, we dive deep into "The Human Side of the Elite Athlete Journey" with special guest Bobby Ray Jones Jr., former NBA player and now entrepreneur. Bobby brings his unique perspective on the intersection of mindset, success, and the challenges athletes face behind the scenes. 🏀💡

Here’s what you can expect from this powerful conversation:

🔥 Four Pillars of Success: Bobby reveals how focusing on passion, purpose, peace, and profit can help you unlock your full potential — both in sports and in life.

💪 Boost Your Performance: Find out how practices like yoga, breathwork, and box breathing can elevate your mental game, reduce stress, and improve performance.

⏰ Consistency is Key: Bobby shares how building a routine, developing good habits, and maintaining a positive mindset can help you stay on track when things get tough.

🚀 Turn Passion Into Profit: From NBA courts to entrepreneurship, Bobby discusses how to transform your passion into a thriving business for greater control over your future.

🤝 Building Team Chemistry: Bobby reveals how to cultivate trust and open communication within your team to create a winning culture.

💡 A Legacy in the Making: Discover Bobby’s long-term vision for mentorship and how he's shaping the next generation of leaders.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about talent — it's about embracing the human side of the journey and using mindset and self-awareness to stay grounded and grow. Tune in for real talk and actionable insights that will help you elevate your game on and off the field.

👉 Listen now and get the tools you need to take your own journey to the next level. 🎧

In this powerful episode, MINDSET Mentoring sits down with mental performance expert David McHugh (Director of Mental Performance Washington Spirit, Director The Mental Performance Coaching Institute) to explore one of the most critical challenges in modern sports: how to build healthy individuals and cohesive, winning teams—under the relentless pressure to succeed.

With decades of experience behind him, David delivers a masterclass for coaches who want to lead with impact. Instead of focusing solely on athletes, he makes a compelling case for prioritizing the mental performance of coaches—the true culture shapers of any team.

💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why mental performance starts with the coach, not just the player

• How to use authenticity and vulnerability to build trust and connection

• The role of regular touchpoints and mental rest routines in keeping players sharp

• The underrated power of non-verbal communication and how to read it

• How filming coaches during meetings (not just matches) can unlock game-changing insights

• Why joy, fun, and embracing individual values matter more than ever

• A fresh look at goal-setting: moving from rigid SMART goals to adaptable open goals

• And how AI is set to revolutionize coaching by tracking player mindset, body language, and performance patterns in real time

David also shares his simple yet powerful formula for reaching your best version—grounded in consistency, presence, emotional acceptance, and purpose-driven action.

Whether you’re working with elite athletes or rising stars, this episode will challenge your perspective and give you concrete strategies to lead, inspire, and perform under pressure—while preserving mental health and building strong team identity.