Today’s guest is someone whose journey blends faith, excellence, and mentorship in a way that’s truly inspiring. Phil Van Horn is an Emmy Award-winning professional whose career spans decades of impactful storytelling and creative leadership. But beyond the accolades, Phil is a man of deep faith, a mentor who’s had a personal impact on my own journey, and a passionate advocate for data-driven innovation in baseball. From navigating the world of sports analytics to living with purpose and intention, Phil brings insight, humility, and heart to everything he touches. I’m honored to welcome Phil Van Horn to the show.

In this heartfelt episode of The Healthy Mental Pod, Devin sits down with longtime friend and former Los Angeles Dodger, Nick Aikens. From little league diamonds to professional ballparks, their journey together comes full circle as they reflect on the choices they made growing up—and the hard truths we often have to face (and forgive) as adults.

Together, they explore the deep impact of fatherhood, both as sons and now as fathers themselves. With raw honesty, Nick opens up about the emotional blueprint a father leaves on his child, and how presence, love, and vulnerability shape the next generation. This episode is about accountability, healing, and breaking generational cycles—with a few laughs and a whole lot of love along the way.

“Today’s guest is someone I’m proud to call a former teammate from the University of Oklahoma — Joseph Hughes. After a playing career that included time with the Kansas City Royals, Joe moved into coaching and operations, helping lead Texas Tech to four College World Series appearances. Now, through Hughes Baseball Consulting, he guides young athletes and their families through the recruiting process, bringing a full understanding of not just the game itself, but the mental challenges that often get overlooked when choosing the right college fit. Today, we share our own recruiting experiences, reflect on how the landscape has changed, and break down what it truly takes to succeed at the next level. Let’s get into it.”