All Episodes
Real conversations about raising, coaching, and understanding neurodivergent athletes.
Mindset. Emotion. Environment. Performance — and how alignment changes everything.
RECENT EPISODES
Listen & Subscribe!
-
What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally
In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with Amy Pizarca, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 40 years of experience, to discuss the powerful connection between nutrition, focus, emotional…
-
Why ADHD Athletes Struggle With Emotions (And How to Fix It)
In this episode, Derek and Aleka talk with Michael McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, who explains that ADHD isn’t about attention—it’s about missing internal skills like self-awareness and emotional regulation….
-
Helping Neurodivergent Athletes Handle Pressure, Mistakes, and Competition
Alyssa Cress is the Manager of Inclusive Leadership Development for Special Olympics North America, where she works to expand athlete leadership opportunities across the region after starting her journey as…
-
The Bullied Brain: What Coaches Are Doing That Harms Kids
What if the biggest threat to your child’s development isn’t failure—but their environment? In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Frazier—best-selling author of The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit…
-
Inside IMG: How Elite Athletes Are Actually Built
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cat Lutz, Director of Mental Performance at IMG Academy, to explore what really separates elite athletes—and it’s not just talent. Drawing from…
-
The Youth Sports Problem No One Wants to Talk About
In this episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with youth sports expert John O’Sullivan to discuss how parents and coaches can create better environments for young athletes. They explore…
-
Helping Neurodivergent Athletes Handle Pressure, Mistakes, and Competition
In this episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with Accredited Social Worker and athlete mental health specialist Emma Lapierre to discuss the unique pressures neurodivergent athletes face in competitive…
