When the Lights Go Out

Ep. 6: All Together Now

In the final episode, we take a look at all of the progress that's been made in the realm of mental health and athletics. We look at what's being done, what can be done, differences you and other individuals can make, differences organizations can make, and more. Featuring interviews with 5x World Boxing Champion Mia St. John, 2x NFL All-Pro Kyle Turley, NHL veteran Connor Carrick, Hilinski's Hope founders Mark and Kym Hilinski, Janell Kalifey, and Dr. Janet Finlayson. Also hear from many of the others we've heard from throughout the earlier episodes of this podcast.

Ep. 5: Nothing Else Matters

In 2010, Matt Derenbecker was one of the most highly sought after high school basketball recruits in the country. Off the court, however, he was fighting demons most were completely unaware of. Pressure, mental health struggles, addiction, and more all mounted on him. In this episode, his mother, Trina Derenbecker, tells his story. Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology and Janell Kalifey also weigh in. The final episode coming Friday, July 19.

Ep. 4: Validation and the Madd Dog

Women's athletics has seen its popularity skyrocket the past few years, especially in basketball. There's no doubt that things are better in the world of women's sports than every before. That doesn't mean there isn't still a lot of work to do. In this episode, I speak with 2x NCAA champion and former WNBA player Val Whiting about her mental health struggles, the realities of being a female athlete and the toll that can take on women's mental health, and the specific issues facing women's athletics today. I also speak with Tulane sideline reporter and Before the Whistle podcast host Maddy Hudak about her experiences being a woman in sports reporting and the female experience with toxic fandom. Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology, and Janell Kalifey also speak. Episode 5 coming Monday, July 15.

Ep. 3: Tucked Up (Noah's Arc)

Toxic fandom has always existed in the world of sports, but social media has further exasperated the problem over the years. In this episode, we speak with former NFL official Walt Coleman, who called The Tuck Rule Game, and take a look at the way refs are treated in our society. We also speak with former Missouri men's basketball star Noah Carter about his experience with toxic fandom as a college athlete. You'll also hear from Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology and I'll give you a peak into my own experience with public shaming as we investigate so called "canceling." Episode 4 coming Friday, July 12.

Ep. 2: Bushwhacked

In 2004, Matt Bush was taken with the 1st overall pick of the MLB Draft. Eight years later, he found himself in prison, serving a four year sentence. That's the kind of thing that can happen when you're battling addiction. This episode focuses specifically on addiction: What it is, how it impacts people, how to better understand it and treat it, etc. We start by talking with Matt about his story. We also talk with addiction counselor August Boyd of Imagine Recovery, social worker Janell Kalifey, Dr. Janet Finlayson of Premier Sport Psychology, and former NFL player Todd Marinovich, whom you heard from in the first episode. Part 2 of 6. Episode 3 coming Monday, July 8.