How Athletes Build Grit Before the Season Starts

The Longevity Formula for Athletes: Chris Phillips

Welcome to Episode 73 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! "The Longevity Formula for Athletes: Chris Phillips" In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc sit down with one of the most experienced sports medicine and performance professionals in the industry, Chris Phillips, Founder and Owner of Compete Sports Performance & Rehab. Chris is a board-certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with more than 30 years of experience helping athletes stay healthy, recover from injuries, and maximize their performance. Throughout his career, he has worked across the NHL, professional soccer, arena football, Olympic figure skating, and elite youth sports, building a reputation for developing athletes who are built to perform—and built to last. Chris served as the Athletic Trainer for the Czech Figure Skating Team during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and previously worked with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Sol, Los Angeles Avengers, Orange County Blues, and Anaheim Bolts. He was also selected as the Head Athletic Trainer for the 2002 USA Hockey Men's National Team and was part of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finalist Mighty Ducks organization. Over the years, Chris has worked alongside some of the world's greatest athletes, including Alex Ovechkin, Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, J.S. Giguère, Marta, Joy Fawcett, Shannon Boxx, Nathan Chen, and Mariah Bell. Drawing from decades of experience, Chris recently authored Built to Go the Distance: The Athlete's Guide to Performance and Longevity, a book designed to help athletes and families understand the importance of injury prevention, long-term development, and building careers that last. You can learn more about Chris and Compete Sports Performance & Rehab at: https://competeperformance.com [https://competeperformance.com/about/about-compete-team/] And find his book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Built-Go-Distance-Performance-Longevity/dp/B0GXL54FZV [https://www.amazon.ca/Built-Go-Distance-Performance-Longevity/dp/B0GXL54FZV] In a sports culture that constantly pushes athletes to do more, specialize earlier, and train year-round, Chris shares why longevity—not intensity—is the ultimate competitive advantage. From his experiences in the NHL, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the Olympic Games, Chris reveals why the best athletes are often the ones who master the basics, prepare before problems arise, and commit to doing the simple things well. Episode Highlights: • Why longevity is the missing piece in youth sports development • The difference between being cleared to play and being prepared to return • Why the best athletes "warm up for the warm-up" • How elite performers approach preparation differently • Why doing the simple things well leads to long-term success • The biggest mistakes athletes make when returning from injury • How mobility, asymmetries, and movement quality impact performance • Why single-leg strength matters more than most athletes realize • The importance of proactive injury prevention instead of reactive treatment • What separates elite athletes from average athletes in their daily habits • Lessons from the Stanley Cup Finals and the Olympic Games • Why showing up early and preparing matters more than talent • How parents can help athletes think long-term instead of short-term • Red flags athletes and families should watch for when choosing rehab professionals • Why every athlete needs a plan—not just exercises • How to build a career that lasts instead of chasing short-term results AND SO MUCH MORE! If you've ever dealt with an injury, worried about burnout, or wondered how elite athletes stay healthy while competing at the highest levels, this episode is a reminder that success isn't just about how hard you train. It's about how long you can keep training. Because talent doesn't matter if you're unavailable. Do the simple things well. Play the long game. Stay dialed. Stay driven. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440674/fan_mail/new] 📲 Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/ [https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/] X: https://x.com/dialedanddriven [https://x.com/dialedanddriven] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast] 🎙️ Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge [https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast]

How Athletes Build Grit Before the Season Starts

Welcome to Episode 72 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! “How Athletes Build Grit Before the Season Starts” In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down one of the most important traits every athlete needs before the season begins: grit. Every athlete says they want to get better. They say they want to make the team, earn the role, play at the next level, or become the kind of player coaches can trust when the game gets hard. But talent only gets you so far. At some point, every athlete runs into discomfort, pressure, fatigue, doubt, and the daily grind of doing what they said they would do. So how do athletes actually build grit before the season starts?  We dive into why grit is not something you magically have once the season begins. It is built in the offseason through daily habits, hard choices, uncomfortable reps, and the willingness to complete the tasks you signed up for—even when you do not feel like doing them.  Episode Highlights: • Why talent alone will not take athletes where they want to go • How athletes can develop grit during the offseason • Why the hard things you do now prepare you for the season later • What it means to complete the tasks you sign up for • Why discomfort is necessary for real growth • How “micro-sucks” help athletes build toughness one rep at a time • Why your reason has to be stronger than your excuses • How to gamify training and create internal motivation • Why cheating the hard parts keeps athletes from building real confidence • How small offseason habits can strengthen mental toughness • Why athletes need an identity outside of sports • How nervous athletes can build belief through preparation • Why grit is built when no one is watching • Real examples of athletes choosing effort, ownership, and resilience AND SO MUCH MORE! If you’ve ever struggled to get up for the early workout, finish the extra rep, stay focused when no one is watching, or push through the moments when training gets uncomfortable, this episode is a reminder that grit is built before you need it. The season will test you. The pressure will come. The difficult moments will show up. The question is whether you used the offseason to prepare for them. Do the hard things. Build the habit. Stay dialed. Stay driven. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440674/fan_mail/new] 📲 Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/ [https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/] X: https://x.com/dialedanddriven [https://x.com/dialedanddriven] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast] 🎙️ Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge [https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast]

Owen Bartoszkiewicz: Michigan Tech University Goaltender and the Road That Led Him There

Welcome to Episode 71 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc continue the Goalie Nation series with Michigan Tech University goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz. Owen’s path through college hockey has been anything but ordinary.  From youth hockey in Metro Detroit, to Wichita Falls, Youngstown, the University of Minnesota, a return to junior hockey, Lindenwood University, and now Michigan Tech, Owen shares the unique journey that shaped him both as a goalie and as a person. Throughout the conversation, Owen opens up about the uncertainty, setbacks, and unexpected turns that came with navigating the modern college hockey landscape. After arriving early at Minnesota, going back to juniors, being de-committed late in the process, and eventually finding the right opportunity at Lindenwood, Owen leaned on a simple but powerful mentality: everything is going to work out. He reflects on the importance of controlling what you can control, staying grounded through change, and keeping hard work at the core of everything he does.  Now entering his senior season at Michigan Tech, Owen gives listeners an inside look at what it takes to stay composed, keep improving, and continue chasing success through a path filled with adversity, patience, and perseverance. Episode Highlights: • Owen’s journey from Metro Detroit youth hockey to Division I college hockey • How he earned an opportunity at the University of Minnesota as an 18-year-old freshman • What it was like joining a college team mid-season after the starting goalie signed an NHL contract • The challenge of going from the University of Minnesota back to junior hockey • How Owen handled uncertainty, setbacks, and being de-committed late in the recruiting process • Why he chose Lindenwood and the importance of going where you’re wanted • The biggest misconception about “going backwards” in development • How playing games and trusting the process helped him grow • The differences between Minnesota, Lindenwood, and Michigan Tech from a player experience standpoint • Why Owen believes “everything is going to work out” when hard work stays at the foundation • How trust from a coaching staff impacts a goalie’s mentality • Owen’s no-excuses approach to practices, games, and competition • The role of outdoor hobbies, golf, fishing, hunting, and other sports in helping him reset mentally • His goals heading into his senior season at Michigan Tech • Advice for young goalies navigating change, adversity, and the pressure to rush the process AND SO MUCH MORE! If you’re a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking to better understand the reality of development, opportunity, and resilience in today’s college hockey world, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on hard work, patience, composure, and trusting your path. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440674/fan_mail/new] 📲 Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/ [https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/] X: https://x.com/dialedanddriven [https://x.com/dialedanddriven] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast] 🎙️ Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge [https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast]

The Best Find a Way, the Rest Find Out: Building a No-Excuses Mentality

Welcome to Episode 70 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! “The Best Find a Way, the Rest Find Out: Building a No-Excuses Mentality” In this episode, Jeff Lerg, Chris Palmer, and Natalie Ferenc break down one of the core principles of the Dialed and Driven mentality: no excuses. Every athlete says they want to do whatever it takes. They start the season, the offseason, or a new training program with big goals and big intentions. But somewhere along the way, something slips. A workout gets missed. The effort drops. The focus fades. And while there may always be a reason, the hard truth is this: at the highest level, it comes down to one simple scale—done or not done. So what does it actually mean to build a no-excuses mentality? We dive into the difference between having a reason and making an excuse, why the best athletes point thumbs instead of fingers, and how taking full ownership of your development can completely change your path.  Episode Highlights: • What “no excuses” really means in sports and life • Why the highest level leaves no room for “I almost did it” • How to point thumbs, not fingers, when things get tough • Why excuses keep athletes stuck while ownership creates growth • Why mental toughness is built one small decision at a time • How athletes can push past the moment they think they’re done • Why your standard becomes your identity • How to ignore social media, recruiting noise, and comparison • Why development and visibility matter more than hype • How parents can support athletes without adding pressure • Why the best find a way—and the rest find out • Real examples of athletes choosing effort, ownership, and perseverance AND SO MUCH MORE! If you’ve ever caught yourself blaming the schedule, the coach, the team, the circumstances, or anything outside your control, this episode is a reminder to look inward first. Because success is not built on perfect conditions—it’s built by athletes who decide their standard and live up to it when things get hard. No excuses. Find a way. Stay dialed. Stay driven. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440674/fan_mail/new] 📲 Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/ [https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/] X: https://x.com/dialedanddriven [https://x.com/dialedanddriven] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast] 🎙️ Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge [https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast]

Trey Augustine: Signed with the Detroit Red Wings & Former Michigan State University Goaltender

Welcome to Episode 69 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc continue the Goalie Nation series with one of the brightest young goaltenders in hockey — Detroit Red Wings prospect and Michigan State standout Trey Augustine.  From youth hockey with Honeybaked to the USA National Team Development Program, World Junior Championships, and now the start of his professional career, Trey shares the mindset, habits, and competitiveness that helped shape him into one of the top goalies in the game today. Trey opens up about the mental side of elite performance, the importance of staying level-headed, and why “being where your feet are” has become such a powerful tool throughout his hockey journey. He also reflects on getting drafted by his hometown Detroit Red Wings, representing Team USA on the international stage, and the lessons he’s learning as he transitions into professional hockey. Already a two-time Big Ten Goalie of the Year, Mike Richter Award winner, two-time World Champion, and two-time All-American both athletically and academically, Trey gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what truly separates elite athletes from the rest. Episode Highlights: • Trey’s journey from Honeybaked youth hockey to becoming a Detroit Red Wings draft pick • The mindset habits that helped him improve statistically every single season • Why “being where your feet are” became one of his biggest mental performance tools • How competitiveness has fueled his success both on and off the ice • The importance of maintaining high standards even on difficult days • How he balances intensity, confidence, and being a great teammate • Pregame routines, visualization, and tracking habits that help him feel prepared • The emotional differences between international hockey and college hockey • Lessons learned from winning back-to-back World Junior Championships with Team USA • What it was like going through the NHL Draft process and hearing his name called by Detroit • The biggest adjustments Trey has noticed early in professional hockey • Why skating and puck-handling are becoming even more important at the pro level • How competing in sports outside of hockey helps him stay mentally fresh • Advice for young goalies on developing consistency, discipline, and maturity AND SO MUCH MORE! If you’re a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking to learn what it takes to compete at the highest levels of hockey, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on mindset, preparation, composure, and long-term development. Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440674/fan_mail/new] 📲 Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/ [https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/] X: https://x.com/dialedanddriven [https://x.com/dialedanddriven] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast] 🎙️ Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge [https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast]