Sports Mental Podcasts to Enhance Performance For Athletes, Parents and Coaches

Listening to sports mental podcasts is a seriously free game-changer. Naturally, I want to help my three kids be the best they can be in their passions, including the sports they choose to participate in.

However, it can be a REAL challenge to know the ‘right’ thing to say on the car ride home from practice…how much to ask, what to ask, when to intervene, and when to just buy ice cream. Sports mental podcasts to the rescue!

What’s one super helpful FREE tool? Sports mental podcasts can truly train the mind.

Equipped with more information than ever before on the mental side of athletics, specialists in sports psychology can be a huge game-changer. BUT….who has the time OR the extra money to commit to adding yet another thing to the schedule? 

Actually….all of us. Creatively, playing podcasts during our commutes to and from practice, or while folding the laundry may help not just your athlete, but your entire family. Depending on the age of your athlete, they may ‘get’ more out of some shows than others- but I think we will all be pleasantly surprised with the takeaways even the little ones receive. 

Links are provided below to 6 selected shows featuring sports mental podcasts featuring performance coaching and training. 

Did I mention the best part? It’s all FREE.

Sports Mental Podcasts

Perform Happy

With over 100 episodes, this sports psychology podcast is worth a listen for both parents and athletes. Directed mostly at gymnasts, figure skaters, and swimmers, concrete ideas and methods are discussed to manage fear, pressure, nerves, and more.

The Mental Game Podcast from Pazik Performance

This lively podcast features daily episodes giving you just the tidbits you need from the top books in sports psychology. Episodes are perfect for a short commute and to glean quick tips for peak mental performance.

Sport Psychology Today with Dr. Andrew Jacobs

Hugely informative, this show includes over 150 episodes as of December 2019. Each show is derived from “The Dr. Andrew Jacobs Sports Psychology Hour” and is just under an hour in duration. Prepare to learn from top athletic trainers, psychologists, and other specialists on a range of topics from the role of mental health, return from injury, sports specialization, and a LOT more.

Sports Psychology Podcast by Peaksports.com

Hosted by sports psychology expert Dr. Patrick Cohn, this show includes approximately 100 episodes as of December 2019. Categorized by specific sport, these are very short (often less than 10 minutes) episodes geared to athletes, coaches, and parents. Dr. Cohn consistently delivers concise messages to improve sports confidence, develop effective mindset, and reach peak performance.


Mastering the Mind Podcast

This show consists of weekly podcasts with a variety of Olympians, professional athletes, coaches and sport psychologists.

15 Minutes of Mental Toughness Podcast

Presented by Dr. Rob Bell, this show offers 45 unique episodes as of December 2019. The host interviews experts from all fields (coaches and athletes) about the importance of mindset, focus, and mental toughness. Each Q&A interview is approximately 30-45 minutes and often includes what is defined as a “Hinge Moment”.

Mind Design Sports

Produced by a high school stand out interested in psychology and sports, this podcast is perfect for teens. Obviously kids and teens relate well to peers- the host features well-thought out interviews with experts in sports psychology.

The Sport Psych Show

Exploring sports psychology through interviewing successful athletes and coaches, host Dan Abrahams offers over 65 episodes as of December 2019. His goal is to learn what truly motivates and inspires athletes to stay and succeed in their sport, and what simple tools can enhance high performance under pressure. Each episode is approximately an hour in length.

Train Your Mind for Athletic Success (athletes) and Raising Young Athletes (parents)

Presented by Dr. Jim Taylor, these two podcasts cover the same topics but one is directed at athletes and one to parents. Each encompasses 14 episodes (10-15 minutes in duration) on training the mind. Specifically, athletes and their parents will benefit from tips on issues like getting over fear of failure, perfectionism, negativity, and managing expectations.

The Just Fly Performance Podcast 

180 episodes

With over 180 episodes as of December 2019, this podcast provides a wealth of information on all aspects of performance training. In addition to episodes focused on speed and power development, many interviews on the show include topics related to sports psychology.  Typical episodes are around 1 hour, although some topics require longer, in-depth discussions.

Comment on which sports mental podcasts have helped your athlete the most. Make sure to share with your friends to share the awesomeness of podcasts!

Love podcasts and want more recommendations? Check out….

Podcasts for Kids (Ultimate Guide)

Podcasts for Teens (Complete Directory)