Latest Episode
Be About It
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In Season 3, Episode 25, we explore why real growth happens in the dark and why loud, attention-seeking discipline is fragile compared to quiet execution . Drawing on wisdom from ancient Stoics like Seneca and Epictetus alongside Jake Thompson’s powerful reminder that progress comes down to making those "can't see choices" to build "can't miss growth," this episode challenges athletes, parents, and coaches to stop posting about the grind and start living
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25
Oct. 7, 2026
Be About It
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In Season 3, Episode 25, we explore why real growth happens in the dark and why loud, attention-seeking discipline is fragile compared to quiet execution . Drawing on wisdom from ancient Stoics like Seneca and Epictetus alongside Jake Thompson’s powerful reminder that progress comes down to making those "can't see choices" to build "can't miss growth," this episode challenges athletes, parents, and coaches to stop posting about the grind and start living
24
Sept. 9, 2026
Are Some Kids Built Different?
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In this episode, host Mike Brilla tackles one of the most common questions from sports parents: can drive and determination actually be taught, or are some kids just naturally "built different" ? Drawing key insights from Chapter 2 of Jim Afremow's The Champion's Mind, Mike breaks down 12 essential mental skills—ranging from positive goal setting and mental imagery to breath control and self-talk—that can be nurtured in any young athlete . He also shares
23
Sept. 2, 2026
A Lesson from Parenting
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In Season 3, Episode 23, we kick off the new school year by diving into the powerful lessons our kids teach us about resilience, discomfort, and growth . As an 8th-grade teacher, wrestling coach, and father of two sons, I reflect on back-to-school night jitters, the myth of needing to have all the answers, and why true confidence only grows on the other side of difficulty . Drawing insights from Stoic philosophy, sports psychology, and habit building—from
21
Aug. 19, 2026
Don't Fear Deep Water
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest hurdles holding athletes and performers back: the fear of failure and the safety net of "Plan B" . Drawing from a profound conversation with my 16-year-old son about going all-in on your passion, along with lessons from Iowa wrestling legend Brett Metcalf and Roger Bannister's historic four-minute mile, we explore why our brains default to comfort and how true belief requires action . Plus, I break down L
20
Aug. 12, 2026
Don't Fear Fear
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In Season 3, Episode 20, "Don't Fear Fear," host Mike Brilla opens up about recording outdoors after a long night of septic tank issues and dives deep into how fear and doubt can pull athletes away from their true potential . Drawing from his own struggles putting his face on social media, wisdom from Jim Collins’ Inner Excellence, Marcus Aurelius’ Stoic reflections, and a powerful lesson on gratitude anchors from his son during a baseball tournament, Mik
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