UNL Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program

09/09/2026

Episode 32 features Terry Pettit, the former championship-winning volleyball coach from the University of Nebraska, who provides insights into Leadership, Mentorship, and the Evolution of Coaching. Pettit contrasts transactional coaching with transformational leadership, emphasizing the importance of collaborative environments where athletes learn to take responsibility for their own growth. Modern sports have been impacted by the high costs and intense pressures of club sports, which can sometimes hinder healthy development. Identifying patterns and prioritizing value-driven purpose over simple goals are essential traits for success in both athletics and business. Ultimately, effective leadership requires curiosity, trust, and the empowerment of team members to become independent problem solvers.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-mentorship-and-the-evolution-of/id1818153504?i=1000788487385

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0klaer6GQpse8NSoETCZ82?si=6c93f2c0146b497b

The MindScience Playbook · Episode

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Mini Podcast about Episode 31. In less than 8 minutes learn about Optimizing Performance through Brain Fitness with featured guest Dr. Patrick Porter.

https://lnkd.in/gUeMqnPB

https://lnkd.in/gEageEGH

Check out supplemental materials and visuals tied to this episode by clicking below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/gAtQPKdi

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

08/31/2026

So cool to see four of our students featured in this video! Lincoln youth, more information on this opportunity is available at the website: https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Projects-Programs-Initiatives/Resilient-Lincoln/YCAF

08/25/2026

Improve Brain Fitness = Improved Performance

Optimizing Performance through Brain Fitness - Dr. Patrick Porter, founder of BrainTap, shares the science and the importance of brain fitness. The brain is not fixed and can be rewired through specific recovery techniques, visualization, and physical movement. Porter offers practical advice for optimizing sleep and avoiding screens before bed to regulate the nervous system. A morning routine focused on cortisol management, hydration, and exercise enhances cognitive performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of intentional habits and mental rehearsal for overcoming burnout and reaching peak potential.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ufr8xu59IUpaaVk86rIgO?si=1cfc86782904446c

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimizing-performance-through-brain-fitness/id1818153504?i=1000785567107

Podcast Episode · The MindScience Playbook · August 24 · 43m

08/19/2026

Checkout Episode 30 audio short (~6 min) with featured guest Brandon Koons. Explore the associated supplemental materials including a one page summary.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mj1mVtGFUPLNvq6YxLt3z?si=3fed120f2d6b4b4b

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-audio-short-youth-sports-life-skills-and/id1818153504?i=1000784183119

08/11/2026

Now Available: Episode 30. Youth Sports, Life Skills, and Scholarship Myths

A great conversation with Brandon Koons, head women’s soccer coach at Otterbein University in Ohio, that focuses on a coaching/leading philosophy that moves from “Joystick Coaching/Leading” where a leader/coach treat participants as tools to be manipulated rather than people to be developed. By over-directing, coaches/leaders stifle the development of problem-solvers and decision-makers. C***s emphasizes the importance of redefining mistakes as necessary steps toward improvement and opportunities of learning rather than failures, encouraging an environment where people feel psychologically safe to take risks. Parents and coaches are urged to focus on the joy of the game to ensure children continue playing and developing as individuals. The conversation focuses on sports as opportunities to develop long-term life skills. Throughout the interview, the participants highlight the importance of effective communication, active listening, and self-reflection in both athletic and professional leadership contexts.

Listen to Episode 30 on:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zwIr7CglyerdHro2keLXi?si=b62674a665444f22

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youth-sports-life-skills-and-scholarship-myths/id1818153504?i=1000782777348

Podcast Episode · The MindScience Playbook · August 11 · 38m

08/05/2026

Please take five minutes to think about our interactions with others. Although the episode has a foundation in sports, the concepts apply to the classroom and the boardroom.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Jcf3WXaLQ78tBaijbsCai?si=3a19a163dfa64d73

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-audio-short-beyond-the-game-mental-wellness/id1818153504?I=1000779750062

Check out supplemental materials and visuals tied to this episode by clicking below.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 29 Supplemental Materials⁠⁠⁠⁠

Alternate Link: https://tinyurl.com/msu2bam7

07/28/2026

MSP Episode 29 - Beyond the Game: Mental Wellness and Mentorship in Youth Sports highlights the benefits of Youth sports; However, there are many things we can to do to make it a more positive experience. Join Teresa Friesen, the founder of SheMate and Fanwell, regarding her mission to improve the mental wellness of youth athletes, increase positive female representation for young women, and create a collaborative environment where adults actively foster the resilience and confidence necessary for players to succeed both on and off the field.

Check it out on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zEAdOjZPvwR2mJuoGGexe?si=4569c979ec6a4cbc

Check it out on Apple Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-game-mental-wellness-and-mentorship-in/id1818153504?i=1000778562257

Podcast Episode · The MindScience Playbook · July 27 · 43m

07/21/2026

Learn about the importance of Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, and Productive Conflict: Keys for Everyday Leader Success in ~ 5 minutes from the Mini podcast about Episode 28 of the MindScience Playbook featuring Lisa Bouchard.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/77wDK65jARKi4Zfg0p6Kib?si=e7bd3fb97dd24a6c