<![CDATA[Mental Training with MPGA: Mind Your Game]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/s/mindyourgamehttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GiV_!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa67735b5-29ed-494f-9b7e-f4e1f50994b9_256x256.pngMental Training with MPGA: Mind Your Gamehttps://www.drmatpark.com/s/mindyourgameSubstackWed, 08 Apr 2026 11:33:02 GMT<![CDATA[The Mental Game of an Agent ]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/the-mental-game-of-an-agenthttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/the-mental-game-of-an-agentFri, 27 Feb 2026 13:57:18 GMTWho would sign up for a job where you have to pay upfront, not know if you’ll get reimbursed, grind all year long… and still might not make enough to keep your spot?

Welcome back to the Mind Your Game Podcast.

In this powerful episode, co-hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Matt sit down with “Lefty Sophia” — former performer, licensed clinical dietician, late-life left-handed golfer, and now LPGA sports agent — for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the mental and financial realities of professional golf.

Sophia shares her unconventional journey:

  • Switching from righty to lefty in golf during COVID

  • Starting a brand-new career later in life

  • Navigating fear, rejection, and performance pressure

  • Supporting LPGA players who are grinding week-to-week just to break even

This conversation goes far beyond golf.

We dive into:
The financial pressure of life on tour
How money stress impacts performance
The emotional weight of representing athletes
Performing under pressure (on stage and on the course)
The “Mama Bear” mindset of being an agent
Fear, rejection, and learning to accept both

Sophia opens up about what it’s really like for professional golfers who:

  • Prepay travel, caddies, and tournament fees

  • Must make the cut just to break even

  • Risk losing their card if they don’t earn enough points

  • Carry family sacrifices on their shoulders

This episode is about pressure — financial, mental, emotional — and what it takes to stay in the game when nothing is guaranteed.

If you’re an athlete, parent, coach, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing something uncertain… this one will hit home.

]]><![CDATA[From Underdog to Champion: Lauren Coughlin’s journey on the LPGA Tour ]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/from-underdog-to-champion-laurenhttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/from-underdog-to-champion-laurenFri, 06 Feb 2026 14:48:13 GMTIn this episode of The Mind Your Game Podcast, host Dustin Donner sits down with veteran LPGA tour player Lauren Coughlin to discuss the mental side of athletics, business, and life. Lauren shares her recent victory at the Grant Thornton Invitational, her experiences on the LPGA tour, and how she deals with both success and adversity. From her beginnings as a walk-on at the University of Virginia to becoming a professional golfer, Lauren dives deep into staying mentally tough, setting realistic goals, and finding success beyond just winning tournaments. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or just looking to improve your mental game, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:42 Lauren Coughlin’s Recent Victory

01:47 Celebrating Wins and Moving Forward

03:19 Mindset and Routine in Golf

06:04 The Challenges of Putting

11:59 Overcoming Adversity and Building Belief

18:10 Task-Oriented Practice and Structure

20:50 Working with Sports Psychologists

21:57 Managing Performance Anxiety

25:04 Balancing Golf and Personal Life

28:15 Reflecting on Success and Identity

30:39 The Importance of Support Systems

32:32 Defining Success and Setting Goals

35:47 Team Dynamics and Mental Toughness

37:48 Underdog Mentality and Self-Belief

40:27 Looking Back and Moving Forward

]]><![CDATA[Finding PEACE and Play - Kate's Journey on the LPGA Tour]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/finding-peace-and-play-kates-journeyhttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/finding-peace-and-play-kates-journeyFri, 23 Jan 2026 16:07:15 GMTIn this episode of the Mind Your Game podcast, co-hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Mat sit down with LPGA player Kate Smith-Stroh to discuss the emotional and professional challenges of life on the tour. Kate shares candid insights about her recent experiences at the Q series, coping mechanisms for handling pressure, and the importance of maintaining joy and authenticity in golf and life. She also reflects on her growth over the past year, offers advice for aspiring young golfers, and talks about her creative pursuits off the course. Join us for a deep dive into the world of professional golf and the mental resilience it demands.

00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Losses

00:31 Q Series Experience

02:07 Welcome to the Podcast

02:26 Charity Event in Texas

03:23 Reflecting on the 2025 Season

04:17 Growth Moments and Confidence

07:27 Belonging on the LPGA Tour

09:54 Playing with Fear and Anxiety

17:18 Balancing Golf and Graphic Design

19:56 Goals for 2026

24:30 Reflecting on Tour Moments

26:09 Advice for Aspiring Athletes

28:23 Handling Losses and Q Series Experience

31:29 Finding Peace and Moving Forward

33:47 Balancing Play and Professionalism

39:27 Looking Ahead and Embracing Creativity

44:18 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

]]><![CDATA[Building a Resilient Athletic Culture]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/building-a-resilient-athletic-culturehttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/building-a-resilient-athletic-cultureFri, 09 Jan 2026 14:20:08 GMTBuilding a Resilient Athletic Culture: Insights from Athletic Director Scott Larson

In this episode of The Mind Your Game podcast, host Dustin Donner welcomes Scott Larson, Athletic Director at UTPB, to discuss the role of resilience in student-athletes, the impact of parental involvement, and the unique aspects of Division II athletics. Scott Larson shares his journey from starting college on a music scholarship to becoming an Athletic Director, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive culture in athletic programs. He highlights the significance of setting standards, accountability, and the need for athletes to take ownership of their development. Larson also provides practical advice for student-athletes and their parents on navigating the recruiting process. Tune in for valuable insights into building a strong athletic department and fostering resilience in student-athletes.

00:00 Introduction: Resilience in Athletes

00:43 Meet Scott Larson: Athletic Director of UTPB

01:13 Scott’s Journey in Athletics

03:55 The Appeal of Division II Athletics

06:51 Creating a Positive Athletic Culture

10:58 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching

23:24 Parental Influence on Student Athletes

29:01 Balancing Work and Personal Life

33:51 Conclusion: Building a Supportive Environment

]]><![CDATA[Mind Your Game Podcast Ep. 6 | Sadie Englemann - A Rookie's Journey]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-6-sadiehttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-6-sadieFri, 26 Dec 2025 15:40:01 GMTJoin Dustin Donner on The Mind Your Game podcast as he interviews Epson tour player Sadie Engleman. In this engaging episode, Sadie shares her journey from college golf at Stanford to her first year as a professional. Listen as Sadie discusses the importance of balancing life and golf, how she manages the pressures of professional tournaments, and the mental shift that helped her play her best golf. Learn about her support system, managing off-seasons, handling failures, and the crucial piece of advice she has for youth athletes aspiring to reach the next level.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:28 Life as a Professional Golfer

05:15 Transition from College to Professional Golf

12:51 Support System and Mental Health

25:39 Financial Realities of Professional Golf

27:29 Passion and Motivation in Golf

36:18 Advice for Aspiring Athletes

40:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

]]><![CDATA[Mind Your Game Podcast Ep. 5 | Grace van der Byl - Meet The Moment]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-5-gracehttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-5-graceFri, 12 Dec 2025 17:19:57 GMTIn this episode of The Mind Your Game podcast, co-hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Mat are joined by special guest Grace van der Byl, a world-record-holding long-distance swimmer. Grace shares her exhilarating journey of swimming from Catalina to San Pedro and breaking records, only to face life-threatening challenges like stepping on a sea urchin and contracting MRSA. Grace delves into the mental toughness required for open water swimming, the significance of staying present, and her unique relationship with fear. She also discusses her major setbacks, including a near-death experience, and how they shaped her resilience and performance. Grace highlights the importance of owning one’s path, having a reliable support system, and maintaining accountability. The episode wraps up with insight into her relationship with Vito and an endorsement of Caddy Snacks, the official sponsor of the podcast. Perfect for athletes and anyone interested in high performance and mental fortitude, this episode offers invaluable lessons on pushing limits and achieving greatness.

00:00 Record-Breaking Swim and Unexpected Hospital Visit

00:30 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:57 Grace’s Training Environment and Community

03:09 The Mental Game in Sports

05:46 Facing Fear in Open Water Swimming

10:33 Embracing Challenges and Authentic Self

14:13 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure

22:41 Reframing Weakness and Continuing the Journey

26:04 Hallucinations and Hypothermia

27:13 Tropical Storm Hits Manhattan Swim

28:38 Near-Death Experience and Reflection

30:14 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

31:59 Winning the Manhattan Swim

33:13 The Importance of Accountability

35:51 Meeting Vito and Night Train

40:40 Advice for Youth Athletes

47:17 Final Thoughts and Mentorship

]]><![CDATA[Mind Your Game Podcast Ep. 4 | Chelsea Bialla - A Family's Journey to Fuel Golfers]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-4-chelseahttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-4-chelseaFri, 28 Nov 2025 13:16:32 GMTIn this episode of the Mind Your Game podcast, co-founder of Caddy Snacks, Chelsea Bialla, joins us to discuss the journey of building the brand with her family. Chelsea shares how her father’s vision and veteran background inspired Caddy Snacks and highlights the emotional and entrepreneurial aspects of their journey. Delve into the importance of grit, adaptability, and setting realistic expectations as an entrepreneur. Discover the unique health benefits of Caddy Snacks, their future vision for the brand, and how they aim to provide golfers with optimal nutrition. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on family, business, and innovation in the golf nutrition space.

00:00 The Heartwarming Origin of Caddy Snacks

01:14 Welcome to Mind Your Game Podcast

01:46 The Grind of Building a New Brand

02:37 The Importance of Grit and Team Support

03:39 A Family of Extreme Athletes and Entrepreneurs

05:15 Identifying a Unique Market Opportunity in Golf

07:25 The Challenges and Rewards of a Niche Market

10:20 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life

16:02 The Nutritional Benefits of Caddy Snacks

17:15 The Power of L-Theanine

17:42 Nootropics and Their Benefits

18:54 Caddy Snacks: A Superfood Bar

19:35 Educating Consumers on Nootropics

21:09 The Vision for Caddy Snacks

22:41 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

27:14 The Emotional Journey of Caddy Snacks

31:11 Live from Florida: Expanding Horizons

32:54 Conclusion and Farewell

]]><![CDATA[Mind Your Game Podcast: Episode 3 - Why we do What we do]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-episode-3https://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-episode-3Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:29:57 GMTIn this episode of The Mind Your Game Podcast, hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Mat Park explore the importance of discovering your ‘why’ and identifying guiding principles that shape your life and career. Dr. Mat shares his personal journey from aspiring professional golfer to coach, revealing how his core values led him to his true calling. The episode includes an insightful exercise on mind mapping to help listeners identify their top core values and offers advice on staying true to them amid life’s challenges. Tune in to uncover how these principles can guide you toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

00:00 Overcoming Intimidation: My Journey in Golf

01:29 Welcome to The Mind Your Game Podcast

01:47 Discovering Your ‘Why’ and Core Values

03:30 A Personal Story: Guiding Principles in Action

05:06 The Turning Point: Embracing Authenticity

15:39 Mind Mapping Exercise: Identifying Core Values

21:11 The Importance of Integrity and Honesty

24:15 Building Confidence Through Guiding Principles

25:10 Dustin’s Journey: From Athlete to Coach

29:34 The Power of Boundaries and Generosity

37:02 Final Thoughts

]]><![CDATA[Mind Your Game Podcast: Episode 2 with Cydney Clanton]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-episode-2-with-cydneyhttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-episode-2-with-cydneyFri, 31 Oct 2025 15:56:41 GMTMind Your Game Podcast Ep. 2: Cydney Clanton - Journey, Challenges & Mental Toughness in Golf

Welcome to episode two of the Mind Your Game Podcast! In this episode, host Dustin Donner sits down with 14-year LPGA Tour veteran Cydney Clanton. With one career win, nine top 10 finishes, and 27 top 25 career finishes, Cydney shares her journey from deciding to be a professional golfer in sixth grade to navigating the highs and lows of her career. Listen as she discusses the importance of mental toughness, the role of a strong support system, and how she transitioned to helping others through her new venture with MPGA. This episode is packed with valuable insights for junior golfers, collegiate players, and anyone interested in the mental and strategic aspects of the game.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:20 Cydney Clanton’s Early Golf Journey

02:43 College Years and Professional Debut

03:02 Challenges and Triumphs on the LPGA Tour

13:35 The Role of Mental Strength in Golf

20:04 Building a Support System

27:25 Building a Belief System Beyond Results

30:10 The Importance of Trust in Golf

31:27 Advice for Junior Golfers: Setting Clear Goals

34:56 Introducing the MPGA Venture

35:21 The Role of Evaluation in Performance

37:33 Creating a Comprehensive Training System

47:56 Empowering Golfers with Tools and Techniques

52:31 Final Thoughts and Legacy

]]><![CDATA[Mind Your Game Podcast Ep. 1 | Overcoming Expectations and Ryder Cup Insights ]]>https://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-1-overcominghttps://www.drmatpark.com/p/mind-your-game-podcast-ep-1-overcomingMon, 06 Oct 2025 19:34:48 GMT

Mind Your Game Podcast Ep. 1 | Overcoming Expectations and Ryder Cup Insights

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Mind Your Game Podcast, hosted by mental performance coach Dustin Donner and sport psychologist Dr. Mat Park. In this episode, Dustin and Dr. Mat introduce themselves and discuss the mental aspects of golf and life lessons that can be drawn from sports. They dive deep into the recent Ryder Cup, addressing how athletes manage external and internal expectations, the role of team chemistry, and the importance of mental preparation. The episode also features insights about handling high-pressure situations and maintaining focus amid distractions. Additionally, they highlight the potential benefits of having experienced team-building leaders like Coach K or Nick Saban as Ryder Cup captains. Tune in for a deep discussion on mastering the mental game, both on and off the course.

00:00 Welcome to Mind Your Game Podcast

00:07 Meet Your Hosts: Dustin and Dr. Mat

00:35 The Intersection of Sports and Life

02:01 Diving into the Ryder Cup

05:16 Handling Expectations and Pressure

24:55 The Power of Team Chemistry

29:25 Shoutout to Our Sponsor: Caddy Snacks

31:07 Looking Ahead to 2027 Ryder Cup

36:54 Closing Thoughts and Community Invitation

To watch the full episode: Click Below

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