Podcast
The Mindset U Playbook
Hosted by Curtis Pelletier · EN
The Mindset U Playbook isn’t about baseball.
Baseball is just the entry point.
This is about building a person who can actually carry pressure, handle reality, and perform when it matters. On the field, in business, and in life.
Every episode breaks down what most people avoid.
Discipline. Standards. Emotional control. Decision-making under pressure.
Not the highlight reel. The stuff that determines who you become when nobody’s watching.
We get into the real gap.
The one between what you know and what you actually do.
Because talent isn’t the separator. Behaviour is.
And you won’t just hear it from me.
We bring in athletes, coaches, doctors, and high performers who are in it, not talking about it.
People doing real work, dealing with real pressure, making real decisions.
No theory for the sake of sounding smart.
Just lived experience, hard lessons, and what actually holds up when things get difficult.
This is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who knows they’re capable of more but keeps hitting the same ceiling.
No hype. No shortcuts.
Just a system for showing up properly, consistently, across every area of your life.
Because what you do off the field isn’t separate.
It’s the whole game.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
# 84 - Unfiltered with Kels
Mar 3101:25:32Tap to summarizeThe Divide in Canada: Understanding the Growing DisconnectionDiscover the roots of Canada's societal divide and how it affects our daily lives. Explore insights from Kelsey of "Unfiltered with Kels" and learn actionable steps to reconnect with your community.In today's rapidly changing world, many Canadians feel a growing disconnection within their society. This feeling is not just an emotional response; it stems from a larger divide in leadership, truth, and community values. In this post, I’ll dive into the conversation I had with Kelsey from Instagram, known as "Kelsey and Filter," where we explored these pressing issues and how they impact everyday Canadians.Understanding the Disconnect: What’s Happening in Canada?The divide in Canada has become increasingly apparent, leading many to question the state of their country. Kelsey points out that there is a significant gap between what people experience in their daily lives and what they are told by leaders. For instance, while some officials claim that Canadians are thriving, many face rising costs and job shortages, leading to confusion and frustration.The Reality CheckKelsey shares her experience of watching her own children struggle to find jobs, despite the narrative of economic prosperity. This discrepancy between perceived and actual conditions breeds distrust in leadership and media. People are increasingly skeptical of the information presented to them, feeling that their lived experiences contradict the official stories.The Role of Social Media in Shaping PerspectivesSocial media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and community connection. Kelsey turned to Instagram to share her observations and engage with others who felt similarly disillusioned. Her journey from a casual social media user to a prominent voice highlights how digital platforms can amplify individual experiences and foster community discussions.Finding Connection in Online SpacesThrough her posts, Kelsey aims to resonate with those who may feel isolated in their thoughts. By sharing content that prompts critical thinking, she encourages her audience to question narratives and engage with their intuition. This approach not only empowers individuals but also helps them feel less alone in their concerns about the future.Leadership, Truth, and ResponsibilityThe conversation with Kelsey also touches on the themes of leadership and responsibility. Many Canadians are seeking leaders who genuinely address their concerns rather than perpetuating narratives that do not align with their realities. This desire for authenticity in leadership is essential for rebuilding trust in our institutions.What Can Be Done?To bridge the gap and reconnect Canadians with their communities, Kelsey suggests a few actionable steps:- **Engage in Conversations:** Start discussions with friends and family about current issues and share different perspectives. - **Stay Informed:** Seek out diverse sources of information to gain a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by your community.- **Support Local Initiatives:** Get involved in community projects that aim to address local issues and foster a sense of belonging.Key Takeaways- There is a significant divide in Canada, leading to growing frustration among citizens. - Social media can be a powerful tool for fostering community and conveying individual experiences. - Authentic leadership is crucial for rebuilding trust in institutions and addressing the real concerns of Canadians.In conclusion, understanding the divide in Canada requires open dialogue and a willingness to engage with different perspectives. By taking action and supporting one another, we can work towards a more connected and informed society.
Transcribe →# 83 - Baseball EQ - 30 Day Reset Program Description
Mar 2700:21:11Tap to summarizeMost baseball players do not have a talent problem.They have a pressure, load, and capacity problem.They can hit in practice.They can throw in bullpens.They can look confident when nothing is on the line.Then the game starts…And everything changes.The swing tightens.The thoughts speed up.The body language drops.One bad at-bat turns into three.One bad inning turns into a full spiral.That’s not just “mindset.”That’s a system problem.In this video, I break down exactly why so many high school and youth baseball players are struggling to access their real game under pressure, and why the old advice: • “just be confident” • “relax” • “trust the process” • “slow the game down”…isn’t enough anymore.This generation is carrying: • more pressure • more comparison • more phones • more distractions • more scouts / recruiters / expectations • and more kids chasing the exact same goalsBig goals.But even bigger distractions.That’s why I built the 30-Day Baseball Reset.This program is designed for baseball players who need help with: • confidence under pressure • emotional control • body language • routines • overthinking • performance anxiety • recovery after mistakes • learning how to compete in games the same way they do in practiceThis is not generic “mental performance” coaching.This is baseball-specific performance coaching built around: • load • pressure • capacity • awareness • nervous system regulation • and what actually breaks down when the game gets hardIf your athlete has the tools but can’t consistently access them in games…this is probably the missing piece.Message me “RESET”or use the link below to learn more / apply.[INSERT LINK]⸻Who this is for: • youth baseball players • high school baseball players • travel ball / rep players • academy athletes • parents of serious ballplayers • athletes chasing college / junior / pro opportunities⸻Topics covered in this video: • why the game “speeds up” • why confidence disappears in games • awareness vs capacity • overthinking under pressure • baseball IQ vs EQ • social media / comparison and performance • why players unravel emotionally • why this generation needs a different approach⸻If this hit home, subscribe and share it with a parent or player who needs it.
Transcribe →# 82 - Curtis Pelletier - Neutrality is a slow death
Mar 2000:18:59Tap to summarizeWe’re back. And we’re not easing into it.This episode breaks down one of the most common habits quietly wrecking people’s lives: neutrality.Sitting on the fence sounds mature. Sounds balanced. Sounds safe. It’s not. It’s delayed decision-making dressed up as intelligence. And over time, it erodes your self-trust, hands your power to other people, and forces you into a reactive life you didn’t choose.We dig into what’s really behind the “stay neutral” mindset, using recent Canadian polling as the spark. Most people say they want neutrality, yet they’re worried about the exact consequences that come from avoiding decisions. That gap matters.We also draw a clear line between staying quiet because you’re smart enough to know you don’t understand something… and staying quiet because you’re avoiding responsibility. Those are not the same thing.There’s a real conversation here about careers, families, and why not everyone can or should be loud publicly. But don’t confuse silence with neutrality. You can be quiet and still be clear. The real test is what you do when nobody’s watching.If you’ve been avoiding decisions in your health, your relationships, your business, or your life, this one will hit.Neutral feels safe. It’s not. It’s slow decay.Time to pick a side.
Transcribe →# 81 - Jordan Comadena - Pittsburgh Pirates
Feb 900:51:04Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Curtis Pelletier interviews Jordan Comadena, a catching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, discussing his unique journey from being a walk-on at Purdue University to becoming a bullpen catcher and eventually a catching coach. They explore the evolution of catching techniques, the importance of building relationships with pitchers, managing emotions in high-pressure situations, and the significance of routine and preparation in a player's development. Jordan shares insights on mentorship, particularly from Clint Hurdle, and reflects on the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding coaching career.TakeawaysJordan Comadena's journey from walk-on to catching coach is inspiring.Building relationships with pitchers is crucial for a catcher.Modern catching techniques are evolving, focusing on skill development.Emotional intelligence is key in managing players' performance.Routine and preparation significantly impact a player's success.Family life can be challenging for coaches during the season.Mentorship from experienced coaches like Clint Hurdle is invaluable.Catchers have a unique opportunity to impact the game defensively.The importance of communication and trust between players and coaches.Players need to learn to separate their offensive and defensive roles. TitlesFrom Walk-On to Catching Coach: Jordan Comadena's JourneyThe Evolution of Catching: Insights from Jordan ComadenaSound bites"It's a crazy story of events.""Jacob won the gold glove in 2021.""The bat comes last for catchers."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jordan Comadena's Journey02:40 Transition from Bullpen Catcher to Coach05:37 The Evolution of Catching Techniques08:35 Skill Development and Player Relationships11:22 Strategic Game Management in the Dugout14:14 Organizational Development and Catching Philosophy16:54 Emotional Intelligence in Catching19:56 Impact of Defense on Game Performance26:39 The Pressure of Performance31:16 Routine vs. Raw Talent37:33 Balancing Family and Career41:05 Reflections on Career Progression43:34 Mentorship and Life Lessons
Transcribe →# 80 - Why I Work in the Dark - EQOS
Jan 2900:50:28Tap to summarizeKeywordsawareness, capacity, emotional intelligence, coaching, personal growth, chaos, order, blame, performance psychology, sufferingSummaryIn this episode, Curtis Pelletier breaks down why awareness without capacity leads to collapse. He challenges the habit of seeking validation instead of building structure and explains how emotional intelligence functions as an internal operating system, not a personality trait. The discussion moves through chaos and order, blame versus responsibility, and the real role of a coach in developing capability. Suffering is framed as a teacher, not an enemy, and structure is positioned as the bridge between insight and resilience.TakeawaysAwareness without capacity creates failure, not progress.Blame is avoidance dressed up as explanation.Balance is an ongoing correction, not a middle ground.A real coach builds independence, not dependence.Emotional intelligence governs behaviour under pressure.Structure prevents collapse when stress rises.Suffering refines character when it is faced directly.Chaos grows when responsibility is outsourced.Order creates freedom when applied properly.Growth is the repeated alignment of awareness and capacity.TitlesWhy I Work in the DarkThe Price of Needing ApprovalSound Bites“Why I work in the dark.”“A real coach makes you more capable.”“EQ is the ability to hold reality without breaking.”Chapters00:00 Why I Work in the Dark02:03 The Price of Needing Approval05:07 Awareness vs Capacity07:09 Emotional Intelligence as an Operating System09:04 Why Blame Creates Chaos10:55 When Opinions Replace Responsibility15:01 Balancing Chaos and Order19:47 What a Coach Is Actually For25:31 Applied Performance Psychology28:40 Baseball as a Life Model33:45 Suffering and Meaning37:06 What Emotional Intelligence Really IsThis version hits harder, reads cleaner, and actually matches what you’re saying instead of sounding like a therapy brochure.
Transcribe →# 79 - Tanner Swanson - New York Yankees Director of Catching / Major League Field Coordinator
Jan 1700:51:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Mindset U Playbook, Curtis Pelletier reconnects with Tanner Swanson, the director of catching for the New York Yankees. They discuss Tanner's journey through coaching, starting from his time at the University of Washington to his current role with the Yankees. Tanner shares insights on the evolution of catching techniques, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new data and analytics in player development. He reflects on the challenges of introducing innovative catching styles, particularly the knee-down stance, and how it has transformed the way catchers approach their roles in the game. Tanner also highlights the significance of mental skills in coaching, focusing on building trust and maintaining a consistent mindset among players.KeywordsTanner Swanson, New York Yankees, catching techniques, player development, analytics in baseball, mindset coaching, knee-down stance, baseball coaching, catcher training, mental skillsTakeaways"You continue to want to push and sharpen your craft.""I kind of wake up every day with this panic that we're missing something.""The act of doing and being available and saying yes to things before you maybe feel ready was a really positive thing for my journey.""It's hard to be stagnant in this industry; the expectations are so high.""You want to feel the ground; we're anchored to the ground.""It's about influencing, not necessarily selling concepts to players.""You have to know the player and how they respond to feedback.""The quality of hitter that we're seeing at the position right now is much different than it was five, seven, ten years ago.""You have to get that piece; you just lose credibility with the people you're trying to impact.""Focus on improving yourself rather than comparing to others."TitlesRevolutionizing Catching: Insights from Tanner SwansonThe Evolution of Catching Techniques with Tanner SwansonSound Bites"It's hard to be stagnant in this industry.""I wake up every day with this panic.""I don't have many non-negotiables."Chapters00:00Introduction and Reconnection01:39The Journey to the Yankees06:34Innovative Catching Techniques10:19Understanding Pitch Framing16:44Implementing New Techniques in Real Time20:52Shifting Scouting Philosophies24:12The Impact of the Challenge System25:32Understanding Umpires and Their Impact27:04The Mental Game: Coaching Mindsets29:23Building Relationships with Young Players31:44Adapting Techniques for Individual Players34:04Non-Negotiables in Catching Development38:06Advice for Aspiring Coaches40:09The Importance of Influence in Coaching
Transcribe →# 78 - Raegyn Hall - Vancouver Whitecaps
Jan 1701:03:58Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Raegyn Hall, the head of goalkeeping for the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy. They discuss Raegyn's journey from player to coach, the importance of building a supportive culture among goalkeepers, and the methodologies used in training young talent. Raegyn emphasizes the significance of mental resilience, consistency, and the evolving nature of goalkeeping in modern soccer. The conversation also touches on the use of data analytics in coaching and the importance of recovery and physical management for goalkeepers.Sound Bites"We want to produce first team players.""You need to trust the process.""I smash balls for a living."Chapters00:00Introduction to Raegyn Hall and His Journey02:49Raegyn's Coaching Philosophy and Experience05:24The Whitecaps Academy Structure and Culture08:24Goalkeeping Culture and Support Systems11:11Recruitment and Development in the Academy13:56Pathways for Young Players and Future Opportunities16:47Opportunities and Pathways for Young Goalkeepers18:54The Importance of Consistency in Goalkeeping23:23Building Trust and Resilience in Young Athletes27:03The Role of Mental Anchors in Performance30:46Adapting Training for Modern Goalkeeping38:36Continuous Learning and Evolving Coaching Methods43:28The Importance of Planning and Coordination in Coaching49:41Quantifying Success in Goalkeeping Training55:40Managing Physical Load and Recovery for Goalkeepers
Transcribe →# 77 - Chris Begg - OTU Baseball | SF Giants | Canadian National Team
Jan 1100:49:38Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Chris begs, a former professional baseball player and current coach, discuss his journey from independent baseball to the SF Giants the national team and his transition into coaching. They explore the importance of mental performance, the launch of OTU and Oppotaco, a comprehensive baseball program, and the significance of grassroots development in the sport. Chris shares insights on dealing with failure, emotional management, and the role of parents and coaches in player development.TakeawaysCoaching is more stressful than playing.Enjoying the moment can alleviate pressure.You can only control what you can control.Mental performance is crucial for success.Grassroots development is essential for baseball growth.Involvement of parents can enhance player accountability.Quality production can elevate educational content.Understanding the game is vital for young players.Failure is a part of baseball; managing it is key.Open-mindedness is necessary for learning and growth.TitlesFrom Player to Coach: Chris's Baseball JourneyThe Mental Game: Insights from ChrisSound Bites"I was just having fun.""It was a game changer for me.""I had nothing to lose."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:37Journey Through Independent Baseball05:30Joining the National Team and Olympic Aspirations08:13Transitioning from Player to Coach11:05The Launch of Alpo Taco13:37Target Audience and Program Focus16:32Involvement of Parents and Coaches19:08Production Quality and Future Plans22:23Grassroots Development in Baseball25:11Mental Skills and Performance27:58Dealing with Failure and Emotional Management30:39Final Thoughts and Advice
Transcribe →# 76 - Jill Payne - Culture & Leadership Coach
Jan 800:49:58Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Jill Payne discuss the importance of energy management, self-awareness, and emotional regulation in both personal and professional contexts. Jill shares her journey as a leadership and culture coach, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's energy levels and how they affect mood and performance. They explore the challenges of parenting, the concept of burnout, and the necessity of self-regard in achieving personal goals. The discussion highlights practical tools for managing energy and emotions, fostering a supportive environment in teams, and the importance of dialogue in parenting and coaching.www.jillpayne.caTakeawaysYou're in control of how you feel.Burnout is just a lack of capacity.Self-awareness is the first step to change.You can feel better within hours using tools.The issues we face look different with varying energy levels.Creating check-in points can help manage energy.Self-regard is crucial for performance.Parenting requires emotional regulation and self-compassion.Team dynamics can impact individual performance.You can shift your energy quickly with awareness.TitlesMastering Energy Management for LeadershipThe Power of Self-Regulation in ParentingSound Bites"You can create check-in points.""You're in control of how you feel.""You can feel better within hours."Chapters00:00Introduction to Leadership and Culture Coaching02:58The Journey of Energy Management05:46Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation08:37The Impact of External Validation11:39Burnout and Capacity14:31Unbecoming and Self-Regard17:21Creating a Supportive Environment20:15The Evolution of Coaching Methods25:52Empowering Self-Support in Team Dynamics28:37Navigating Team Dynamics and Corporate Culture29:16The Challenges of Parenting and Self-Regulation37:40Building Capacity and Emotional Regulation46:23The Power of Choice in Emotional Well-Being
Transcribe →# 75 - Coach Curtis - You HAVE to listen to this before any new goals are created
Jan 400:25:00Tap to summarizeThis is the first solo episode of 2026.And it’s not a hype talk.If you’re setting goals right nowor you’ve already started making changesthis episode is meant to catch you before motivation fades.Because most people don’t fail at change due to laziness or lack of discipline.They fail because they misunderstand how change actually works.In this episode, we go deep into the psychology, behavior, and identity behind real transformation.We talk about why you don’t add your way to change.You unbecome your way there.Why repairing energy leaks matters more than stacking habits.Why fixing your nervous system matters more than forcing discipline.Why silence and space are the parts people skip and why that’s where growth actually stabilizes.We break down survival mode and why so many high-functioning people work their entire lives just to stay alive, never learning how to actually live.We unpack the lie that growth must always be painfuland walk through the four pillars of real changephysicalemotionalmentalspiritualand why focusing on only one, especially the physical, leads to burnout, relapse, or identity collapse.You’ll hear a real example of a common goal like “less screen time”and why vague goals failhow to set realistic paths instead of fantasy expectationsand how habits like scrolling are rarely about discipline and almost always about what we’re avoiding or chasing.This episode is about peace.About space.About learning how to sit without urgency.About knowing who you are without achievement, performance, or noise.It’s not about quitting ambition.It’s about removing the chaos that keeps ambition hollow.If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly chasing the next version of yourselfif stillness makes you uncomfortableif success hasn’t brought the calm you expectedthis episode will land.This isn’t about becoming someone new.It’s about shedding who you no longer areand learning how to live from choice instead of survival.
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