Podcast
EQ-OS: The Mindset U Playbook
Hosted by Curtis Pelletier · EN
The Mindset U Playbook is powered by EQ-OS: The Baseball Operating System.
Baseball is the entry point.
The real conversation is about the operating system behind performance.
Pressure. Failure. Standards. Emotional control. Discipline. Recovery. Decision-making. Identity. Behaviour.
Every episode breaks down why talent does or does not transfer when the game gets loud.
Because talent is not enough.
Talent has to survive pressure.
It has to show up after failure.
It has to hold when emotion, expectation, comparison, fatigue, and consequence arrive.
That is EQ-OS.
This podcast takes the ideas from EQ-OS: The Baseball Operating System and brings them into real conversations with athletes, parents, coaches, doctors, leaders, and high performers who understand what pressure actually costs.
No fake toughness.
No motivational wallpaper.
No theory trying to sound smarter than it is.
Just honest conversations about the systems that shape performance, development, and behaviour.
Hosted by Curtis Pelletier, author of EQ-OS, creator of TransferEQ, and founder of Mindset U, The Mindset U Playbook is built for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who wants to understand the gap between what people know and what they actually do.
Because what happens off the field is not separate. It is the operating system.
And eventually, the game exposes it.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
# 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.
Transcribe →# 74 - Last Episode of 2025 - UNBECOMING Curtis Pelletier
Dec 2700:19:24Tap to summarizeThis is the final episode of 2025.After more than 70 episodes, countless conversations, and a year of deep listening, one truth kept surfacing over and over again: most people don’t need more motivation, more goals, or more pressure. They need clarity. They need regulation. They need to stop running.In this solo episode, I slow everything down.We talk about why your goals won’t stick unless your nervous system is regulated.Why a new year won’t magically fix habits you can’t maintain right now.Why open loops drain your energy and why closure doesn’t have to be comfortable or pretty to be effective.Why so many people are exhausted not from work, but from unresolved thoughts, emotions, and decisions.We dig into the myth that suffering equals success, especially for men.The lie that pain is required to be disciplined.Why the gym helps but doesn’t cure depression.Why alcohol numbs trauma instead of healing it.And why awareness and EQ are the real foundation for change.This episode is about unbecoming.Unbecoming what you learned to survive.Unbecoming identities built on pressure and performance.Unbecoming habits that numb instead of heal.It’s a call to close loops, face what you’ve been avoiding, regulate before you chase, and enter 2026 from a grounded place instead of another cycle of force.This isn’t hype.It’s not a resolution speech.It’s a reset.If you’re ready to stop running and actually change how you live, this one is for you.
Transcribe →# 72 - Jake Harris - Broken Bow HS Head Baseball Coach, Oklahoma
Dec 2100:52:54Tap to summarizeIn this engaging conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Jake Harris discuss the unique dynamics of coaching in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience, community, and player development. They explore the differences between high school sports in Oklahoma and Texas, the significance of fast-pitch softball, and the challenges faced by multi-sport athletes. The discussion also highlights the role of mindset in sports, the value of being present, and the lessons learned from both success and failure in athletics.TitlesFrom the Classroom to the Field: Coaching InsightsBuilding Resilience in Young AthletesSound Bites"What's going on, brother?""You gotta be ready to go!""You gotta embrace the grind!"Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:46Life in Broken Bow, Oklahoma05:46High School Sports Dynamics08:40Coaching Philosophy and Strategies11:34Transitioning Between Sports14:33Preparing for the Baseball Season17:27The State of Baseball in Broken Bow19:29Building a Competitive Mindset21:55The Importance of Juco Experience23:49Differentiating in a Competitive Landscape26:17The Role of Routine and Mental Preparation30:34Insights from the Coaches Convention34:48The Evolution of Coaching Communication37:39Understanding Player Mindsets and Mental Resilience41:17The Importance of Being Present44:10Balancing Life and Sports: A Coach's Perspective
Transcribe →