Brandon is a high school student in New Jersey and is the founder of Mind-Design Sports, a sport psychology organization geared for kids and teens. He started Mind-Design Sports to help student-athletes perform at their best through blogs and podcasts addressing different issues in sports and psychology. Brandon loves psychology and in fact, also started his own club at school where he promotes the knowledge of psychology and mental health.

Keep listening until the end for our introduction to the SPMDs new mental fitness programming focusing on the core principles of Integrity, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Communication and Confidence.

Mental Health for Young Athletes II: Mind-Design Sports with Brandon Shintani

Being a late bloomer when it comes to sports can be demoralizing. Maybe you are you are smaller, shorter, weaker, slower or less emotionally mature compared to your peers. This may seem like a disadvantage at first glance, and this is shown out by the Relative Age Effect (the over-representation of chronologically older participants within an age category) in many adolescent sport leagues. But what if we told you this could play to your advantage. In this episode we not only highlight several all-time great athletes who were late bloomers, but we also discuss specific techniques that you can use to your advantage when being last to bloom.

Athletes Featured: Anthony Davis, Kurt Warner, Steve Young, Barry Sanders, Clay Matthews, Randy Johnson, Josh Hamilton, Didier Drogba, Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Bisping, Deontay Wilder, Tim Thomas, Draymond Green, Nikola Jokić, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Tom Brady

Late Bloomers in Sports and Why Being a Late Bloomer Can Work to Your Advantage

Fresh off March Madness and Los Angeles' own UCLA's run to the Final Four as an 11 seed the SPMDs dive into the anatomy of an underdog. How there is no underdog story without an adversary (no David without Goliath), what makes them successful and some of the greatest underdog stories of all time. 

Athletes and Teams featured: Buster Douglas, Mike Tyson, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, 2016 Leicester City, 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, Muggsy Bogues

The Greatest Underdog Stories & Their Recipe for Successful | Episode 60

The NBA and NHL playoffs are here. Stadiums are beginning to fill up across the globe from the Champions League Final to Madison Square Garden. Now that the playoffs are here how are these athletes dealing with the culmination of a condensed season following an even shorter offseason? We discuss the resilience factors that always come into play. Fans are back in the stadiums, pressure is rising for some. WNBA is back. Soccer stars dominate the Forbes earners list. Why the Cowboys signing Dak Prescott is an endorsement for mental fitness.

The Playoffs and Fans are Back While Resilience Never Went Anywhere | Ep 61

We have a discussion about the 2 most polarizing topics in sports (and mental health) today. Simone Biles dropping out of the team all-around finals due mental health concerns and Sha’Carri Richardson being suspended for the Olympics due to testing positive for cannabis. 

Mental Fitness Pillars Featured: Mindfulness especially self-awareness, Gratitude, Communication

Athletes Featured: Simon Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Michael Jordan

Ep 63 - The Pressure on the Olympic Pedestal: Simone Biles and Sha'Carri Richardson

We wrap up the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games by discussing some of the competitively great athletes who continue to cement their legacies, the team dynamics of team USA’s men’s basketball team and the barrier breakers and trend setters, like first time mothers competing. 

Mental Fitness Pillars Featured: Mindfulness, Gratitude

Athletes Featured: Kevin Durant, Zach Levine, Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix, Sydney McLaughlin, Dalilah Muhammad, Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Sha’Carri Richardson, the Dream Team

Coaches Featured: Gregg Popovich

Ep 64 - Competitive Greatness and Breaking Barriers at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Malice at the Palace is a prime example of when emotions get the best of us. We discuss all the factors that led to the worst brawl in US’ sports history involving fans and players. 

It is important to note that in each individual and in each setting there is a threshold of emotions and once that is crossed fight or flight is initiated and all bets are off. 

We discussed how the most vital aspect of the construction of a championship team is the creation of a bond or brotherhood or sisterhood that goes beyond the basketball court. With a culture of connectedness it is easier to overcome clashes of personalities, failures and any other shortcoming. 

This is also a story of resilience and how these individuals were able to bounce back and grow from this experience through mental fitness, specifically being able to connect with others therefore allowing them to be able to connect and feel more confident with themselves.

Mental Fitness techniques featured: communication, mindfulness, gratitude, confidence

Individuals featured: Metta Sandiford-Artest (Ron Artest), Jermaine O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Stephen Jackson, Ben Wallace, Draymond Green, Dennis Rodman

Ep 65 - Malice at the Palace: Team Dynamics & Fight or Flight

We the do an in depth of analysis of each NFL team and describe what each franchise should be grateful for going into the new season. 

Individuals Featured: Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Joe Burrow, Derrick Henry, Carson Wentz, etc

Ep 66 - Gratitude Series - NFL 2021 Preview

We highlight how mindfulness, communication and gratitude mental fitness skills would go a long way in helping resolve the ongoing issues regarding the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and more. 

Athletes Featured: Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Kevin Durant, De'Andre Ayton, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Lebron James, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Luka Doncic, Ja Morant,

Ep 67 - NBA Season Preview with Team Dynamics and Communication

In part 1 of our Neurodiversity series, we turn our focus to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We discuss the spectrum of ADHD, how it presents, and how we—as individuals, coaches, and as a society—can make our world a more welcoming place for all. We also highlight treatment options including stimulants, non-stimulants and therapy. 

Athletes Discussed: Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Chris Kaman, Justin Gaitlin, Kevin Lee

Studies Referenced:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/205525
https://www.additudemag.com/teen-pregnancy-rates-risk-adhd-girls/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4414493/

Ep 68 - Neurodiversity in Sports: ADHD

With the new year comes new beginnings. We discuss strategies to take advantage of any fresh start including setting goals, managing momentum (maintaining and swinging) and opening yourself up to honest communication. This is highlighted by the athletes below and their fresh or not so fresh starts.

Athletes Discussed: Demar DeRozan, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Jimmy Butler, Ryan Tannehill, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown

Coaches Discussed: Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich

Episode 69 - Fresh Starts: How to Take Advantage of Change

We pivoted from our originally scheduled programming to discuss what was on our minds rounding out black history month. Highlighted by the Brian Flores' story we discussed how we as fans (and consumers) can impact social change by being more mindful on how we use our money and, more importantly, our attention. 

Is it time to start investing more of our attention into businesses (sports teams included) that not only provide us the services we are looking for (entertainment), but businesses that also align with what we value? Sports franchises that push for equality and justice for all?

Coaches discussed: Brian Flores, Mike Tomlin

Episode 70 - Moment of Mindfulness III: The Ongoing ‘Strive’ for Unity

We detail how awareness, specifically, self-awareness and situational awareness can help you become better at managing emotion and taking advantage of the moment. We use examples of some legendary athletes that have used this skill to their advantage or, conversely, have shown a lack of self-awareness that negatively impacted their team. 

Athletes featured: Tom Brady, Lebron James, Ben Simmons, Tiger Woods
Coaches featured: Mike Krzyzewski

Episode 71 - How Mastering Awareness Makes You Great

We give our annual NBA playoff predictions as Dr. Hoes has to make adjustments to his preseason pick, the Los Angeles Lakers

Bonus Episode - NBA Playoff Predications 2022

Joined by special guest, psychiatrist and MMA enthusiast, Dr. Mike Mah, we sprawl into the world of MMA. We discuss the history and evolution of the sport from the days of no weight classes and bare knuckles to today's billion dollar UFC events featuring highly skilled athletes fighting on ABC. Along the way we highlight the many unique struggles mixed martial artists face in their pursuit of the belt (chief amongst them, a livable wage, cutting weight and managing being locked in a cage with another human that wants to knock your head off [or choke you unconscious]). We also touch on the coach-fighter relationship and the importance of effective communication (featuring UFC 278's Leon Edwards and his coach Dave Lovell).

Athletes Discussed: Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Kamaru Edwards, Leon Edwards, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones, George St. Pierre, Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Khamzat Chimaev, TJ Dillashaw, Luke Rockhold, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Alistair Overeem 

https://www.mahmd.com/

Mixed Martial Arts with Mike Mahgerefteh, MD

Let’s start a new conversation. 

In this inaugural episode, introducing the SportsPsychMds, a symphony of psychiatry,
where your hosts provide listeners with a two-part harmony. A song and dance of rhythm and blues, sprinkled with some country, a little bit of jazz and a whole lot of soul!

Dr. Armin Hoes and Dr. Torey Troggio are MDs of a new generation.  A generation of people who see color as an expression of what we see on the inside.  Men who love sports, value faith, hope and commitment in both life and performance as well as fair play, hard work and sacrifice.  Together, you have a mental health podcast about sports promoting wellness and mental fitness. 

The SportsPsychMDs represent unity.  We recognize that to have unity we must communicate with each other and demonstrate that to achieve understanding we must have confidence, and with confidence we create unity. Unity underscores trust and moreover, a legacy of inclusivity, integration and above all, resilience.

The SportsPsychMDs recognize that in many ways, we all come from legacies of resilience. No matter how our families reached these shores, they brought with them stories.  Stories of sadness and sorrow as well as joy and triumph and the blood, sweat and tears that were shed for us, our family’s honor and the values of our communities.  

Our historical connections may be unique and distinctive but they serve reminders that while the road we take to get where are of going in this world may be different, the ultimate destination remains the same.  When we take a look around us in any field of play we see people standing from different perspectives aimed in the same direction. It’s about a path to a better version of who we are and the best version of what we hope to be. This is what’s Sports and Performance are all about.  In order to get better, we must be both open and willing to embrace that we are all running the same race.  

Our content is wide ranging and seeks to find the balance, truth and ultimately spirit of wellness through Sports.  Sports is the a meritocracy of unity and understanding and through its lens we see the challenges of mental health as another form of healthy competition.  A test of will and strength but one in which if you remain committed to the process and true to yourself, you get the results you deserve.  

Through our ongoing conversations we explore mental health as a journey in time.  Stay with us and let us guide you to a place of open dialogue and empathic communications with fair-play, open hearts and the spirit of confidence.  

Find your compass, light your path and speak up, listen and learn to march on. 

Athletes featured: Kevin Love, DeMar DeRozan, Deion Sanders, Ryan Leaf, Simone Biles.

Chapter 1 - What is Sports Psychiatry..?

The SPMDs provide an in depth look at a common psychiatric condition affecting athletes known as adjustment disorder.  

Adjustment disorder is a leading cause of depression and anxiety impacting an athlete’s ability to recover from injury and competitive failure.

Athletes featured: La'Veon Bell, Derrick Rose, Victor Oladipo, Lebron James.

Episode 2 - Adjustment Disorder - Depression & Anxiety after Injury & Competitive Failure

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW!

The SPMDs highlight the characteristics of sports that perpetuate stigma and explain how college and professional athletes may be at greater risk for mental health issues than one would expect.

Athletes featured: Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Colin Kaepernick

Episode 5 - What Makes the Athlete Unique

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW!

We discuss the brand new mental health initiatives in the NBA and NFL along with the role of the Sports Psychiatrist from start to finish. We also detail the various types of therapies (CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, ACT), medications (SSRIs, stimulants, mood stabilizers), and even procedures (electroconvulsive therapy, deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation) that can be helpful for athletes. 

Athletes Featured: Simone Biles

Episode 9 - How We Can Help

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW!

SPMDs explore childhood development, how mental illness presents in children, and how sports can foster resilience and overall wellness. We also detail effective coaching and parenting styles based off the age and temperament of the child.

Athletes Featured: Venus and Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Andrew Luck

Episode 10 - Mental Health for Young Athletes

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW!

Following an in depth, eye-opening discussion about eating disorders and sports the SportsPsychMDs feature special guest, Janelle “The Gazelle” Li-A-Ping, who opens up about her experiences competing in track and cross country at both the high school and D-1 collegiate levels.   

Janelle describes the pressures of having to compete at a high level in a sport where having the right body type and maintaining the right body weight can make the difference between success and failure. 

Janelle was a stud cross country athlete who broke nearly every school record in distance running at Loyola High School (New York City) and went on to earn an athletic scholarship to compete at Northwestern University from 2009 to 2012 where she was distinguished as Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten.  

Her story highlights perseverance and how far the will to win can take you in sports.

.

Episode 14 - Runner’s High: Anxiety, Disordered Eating & The Will to Win

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW!

Your SportsPsychMDs, Armin and Torey, describe why sleep is essential to performance for athletes. From testosterone deficiency, which can reduce sex drive and libido, to numerous physical and mental health consequences described in this episode, sleep deprivation is commonly referred as a silent killer. 

We break down the recent the ESPN article on a sleep deprivation epidemic within the NBA that has surfaced and is generating considerable attention. Many players, including Lebron James, have been vocal about the importance of sleep on their performance and how the rigor of the season in conjunction with frequent travel can adversely impact their ability to achieve high quality sleep. 

We also provide useful insights on what to avoid, practical things you can do at home to make your bedroom space more compatible and ways in which we as physicians can help you achieve and sustain restful sleep to optimize your health and ultimately your performance.  

Athletes featured: Tobias Harris, Lebron James, Andre Iguodala, Kent Bazemore

Episode 15 - How Sleep Affects Performance I

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW!

How do you fit best on a team? Are you the front and center dominant alpha or the behind the scenes glue guy? Do you like to get your teammates going by giving a passionate pregame speech (see Drew Brees) or are you busy reviewing the analytics of the opponents pass rush? Find out why tools like the DISC Assessment are becoming more and more popular for CEOs, NCAA Division I programs, front offices, general managers and coaches in hopes of creating the perfect team. 

Athletes (and coaches) featured: Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Steph Curry, Steve Kerr, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre

Episode 18 - Chemistry of a Team I

Fan. a shortened version of the word fanatic. Fanatic /fəˈnadik/ noun - “marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense critical devotion.” It comes from the Latin word fanaticus meaning “insanely but divinely inspired.”

This one is dedicated to sports fans.  In this episode we explore questions like: What does it mean to be a sports fan in 2020?  Why do we become such huge fans of sports?  Is it the entertainment value or the sense of community it creates? Is it because of the nostalgia for a game we played when we were younger or because we are attracted to greatness and success? 

Additionally, we discuss what underlies our attraction to sports and investigate the parts of the brain associated with becoming a fan of something.  During that segment we also describe important systems of the brain including our mirror neurons and their role
in developing empathy towards others (like our favorite athletes).  We go on explain how hormones like dopamine and testosterone are involved with the process of becoming a fan. 

We also explore the other side of the coin and how increasing expectations from fans can cause increased pressure for athletes and describe how both the media and social media add another layer of stress for athletes to face in their careers and tie up the discussion by describing examples of moments when fans cross the line and do more harm then good. 

Moments Discussed: The 1987 Washington Redskins Super Bowl Parade, 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, 2006 AFC Championship Game, Malice at the Palace

Athletes Featured: Doug Williams, Lebron James, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Kyrie Irving

Episode 19 - Psychology of the Fan(atic)

'Tis the season to be grateful. The simple exercise of being grateful or practicing gratitude has been shown to have immediate benefits in both performance and in overall life. We highlight the reasons behind why this is true along with what you can do at home today to feel the power of gratitude. Also find out about how the Calm app and a new dedication to mental fitness allowed Lebron James to become a Champion through mindfulness. 

Athletes featured: Lebron James

Episode 20 - Why Gratitude Improves Performance

Game within the game refers to the dynamic shifts in momentum that occur in performance and competition.  We kick things off by first highlighting a moment of mindfulness in sports related to a controversial federal lawsuit filed by female high school student athletes arguing that they should not have to compete against transgender athletes for having what they argue are inherent biological advantages. 

We then discuss our own formula for what important mental fitness tools are most useful for developing resilience in competition and how that resilience can be used to generate momentum.  We describe how momentum can be created within teams and within individual performers and how that  relates to dynamic game scenarios like scoring runs, being in the zone or catching fire. 

We wrap up by explaining how developing resilience and momentum, - which we believe can be achieved through guided, wellness-centered mindfulness and gratitude practices - are key tools for successful performance in all industries and career paths.  

#mindfulness #effort #reinforcement #gratitude #energy #resilience #momentum #motivation

Athletes Featured:  Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, Lebron James, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning & The best ever NBA Jam video games duos,

Episode 25 - Momentum: The Game within the Game

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW!
“Perform at your best when your best is required... your best is required each day” - John Wooden

What characteristics are most important for being the leader on a team of professional athletes?

In this Part 2 of the Identity of the Athlete series we break down the Alpha personality detailing how it works within team dynamics and what characteristics enable these athletes to consistently perform at a high level in competitive sports.  

We also compare and contrast the two predominant types of Alpha personalities embodied by legendary NBA athletes Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant - who project the “give me the damn ball” attitude vs the less traditional types like Magic Johnson and LeBron James who possess the playmaker and “ultimate facilitator” approach to the game. 

**Moment of Mindfulness segment: NBA Allstar game and Ottawa Senator’s Bobby Ryan’s hat trick in his first home game back after entering the NHL/NHLPA’s player assistance program for alcohol abuse.  

Athletes Featured: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Kemba Walker, Joel Embiid, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Draymond Green, Steph Curry, Madison Bumgarner, Bobby Ryan

Episode 26 - Identity of the Athlete vol 2: The Alphas

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and LEAVE A REVIEW! 
A tribute to the great Scottie Pippen (#33) 
A player we SportsPsychMDs refer to as the Greatest Role Player of All Time 🐐🥈

This episode is dedicated to the role players and the challenges of putting your ego to the side in order to fill a role that may not garner as much praise or validation for betterment of the team and the pursuit of a championship. 

Athletes Featured: Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Ray Allen, Lamar Jackson

Episode 33 - Identity of the Athlete vol 3: Role Players

Have you ever wondered which part of the brain controls emotion?

We begin the conversation by discussing how some NBA players are using their frontal lobes to handle the pressures of being in the bubble better than others. 

We conclude the conversation by discussing police brutality, social injustice and the racial divisions in our country. 

We breakdown potential concerns within modern police training and conduct a critical analysis of tactics used by police, politicians and media which can inspire fear and many claim is needed for law and order. 

Throughout the pod we provide pearls of wisdom about human brain/mental anatomy and physiology. Here we demonstrate how police officers who score low on mental fitness may struggle to do their jobs safely and without presenting a serious risk to themselves, their partners and to those they serve. 

Finally, we discuss what we as a Sports Community can do to overcome our own fears and insecurities so we can better connect with all people - including those who may be seated across the aisle.     

Athletes Featured: Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler

Episode 48 - Power to the Frontal (lobes) and How the Brain Manages Anxiety

When Sports Psychologist Dr. Andrew Jacobs joined the US Olympic staff in the lead-up to the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Steve Hegg had only been cycling for a little over 2 years. 

Using specific mental fitness strategies, they won Olympic Gold (among other medals) in both individual and team competition. The value of having a mental health professional on staff is also highlighted by the lifelong bond they created--as evidenced by their lively banter. (Steve still doesn't forget how Dr. Jacobs cost him an appearance on The Johnny Carson Show)

Dr. Andrew Jacobs is one of the pioneers of Sports Psychology as he has been in the game for over 40 years starting in the 1980s working with numerous teams at all levels including the US Olympic Team, the Kansas City Royals, the University of Kansas Jayhawks and so many more. Dr. Andrew Jacobs hosts his own live radio show and podcast called the Sport Psychology Hour streaming on all platforms.

Steve Hegg is an Olympic Gold Medal cyclist who represented the US at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, where he won the gold medal in the 4000m individual pursuit and silver in the 4000m team pursuit.

Episode 49 - Winning Olympic Gold with Dr. Andrew Jacobs and Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Hegg

We provide the recipe for being able to make any adjustment or transition seamless. We check in on how Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are adjusting to life without one another. We highlight the adjustments players like Big Ben and Alex Smith have made since major injuries set back their careers and stole their momentum. We discuss how we'll soon find out how Tua Tagovailoa has adjusted from fracturing his hip and how we already believe Dak Prescott has started the adjustment process off well by staying mentally in the game. We end by highlighting who adjusted best in the NBA and MLB bubbles, respectively. 

Athletes Featured: Tom Brady, Lebron James, Ben Roethlisberger, Tua Tagovailoa, Dak Prescott, Clayton Kershaw, Kenny Lofton, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard

Episode 52 - Game Within A Game II: Keys to Making Adjustments

Dr. Burke joins us to talk about the promising results of psychedelic medicine in treating mental illness in non-athletes and athletes. Dr. Burke is a psychiatrist specializing in psychedelic therapy. He works at California Center for Psychedelic Therapy in Los Angeles offering ketamine-assisted therapy. He is also a therapist and site physician on the Phase III clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.

Psychedelic Medicine with Dr. Mike Burke

Join us for conversations about sports and mental health.  

We are leading the movement to elevate mental health awareness in sports and improve mental health care for athletes.  

“Lets end the stigma... and continue the conversation!”

Hosted by Sports Psychiatrists:
Armin Hoes, MD & Torey Troggio, MD

Popular tracks by SportsPsychMDs