This 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.

In this engaging conversation, Curtis Pelletier speaks with JM Kelly, head coach of Dodge City Community College, about various aspects of baseball coaching, including summer ball experiences, recruiting challenges, and the importance of mental performance. They discuss the unique structure of the Northwoods League, the transition of coaching roles, and the significance of building a quality coaching staff. The conversation also delves into the potential of Canadian players, the role of data in coaching, and the techniques used in training catchers. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities and rewards of coaching at the junior college level.

Timestamp

2023-10-03T00:00:00Z

Titles

• From Ice Fishing to Coaching: A Baseball Journey
• Navigating the Challenges of Summer Ball

Sound Bites

• "Living the dream, trying to stay warm."
• "We lost a really good hitter last year."
• "The game has become a lot about data."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Ice Fishing Plans

02:52
Summer Ball Coaching Experience

05:26
Northwoods League Insights

08:22
Recruiting Challenges and Strategies

11:17
Pitching Coach Transition

14:00
Building a Quality Coaching Staff

17:03
Recruiting in the Portal Era

19:58
Identifying Talent in Canadian Players

22:37
Mental Performance in Baseball

25:31
Catching Techniques and Training

28:18
The Importance of Data in Coaching

31:16
Final Thoughts on Junior College Baseball

In 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.

Titles

• From the Classroom to the Field: Coaching Insights
• Building Resilience in Young Athletes

Sound Bites

• "What's going on, brother?"
• "You gotta be ready to go!"
• "You gotta embrace the grind!"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

02:46
Life in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

05:46
High School Sports Dynamics

08:40
Coaching Philosophy and Strategies

11:34
Transitioning Between Sports

14:33
Preparing for the Baseball Season

17:27
The State of Baseball in Broken Bow

19:29
Building a Competitive Mindset

21:55
The Importance of Juco Experience

23:49
Differentiating in a Competitive Landscape

26:17
The Role of Routine and Mental Preparation

30:34
Insights from the Coaches Convention

34:48
The Evolution of Coaching Communication

37:39
Understanding Player Mindsets and Mental Resilience

41:17
The Importance of Being Present

44:10
Balancing Life and Sports: A Coach's Perspective

In this conversation, Coach Curtis Pelletier delves into the concept of Emotional Quotient (EQ) in baseball, contrasting it with traditional baseball IQ. He emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and regulation for athletes, discussing how thought loops and triggers can impact performance. The conversation highlights the role of coaches in fostering emotional awareness and the necessity of commitment to understanding one's emotions for improved performance both on and off the field.

Takeaways

• Baseball EQ is crucial for performance.
• Emotional awareness precedes mental performance tools.
• Thought loops can hinder athletic performance.
• Identifying triggers is essential for emotional regulation.
• Mindfulness and awareness are distinct concepts.
• Stored emotions can lead to performance issues.
• Coaches play a vital role in emotional regulation.
• Preparation helps calm the nervous system.
• Awareness is a skill that can be developed.
• Commitment to emotional awareness translates to life beyond sports.

Titles

• Unlocking Baseball's Hidden Potential: The Power of EQ
• Beyond IQ: The Emotional Side of Baseball

Sound Bites

• "It's not a mindset talk."
• "EQ is awareness."
• "Awareness creates safety."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Baseball EQ

02:16
Understanding Emotional Quotient (EQ) vs. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

04:50
The Importance of Awareness in Performance

06:39
The Impact of Thought Loops on Performance

09:05
The Role of Coaches in Developing EQ

11:14
Identifying Triggers and Feelings

13:26
Mindfulness vs. Awareness

15:44
Nervous System Leadership in Coaching

17:57
The Connection Between Sleep and Performance

20:09
Practical Applications of EQ in Baseball

22:36
Conclusion and Call to Action

In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Dr. Rachael Lovink explore the intricate relationship between gut health and overall well-being. Dr. Lovink shares her personal journey into naturopathy, emphasizing the gut-brain connection and the importance of understanding digestive disorders. They discuss the healthcare system's approach to digestive issues, the dangers of over-testing, and the impact of diet culture on health perceptions. The conversation also touches on practical tips for maintaining gut health, especially during the holiday season, and the role of alcohol and fiber in digestion.

Takeaways

• Gut health is crucial for overall well-being.
• The gut-brain connection plays a significant role in mental health.
• Many digestive disorders are linked to stress and mental health issues.
• Ruling out serious conditions is essential for proper diagnosis.
• Patients should advocate for themselves in the healthcare system.
• Over-testing can lead to unnecessary anxiety and treatment.
• Diet culture often misguides people about healthy eating.
• Eating clean is a subjective term and can be misleading.
• Fiber intake is vital for digestive health.
• Alcohol can irritate the gut and should be consumed in moderation.

Titles

• Unlocking the Secrets of Gut Health
• The Gut-Brain Connection Explained

Sound Bites

• "Stress affects digestion, yeah?"
• "What are the big bad guys?"
• "Eating clean is a made-up term."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Gut Health and Performance

02:51
The Journey to Naturopathic Medicine

05:40
Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

08:27
The Importance of Digestive Health

11:27
Ruling Out Serious Conditions

14:20
Navigating Wellness Testing

17:11
The Dangers of Over-Testing

20:16
Diet Culture and Eating Clean

25:27
Debunking Seed Oils and Clean Eating Myths

28:19
The Dangers of Fear Mongering in Nutrition

32:22
The Risks of Popular Diets: Carnivore and Keto

37:22
Understanding Eating Disorders and Diet Culture

40:11
Practical Tips for Gut Health During the Holidays

In this engaging conversation, Gary Dhillon and Curtis Pelletier discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal fitness and health during the holiday season to sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. They share insights on the challenges of maintaining fitness routines, the dynamics of team sports, and the importance of sleep and recovery. The discussion also touches on social media habits and the mindset needed for personal growth and accountability. With a mix of humor and candid reflections, the conversation highlights the ups and downs of life, sports, and personal training.

Takeaways

• People often sacrifice their health during the holidays.
• Maintaining a fitness routine is crucial, even during busy times.
• Social media can distract us from our goals.
• It's important to appreciate athletes while they're still active.
• Sleep and recovery are essential for overall health.
• People often don't notice changes in their surroundings.
• Accountability is key in personal training.
• Many people are too busy to focus on their health.
• Mindset plays a significant role in achieving goals.
• It's easier to complain than to take action.

Titles

• The Importance of Fitness During the Holidays
• Sports Talk: Football, Baseball, and Basketball

Sound Bites

• "I love chatting with you."
• "I think people are busy."
• "What do I know?"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Light Banter

02:50
Football Talk and Team Dynamics

05:38
Baseball Updates and Player Contracts

08:09
Basketball Legends and GOAT Conversations

10:53
Personal Reflections and Birthdays

13:18
Lighthearted Banter and Personal Connections

15:00
The Holiday Fitness Dilemma

17:55
Triathlon Training and Personal Limits

20:49
Finding Balance in Fitness and Life

23:45
The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

26:31
Navigating Chaos and Finding Comfort

30:04
Social Media and Its Impact on Time Management

32:02
Navigating Client Relationships

34:34
Accountability and Client Expectations

35:49
The Challenge of Change

36:37
The Importance of Awareness

38:14
Personal Identity and Team Loyalty

41:47
Observations on Social Interactions

45:18
Wrapping Up and Future Topics

In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Barry Rose discuss the intricacies of baseball coaching, player development, and the importance of mental toughness. They explore the value of junior college as a stepping stone for players, share experiences from Vanderbilt University, and delve into coaching philosophies that emphasize competition and intentional practice. The discussion also highlights the significance of mindset skills for young players and the role of breath and mindfulness in performance. Barry shares insights on navigating college recruitment and the balance between development and competition in high school baseball.

Takeaways

• The junior college route is crucial for player development.
• Mental toughness is a key differentiator in baseball.
• Practices should be the hardest part of the game.
• Creating competition in practice enhances performance.
• Mindset skills are essential for freshmen players.
• Breath control can help players slow down the game.
• Success breeds success in competitive environments.
• Coaching philosophies should adapt to individual player needs.
• Intentional practice plans lead to better preparedness.
• Navigating college recruitment requires honesty about player readiness.

Titles

• The Journey of a Baseball Coach
• Unlocking Potential: The Junior College Advantage

Sound Bites

• "It's a crazy afternoon."
• "Success breeds success."
• "Make your stuff into a competition."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Coaching and High School Baseball

02:45
The Importance of Junior College in Player Development

05:39
Experiences at Vanderbilt and Player Pathways

08:26
Coaching Dynamics and Family Involvement

11:08
The Mental Game: Toughness and Mindset

16:23
Breath Control and Mental Preparation for Freshmen

21:55
The Journey of a Coach

24:34
Building Relationships and College Placement

27:40
Balancing Development and Competition

30:44
The Importance of Practice

36:38
Preparing for the Season

38:03
Advice for Young Athletes

In this conversation, Curtis Pelletier and Shane Hawk discuss the journey of a baseball coach, from minor league experiences to high school coaching. They explore the importance of mindset, the role of technology in training, and the challenges of youth sports recruitment. Shane shares insights on building a strong team culture, the significance of mental resilience, and the impact of parenting on young athletes. The discussion emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to training, development, and the overall experience of playing sports.

Takeaways

• Mindset is crucial for success in sports.
• Success is built on consistent, small actions.
• Trusting the process is essential for development.
• Enjoy the present moment in your athletic journey.
• Failure is a part of the game; learn to handle it.
• Building a strong team culture is vital.
• Technology can enhance training and development.
• Parenting plays a significant role in an athlete's journey.
• Recruitment is evolving; focus on playing time.
• Mental resilience is key to overcoming challenges.

Titles

• From Player to Coach: A Journey in Baseball
• Mindset Matters: The Key to Athletic Success

Sound Bites

• "It's all about the mindset."
• "Success lives in the mundane."
• "You have to trust your process."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

02:52
Minor League Experience and Challenges

05:33
Transition to Coaching and Education

08:37
The Evolution of Training and Mindset

11:27
Parenting and Raising Young Athletes

14:17
The Importance of Mental Toughness

17:17
Future Aspirations and Family Dynamics

24:39
The Importance of Daily Discipline

27:05
Insights from Winter Meetings

28:23
Learning from Experience and Mentorship

33:12
The Pursuit of Velocity in Pitching

39:14
Mental Preparation and Mindset in Baseball

46:26
Navigating Recruitment and Player Development