In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, we explore one of the most overlooked phases of the athletic journey—transitioning out of sport. Whether an athlete is graduating, retiring, changing levels of competition, or sidelined by injury, the end of a season or career can bring unexpected emotional, psychological, and social challenges.
Jason and Lidia discuss:
Why ending a long athletic chapter can feel like grief
How identity loss, frustration, and uncertainty can show up—sometimes unexpectedly
Real stories of athletes blindsided by the emotional weight of transition
How sudden injuries can create grief, anger, and a sense of “what could have been”
Why missed competitions and derailed goals can hit harder than expected
The social and psychological consequences of time away from teammates
Why having an athletic identity isn’t the problem
When identity becomes too tied to performance
How diversifying identity helps athletes heal, grow, and take healthy time off
Jason and Lidia outline strategies including:
Building multiple sources of identity and meaning
Expanding social networks beyond the team
Maintaining perspective on long-term health over short-term competition
Recognizing and leveraging the transferable skills developed through sport—leadership, resilience, communication, discipline, and more
Exploring recreation leagues, new sports, hybrid competitions, and personal fitness challenges
How athletes can carry their competitive spirit into work, relationships, and life goals
Whether you're a high school senior, a college athlete, a parent, or a coach supporting athletes through major transitions, this episode provides insight, validation, and practical tools for navigating one of the most complex moments in the athletic lifespan.
Find Lidia: LidiaGarcia.net | @liddie.g
Find Jason: DrJasonvonStietz.com | @CBTSportsPsych on Instagram and Blue Sky
🔹 The Emotional Impact of Transition🔹 Injuries and Abrupt Endings🔹 Athletic Identity: Helpful or Harmful?🔹 Protecting Mental Health During Transitions🔹 Staying Active and Competitive—Just Differently
In this episode, we answer a great question from a high school sport psychology class:
“What role does visualization play in improving athletic performance, and how can athletes use it effectively?”
We break down how mental imagery—also known as visualization or mental rehearsal—can help athletes reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and fine-tune their skills even when they’re not physically training. Lydia introduces the PETTLEP model (Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, Perspective) to help athletes make their visualizations more vivid and effective.
Jason discusses how visualization strengthens neural pathways related to performance, helps athletes prepare for unpredictable situations, and supports recovery from injury or limited practice time. We also touch on the difference between positive visualization and magical thinking, emphasizing how imagery complements physical training rather than replacing it.
Whether you’re a student-athlete, coach, or mental performance enthusiast, this episode provides a practical framework for using visualization to train your brain for game day.
Key Topics:
What visualization (mental rehearsal) really is
The PETTLEP model for effective imagery
How visualization impacts confidence and motor learning
Using imagery to prepare for unpredictable competition conditions
The neuroscience behind why visualization works
Applying mental rehearsal to academics and everyday performance
Find Us:
Dr. Jason von Stietz: drjasonvonstietz.com | @cbtsportspsych
Lidia Garcia: lidiagarcia.net | @liddie.g
🎙️ Subscribe to The Mentally Fit Athlete on your favorite podcast platform for more conversations on the intersection of mental health and peak performance.
What happens when an opponent becomes bigger than the game? In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, we field a question from a high-school sports psychology class: how do admiration or animosity toward an opponent affect performance? Jason explains the value of focusing on controllables—your preparation, routine, breathing and mindset—while Lydia offers practical ways to avoid comparison traps (yes, we mean athlete stat sites and highlight reels). We share an inspiring story about using a tough opponent as a confidence-builder, offer a three-question self-reflection template to untangle emotions from identity or cultural pressure, and remind athletes of a simple but powerful truth: get back to having fun.
Featured Resources & Links:
Lidia Garcia, MSW• Website: lidiagarcia.net• Instagram: @liddie.g• Pasadena Run Club: @pasadena.runclub
Dr. Jason von Stietz• Website: drjasonvonstietz.com• Instagram: @cbtsportpsych• Bluesky: @cbtsportpsych
In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, a Los Angeles running coach asks: “How can athletes manage pre-workout anxiety?” Dr. Jason von Stietz and Lidia Garcia, MSW share simple, science-backed mental tools to help runners and endurance athletes cultivate confidence, focus, and a growth-oriented mindset before every workout.
What You’ll Learn
Featured Resources & Links:
Lidia Garcia, MSW• Website: lidiagarcia.net• Instagram: @liddie.g• Pasadena Run Club: @pasadena.runclub
Dr. Jason von Stietz• Website: drjasonvonstietz.com• Instagram: @cbtsportpsych• Bluesky: @cbtsportpsych
In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, listeners get an in-depth look at the mental and physical challenges of the Los Angeles Marathon. Dr. Jason von Stietz shares his firsthand experience being a part of the very first medical psychology team integrated into the LA Marathon’s medical tents. Lidia Garcia, MSW, a seasoned runner and sport psychology practitioner, shares valuable insights into the real-world applications of mental training in endurance sports.
Key Topics Explored:
Featured Resources & Links:
Lidia Garcia, MSW
• Website: lidiagarcia.net
• Instagram: @liddie.g
• Pasadena Run Club: @pasadena.runclub
Dr. Jason von Stietz
• Website: drjasonvonstietz.com
• Instagram: @cbtsportpsych
• Bluesky: @cbtsportpsych
Why Listen?
This episode is a must-listen for marathoners, road racers, and endurance athletes of all kinds. By delving into topics like effective support systems, adaptation strategies, and the practical applications of mental toughness, the discussion offers listeners a roadmap for overcoming setbacks and thriving both in sport and in life.
Tune in to hear how innovative mental strategies and first-hand experiences can empower athletes to elevate their performance and conquer their next challenge.
In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, we dive into how athletes can bounce back from setbacks using proven psychological strategies and mental skills. Discover expert insights into refocusing under pressure, stopping negative spirals, and building resilience in sports.
What You’ll Learn:
Resources & Links:
Lidia Garcia, MSW
Dr. Jason von Stietz
Tune in for an in-depth discussion that equips you with the mental tools to elevate your athletic performance and overcome setbacks effectively. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, these insights will empower you to build a resilient and focused mindset.
Why Listen?
This episode offers valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and sport enthusiasts seeking to enhance mental resilience and performance. From exploring how mentality shifts in team versus individual sports to uncovering strategies for conflict resolution and effective communication, our experts provide practical advice rooted in real-world experience. Tune in to learn how to build a robust support system, adapt to new challenges, and thrive both on and off the field.
In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, we dive into a question from a high school sport psychology class: How do mentalities differ between individual and team sports? We break down the unique psychological challenges and benefits of each athletic environment.
We talk about:
Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:
https://lidiagarcia.net/
Follow Lidia on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g
https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/
Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:
www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych
https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
Why Listen?
Whether you’re an athlete or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into sport psychology that can help improve performance and mental resilience. Tune in now to enhance your understanding of athletic mentalities and elevate your game!
In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, hosts we dive into the complex interplay between athletic performance and mental health following natural disasters such as the recent Southern California wildfires. We explore how athletes, coaches, and communities can adapt, heal, and thrive when faced with unexpected disruptions.
We talk about:
Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:
https://lidiagarcia.net/
Follow Lidia on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g
https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/
Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:
www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych
https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
We explore the world of athlete mental health- on and off the field. We discuss the pressures athletes face and the essential support structures for long-term well-being.
We talk about:
Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:
https://lidiagarcia.net/
Follow Lidia on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g
https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/
Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:
www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych
https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social
Is sport 80% mental? Is sport psychology for the mentally weak? Will therapy make you lose your competitive edge? Will sport psychology make me a champion? Isn't sport psychology just common sense? Isn't talent something you're either born with or without? In our first episode, we dispel myths that are holding back athletes from performing their best and enjoying their sport. Let's get started!
Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:
https://lidiagarcia.net/
Follow Lidia on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g
https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/
Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:
www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
Check out my new website!
https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com
Follow Dr. Jason on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych
https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social