Episodes 14
Avg. Duration 49m
Activity Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (1)
Since Jan 2026
Latest Episode May 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
52%
Hosting
anchor.fm

About This Podcast

The Thinklete Podcast explores athlete mindset, performance, and the unique edge of neurodivergent thinking. Hosted by Derek Shunk, each episode shares practical strategies for building confidence, handling pressure, and helping athletes thrive on and off the field. For parents and coaches who are raising and/or coaching a neurodivergent or ADHD child, who need support, guidance or strategies to try with your athlete, you are in the right place.

Explore Statistics

Recent Episodes

S1E14 What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally

May 17, 2026 55m

Our guest this episode is Amy Pieczarka, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with over 40 years of experience specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, food sensitivities, and…

S1E14 What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally

May 16, 2026 56m

Our guest this episode is Amy Pizarca, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with over 40 years of experience specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, food sensitivities, and…

S1E13 Why ADHD Athletes Struggle With Emotions (And How to Fix It)

May 03, 2026 35m

In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with Michael McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, creator of the Internal Skills Coaching Model, and an award-winning speaker with over 20 years of experience…

S1E13 Why ADHD Athletes Struggle With Emotions (And How to Fix It)

May 02, 2026 35m

In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with Michael McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, creator of the Internal Skills Coaching Model, and an award-winning speaker with over 20 years of experience…

S1E13 From Participation to Leadership: Inside the Special Olympics Movement

Apr 14, 2026 35m

In this episode, Derek sits down with Special Olympics athlete leaders Declan Fawcett and Amanda Harrinauth, along with Alyssa Cress, Manager of Inclusive Leadership Development for Special Olympics…

S1E12 The Bullied Brain: What Coaches Are Doing That Harms Kids

Apr 07, 2026 1h 12m

What if the biggest threat to your child’s development isn’t failure… but the environment they’re in?In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Frazier—best-selling author of The Bullied Brain and…

S1E11 Inside IMG: How Elite Athletes Are Actually Built

Apr 02, 2026 48m

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cat Lutz, Director of Mental Performance at IMG Academy, to break down what truly separates elite athletes from the rest—and why it has far more to do with…

S1E9 The Youth Sports Problem No One Wants to Talk About

Mar 19, 2026 46m

Youth sports should build confidence, resilience, and character. But too often, pressure, comparison, and adult expectations get in the way.In this episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with…

S1E8 Helping Neurodivergent Athletes Handle Pressure, Mistakes, and Competition

Mar 12, 2026 56m

On this episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with Emma Lapierre, an Accredited Social Worker specializing in athlete mental health, to explore the unique mental pressures athletes…

S1E7 The Athlete You’re Frustrated With Might Be Processing Differently

Mar 07, 2026 53m

On almost every team, there are young athletes who want to succeed. They look capable. They understand the game. They care. But something isn’t clicking.They’re inconsistent. They overreact. They…

S1E6 Parent First. Coach Second: Raising Competitive Kids Without Losing the Relationship

Feb 27, 2026 44m

Every parent says they just want what’s best for their kid.But in youth sports, that line gets blurry fast.When does support turn into pressure?When does coaching cross into control?And how do you…

S1E5 Building Grit: From the NFL to Developing the Next Generation with Vernon Kearney

Feb 24, 2026 42m

Talent gets you noticed. Character keeps you in the room.In this powerful episode of the Thinklete Podcast, Derek sits down with former NFL defensive back, Vernon Kearney, to talk about what truly…

S1E9 The Youth Sports Problem No One Wants to Talk About

Feb 19, 2026 46m

On this episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with John O’Sullivan, internationally recognized TEDx speaker, youth sports expert, and founder of the Changing the Game Project, an organization…

S1E4 We’re Blaming the Kid Instead of Fixing the Problem

Feb 13, 2026 46m

In this episode of the Thinklete Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child and Lost at School, to challenge everything we’ve been taught about discipline, behavior, and…

S1E3 More Than Medals: The Real Purpose of Jiu-Jitsu for Kids

Feb 11, 2026 48m

In this episode of the Thinklete Podcast, I sit down with Coach Werther Marciales, founder of Fellowship Jiu-Jitsu in Sarasota, Florida, for a deep, honest conversation about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,…

S1E2 Building Strength Beyond the Gym with Eric Chessen

Feb 06, 2026 1h 1m

In this powerful episode of Thinklete, Derek Shunk sits down with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, to explore how fitness can become a lifelong skill for neurodivergent athletes—not just a…

S1E1 The Starting Line — Rethinking The Athlete

Jan 31, 2026 10m

In this introductory episode, host Derek Shunk, a former professional baseball player, Division I baseball coach, and Villanova Hall of Fame inductee, shares the story behind Thinklete and the…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Thinklete Podcast have?

The Thinklete Podcast has published 14 episodes since January 2026, covering topics in Kids & Family, Parenting.

Is The Thinklete Podcast still active?

The Thinklete Podcast is currently active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 49m.

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