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The Thinklete Podcast

Derek Shunk
Youth Sports
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Neurodivergent Athletes
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Collaborative and Proactive Solutions
Changing the Game Project
Mental Health In Sports
Special Olympics
Derek Shunk
Problem Solving
Inclusion
Executive Functioning
Autism Fitness
Discipline
Athlete Development
Coaching
IMG Academy
Nutrition
Strength Training

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 t... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes16Founded6 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingKids & Family

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Artwork for The Thinklete Podcast

Latest Episodes

After losing their son Anthony at just 18 years old, Tony and Cassi made a promise that no family should have to navigate the challenges of ADHD alone. That promise became Anthony's Road to Kindness—a nonprofit dedicated to helping families find hope... more

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Why do so many ADHD athletes get labeled as "too emotional," "not paying attention," or "badly behaved" when the reality is something completely different?

In this episode of The Thinklete Podcast, Derek and Aleka are joined by Thinklete mentor Jani... more

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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 personalized nutrition strategies. She is the creator and di... more

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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 helping kids and families navigate ADHD and executive... more

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Recent Guests

Janie Kokakis
Mentor on The Thinklete team, former Division I track athlete, speech language pathologist specializing in executive functioning
Thinklete
Episode: Breaking The ADHD Stigma in Sports
Amy Pizarca
Registered dietitian and nutritionist
Prevymedica Nutrition Services
Episode: What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally
Michael McLeod
Founder of GrowNOW ADHD, author of the Executive Function Playbook, ADHD Parenting Podcast co-host
GrowNOW ADHD
Episode: Why ADHD Athletes Struggle With Emotions (And How to Fix It)
Amanda Harrinauth
Athlete leader from Special Olympics Northern California
Special Olympics Northern California
Episode: From Participation to Leadership: Inside the Special Olympics Movement
Declan Fawcett
Athlete leader from Special Olympics Alberta, Canada
Special Olympics Alberta
Episode: From Participation to Leadership: Inside the Special Olympics Movement
Alyssa Cress
Manager of Inclusive Leadership Development for Special Olympics North America
Special Olympics North America
Episode: From Participation to Leadership: Inside the Special Olympics Movement
Jennifer Frazier
Author of The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit Brain
Author/Researcher
Episode: The Bullied Brain: What Coaches Are Doing That Harms Kids
Cat Lutz
Head of Mental Performance at IMG Academy (as discussed)
IMG Academy
Episode: Inside IMG: How Elite Athletes Are Actually Built
John O'Sullivan
Author, speaker, founder of Changing the Game Project
Changing the Game Project
Episode: The Youth Sports Problem No One Wants to Talk About

Host

Derek Shunk
Host focused on athlete mindset, performance, and neurodivergent thinking in sports.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Breaking The ADHD Stigma in Sports
Q: What's the biggest myth about ADHD athletes that you want to squash today?
The belief that ADHD athletes don't care or aren't invested is a myth; they often care the most and simply need the right structure, feedback, and opportunities to channel that energy into productive behaviors on and off the field.
Why ADHD Athletes Struggle With Emotions (And How to Fix It)
Q: What is the most important thing for ADHD parents to understand when managing transitions and game-day routines?
Verbal prompting should be minimized; use a single, clear cue and then let the athlete experience the moment with a brain break if needed, emphasizing readiness and self-regulation rather than constant reminders.
Parent First. Coach Second: Raising Competitive Kids Without Losing the Relationship
Q: Off the bat, what are some key takeaways a parent can get from this conversation?
Prioritize fair, fun, and caring environments; use structured conversations with athletes at the start and end of practices; reflect on how you coach your own kid versus other kids; and lead with love, clear communication, and questions to foster ownership and growth.
Building Grit: From the NFL to Developing the Next Generation with Vernon Kearney
Q: How do you tailor coaching for neurodivergent athletes or kids who struggle with emotions under pressure?
I emphasize patient, multi-modal coaching—asking questions, using visuals, and incorporating their interests (like chess or favorite cartoons) to teach technique. We also perform 'mental sessions' to connect school, home life, and training, so the athlete feels seen and understood while still being pushed to improve.
Building Grit: From the NFL to Developing the Next Generation with Vernon Kearney
Q: Could you walk us through what a typical 45-minute workout looks like and how you balance physical and mental training?
We start with a 15-minute warm-up, then dynamic mobility, groundwork, running mechanics, and agility drills, followed by position-specific work and finishing with grit-focused conditioning. Throughout, we weave in mental cues, goal setting, and discussions that connect effort with real-life challenges, so the kid learns to apply the discipline and teamwork beyond the field.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Thinklete Podcast

What is The Thinklete Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on athlete mindset, performance, and the advantages of neurodivergent thinking in sports. Episodes commonly explore practical strategies for managing pressure, boosting confidence, and supporting neurodivergent athletes, with a strong emphasis on parenting and coaching approaches. Guests range from nutritionists and therapists to athletic coaches, Special Olympics leaders, and researchers, all contributing actionable frameworks for development, resilience, and inclusive environments. A notable thread is the integration of mental performance, behavior science, and real-world coaching to drive lasting improvements for young athletes and their families. The format often blends personal stories, coach-parent dynamics, and evide... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Thinklete Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Thinklete Podcast:

1. The ADHD Parenting Podcast
2. SmartLess
3. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
4. Brains On! Science podcast for kids
5. Up First from NPR

How many episodes of The Thinklete Podcast are there?

The Thinklete Podcast launched 6 months ago and published 16 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Thinklete Podcast?

Recent guests on The Thinklete Podcast include:

1. Janie Kokakis
2. Amy Pizarca
3. Michael McLeod
4. Amanda Harrinauth
5. Declan Fawcett
6. Alyssa Cress
7. Jennifer Frazier
8. Cat Lutz

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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