Mental Training Room
Mental Training Room is a podcast hosted by former Division I athletes, Haley Herdman and Naomi Yim. Haley is a current Mental Health Therapist who works with athletes on their mental game and Naomi is a real estate investor with a passion for spreading awareness around mental health in sports. Designed as a community and safe space for athletes, our goal is to foster honest conversations about the mental health challenges that athletes face within their sport while also advocating for more mental skills coaching imbedded into overall training programs, in hopes to close the gap from mental unprepared to MENTALLY ELITE!
Through insightful discussions with a diverse range of guests—including mental health professionals, current and former athletes, coaches, and much more—we aim to provide comfort, relatability, and practical takeaways for our listeners. In our episodes, we talk mindset, performance pressure, recovery, identity, and other authentic stories. While this podcast is not a substitute for professional help, we hope each episode reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey.
If you are in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Mental Training Room
Setting SMART Goals with Dr. Kasey Philyaw
In this episode, we sit down with sport psychology expert Dr. Kasey Philyaw to break down the power of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Whether you're an athlete striving for that next level, a coach helping your players stay focused, or just someone working toward personal growth, this episode gives you the tools to set goals that actually stick.
Dr. Philyaw shares how SMART goals create clarity, motivation, and momentum, and she explains the science behind why vague goals often fall flat. We also walk through real-life examples of how to set and adjust SMART goals throughout a season or recovery journey.
Expect tangible takeaways, mindset shifts, and a deeper understanding of how structured goal-setting fuels performance, confidence, and mental resilience.
Key Topics Covered:
- Breaking down the SMART goal framework
- The psychology behind effective goal-setting
- Common mistakes athletes make with goals
- How to use SMART goals to boost confidence and focus
- Tools to track progress and stay adaptable
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their mental game with intention and structure.
Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod
For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com