The Athlete Lab Podcast is your deep dive into what it really takes to develop as an athlete—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you’re chasing your next PR, supporting a young athlete, or coaching the next generation, this podcast brings you conversations with experts, coaches, and athletes who live at the intersection of science, sport, and growth.
From training tips and injury prevention to mindset, nutrition, and college prep—we cover the full spectrum of development inside and outside the arena.
Welcome to the lab—where athletes are made.
Season 2 / Episode 4: Mental Performance Coach Andie Anastos
Two sports. Division I competition. Coaching. Counseling. And one big question: how do athletes train the mental side of performance?
Andie Anastos joins host Phil Osaer on The Athlete Lab Podcast to share her journey from competing in hockey and basketball at Boston College to coaching and creating Mindset Playbook.
In this episode:
• Channeling emotions and responding when things don’t go as planned
• Her path from hockey to basketball and eventually coaching
• What mental toughness really looks like
• Why identifying your “why” matters
• Confidence, focus, identity, and the mental skills athletes can actually practice
• Books, parent questions and helping young athletes grow beyond the game
Andie’s message is simple: mindset isn’t something athletes either have or don’t have. It’s something they can train.
Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Follow: @theathletelabpodcast | @mindsetplaybook_
Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com
12 Oct 2026
Season 2 / Episode 3: New York Times Bestselling Author & High School Hockey Coach John U. Bacon
Zero goals as a player. Zero wins for the team. Oneremarkable turnaround.
New York Times bestselling author John U. Bacon joins host Phil Osaer on The Athlete Lab Podcast to share how he helped transform one of America's worst high school hockey teams into one of its best and the leadership lessons that changed everything.
In this episode:
His unlikely journey from player to coach
The incredible turnaround at Ann Arbor Huron
Coaching wisdom, memorable stories and lessons learned
Why great leaders "water all the plants"
The philosophy behind his book Let Them Lead
From an 0-22-3 season to a winning culture, Bacon provesthat great leadership isn't just about building better players. It's about building better people.
Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | SpotifyFollow: @theathletelabpodcast | @johnubacon564Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com
5 Oct 2026
Season 2 / Episode 2: Connor Rutz & Alex Dalou from Detroit City FC
Metro Detroit roots. A hometown club. Two different paths to the pro game.
Detroit City FC’s Alex Dalou and Connor Rutz join The Athlete Lab Podcast to talk about the journeys that brought them to DCFC, the culture inside the club and what fuels their love of the game.
In this episode:
• Their paths from Metro Detroit to the professional level
• What makes DCFC’s culture stand out
• Their scouting reports on each other
• The passion and impact of DCFC supporters
It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the players, personalities and pride that come with representing Detroit.
Catch DCFC at Keyworth Stadium. Tickets and info: detcityfc.com
Watch & listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | SpotifyFollow on Instagram: @theathletelabpodcast | @detroitcityfootballclub @connorrutz @a_dalou21Learn more: athletelabpodcast.com
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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