
241.5K
Downloads
177
Episodes
Welcome to The Mental Toughness Podcast, where high performers learn to build resilience, master their mindset, and dominate under pressure.
Hosted by Dr. Rob Bell—sports psychology coach, keynote speaker, 8x author, ultrarunner, and coach to PGA Tour winners, Olympians, and Fortune 500 leaders.
🎙️ Each episode features raw stories and insights from elite athletes, Navy SEALs, coaches, no-quit parents, and leaders who refused to fold under pressure.
💡 Learn how to turn adversity into a hinge moment, manage failure, and grow stronger from setbacks.
🔑 You’ll Discover:
📍The importance of hinge moments
📍Proven mental game strategies for sport, business, and life
📍Stories of grit, struggle, comeback, and growth
📍Habits and frameworks of world-class winners
📍The role of focus, fear, and pressure in performance
📍 No one gets there alone. Let’s build a tougher mindset.
🎧 New episodes every other week
🔗 Full show notes and coaching at DrRobBell.com/mental-toughness-podcast
#MentalToughness #TheHinge #Resilience #SportPsychology #DrRobBell
Episodes

Friday Nov 07, 2025
Ep. 179 - Cameron Balser - Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Future
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Cameron Balser is an endurance athlete who accomplished the extraordinary feat of running the entire perimeter of the United States. Cameron shares his incredible journey of perseverance, mindset, and purpose—revealing what it takes to push beyond limits and live life with a greater purpose.
04:07 How Pain Turned Into Passion for Running
07:49 The Hinge Moment That Redefined His Life
12:56 Mental Toughness: What It Really Takes to Keep Going
18:44 When Everything Falls Apart, Here’s How to Push Forward
21:22 Trust Your Gut: The Power of Following Intuition
27:00 Forgiveness and Freedom: Letting Go Without Losing Yourself
30:00 Embracing Pain: How Mental Toughness Comes From Struggle
30:53 Finding Solutions: Turning Obstacles Into Life Lessons
36:53 Transformation Through Intuition and Divine Guidance
38:33 Inspiration Through Others: The Mirror Effect in Life
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Oct 24, 2025
Ep. 178 - Nicholas Davenport - Blue Ocean Summit
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Nicholas Davenport—known as “Mr. Mental Muscle” is the founder of Mind Body 1, Nicholas combines neuroscience and sport science to help athletes, military personnel, and professionals strengthen their mental and physical resilience. His innovative methods train focus, decision-making, and emotional control under pressure, proving that peak performance starts in the mind. He is also the creator and organizer of the Blue Ocean Summit.
Use Code: DrBell for 15% OFF REGISTRATION
https://theblueoceanconnect.com/
7:18 Doing What You Love Despite Obstacles
14:53 Work Ethic as a Competitive Advantage
18:16 Hinge Moment at the Orlando Conference
20:03 Scaling Mind by One: Lessons in Growth
22:53 Challenging Industry Norms
25:56 Blue Ocean Summit Vision
28:03 Using AI in Performance Coaching
35:47 From Rejection to Growth: A Mental Toughness Lesson
58:31 Reflecting on the Journey with Dr. Bell
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Oct 10, 2025
Ep. 177 - Bryan Neale - More Than a Game
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Bryan Neale is an NFL referee, owner of Blind Zebra, business coach, and speaker who helps leaders and teams unlock their full potential. He brings lessons from the field and the boardroom to inspire performance, resilience, and growth.
05:12 Future of Officiating & Technology
15:22 Life Beyond Calls
18:47 Post-Game Mental Toughness Reflection & Cataloging
31:12 Perspective Shift: Managing Roles vs Personal Feelings
36:18 Correcting Mistakes, Immediate Accountability
40:50 From Radio to Global Reach
42:30 Start & Never Stop
45:30 Mental Toughness Principle
47:00 Acceptance in Practice
54:30 Practicing Acceptance Through Challenges
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Sep 26, 2025
Ep. 176 - Dr. Rob Bell - Prairie On Fire Backyard Ultra
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Dr. Rob Bell is a sport psychology coach, speaker, 8x author, and podcast host. He helps high performers PUKE & RALLY® so they can perform their best when it matters the most. In this episode, Dr. Rob discusses the ups and downs of his most recent race, Prairie On Fire Backyard Ultra.
05:12 The Start Line Mindset Shift
08:47 Dr. Bell on Defining Success Beyond Winning
11:43 The Lowest Point of the Race: A True Hinge Moment
13:23 Solitude in the Final Stretch of Mental Toughness
16:54 Hydration Wins: Avoiding the Puke Problem
17:21 The Real Puke and Rally Moment
18:49 Staying Focused When Goals Change
54:02 Thinking About Doing It Again
55:06 A Debrief of Gratitude with the Team
57:20 Short-Term Goals as a Mental Strategy
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Sep 12, 2025
Ep. 175 - Jim Boylen - The Hinge That Opens Doors
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Jim Boylen is a veteran NBA coach with over 30 years of experience. He's a three-time NBA champion as an assistant coach, former head coach of the Chicago Bulls, and the University of Utah. He is currently an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers.
01:19 Golf Game Check
02:05 Early Hinge Moment
07:46 Graduate Assistant Memories
12:43 Decision to Join NBA
13:16 Video Expertise and Mental Toughness
26:46 Drexler Trade
30:58 Learning Mental Toughness from Coach Mus
34:41 Leadership and Coaching Philosophy
41:03 Faith in Life’s Toughest Challenges
41:21 Mental Toughness: Leading USA Basketball Through Pressure
49:19 Dr. Bell on Lifelong Mentorship and Relationships
50:44 Hinge Moment: Pacers’ Teamwork and Character Philosophy
52:34 Mental Toughness: Drew Nemhard’s Grit and Leadership
57:43 Faith, Tithing, and Life Lessons
59:44 Hinge Moment: Family and Priorities in Coaching Life
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Aug 29, 2025
Ep. 174 - Dana Duckworth - From The Arena To The Boardroom
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Dana Duckworth is a dynamic leader who has made an impact both in athletics and in business. She is best known as the former head coach of the University of Alabama gymnastics team, where she carried on the Crimson Tide's championship tradition. After an accomplished coaching career, Dana transitioned into the corporate world, where she now serves as Sr. Director of National Sales at AFFLINK, bringing the same energy, leadership, and competitive spirit that defined her coaching.
02:01 Falling on Her Face at Nationals
07:20 NCAA vs. USA Gymnastics
12:30 Building Unity as a Head Coach
18:17 Empowering Leaders
23:00 Importance of Team Support
28:22 Lessons from Arena to Boardroom
34:10 Redefining Motivation
41:05 A True Hinge Moment
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Aug 15, 2025
Ep. 173 - Mia Hammond - The Struggle Makes You A Better Person
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
At just 16 years old, Mia Hammond has already made waves in the golfing world with a mature game far beyond her years. A decorated junior golfer and U.S. Women’s Open qualifier, Mia’s passion, precision, and relentless work ethic have her on a fast track to the top. In this episode, she shares what drives her, how she stays mentally tough under pressure, and the lessons she’s learned balancing competition, school, and life.
02:39 The Sixth-Place Finish That Sparked a Competitive Fire
04:09 Augusta National – A Hinge Moment Under Pressure
06:36 How Winning Changed Media Exposure and Confidence
11:19 Learning the Most from Better Players – A Mental Toughness Lesson
16:13 Hinge Moment: Breaking Down the Week of Her First Professional Win
19:38 Tears of Joy – The Emotional Win
20:55 Overcoming Slumps and Moving Forward
25:15 Protecting Reputation After Disqualification
31:18 Mountaintop Moments and Mental Refocus with Dr. Bell
37:49 Balancing Short-Term Focus with Long-Term Aspirations
39:23 Advice for Young Golfers Facing Burnout
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Aug 01, 2025
Ep. 172 - TJ Dailey - Platform For People To Succeed
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
TJ Dailey is the Race Director for Prairie On Fire, one of the Midwest's most exciting endurance events that blends competition and community. With a passion for pushing limits and creating unforgettable race experiences, TJ has grown Prairie On Fire into a can't-miss event for ultra runners. He is known for his attention to detail, athlete-first mindset, and ability to rally people around a bold vision. TJ's leadership is shaping what it means to race with purpose.
5:50 Mental Toughness Through Weight Struggles
8:43 Lessons From Running a 100-Miler
12:36 Ragnar Hinge Moment
19:38 Backyard Ultra Beginnings
29:45 Running Beside Family
40:22 Ultramarathon Strategies
44:00 Mental Toughness and Backyard Ultra Mindset
52:20 Hinge Moment: From Class Clown to Community Builder
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Jul 18, 2025
Ep. 171 - Mark Carens - Winning The US Open
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Mark Carens is a veteran PGA Tour caddie who’s been inside the ropes for some of the sport’s biggest moments, guiding top players through major championships and weekly tour battles most recently winning the US Open with JJ Spaun at Oakmont. He has caddied for Si Woo Kim, Bubba Watson, and others.
2:15 Hinge Moment – How Mark Carens Found His True Calling as a Caddie
4:46 A Hilarious Hinge Moment with Bunker Drama and NY Cheers
8:48 Mental Toughness – Mark Breaks Down the Brutal U.S. Open Setup
12:20 Lessons from the Rory Playoff at the Players Championship
14:29 How a Bogey-Free Round Set the Tone for the U.S. Open
22:02 Mental Toughness in Action – A 44-Foot Putt That Sparked the Comeback
24:07 Mark's Role Before JJ’s Clutch Shot on 17
26:09 Hinge Moment on 18 – JJ’s Final Tee Shot Under Pressure
27:03 The 64-Foot Putt That Sealed the U.S. Open Victory
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. Rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell

Friday Jun 27, 2025
Ep. 170 - Travis Smith - Silence Does The Heavy Lifting
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Travis Smith is a seasoned leader and innovative thinker in the world of packaging and logistics. As the Vice President of Coaching at Ernest Packaging Solutions, Travis brings more than two decades of experience driving transformative strategies that challenge industry norms. Known for his energetic leadership and relentless commitment to customer success, he plays a vital role in shaping Ernest’s bold, people-first approach to business.
00:03:17 Exploring Travis’s Defining Moment at BYU
00:07:05 Building Momentum Through Door-to-Door Challenges
00:11:17 Hinge Moment: Turning Conversations into Genuine Connection
00:14:46 Discovering Passion for Sales and Leadership
00:18:17 Speaking Your Identity Out Loud
00:32:53 The Power of Silence and Reflection in Growth
00:39:45 How One Conversation Can Transform a Life
00:49:41 Embracing Love Without Limits: Expanding the Meaning of Family
00:55:54 Creating a Coaching Culture and Leadership Growth
01:02:39 The Gift of the Goose: Supporting Each Other in Leadership
01:04:29 Creativity in Coaching: A Personal Story Through Piano
01:09:14 Embracing Vulnerability: Learning from What You’ve Been Wrong About
Don't forget you can also follow Dr. rob Bell on Twitter or Instagram!
Follow At:
- X @drrobbell
- Instagram @drrobbell
Download Your Daily Focus Map!
If you enjoyed this episode on Mental Toughness, please subscribe and leave a review!
Dr. Rob Bell
