Welcome to the Athlete Mindset podcast, hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC. In this raw and heartfelt episode, Lisa sits down with Marcus Smith II, a former NFL first-round draft pick turned mental health advocate, life coach, and Global Ambassador for All Points North (APN). Marcus shares his journey from anxiety attacks at age eight to a near-fatal moment during his NFL career, revealing how therapy and APN transformed his life. Together, they explore the stigma black men face in addressing mental health, the power of vulnerability, and Marcus’s work with Circle of M to support athletes and youth. Lisa opens up about her own postpartum panic attacks, creating a powerful exchange of lived experiences.

Key Takeaways from "Unmasking Mental Health with Marcus Smith"

• Mental health’s hidden face: It doesn’t have a look, and success can mask deep struggles.
• Cultural barriers: Black men often inherit silence around emotions, fearing judgment or weakness.
• Marcus’s story: From NFL highs to a suicide attempt, healed through therapy and APN’s 30-day program.
• Support matters: A team of listeners and professionals can redefine identity beyond sport.
• Youth focus: Circle of M empowers kids with mental health tools, starting with the feelings wheel.
• Physical weight of pain: Anxiety and depression feel like a vest, lifted through sharing and healing.

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.
Produced by KazCM and featured on the QuietLoud Studios podcast network.

Support the Athlete Mindset Community: Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community.

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

• Marcus Smith II: LinkedIn | The Circle of M podcast | website
• Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC: LinkedIn | Instagram | website
• SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X

Related episodes to “Unmasking Mental Health with Marcus Smith”:

• Doug Middleton | From NFL to Mental Health Advocacy and Dream Yoga + Wellness
• Marques Ogden | Former NFL Player, Servant Leader, Inspirational Speaker
• Dominique Easley | NFL Veteran Championing Student-Athletes in Underserved Communities

Music: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot