Think elite athletes are just born different? Not so fast. In this episode of Five with Fry, Dr. Jen Fry sits down with sports psychology consultant Dan Mickle to unpack the real difference between good and great athletes—and it’s not just about talent or hustle. It’s about mindset.

Dan shares five powerful shifts that can change the game for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. From reframing nerves as a sign that you care, to understanding that focus isn’t magic—it’s a trainable skill—this conversation will challenge a lot of what you think you know about performance.

You’ll learn why your self-talk is actually your most consistent coach, and how naming your inner critic can help you take back control. Dan also shares what journaling can reveal about performance patterns, how to practice mental recovery during drills, and why being brave (not fearless) is the real key to growth.

Whether you’re a parent trying to support a young athlete, a coach rethinking how you build focus, or an athlete ready to level up, this episode is packed with insights you can use right now. Because the most important training doesn’t happen in the gym. It happens between your ears.

Ready to train your mental game? Let’s go.

Find more from Dan at danmickle.com, on social @RealDanMickle, or check out his podcast at mentalcast.com.