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
"Breathe Thru Chaos": JD DuBois on Trauma, Mental Toughness, and Thriving Under Pressure
In this powerful episode of Mental Training Room, we sit down with JD DuBois — former collegiate basketball player, current NBA coach, and sport psychology professional — for a raw and insightful conversation about how trauma shapes athletes and the way they show up in their sport and life. Drawing from his personal experiences and years inside high-pressure NBA environments, JD shares how unhealed trauma can impact performance, relationships, and mental health, and why addressing the mind behind the game is essential for long-term success.
We also dive into JD’s new book, Breathe Thru Chaos, a guide for athletes and high performers to stay grounded, present, and mentally tough when everything feels overwhelming. Whether you're a player, coach, or someone navigating pressure-packed situations, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how to build resilience, manage stress, and find clarity through the storm.
Key Topics:
- How trauma impacts athletic identity and performance
- Mental performance tools for high-stress environments
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the NBA
- The connection between emotional regulation and peak performance
- JD's personal journey of healing and growth
- Highlights from Breathe Thru Chaos and how it can support athletes today
Follow us on Instagram @mtr.pod
For Mental Performance Coaching visit haleyherdman.com