Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast
Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast with hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer, is a space for athletes, parents, and coaches to see the depths of hockey and the mental hurdles that come with it.
Jeff Lerg has extensive experience as a former player and current coach that propels his knowledge and life advice. Jeff has reached the ultimate pinnacle of what it means to be a successful D1 Collegiate Athlete. Playing at Michigan State University, he has won countless awards and accolades displaying his success. Also, a former professional goalie for 10+ years across the U.S. and Europe, he has had first-hand experience reaching his own goals and helping others achieve theirs.
Chris Palmer, M.A. in Psychology, is a Hockey Mental Performance Coach who trains individuals, coaches, and teams from house leagues to Pro and Amateur in the US, Europe and Canada. He trains “heart, head, and guts,” with a proven process that helps clients maximize mental toughness and motivation to develop a grinding and intense compete level. As a former NCAA runner, x2 All-American, and Nike-sponsored athlete, Chris brings a great deal of knowledge in athletics and the mental performance space to positively impact the lives of athletes all over the world.
Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast
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Welcome to episode 59 of the Dialed and Driven Hockey Mentality Podcast — brought to you by Vaughn Custom Sports!
In this episode, host Jeff Lerg is joined by our producer, Natalie Ferenc while Chris Palmer is away speaking to U.S. Army Special Operations Forces.
From Olympic gold medal moments to powerful lessons on practice habits, specialization, and joy in sport, this episode dives deep into what truly separates athletes who rise from those who stall.
Episode Highlights:
- Why practice habits are the ultimate separator between college athletes and pros
- The mindset shift from amateur hockey to pro hockey — when the game becomes a job
- The truth about chasing pro hockey: motivation sparks you, but discipline sustains you
- A historic Olympic sweep by USA Hockey — and what it reveals about preparation meeting opportunity
- Michigan-native gold medalists like Megan Keller and Connor Hellebuyck rising on the world stage
- What Norway’s long-term athlete development model teaches us about delaying specialization and building joy first
- The difference between being told what to do vs. choosing your pursuit — highlighted by the comeback story of Alysa Liu
- Why relaxed athletes often outperform tense ones under Olympic pressure
- How internal drive — not entitlement — earns you your spot back when adversity hits
- Why longevity, ownership, and fun may be the hidden keys to elite performance
AND SO MUCH MORE!
From stories of Olympic redemption to behind-the-scenes insights on what it really takes to earn and keep your opportunity, Episode 59 reinforces a core Dialed and Driven truth:
You don’t rise to the moment. You rise to your habits.
📲 Connect With Us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedanddriven/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast
🎙️ Listen On
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast