Episode 50: Brad Ring (Former Major League Soccer player) 🎙 In this episode: I talk with Brad Ring--former MLS midfielder, Indiana University standout, and now a passionate voice for athlete mental health with OnRise. From youth soccer glory to the quiet battles behind the scenes, Brad shares what the highlight reels leave out. 🔹 The Kid Who Dreamed Big Brad’s dream of going pro started early--and shaped everything. That dream came with joy… and missed birthdays, weddings, and normal kid stuff. 🔹 From IU to the MLS Drafted 17th overall in 2009, Brad’s pro debut was delayed a full year due to injury—an early lesson in the mental toll of the game. 🔹 Always on to the Next Thing Even in peak moments, Brad says he never felt like he “made it.” The pro athlete mindset: keep pushing, never pause. But at what cost? 🔹 A Game of Sacrifice Brad opens up about the hyper-serious world of youth soccer—how quickly the fun can turn into pressure, and why the kid has to be the driver. 🔹 The Double Life While soccer was intense and demanding, Brad found joy and freedom in other sports. We talk about what’s lost in early specialization. 🔹 Stats That Should Alarm You 30% of college students struggle with mental health. For athletes, only 10% seek help. Brad explains why the stigma still runs deep. 🔹 The Myth of Mental Toughness Athletes are taught to move on, forget, compartmentalize. Brad challenges that narrative—and what it really means to be resilient. 🔹 Unionizing for Change Brad helped organize a players' union for second-division pros. Because advocating for mental health also means protecting basic rights. 🔹 Perspective on the Sidelines Now coaching his son’s youth team, Brad is focused on balance: “Big games will come… but not every Saturday needs to feel like the World Cup.” 🔹 From Pro Athlete to Purpose-Driven Brad’s work with OnRise is all about helping athletes manage the mental game—because peak performance starts with healthy minds. 🔥 Plus: A Hot Take on high school reunions—why some people can’t wait, and others pretend they never happened.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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