The REAL Job of a Pitcher | Al Leiter – 19-Year MLB Pitcher

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian Cain sits down with Cleveland Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi for a powerful conversation about the evolution of Slade’s mental game and how his success at the Major League level comes down to winning in the margins.This episode is a masterclass in process over outcome, focusing on the controllable aspects of elite performance and what it really looks like to train the mental game at the highest level of pitching.Brian and Slade dive deep into the daily habits, routines, and mental strategies that allow Slade to stay focused, prepared, and ready to execute when it matters most.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:• How the Corbin Burnes podcast played a pivotal role in Slade’s mental development• Why a pitcher’s job ultimately comes down to one word: EXECUTION• Slade’s 40+ item daily success checklist that keeps him locked into the process• How he uses mental imagery and shadow bullpens to prepare for competition• His in-game routines and why structure creates freedom on the mound• What it means to win in the margins through preparation, process, and discipline• Why the key to elite performance is keeping things simple—while accepting it won’t be easyThis 40-minute deep dive into the mental game is packed with practical insights that can transform the way you approach preparation, competition, and performance.If you apply what Slade shares about daily mental preparation and process discipline, this episode could change not only your career—but the way you approach life.Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and connect with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak ⚾ Take Brian’s FREE Baseball Masterclass🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200💻 Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, You Tube👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian sits down with Al Leiter — a 19-year Major League pitcher, MLB Network analyst, and father of current Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter — for a powerful conversation on the evolution of the mental game in baseball.Al shares what it was like embracing mental performance at a time when talking about the “mental game” in baseball was often considered taboo, and how that commitment helped shape his longevity and success in the big leagues.Brian and Al also explore how the landscape of mental performance in baseball has evolved — from Al’s playing days to now watching the next generation of players, including his son, navigate the demands of professional baseball.Inside this episode, Brian and Al discuss:Why Al first embraced the mental side of performance during his playing careerHow mental performance in baseball has evolved over the past three decadesWhat makes a truly effective mental performance coachThe real job of a Major League pitcher and how to simplify the game under pressureWhy focusing on execution and controllables is foundational to a strong mental gameHow elite pitchers prepare mentally before they ever step on the moundThe power of visualization and imagery as part of performance preparationThis episode is a masterclass in pitching, preparation, and the mindset required to succeed at the highest level of baseball.Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and connect with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak ⚾ Take Brian’s FREE Baseball Masterclass🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200💻 Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, You Tube👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian sits down with Mitch Spence, pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, to unpack one of the most intentional journeys to the big leagues you’ll hear.Undrafted out of high school.Division II college baseball.Working shifts bagging groceries at Target while grinding through the minor leagues.Mitch didn’t rely on hype. He relied on standards.This conversation goes far beyond talent. It’s about choosing to be a professional long before anyone calls you one. It’s about discipline when nobody’s watching. It’s about intention layered into daily routines, mindset work, and personal accountability.Inside this episode, Brian and Mitch break down:What to do when you feel overlooked or underestimatedWhy daily routines separate amateurs from prosThe MVP Process — Mission, Vision, Process — and setting personal standardsUsing mental imagery and visualization to stay preparedManaging your mindset when moving from starter to bullpenThe power of “breathe and release” to stay in control under pressureThis is a masterclass in resilience, intentional growth, discipline, and belief.If you’re an athlete chasing the next level — or someone building something bigger than your current circumstances — this episode will challenge you to raise your standards and stack days like a pro.Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and connect with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak ⚾ Take Brian’s FREE Baseball Masterclass🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200💻 Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, You Tube👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian sits down with 2024 MLB All-Star and World Series Champion Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers.Josh shares his journey from being undrafted out of high school to becoming a College All-American at Texas Tech, a 1st round draft pick, an MLB All-Star, and a World Series Champion — and the 15 years of intentional mental training that fueled that rise.This conversation goes far beyond talent. It’s about preparation, discipline, and building a championship mindset long before the spotlight arrives.In this episode, Brian and Josh unpack:Advice for athletes who feel overlooked or underestimatedThe importance of a daily routine and personal standardsUsing mental imagery and visualization to prepare for successThe power of journaling for clarity and growthWhy he uses concentration grids to sharpen focusKeeping a quiet mind under pressureTalking to yourself instead of listening to self-doubtThe 3 keys he uses to “keep it simple”How Stoicism and reading have strengthened his resilienceBuilding awareness around sleep, recovery, and readinessThis episode is a masterclass in mental resilience, work ethic, preparation, and performing at your best when it matters most.Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and connect with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak ⚾ Take Brian’s FREE Baseball Masterclass🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200💻 Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, You Tube👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian sits down with 2024 MLB All-Star Cole Ragans of the Kansas City Royals for a deep dive into his mindset behind all-star level performance.Cole shares his journey from being a 1st round draft pick, through two Tommy John surgeries, to earning an 2024 MLB All-Star selection — and the mental resilience required at every stage.In this conversation, Brian and Cole unpack:The adversity that shaped his identity as a competitorWhy he made the decision to invest in mental performance coachingHis disciplined daily routine and preparation habitsThe power of using a Success ChecklistCreating a Vision Board and Perspective PosterMind Movies, mental imagery, and visualizationBuilding awareness around sleep, recovery, and readinessThe job of a pitcher in one word: ExecutionShadow bullpens, in-game routines, and how he resets under pressureThis episode is a masterclass in commitment, preparation, and executing with intent when it matters most.Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a review, and connect with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak ⚾ Take Brian’s FREE Baseball Masterclass🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200💻 Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, You Tube👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast Brian is joined by Carson Kelly, catcher for The Chicago Cubs. In this episode, Brian and Carson talk about…Carson’s journey into the mental gameThe importance of keeping consistent routinesCarson’s pre-game routineCarson’s in game routinesCarson’s post game routinesManaging being a parent and professional athleteBuilding awareness around sleep and recoveryAdd much more…Be sure to subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast, leave us a review and engage with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak ⚾ Take Brian’s FREE Baseball Masterclass🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200💻 Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, You Tube👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course

In this Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian Cain is interviewed by former PGA Golfer Aaron Goldberg to discuss what it means to go from being talented to being a professional and the competitive edge you get from mental performance training.0:40 - Podcast Overview1:35 - How do pro players set up their personal operating system? 3:30 - How do we make our best our new baseline?4:50 - Brian Cain’s MVP Process System9:04 - The Danger of Athlete Identity 9:48 - How Do I Operate My Best Day?11:16 - How do AM & PM routines help set us up for success?12:17 - The Hour Glass Concept20:53 - The Importance of Physical Triggers in routines 21:13 - The post shot Reflection Phase 21:53 - The Process of Coming out a Shot 23:00 - Ideal Days and Ideal Weeks26:15 - Golfers Biggest Objections to Mental Performance27:12 - Time Blocking28:28 - Tracking and Measuring Accountability28:45 - The 4 Step player development formula29:55 - The Success Checklist 32:15 - Strokes Gained Attitude 32:48 - How do you measure the mental game?33:09 - More on The Success Checklist33:39 - Behavior Analytics 34:33 - Simple questions to ask yourself?35:50 - How Do We Keep Rising to another level?36:25 - What Success Means To you?39:15 - Greatest Gift: Mental Toughness For more from Brian Cain Peak Performance, visit BrianCain.comGolfers - take Brian's FREE Golf Masterclass at BrianCain.com/golf

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian is joined by NASCAR Driver Anthony Alfredo to discuss improving reaction time and cognitive performance.  Alfredo is one of the top NASCAR Drivers in The World and shares how he trains his mental game and cognitive performance with Pison the world's first cognitive performance tracker.In this Podcast Brian and Anthony discuss:How you can use mental agility to make the RIGHT decision more quicklyProcessing your performance accurately in a sport where you lose more than winDealing with factors impacting performance that are out of your control Using failure as feedback and an opportunity to learn and get betterActivating your readiness and being at your best when it means the mostUsing Pison data to get you ready for elite performanceBe sure to subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast, leave us a review and engage with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak 🎥 Click here to watch to Brian & Anthony first podcast on Riding The Ragged Edge of Control🎙️ Click here to listen to Brian & Anthony first podcast on Riding The Ragged Edge of Control👉Connect with Anthony Alfredo on Instagram ⌚Lean More About Pison, The World’s First Cognitive Performance App and Wearable🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian is joined by two of the top high school athletic directors in the nation and sought-after mental performance coaches, Tom Mietus, MPM, and Kevin Guzzo, MPM.In this podcast, Brian, Tom, and Kevin talk about:Where to start as a HS Coach or AD when implementing an MPM ProgramWhat are the fundamental non-negotiable skills of MPM at the HS LevelHow to create one cohesive culture vs. silos in your athletic departmentHow to use MPM as a an AD to give yourself the best chance for success and longevityAnd More…Brian Cain, MPM, the World’s leader in Mental Performance Coaching, brings you practical tips, techniques, stories, strategies, meditations, and motivations every day that you can use to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be with The Mental Performance Daily Podcast.  Be sure to subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast, leave us a review, and engage with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak ⌚ Learn More About Pison, The World’s First Cognitive Performance App and Wearable💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200💻 Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course

In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast Reflect & Refocus, brought to you by Kala, Brian discusses what it means to be Process Driven and how you can work the process to give yourself the best chance for success as coach, executive or high performer.Brian Cain, MPM, the World’s leader in Mental Performance Coaching brings you practical tips you can use as a mental performance coach to help your athletes close the gap from where they are to where they want to be and to maximize their potential.Be sure to subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast, leave us a review and engage with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak 🔴Lean More About Kala Red Light and Save 15%🎤 Follow Brian’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast💻 Join Brian’s MPM Coaches Certification Insiders List & Save $200👍 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Coaches Mini-Course💪 Take Brian’s FREE 3 Day Athletes Mini-Course