Episodes

Welcome to the Athlete Wellness. This is the Life After Sport Series podcast, hosted by Sarah Meister, a former Mizzou volleyball player turned therapist from Millennium Counseling Center, alongside Lilly Wehman, an ex-Georgetown University basketball athlete and fellow clinician. In this episode, Sarah and Lilly dive into their personal journeys of rediscovering exercise after their competitive careers ended. They explore the shift from rigid, team-driven workout schedules to finding a personal...

Welcome to the Millennium Counseling Center Podcast, hosted by therapist Lilly Wehman and intern Amelia Abernathy. In this episode of the Dating in Your 20s series, Lilly and Amelia dive into attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and how they shape dating in your twenties. From overanalyzing texts to ghosting fears, they share personal insights, client experiences, and practical ways to move toward secure attachment with compassionate curiosity. Key Discussion Points in ...

In this fun and nostalgic episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Lyda Robinson and Sasa (Alessandra DiPace) dive into the athletes who inspired them most growing up. Sharing stories from their childhood, they reflect on the power of sports idols in shaping their athletic journeys, mentalities, and even their identities beyond the game. From Lyda’s admiration for Jenny Finch and Rachel Garcia in the softball world to Sasa’s passion for soccer stars like Francesco Totti and the US Women’s...

In this solo episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, Lyda Robinson reflects on her journey of identity, loss, and personal growth since stepping away from competitive softball. Lyda shares how watching herself play again brought back powerful memories, both good and challenging, and how it reminded her of the rush and purpose that sports once gave her. She talks about the difficulty of moving on from something that shaped her identity for so long, and the struggle to find new sources of motivat...

In this episode of the Life After Sport series on the Athlete Wellness Podcast, Sarah Meister and Natalie Miller explore the journey of finding purpose and redefining identity once the athletic chapter comes to an end. Both former athletes-turned-therapists share their personal stories of navigating career shifts, discovering new passions, and embracing the uncertainties that come with life beyond sports. Sarah and Natalie candidly share their experiences of uncertainty, fear, and self-doubt wh...

In this special episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, host Lyda Robinson sits down with fellow Millennium intern Natalie Miller to discuss her unique path from a successful career in photography to pursuing her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Natalie shares how her background as a collegiate volleyball player and her creative experience in art therapy have shaped her approach to mental health. They explore the transformative power of art, the importance of body awarenes...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Alessandra DiPace and Thomas Kalapurakal continue the Life After Sport series with an in-depth discussion on the emotional and psychological challenges athletes face when stepping away from their sport. They explore the profound sense of identity loss, the struggle to find purpose beyond competition, and the importance of rebuilding one’s sense of self. Through personal experiences and client stories, Alessandra and Thomas shed light on how...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, our Athlete Wellness Director, Sarah Meister, talks with intern Laney Malloy about the importance of finding community after sport. As former athletes themselves, they share personal stories about navigating the social shifts that come with stepping away from competitive athletics. Sarah and Laney explore the challenges of building new friendships, discovering new hobbies, and reconnecting with parts of their identity that were overshadowed durin...

This episode is part of the Dating in Your 20s series, where Amelia and Lilly dive into the complexities of the “talking stage” – that ambiguous period of getting to know someone before officially dating. They explore the emotional highs and lows of modern communication, from text anxiety to navigating expectations in a digital age. Through candid discussions and relatable experiences, Amelia and Lilly provide insights on how to embrace uncertainty while staying true to yourself. Key Discussion...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, host Alessandra DiPace welcomes registered dietitian and former elite athlete Katie Spada Hilliard to discuss the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and athletic identity. Katie, a former synchronized swimmer at The Ohio State University and a U.S. National Team member, shares her journey through elite athletics, the pressures of body image in aesthetic sports, and how her personal experiences shaped her career in sports nutrit...

In this first episode of the Life After Sport series on the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Amelia and Lilly discuss the transition from competitive athletics to everyday life. They explore the emotional and mental challenges of leaving sports behind and redefining one’s identity. Through their personal experiences, Amelia and Lilly reflect on the highs and lows of post-sport life, the pressures of finding a new purpose, and the importance of having a strong support system. They discuss the unc...

Dating in your twenties can be a thrilling yet confusing time, and this episode of the Dating in Your 20s series delves into the realities of modern relationships. Amelia and Lilly discuss the emotional challenges and societal pressures that come with dating in your 20s. From the fear of being labeled “clingy” or “too independent” to the struggle of staying authentic, they offer compassionate insights and practical advice for navigating the dating world with confidence. Key Discussion Points fr...

Welcome back to our Dating in Your 20s series! In this episode, Amelia and Lilly dive into an important and often overlooked topic—how dating impacts mental health. Navigating modern dating is already overwhelming with apps, social media, and conflicting advice, but how do we take care of our minds and well-being in the process? Key Discussion Points in “Dating in Your 20s – Prioritizing Mental Health While Dating” —The unique challenges of dating in your 20s—self-discovery, career pressures, ...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, hosts Lyda Robinson and Dr. Derick Boyd continue the Life After Sport series with a discussion on finding identity and purpose. They explore the challenges and emotions athletes face when stepping away from their sport. As former athletes turned therapists, they share their personal experiences navigating post-sport identity shifts, the struggles of finding direction, and the importance of mentorship and mental health in this transition. From pro...

New Year’s resolutions often come with high expectations, but how do we actually sustain meaningful change? In this episode, Oren and Derek dive into the psychology of resolutions, goal-setting, and the importance of consistency over perfection. They explore why many people abandon their resolutions by late January and how shifting the focus from outcome-driven goals to daily progress can lead to lasting change. Key Discussion Points from Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions – Progress Over Perfec...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Amelia and Lilly kick off a new series: Dating in Your 20s. They discuss online dating and the modern dating landscape, focusing on dating apps, social media’s influence, and navigating relationships while establishing personal identity. Whether you’re actively dating or taking time for self-discovery, this episode offers perspectives on managing expectations and finding what works for you in today’s dating world. Topics Covered in “Dating i...

In this conversation, Lilly sits down with Olga Gvozdenovic, a former standout athlete and passionate advocate for youth sports and mental health. Olga played a pivotal role in leading Loyola Academy to state championships and continued her basketball and tennis careers at Duke University, where she contributed to multiple conference titles and NCAA tournament runs. This conversation explored the journey of a former athlete turned business owner and advocate for mental health in youth sports. T...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness series from Millennium Counseling Center, clinical intern Alessandra DiPace sits down with Paralympic gold medalist Noelle Malkamaki to discuss the intersection of mental health and athletics, particularly focusing on identity and performance in both able-bodied and Paralympic sports. They discuss: Noelle’s journey from youth sports to becoming a Paralympic champion Managing performance anxiety and the importance of mental health support Navigating dua...

In this episode, Derek appears as a guest on the show Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable (RAV), hosted by Jacob Newton. Derek shares his personal and professional insights on the many paths to recovery and mental wellness. With 20 years of sobriety, Derek describes recovery not as a straight line but as a gradual journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning. He emphasizes there’s no single “right way” to achieve sobriety — what works for one person may not work for another. As he puts it, recovery ...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness series from Millennium Counseling Center, Lilly and Lyda talk about the complex world of college sports recruitment. Sharing their personal experiences, they offer insights into the highs and lows of the process, tips for prospective college athletes, and the importance of balancing mental health alongside athletic pursuits. This episode is packed with practical advice for student-athletes, parents, and anyone involved in the college recruitment journey. ...

In this inspiring episode, Derick sits down with Jonathon Dues, co-founder of Swish House, to discuss his journey in creating a unique basketball-based fitness experience. Balancing a demanding career, family life, and his love for the game, Jonathon searched for a way to stay connected to basketball—a sport that brought him joy and fitness. Noticing a gap in the fitness industry for high-quality, convenient, and fun basketball workouts, Jonathon envisioned Swish House as a space for individuals...

In this Athlete Wellness episode of the Millennium Counseling Center podcast, Derek and Lyda discuss practical strategies for staying mentally and physically healthy in winter. They share personal tips, psychoeducation, and actionable ideas for creating routines that support mental and physical well-being during the colder months. Whether you’re an athlete or not, this episode offers inspiration for managing the challenges of winter while prioritizing self-care. Topics Covered in “Staying Menta...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the complexities of communication in relationships — how open dialogue, emotional awareness, and intentional check-ins can strengthen connections. They explore the challenges of navigating conflict, the importance of understanding personal reactions, and how small daily practices can foster intimacy and trust. Whether you want to improve communication with a partner, colleague, or loved one, this episode offers insights...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren explore how to cultivate a sense of self-worth and let go of the need for constant comparison. They discuss the idea of the “measuring stick” we use to gauge our success and how it can motivate or harm us. Learn how to shift your perspective, focus on personal growth, and embrace a mindset of enoughness to manage life’s pressures more effectively. Topics Covered in “Feeling Good About Yourself”: Understanding the dual nature ...