Exiting the MLB and Finding Joy Again with Mental Performance Coach Adam Bernero

For The Love Of: Trade-offs we make in pursuit of our passions

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This former MLB pitcher discovered that he has more meaning and impact behind the scenes of sports than when standing on the mound himself.

Adam Bernero works in the field of sport psychology and is currently a mental performance coach with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball.

Adam started his pro career as a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers in 1999 and played in the major leagues until 2006. After leaving the big leagues due to injury, Adam was a fishing guide in Alaska for six summers among odd jobs and time for self-reflection. Now, he’s enjoying life more than ever helping other athletes fulfill their dreams.

Content note: from minute 29:20-30:55, Adam alludes to suicide ideation.

We talk about…

- Moving from college to the minor leagues to the MLB in a year

- How much Adam struggled after he had to quit pitching in the MLB due to injury

- From $2,000/day to $7.25/hour and having to scrape together odd jobs at 31

- Briefly considering what it would be like to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge before realizing he didn’t want to end his life

- How Adam began to find happiness after depression

- How Adam is “triage for the mind” for players on the Seattle Mariners

- Tools Adam shares with his athletes: mindset, focus, breathwork, and mind-body connection for nervous system regulation

- How Adam’s sweet spot is guiding athletes behind the scenes, rather than standing on the mound himself

- The trade-offs of being on the road for sports: inconsistency in relationships, the desire to have a dog, and how summers don’t exist

PSST! If you like this episode, you’ll love these two:

How Dave Watson Navigates Relationships and Fatherhood as an Everest Mountain Guide

How Dancing Transformed Nika Kermani's Mental Health After Depression

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Shout-Outs:

• Music: The Kind of Sandwich Island by Shut-ins
• Thank you to The Ruins, the best wedding venue in Oregon, for supporting the show.

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