Episode 61: Season 4: In conversation with...Larissa Mills - What you didn’t know ”YOU NEED TO KNOW” about our athletes and their cell phones

2025-10-27

Welcome to this episode of The Pro Player Podcast, Where we dive deep into the mindset that sets champions apart—not just in sport, but in life. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m honored to introduce you to a woman whose work is redefining how we think about peak performance and holistic development in athletes, especially in relation to their cell phone and tech usage: Larissa Mills.Larissa is the driving force behind The Mental Game Academy, a dynamic program born out of her 2...

Welcome to this episode of The Pro Player Podcast, Where we dive deep into the mindset that sets champions apart—not just in sport, but in life. I’m your host David Gough and today I’m honored to introduce you to a woman whose work is redefining how we think about peak performance and holistic development in athletes, especially in relation to their cell phone and tech usage: Larissa Mills.

Larissa is the driving force behind The Mental Game Academy, a dynamic program born out of her 25-plus years of coaching across multiple sports and her educational expertise in sociology, psychology and the science of learning. With a B.A. in Sociology & English and a Master of Science in Education focused on behavioural management and brain functionality, Larissa has spent her career bridging high-level athletic coaching with a deep understanding of how technology, parenting and mental habits shape our young people’s potential. thementalgameacademy.ca

What drives her? As a mother of three growing up in this tech-fueled era, Larissa was alarmed by how many athletes—so talented, so full of promise—were being held back not by lack of ability, but by the silent obstacles of social-media overload, poor digital habits, and weak emotional foundations. That curiosity propelled her into the creation of The Mental Game Academy: a hybrid educational platform that doesn’t just train bodies, but nurtures resilient minds, strong character, and lifelong skills. thementalgameacademy.ca

In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Larissa helps athletes and teams build a “mental advantage,” strategies for parents and coaches to support the next generation, and the impact of modern life on performance and wellbeing. So whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a parent—or simply someone curious about unlocking human potential—get ready for an insightful dialogue that will challenge your assumptions and elevate your game.

Let’s jump in.

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