On today’s episode of Your Best You, we speak with Sara and Lucia from The Kevin Love Fund. Sara and Lucia share their experiences in athletics and academia, and how those moments shaped their advocacy for mental health education on and off the field.

The Kevin Love Fund (KLF) was founded in 2018 by NBA star Kevin Love after he publicly shared his struggles with anxiety and mental health in a groundbreaking Players’ Tribune article titled “Everyone is Going Through Something.” In this article, Kevin detailed a panic attack he experienced during a 2017 game, sparking a crucial conversation about mental health. By sharing his personal journey, Kevin shed light on the importance of addressing the need for an open dialogue around emotional well-being.

Recognizing the stigma surrounding mental health, the Kevin Love Fund provides both tools and support to help individuals embrace vulnerability and live healthier lives. As an evidence-based organization, KLF focuses on research, education, and narrative change to break the stigma around mental health.

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Hosted by Conor Walsh Produced by CMJW Entertainment Inc https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

Brought to you by Mental Health America of Dutchess County https://mhadutchess.org/

Mental Health for Athletes Initiative: https://mhadutchess.org/support-mha/mha-athletes/

Brought to you in part by the Northern & Souther Dutchess Community Coalitions https://capedc.org/ndcc/

https://capedc.org/sdcc/

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Sign up for MHA's Fall Coach's Conference happening on November 4th at Mount Saint Mary College, featuring presentations from The Kevin Love Fund, Notre Dame's Play Like a Champion Today, and West Point Academy's Dr. Mitchell DeSimone Ph.D.

https://mhadutchess.org/athletes/conference-msmc/

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Overview of the Podcast
• (00:01:15) - Kevin Love's Story and Origins of the Kevin Love Fund
• (00:03:52) - Launching the Athlete Program
• (00:06:20) - Reflections on the Coaches Conference
• (00:09:32) - How the Training and Curriculum Work
• (00:12:54) - Where the Lessons Are Used (Classrooms, Camps, etc.)
• (00:14:49) - The 'More Than My Sport' Lesson Explained
• (00:18:40) - Personal Stories: Host and Lucia's Panic Attacks
• (00:20:50) - Lucia's Journey to the Kevin Love Fund
• (00:23:54) - Sarah's Path and the Power of Vulnerability
• (00:27:43) - Generational Pushback and Building Safe Spaces
• (00:31:43) - Normalizing Mental Health Resources on Campus
• (00:34:38) - Personal Reflection on Seeking Help
• (00:35:36) - What Athletes Want From Leadership
• (00:38:05) - Tangible Tools and Lasting Impact
• (00:40:39) - Journaling, Growth, and Closing Thoughts
• (00:41:53) - How to Get Involved with the Kevin Love Fund

On today’s episode, we speak with Summer Montabone, CEO, Mom, Retired Pro Athlete & Elite Coach turned personal development and business coach for women over 40. We discuss Summer’s journey as a Retired International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation Fitness Pro, going from National Champion, Pro Athlete and Fitness Model to Business Owner, Author and Mother. Summer discusses the lessons that she’s learned from the different chapters of her life, and how she’s using that experience to help women become the best versions of themselves.

Website

https://summermontabone.com/

Workbooks

https://summermontabone.com/mindset-workbooks

Summer's Professional Timeline

● Certified Personal Trainer (1997)

●Bachelors of Health & Physical Education - High School Health Teacher (1998)

● NSCA- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (2003+)

● National Fitness Champion & Pro Athlete (2004)

● Fitness Studio Owner, CEO Summer's Fitness Inc. (2007+)

● International Online Business Owner (2012)

● Coaching Others to the highest athletic level (3 Time World Record Winner 2013, 2014, 2015)

● Circle of Excellence and President’s Circle Top 5 (2018)

●Creator of the Fit, Fab, Fearless Experience and Retreat (2017, 2019, 2021)

● Co-author Forever Fit (2020)

● Best of Canton Local Business (2021, 2022 and 2023)

● Co-author "Start Up or Start Over. Just Start" (2023)

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Hosted by Conor Walsh Produced by CMJW Entertainment Inc https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

Brought to you by Mental Health America of Dutchess County https://mhadutchess.org/

Mental Health for Athletes Initiative: https://mhadutchess.org/support-mha/mha-athletes/

Brought to you in part by the Northern & Souther Dutchess Community Coalitions https://capedc.org/ndcc/

https://capedc.org/sdcc/

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October 2026, prepare for a concert experience you’ll never forget.

Grand Ole Opry Inductee and CMT Music Award Nominee Craig Morgan @CraigMorganMusic

Two time Grammy Nominee Maggie Rose @iammaggierose

Finalist of Season 19 of The Voice and Hudson Valley Native Ian Flanigan @IanFlanigan

With Viral Sensation Jake Banfield and Special Guest Broadway to Country Star Brooke Moriber @JakeBanfieldMusic @BrookeMoriber

MHA of Dutchess County and Reviver Entertainment Group Present The Sound of Nashville, One Night Only @mhadutchess

Tuesday, October 6th at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie, New York. Tickets On Sale Friday, May 1st

https://www.bardavon.org/shows/the-sound-of-nashville-in-the-hudson-valleys-queen-city/

• (00:00:03) - Introduction to Champions for Mental Health series
• (00:01:59) - Meet Summer Montabone and her mission
• (00:03:21) - Summer's athletic beginnings and college years
• (00:04:43) - Life as a fitness/bodybuilding competitor
• (00:06:41) - Toxic culture then vs now, and leaving the industry
• (00:09:33) - Body positivity, performance vs physique
• (00:12:41) - Physical and mental toll of competing
• (00:15:07) - Unsustainable training and changing seasons of life
• (00:16:35) - Postpartum crisis, grief, and rock bottom
• (00:21:02) - Hospitalization, reframing strength, and stigma
• (00:22:23) - Gaps in maternal mental health care
• (00:24:23) - Late diagnosis of ADHD and hormonal factors in women
• (00:26:21) - Turning pain into purpose: coaching and workbooks
• (00:28:16) - Understanding emotional processing styles in young athletes
• (00:30:54) - Designing workbooks for mental fitness and self-discovery
• (00:32:18) - Power of pencil and letting girls find their own answers
• (00:34:42) - Success stories and impact of the workbooks
• (00:37:14) - Confidence, values, and being called to purpose
• (00:40:24) - Closing thoughts and final message
• (00:42:22) - Where to find Summer's work and wrap-up

Today, we speak with Kristin Sheehan from “Play Like a Champion Today.” This organization takes its name from a motivational slogan most famously slapped by Notre Dame football players before heading onto the field. We talk to Kristin about the organization’s roots to Notre Dame, along with her own ties to the college. We dive into what makes the program special and how it is serving student athletes across the country.

Kristin Sheehan

Program Director

Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series

Kristin has served as the Program Director of Play Like a Champion since the program’s inception. She leads partner relations, coordinates educational programs, and spearheads the development of new curricula. Kristin has co-authored numerous articles and publications while presenting Play Like a Champion workshops across the country. Kristin earned undergraduate and master's degrees in theology and psychology from the University of Notre Dame, where she was a varsity athlete on the cheerleading team.

Contact Information

Phone: (574) 250-6424

Email: kristin.sheehan@playlikeachampion.org

Visit Their Website

https://www.playlikeachampion.org/

Play Like a Champion Today provides leadership in a worldwide effort to change the culture of youth sports, partnering with sports organizations at the youth and high school levels to provide all children with an opportunity to play sports in a safe, fun and supportive environment. We do this by educating ethically responsible sport leaders, working together with coaches, parents, athletic administrators and athletes to foster programs that promote both character development and athletic growth. Yet we are more than just an educational program. We are a growing community of leaders committed to changing the culture by exchanging ideas, sharing best practices and translating values in to action. A research-based, independent non-profit initiative, Play Like a Champion works together with organizations to serve the needs of your community through unique access to interactive clinics, events, a national conference and much more. Learn more about our programs and join us as we work to provide A Team for Every Child.

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Hosted by Conor Walsh Produced by CMJW Entertainment Inc https://www.cmjwentertainment.com/

Brought to you by Mental Health America of Dutchess County https://mhadutchess.org/

Mental Health for Athletes Initiative: https://mhadutchess.org/support-mha/mha-athletes/

Brought to you in part by the Northern & Souther Dutchess Community Coalitions https://capedc.org/ndcc/

https://capedc.org/sdcc/

_______________________________

October 2026, prepare for a concert experience you’ll never forget.

Grand Ole Opry Inductee and CMT Music Award Nominee Craig Morgan @CraigMorganMusic

Two time Grammy Nominee Maggie Rose @iammaggierose

Finalist of Season 19 of The Voice and Hudson Valley Native Ian Flanigan @IanFlanigan

With Viral Sensation Jake Banfield and Special Guest Broadway to Country Star Brooke Moriber @JakeBanfieldMusic @BrookeMoriber

MHA of Dutchess County and Reviver Entertainment Group Present The Sound of Nashville, One Night Only @...

• (00:00:03) - Mental Health for Athletes
• (00:01:48) - Dan McGuire on The Mental Health Podcast
• (00:04:30) - Play Like a Champion
• (00:07:52) - Notre Dame Cheerleader's Identity
• (00:09:19) - Notre Dame's Play Like a Champion Program Director
• (00:10:36) - Notre Dame Alumni Speak Out on Sports
• (00:15:12) - The Michiana Academic and Recreation Alliance
• (00:17:59) - The 6 principles of trauma informed sports coaches
• (00:22:23) - Coach Philbin on the Circle
• (00:25:51) - sports parent workshop
• (00:29:34) - sports goals for parents
• (00:33:47) - The Moments That Made You Proud
• (00:36:18) - Play Like a Champion: Mental Health for Athletes