In this episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob take on the important and often misunderstood topic of eating disorders in athletics. They are joined by Raegan G, a former high school basketball player, who courageously shares her personal journey and the challenges she faced while competing at a high level.

Raegan discusses the pressures that contributed to her struggle, how she recognized the need for help, and the care and support that played a critical role in her recovery. Together, the conversation highlights the importance of awareness, early support, and honest dialogue within athletic spaces. This episode offers valuable insight for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone seeking to better understand the mental health challenges that can exist behind the scenes of sport.

By bringing these stories to light, this episode reinforces the message that true strength in athletics begins with care, connection, and the courage to ask for help.

In this impromptu episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob dive into the mental and emotional challenges athletes face during periods of transition, especially when moving from one coaching staff or environment to another. Using the University of Michigan’s recent coaching change as a central example, they discuss how leadership shifts impact player trust, culture, and identity.

The conversation explores how athletes process uncertainty, how relationships with coaches and teammates shape success, and why culture often matters more than scheme or talent. Alex and Rob also touch on the influence of the transfer portal, NIL, and the emotional weight coaching decisions place on players and families.

This episode is a candid look at navigating change, staying grounded, and finding stability during uncertain times—on and off the field.

In this powerful and emotional episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob address the reality of suicide following a recent tragedy at Rob’s school, where a wrestling coach took his own life. Together, they reflect on the shock and heartbreak felt by colleagues, athletes, and the wider school community, and the difficult conversations that follow when loss hits close to home.

Alex and Rob discuss how events like this deeply affect coaches and athletes alike—challenging identity, trust, and emotional stability—especially in environments built on toughness and resilience. They talk openly about grief, confusion, guilt, and the unanswered questions that often surface after suicide.

Most importantly, this episode centers on healthy ways to process pain, stress, and overwhelming emotions without turning to self-harm. Alex and Rob emphasize the importance of connection, speaking up, checking on one another, and recognizing that strength is not silence. They reinforce the message that no moment—no matter how heavy—is worth a life, and that help, support, and hope always exist, even when they are hard to see.

This episode is a reminder to coaches, athletes, educators, and listeners everywhere that mental health matters, conversations save lives, and no one has to carry their struggles alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out can make a difference. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., local crisis resources are available in many countries.