Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast
Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast with hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer, is a space for athletes, parents, and coaches to see the depths of hockey and the mental hurdles that come with it.
Jeff Lerg has extensive experience as a former player and current coach that propels his knowledge and life advice. Jeff has reached the ultimate pinnacle of what it means to be a successful D1 Collegiate Athlete. Playing at Michigan State University, he has won countless awards and accolades displaying his success. Also, a former professional goalie for 10+ years across the U.S. and Europe, he has had first-hand experience reaching his own goals and helping others achieve theirs.
Chris Palmer, M.A. in Psychology, is a Hockey Mental Performance Coach who trains individuals, coaches, and teams from house leagues to Pro and Amateur in the US, Europe and Canada. He trains “heart, head, and guts,” with a proven process that helps clients maximize mental toughness and motivation to develop a grinding and intense compete level. As a former NCAA runner, x2 All-American, and Nike-sponsored athlete, Chris brings a great deal of knowledge in athletics and the mental performance space to positively impact the lives of athletes all over the world.
Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast
Talent Sets the Floor, Character Sets the Ceiling
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In Episode 65 of the Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast, we break down one of the most overlooked — yet most important — elements of athletic success: character.
Athletes today spend countless hours developing their skills, training in the gym, and chasing performance gains. But when was the last time you worked on who you are as a teammate, competitor, and person?
We dive into why talent may get you noticed, but character is what ultimately determines how far you go. From tryouts to team selection, from locker room culture to long-term success, coaches aren’t just evaluating skill — they’re evaluating trust, consistency, and who they can rely on when it matters most.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why toxic talent can destroy even the most skilled teams
- The key traits of high-character athletes: humility, perseverance, and coachability
- How consistency of effort builds trust with coaches
- Real stories of how character impacts opportunities at the next level
- What coaches really mean when they say “you need to mature”
- Practical ways to build character, even when your schedule already feels overwhelming
We also highlight powerful examples from elite athletes and championship teams, showing how character—not just ability—drives sustained success.
If you’re serious about reaching the top of your sport, this episode will challenge you to look beyond your skillset and focus on the foundation that truly elevates your ceiling.
Because in the end, character doesn’t just matter… it changes everything.
📲 Connect With Us
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDialedandDrivenPodcast
🎙️ Listen On
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRwBFDkvYi56TdzIPMRge
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast/id1791139650
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b1168059-6e38-4352-b3d5-c5fdbba6067f/dialed-driven-hockey-mentality-podcast