Find Tele-Hope here!

Find Ralph on Instagram here!

Tyler interviewed Ralph Fawz, founder of TeleHope, a program that helps create connections between college athletes and high school students through interactive workshops focused on building confidence and community. Ralph shared his personal journey from being a college football punter at Wyoming to starting TeleHope after experiencing benching and observing team morale issues during the COVID pandemic. They discussed how vulnerability and going first are key barriers to making connections, particularly in athletic environments disrupted by transfer portals and COVID restrictions. Ralph explained how TeleHope has evolved from a mentorship program to workshops teaching confidence-building skills, and shared his personal story of finding hope through a shooting star experience that inspired the program's logo. The conversation concluded with both participants reflecting on their own athletic journeys and the importance of maintaining connections after competitive careers.

Tyler interviewed Ralph Fuaz for the Elevate podcast, discussing Ralph's journey from college football player to founder of TeleHope. Ralph shared his background as a former Division I punter at Wyoming who started TeleHope as a student-athlete mentorship program after being benched. He explained how the program evolved from matching student-athletes with local kids to conducting interactive workshops focused on building confidence and creating communities.

Tyler and Ralph discussed vulnerability and its role in building connections, particularly in mentorship programs. Ralph explained how TeleHope uses vulnerability to pair mentors with high school students, emphasizing that sharing imperfections helps create genuine connections. They also discussed the importance of having confidence in one's story and the concept of self-talk, with Ralph referencing a book called "Chatter" by Ethan Cross about how people should talk to themselves as they would talk to a friend.

Tyler and Ralph discussed their experiences as college athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ralph shared how the extended off-season at Wyoming allowed him and his teammates to form close bonds, despite the challenging conditions. He noted an interesting statistic about suicide rates during the early months of COVID, when people were forced to stay together. Tyler reflected on how his team's experience was different, with limited opportunities for connection beyond small groups. They agreed that the pandemic created significant barriers to creating meaningful human connection for college athletes, particularly for younger players who missed out on the typical freedoms and celebrations of college life.

Ralph discussed the challenges people face in building friendships, particularly men's reluctance to initiate connections due to fear of appearing imperfect or "soft." He shared an example from a workshop with engineers where he explained that reaching out to others is actually the tougher, more courageous action rather than withdrawing. Ralph emphasized that people often fail to recognize that those around them might understand their struggles better than therapists of a different generation, but they never give others a chance due to this fear of being the first to reach out.

Ralph shared the origin of the Tele Hope logo, explaining how a personal experience with a shooting star in the mountains became his symbol of hope. He described how the telescope in the logo represents how people can help each other find hope and support, rather than just telling others they matter. Ralph attributed his passion for the work to his faith and mentioned that seeing practical applications of their teachings, like when a student approached someone new at a workshop, brings him joy and drives his continued efforts.

Ralph and Tyler discussed the challenges of creating connectedness in sports, particularly with transient rosters due to the transfer portal. Ralph emphasized the importance of coaches empowering athletes to support each other and having difficult conversations about mental health. They also talked about their personal experiences with maintaining connections from college sports and the importance of finding hope during challenging times.

More on Dr. Alex Reed Bio

Tyler welcomed Dr. Alex Reed to the Elevate podcast and asked about her background. Dr. Reed explained her work at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she teaches family physicians and OBGYN residents about behavioral health and primary care. She also discussed her Project Hair Care initiative, which educates barbers and stylists in the Black community about mental health. Additionally, Dr. Reed shared her roles as team psychologist for the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rapids.

Alex discussed the importance of connection and relationships in team sports, emphasizing how culture and collaboration build team strength. He addressed mental wellness in young athletes, noting their tendency to be hard on themselves and the need to help them reframe negative thoughts using techniques like cognitive disputation. Alex suggested asking athletes what supportive advice they would give to a friend in similar situations as a way to help them manage their inner critics.

Alex discussed the importance of athletes engaging in activities outside their sports for mental recovery and relaxation. Tyler shared his personal experience with this and asked Alex about the benefits of meditation and breathing exercises for performance. Alex explained the 478 breath technique and described how it helps trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and focus while preventing performance anxiety.

Alex and Tyler discussed the importance of maintaining fun and team chemistry in high-level sports, particularly during rigorous seasons. Alex shared examples of how coaches and teams incorporate fun elements, such as Coach Mike Malone throwing a football to players during practice, leaving unexpected items in players' lockers, or going on team outings. They emphasized how these activities help build team rapport and enhance performance.

Alex and Tyler discussed the importance of play in building relationships and its lasting impact on human biology. Alex shared an example from a sports team where players incorporated basketball into their soccer practice by kicking soccer balls into a basketball hoop from a distance, creating a fun competition that also built psychological flexibility. The conversation touched on how mental strength involves adapting to uncertain situations, which is a common experience for athletes.

Alex discussed applying improvisation theater techniques to various contexts, including teaching medical students and working with athletes. They outlined three key rules for improv exercises: having all necessary skills, viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning, and supporting teammates to make them look good. Alex used Nikola Jokic as an example of someone who effectively applies these principles in basketball.

Tyler and Alex discussed the importance of sleep and rest for athletes, with Alex sharing practical tips for creating a healthy sleep routine. They explored the concept of building authentic confidence through practice and embracing failure, with Alex introducing the "failure bow" technique inspired by circus performers. Alex also explained his Project Hair Care initiative, which provides mental health support and resources to barbers and stylists who often hear intimate client stories during haircuts.

Find more Brian and Discipline here

Find more about Stephanie

Find more about Jason & 4D

Get his book

Dr. Bailey arrives in Oxford after three years with Vanderbilt athletics. Additionally, Dr. Bailey has spent the last two years with Expansive Insight, a private practice focused on a broad range of mental health counseling, intervention and psychotherapy measures. "Oxford has already shown its kindness to my family," Bailey said. "I'm excited about serving in the 'Sip and being a part of the athletics family here at Ole Miss. I think being a sport psychologist is the coolest job in the world. It's truly a calling to work in mental health and sport performance, and I'm glad to serve the athletes here at Ole Miss." Prior to his time at Vanderbilt, Dr. Bailey acquired a wealth of experience in counseling and mental health treatment, most recently serving as a Predoctoral Psychology Intern for Duke University's CAPS program during the 2021-22 academic year. Further experience came with the Austin, Texas Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services unit, the 'Center for Relationships', a community wellness center in Austin, MD Anderson Cancer Center, work with persons who are incarcerated, and the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center. Additionally, Dr. Bailey has spent the last 10 years providing counseling services to local clients, including children, adolescents, and adults presenting with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, PTSD, OCD, marital and relationship issues, body image, sports and fitness and much more. Dr. Bailey is a licensed psychologist, licensed social worker, and a certified mental performance consultant. Dr. Bailey is also a lifelong athlete and sports fan. A native of Austin, Texas, Dr. Bailey holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. Dr. Bailey also earned his master's of science in social work and bachelor's degree in psychology at Texas in 2012 and 2009, respectively.

Find Dr. Larry Widman here!