The Thinklete Podcast

Thinklete is a podcast and video series for parents of neurodivergent athletes.

I’m Derek Shunk — a dad, former Division I baseball coach, and professional athlete. After years in high-performance sports, I learned that parenting a neurodivergent child requires a very different kind of mental skill set.

On this channel, we talk about:
• Emotional regulation in sports
• Supporting neurodivergent kids under pressure
• Meltdowns, shutdowns, and big emotions
• Teaching mental skills instead of chasing outcomes
• Small wins that actually make a difference

This content is not medical or clinical advice. It’s lived experience from a parent navigating sports, school, and home with a neurodivergent child.

If you’re raising a kid who feels things deeply or doesn’t fit the “typical athlete” mold — you’re in the right place.