Jarrod Spencer, Psy.D., is an accomplished speaker and author who has been featured as a mental health advocate on CNN, Fox, BBC, Bloomberg, USA Today, New York Daily News and ESPN Radio. Here, he’s letting readers in on his new endeavor, sharing what he’s learned over the years and offering a few mindful takeaways.
Tell us about your journey to launching Dr. Jarrod Spencer, your new brand.
It’s like being Darius Rucker from Hootie & the Blowfish. Most people know me as the sports psychologist from Mind of the Athlete. But I’ve left that and am parlaying everything I’ve learned from the sports world and sharing that in the corporate world with companies like Microsoft.
Describe the philosophy behind “clearer mind, better health.”
I’m really hot on the topic of emotional energy management. It’s the topic that I speak on the most. With greater emotional energy, we feel better, we perform better and our overall health is better.
What does a typical coaching session look like for you?
The typical client that I serve one-on-one for coaching flies private. Therefore, I am always going to them, wherever they may be. I am with them for as long as it takes to help them have a clearer mind. Then, I’ll return back to the Lehigh Valley.
Is there a common thread that you've noticed amongst the individuals you coach?
Success. Money. Fame. Pressure. These things bring unique psychological challenges that few people understand. And they bring complex interpersonal dynamics with them too. This area is my forte both with professional athletes and now corporate clients.
What do you hope readers take away from your book Mind of the Athlete?
I hope that they understand how the mind works best and how they can thrive under pressure. But I am more excited about my next book, Energy: How Emotions Fuel Performance—this book (due to release in 2024) focuses on emotional energy management.
What does your own wellness journey look like?
I have a clear team of Lehigh Valley-based professionals that I rely on to help keep me healthy. Physician Edmond Obeid, MD, of Allentown; psychologist Bernard Seif, Ed.D., of Brodheadsville; chiropractor Robert DePaolis, DC, of Phillipsburg; masseuse Kristen Merkert, L.M.T., of Whitehall; couples counselor Renée Donovan, LMFT, of Reading; flexibility coach Susan Bianchi, MS, of Bethlehem; floating at Metta Relaxation Co. in Bethlehem; and church attendance at GRACE Church Bethlehem.
Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you simply can’t start your day without?
Every morning starts with fasting, prayer, cold tubbing and exercise.
How about your nighttime routine?
Every evening ends with charging my phone away from my bed and stopping all electronics one hour before bedtime. Letting my mind slowly shut down leads to better sleep.
What are a few healthy habits you try to practice throughout the day?
The research in psychology is really focused on the link between gut health and the mind. So, I pay greater attention to the timing, quality and type of food that I consume each day, as best I can.
What is your preferred exercise routine/go-to workout?
I love lifting weights at Valley Wellness Center in Allentown and then ending my workout with some steam room, sauna and hot tubbing.
What’s your favorite meal to make at home?
I don't cook. But I married an amazing woman, Abby, who is an outstanding cook. I love to eat whatever she is making.
What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal? What do you order?
Nonna Sulina’s in Bethlehem. The menu rotates so I am always seeking something new. Giacomo and Phillip Sgroi (father and son) do an outstanding job here!
What’s something that you love to indulge in?
Ice cream. The Spot in Nazareth, The Cup in Bethlehem or King Kone in Whitehall.
Where are some of your favorite places to visit in the Valley?
Merrill Creek Reservoir in Harmony Township. Kayaking or hiking there is stunningly beautiful.
How do you relieve stress?
I line up a day with as many of the people/services that I mentioned in my list of Team Jarrod. I call it an Intensive Relaxation Day. That usually does the trick to reset my mind, body and soul.
What goals do you have for your personal wellness?
I just turned 50 and have adopted the philosophy of Freedom High School graduate Duane Johnson who said that when he turned 50 years old he was just reaching his fifth level and plans to be better than ever. Why can’t our 50s be the best years yet? Let’s go!
How do you stay motivated?
I keep seeing a world that desperately needs help, especially with their minds. So, I strive to practice what I preach so that I can be of better help to those in need.
... I strive to practice what I preach so that I can be of better help to those in need.
Who is someone you look up to?
Matt Millen. He’s a friend and mentor. Every Tuesday I am at his house for a small men’s group Bible study with him, Pat Santoro (Lehigh’s wrestling coach), Dave Crowell (Nazareth wrestling coach) and Dave Huber (owner of Whitehall Door). He’s full of wisdom and great football stories.
Do you have a personal mantra that you’d like to share?
It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice. Learned this from Tim Cummings, my mentor, when I was embarking on being a four-time class president in high school at Phillipsburg. It has made all the difference in my life.
Is there anything else you’d like to note?
People are people. When I started out my career, I served in the projects with high-risk kids. Near the end of my career, I am serving people with private planes. Both have very similar mental challenges—health, family members, money issues, anxiety and sleep problems. We can all learn a lot from each other. We are more alike than we think. We can all use a little help when it comes to the mind.
drjarrodspencer.com
Published as “Living Well With” in the June 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
