Breaking the Sports Stigma with Grant H. Paulsen

Welcome to a powerful new episode of Beyond The Game, where mental wellness competes and real stories reveal the pressures behind the performance. Joining Host Phillip, a licensed clinical social worker, is Grant H. Paulson, renowned DC sports journalist and co-host of the Grant and Danny Show, who opens up about his own journey as a child prodigy in sports media, the invisible weight of expectation, and his personal battle with anxiety. Together, they peel back the curtain on how mental health shows up not just for athletes, but for everyone in the high-pressure sports ecosystem—coaches, parents, and even those covering the game.

You’ll hear honest reflections on medication, navigating public criticism, the stigma around mental health, and the importance of telling stories that humanize the people behind the jerseys. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or fan, this conversation will challenge you to see past the headlines and consider the person beyond the game.

00:00 "Grant Paulson: Sports & Humanity"

03:37 "Early Passion Meets Opportunity"

07:04 "From Radio Star to Grind"

12:17 "When Anxiety Took Over"

14:50 "Understanding Anxiety Through Experience"

18:31 "Respectful Criticism and Empathy"

23:18 "Importance of Mental Health in Sports"

27:00 "Inextricably Tied to Career"

30:18 "Empathy vs. Accountability Debate"

33:14 "Breaking Mental Health Stigma"

36:08 Growing Up with Mental Health Awareness

39:19 "Medication Is Not Weakness"