There’s a golf course in Pullman where dreams tend to get spoken into existence.
That’s where a young Luke Falk once told his dad, “I want to do what Wayne Dyer does. I want to write books, speak, and help people live to their full potential.”
He hadn’t even started a full season yet.
Today’s guest on Y-Option, fueled by 76 — keeping you on the GO GO GO so you never miss a beat, is Luke Falk — the former Washington State walk-on turned Pac-12’s all-time passing leader and NFL QB, who’s now the author of The Mind Strength Playbook.
I have called a handful of games when Luke was the signal caller for WSU and as an ‘Honorary Coug’ I’ve always felt like the edge that is curated in Pullman is something unique. Luke’s edge was cultivated by Mike Leach and the style in which Coach Leach taught Luke left an imprint on the QB.
When Mike Leach told him, “Play with house money,” Luke didn’t fully get it.
But Coach Leach was right — freedom creates flow. The moment you stop gripping outcomes so tight, you play loose again. You stop chasing approval and start trusting preparation.
That idea anchors his new book, The Mind Strength Playbook: Master your Mind, Elevate Your Game, learning to train the mind the way athletes train their bodies. It’s not therapy — it’s prehab for your thoughts. He calls it mind strength — a daily discipline of clearing, visualizing, and forgiving so the real you can compete freely.
Luke was an elite player, rising coach who has recently transitioned to his life’s calling. Our conversation is one that will leave you curious, reflective and for the fans of Luke Falk over the years, extremely proud.
For Luke, it’s more than football. It’s about the evolution from playing scared to playing free. From needing validation to giving yourself permission.
Because when you stop playing for approval and start playing with house money, life — and the game — open up again.
You can grab Luke’s book, The Mind Strength Playbook, on Amazon or through his link supporting Hilinski’s Hope.
Much love and stay steady,
Yogi
