Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

What role does winning play in your life? Are you consumed by the need to be #1, or do you find joy in simply participating and growing from the experience? Join us in this episode of The Mindful Sport Performance Podcast, where we disentangle the intertwined concepts of winning, success, motivation, balance, and life satisfaction. Winning - it's a concept that's often synonymous with success, recognition, and opportunities. But is it the only measure of success? Not necessarily, as we discover in our chat with our AI friend, Chat GPT. We tackle the complex relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, explaining how a healthy appetite for competition can be inspiring, and how finishing last in a grand finale can sometimes be more rewarding than winning a lesser final. We probe into the potential downsides of being overly competitive, reflecting on personal experiences and perspectives including Kobe Bryant's view on the necessity of winning. As we wrap up this conversation, we place a magnifying glass over the impact of winning and the potential imbalance it can create in our lives. Can we truly achieve success without compromising our personal wellbeing? What happens when we don't win? Do new doors open? We dissect these questions and more, leaving you with fresh insights to ponder about the concept of winning and success in sports, and life in general. This dialogue is sure to challenge your mindset and redefine your perception of victory. Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor Support the show

In this episode, we welcome Deirdre Keane, a former pediatric critical care nurse practitioner, now a healthcare consultant, who found solace in running after the loss of her father. More than just a runner, Deirdre's story is one of resilience and overcoming adversity, reminding us all of the power of the human spirit. Her passion for running pushed her beyond marathons and into the realm of ultra marathons, ultimately leading her to victory in the World Marathon Challenge. Deirdre's journey is fraught with challenges, mentally and physically, but her deep-seated faith and philosophy has carried her through. Her approach to life, deeply impacted by her father, has shaped her into the champion she is today. As she navigates the risky terrains of the World Marathon Challenge, we delve into her thoughts on identity, motivations, and the intriguing collection of runners who dare to tackle this daunting challenge. But the story doesn't end at the finish line. We'll take a step back from the adrenaline rush of the race to address the often overlooked topic of balance in a high-intensity sport like running. Deirdre offers an honest account of her struggle to maintain equilibrium, and the dark reality of depression faced by many retired athletes. Her athletic achievements continue to inspire us, making this episode a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Tune in for a journey of resilience, faith, and balance that will leave you inspired and moved. Support the show

🎧 Enjoying our show? Your support keeps us going! Become a valued subscriber and set your own monthly contribution. We believe in you, our incredible listeners, determining the value of our content. Your subscription empowers us to keep delivering top-notch episodes that inspire, inform, and entertain. Together, let's fuel this journey and shape the future of our podcast. Click the link below and let's create something amazing, hand in hand. Support the show On this week's episode: mental health acceptance in sports. Brace yourself for a powerful discussion inspired by Lee Dixon and Robbie Mustoe, who open the door to their personal experiences with mental health during their football careers in a recent NBC Premier League Mornings segment. As we navigate this labyrinth of mental health in professional sports, we reflect on the scarcity of support these players received during their active years, and the significant strides made in resources for present-day players. This episode goes beyond the usual playbook, venturing into an important, often overlooked realm—awareness, and acceptance of mental health in sports. Together, we dissect the urgent necessity for coaches to be vigilant about potential mental health struggles their athletes may endure, and stand as a beacon guiding them towards the help they need. We're not just here to talk; we're here to transform. Join us as we challenge the conventional segregation of mental and physical health, and advocate for the priceless value of mindfulness for athletes. From exploring the spectrum of mental health needs among athletes, to the role of holistic wellness and the indispensable part coaches play in managing athlete's mental health needs, we touch on a lot of the issues, but really only scratch the surface. Let's kick off the stigma, lace up our boots, and rewrite the rules of the game together. Tune in as we continue this crucial conversation. Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

Imagine a world where the term 'student athlete' is irrelevant and college sports have been commercialized. Is it a utopia where athletes, like their professional counterparts, are fairly compensated for their skills and effort? Or is it a dystopia where values and education take a back seat to monetary gains? Our producer, Taylor Brown, joins us as we traverse through this fascinating landscape of 'what ifs'. We begin by scrutinizing the origins of the 'student athlete' term and the NCAA's NIL regulations. The recent Supreme Court ruling opens a Pandora's box of arguments and counterarguments, backed by the harsh reality that over half a million college athletes may never benefit from this shift. Our debate then steers towards the monetization of college sports, and we ponder on its possible implications for the players. Could paying college athletes potentially upend their focus and resilience? How does this conversation fit within the larger discourse of rising college costs and free education? These are just a few of the questions we tackle in our discussion. Finally, we take a detour and delve into the seldom-explored intersection of college sports and mindfulness. Challenging ourselves and you, our listeners, to question our wants versus our needs in the capitalist framework of college sports. We also explore how compassion and interconnectedness can be a tool in supporting those less fortunate in this landscape. This episode isn't just about debating the pay structure for college athletes. It's about understanding the ethical, emotional, and socio-economic facets of this complex issue, from a perspective of mindfulness and generosity. Join us on this journey of discovery as we untangle this enigma that is college sports. Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show Support the show

Are you ready to challenge the traditional paradigm of success and greatness? What if hard work and perseverance aren't the only tickets to victory? Buckle up as we embark on an intriguing exploration redefining greatness in sports. We analyze the sports careers of high-profile athletes who, despite their relentless dedication and effort, never reached the pinnacle of success. Alongside, we ponder the elusive elements of luck and opportunity, and their often overlooked role in shaping an athlete's career. Ever wondered how acceptance, bravery, and consistency contribute to an athlete's success? We delve into these aspects of Keith's "ABCs of greatness." From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, we discuss how accepting reality, embracing bravery, and demonstrating consistency can influence an athlete's career trajectory. We then zoom out to address the broader complexities of greatness — integrating the inherent qualities with hard work, wrestling with the fear of acceptance, and nurturing confidence and curiosity about life's possibilities. Finally, we plunge into the philosophical depths of sports, drawing parallels from Buddhist teachings and the wisdom of Pema Chödrön. We ponder upon the power of embracing uncertainty and "muting oneself" to unlock an athlete's full potential. And for our closing act, we shine a spotlight on rowing — a testament to the power of perseverance and a fascinating example of 'rowing for greatness'. So, are you ready to upend your notions of success and bask in the richness of this unconventional perspective on sports greatness? Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com mspepodcast.buzzsprout.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

Given the recent stories coming out of Northwestern University, Tim, Keith, and Taylor discuss what perpetuates the fear and "power-over" culture within sports teams, possible alternatives, and how to help coaches make the shift toward a "trust culture." Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show Support the show

In this episode, our Season 4 finale, professional soccer player Jack Beer joins the conversation. Jack currently plays for NYCFC II in MLS NEXT Pro. He starred at Georgetown University where he won the NCAA Championship in 2019. Inspired by his own experiences with anxiety and depression, Jack serves as a mental health advocate and aims to transform the narratives surrounding mental health and athletics. He is a Whole Being Athlete ambassador for Athletes for Hope where he is featured on panels to discuss the importance of reducing the stigma toward mental health. Jack begins with a Wim Hof breathing practice, and then chats with Keith and Tim about: [10:17] How Jack developed his pre-game routines [12:57] Jack's journey with his mental health and how it led him to becoming an advocate for mental health and an ambassador for Athletes for Hope [25:45] Acceptance of mental health at the MLS level and the opportunities that are still available for further evolution [28:28] The challenges of making a culture of mental health more visible in an environment where it is still largely invisible [41:13] The potentially destructive impact of social media on player mental health *Note: this episode was recorded just prior to the end of NYCFC II's 2022 season. They have just begun their 2023 season at the time of this episode's launch. Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @jbeer10, @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.athletesforhope.org www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, sport psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Pospos joins the conversation. Sarah completed her psychiatric residency as a Chief Resident at UCLA-Kern. As a sports psychiatrist and former student-athlete, she is devoted to helping aspiring, current, and former athletes with depression, performance and general anxiety, insomnia, and psychiatric challenges associated with injury, concussion, retirement, overtraining, and other issues in her California telepsychiatry practice. Sarah begins the episode with a diaphragmatic breathing practice, then she talks with Keith and Tim about: [9:10] What exactly is sport psychiatry? [14:36] Working through athletes' concerns about medications and their side effects. [21:11] Dealing with the stigma of working with a psychiatrist. [24:30] Situations in which psychiatric interventions are particularly helpful. [28:50] Sarah's journey to mindfulness and how she applies it in her work. [34:55] How Sarah introduces mindfulness practice to her clients. Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @lifestyletelepsychiatry YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: https://www.lifestyletelepsychiatry.com/ www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, elite golfer and therapist Matt Sughrue joins the conversation. Matt was a successful insurance executive and business owner in the Washington, DC metro area for 25 years. Then, in 2008, at the age of 49, he took a major life detour and trained to become a psychotherapist and performance consultant. Among his varied clientele are amateur and professional golfers - across several pro tours. Matt is also an accomplished golfer himself. He is the 8th ranked senior amateur in the world by The World Amateur Golf Ranking and has played in 33 major national golf championships. In November 2022, Matt represented the USA at the Concession Cup, competing against Europe's finest senior and mid-amateur golfers. Matt, Tim, and Keith are all members of the Mid-Atlantic Consortium of Sport and Performance Psychology. Matt begins the episode with a mindful awareness practice. Then he, Keith, and Tim discuss: [8:34] Meditation in Matt's competition experiences and the importance of "in-between" time [14:12] The impact of personal disclosure in Matt's work with sports clients [17:43] Matt's competition debrief process structure and function [20:58] The importance of language in the process of improvement and how it can shift perspective [23:15] Matt's personal experience with the yips [37:29] The nuances of "caring" about your sport and the implications it has for personal identity [48:33] Matt's approach to working with athletes who are experiencing the yips Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mattsughrue.com www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, professional rugby player Marcel Brache joins the conversation. Marcel was born in the United States and moved to South Africa at age 4. It was there that he discovered and fell in love with the game of rugby, and he became a professional rugby player at the age of 23. Marcel played rugby in South Africa for 3 years before moving to Australia, and playing there for 8 seasons. He has since moved back to the United States, and last year signed with and played for the Major League Rugby team, Austin Gilgronis. Keith begins the episode with an energizing breathing practice, and then he, Tim, and Marcel discuss: [9:45] Mindfulness and non-judgment as a path to presence and authenticity [14:20] Marcel's journey to rugby, self-inquiry, and ultimately, acceptance [24:29] The importance of language in conversations not only about mental health, but also performance [29:08] The growing acceptance of mental health as pivotal aspect of performance in rugby Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc, @brache87 Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, Drs. Adam Wright and Nick Holton join the conversation. Dr. Adam Wright is a peak performance coach who supports a broad range of performers including elite athletes, Fortune 400 corporate leaders, professionals in military and law enforcement, and creatives from the entertainment world. Adam's work is dedicated to exploring how individuals in teams can leverage and build the cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and physical capacities to flourish professionally and personally. He is the founder of Arete Fitness and Performance Training Inc. and co-founder of the Antifragile Academy LLC and Elevate Performance Group LLC. He currently serves as Director of Mental Skills Training for the Washington Nationals and Senior Mental Skills Consultant at Performance Optimal Health, Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitation clinics. Dr. Nick Holton is an international consultant, coach, speaker, and author who has worked with professional and collegiate athletes, Fortune 500 business leaders, as well as educators and thought leaders from around the world. His work focuses on human flourishing and his current roles and projects include consulting and co-directing the human flourishing efforts at the Shipley School, co-hosting FlourishFM, and running the Antifragile Athlete startup. Tim begins with a brief settling practice. Then he, Keith, Adam and Nick discuss: [9:12] Conceptualizing human flourishing [12:55] The complementary relationships between mindfulness and flourishing [17:00] Distress tolerance and non-judgment [22:29] Growing issues with the mindfulness "brand" as the concept has become more mainstream [26:09] The effort to connect concepts to client's experiences and the power of autonomy in this pursuit [35:23] Taking an "ecosystemic" approach to delivering mental performance interventions in organizations Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.nickholton.com www.dradamwright.com www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Podcasts Mentioned FlourishFM Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

Welcome to A Mindful Take! This is a sub-series of the Mindful Sport Performance Podcast, hosted by Dr. Keith Kaufman, Dr. Tim Pineau, and our producer and colleague Taylor Brown. Tired of the endless stream of sports "experts" screaming at each other? Us too! We're offering a fresh perspective on current sports news rooted in mindfulness. This may be different than anything you've experienced previously, and that's exactly our hope. In this episode we prep for Super Bowl LVII, focusing on the phenomenon of prop bets and differences among openness, optimism, and positive thinking when things go wrong (a la the San Francisco 49ers' QB situation in the NFC Championship). Enjoy! If you're interested in learning more about the Mindful Sport Performance Podcast, check out the other episodes in our stream. You can also visit our website at: www.MindfulSportPerformance.org. Registration is now open for our March 2023 MSPE Instructor Training: https://mspeinstitute.ticketspice.com/mindful-sport-performance-enhancement-mspe-instructor-training-march-2023 Support the show

In this episode, Rachael Adams, Olympian and mentor, joins the conversation. Rachael is a 2016 Olympic Medalist and 2014 World Champion in volleyball. She joined the U.S. Women's National Team after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin and was a member of that team for 10 years. She has played professionally in Poland, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, and recently moved to Japan. Rachael is additionally a mindset and confidence mentor for female athletes. She is the founder of JourneyStrength, where it is believed that a well-equipped mindset and a strong sense of self are among the most important attributes athletes can have to navigate their daily challenges. Rachael begins the episode with a brief four, five, six breathing practice. Then, Keith, Tim, and Rachael discuss: [4:32] Rachael's reflections on when she has used the breathing technique she introduced in competition [7:51] Resistance to certain mental performance practices and how to overcome them [17:35] Rachael's path to creating JourneyStrength and the pivotal interaction that challenged her to change her mindset [22:53] Stepping away from fear-based approaches to personal motivation and shifting your own story [32:27] Rachael's choice to focus on female athletes [34:15] JourneyStrength's Confident and Capable Program Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @journeystrength, @rachaeladams, @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast, Rachael Adams' Channel Websites Mentioned: www.journeystrength.com www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Breathing for Warriors Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, Loudoun United FC Head Coach Ryan Martin joins the conversation. Ryan Martin joined Loudoun United FC in June 2019 as the second head coach in the club's history after becoming the director of DC United's academy program in 2017. Prior to overseeing all youth development at DC United, the Columbus, Ohio native coached and was the recruiting coordinator at Wake Forest University and, in 2016, helped build FC Cincinnati's roster from scratch. Tim begins with a mindfulness of sound meditation, and then he, Keith, and Ryan have a conversation about: [10:36] Ryan's experience with of mental training over his career in coaching and what elements he likes to focus on most [17:35] Fear of change among coaches and the impact this has on implementing more mental training practices [21:31] The crucial role of compassion in coaching [26:37] The many roles a coach plays in the life of a professional athlete [33:29] The importance of self-care for coaches [38:02] Ryan's post-match routines [39:46] An important and honest conversation about suicide, mental health, and supporting those around you Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @rpmartin10, @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: Ryan's Feature on Mental Health www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn rejoins the conversation. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer, and meditation teacher engaged in bringing mindfulness into the mainstream of medicine and society. He's a Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where he founded it's world-renowned mindfulness-based stress reduction clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society. He is the author of numerous books and other publications including two best-sellers, Full Catastrophe Living and Wherever You Go, There You Are. His books and guided meditation programs describe meditation practice in such commonsense, relevant, and compelling terms that mindfulness meditation practice has become a way of life for hundreds of thousands of people. His work has contributed to a growing movement of mindfulness into mainstream institutions in our society such as medicine, education, business, the judicial system, and sports. Jon begins with a grounded awareness practice. Then, Tim, Jon, and Keith have a deeply personal conversation about: [11:50] Tim's reflections on the evolution of his grief over the past 10 months [25:00] Normalizing grief through sharing unfiltered experiences [27:40] The struggle of approaching grief with authenticity [30:03] Bridging grief and gratitude [33:09] The effects of changing one's relationship with anxiety [37:58] Differing reactions to grief and the potential impact on the bereaved [43:24] The importance of candid conversations in the process of healing [44:05] Overcoming emotional overwhelm through the lens of mindfulness [53:09] Finding experiences of common humanity and interconnectedness in grief Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @jonkabatzinn, @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Jon at Wisdom2.0 with Anderson Cooper, Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: Anderson Cooper's Podcast with Steven Colbert Jon Kabat-Zinn's Website www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Full Catastrophe Living Wherever You Go, There You Are Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Amanda Wilding joins the conversation. Amanda qualified as a sport and exercise scientist in 2005 and became an HCPC registered sport and exercise psychologist in 2012. During her career, she has worked with a range of athletes from world champions to grassroots in sports such as football (soccer), track and field, hockey, fencing, and powerlifting. She has worked as a performance psychologist at Southampton Football Club since 2012 and recently has worked with the women's first team in their bid to become national league champions and gain promotion to the Barclay Women's Championship. Amanda is also a senior lecturer at Bournemouth University. Amanda begins the episode with a brief relaxation practice. She then talks with Keith and Tim about: [16:20] Her experience working with the Southampton Women's first team, and how support has changed since her early experiences in the club [19:20] Differences in men's and women's football (soccer) concerning receptivity to sport psychology practices [26:20] Equity, and inequity, in support between men's and women's football in the UK [29:15] Increasing the visibility of women's football in the UK [32:05] Mental training at the grassroots level [35:32] Tending to the humanity of elite athletes [40:05] Finding the fun and enjoyment in the seriousness of elite sport and the influence of that effort on social cohesion [46:26] One of the quirky activities Amanda has come to be known for Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @wildpinck @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this Thanksgiving episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor reflect on their experiences of gratitude. Tim begins with an authentic gratitude practice, and then we discuss: 7:45 - The misconception that gratitude can only exist in the presence of "relentless" positivity, and how authentic gratitude is not mutually exclusive with more painful emotions. 17:31 - How mindfulness and acceptance can help us rebuild our relationships with the capabilities and limitations of our bodies. 20:11 - Exploring the various barriers to experiencing gratitude, such as comparison, striving, and attachments. 27:31 - Contextualizing our experiences to find gratitude in the most surprising places (such as when cleaning up cat barf). 41:05 - One thing each of us is grateful for as we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode (our 50th!), Keith, Tim, and Taylor answer frequently asked questions about mindfulness and sport performance. Tim begins the episode with a self-compassion mediation, and then we discuss: [8:54] – Keith and Tim reflect on their experience hosting 50 episodes of the Mindful Sport Performance Podcast [14:16] – Kayla Hightower’s question: How does increased mindfulness enhance sport performance and what is its relationship to anxiety? [18:45] – Reflecting on the misunderstandings and the true process of “letting go” [26:00] – FailBetterTraining’s Question: What are some common obstacles that athletes face when learning meditation, mindfulness, visualization, etc? [35:12] – Reflecting on the level of commitment needed to see the tangible impact of mindfulness-based performance enhancement [38:49] – Danny Ourian’s question: Can we be too aware such that this hampers us in performance? [50:45] – Questions from James Schwabach and Tim Herzog: How do you work with clients who are stuck looking at mindfulness as the means to an end? Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com www.failbettertraining.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Full Catastrophe Living Man's Search for Meaning Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, Olympian and rowing coach Bruce Beall joins the conversation. Bruce rowed at the University of Washington, earning three varsity letters. He competed on the U.S. National Team in three World Rowing Championships, two Pan American Games, and the 1984 Olympics. He has coached at the University of Washington, Boston University, Harvard, and Cal Berkeley. Bruce was the Executive Director of the Pocock Rowing Foundation and was a member of the U.S. Rowing High Performance Committee for the four years leading up to the Athens Olympics. He is now the Director of Rowing and the boys' varsity coach at Bainbridge Island Rowing. Bruce is known to the sport psychology world for his early collaboration with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, applying mindfulness to elite rowing performance. Keith begins the episode with a brief anchoring practice, and then talks with Bruce about: [5:45] Bruce's journey to mindfulness and how he introduced it to the rowing world [11:51] How Bruce incorporates mindfulness into his coaching [14:45] The relationship between breaking neuromuscular habits and attention [24:22] Distinctions in pain versus fatigue and how to manage fatigue [27:56] Introducing mindfulness to your athletes in ways that create buy in [33:03] Getting out of your own way and allowing your potential to shine through Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.bainbridgerowing.org www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Kuchar joins the conversation. Dr. Ashley Kuchar is the founder of Fail Better Training, and is passionate about helping athletes learn to respond to challenging situations in ways that foster resilience rather than relying on self-criticism. She completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin working alongside Dr. Kristin Neff. While pursuing her doctorate, she received a NCAA research grant which aided in the development of RESET, a program she created as part of her dissertation. Working with over 250 student-athletes, she found that RESET supported adaptive coping, well being, and sport performance. Ashley played basketball at Fort Lewis College and ranks among that school's career leaders in six major categories. At the conclusion of her college career, she was nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year. Ashley begins the episode with a Resilience RESET exercise. Then, Keith, Tim, and Ashley discuss: [7:17] Reflecting on the Resilient RESET exercise [9:15] Comparing mindfulness-based and compassion-based approaches to sport performance enhancement [15:12] Exploring the origins of the very common fear-based motivational style [20:40] The challenge of creating accessibility when teaching concepts like self-compassion to athletes [26:00] Applying the RESET program to coaching [32:53] What the RESET program looks like in practice [38:42] The efficacy and outcomes of the RESET program Social Media Mentioned: Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc Instagram: @failbettertraining, @mindful_sport_podcast YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.failbettertraining.com www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.com Books Mentioned RESET Workbook RESET ONLINE COURSE! Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Very much appreciated, Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!) Support the show