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She got expelled from school at age four. Too much energy, uncontrollable, a school that didn't know what to do with her, and a mom who gave her a hug and told her she was awesome. Anyway, 43 years later, Holly Budge has Skydived Everest, summited it on foot, raced a thousand kilometers across Mongolia on semi-wild horses,

and works with over 6,000 female wildlife rangers across Africa. She has done things that most people wouldn't even dare to dream about. But here's what I want you to borrow from her today. Holly doesn't call herself an athlete. She calls herself an adventurer,

And that distinction matters more than you think because when you stop chasing the outcome and fall in love with the experience, something shifts, the pressure changes, joy comes back, and ironically, you perform better. There's a reason the winner of that Mongolia horse race sat at the finish line for two days

wishing he was still out on that step. We get into the mirror step. Her technique for silencing the inner critic when the environment is trying to break you. The difference between fear and risk and why you can outplay one but must respect the other. How she normalized jumping out of planes until it felt like brushing her teeth.

And what that teaches us about pressure

also what Post Expedition Blues has to teach every single athlete about identity and what happens when the big goal is suddenly gone? She says it best herself. My body is screaming, no, but my mind is whispering. Yes. Athletes. This one's for you. This is Holly Budge.

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hollybudge/

https://www.instagram.com/howmanyelephants/

https://www.instagram.com/worldfemalerangerweek/

https://www.instagram.com/wildlifepositivetravel/

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If you've ever chased a result so hard that it slipped right through your fingers, if you've ever worked relentlessly only to feel strangely empty when you finally achieve the thing you thought would change everything. If you've ever wondered why some people stay grounded, focused, and fulfilled while striving at the highest level, then today's episode is gonna hit you right between the eyes in the best possible way because today.

We are joined by someone who has reshaped how the modern world understands excellence. Brad Stulberg is one of the most influential voices in performance, mental health and human development. His books, the Practice of Groundedness and Master of Change, are staples for elite athletes, leaders, creatives, world class coaches, and anyone who wants to live with more steadiness and purpose.

His writing appears in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and just about every publication that cares about high performance. Done well.

He co-hosts the outstanding podcast excellence actually alongside Steve Magnus and Clay Skipper. And now with his new book, the Way of Excellence Bride is reclaiming What Excellence Truly means. Not hustle culture, not optimization, addiction, not endless metrics, but a deeply human relationship with your craft.

In this episode, we explore the paradox of high performance, why caring deeply and letting go produces your best work. The true definition of excellence, a relationship, not a result. Why gumption, sticktuitiveness is rarer and more important than talent. How to raise your floor under pressure. Not just your ceiling.

Why arrival is an illusion, and satisfaction is found in the struggle itself. How athletes, parents, and coaches can find meaning in the long game and the beautiful truth that the things we work on also work on us. Brad brings research, philosophy, storytelling, and decades of experience working with world class performers.

This is one of those conversations that leaves you thinking differently about your sport. Your ambition, your identity, and your life. So if you're striving for something big, if you're trying to become the kind of person who gives their craft everything without losing themselves, if you wanna understand excellence in a way that actually makes you stronger, steadier, and more fulfilled, then you're in the right place.

Let's dive in. Here is my conversation with the brilliant Brad Stulberg.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradstulberg/

The Way of Excellence: https://wayofexcellencebook.com

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In today's episode, I sit down with one of the most accomplished and intellectually fascinating athletes in modern volleyball, Carli Lloyd. Carli isn't just an Olympic bronze medalist from the Rio Games, a world-class setter with 15 professional seasons under her belt, or an NCAA player of the year who led the University of California Berkeley to their first ever national final.

She's also a deep thinker, a storyteller, and a master of the inner game. And this conversation goes way beyond her resume. We dive into the mental side of being a setter, the emotional thermostat of the team, and how she learned to stay calm, lead, and make decisions under relentless pressure. Carli opens up about perfectionism, her battles with self-talk, the belief that she wasn't good enough and the moment a sports psychologist told her she needed to change her inner narrative or it would break her.

She shares how tools like journaling, breath work, mindfulness, and years of psychological re-patterning helped her transform as an athlete as well as a human being. And how these tools now guide the next generation of female volleyball players. She mentors. We go deep into the Rio Olympics,

the heartbreak of losing the semifinal. The emotional weight of playing for bronze, and the surprising truth about what an Olympic medal can't fix. We talked about acceptance, control, identity, the danger of outcome, obsession, and why optimism is a trainable skill that can completely shift a young athlete's trajectory.

And for me, the real magic in this episode is how honest, grounded, and generous Carli is. She peels back the layers on leadership flow, state fear. Trust, comparison, motherhood, and what it really means to express and not just impress if you're an athlete, a coach, a parent, or simply someone who wants to understand what high performance looks like from the inside out.

This is one of those episodes you'll come back to again and again. Let's dive in with the wonderful Carli Lloyd. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlilloyd3/

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When pressure hits — when the match tightens, the heart rate spikes, and the mind starts racing — what separates the athlete who steadies from the one who spirals?

It’s rarely just talent or training. It’s the ability to regulate what’s happening inside.

That’s where Marci Sier brings her expertise.

Marci is a squash professional at the Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto, and she also runs a private practice in sport and performance psychology.

With a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and advanced studies in sport psych, she’s spent years guiding athletes, coaches, and business professionals to use the same psychological tools that high performers rely on under pressure — awareness, emotional control, and the calm to stay composed when the moment intensifies.

In this conversation, Marci shares how she integrates those mental skills directly into her coaching — teaching young players to celebrate mistakes as part of learning, helping athletes understand how emotions show up in the body, and using imagery, icons, and simple resets to reframe stress in real time.

We talk about how true confidence isn’t a quick technique — it’s something earned through reflection, repetition, and trust in your own process.

Marci also offers sharp insight into early specialization in sport, and how parents and coaches can become active allies in an athlete’s mental development — using the same language, reinforcing the same values, and supporting the same awareness both on and off the court.

At its core, this is a conversation about the inner architecture of performance — how composure, confidence, and connection are built from the inside out.

And how, when you start to see sport as a mirror for life, every challenge becomes a chance to grow.

Let’s dive in with Marci Sier.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-sier-ma-cmpc/

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He’s one of the most meticulous minds in the game —

a Harvard graduate, a top-ten player, and the man who recently beat the World No. 1.

But Victor Crouin’s story isn’t about a single result.

It’s about what happens between the results — the daily habits, honest reflections, and mental frameworks that turn potential into progress.

Over the past few seasons, Victor and I have worked together on the mental side of his game — through tournaments, voice notes, and SportMind tools.

We’ve explored how routines become rituals, how visualization and scripting sharpen focus, and how the three A’s — Awareness, Acceptance, Action — build the ability to stay composed when it matters most.

In this conversation, Victor opens up about the unseen work behind performance:

how he trains consistency and calm under pressure, how he learned to lose well before winning well, and why he now aims to raise his floor instead of just chasing ceilings.

We talk about ego, over-confidence, reflection, and the point where preparation meets freedom.

And underneath it all, there’s a message for any athlete — that mindset isn’t something you turn on when the lights are bright.

It’s a skill you train, a habit you build, and a process that defines who you become.

If you’re serious about understanding what separates talent from mastery — and what the mental game really looks like behind the scenes — this one’s worth your full attention.

This is Victor Crouin.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victor_crouin/

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Whether you’re a coach, player, or simply fascinated by the psychology of performance, this conversation offers deep insights into the mindset of champions and the evolution of a brand redefining how athletes think, train, and compete.

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There’s a moment in this conversation that’s really stayed with me.

Alan said, “The best of the best never get bored with the basics.”

It was something Kobe Bryant told him back in 2007 — and it became one of the guiding principles behind his entire approach to performance and life.

And when you hear him talk about it, you realize it’s not a slogan. It’s a way of being.

It’s about how the greatest performers in the world — whether they’re in sport, business, or any craft — show up again and again for the small, often unseen things that nobody else values… but that make all the difference when the lights come on.

Alan Stein Jr. has lived that truth for decades.

He spent fifteen years courtside with basketball’s elite — names like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry — helping them train their minds, bodies, and habits to perform when it matters most.

Then he took everything he’d learned about discipline, confidence, and focus, and brought it into the corporate world — becoming one of the most sought-after keynote speakers, authors, and performance coaches on the planet.

His books Raise Your Game, Sustain Your Game, and his latest, Next Play, have become modern blueprints for building long-term excellence — on the court, in the boardroom, and in everyday life.

But what I love most about this conversation is how deeply human it is.

We go far beyond the surface-level talk of motivation or mindset.

Alan opens up about redefining success — moving from chasing external validation to living what he calls a “high-quality life.”

We unpack the difference between fun and enjoyment — how to keep joy alive even in high-pressure, high-stakes environments.

He shares the four rules he taught his own kids about sport — effort, coachability, teamwork, and fun — and how those same principles scale all the way to elite professional athletes.

We explore confidence — how it’s built through repetition, self-trust, and honest self-talk.

We dive into performance anxiety — how to reframe nerves as excitement.

And we touch on identity, flow, and mindfulness — with some incredible parallels to Stoic philosophy, Buddhism, and the principles we teach inside SportMind.

It’s rare to have a conversation that bridges the gap between Kobe’s gym and the everyday arena of life so naturally.

This one does that.

It’s packed with stories, tools, and truths you can apply immediately — whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a parent, or just someone trying to perform a little better under pressure.

This might be one of my favorite conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast — equal parts grounded and inspiring.

So wherever you are — out on a run, in the gym, or driving to training — take a deep breath, settle in, and enjoy this one.

Here’s my conversation with Alan Stein Jr.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alansteinjr/

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In this episode, Shaun sits down with Jesse Engelbrecht — former World No. 55 squash player turned sport psychologist and founder of SportMind. They dive into the mental side of performance, from fear of failure and pressure to breathwork, visualization, and daily mindset habits. Jesse shares his journey from pro player to coach and author, revealing how mastering the mind can transform how we train, compete, and live.

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Alison Waters, former world no. 3 and 4 time British Open champion is my guest on the show today. You’re in for a real treat! We discuss topics such as mental toughness, coping with a career threatening injury, how to cultivate resilience as a junior, habits and daily processes, evolution of her game getting older plus a whole wide ranging conversation that you should hopefully get a lot out of. Please enjoy.

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I'm absolutely delighted to have on the show today, Daryl Selby. I feel lucky enough to call him one of my friends. We toured the world a lot together. He obviously reached a lot higher ranking than me, but we shared some cool tournaments and some cool times together. So, it's really cool to be able to have a chat with someone of Daryl’s caliber, but also just an excuse to have a chat with a friend that I've not caught up with for a while. And hopefully this comes across on the conversation. It's nice and free flowing, it takes lots of different directions and we just have a good time having a good chat about his career, looking back at a few things, looking back at some really key moments in his career and a very different way to look at the mental side of the game, not your traditional style. He goes into a very honest open chat about his structure, his routine or lack thereof, and how this actually helped contribute to his mindset of his game. He talks a bit about how to play to your style and know yourself and that's a really powerful message. He comes at it from a different angle. It's not your traditional model of mental toughness, but boy, he was known as one of the most dogged players out there. If you watch him, he appears on “shot of the month” a lot of the time and also “rally of the decade”. He’s got an amazing catalogue of entertaining skills. So naturally talented the way he hits the ball, smooth, great around the court, but the underlying fact is that he was dogged, he was determined, he never gave up. He had that real grit, that real determination and this comes across in the conversation. I hope you're able to extract a few things from the talk. Just a few little stats about Daryl. He's reached the world ranking high position of world number 9 in 2010. In 2011, in one of his biggest titles, he won the British Nationals, beating Nick Matthew, who at the time, Nick Matthew was world champion and world number 1. He goes into a lot of detail and a really great story of how he thought he won this event because of a poem from his sister, which is really sweet and really enlightening when you listen to it. Another couple of notable events; he reached the semi-finals of the Tournament of Champions in 2012. In 2019 he captained England at the World Team Championships. A very proud Englishman, he wears his heart on his sleeve when he's playing for his country, and he scored some really big wins in the England shirt. You can tell that he loves playing for England, and it's obviously a very different dynamic. I hope you enjoy this really wide ranging varied in depth friendly conversation with myself and Daryl Selby.

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Ross Norman is a New Zealand squash legend best known for ending Jahangir Khan’s incredible 555-match unbeaten streak to win the 1986 World Championship. A former World No. 2, Ross is celebrated for his resilience, determination, and belief — qualities that defined one of the sport’s most iconic moments and continue to inspire athletes around the world.

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Sarah Fitz-Gerald is one of the greatest squash players of all time — a five-time World Champion and former World No. 1 from Australia. Renowned for her fierce competitiveness, precision, and leadership, Sarah’s legacy extends beyond her playing career as a mentor, coach, and ambassador for the sport, inspiring generations with her passion and pursuit of excellence.

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Lucy Turmel is one of England’s exciting squash talents, known for her grit, athleticism, and sharp tactical mind. A former British National Champion and World Junior bronze medalist, Lucy has quickly established herself among the world’s elite — combining determination, honesty, and a growth-driven mindset both on and off the court.

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Omar Abdel Aziz is a former Egyptian squash professional turned world-class coach, widely respected for his technical insight and calm, strategic approach to the game. Having competed at the highest level himself, Omar now mentors many of Egypt’s top players, helping shape the next generation of champions through his deep understanding of both the physical and mental sides of squash.

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Geoff Hunt is a true legend of squash — a four-time World Champion and eight-time British Open Champion who dominated the sport through the 1970s. Known for his impeccable fitness, discipline, and humility, Geoff set the standard for professionalism in squash and paved the way for future generations. His influence continues today through his decades of coaching and mentoring at the highest levels of the game.

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Overcoming The Top-10 Mental Obstacles In Sport - https://go.sportmind.io/Mastery

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Rowan Elaraby is one of Egypt’s rising stars in world squash — a former World Junior Champion and top-ranked professional known for her explosive movement, fearless shot-making, and competitive fire. As part of Egypt’s new generation of champions, Rowan continues to impress on the world stage with her passion, maturity, and relentless drive to keep improving.

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Todd Corbin is a mindfulness teacher, speaker, and author who helps athletes, coaches, and professionals build focus, calm, and confidence under pressure. With a background in education and mental performance, Todd blends mindfulness with practical tools for resilience and emotional regulation — teaching how to stay present and perform at your best when it matters most.

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He’s a four-time World Champion.

He’s spent more than 230 weeks as the World Number One.

And yet, behind the trophies and rankings lies something rarer — a depth of character, calm, and perspective that defines Ali Farag far more than his dominance ever could.

Squash is unlike any other racket sport — two players sharing the same space, battling inside a glass box under bright lights in iconic locations. It’s fast, physical, and fiercely personal.

And yet, within that intensity, Ali brought something rare — a mindful precision, a calm within the chaos.

An ability to play with freedom and humility, even while carrying the weight of expectation.

In this conversation, we go beyond the numbers.

We explore the mind behind the mastery.

Ali opens up about the invisible side of high performance —

how he relates to nerves rather than resists them,

how he carries the burden of expectation without being crushed by it,

and how he stays grounded through both triumph and adversity.

He takes us back to his early days in Cairo, to his formative years at Harvard with mentor Mike Way,

and into the unseen process that built one of the most complete athletes our sport has ever known.

We talk identity, composure, ego, acceptance, and the art of performing when things don’t go to plan.

And in the end, we touch on legacy — what it truly means to measure success not by trophies or rankings,

but by who you become through the pursuit itself.

This is a conversation about mastery, humility, and the quiet courage it takes to remain yourself in a world of expectation.

This is Ali Farag.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliamrfarag/

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Welcome to the next instalment of the SquashMind Podcast. Today, I’m joined by Jenny Duncalf — one of England’s all-time greats. Jenny reached World No. 2 in 2009, won 10 PSA titles, earned 112 caps for England, and claimed multiple European, national, and Commonwealth medals during an incredible 17-year career. Competing in the Nicol David era, she was one of the few who consistently pushed the game’s greatest to her limits.

In this episode, we dive into Jenny’s mindset, her experiences competing at the top, and her reflections on the mental side of elite sport. We talk about being coached by her father-in-law, David Pearson — one of the most successful coaches in the game — and her current roles as PSA’s Master of Ceremonies and Junior National Coach for Australia.

It’s an honest, wide-ranging chat about pressure, purpose, and perspective — packed with lessons for players and coaches alike. (Note: the audio has a slight delay early on, but it clears up quickly — and it’s well worth sticking with!)

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Well, I hope you enjoyed that first part of my conversation with Sarah-Jane Perry. I'm not sure how you felt but I felt really inspired going through those matches with her, really getting into that detail about her mindset and her mental state I was taking a lot of notes and a lot of inspiration from what she spoken about. So, I hope you enjoy part two. We get into more of the detailed analysis about her mind, some of the practical things she does to foster and cultivate this strong mental toughness. She admits she is not necessarily the most physical play on the tour, so she must make up for it in other ways. Yes, we know how good her racket work is, how great she strikes the ball, how well she can put the ball away, but a massive contributing part to her success must be the mental side of the game, and she talks about this. So, I hope you enjoy this second part of my chat with Sarah-Jane Perry

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I'm welcoming Sarah-Jane Perry to the SquashMind Podcast series. In this episode we have had to split the episode into two parts where we got into such a great conversation, got into some real depth about her mindset and really analysed almost match by match her success in the Black Ball Open in Egypt, where it was a first win in a world title Gold event. She just played a phenomenal tournament. Everything came right. You’re in for a real treat in this one, I believe, and just really getting into the deep mindset about how she felt she won the title and all her training up until this point.

Sarah Jane is currently the English number one lady on the PSA tour. She hails from Birmingham in the UK and she turned pro in 2011. As a junior she ended up winning the European under 19 title as well as the British under 19 title in 2009, and she currently has two senior British National titles. If we fast forward a little bit, in 2013 she was part of the successful England Ladies team that won the European Championships, but later in 2013, she had to miss the remainder of the season due to back injury. She was also part of the successful England Ladies team, winning the world Championships in 2014 in Niagara, which was phenomenal considering the Egyptian opposition and one of the highlights of a career. She got selected for Team England and debuted at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she won a silver medal in the individual event, reaching the final and eventually just losing out to Joelle King in that final. As I've just mentioned, she won the Black Ball title and it's just so great to understand what she went through and the emotions all around it. She’s also reached a career high number five in the world and so far recorded eleven tour titles.

As I said, this chat gets split into two parts because we go into so much detail in the first part around the Black Ball event and then in the second part of the interview in the chat, we get a lot more into some of the practical things that she did for her mind, for her mental state, how she's cultivated this and how she looks like she's setting herself up for some real big wins in the near future. We also discuss why she went the University route before turning pro and at one point it sounded like she wasn't going to pursue a squash career and look at her now, number five in the world, so I'm sure they're going to be a lot of things for you to extract out of this conversation. A lot of key bits that might resonate with you as players, and I really hope you enjoyed it because I certainly did in this two-part conversation with Sarah-Jane Perry.

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I am delighted to welcome today, Marwan ElShorbagy. He's reached number three in the world, and he’s won many titles and many matches. He is such an interesting player to watch, and this chat just takes so many cool directions and divergences. We go down a few interesting rabbit holes. We do touch on his older brother, Mohamed and how it has been competing with him, how it was playing the World Open final against your brother and the processes behind that. There's a couple of mutual friends we have, and I think you're really if for a treat in this episode. We obviously get serious as well, and we go deep with certain parts of the mind and his mindset and how it's evolved over different parts of his career. How coming to England at a young age really formed him and created arguably his mental toughness because of his environment and being under the tutelage of Jonah Barrington and having his brother Mohamed there. I think Mohamed was top ten in the world at 19 years old and Marwan is a few years younger than that. Having that as a training partner really lent itself to the mental side of the game. We talk about his relationship with Danny Massaro, who I've had the pleasure to have on the SquashMind podcast series before, and we had a great chat about the mind, and Danny was kind enough to put us together. We go on to talk about his visualisation process and what this entails. And as you're aware, SquashMind is really big on visualisation and understanding how to incorporate this into players games. He gives some really cool insights in regard to how he does some ghosting, and he really brings visualisation into that process, how he was visualising when he was at a bit of a low point in his career, how he was able to put things in place for himself to be mentally tougher, be mentally stronger at those moments. We also investigate his style of play. I put across what I thought and that he plays like that smart tactician, putting the ball in the right places. But he gives us the real insight into what his game is based on how he goes about his business, what he's really trying to prioritise and his role models as he was growing up and developing his game and the players he liked to emulate and look up to. There are so many nuggets that people can take away from this and so many little gems, getting inside the mind of a current pro, someone who's competing at the highest level of the game at the moment, really trying to push on to win some titles and get himself right at the top of the world rankings, which he is. But to get him arguably to number one in the world, to win a World Championship and the way he speaks, the way he talks, the way he looks at the game, he's a very wise thinker. You can tell he thinks about things a lot, and it's going to be fascinating to see what's going to happen over the next few years or so, how he's going to develop and how he's going to hopefully reach those top parts of the world. As you can probably tell from the chat coming up, it was fun with lots of laughter and I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the mindset of Marwan ElShorbagy.

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Amanda Sobhy is a trailblazer in American squash — a former World No. 3 and U.S. No. 1 known for her explosive athleticism, charisma, and fearless style of play. As one of the sport’s most inspiring figures, Amanda has paved the way for the next generation, bringing energy, authenticity, and joy to every match she plays.

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---------------------------

Amanda Sobhy is a trailblazer in American squash — a former World No. 3 and U.S. No. 1 known for her explosive athleticism, charisma, and fearless style of play. As one of the sport’s most inspiring figures, Amanda has paved the way for the next generation, bringing energy, authenticity, and joy to every match she plays.

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---------------------------

Laura Massaro is a former World Champion and World No. 1 squash player, widely regarded as one of England’s greatest competitors. Known for her grit, discipline, and tactical brilliance, Laura’s journey reflects the mindset of a true champion — combining resilience, self-belief, and an unshakable commitment to excellence.

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---------------------------

Laura Massaro is a former World Champion and World No. 1 squash player, widely regarded as one of England’s greatest competitors. Known for her grit, discipline, and tactical brilliance, Laura’s journey reflects the mindset of a true champion — combining resilience, self-belief, and an unshakable commitment to excellence.

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Stuart Armstrong is a Scottish professional footballer known for his composure, creativity, and consistency in midfield. Having represented both club and country at the highest level, he brings a thoughtful perspective on performance, mindset, and what it takes to stay sharp in elite sport — on and off the pitch.

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Nick Matthew is a three-time World Champion, three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and former World No. 1 — one of the most accomplished British squash players in history. Known for his relentless work ethic, tactical precision, and mental toughness, Nick’s career embodies the mindset of a true champion: disciplined, driven, and always evolving.

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James Willstrop is one of squash’s most elegant and intelligent players — a former World No. 1 and Commonwealth Games gold medalist celebrated for his artistry, precision, and sportsmanship. Beyond his achievements on court, James is also an author and actor, known for his thoughtful perspective on sport, creativity, and the human side of high performance.

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Mohamed ElShorbagy is one of the most dominant and charismatic figures in modern squash. A former World Champion and long-standing World No. 1, he’s renowned for his intensity, intelligence, and relentless drive to compete. Nicknamed The Beast, Mohamed’s career is defined not only by his titles but by his evolution — a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of greatness.

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Bryan Patterson is a legendary squash coach and former professional player whose influence spans generations. Known for his technical mastery, sharp tactical insight, and passion for player development, Bryan has coached athletes at every level — from juniors to world champions — leaving an enduring mark on the global squash community.

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Hania El Hammamy is one of the brightest stars in world squash — a former World Junior Champion and World No. 1 known for her fierce competitiveness and fearless style of play. Combining athleticism, intelligence, and mental toughness, Hania has become a symbol of the new generation of champions redefining what it means to compete with passion and purpose.

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Mark Campbell is a performance psychologist and lecturer specializing in the science of mindset, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. With a background working across elite sport and academia, Mark bridges cutting-edge research with real-world application — helping athletes and teams train their minds with the same precision they train their bodies.

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Joelle King is a world-class squash player from New Zealand and one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors. A multi–Commonwealth Games gold medalist and former World No. 4, Joelle is celebrated not only for her powerful, attacking game but also for her resilience, authenticity, and leadership on and off the court.

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Lee Drew is a highly respected coach and performance director who has played a pivotal role in shaping England Squash’s player development pathway. Known for his sharp tactical eye and calm, analytical style, Lee has guided athletes from junior to world-class level, blending technical mastery with a deep understanding of the mental and emotional demands of elite sport.

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Haitham Effat is an elite squash coach and performance strategist who has developed and mentored some of the top players in the world. Renowned for his tactical brilliance and calm, analytical approach, Haitham combines deep technical knowledge with a strong emphasis on mindset, discipline, and long-term athlete development.

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Danny Massaro is a high-performance coach, author, and former England Squash national coach known for his deep insights into mindset, communication, and team culture. With decades of experience coaching elite athletes — including world champions — Danny combines sport psychology, leadership, and storytelling to help players thrive both on and off the court.

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---------------------------

Danny Massaro is a high-performance coach, author, and former England Squash national coach known for his deep insights into mindset, communication, and team culture. With decades of experience coaching elite athletes — including world champions — Danny combines sport psychology, leadership, and storytelling to help players thrive both on and off the court.

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Gareth Mole is a leading sport psychologist and founder of Condor Performance, known for his evidence-based, no-nonsense approach to mental training. With over two decades of experience working with professional athletes and teams worldwide, Gareth specializes in turning psychological theory into practical tools that boost consistency, confidence, and composure under pressure.

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---------------------------

Gareth Mole is a leading sport psychologist and founder of Condor Performance, known for his evidence-based, no-nonsense approach to mental training. With over two decades of experience working with professional athletes and teams worldwide, Gareth specializes in turning psychological theory into practical tools that boost consistency, confidence, and composure under pressure.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ken Way is a pioneering sport psychologist who has worked with elite athletes, Premier League football clubs, and national teams across multiple sports. Known for blending psychology with practical performance tools, Ken brings decades of experience helping players master the mental side of competition and perform under pressure.

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Former World No. 2 and one of England’s greatest squash players, Peter Marshall is known for his unique double-handed style and relentless work ethic. After overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome, he made a remarkable comeback to the top of the sport — a story of resilience, reinvention, and mental strength.

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“The SquashMind podcast interviewing the greatest minds and thinkers about the psychology of competing to the maximum in high performance sport”

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Today I welcome to the show the 2019 World Champion Tarek Momen.

We have just had a deep dive conversation taking all sorts of routes and rabbit holes and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. 

We start off with talking about growing up in the Egyptian squash culture and how his athlete parents helped teach him lot of discipline very early on and how this paid dividends later. This also lent itself to his perfectionist mindset which he reflects is both a blessing and a curse. 

We also explore how he was able to get the balance between getting an engineering degree, passing with highest honours, as well as reaching the top 20 in the World Rankings at 22-years old. A pretty incredible feat and one to be admired even if he achieved nothing more in the game. 

We spend a large part of the show talking about his World Open victory in 2019 and the whole story of how it came together from the year before losing in the final of the same event. Quite a story and Tarek really comes to life and tells it in such a detailed and fantastic way. It was a real pleasure sitting and unpacking it all with him and I think you will really enjoy reliving what he has to say on it all. 

Tarek also kindly shares his mental tips for some key subjects of high performance including how he deals with losses in mentally positive way, what is happening when he feels mentally at his strongest, what his visualisation process is and how he relies on it as a big part of his mental training, how he copes with nerves, what starting a match well looks like, what mental state you should try be in when closing out a match, and finally his final message for how to become mentally strong. 

A true gentleman and a great asset to the game of squash. Thank you to Tarek and I am sure you are going to get as much out of this as we both did.

Please enjoy… 

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Today I am excited to have on the show my long-time friend, fellow squash player, and coach, Gilly Lane. Also affectionately known as Gilly from Philly! 

Gilly was a former world number 48 with three PSA titles and seven finals. He was also a US National Team player between 2007 and 2015. He is currently the head of men's squash at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2022, he led the team to become Ivy League Champions, and in that same year, he was awarded Ivy League Coach of the Year. A pretty high-flying CV both as a player and now as a coach 

Gilly and I go way back, and we first met when I was in my early 20s, around 2003, as I was invited to train in Philadelphia for a summer and to help Gilly get an off-season like a pro would. He was a couple of years younger than me, and he was considering his future squash options. We became close friends and have stayed in touch ever since. 

On the show, we discuss Gilly’s first summer training in the UK and the lessons he learned there, as well as how this shaped him for the next steps of his professional career. He reflects on some of the lessons he learned and things he may have done differently. We talk about his pride in playing for his country and how he, along with a few others, were the early pioneers of professional US squash. He opens up and shares the real reasons why he retired from the game at such a young age, and it may surprise you. I really respect how open and honest Gilly was on the show today, and he lays out his vulnerabilities for us all to hear and hopefully learn from. 

We continue the conversation about his role now at the University of Pennsylvania and the incredible job he is doing alongside his assistants, Stuart Crawford and Jack Wyant. He has turned the team and the culture around amazingly well, and it only looks like it’s getting stronger and stronger. He shares some of the key aspects of what it takes to be a successful college coach, as well as how players can get the most out of themselves during their time at college. We discuss the mental health aspect and the pressures of college squash, and he shares some brilliant tips on this. It was also great to hear how he has grown and changed as a coach and a person, and how he now coaches very differently than on his first day in the chair. He is massively committed to building a strong team culture, and you can see he is such a role model and leader for these young athletes he is in charge of. 

If you want to follow Gilly and his progress at Penn, then please do check him out on Instagram at @gillyfromphilly6.

I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Gilly, and it had been a long time coming. I am grateful for the time he spent with me today, and I am sure you are going to feed off his positive energy and enthusiasm for the game. We are lucky to have him doing what he is doing. So without further ado, please welcome Gilly Lane. 

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Today, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome to the show a true ambassador for the sport of squash, Charlie Johnson! Hailing from Bishops Stortford, England, Charlie has been based in the United States for the past 10 years, and is currently the Squash Director at Bay Club Redwood Shores, CA, a Team USA National Coach, and the founder of the Charlie Johnson Squash Academy - CJSA. 

He is fiercely passionate about growing the game of squash and, more importantly, shaping world-class individuals.

In our conversation today, we'll be diving into Charlie's early days in the UK as a full-time pro squash player and the factors that led to his move across the pond to the US. We'll explore the adjustments he had to make to thrive in the US squash scene and how he ultimately built an incredible coaching career.

Charlie recently received a prestigious award for his coaching, and we'll discuss the fabric and philosophy that underpins his approach to coaching. We'll also touch on the impressive success of his academy and the guidance he offers to parents of young, talented players.

A true student of the game, Charlie has an amazing process of keeping detailed notes to help him grow and develop as a coach. We'll delve into this method and discuss one of his standout philosophies: "We're not teaching ordinary people how to be extraordinary squash players, we're teaching ordinary players to be extraordinary people."

From handling pressure in big moments to training the mind as a junior athlete, Charlie shares his insights on the behaviours that separate the good from the great. We'll wrap up by discussing the future of junior squash in the US and where he sees the sport heading in the coming years.

I am beyond excited for you to listen to the wisdom and passion Charlie brings to the table. You can follow his journey on Instagram at @cjsquashacademy.

So, without further ado, let's dive in and welcome the one and only Charlie Johnson!

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Today, I am happy to introduce Luke Butterworth, a former player on the PSA World Tour, who has channeled his global competitive experience into becoming one of America's leading squash coaches.

Luke currently serves as the National Junior Coach for TEAM USA. He previously held the role of Head Coach for the Paraguay National Squash Team, leading them to a historic medal at the 2011 Pan American Games. He is also the founder of LBSQUASH and currently holds the esteemed position of Director of Squash at Greenwich Academy. There, Luke has orchestrated the team's success, culminating in seven National Championships and he has a burning ambition for more!

In our captivating conversation, we'll journey back to Luke's early days in Northern UK, exploring the foundations of his squash journey. We'll discuss what sparked his move to the US, and the prestigious coaching award he recently received.

We'll delve into the fabric of Luke's coaching philosophy, his blueprint for success, and the reasons behind the triumphs of his players. He'll share invaluable advice for parents of young, talented players and identify some of the most prominent mental barriers holding players back.

From discussing techniques for handling high-pressure moments to nurturing a player's confidence, Luke offers insightful guidance. We'll also delve into the importance of mental training for junior athletes, and the behaviours that distinguish the exceptional from the good.

As we wrap up, we look ahead to the future of US junior squash, with Luke's informed perspective on the direction it's heading.

Get ready to dive deep into the wisdom and experiences Luke Butterworth brings to our conversation. 

Without further ado, let's welcome the extraordinarily accomplished Luke Butterworth!

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---------------------------

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to your next episode of the podcast series.

Today, I welcome Matt Gill

Matt Gill is a multifaceted practitioner deeply rooted in the world of wellness and fitness. With a journey spanning over 15 years, Matt has not only mastered the art of yoga but has also become a certified breathwork coach with the Oxygen Advantage program. His expertise doesn’t stop there; he’s a mobility specialist certified in the Functional Range Conditioning system, a testament to his deep understanding of the human body's capabilities and limitations. 

Beyond his professional qualifications, Matt’s passion for racquet sports, notably squash and racquetball, showcases his dedication to not only teaching wellness but living it. His approach to wellness is holistic, integrating the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects to enhance performance both on and off the court.

Our conversation today dives deep into Matt’s journey from the squash courts of his youth to the yoga mats of India and beyond. Matt shares with us how an injury led him to explore the realms of yoga and mindfulness, transforming not just his recovery process but his approach to life and sport. His stories of personal growth and discovery are interwoven with practical advice on how we, too, can apply the principles of yoga, breathwork, and mobility to our daily lives and athletic pursuits.

We delve into the specifics of how yoga and breathwork can elevate your game in squash and other high-intensity sports. Matt breaks down the scientific and intuitive aspects of breathing, mobility, and mindfulness, providing listeners with actionable steps to incorporate these practices into their training routines.

Expect to uncover the symbiotic relationship between physical health and mental well-being as Matt expands on the profound impact of mindful practices on athletic performance. His insights into the integration of Eastern philosophies with Western science offer a refreshing perspective on holistic health and its benefits beyond the physical realm.

Moreover, Matt gives us a sneak peek into ‘Yoga for Squash,’ his innovative approach to blending the dynamic demands of squash with the grounding practices of yoga. This unique fusion promises not just improved flexibility and strength but a deeper connection with one’s body and breath, unlocking new levels of performance and enjoyment in the sport.

So, without further ado, let’s get into the show to help elevate your mental game in sports and life. Please welcome Matt Gill.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mattgill_yoga4squash/

Website - https://mattgillyoga.co.uk/blog/tag/yoga+for+squash

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to your next episode of the podcast series. 

Today, I am thrilled to sit down with an old friend, Stuart Crawford, a leading figure in the world of squash coaching. Stuart and I reconnected a few months ago at the British Open, and since then, a lot has transpired in his life that I’m excited to unpack and share with you.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Stuart's journey from his early days of playing squash in his small local club in Scotland, to representing his country and eventually transitioning into a coaching role. Stuart shares captivating stories of his formative years, including a family holiday in Malta that ignited his passion for squash.

We explore his experiences as a junior player, his inclusion in the Scottish junior team, and his eye-opening participation in the World Junior Championships. Stuart recounts his transition to a professional squash career, highlighting the highs and lows, and how these experiences shaped his approach to coaching.

Stuart's coaching journey is equally compelling. From his early coaching days while at the University of Stirling to his impactful tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, where he recently led the men's team to their first-ever national championship. We also delve into his exciting new role as the England national coach, his vision for the future, and the exciting prospect of squash being included in the LA 2028 Olympics.

Throughout our conversation, Stuart offers invaluable insights into the mental traits that distinguish successful players, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of curiosity in an athlete's growth. He also shares his thoughts on handling pressure and the significance of maintaining a healthy perspective on sport and competition.

Whether you're a squash enthusiast or simply intrigued by the journey of an elite player and coach, this episode promises to be a riveting listen. 

So, get comfortable, and join us as we journey through Stuart Crawford's remarkable career and his exciting plans for the future.

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,

Welcome to the next instalment of the podcast series.

Today, I bring you part 2 of my deep-dive conversation with none other than the iconic England Squash coach, David Campion.

In this episode, we shift our focus to explore David’s coaching philosophy and the intricate process of building high-performance teams, especially in the lead-up to major events like the Commonwealth Games. 

David shares how he helps athletes thrive under pressure, discussing the essential elements of creating a winning mindset.

We dive into the critical balance of fostering individual excellence while building a cohesive team environment. 

David reflects on his experience managing world-class players like Nick Matthew and James Willstrop—two fierce rivals who still needed to come together as teammates in team competitions. 

He offers insights into how he navigated their unique personalities to ensure peak performance when it mattered most.

We also get into motivation—both intrinsic and extrinsic—and how to keep elite athletes focused on the process, rather than fixated on the outcome. 

David shares his thoughts on goal setting, explaining why goals are important but how staying present and mastering the craft should take priority for long-term success.

One of the standout moments in this episode is when David breaks down the importance of adaptability and "rugged flexibility" in training. 

We explore how top athletes like Laura Massaro were able to continuously evolve and push their limits, even when faced with major challenges. 

He also discusses the role of mindset and resilience, using Gina Kennedy’s path to a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as a case study of how athletes can unlock their potential through focused preparation and belief in themselves.

Finally, we discuss the broader applications of David's coaching principles, as he now brings his expertise to leadership talks and corporate environments. 

He shares how lessons learned from the world of elite sport can be applied to building high-performance teams in the business world, with a focus on clarity, intent, and creating a transformational environment.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or simply interested in the mindset behind elite performance, this episode is packed with insights that you won’t want to miss.

Before we dive in, make sure to visit the SportMind website at www.SportMind.io, where you can join our live masterclass with David Campion or catch the replay if you missed it. 

This is your chance to interact with one of squash’s most respected voices and take your game to the next level.

Now, without further ado, please sit back, and enjoy part 2 of my conversation with David Campion.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campssquash/

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Today is a part 1 deep-dive with non-other than icoconinc England Squash coach David Campion. 

With over two decades at the forefront of England Squash, David has not only led the national team to unparalleled success but has also shaped the careers of some of the sport's biggest names.

In this episode, we journey through David’s history, starting with his early days in West Yorkshire, where he was coached by the legendary Malcolm Willstrop. 

We explore how this early immersion in a world-class squash environment, surrounded by future stars like Peter Marshall and Simon Parke, set the stage for his future achievements. 

David shares personal stories from his junior career, including his own experiences as a world junior finalist, offering listeners a glimpse into the foundation of his deep understanding of the game.

But it’s not just about history. 

We dive deep into the intricacies of his coaching philosophy, where David opens up about the mental and physical demands of high-performance squash. 

He discusses the significance of mindset and resilience, illustrating how elite athletes like Nick Matthew and James Willstrop have harnessed these qualities to achieve greatness. 

David recounts specific examples, such as how Nick Matthew adapted his training to overcome challenges on bouncy courts, or how Laura Massaro developed a devastating counter-drop to neutralise the aggressive front-court play of her Egyptian rivals.

One of the highlights of our conversation is David’s candid discussion about the pressures of modern coaching. 

He shares invaluable insights into balancing the technical aspects of the game with the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest levels. 

We also touch on the importance of creating a nurturing yet challenging environment for young players—a philosophy that has guided his work with emerging talents in England's squash scene.

Listeners will also find David’s thoughts on early specialisation versus a broader, multi-sport approach particularly enlightening. 

He provides a nuanced view on the topic, informed by both his experiences as a coach and his personal journey in the sport.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches looking to refine their approach, players aspiring to reach the top, and anyone fascinated by the mindset of elite athletes. 

David’s stories and insights offer a rare and valuable perspective on what it takes to excel in squash and beyond. 

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the sport’s most respected voices in this first of 2 parts.

Please sit back, and enjoy!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campssquash/

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Today on the show I welcome Mark Andrew Burke,

Mark is a proud Australian slash Belgian. He’s been involved in squash for 37 years and played on the PSA Tour until 2004, with a highest World Ranking of 97. He also represented the Belgian national team. He’s been coaching for the last 25+ years with a UKCC Level 3 certificate and a Masters degree in Sports Coaching from the University of Queensland.

Mark was also National Coach of Luxembourg 4 years and then started at Cornell University in 2019 where he is now the Assistant Coach to the Men’s and Women’s Squash program. Both teams finished Top 8 in the 2023 season.

His current role at Cornell combines his knowledge of coaching and mentoring players whilst building an inclusive and successful team culture.

Mark and I have been friends for many years, so it was an absolute pleasure to sit down with him and discuss the incredible journey he's been on, and the positive impact he's making on the lives of young athletes.

Our conversation delves into his role at Cornell University and we explore the fascinating story of how he arrived there. It's truly remarkable. We discuss his transition from Australia to Europe as a young aspiring pro, as well as the ups and downs that came with it. Mark paints a vivid picture of his experience as a young professional athlete, training diligently while also supplementing his daily expenses with coaching income. From early on, Mark was drawn to coaching, and found true joy and passion in it. He reflects on his ascent to the position of national coach for Luxembourg and the valuable learning experiences he gained there.

We also touch on the topic of team culture at Cornell and the key elements required to build a successful collegiate team. David Palmer, the head of squash at Cornell, has played a significant role in Mark's life, both as a young athlete and now as a coach. Mark shares invaluable insights and wisdom on what it takes to thrive as a student-athlete in the high-pressure environment of US college squash.

There's so much more to discuss that it feels like we're ready for a second episode, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy my engaging conversation with Mark Andrew Burke.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burkesquash/

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In this second episode, I sit down with Mark Burke—Associate Head Coach at Cornell, former national coach of Luxembourg, and someone who's worn just about every hat in the squash world.

We go deep.

From his journey as a late-blooming pro to transitioning into coaching…

From working with athletes across cultures to raising a student-athlete of his own…

We unpack the philosophies, the reflections, and the reinventions that define great coaching.

Mark shares powerful insights on what it really means to connect with players, how to coach with both honesty and empathy, and why growth mindset isn’t just for athletes—but for coaches too.

If you're a coach, a player, a parent, or just someone who cares about long-term development, you’ll find a ton of wisdom in here.

Stick around—this one’s layered.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burkesquash/

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What if the very things you’ve been told to get rid of — the nerves, the fear, the doubt — were actually the very keys to performing your best?

That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Michael Passaportis, has devoted his career to exploring.

Michael’s journey began on the rugby fields of Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Europe, where he experienced the highs of professional sport — and the crushing lows of repeated injuries, contract cancellations, and the mental battles that came with them. When his body forced him to stop playing, he turned that struggle into a mission: helping athletes master the mental game.

Now a sport and performance psychologist, lecturer, and researcher — with a PhD in collaboration with the English Institute of Sport on how Olympic environments can promote both wellbeing and performance — Michael’s work is all about taking the theory and turning it into tools athletes can actually use when the pressure is on.

In our conversation, he unpacks why overthinking drags athletes into the past or future, and how mindfulness isn’t about sitting cross-legged on a mountain but about training mental reps in the gym of the mind. We explore the difference between flow and clutch — the letting go and trusting versus the moment where you demand the ball and make something happen. We talk about why courage doesn’t come from waiting to feel confident but from choosing actions aligned with your values, even when fear is screaming at you. And we go deep on redefining success — shifting from chasing uncontrollable outcomes to building an internal scoreboard that makes performance both more sustainable and more enjoyable.

And perhaps most powerfully, Michael reframes acceptance — not as weakness or resignation, but as the ability to carry frustration, nerves, or fear with you, and still play the way you want to play.

This is one of those conversations that will leave you rethinking how you approach your sport — and maybe even your life. Michael explains it with clarity, honesty, and the authority of someone who’s lived both sides: as the athlete under pressure, and as the psychologist guiding athletes through it.

Let’s get into it.

Website: https://www.michaelpassaportis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmpsportpsych/

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Your eight-year-old just played their heart out. They step off the pitch, still catching their breath, and before the adrenaline's even worn off, you're already running through what went wrong in the car ride home.

Here's the thing: whether you're praising them or criticizing them from the sidelines, the research shows it has the exact same detrimental effect on their performance.

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Simon Moore—a Chartered Psychologist with a PhD in psychophysiological research who's spent his career unpacking why people do what they do. He's worked with global brands, governments, even studied dolphin behavior. But what brought him to youth sport? Watching his own 14-year-old navigate the football academy system and seeing the massive breakdown in communication between parents, coaches, and kids. Now he's working directly with academies to stop the patterns that inadvertently crush young athletes before they've even started.

In this conversation, we unpack some uncomfortable truths that parents and coaches need to hear:

•⁠ ⁠Why the outcome-obsessed culture is killing enjoyment—and actually limiting performance

•⁠ ⁠The psychology behind why kids average down to their team's level instead of standing out

•⁠ ⁠How parents unknowingly cripple their children's confidence in the car park after matches

•⁠ ⁠The difference between process feedback and outcome feedback—and why one builds champions while the other builds anxiety

•⁠ ⁠Why confidence isn't where you start—it's what you earn through repeated courageous actions

Simon shares raw insights from the sidelines—the grimacing parents, the cognitive overload from coaches giving six instructions when three is the limit, and that heartbreaking moment when talented kids quit football entirely because they didn't make a Category One academy.

We also dig into the internal scoreboard versus society's scoreboard, the two wolves battling in every young athlete's mind, and why smiling during competition isn't weakness—it's a performance tool.

Whether you're a parent white-knuckling the sidelines, a coach trying to build resilient athletes, or a competitor wrestling with self-worth, this conversation will challenge how you think about success, pressure, and what we're really teaching the next generation.

Let's get into it.

Website: whatsmygoal.co.uk.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsimonmoore/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/itsonlykidsfootballpodcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6b217540-ae0a-487c-8447-e09b5f9f9615

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and welcome to the next episode of the podcast series. Today, I’m absolutely delighted to be joined by Dr. Justin Ross.

Justin is a clinical psychologist specialising in human performance, and he’s worked with athletes at every level—from passionate amateurs right through to NBA and NFL players, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams. He’s also an endurance athlete himself, with six Boston Marathon qualifiers, Ironman triathlons, and 100-mile mountain bike races on his CV. So when he talks about the mental side of performing under pressure, he knows it both from the research and from the trenches.

This conversation is a masterclass in the psychology of performance. We dig into the difference between threat and challenge states—what’s actually happening in your brain when pressure spikes, and how to shift back into control. Justin explains the physiological sigh and other breathwork tools that elite athletes use to reset instantly. We dive into self-talk—why you can’t erase the negative voice, but how you can train a more powerful inner language to override it.

We also go deep into confidence building: how to use “receipts” and evidence to make your confidence real and unshakable. We talk about equanimity—why the best athletes make so-called big moments feel ordinary—and how to train that mindset yourself. Justin shares brilliant insights on visualisation, including how to rehearse setbacks and preload solutions before you ever compete. And we finish with two huge topics: the three-stage framework for injury recovery and return to play, and a fresh look at mindfulness for athletes—simple, bite-sized practices that fit directly into sport without the fluff.

This episode is packed with practical takeaways, so whether you’re chasing podiums, battling nerves, or just trying to get the best out of yourself, I know you’ll get huge value. Let’s dive in—here’s my conversation with Dr. Justin Ross.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjustinross/

Email: drjustinross@gmail.com

Website: https://www.drjustinross.com/

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Welcome to the next episode of the podcast series. Today, I’m joined by Evan Burk—author, speaker, podcast host, and former NFL coach.

Evan’s journey into the NFL is anything but typical. He never played beyond high school, had no family connections in the game, and yet in just six years went from coaching 4th graders to the sidelines with the Miami Dolphins, and later at UCLA and SMU. His story is living proof that intangibles—work ethic, emotional intelligence, persistence—often matter more than pedigree or raw talent.

In this conversation, we dig into those intangibles and the culture that makes or breaks great teams. Evan explains why culture always outlasts talent, how to set standards that everyone actually buys into, and the tough calls leaders need to make when egos clash with values. We talk about his book Finding Intangibles, and explore how the very best leaders—whether in sport or business—evaluate hidden traits like resilience, adaptability, and coachability.

It’s not all theory either. Evan shares practical tools, including how he used journaling to reframe setbacks and shape his self-talk, why small daily commitments are the foundation of excellence, and how to avoid slipping into toxic positivity by surrounding yourself with people who tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.

If you’re curious about leadership, culture, and what separates a good team from a championship one, you’re going to get a lot from this episode. All the links to Evan’s work, his book, and his podcast The Highest Level are in the show notes. For now, let’s dive in—here’s my conversation with Evan Burk.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachevanburk/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachevanburk

Website: https://www.coachevanburk.com/

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What if the mental skill that wins the match isn’t getting into flow at all—but learning to flip the switch to clutch on command? That’s the heart of today’s conversation with Dr. Erin Ayala, a Minneapolis-based sports psychologist and founder of Skadi Sport Psychology. Erin isn’t just an expert in the lab; she’s an endurance athlete who knows the “pain cave” from the inside—marathons, triathlon, ultra-distance cycling. Together we unpack how to stay composed when it hurts most, and why separating flow from clutch can change your results under pressure.

Dr. Erin draws a clean line between the two states. Flow is the effortless sweet spot where everything clicks and you let great performance happen. Clutch is different: it’s the deliberate decision to raise effort, attention, and intensity now. She shows you how to appraise pressure as a challenge rather than a threat, because that mindset shift is what unlocks clutch performances when the clock is red. From there we build a practical playbook you can use mid-competition: thought-defusion (“I’m having the thought that…”), the wonderfully cheeky “Thanks, brain” technique for taming self-talk, and when to aim your focus outward (grounding, “counting colors,” noticing the environment) versus inward (simple reset cues like eyes up, posture tall, keep moving). We also dig into breathwork as your direct handle on the nervous system—no rigid box counts or over-breathing, just low-and-slow regulation you can call on in the penultimate rally or final kilometer.

We don’t dodge the heavy stuff. Erin lays out clear markers to tell burnout from depression so you don’t “grind” when you actually need support. We explore identity in sport—why building more than one “room in your house” protects performance, tames perfectionism, and actually makes clutch moments more likely, because you’re no longer playing for your worth. And we finish with a philosophy that wins late: raise the floor. The best teams and athletes don’t conjure magic at the end; they rely on world-class basics practiced with intention, so the right things hold under stress.

If you’ve ever crumbled at 9-all, stared down the last hill, or wanted a one-minute locker-room speech that actually works, this episode gives you both the language and the tools. You’ll leave with a calmer nervous system, a smarter focus plan, and a repeatable way to meet high-pressure moments with poise.

Website: https://www.skadisportpsychology.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skadisportpsychology/ , https://www.instagram.com/erineayala/

Email: hello@skadisportpsychology.com

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Welcome to the next episode of the podcast series. Today, I’m joined by Steph Reid—an Australian Opal and professional point guard currently playing in Poland.

Here’s the thing: Steph shouldn’t really be here. She wasn’t picked for the junior state teams, she never made the AIS pathway, and by the end of high school she was preparing to take a full-time job outside basketball. Then, five days before her final exams, the phone rang—a last-minute scholarship to the University at Buffalo. She said yes on the spot. Fast forward: she became MAC Tournament MVP, set assist records, and helped her team to the Sweet 16.

Since then, she’s lifted a WNBL championship with Townsville Fire, earned WNBL Community Player of the Year, played in Hungary, and now taken on a new challenge in Poland. On the international stage, she’s become a key playmaker for the Opals—leading the 2025 Asia Cup in assists and proving that at 5’5”, impact isn’t about size but heart and craft.

But what makes this conversation powerful isn’t just the CV—it’s the honesty. Steph talks openly about rejection, about missing Olympic selection and the panic attacks that followed, and about how journaling, therapy, and simple breathwork tools helped her turn crippling anxiety into confidence. She shares how she reframed nerves from something to fear into something to fuel her, and why joy and gratitude are not side notes in elite sport—they’re the edge.

If you’ve ever battled self-doubt, struggled with comparison, or felt pressure steal your joy in the game, this episode will speak to you. All the links to follow Steph are in the show notes. Let’s dive in—here’s my conversation with Steph Reid.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steph_reid/

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and welcome to your next episode of the podcast series. Today I'm really delighted to be joined by Asia Mape, the founder of I Love to Watch You Play. If you're a parent in youth sports, you know the rollercoaster. Early mornings endless travel. The highs of seeing your child succeed and the lows of wondering if all the pressure and sacrifice are really worth it.

Asia has lived that world from every angle. She's a former college basketball player and an award-winning sports journalist who covered six Olympics Super Bowls and NBA playoffs, and she's also a mom raising three daughters through the chaos of youth sports. A decade ago she launched. I love to watch you play.

A platform that has become a lifeline for thousands of families. What began as a passion project has grown into a movement,

helping parents rethink how to support their children, protect their joy, and create a healthier culture around sport. In our conversation, we dig into some of the toughest questions parents face, how to spot the early signs of burnout. How to balance wanting your child to succeed with simply wanting them to be happy and how to shift from chasing rankings and scholarships to focusing on long-term growth and wellbeing.

Asia shares honest stories, her own mistakes included and practical tools you can apply right away from the car ride to practice, to handling poor behavior, to navigating the pool of social media and comparison. This is a conversation about perspective, balance,

and remembering why we all started playing sports in the first place because it was fun. All the links to Asia's work on the show notes.

So without further ado, let's dive in and please enjoy my conversation with Asia Mape.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theilovetowatchyouplay/

Website: https://ilovetowatchyouplay.com/asia-mape/

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Hello, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and welcome to your next episode of the podcast series. Today on the show, I welcome Alex Bolowich from Elite Mental Performance. If you've ever wondered why all the training, sleep and nutrition can still come unstuck, the moment pressure hits, you'll value this podcast.

Alex is a former division one goalkeeper who lived the extremes of a position where one mistake can define a whole game. After injuries, setbacks, and the kind of scrutiny that hardens you or breaks you. He shifted into mental performance coaching in Charlotte, North Carolina, helping athletes from youth to NCAA and the pros build inner strength They can actually trust when it matters.

In our conversation, we go straight to the practical.

Alex explains how to shift from survival brain to performance brain in real time, and he shares a simple reset you can use on the field or court when your head starts to spiral. We talk about mindfulness, done the athlete's way, why it's the most reliable route to consistency and we dig into brain spotting.

A powerful method for unblocking those strange yips moments when your body won't do what you know it can. We also rethink visualization, not just highlight reels, but rehearsing worst case scenarios. So you're ready to respond, not react. Along the way, we unpack confidence, whether your challenge is doubt, fear, or insecurity.

And we touch ego, identity, gratitude, and even a clean, practical approach to social media that supports performance instead of stealing it. It's honest, it's useful, and it's packed full of tools you can use today. All the links we mentioned are in the show notes, so without further ado, let's dive in. And here's my conversation with Alex Bolowich.

Website: https://www.elitementalperformance.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bolowich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elite_mentalperformance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090360243708

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Welcome to the next episode of the podcast series. Today, I’m joined by Kai Laird.

If you’ve felt the joy drain out of your sport—burnout creeping in, pressure piling up, and that sense you’re chasing someone else’s scoreboard—this conversation will help you fall back in love with the game while actually performing better. Kai grew up in Trinidad & Tobago, now based in Richmond, Virginia, with a background across swimming, hockey, football, and more. He coached youth soccer for over a decade, then trained as both a certified mental performance consultant and a licensed counselor—a rare blend that lets him support athletes on the field and as humans off it.

We get practical fast. Kai walks through how to shift from white-knuckling results to building an internal scoreboard you can win every day. He shows how to spot the early signs of burnout and bring fun back as a performance tool—not a luxury. We break down simple resets under pressure (including breathwork that actually changes your state), a tidy notice–name–neutralize loop for awareness, and a fresh way to use self-talk—swapping the inner Hulk and the anxious Scientist for the Best Friend who keeps you in the moment. We also get into resilience as something you build—via perspective, motivation, and confidence—plus Kai’s “future self” lens and the idea of moving toward your North Star with consistent eights and nines, not just chasing perfect tens.

It’s grounded, it’s actionable, and it’s the kind of mindset work that scales—whether you’re a junior, a college athlete, a coach, or a parent. All the links are in the show notes. Let’s dive in—here’s my conversation with Kai Laird.

Website - https://theperformancepursuitconsulting.com/kaimarelaird-bio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-laird/

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to your next episode of the podcast series. In today's episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of mental health, especially as it pertains to sports and high-performance activities.

Today, I welcome Julie Korioth to the show. Julie is an inspiring figure in the realm of mental health and sports, with a profound personal journey that has shaped her professional endeavors.

Julie Korioth is a dynamic and influential mental health advocate and entrepreneur. She has carved a niche for herself in the field, focusing on the next generation of athletes and their mental well-being. Julie's passion for helping others stems from her own experiences with depression and anxiety, which she bravely navigated from a young age.

Her story is not just one of challenges but also of resilience and transformation. Julie’s academic journey led her to earn a master's degree in counseling, providing her with a deep understanding of mental health issues. This was further enriched by personal experiences, including discovering her own learning disabilities as an adult.

In today's episode, we explore Julie's fascinating backstory, her journey to where she is now, and the pivotal moments that defined her path. We delve into how her struggles during childhood and later in life fueled her determination to make a difference in the world of mental health, particularly for young athletes.

Julie shares her insights on the impact of mental health on athletes' performance, the significance of nurturing mental resilience, and the importance of developing an identity beyond sports. Her perspective is enlightening, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges athletes face and how they can be supported.

We also discuss the innovative work Julie is doing with her company, NUI, which aims to provide comprehensive support for the mental health of young athletes. NUI's approach is multifaceted, encompassing mentorship, masterclasses, and an AI coach, all tailored to address the specific needs of the next generation.

Julie's journey is a testament to the power of overcoming personal battles and using those experiences to empower others. Her story is not just inspiring but also educational, offering valuable insights into the world of mental health in sports.

So, without further ado, let's get into the show to help elevate your mental game in sports and life and please welcome Julie Korioth.

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I'm super excited to share today's episode because we're going to explore some really fascinating topics with the amazing Masha Kay. Masha isn't just any guest – she's a powerhouse in the field of personal development and mental health. Her insights into how our nervous system shapes our experiences, especially under pressure, are nothing short of eye-opening. So, whether you're a high-flyer striving for the top or someone looking for that perfect balance in life, this episode is for you. Let's jump right in and get started with Masha Kay.

We began by discussing Amanda Sobhy, a world-class squash player known for her incredible mental toughness. Masha's insights here are a goldmine, giving us a peek into what makes high achievers like Amanda tick.

Did you know that your nervous system plays a huge role in your personal growth and how you handle vulnerability? Masha broke it down for us, and trust me, it's a game-changer.

We also talked about how to manage your nervous system in those nail-biting, high-pressure moments. It's all about understanding and working with your body, not against it. Really cool stuff!

Dynamic acceptance – ever heard of it? It's all about embracing the now while still moving forward. Masha's take on this was so insightful, especially for those of us who are always striving for more.

We all have ways our body tries to protect us, like shutting down in stressful times. Masha shed some light on why this happens and how understanding it can actually empower us.

Masha and I then got into the nitty-gritty of practices like breathwork and journaling, and how they can help keep our nervous system in check.

Striking that balance between pushing yourself to the limit and taking care of your well-being is tough. Masha shared some wisdom on how to navigate this, especially for high achievers.

We wrapped up with a deep dive into the mind-body connection, exploring how it can push us beyond what we think is possible. Masha's personal stories here are just inspiring.

We've covered everything from the inner workings of the nervous system to finding that sweet spot between pushing hard and self-care. This episode is packed with insights and laughter, and it's one you won't want to miss.

To get to know more about Masha, CLICK HERE to be taken to her Instagram profile.

So on that note please sit back and enjoy the wisdom of Masha Kay…

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On the show today I explore the fundamentals of health and peak performance. I'm Jesse Engelbrecht, and I am delighted to introduce a guest whose expertise bridges the gap between athletic performance and personal health, David 'Jacko' Jackson.

David is not only a former professional rugby player but also a Master Instructor with Oxygen Advantage, an accredited strength and conditioning coach with UKSCA, and a performance enhancement & corrective exercise specialist certified by NASM. After a brain injury ended his rugby career, he turned to breathwork, not just as a form of recovery, but as a new vocation to assist others.

Jacko's journey is one of adaptation and education. He understands the power of breath and its profound impact on our lives, from managing stress and anxiety to boosting athletic performance. His approach is informed by personal experience and a deep-seated desire to share the benefits of breathwork with a wider audience.

In our conversation today, we'll delve into how breathing can influence every aspect of our physiology and psychology. We'll discuss the principles of the Oxygen Advantage, and how Jacko has used these to help individuals from all walks of life to achieve their full potential.

We'll also get a chance to hear about 'ProBreathwork,' an app designed to bring the power of tailored breathing exercises to users everywhere, encapsulating Jacko's mission to normalise breathwork as a daily practice.

If you're eager to learn more about Jacko's work or wish to connect with him, you can find a wealth of resources and contact information on the Oxygen Advantage website. Simply CLICK HERE to explore his programs, upcoming workshops, and a deep dive into his breathwork methodologies.

For daily inspiration and a glimpse into his breathwork-focused lifestyle, follow David 'Jacko' Jackson on Instagram HERE. His feed is a rich tapestry of practical tips, client success stories, and the beautiful vistas of North Wales that backdrop his own breathwork practice."

So, whether you're a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone looking to improve your wellbeing, today's episode is sure to provide valuable insights. Let's welcome David 'Jacko' Jackson.

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and welcome to your next episode of the podcast series. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a guest who has seamlessly transitioned from the disciplined world of the British Army to the dynamic realm of civilian fitness: Coach Jason Curtis.

Jason's journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep understanding of the human psyche. After serving 6 years as an army physical training instructor, he ventured into the civilian fitness industry with a vision and sheer willpower. Despite initial financial challenges, he identified a unique niche: "Bringing Strength and Conditioning to the Masses." This approach not only transformed his training sessions but also led to the establishment of his own gym and the publication of 20+ best-selling book on Amazon.

In today's episode, we delve deep into Jason's innovative fitness race, the "Deadly Dozen." Set on an athletics track, this race is designed to challenge participants in a unique way. Jason envisions the Deadly Dozen as a standardised sport, aiming to take it to national and international levels, with the potential of licensing it out and even hosting competitions for the top 12 athletes in the world.

But our conversation goes beyond just fitness. We explore the profound philosophy of Stoicism, a topic both Jason and I are deeply passionate about. Jason shares how Stoicism, often misunderstood as mere emotional suppression, is actually about understanding and embracing challenges, taking an intellectual approach to problems, and determining the best course of action. He credits his reading of Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" and other Stoic teachings for providing him with the mental tools to navigate the stresses of business and life.

We touch upon the traits of high performers, where Jason emphasises that one of the key traits is Stoicism. He believes that high performers see their commitments as non-negotiable, making it a habit to consistently perform at their best. This mindset, combined with the Stoic principles of understanding what's within one's control and accepting what's not, sets high performers apart.

By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the dedication it takes to transition from one world to another, the innovation behind the Deadly Dozen, and the transformative power of Stoicism in shaping one's mindset.

For those eager to delve deeper into Jason's work or connect with him, you can find him on Instagram at @strengthandconditioningcourse and the link is in the show notes.

So, grab your headphones, settle in, and let's get going on this awesome journey with Coach Jason Curtis!

___________________________________________________________

The SportMind Hub - https://go.sportmind.io/The-Hub

Discover the best of SportMind at The Hub. Begin training your mind immediately with our accessible tools—enjoy complimentary insights or dive deeper with our premium offerings. Your path to mental mastery starts here.

Your Gym Of The Mind—all in one spot.

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Venture into the realm of elite team culture and leadership with Allistair McCaw, the go-to expert in sports psychology and performance enhancement. In this enlightening episode, we discuss Allistair’s journey working with top-tier sports teams, including his pivotal role in advising Paris St. Germain. Learn about the intricacies of fostering a cohesive team culture, the challenges faced by sports teams in maintaining leadership dynamics, and Allistair's innovative strategies to tackle them. This episode is a goldmine of insights for team managers, athletes, and leadership enthusiasts.

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Dive into a riveting conversation with sports performance specialist, Allistair McCaw. In this episode, we explore the nuances of a champion’s mindset and dissect the principles behind Allistair's renowned "Champion Minded." From his experiences training top tennis players to his insights from consulting with football giant Paris St. Germain, Allistair offers a masterclass in optimising performance and cultivating a winner's spirit. A not-to-be-missed session filled with actionable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving for excellence.

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Today, I’ve got an incredibly special guest with me – Larissa Mills, the innovative mind behind 'The Mental Academy’, based in Ontario, Canada, Larissa has made it her life's mission to prevent mental health issues, notably those caused by the excessive use of phones, social media, and gaming. She has been instrumental with athletes, coaches, and parents providing crucial tools through her comprehensive website, which features articles, podcasts, webinars, Q&As, videos, courses, and practical tips.

Larissa's journey began about a decade ago, when, in her capacity as a teacher, parent, and coach, she noticed a troubling spike in negative and even violent behaviour among children, a trend she linked to increased cell phone use. This observation sparked her to research the subject further, which led her to a shared concern among educators about the adverse change in children's behaviour since the introduction of handheld devices both in the classroom and at home.

Today, we delve deep into this important topic. With Larissa's valuable insight, we uncover the science behind extended screen time and its effects on the minds of athletes. We also explore strategies for managing instant gratification, untethering from our phones, and how to utilise the beneficial tools that phones can offer athletes.

This conversation is jam-packed with information and insights – all aimed at helping parents, coaches, and athletes reclaim control from technology. My hope is that Larissa's work will guide us all, helping our children refocus on listening and learning so they can thrive and be happier as adults.

Larissa's passion and clear message about this prevailing crisis will inspire you. This conversation is just the beginning – we're planning to unpack so much more in future episodes and maybe even a live Masterclass session, so watch this space!

So, without further ado, let's dive right in. Please join me in welcoming the visionary, Larissa Mills!

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I'm delighted to introduce my special guest for today, Dr. Mitch Greene. A clinical and sports psychologist with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Greene has an impressive background working with athletes, coaches, and teams at every level, all seeking to improve their performance and mental health. He's the man behind Greenepsych, a mental health practice where he and his team apply researched interventions like CBT, mindfulness, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and injury recovery expertise, in order to create holistic treatment plans for high-performing athletes.

A prominent figure not only in the consulting room but also on the field, Dr. Greene is often spotted at triathlons and running events, where he's either competing or offering guidance as a 'psych on a bike.' And for those of you looking for a good read, he's publish a captivating book that delves into the fear and self-doubt, or 'mind chatter,' which plagues athletes and hinders their peak performance.

During our discussion, we've had a chance to dig into the fascinating insights from his book 'Courage Over Confidence.' Dr. Greene shared his 4-step process designed to help athletes manage their mind chatter. We discussed common mental hurdles athletes encounter, such as losing momentum after a small error, the stress of comparing oneself to competitors, the crippling fear of failure, and the anxiety around inconsistency in performances. We also explored how athletes could use Dr. Greene's model to navigate these challenges.

But that's not all. We also ventured into some practical strategies, like how athletes can begin practicing these techniques before they face the high-pressure situations of competition. We spoke briefly about the role of visualisation in mental training, and whether meditation and mindfulness tools can enhance athletic performance.

Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that promises to change the way you think about sports psychology. However, I do want to apologise for any brief interruptions or signal drops we experienced during the recording. There may be a few places where the message got lost, but I assure you the insights shared by Dr. Greene are invaluable.

So without further ado, let's dive into the show with Dr. Mitch Greene.

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The SportMind Portal - https://go.sportmind.io/Portal

Grab Your Copy Of The Squash Playbook - https://www.squashplaybook.com/ ⚫️💨

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Today, I am absolutely thrilled to introduce my next guest, Dr. Nyree Dardarian. Dr. Dardarian is a renowned Sports Nutritionist, currently serving as the Sports Nutritionist for prestigious teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the Philadelphia Union (MLS), USA Field Hockey, and USA Squash, among others. She has also worked with Team USA at various international events, including the World University Games and the Pan American Games.

In addition to her impressive work with professional athletes, Dr. Dardarian is an Assistant Clinical Professor and the Director of the Center for Nutrition & Performance (CNP) at Drexel University. Her research projects focus on athlete knowledge and behaviour change, resting metabolic rate, and workplace wellness programs centered around nutrition. She has been recognised for her expertise and has been featured in publications such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, CBS Philly, Prevention Magazine, and Women's Health Magazine.

Dr. Dardarian's dedication to improving athletic performance through nutrition led her to develop Dragon Gels™, an In-Sport fuel exclusively used by the teams she supports. These gels are formulated, packaged, and distributed through the Metabolic Kitchen at Drexel University.

During our captivating conversation, we delved into a wide range of topics with Dr. Dardarian. She provided us with a compelling introduction to her work, emphasising the crucial role of nutrition in optimising sporting performances. We explored the fundamental starting points for beginners aiming to improve their sports nutrition while dispelling common misconceptions. We even delved into the influence of alcohol and the intricate mind-body connection.

Dr. Dardarian shared invaluable guidance on maintaining training and performance consistency through sound eating habits. She also enlightened us about the impactful Share A Meal initiative.

To conclude our enlightening discussion, Dr. Dardarian graciously imparted her top four tips and takeaways, empowering the listeners to implement practical insights that can elevate your nutrition and enhance your performance.

Prepare to absorb the abundance of knowledge Dr. Nyree Dardarian brings to the forefront. 

Stay connected with her work across various media platforms and see them in the show notes attached. She is well worth following with all her incredible work and initiatives she is doing right now. 

Without further ado, let us plunge into our conversation and extend a warm welcome to the exceptional Dr. Nyree Dardarian!

Dr. Nyree Dardarian on Instagram

Dr. Nyree Dardarian on LinkedIn

Dr. Nyree Dardarian Share A Meal podcast 

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The SportMind Portal - https://go.sportmind.io/Portal

Grab Your Copy Of The Squash Playbook - https://www.squashplaybook.com/ ⚫️💨

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Today, I'm joined by Dr. Meeta Singh, a board-certified physician and psychiatrist specialising in sleep science.

Our conversation navigates the world of sleep, starting with basics and Dr. Singh's journey into this field. We discuss sleep benefits, napping, and unique challenges for teenage athletes and students juggling school and sports. Dr. Singh offers advice on managing high-stress periods, the long-term effects of sleep deprivation, and the importance of sleep for performance.

We also cover strategies for staying alert during late-night events, explore the concept of "sleep debt", and discuss if oversleeping is a concern. Dr. Singh shares tips on falling asleep faster to maximize the benefits of sleep. This conversation is loaded with insights and practical advice for those aiming to enhance their performance and quality of life.

For more about Dr. Singh’s work, visit her website, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Welcome, Dr. Meeta Singh!

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Grab Your Copy Of The Squash Playbook - https://www.squashplaybook.com/ ⚫️💨

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Today I have on the show Laura Rushworth.

I really enjoyed recording this episode as it was a departure from the norm for me and I was a keen and eager student listening to what Laura had to say and the amazing work she is doing in the field of selective mutism in young people. An anxiety disorder I only became familiar with very recently but felt as a coach and an influencers of young people, this was an important conversation to have. Our hope by recording this episode was to bring to light this anxiety disorder to a sporting audience both for parents and coaches and where to find help and support on the matter. 

Laura has worked for Confident Children since 2019 as a Selective Mutism Practitioner, providing support for children with SM in schools and online. Laura previously worked in a primary school as a Specialist Speech, Language and Communication Practitioner. It was during her eight years in this role that she discovered her passion for helping children overcome their anxieties around talking. Laura is also mum to two girls. 

In the show we talk about the physical debilitating factors around selective mutism, what it is, what it isn’t, and the misconceptions. As mentioned, Confident Children is the company Laura works for and we discuss the amazing work and the positive influence they are having on young peoples lives on a daily basis. How selective mutism presents itself and why. The fight, flight, freeze response. How certain character traits such as perfectionism, fear of mistakes, fear of judgment and being highly sensitive can all lend themselves to this anxiety disorder. Laura gives some great tips and tools to use right away as a parent or coach to help with this anxiety disorder. 

This episode only scratches the surface and is not intended to be the antidote and for those who have been effected or know of anyone that may be showing signs of this anxiety disorder please do reach out and contact Confident Children on www.confidentchildren.co.uk. Please also forward this podcast episode and share it far and wide as it would be great to get this message out more to the masses and raise the awareness.

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Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimise your life with SportMind, here's how you can achieve it:

https://linktr.ee/sportmind

Also download the SportMind App FREE on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life.

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We had such a wide ranging, deep, funny, and inspiring conversation today and I certainly came away with my energy cup brimming full. She was just a delight and had so many cool things to talk about it felt like we could have had a 5-parter. Her knowledge, humbleness, energy, interests, passions, and genuine authenticity come across beautifully on the show. 

You can see why she has been the success she has been, and not just based on her wins and losses, but how she inspires people and finds the value and importance in life and relationships. 

Anne is a highly respected and experienced field hockey coach who has been leading the Trinity College Bantams in Hartford, Connecticut, for numerous years. With a strong commitment to her athletes' development both on and off the field, Anne has become an influential figure in the field hockey community. Under her guidance, the Trinity College field hockey team has achieved significant milestones, consistently ranking among the top teams in their conference. Her dedication to the sport and her players has led to numerous wins and high levels of team performance. Throughout her tenure at Trinity College, Parmenter has led the Bantams to multiple conference championships, earning several NCAA tournament appearances.

It is evident that Anne’s impact on the field hockey program at Trinity College has been profound. Her leadership and passion for the sport have left a lasting mark on the countless student-athletes she has mentored, helping them grow both as players and as individuals. 

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Anne has taken on various roles at Trinity College, contributing to the overall development and enrichment of the institution. As a strong advocate for her players, she works tirelessly to ensure they receive the support and opportunities they need to excel both athletically and academically. Her lasting influence and achievements have established her as a respected and accomplished figure in the world of collegiate sports and in March 2023 she hung up her whistle. 

On the show today we talked about her journey from youth athlete, to field hockey player, to legendary coach at Trinity College, where, as mentioned, she has only recently just retired from. From the word go you understand that coaching was in her DNA and was her destiny. She followed her passion and followed her dream. We talk a lot about coaching philosophies, what it takes to get the best out of athletes and her tips and advice for creating a strong team culture. She shares stories about the deep relationships she has formed over the years and how when it all gets stripped away, this is the most valuable thing in life. 

She is a great outdoors person and we end the show with an incredible story from her about her climbs on Mount Everest. How her first climb was fraught with danger and peril and the despair of what happened. On her second climb she was able to summit and she takes us through all the detail of this and the profound moments she came face to face with death. A harrowing and captivating listen and I am sure you will be blown away as I was when I was listening to her. 

So on that note, I am excited for you to hear this conversation with myself and Anne Parmenter.

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Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimise your life with SportMind, here's how you can achieve it:

https://linktr.ee/sportmind

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The SportMind Portal - https://go.sportmind.io/Portal

Grab Your Copy Of The Squash Playbook - https://www.squashplaybook.com/ ⚫️💨

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Today on the show, I have the pleasure of welcoming Graham Keen, who will be sharing his expertise on the mind and how to optimize performance, especially under pressure. Graham offers valuable insights on how to cultivate the right mindset and emphasizes the importance of self-talk and mental conditioning in his work. His tips are truly remarkable and offer a fresh perspective on how to achieve peak performance.

Graham is a business psychologist, former CFO, and corporate finance advisor. He has been giving advice to more than 200 companies for more than 20 years on how to make lasting positive change. He now works with entrepreneurs and complex international organizations to deliver enlightened cultures and financial growth. In the past, he has worked with giant brands such as Barclays Bank, Disney, BMW, Sony, and IBM, to name but a few. Graham is also an author, and I am delving into his insightful book called Positive Leaders, Positive Change. It's well worth a read, and it gives plenty of practical tips and tools on how to train and optimize the mind.

Graham cut his teeth in sport psychology, where he honed his skills and expertise working with golf players, including multiple Ryder Cup teams and the top individual players in the game.

Graham has such a positive energy about him that you can see why he has been so successful in what he does and teaches. I came away full of energy and raring to go!

On the show today, we talk about how he was a vanguard of the Martin Selligman school of positive psychology. This means he was one of the first 1000 psychologists globally to get training and begin using Martin’s groundbreaking methods. We discuss this along with what positive psychology is and why it can often be misconstrued in modern psychology. 

We talk a lot about the topic of resilience: what it is, how it forms, and how to maintain it under pressure. Linked closely to this, we talk about confidence, a lack of it, and some useful tools to use in order to grow it. Graham is big into visualization, so we of course hit it off a lot on this topic and spoke about different methods we both use. I certainly learned a lot myself. 

We close the episode by talking about the key behaviors and habits of high performers and what separates them from the rest. He also, with my probing, reflects on his strengths and what has allowed him to make such a positive impact on all those he coaches. 

To find out more about Graham, please visit his website, which is www.positiveprofitabilitycompany.co.uk, or search for him on LinkedIn. 

I trust you’ll get the same amount of positive energy I did from this conversation, so please sit back and enjoy my conversation with Graham Keen. 

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The SportMind Portal - https://go.sportmind.io/Portal

Grab Your Copy Of The Squash Playbook - https://www.squashplaybook.com/ ⚫️💨

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Well, folks, let me tell you about my recent 5-day silent meditation retreat - it was a wild ride! I had heard so much about the transformative power of silent retreats and decided to give it a go. I was feeling a bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but I figured, what the heck, might as well give it a try.

As soon as I arrived, I knew I was in for a challenge. The retreat was located in a remote area, and I had to trek through the wilderness to get there. Well, in my car at least! The smallest of country lanes, surrounded by farms and wilderness. It was bliss!

The retreat started with a series of instructions on how to meditate and the power of silence, and I found myself struggling to keep my mind from wandering. It was tough, folks, really tough. On average, 7-hours per day of meditation. But, slowly and surely, I started to get the hang of it. I began to feel more at peace, and I even found myself looking forward to my meditation sessions.

The days were long and filled with guided and non-guided meditation, but there were also long periods of silence where we could reflect on our experiences. These moments were especially powerful for me, as I realised just how much my mind had been running on autopilot. I had been so busy with the day-to-day hustle and bustle that I had forgotten to take a step back and really think about what was important to me.

As the days went on, I began to feel more and more connected to myself and the world around me. The silence had allowed me to tune out the noise and really listen to my inner voice. I realised that I had been neglecting my own needs and desires, and that I needed to make some changes in my life.

On the last day of the retreat, we were allowed to break the silence and share our experiences with one another. I was amazed at how much we had all grown and transformed in just five short days. We had all faced our fears and challenges head-on, and come out stronger on the other side.

In conclusion, folks, this silent meditation retreat was a truly life-changing experience for me. It taught me the power of stillness and reflection, and showed me that sometimes, we need to disconnect from the noise to truly connect with ourselves. I highly recommend giving meditation a try - who knows, it might just change your life too!

I have already blocked off my calendar for roughly the same time next year and plan on doing this annually (if not more) as it was so powerful and mind-opening.

Please do share and pass this on to anyone who may want to hear about the reflections of a 5-day silent meditation retreat. 

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So where to begin with Brian and his CV? Let’s just say he’s lived a very full and thorough life. He is a world-renowned skydiver, but he is also much more than this. He is an author, inventor, and keynote speaker.

Brian made his first skydive in 1986 at the age of eighteen and today is known to absolutely everybody in the skydiving community around the planet; he was the inventor of the Airlock and Jedei parachute-canopy technologies. Today, with over 14,000 jumps and 25 years of instructional experience, Brian travels the world teaching basic, advanced, and instructor-level canopy courses, providing life coaching, keynote speaking, and workshops for corporate and organizational events. He has authored numerous critically acclaimed books, designs parachutes, and is a featured instructor and keynote speaker at Adventure Wisdom LLC.

Today we talk a lot about fear and the tools to try and face it head-on. In his line of work, the emotion of fear is at the forefront of what he does, so there is no one better placed to talk about it than Brian. 

As always, we explore tools to help rationalize the fear and help overcome it. How to look fear right in the eye and get to the root of the problem Asking the question, "Why are you doing this?" or "Why are you putting yourself through this pain?" is a way to interrogate what fear brings. We also touch on subjects such as mindfulness, meditation, visualization, breathing, reflecting, reframing, building confidence, and perfectionism, to name but a few. 

If you would like to hear and see more from Brian, then please check him out on LinkedIn or visit his website, www.adventurewisdom.com.

So on that note, please buckle in and enjoy my inspiring and fun conversation with Brain Germain.

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Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimize your life, here's how you can achieve it:

https://linktr.ee/sportmind

Also, download the FREE SportMind App on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The SportMind Portal - https://go.sportmind.io/Portal

Grab Your Copy Of The Squash Playbook - https://www.squashplaybook.com/ ⚫️💨

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Today I have on the show a world-class mountain runner, Zak Hanna.

Zak is based in Ireland but competes all over the world. We recorded this episode while he was in his hotel room in Seville about to compete in a flat half-marathon to get in his speed training in order to compete better in the mountains. 

We explore the origins of Zak’s mountain running and how he came to it later on in his life but has since never looked back and is excelling in his chosen field. 

He came in fifth at the recent World Championships in Thailand, competing over an 8.5-kilometer course with an ascent of over 1,000 meters. Quite incredible and a brutally tough sport.

As always, we delve into the intricacies of the mind and uncover what makes Zak one of the most mentally resilient athletes out there. His mental strength isn't just limited to his chosen sport but is also evident in his daily and weekly routines, where he displays remarkable discipline and commitment by consistently putting in the hard work regardless of external factors like weather or personal feelings.

We look at how the concept of acceptance allows you to be in the moment and execute when the stakes are high. We look at motivation and where it comes from, and Zak gives some great tips for this tool of the mind. We also talk about accessing a flow state and what his version of this looks like. 

He shares some great stories and brings to life what it feels like to be an elite-level mountain runner and how grateful he is for what he does. He gets a lot of joy and appreciation for the scenery that comes with what he does, and being grateful for this helps keep the motivation high. He also shares a very interesting story about nerves and anxiety, what happened to him before one race, and how he overcame it with the support network around him. Some fascinating stuff!

Please do sit back and enjoy Zak opening up about his tools for the mind in his chosen sport but also for all areas of life in general.

__________________________________________________________

Whenever you're ready to enhance your mental training and optimize your life, here's how you can achieve it:

https://linktr.ee/sportmind

Also, download the FREE SportMind App on Apple or Android to get access to hundreds of lessons on how to train the mind for living your best life. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart take a high level overview of all the 8 themes that were covered over the last few weeks. They dissect each theme and give the main tools for people to take away and use right away. The idea behind this final episode is for people to get a feel and a sense of the nature of what was recorded and to then go and dive into an individual theme that may be of interest.

If those listening would like to know more about certain topics that have not been covered, then please do reach out to us. If the demand is high enough, then special episodes will be recorded and added to the Success Toolkit. 

Please do email support@sportmind.io

And finally, please do share The Success Toolkit far and wide and to anyone who you feel may benefit from the lessons discussed in it.

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand how to improve their overall life.  

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

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In Episode 8 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of mental health. This is a large and complex topic and the aim of this episode is to distill the main areas of mental health into an accessible episode. On the show the conversations revolve around how we all have am ugly side and we should be ok exposing it. How and what true and deep happiness is. How the achievement of external rewards is fleeting at best. And how to help with anyone suffering with depression. 

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand how to improve their overall mental health for a strong and flexible mind. 

Bart and Jesse are not trained specialists when it comes to the complex issues of deep rooted mental health concerns and we advise listeners to seek professional help in addition to what is discussed in this episode. 

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

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In Episode 7 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of injuries and how to mentally cope better and healthier with this negative aspect on any athletes journey. On the show the discussions revolve around how seeing injuries as an opportunity to reflect with oneself and with the team around them. How to work on areas of mental fitness when the body will not allow athletes to train. How to make the use of the situation outside of the athletes chosen sport and to mentally refresh yourself in the process without having feelings of guilt.

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand the concept of dealing with injuries and how to mentally cope with them better. 

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

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In Episode 6 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of visualisation and how this is part of the success toolkit. On the show the discussions revolve around that the brain cannot tell the difference between the event and the visualisation of that event, how the law of attrition works and doesn’t work, and how listeners could look to incorporate visualisation into their lives on a regular basis.

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone who wants to understand the concept of visualisation and how to apply it to their situation. 

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

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In Episode 5 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of pressure and the debilitating factors around this concept. In the show the discussions revolve around how pressure is in the mind and how to transfer it out to the body, tools and methods to do this, and player examples of how they use pressure to get the best out of themselves. 

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone struggling with pressure and how best to handle it in a rational and healthy way.

Click here to listen to the long-form podcast on the ego with Jesse and Bart

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

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In Episode 4 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of motivation and how the only motivation that really works is internal motivation. The key question that gets explored in this episode is the question of WHY. Why are we doing what we are doing? The episode also looks at the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and the important role both these factors play and how external goals can hep to some degree but it is not the be-all and end-all. 

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone struggling with motivation and how best to understand and ultimately develop more motivation in all you do 

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

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In Episode 3 of The Success Toolkit, Jesse and Bart tackle the topic of mental toughness, what this is and the varied definitions, how to attempt to grow it, how that setting a plan and sticking to it whatever the situation is a fundamental habit to build, how mental toughness is not necessarily “tough” but rather it’s more about mastering the art of showing up and how to stay a little more stubborn.

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone struggling with mental toughness and how best to incorporate this essential tool into your mental training.

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone struggling with mindfulness and how best to incorporate this essential tool into your mental training.

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As always we aim to provide a practical and hands on toolkit to help anyone struggling with nerves and anxiety and how best to handle and make them work for you and not against you. 

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io 

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This series of lessons is the coming together of two minds, of two people who are passionate and dedicated about mental training and the power this holds. 

Myself, Jesse Engelbrecht, SportMind founder, and Bart Wijhoven, the mental coach for among others Paul Coll, world no. 1 squash player and Nele Gilis, have pooled our resources and collaborated to bring you a series of lessons to train the mind and to develop mental strength and flexibility. 

Whether you are sporty or not. An elite competitor, a young pro, a club player, or a weekend warrior. The mind is the gateway to everything we do when it comes to getting the best out of ourselves. 

We wanted to give the users some of the science, evidence, and research on each of the topics, as well as the way to train and improve each topic we discuss. These lessons are meant to be used and practiced and not just listened to. 

The success toolkit covers the following topics:

-      Nerves And Anxiety

-      Mindfulness

-      Mental Toughness 

-      Motivation 

-      Pressure

-      Visualisation 

-      Dealing With Injuries 

-      Mental Health

We both feel it a real privilege and honour to have been asked to create The Success Toolkit and to get our passion down in words to help a lot of people who listen and try out our suggestions. 

This toolkit is meant to be shared and designed to help people out there willing to use it. So please do pass on and share this message with those that may be in need to hear this. 

We do not proclaim to have all the answers or that every bit of advice would work for every person. But rather, that what we present in these lessons will help stimulate the mind and get people into action around topics they may be struggling with and not have an answer or solution to use in order to address them. This toolkit aims to provide some answers and solutions.

If you would like to know more about SportMind and the SportMind app and training syllabus then the best place would be to visit the SportMind.io website. www.SportMind.io.

If you would like to know more about Bart then please do visit his website which is www.championsfactory.net

Please do enjoy the lessons and feel free to get hold of myself if you would like to hear more from us around any topics or themes we may not have covered that would be of use and value to explore. 

Please email support@sportmind.io 

And on that note, let’s dive right into your first lesson. 

___________________________________

www.SportMind.io

www.SquashMind.co.uk

www.championsfactory.net

support@sportmind.io

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The SportMind Portal - https://go.sportmind.io/Portal

Grab Your Copy Of The Squash Playbook - https://www.squashplaybook.com/ ⚫️💨

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Hugh is a Motivational Interview Trainer (MI) and a Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapist (REBT). He has more than a decade of providing sport psychology support for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, with their coaches and their multidisciplinary teams working at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics as well as currently working with the British IOC. 

Today we really go deep with a few key topics and have an honest and open conversation around the mind and psychology. Hugh holds no punches and is a very big believer and practitioner when it comes to critical thinking. He dispels all the modern fluff around sports psychology and I think you will really love his honest and candid approach to topics and leaves no stone unturned. He has some free content on his YouTube channel when it comes to courses on critical thinking if anyone is interested please do go and check it out. 

We discuss how to help athletes that may be self-sabotaging in the moment of competition and how to use certain tools in order to attempt to deal with this. 

We also discuss what he views as the best habits of high performers and offers some wonderful advice towards the end of the show so be sure to listen right to the end. 

We also go down a little rabbit hole with Stoicism and how the ancient thinkers can arm us with tools for the modern world and how visualisation plays a part in an athletes development, but not what you may think of as visualisation you have heard of before. 

You can follow Hugh on Instagram and YouTube and he is putting some very interesting and thought provoking stuff out there. 

Please do pass on and share this show with those that may be interested to hear about the topics discussed today and please enjoy. 

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Today I have on the show Imogen Wolsey.

Imogen is a registered dietician with Symprove Ltd. and combines her interest in gut microbiome, her love for meeting new people, and her enthusiasm for educating others on gut health and the role of probiotics.

Imogen was an elite distance runner and we explore her story and journey and how she developed a chronic eating disorder that was linked to her gut health. This had tremendous negative effects on her as well as her emotional and mental wellbeing. She opens up and shares with us some really powerful stuff on this subject and any athlete out there suffering in this way should really listen to this. 

We take many different and varied routes on the show and she shares how she is working on her balance in her life as well as her journey through her studies and her sport. 

She is involved in research at the forefront of gut health, which is evolving all the time. A highlight we talk about today is the recent and ongoing research into the role of the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease. Some really groundbreaking and inspiring work being done here. 

As always if you feel the show warrants it, please do share with those that may benefit from the topics we discussed today as my hope would be to get the message out as far and wide as possible to help people going through similar things. 

Please do enjoy.  

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He won 6 tour titles and was an 8 time tour finalist. He reached the Quarter Finals at Wimbledon as well as The Australian Open. So a pretty punchy CV to say the least.

Marius is now an Executive Coach, EMCC Global, Senior Practitioner utilising a whole range of methodologies including Positive Intelligence. He supports CEOs directors and managers to improve their performance with tailored development programmes and managing their work pressures with self-belief, optimism and resilience.

So knowing all of this about Marius it only made sense we got together and recorded this in-depth podcast about the mental side of the game of life. 

He is passionate about helping people and this comes across tremendously well on the show. We discuss his playing days and the big lessons he learnt. How he lost at match with 17 match points and how this match changed his course and trajectory. 

Marius specialises in helping high performers in pressure situations and he gives some wonderful tools and tips in order to keep more grounded and present when the pressure may be at its highest. We discuss the mental well-being side of high performers and how it’s all about striking the right balance to produce the best performances. We also discuss the concept of flow and how to try and get closer to this state in all we do. 

As always we take so many varied routes and pull on different threads in the show today and it feels like there is more to discuss so look out for a part 2 hopefully coming in the near future. 

Thank you to Marius for his time today and I hope you enjoy what he has to say as much as I had interviewing him.

Please enjoy.  

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Today I have on the show Barry Smith.

Barry is the founder of Symprove Ltd.

Over 30 years ago Barry noticing a significant difference in the health of his cattle when fed with grain treated with bacteria. 

After leading vets suggested the product could have benefits for humans, Barry led a research and development programme to produce a formula suitable for human consumption. 

The resulting food supplement became Symprove, which was launched as brand in 2010. 

Clinical research by leading academic bodies, including University College London and King’s College Hospital, London, has proven that Symprove arrives, survives and thrives in the gut, improving the balance of the gut microbiome. 

Barry is an expert in using food technology to manage wellbeing. He has previously run his own market garden business and was a medic in the British Army.

Today we talk about his journey, his story as well as the importance and the power that good gut health plays in our lives. 

He shares studies done for IBS, Crohn’s disease, as well as some groundbreaking research in the field of Parkinson’s disease and how his product is showing some highly positive results to reducing the suffering of patients with this debilitating disease.

It sounds like he is right at the cutting edge of this research and is a leading light in the way of getting our microbiomes right in our gut for optimal performance.

Please do go and check out Symprove.com for further details and information and I am a personal user of the product and feel a huge benefit from it. I am not sponsored by the product and purchase it for my personal consumption. 

Please do enjoy the show and also do share with those that may be suffering and who would benefit hearing from Barry and the power Symprove holds. 

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Ok so buckle in people, this is a big one! And this episode has left me so happy, inspired and full of positive energy. I think it will do the same for you!

Paul is currently the Men’s Head Squash Coach at Trinity College entering his 29th year!

But Paul is way, way more than that. 

He goes way beyond his titles, successes, and what his resume says. He is a deep thinking, caring, wise, and brilliant soul. I’ve observed Paul’s work from afar and admired it greatly but having the opportunity to talk to him for over an hour today about a range of mental topics was a huge treat. 

You will be able to see why his players talk about him so fondly and how he has positively influenced the lives of so many athletes both inside and outside his athlete coaching. 

And because of this; his manner, his lack of ego, his gentleness, his groundedness, his caring and compassion, lead to great things and great results from his athletes. 

But it runs way deeper than this and we investigate this thoroughly in the show. 

Paul is the winningest coach in College sports history! Let that sink in for a second! The winningest coach in College sport history. 

But you would not know this if you were to get into a conversation with him due to his humility and humbleness. 

Paul is an expert at teaching audiences to face fears, negotiate change, & build strong diverse teams.

He is the winner of 17 NCAA Championships titles in a 22-year span. 

Paul was also the US National coach for several years bringing them high levels of success under his reign.

He is the author of Run To The Roar: Coaching To Overcome Fear. And he is currently working on his latest book called What’s The Point. We talk about what his new book entails and I would highly recommend anyone interested in high level sport and a grounded approach to it all to go out and read Run To the Roar. 

Paul’s core belief is the need to embrace fear in order to remove obstacles blocking success. We talk extensively about this topic on the show and take so many dives into so many rabbits holes including the awesome power of now, how to maintain standards, the importance of being an empath, the win at all costs mentality, mental health of college athletes, habits and behaviours of mentally strong individuals, plus many more deep and interesting subjects. 

This is definitely worth a few listens to so please sit back and enjoy my conversation with Paul Assaiante.

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Alexia Clonda is a breathing expert and mindset coach. She has a phenomenal personal story to tell about how when she discovered what correct breathing is in 1996 that this saved her life. She would not be alive today if it wasn’t for this and she is very confidence in saying that. 

Because of the life-changing impact correct nasal breathing has had on her life, it has become her passion and lead to a 25-year study to understand the science behind correct breathing as well as to now also teach the methods to a global audience.

Alexia is a pure inspiration and I feel so lucky to have captured this content on the show today. She does a wonderful job of balancing the complex science of breathing as well as giving some really great and simple tools for you to practice and use right away. Alexia has also been kind enough to create a whole playlist for breathing in the SportMind app so please do go and check it out if you are keen to learn more and to begin to practically apply correct breathing to you life. 

There is a huge link between correct berating and mental health. She references studies done in the last few years around this link and how it improves overall life satisfaction as well as performance in whatever domain you are in. We take a very deep dive on the show into a very undervalued and often incorrectly used tool for our body and our mind. 

If you would like to get hold of Alexia and know more about her work and get some coaching please do email her on mindbreathingedge@gmail.com or her website www.themindbreathingedge.com.

Please sit back, get ready to learn a lot, follow along to the breathing techniques, and enjoy! 

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Bart wears many different hats and of particular interest is his mental coaching with elite level athletes across multiple sports. Bart works with Paul Coll, a World No. 1 squash player as well as a British Open champion. He also works with volley ball players, footballers, and corporate clients to name but a few.

Before we recorded Bart and I spoke a lot about how to be as impactful as possible on this episode and we decided to really hone into 2 main topics. 

The ego and the superficial. 

Two very interesting topics for how we can get the best out of ourselves for life as well as sport. 

He does a great job helping to unpack and to understand at a deeper level what the ego is, how it operates, and how to develop the positive side of the ego. We also discuss the main habits and behaviours he notices with high performers as well as some great advice around being our true and authentic selves. 

We also go on to discuss the superficial and how fleeting changes and upgrades to life are rarely life changing.  

Bart was also very keen to express that if listeners wanted to get more practical tools he would be happy to do this. We go quite abstract in this conversation and I know tools are a good way to try and apply the knowledge you will hear today. 

So on that note, if listeners are keen for us to record some more content around how to apply what you have heard today we need you to email: support@sportmind.org. If we get enough interest and traction we will make a playlist of practical tools for yourselves. 

I hope you enjoy this episode as I throughly did and I came away learning a lot and being a lot more aware and ultimately reflecting about labels and how to work on self-awareness in my day-to-day experiences for the better. 

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Gary has been involved at the elite level of sport for over 20-years now and certainly knows a thing or two about the mindset when working with elite athletes. 

Gary has worked with the police force, football teams, and top professional squash players so far in his career. 

Gary is the fitness director for the global online coaching platform SquashSkills.com as well as working individually with several of the worlds top men and women players in the game. 

On the show today we go deep with 1 topic. Injuries. And in particular the mindset needed before and during injuries in a career. 

We have all become pretty good with the knowledge and scientific understanding of injuries, but maybe not enough has been explored in regard to the importance the mental state plays with how to cope positively with injuries. 

Gary does a fantasist job bringing this subject to life in this insightful and deep thinking episode. He eloquently describes tips and strategies athletes should employ about how best to get into the right state mentally when injuries inevitably happen in a career. 

It’s not an easy thing for an athlete by any stretch of the imagination but I’d hope by the end of the conversation that listeners are better armed with tools how best to mentally get through injuries, short- or long-term, and to even be able to come through the other side stronger and better. 

Gary talks about, how when seen through the right lens, injuries are opportunities for growth and discovery. But only when the athlete uses the right tools and has the right support network around them. 

We also explore how and when an athlete should get back to playing and competing as well as how best to try and overcome the PTSD of injuries as well as the fear of re-injury. 

Thanks once again to Gary for giving us his time and his knowledge on the show today and I look forward to some future episodes with him also. 

Please enjoy. 

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Due to the depth and the nature of our first conversation I am delighted to have back on the show Dr. Martin Turner for a second part. 

We both felt there was a lot more to explore in our conversation and decided it was definitely worthwhile to continue the conversation and to discuss more practical tools for the mind and optimising our thoughts into a rational manner in order to get the best out of ourselves. 

If you have yet to listen to part 1 of our conversation I would highly recommend you do so as we do pick up on topics from part 1 and in order to gain a deeper understanding of the topics and terminology it would be worth going through part 1. However, if you would like to join right here you will still get a lot of deep knowledge and awesome advice from Martin. 

So in this episode we kick off with the huge and highly important topic of mental health in athletes and high achievers and how to strike a good balance here between the two states. We also discuss the most common themes he observes when it comes to successful people and how you should look to check if you have these within yourself. We also discuss the opposite to this which is what are the worst habits he sees in his clients that fall short of they goals. 

I also put a couple of situations in front of Martin that athletes suffer with when it comes to not performing at their best and how to use REBT in these situations to manage the emotions and to still get the best out of themselves. 

We close this wonderful conversation by investigating the depth of his book, The Rational Practitioner, available now at all good online book outlets, and the value this will hold if you get it. We also talk about the benefit of what walking a banana would have. Yes you heard me right! Banana walkers! This is well worth a listen just to find out the answer to this final question I have for him!

Thanks once again to Dr. Matin Turner for his passion and knowledge on the subject of REBT and the huge role this can play when it comes to living a fulfilled and contented life. 

Please enjoy. 

www.TheSmarterThinkingProject.com 

The Rational Practitioner book

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Notably Joel Makin, world no.4, and Mohamed ElShorbagy, world no.1 and World Champion plus plenty of others high ranking professionals in the men's and woman's game. 

Mark brings a really unique angle to the strength and conditioning side of training his athletes and is really bespoke and detailed in what he does. I loved this as a lot of the conversation began to centre around the mindset of the athlete and how this can be the gateway for all that follows. 

You will find some real gems in here about how to view training. Examples of world class athletes and what they do mentally and physically. How he sees common themes that come from a range of sports. The attitudes and behaviours of what he views as talent. What mental toughness is. And some awesome advice for different players at different stages of their careers. We also touch on the mindset of injuries and his best mental tips for that. 

Finally he shares where he feels the greatest gains are going to made in the physical side of elite squash players. I think you’ll be surprised at what he says on this matter so do stick around right to the end to hear that!

So without further ado, please welcome Mark Burns

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We unpack her preparation for the event and what she did to stay so focussed and in the zone during it when the pressure and stakes were at their highest.

We had a really insightful and deep conversation into all things mental and mindset and she really opens up and gives some fantastic tips and tools for everyone to learn and try out. 

She also recently completed a Masters dissertation all about the placebo effect of wearable technology when it comes to training and mindset and we talked about her view and perception of this. Really interesting stuff and I think you will like what she has to say!

We also go down loads of rabbit holes including pressure and how this has changed for her. Learning under Mike Way at Harvard. Learning to reframe mentally. How she handles nerves and pressure pre-match. How to get to and try and achieve the flow state. The mentality around her fitness regimen. Perfectionism and the pros and cons of this mindset. And also the huge influence her coach Ben Ford has had on her life both on and off the court. 

You’re in for a real deep dive into the mind of one of the worlds fastest rising stars and she does not disappoint. I loved how open and honest she was in all she talks about and just a humble, grounded and very fun person to spend the best part of an hour with. 

So please enjoy my conversation with Gina Kennedy.

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Today I am delighted to have on the show arguably one of the greatest and most successful squash coaches of all time Rahamt Khan.

Rahmat has a superb story and journey to tell and he brings it to life wonderfully in this episode and I feel so lucky and grateful to have spent this time and to have this conversation with him. 

Rahmat was the coach of legendary squash player Jahangir Khan. Who famously won an incredible 555 matches IN A ROW! The greatest winning steak in sporting history for any individual or team and has since had books and features made about this incredible feat. Rahmat had a large part to play in this record as well as the other titles Jahangir achieved most notably 10 British Open titles and 6 World Championship Titles. 

Rahmat himself was a top professional player back in the late 70s and early 80s but had decided to end his playing career early in order to coach and mentor Jahangir due to the tragic and untimely deaths of Jahangir broth Torsam whilst playing a squash match. Rahmat and Torsam were incredibly close friends and this untimely death of Torsam took everyone by surprise and changed the course of squash history. He shares this story in great detail.

During our conversation we delve into the mind and mental state of what made Jahangir such an icon and achieve all the success he did. Rahmat shares some of the intense and brutal training that was performed and how the motivation of playing for Torsam was a guiding force in regard to them both turning up day in and day out and doing everything for a greater cause. 

This is such a wonderfully beautiful description of a very special time in squash history and I am sure you are going to enjoy this conversation as much as I did recording it. Thank you kindly to Rahmat taking the time to sit with me and please do sit back and enjoy what we discuss today. 

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Deep wisdom and sound advice from REBT expert and practitioner Dr. Martin Turner on the subject of Handling Pressure and the power this setting holds when it comes to being a high performer and getting the best out of ourselves. 

For the full episode and to get more wisdom like this CLICK HERE.

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Today I welcome to the show Tim Harkness.

Tim is the head of Sports Science and Psychology at Chelsea Football Club and has been in his role since 2009 so he is well versed when it comes to all things mental and the mind and how to get the best out of players at the cutting edge of the elite level. 

But this is not just a conversation for high performers. We talk so many different subjects in this wonderful and illuminating conversation and cover subjects such as mental health and how cultivating solid mental health leads to mentally tough people. He also touches on the inspiration he received from the work of Martin Seligman and how this forms a lot of his thinking and practical tools he uses with the players he coaches and works with. I learnt so much from what he had to share on this subject. 

Tim wears many different hats and has worked with athletes in all domains ranging from Olympic archers, to pro golfers, to Indian Premiere League cricket players, to squash players, to rugby players, and of course to world class footballers. 

Over the past 20 years or so Chelsea football club have become a powerhouse in the English Premier League and won multiple trophies in all competitions. Tim’s role has been pivotal when it comes to some of the success the football team has had and continues to have. 

One of the big areas I am curious about is what are the common traits and habits of athletes who are successful in life and what they do. Tim shares what he notices and sees on this subject and how we can all look to cultivate these habits and behaviours in ourselves in order to be our utter best. 

I was delighted to have this conversation with Tim and feel lucky to call him a friend and he certainly delivers on this show with his wisdom, experience, and sound advice. 

So please sit back and enjoy my conversation with Tim Harkness. 

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Today I am delighted to have on the show Dr. Martin Turner. 

Martin is a bit of a rock star when it comes to his work in the field of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and in particular in his specialist field of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). 

Martin has won numerous awards for his incredible work and is currently a researcher at the Manchester Metropolitan University.

He achieved the Albert Ellis award for research in 2018 from the Albert Ellis Institute, New York, to recognise the impact of his Frontiers paper “Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), irrational and rational beliefs, and the mental health of athletes”. 

This paper is in the top 1% of read articles in Frontiers (> 70,000 views) and has been cited over 30 times.

He also received the 2013 PhD of the year award from The BPS Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology, and won best thesis and highest academic profile awards for his MSc studies.

Not only these amazing accolades but in 2019, he was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award by the Association for Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (AREBT) for his work in the field, and bestowed upon him an Academic Fellowship of the AREBT. 

Quite incredible and I feel you are all in for such a fantasising and mind opening conversation. 

We dive deep into so many rabbit holes including REBT and the practical applications of this, Stoic philosophy and the power this holds in the athletic and life domains, how mindfulness lends itself to REBT, what disputing is when it comes to REBT, and how to access a state of emotional regulation when the pressure and stakes may be at their highest.

To see and hear more from Martin check out his website as well latest news on his upcoming books visit: www.TheSmarterThinkingProject.com 

In the meantime, buckle in for a journey into the mind and how I think you may look at things slightly differently by the end of the show.

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On the show today I welcome Simon Mundie .

I am a huge fan of Simon and I feel honoured to be able to have him on my show. He used to run the Don't Tell Me The Score podcast on the BBC and has now gone it alone and rebranded it to Life Lessons: From Sport and Beyond.

It's easily my most listened to podcast and the guests he has on are just phenomenal. Guests such as Johnny Wilkinson, Gary Lineker, Sir Alistair Cook, Dame Kelly Holmes, Katherine Grainger, Damon Hill, Rick Flair, Boris Becker, the list goes on and on the who's who of sport has been on his show

But his podcast is way more than just sport. He looks at all areas of life and gets in people such Andy Puddicombe from Headspace who I resonated with and that show in particular.

We have a lot in common to talk about in regard to mindfulness and how we reflect on and with ourselves. We go deep with a whole bunch of things on the show. He talks about some anxiety issues and depression when he had really bad insomnia and really struggled to get to sleep and tools he used to help him overcome some of these mental states.

Simon is a massively deep thinker and very interesting guy. We go into a whole world of non-duality which fascinating and it opened up a whole different way of looking at things. I was interested in this anyway but he's really big on non-duality and he explains it so well.

I would highly recommend you go and listen to Life Lessons: From Sport and Beyond and what he extracts from his guests is top drawer. There are so many life lessons you will take from each one of his shows. It's my regular podcast for going running or working out to I just let it all wash over me. 

So before I gush on Simon anymore I'll let you press play and get into the conversation we had and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

As a side-note we had another 1-hour off-line chat after we stopped recording and we will plan to do a follow up shortly as the conversion was so rich and varied and well worth capturing. 

Please enjoy Simon Mundie.

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I’m delighted to have on the show today Hazel Findlay. 

It’s safe to safe Hazel is a bit of a living legend and I feel so lucky to have had this chat with her today and some of the really deep and powerful insights she shares in regard to the mind and in particularly around the concept of FEAR.

We go deep into this subject of fear and she is perfectly placed to talk about it. 

Since the talk I have been reflecting deeply about what she shared and her philosophies on life, status, failure, validation, and what success really means. We talk a lot about the inner voice and how reframing is a key tool to help overcome fear in the moment. We also discuss how to work on the mind before events and how this looks in normal day-to-day settings. 

Hazel is a world class climber and as a junior she won the British title 6 times! Quite incredible! 

She is a full-time climber and is able to pursue her passion of climbing in some of the most beautiful, exotica and dangerous locations the world has to offer. 

Recently she partnered up with Alex Honnold from Free Solo fame to for a 6-week intensive climb around Greenland helping scientists track and collect data in some of the most remote and difficult places to access in the world. We talk about this towards the end of the podcast so be sure to stick around to hear her amazing stories about that. 

Hazel is not only a world class climber but also a mental training coach running her business called Strong Mind. 

She helps individuals and teams overcome adversity and gets people to become mentally stronger with the experiences she has had and the tools she uses in order to make this happen. You will come away today with some of these insights and I am excited for you!

I know there will be plenty of amazing content in this chat that will resonate with people in all walks of life, so I hope you enjoy and come away feeling a lot clearer and more knowledgable about the mind and also to have tools to help become the best version of yourself starting today, right here and right now. 

So sit back, enjoy, open your mind, and please welcome Hazel Findlay….

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On the show today I have Paralympic sprinter Souleyman Bah

Souleyman is an incredibly guy and his story is well worth hearing and learning from.

He left his home country of Guinea as a 5-year old child largely down to the fact he has a rare condition called retinitis pigmentosa. An eye condition that causes a progressive loss of vision. He cannot see out of his right eye, and has partial vision in his left eye.

We take so many inspiring routes in this chat and he brings things to life with some beautiful, thoughtful and amazing analogies. I was sitting here getting goosebumps many times over and am so thankful we have had this chat and that you are listening to it now.

We talk about how at a young age the initial talent he showed as a sprinter and how it became a little too serious too early with the coaches and environment he was in. We discuss how to get the balance right with this attitude and mentality in modern sport.

We talk about his journey through the True Athlete Project and how this was a saviour for him at 19 years old. 

We also go on to discuss some specific tools for athletes such as nerves and anxiety, failure, what success actually is, habits to create high performance, reframing, plus many other deep and interesting topics. 

I have come away left feeling so inspired from his words and the way he perceives life. With all the difficulties and struggles he has had in his life he could easily have been the victim and had the “why me?” story as his narrative. But he tells us how he is able to use the struggles in life as an advantage and how to then have a platform to get his message across and inspire others. 

I am sure you will be inspired by the conversation today so sit back and please welcome Souleyman Bah…

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