The Alpha Girl Confidence Podcast

That's right.... WE'RE BACK!! I know I said that I was done recording back in February, but I just couldn't stay away... In this episode I share why I decided to bring the podcast back, what's next coming up, and a personal story on hardship and growth. Thanks for re-joining me on this journey, I am so excited to be back! Check out The Mindset Monday Series: https://www.shayhaddow.com/mindset-mondays Connect on IG @shayhaddow

This is the last episode of the Alpha Girl Confidence Podcast. It's been a fun 5 years, but the time has come to shift and move in a different direction. In this episode I talk about why I'm stopping the podcast and offer my sincere gratitude for being a supporter and listener of the podcast.

In today's episode I share key takeaways that I've compiled from coaching a professional team's open tryouts, including: The importance of your energy and attitude Your interactions with coaches and teammates Responding to mistakes Being willing to play different positions I know it may not be tryout season for most, but make sure to take notes as these crucial intangibles can make a significant impact on your results during tryouts.

In today's episode I answer a question from one of our listeners on how to get your confidence back after a long injury. This is the most in depth episode that I've done on the podcast I where I discuss how to put yourself in the best position possible to step back onto the field/court with confidence. In this episode you'll learn: The importance of staying in shape while injured How to shift your perspective to come back stronger How to use visualization during the injury process The importance of trusting and listening to your body How to navigate the fear of getting re-injured Want your questions answered on next month's podcast? Submit your questions here Visit the new website: https://shayhaddow.com/

In today's episode, I sat down with Lauren Fleshman who is one of the most decorated American distance runners of all time, a mom, entrepreneur, coach, and author of the best sports book of 2023, Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World. In this convo, we delve into thought-provoking topics surrounding gender equality in sports, the impact of puberty on athletic performance, and the prevalence of disordered eating habits among female athletes. Lauren candidly shares her personal experiences and insights, offering valuable advice for coaches and parents on addressing these critical issues. From dissecting societal myths to advocating for a more holistic approach to athlete well-being, this episode is an enlightening and empowering discussion for athletes, coaches, and parents. Connect with Lauren on IG: @fleshmanflyer Website: https://www.laurenfleshman.com/ Order Good for a Girl: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Girl-Woman-Running-World/dp/0593296788 Order 25 copies of Good for a Girl (paperback edition) for your team or book group to receive a direct Zoom call with Lauren: https://800ceoread.com/coupons/redeem/goodforagirlzoom

Welcome to the last episode of 2023!! In today's episode, I wanted to repost our most popular guest episode of 2023 with Alyssa Nakken, coach of the SF Giants (MLB). In this episode we talked about: Her journey from D1 softball to coach in the MLB How she navigates being the media and being only female on an all male coaching staff How getting out and moving in nature is one of her non-negotiables for staying grounded Advice for coaches and parents on how to help players get out of slumps The importance of giving kids autonomy in their sports journey How confidence has played a role in her ability to coach and pave the way for girls Advice for young girls who want to break barriers and follow their own path Resources:

In today's episode, I talk about the importance of trusting yourself, thinking for yourself, and embracing your weirdness vs. following trends in order to “fit in” with the crowd. In this episode you'll learn: Why being different and weird is something to be proud of The benefits of choosing your own path and thinking for yourself Questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to follow the crowd or do your own thing COACHES! Attending the United Soccer Coaches Convention? Register here and use promo code “ALPHA24” when checking out Resources:

In today's episode I share how you can develop your leadership abilities, and more specifically, how to gain trust as a leader… Because without trust, it's going to be VERY difficult to inspire and motivate those that you're leading. In this episode you'll learn: The importance of sticking to your word and being reliable How owning up to your mistakes and shortcomings can build trust How to embody integrity in everything you do The importance of creating an inclusive environment How being vulnerable and creating a non-judgmental environment will help you to build trust COACHES! Attending the United Soccer Coaches Convention? Register here and use promo code “ALPHA24” when checking out Resources:

In today's episode I sat down with Asia Mape who is an Emmy award winning sports journalist, former college athlete, a mother of 3 daughters, and the founder of I Love to Watch You Play. In this convo we dove deep into the challenges and pressures that parents face in navigating the world of youth sports, and the impact this has on kids. Here are some key takeaways and highlights from this episode: Support without pressure: Asia highlighted the importance of guiding and supporting kids in their sports endeavors without pressuring them. Encouraging open communication and understanding their individual desires and goals is crucial. Balancing support and autonomy: We discussed the need for parents to strike a balance between offering guidance and allowing kids to make their own decisions. Setting boundaries, encouraging diverse interests, and being aware of signs of burnout are essential. Tech boundaries & resources: We also talked about the impact of technology on kids and the need for setting boundaries as a family to prevent addiction and burnout. Asia shared valuable resources at ilovetowatchyouplay.com and on her social media, providing support for parents navigating the youth sports world. Visit https://ilovetowatchyouplay.com/ to learn more and access amazing resources

In today's episode, we will be discussing a topic that many athletes, especially those at a high level, can relate to - burnout. Burnout is something that can affect us not only in our sports but in our lives in general. It's important to learn how to learn how to navigate burnout, and that's exactly what we'll be exploring in this episode. Whether you've experienced burnout before, you're currently going through it, or you just want to arm yourself against it, this episode is for you. We'll explore the signs of burnout, the importance of listening to what your body needs, steps to navigate it effectively, and why taking a step back can be beneficial.

On today's episode I sit down with Erica Suter to talk about her brand new book “Female Athlete High Performance” (available for purchase Nov 24th, 2023). In this episode we discuss Why Erica decided to write a 2nd book Powerful lessons that girl athletes will take from reading the book The biggest myths around high performance and how the book cuts through the nonsense The importance of partaking in training that is age appropriate The journey and goal of high performance Book will be available for purchase on Amazon starting on Friday, November 24th!

In today's episode I talk about the power of gratitude, and how you can practice more gratitude to improve your confidence, performance, and overall happiness in life. The perspective shift that I share in the episode has drastically changed how I go throughout my life, and I know that if you listen and apply it to your own life, it will for you too. Resources:

On Today's episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jaimee Cooper who is an eating disorder-informed Registered Dietitian and soccer nutrition coach with over 8 years of experience working with youth athletes and their families. Her goal is to help parents and athletes learn how to create healthy eating habits that support their performance on and off the field. In this episode we discuss: The importance of eating all three meals and the challenges that arise in maintaining a healthy eating routine, especially for busy kids with jam-packed schedules. Valuable insights on how to make time for breakfast, find suitable lunch options, and develop a framework for overall nutritious eating. We also explore the interplay between nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being, discussing body image issues, navigating conversations about body size, and the dangers of external rules and restrictions. Helpful tips and strategies for parents struggling to provide healthy meals and snacks amidst hectic school and sports seasons. Resources: Connect with Jaimee on IG Check out Jaimee's website and free resources: https://thesoccernutritionist.com/

Welcome back to the show! Excited to be back to regular programming after taking a break in October. In today's episode, I talk about how athletes can recover from a slump or dip in performance and confidence. Experiencing these “lows” are a normal part of life and sport for any athlete and can be a catalyst for growth with the right mindset and perspective. In this episode you'll learn: Mindset shifts to move through a slump The importance of finding the good during difficult times How these dips in performance can make you more resilient One powerful reflection exercise to get out of a rut Links and Resources: Check out my new mini course “The Confidence Edge” Submit your questions for the podcast

On today's episode I share a few updates and resources for you as we take a quick break in October. To search for podcast topics tap here: https://www.alphagirlconfidence.com/podcasts/alpha-girl-confidence Have questions you want answered on the podcast? Submit your questions hereSee you in November!

On today's episode I sat down with Kelsey Edwards who is an actress, singer-songwriter, and “internet big sis” for teenage girls. Kelsey has battled some unique challenges in her life, from dealing with the pressures of being a child actor, navigating a broken family, a severe eating disorder, anxiety, and most recently publicly leaving the Mormon church. In this episode we discussed: The pressures of being a child actor and the rejection that comes along with that How she navigated her eating disorder as a teenage girl How to learn to trust your intuition vs. always seeking answers outside of you The importance of being your most authentic self and letting go of friends who don't align with that How to learn to trust yourself and make tough decisions ….and so much more Check out Kelsey's course “Squad Goals” Follow Kelsey on IG Listen to Kelsey's new song “Life in a Box”

In today's episode I talk about how you can use the 3 step method to become more motivated to do your homework, train on your own, or anything else in life that matters to you! In this episode you'll learn: The difference between motivation and discipline The importance of identifying your “why” How energy plays a role in how motivated you are How to take a big task and chunk it down to manageable steps RESOURCES:

In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Cowart who is an academic coach for college students who equips students to achieve their potential in the classroom and life. Sarah is a past guest and is my most trusted resource on all things academics. We went really deep in this conversation on topics that are going to be valuable for students of all ages and parents as well. In this episode we discussed: The biggest challenges that Sarah see's in students at the start of a new school year Tips for managing expectations and stress as a student athlete Advice for parents on how they can talk to their kids about expectations and grades How parents can help keep their kids accountable without being overbearing Highly valuable test taking strategies RESOURCES: Worries to Wisdom: The Top Secrets Every College Parent Should Know 5 Tips to Study Smarter Not Harder Website: www.sarahlcowart.com Connect with Sarah on IG

In today's episode I talk about the detrimental effects of perfectionism on mental health and performance, particularly among girl athletes. We'll discuss the pressure society places on individuals, especially girl athletes, to meet these high standards. You'll learn the importance of shifting your mindset, focusing on giving 100% effort rather than striving for perfection. I also share tangible strategies to counteract perfectionism, such as embracing mistakes and giving yourself permission to be imperfect. RESOURCES: Book Referenced: [What Made Maddy Run](https://www.amazon.com/What-Made-Maddy-Run-All-American/dp/0316356549#:~:text=What Made Maddy Run began,also struggling with mental illness.)

In today's episode I share my biggest lessons and takeaways from the Women's World Cup! Regardless of what sport you play, this episode will be super valuable for you as the takeaways discussed are relevant for all sports. We will explore the importance of winning the small moments, the dangers of underestimating opponents, the need to avoid relying solely on past successes (and what to do instead). Emotions of the World Cup video RESOURCES:

In this episode I talk about how parents can navigate the start of the new school year and help their kids feel confident every step of the way. We'll explore how you can strike a delicate balance between providing support and encouraging independence, while also highlighting your child's strengths and past successes. Plus, we'll dive into the importance of open communication, practical preparation, and problem-solving skills. RESOURCES:

Today's episode is all about starting the school year with confidence! Whether you're transitioning to a new grade or a new school, this can be a nerve-wracking time filled with uncertainty and nerves. So in today's episode, I'm going to share four things you can do to start the school year confidently. We'll dive into the importance of being yourself, overcoming the fear of making friends, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. So grab your headphones, sit back, and get ready to kick off the new school year with a boost of confidence! RESOURCES:

In today's episode I had so much fun talking with Christi Smith-Ryan who is the Strength Coach for Central Catholic HS in Portland Oregon. Earlier this year she she was awarded the best Strength & Conditioning coach in the state or Oregon! Not only is she a fantastic coach and mentor, but one of the greatest athletes to ever step foot on a track. She's a 7-time Track & Field Hall of Fame inductee and broke every single record when she competed at college in the University of Akron in Ohio. In this conversation we discussed: Her mindset and perspective on life that helped her to be confident and motivated as a youth athlete The importance of being grounded and filling up your cup Ways that parents and coaches can help keep girl athletes in the sport The biggest lessons she strives to impart on the athletes she works with Tips for getting beginning a new school year If you want to connect with Christi, you can find her on IG at @luckystreakfit1

In today's podcast I talk about how you can build confidence and decrease unnecessary stress and anxiety by focusing on 3 specific controllables. This episode will be super valuable with the stresses of school and fall season coming up, so tune in and take notes to learn the simple and proven steps to be your best this fall season! Resources

On today's episode, Erica Suter and I sat down to talk about ACTIONABLE steps girl athletes and parents can take to reduce the risk of (ACL) injuries. The truth is, that injury risk can't be boiled down to one single cause - it's multi-factoral. And the good news is, that there are a number of controllable things that girl athletes can do to reduce their risk of injury and achieve optimal performance. In this episode you'll learn: How to be empowered when thinking about injury risk The importance of learning movement skills at a young age Why all girl athletes should strength train year round How to manage the sport load The importance of sleep, recovery, and nutrition for optimal mental and physical health The Strong Female Athlete Book ARTICLE: ACL Injuries in Female Soccer Players: Time to Take Action

It's a special week this week, because the Women's World Cup is about to kick off! So to celebrate, we've got a special World Cup edition episode coming at ya! In this episode I break down 5 powerful ways to improve your game by watching and studying the games and players. This is a HUGE opportunity for you to support women's sports and become a better player so make sure you check out the episode to get the most out of it! P.S. If you love the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate you leaving a rating and review! If you send me a screenshot of your review (either here via email or DM to @shayhaddow on Instagram), I'll send you an awesome gift as a thank you!

On today's episode, I sit down with mindset coach Lindsey Wilson former pro basketball player and owner of Positive Performance. In this episode we discuss: The concept of flow and how athletes can intentionally tap into it for optimal performance. The role of visualization and affirmations in enhancing mental strength and achieving goals. The balance between competitiveness and fun in sports, as well as the lessons that can be learned from both winning and losing. Lindsey shares her personal journey in mindset coaching, from struggling with mental aspects of sports to becoming a certified coach. How parents can best support their kids through consistent communication and modeling the behavior Resources: Ultimate Mindset Coaching Toolkit Free Guide: How to become a mental performance coach

In today's episode I talk about my experience with panic attacks and how I've learned to navigate them. I'm not an anxiety expert but I have experience anxiety and panic attacks a lot in my life which has given me great practice in learning how to deal with them more effectively. In this episode you'll learn Why our bodies do what they do when anxiety strikes 5 tangible strategies to use when you feel the panic arise Mindset shifts to help you deal with difficult emotions The importance of asking for help If you experience anxiety or panic attacks or just need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out via email or on social.

In today's episode I go deep into the REAL reason why you're afraid of failure and making mistakes. Because the truth is, you don't fear failure or mistakes, you fear what other people will think of you. In this episode you'll learn: The importance of digging deep to find the unconditional love and acceptance for yourself How the only way to get better is to push yourself, make mistakes That you can't control the outcome (mistakes) but you can control your response to them Check out my confidence coaching program: BEYOND THE ATHLETE

On today's episode I share my recent backpacking trip experience at Zion National Park! Through my experience I share the important life lessons that I learned and how it could be applicable to all aspects of life, including sports. From dealing with anticipatory fear, challenging negative thoughts, to preparing the body and mind for challenges. Tune in to to learn more about how challenging yourself can lead to increased confidence and resilience in all areas of life! If you want a major confidence advantage heading into the fall season, check out our group coaching program - BEYOND THE ATHLETE: https://bit.ly/beyond-the-athlete

On today's episode I sat down with Heather Moyse who is a 4x Olympian, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist (bobsled), and only Canadian woman ever to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. To achieve success in sports, Heather had to change the limiting mindset that made her believe normal people like her couldn't become Olympians. She also had to stand up to societal pressures that were stopping her from unlocking her true potential. In this episode we discuss: How to think about goal setting with a perspective of possibility What it takes to perform at the highest level in any discipline. Challenging your assumptions and fears to prove what you can do. How parents can put less pressure and best support their athletes in their endeavors Heather's experience summiting the highest mountain in Antarctica Connect with Heather: Instagram: @heathermoyse Book: “Redefining Realistic” Website: https://www.heathermoyse.com/

In today's episode I talk about how you can take advantage of the summer to level up your confidence and overall development and performance. In this episode you'll learn: The importance of focusing on mental training over the summer How to develop consistency and discipline as you work on your goals The #1 thing that will determine your success this summer If you want a major advantage heading into the fall season, check out our group coaching program, BEYOND THE ATHLETE: https://bit.ly/beyond-the-athlete

In today's episode I talk about overcoming feelings of doubt and insecurity. I dive deep into this topic and talk about how to shift your thoughts, feelings, actions, and results to overcome insecurity, not just in sports but also in your daily life. In this episode you'll learn: How to recognize the connection between thoughts and feelings. The power of questioning your thoughts How to move beyond the fear and take action to get your desired result while building confidence How shifting your thoughts can lead to a decrease in doubt and insecurity Want to build next level confidence this summer and beyond? Check out our group coaching program BEYOND THE ATHLETE

On today's episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Clark, Ph.D whonis the Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology at the University of Arizona. In his role, Mike provides mental health therapy and mental performance coaching to university student-athletes, consults with coaches, and works within an interdisciplinary sport medicine staff to improve health and wellbeing. This was a loaded conversation with so many takeaways for how athletes can manage the stresses of life, improve their mental health and have overall increased performance in sport and life. In this episode we discuss: Who we are outside of our sport affects who we are in it Techniques for quick down-regulation in high-pressure situations and the importance of long-term strategies for stress management Importance of routines for mental health and performance How to deal with external and internal distractions (overthinking) in games How to visualize to build confidence and improve performance Follow Mike on Twitter @mikenclark Connect on his webiste: https://www.clarkperformanceconsulting.com/

In honor of mental health awareness month, I wanted to share my most powerful habits that keep me mentally fit. So in this episode I dive into the 7 habits that keep me sharp, including: the power of nature, journaling, being aligned with your values, and more! Feel free to implement some or all of these habits into your own life (or develop your own) to help keep you mentally fit! And if you want to take your mental health and confidence to a whole new level, check out our program BEYOND THE ATHLETE

In this episode I sat down with Meikayla Moore, pro footballer for Glasgow City FC and the NZ Football Ferns. This is an exciting episode as Meikayla is gearing up for the world cup in a couple months on her home soil in New Zealand this summer! In this episode we dove deep into: Pursuing her childhood dream of playing pro football Building confidence after rejection Managing social media usage for mental health Being true to oneself Her Achilles rupture before the 2019 world cup Coping with mistakes in sports The importance of community and mental performance The excitement around the upcoming World Cup in NZ and Australia To follow Meikayla and her journey during the 2023 World Cup, follow her on IG @meikaylamoore

In today's episode I break down the difference between comparison and competing (both to yourself and others). The former isn't so useful for your growth and confidence, and the later can be a huge advantage and further fuel your growth (and it's a lot more fun). In this convo, you'll learn: Why you need to stop comparing and start competing How to look at “bad” games and practices Why growth is never linear How to get 1% better everyday by focusing on the controllables If you want to further fuel your confidence, check out our program, BEYOND THE ATHLETE Read my book, She The Confident

On today's episode I sat down with Don Williams who is a long time coach and current Head of Operations for Sports Recruiting USA. This episode will be highly valuable for any parent or athlete who wants to play college sports! In this episode you'll learn: Biggest myths in recruiting How social media plays a role in recruiting The importance of doing your research before reaching out to schools How to use ID camps to be seen Character traits Don sees in athletes that end up having a great college career How involved parents should be in the whole process Learn more about SR USA: https://www.sportsrecruitingusa.com/ Connect with Don on Twitter @Don_K_Williams

Tryouts can be a stressful time for all parties involved so in this episode I go through 5 ways that parents can support without being overbearing during tryout season. And if your daughter hasn't yet listened to last weeks episode where I discussed what she can do to prepare for tryouts, she can listen here Check out our mentorship program, BEYOND THE ATHLETE

Tryout season is right around the corner for many athletes! So in this episode I talk about how you can have the most confident tryout yet despite the pressure you might be feeling right now. In this episode you'll learn: How to shift your mindset around pressure and nerves How focusing on your strengths will separate you from the pack Tangible tips to help you feel confident before you step onto the field Learn more about my coaching program, Beyond The Athlete Read my book, She the Confident

On today's episode with Erica Suter, we dive deep into how social media is affecting teenage girls - including increased suicide rates, body dysmorphia, relationships, and overall wellbeing. In this episode we discuss: The major downsides and (some) upsides of social media The importance of being aware and intentional when you do use it Tools to spend less time on social media What parents can do to help their daughters navigate social media Check out Erica's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fitsoccerqueen

In this episode I talk about the power of positive relationships and what redwood trees can teach us about building them. I highlight how the shallow but interconnected root systems of redwood trees keep them strong and resilient, even in the face of natural disasters. You'll learn how you can apply this to your personal life, how to identify real friends vs fake friends, and why it's so important to to form strong bonds with others to weather storms in your life and achieve success. To join us in building complete confidence in your sport and life, check out BEYOND THE ATHLETE

On today's podcast I sat down with Robyn Love who is a 2x Paralympian in wheelchair basketball for Great Britain and the Scottish No. 1 in wheelchair tennis! Aside from her athletic achievements, she is also a soon to be mom and a huge advocate for women in sports! In this episode we dive into: Her story as a youth athlete and how she discovered wheelchair basketball at age 23 Her superpower that helped her navigate being made fun of at school How confidence played a role in her competitiveness and overall success The importance of trusting yourself in tough situations …and so much more!! Connect with Robyn on Instagram @robyn_love13 Watch and learn more about British Wheelchair Basketball: https://www.youtube.com/@BritishWheelchairBasketball

On today's episode I talk about how you can go from feeling anxious pre-game, to feeling calm, excited and confident! Tune in to learn 5 ways to navigate pre-game nerves to start feeling as confident as ever! In this episode you'll learn: How to look at pre-game nerves in a different way The importance of preparing How to utilize breath to calm down The power of visualizing how you want to play To dive deeper into all things confidence building, check out our program, BEYOND THE ATHLETE

In today's episode I break down my book “She the Confident” and talk about 3 things that I would change about it based off my growth over the last 3 years. In this episode you'll learn: Why focusing on your strengths can help to separate you from the pack The importance of noticing your inner voice instead of controlling it The key ingredient to achieve your goals Order “She the Confident” here

In today's episode I walk you through 5 tips that will help you to get out of a slump regardless of what sport you play. Every athlete goes through a slump at some point in their career, whether it's missing shots, failing to hit pitches, or simply not performing up to their usual standards. A slump can be frustrating and challenging for an athlete, but it doesn't have to be the end of your career. Learn more about our mentorship program, Beyond The Athlete Read my book She the Confident

For all my parents and coaches out there, this episode is for you! If you really want to help your daughter become more confident, resilient, and develop healthy habits, IT. STARTS. WITH. YOU! So on this episode I break down the importance of modeling behavior and how you can implement the 4 pillars (self, body, nature, and others) into your own life so that you can truly support your daughter in becoming more confident! If you want me to work side by side with your daughter in becoming more confident and resilient in all areas of life, check out our new program BEYOND THE ATHLETE

On today's episode I talk about 5 big lessons that I learned from surfing for the very first time! Surfing has been a dream of mine but my fear of being a terrible swimmer has always held me back, but I finally bit the bullet and did it while in Hawaii earlier this year! Not only did I have so much fun but I learned some pretty valuable lessons that I know will help you in your sport and life! LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW PROGRAM “BEYOND THE ATHLETE” WATCH ON YOUTUBE

On today's episode I sat down with San Francisco Giants Assistant coach Alyssa Nakken! Alyssa is the first full-time female coach and was the first female to coach on field in April of 2022. Not only is Alyssa breaking barriers and doing amazing things in the sport, but more importantly she's one of the most humble, grounded, and downright amazing human beings I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. In this episode we talk about: Her journey from D1 softball to coach in the MLB How she navigates being the media and being only female on an all male coaching staff How getting out and moving in nature is one of her non-negotiables for staying grounded Advice for coaches and parents on how to help players get out of slumps The importance of giving kids autonomy in their sports journey How confidence has played a role in her ability to coach and pave the way for girls Advice for young girls who want to break barriers and follow their own path Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/amIIZhD_R-E

Woohooo the Alpha Girl Confidence is BACK and we couldn't be more excited! We've got some awesome content and interviews lined up for you this year so make sure to subscribe, tune in, and share the episode with a friend so we can pick up some momentum!

Woah it's been nearly 4 years since we started the podcast! And during these 4 years and 205 podcasts, we haven't missed a single week of publishing an episode (which I'm super proud of), but it's time to take a step back and reevaluate! To check out the latest episode referenced in the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/204-how-money-mania-are-ruining-kids-sports-with-linda/id1447169587?i=1000580175923 Thank you for your support and we'll see ya soon!