Podcasts about mental performance

Your thyroid controls your energy, your metabolism, your testosterone, your mood, and your ability to think clearly. Most doctors are testing it wrong and treating it wrong, and this episode tells you exactly what to do instead. -Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with McCall McPherson, a physician associate, TEDx speaker, and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, Modern Weight Loss, and the advocacy platform Thyroid Nation. McPherson has been honored on the 2024 and 2025 Inc. 5000 lists and named a 2025 Top 500 Inc. Female Founder. She hosts the Modern Thyroid and Wellness podcast and built her entire practice around thyroid care after being failed by conventional medicine while managing her own hypothyroidism. She treats patients nationwide via telemedicine and has become one of the most trusted voices in functional medicine thyroid care. Dave and McCall expose why standard TSH-only testing catches just 1 to 2 percent of actual thyroid variation, why the medication most doctors prescribe (Synthroid/levothyroxine) fails a massive percentage of patients, and why T3 is the active hormone that mainstream medicine has been trained to fear without good reason. They also get into how fluoride in tap water, bromine in American wheat, mold exposure, dairy, gluten, and oxalates directly suppress thyroid function and drive autoimmunity. If you want to optimize your metabolism, protect your mitochondria, support brain optimization, and stop leaving your longevity on the table, thyroid is the first domino. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, human performance, anti-aging, functional medicine, supplements, sleep optimization, and using smarter not harder strategies to take control of your biology. You'll Learn: Why testing TSH alone misses thyroid dysfunction in the vast majority of people What a full thyroid panel actually includes and the optimal ranges for T4, T3, and reverse T3 Why T4-only medications like Synthroid fail and what works better How low thyroid directly tanks testosterone and libido in both men and women The environmental triggers destroying your thyroid, including fluoride, bromine, mold, and inflammatory foods How Hashimoto's connects to broader autoimmune risk and what drives it into remission Why kids are being misdiagnosed with ADHD when the real issue is hypothyroidism The supplements and cofactors (selenium, zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha, tyrosine) that support thyroid activation How thyroid optimization connects to metabolism, dementia prevention, cardiovascular health, and economic outcomes When to use T3 only vs. a T3/T4 combination, and how to know if your dose is off Thank you to our sponsors! TRU KAVA | Head to trukava.com and use code DAVE10 for 10% off. BEYOND Biohacking Conference 2026 | Register with code DAVE300 for $300 off https://beyondconference.com Our Place | Stop cooking with toxic cookware and upgrade to Our Place today. With a 100-day risk-free trial, plus free shipping and returns, you can experience this game-changing cookware with zero risk. Visit: fromourplace.com/DAVE Use code: DAVE for 10% off sitewide Puori | Go to Puori.com/DAVE or use code DAVE at checkout to get 32% off your Puori Fish Oil subscription. You save more than $18. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: McCall McPherson, Modern Thyroid Clinic, thyroid testing wrong, full thyroid panel, free T3, reverse T3, Synthroid failure, T3 vs T4, Hashimoto's remission, fluoride suppresses thyroid, thyroid low testosterone, thyroid ADHD, thyroid depression, hypothyroidism misdiagnosis, thyroid and metabolism, thyroid hair loss, functional medicine thyroid Resources: • Learn More About McCall's Work At: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/ • Get McCall's Thyroid Guide: https://gift.modernthyroidclinic.com/ • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Trailer 01:05 – Intro & Guest Background 02:26 – Dave & McCall's Thyroid Stories 05:26 – How Thyroid Hormones Work 12:51 – Why T4-Only Meds Fall Short 23:05 – Why Thyroid Dysfunction Is So Common 23:59 – Fluoride, Bromine & Environmental Triggers 26:39 – Thyroid & Low Testosterone 27:31 – Optimal Lab Ranges for TSH, T4 & T3 36:58 – Mold, Hashimoto's & Autoimmunity 44:44 – Thyroid, ADHD & Mental Performance 49:38 – Supplements for Thyroid Support 51:52 – Vitamin D & Circadian Rhythms 56:30 – T3 Safety Myths & Medical Misinformation 1:00:16 – Key Takeaways & Where to Get Help See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tammy Barlette Former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and instructor with experience flying the A-10 Warthog, MQ-1 Predator, and MQ-9 Reaper. She now teaches mental performance training specifically designed for aviators through her company Crosscheck Mental Performance. Tammy combines lessons from aviation, elite athletics, and performance psychology to help pilots improve focus, confidence, and decision-making under pressure.   Key Topics Discussed Mental Performance Training for Pilots Why many pilots struggle with performance rather than knowledge How stress affects access to information in high-pressure situations Techniques used by elite athletes that translate directly to aviation   Perfectionism in Aviation Why perfectionism can hurt pilot performance Learning to use mistakes as feedback instead of defining moments   Confidence and Internal Dialogue How self-talk influences pilot performance Why confidence must be intentionally built—not assumed   Process vs Outcome Goals Why focusing only on checkrides or certificates can hurt motivation Using process-based goals to build long-term success in flight training   Practical Techniques The “What now?” reset technique to stay present in flight Building confidence through small wins and self-recognition Staying mentally focused during checkride preparation   Resources Tammy Shared Crosscheck Online Communityhttps://www.skool.com/crosscheck/ Crosscheck Mental Performance Websitehttps://www.crosscheckmentalperformance.com/ Tammy Barlette on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tammybarlette/

Most women will research every stroller, bottle, and sleep schedule for their baby but spend almost no time thinking about how to support their own body during pregnancy.  In this episode, I'm sharing a “half baked” pregnancy update and pulling back the curtain on what I've actually been doing to support my body while growing this baby.  The reality is that most prenatal care is focused on monitoring the baby, not optimizing the mother's health. And while that makes sense medically, it also leaves a huge gap in how women care for themselves during one of the most physically demanding seasons of life.  Pregnancy is often treated like a time to pause your health goals, but I see it more like a sport that requires intentional preparation and support. In this episode, I walk through the team I've built around me including a functional practitioner, doula, midwife, pelvic floor physical therapist, chiropractor, and massage therapist and why I chose to outsource as many decisions as possible during this season.  I share what the first trimester actually looked like for me, from fatigue and nausea to the unexpected mental challenge of body image changes.  We also talk about the simple systems I'm using moving into the second and third trimesters, including strength training, daily movement, blood sugar stability, and pelvic floor work.  I explain how I'm thinking about nutrition not just for myself, but for my baby's long-term health and taste development. We'll also talk honestly about the physical discomforts of pregnancy and the moments that can make you question whether something is wrong. Finally, I share how researching birth options shifted my mindset from nervousness to genuine excitement, and why I ultimately decided on a home birth with a midwife and doula while still working with my OB for imaging.  If you're pregnant, planning to be, or just curious about a different approach to supporting your body through pregnancy, this episode offers a real, honest look behind the scenes.   Time Stamps:   (2:54) The Anatomy Scan (11:02) What I'm Doing/Will Do During Pregnancy (14:02) Midwife vs Traditional OBGYN Care (19:43) Letting Experts Help Me (28:24) Choosing A Home Birth --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation.  --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Welcome to episode 238 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Dr. Alicia Naser, mental performance coach and founder of the Naser Institute for Behavioral Sport Psychology. She works with professional athletes in the NHL, ATP Tour and PGA, helping them optimize performance through behavioral science and mental training. In this episode, we spoke about: How behavioral science helps athletes perform at their best The biggest mental roadblocks for professional athletes How players handle pressure, social media and performance slumps Why identity and life after sport is crucial for athletes Timestamps 0:00 Mental Performance in Elite Sport 1:18 Dr. Alicia Naser Introduction 3:11 The Most Important Behavior for Athletes 5:21 Team vs Individual Sports Psychology 8:52 Control and Performance Mindset 10:11 Roger Federer & Performance Perspective 11:20 Djokovic on Emotional Recovery 12:56 Superstitions in Professional Sport 14:50 Henrik Lundqvist's Routine 16:15 Assessing Underperformance 17:51 Biggest Mental Roadblocks 20:05 Social Media Pressure on Athletes 23:30 Building a Personal Brand Online 28:34 How She Started Working in Hockey 34:04 From Autism Research to Elite Sport SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.  Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

A leadership team with top-tier talent, strong strategy, and capital behind it still misses targets. Engagement scores drift. Execution stalls. On paper, nothing is wrong. In reality, the environment is misaligned.That gap between capability and consistent performance is where culture either compounds results or quietly erodes them.Aaron Walsh, Head of Culture, Leadership and Mental Performance at the Rajasthan Royals and former Mental Skills coach with the Chiefs, has spent his career working inside high performance systems where results are unforgiving and scrutiny is constant.Why is culture still treated as a “soft” variable despite overwhelming evidence that it shapes behaviour, decision-making and performance under pressure?1:45 – Defining culture and what happens when reality doesn't match the wall. 9:05 – Aaron's work with the Chiefs and Mike Cron on building a successful culture. 15:45 – Connecting teams to the community and the last 10% performance gains from culture. 19:55 – Michael Gervais, the Seattle Seahawks, and bringing team culture to corporates like IAG. 27:55 – Immediate actions to improve culture and fostering psychological safety for innovation. 33:10 – Leadership, culture, and why your energy impacts corporate performance. 36:50 – Andrew's morning routine and the quality vs quantity time debate. 41:05 – Measuring culture beyond annual check-ins and its impact. 47:15 – Modelling desired behaviours and Aaron's 5-year vision. 54:35 – When systems fail, talent isn't enough and why some teams may not need a mental skills coach. 59:55 – Spotting cultural clues on day one and lessons from sports to corporate mental skills.Listen to the previous episode with Aaron here: https://performanceintelligence.transistor.fm/episodes/143-aaron-walsh Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Neil Levin, the Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance. 

Nutritional Support for Brain Health: Lifestyle, Curcumin, Magnesium, and Key Nootropics: Nutrition educator/formulator Neil Levin from Protocol for Life Balance details nutritional support for brain health amid skepticism about “brain-boosting” supplements, citing a preprint randomized controlled trial using a multifaceted lifestyle plan (diet, exercise, sleep) plus targeted supplementation that reportedly improved and even reversed symptoms in people with mild cognitive impairment. They contrast lifestyle strategies with costly, side-effect-prone injectable “plaque-buster” Alzheimer's drugs and notes debate about whether amyloid is a root cause or byproduct. The conversation highlights inflammation and oxidation as major aging-related brain threats and reviews supplements including a brain-targeted curcumin (discussing bioavailability, delivery methods, blood–brain barrier crossing, and claims of lowering beta-amyloid protein), magnesium L-threonate for CNS delivery, phosphatidylserine and acetylcholine support (including huperzine), ginkgo and gotu kola, glutamine/GABA pathways, creatine, omega-3s (DHA/EPA and algae sources), B vitamins, acetyl-L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and cocoa flavanols, plus concerns about supplement industry enforcement.

You are not failing because you lack discipline. You're struggling because you're trying to live like a machine.  In this episode, I'm breaking down why most systems fall apart the moment life gets hard and how to rebuild yours so it actually works for a human nervous system.  We're taught to design routines assuming endless energy, focus, and motivation, but real life doesn't operate that way. You have limited time, attention, and willpower, and your systems need to reflect that reality.  I explain why the most effective systems are the ones that require the least amount of thinking and decision-making. When stress hits, you don't rise to the occasion. You default to your systems. If your routine only works on your best days, it's not a system, it's a wish. I walk you through how to design structures that hold you steady when you're tired, overwhelmed, or distracted. We'll talk about simplifying your priorities so consistency becomes automatic instead of exhausting.  I introduce the Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C framework to help you escape the all-or-nothing cycle. Plan A is for high-energy days, Plan B supports you when things feel harder, and Plan C keeps you moving forward on your worst days.  Success doesn't need to look the same every day, especially in different seasons of life. This episode will help you build systems that meet you where you are, so you can stay consistent without burning yourself out.   Time Stamps:   (2:32) Moving Updates   (6:22) The Fresh Start Effect   (8:54) Different Levels To Our Goals   (14:29) Beware Of The Comparison Trap   (16:28) Vanessa's Plan A --------------------- Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching --------------------- Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation.  --------------------- Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program --------------------- Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life! --------------------- Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share! --------------------- Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here! --------------------- Check out our Youtube Channel! --------------------- Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

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What if the thing holding you back isn't effort, talent, or discipline, but what's happening inside your mind and body? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with high-performance coach and author Brandon Epstein to unpack the hidden inner work behind elite performance. Brandon shares his journey from riding the bench as a college football player to mastering meditation, breathwork, and mental training that transformed his results and his life. Together, they explore why success doesn't always bring fulfillment, how subconscious beliefs quietly drive behavior, and why self-trust, presence, and emotional regulation are the real foundations of sustainable greatness. This is a powerful conversation for high achievers who've “won” on the outside but know there's something deeper calling. In this episode, Darius and Brandon will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction (01:29) Brandon's Origin Story (05:40) The Power of Mental Performance (10:35) The Mind-Body Connection in Sports (16:31) The Journey of Self-Discovery (19:28) Closing the Gap to Fulfillment (23:26) The Importance of Inner Value (27:21) The Journey of Passion and Process (30:10) Auditing Life for True Satisfaction (33:49) Seasons of Life: Wandering and Execution (36:49) Understanding Sovereignty and Self-Trust (39:10) Overcoming Subconscious Barriers to Greatness Brandon Epstein is a high-performance coach who helps elite athletes and entrepreneurs transform inner resistance into inner power for career-best performance. With over 17 years of experience, his clients span millionaire entrepreneurs, creative artists, and professional athletes across the NFL, NHL, MLB, Pro Boxing, and Pro MMA. An accomplished entrepreneur, Brandon has built businesses and educational platforms that have empowered millions worldwide to be their best selves. He is a devoted husband and father, and a humble seeker of truth on the ongoing path of personal awakening. Connect with Brandon: Website: https://thebrandonepstein.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonepstein  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonepstein_/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many managers believe pressure drives performance. Others focus heavily on support. But high-performing teams don't choose one or the other. They operate with both.When expectations are high, but support is low, people become defensive, stressed, and disengaged. When support is high but expectations are low, performance suffers. The real challenge for managers is learning how to balance intensity with kindness so teams feel both challenged and supported.Fortunately, this week's guest shares a practical and grounded approach to building this balance. Evan Marks, a mental performance coach who has worked in high-stakes environments, explains why people don't rise to the occasion but fall to their level of training. He also shares how structure, emotional regulation, and clear communication help teams perform under pressure.In this conversation, we explore how to create psychological safety without lowering standards, how to shift from feedback to “feedforward,” and why leaders must model ownership and emotional control if they want their teams to do the same.Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week's episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Join the conversation now!

In this episode we dive deep into the "middle space" between athletic coaching, mental performance, and clinical therapy. Guest Neal Palles is a psychotherapist, certified mental performance consultant, and ultra-running coach. He shares his unique perspective on the "many hats" he wears supporting athletesWe explore the dangerous glorification of suffering in endurance sports and how "grit" can often transform into "rigidity." Neal breaks down the critical differences between performance coaching (skills and strategy) and therapy (core beliefs and identity).We also chat more about:Athlete identityBurnout, overtraining, and resilience in endurance sport athletesMental health for athletesThe "suck it up" mentality in sportViewing injury from a mental health perspectiveADHD in athletesAnd so much more!Stay connected:Check out Neal's website hereFollow Neal on Instagram @nealpallesFollow Stevie on Instagram: @stevielynlynJoin Stevie's newsletter: Stevie Lyn Nutrition newsletter

If you've ever felt like your body is fighting you no matter how “perfect” your nutrition or workouts are, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Today, I'm sitting down with Soraya Rufener, one of our coaches at Vital Spark, to share the story behind the safety, trust, and results her clients feel from day one. Soraya isn't just highly credentialed as a registered nurse and functional health coach. She's lived through chronic dieting, body distrust, and the exhausting pressure to always “do more.” She started dieting at 13, spent years stuck in restriction cycles, and did everything diet culture promised would work. And yet, nothing was actually healing.In this conversation, we unpack why willpower wasn't the problem, how postpartum healing changed everything, and what rebuilding a body really requires physically, mentally, and emotionally. Soraya shares the moment she stopped punishing her body and learned how to support it instead. We talk about why healing is layered, why consistency matters more than intensity, and how nervous system safety changes outcomes. She also opens up about how her lived experience reshaped the way she coaches postpartum moms and high-achieving women today. Most importantly, we explore what she refuses to repeat from diet culture—and why coaching women differently matters. If you're exhausted, frustrated, or quietly wondering why nothing seems to work anymore, this episode will remind you that you're not broken.You're unsupported. Time Stamps: (1:17) Our Incredible Coach Soraya (6:02) Early Teen Soraya (9:17) Finding Bodybuilding (15:02) The Food Noise (17:09) Shifting To The Healing Phase (19:55) The Mental Side of Healing (22:47) 3 Kids In 4 Years and The Postpartum Journey (31:23) Our Bodies Aren't The Enemy (34:15) Where To Find Soraya---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Get AudioBooks for FreeBest Self-improvement Motivation10X Mental Performance with Salim Ismail Success StrategiesDiscover exponential performance and innovation tactics on Kwik Brain with Jim Kwik. Learn how to scale focus, creativity, and productivity fast.Get AudioBooks for Free⁠We Need Your Love & Support ❤️https://buymeacoffee.com/myinspiration#Motivational_Speech#motivation #inspirational_quotes #motivationalspeech Get AudioBooks for Free Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We wanted to bring back one of our favorite interview episodes this week! Justin Su'a is a mental performance coach for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and host of our daily favorite podcast, Increase Your Impact. He has worked with top NFL, PGA, MLB, and NCAA athletes, as well as top corporate leaders to improve their mental performance game.  In this episode, we cover the importance of mental performance, the power of self-reflection, doing things by design instead of by default, how to figure out your WHY, and so much more! Topics Covered: - What Is Mental Performance and Why It Matters- How to Train Your Mindset- The Power of Self-Reflection- How to Identify Your “Why”- Doing Things by Design, Not by Default- Using Your Mindset to Regulate Negative Thoughts and Achieve Goals- Your Mind Has Limited Capacity: Why Negativity Crowds Out Growth- The Hidden Habit of Elite Athletes and Top Organizations- Getting Consistent With Nutrition and Trusting the Process- Embracing the Boredom of Consistency- The Law of the Bamboo Tree and Your Fitness Journey- Stop Beating Yourself Up for Starting Late — Start Now---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Success and happiness are often treated as goals to chase—but what if they actually begin with the health of your brain?

Marco Lopez is an author, speaker, and consultant with more than a decade of experience in the field of mental performance. He holds a Humanities degree from Brigham Young University with minors in Business and Music and was personally mentored by legendary thought leader Bob Proctor.Catalyzed by a traumatic family experience that prompted him to reevaluate the direction of his life and return to his core purpose, Marco transitioned from a tech executive into a human-potential expert. Driven by a desire to help people better access their God-given potential—and recognizing that the business world often prioritizes systems and processes over its greatest resource, the productive power of people—he embarked on an intensive journey of study and real-world application focused on human potential and the power of the mind.Over time, Marco synthesized his own work with the insights of leading philosophers, scientists, and visionary thinkers, including his father's in-depth research, into a practical, proven system that helps people better understand themselves, quiet mental noise, and operate with greater clarity and purpose.An international singer and mental performance expert, Marco uniquely blends principles from music, business, and psychology to help people bypass mental resistance and access their highest human capacity—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This rare integration allows him to serve as a conduit for deep “flow,” enabling others to perform and lead at their best. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Marco has traveled to more than 12 countries sharing his message of human potential and inner mastery, and has shared the stage with business leaders such as Bob Kittell, Rey Perez, and Loral Langemeier. When not working with entrepreneurs and leadership teams, he enjoys being outdoors and traveling with his wife and five children, living the same principles of presence, purpose, and creativity that he teaches.Learn more: http://marcolopez360.comInfluential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-marco-lopez-mental-performance-expert-for-visionaries

Marco Lopez is an author, speaker, and consultant with more than a decade of experience in the field of mental performance. He holds a Humanities degree from Brigham Young University with minors in Business and Music and was personally mentored by legendary thought leader Bob Proctor.Catalyzed by a traumatic family experience that prompted him to reevaluate the direction of his life and return to his core purpose, Marco transitioned from a tech executive into a human-potential expert. Driven by a desire to help people better access their God-given potential—and recognizing that the business world often prioritizes systems and processes over its greatest resource, the productive power of people—he embarked on an intensive journey of study and real-world application focused on human potential and the power of the mind.Over time, Marco synthesized his own work with the insights of leading philosophers, scientists, and visionary thinkers, including his father's in-depth research, into a practical, proven system that helps people better understand themselves, quiet mental noise, and operate with greater clarity and purpose.An international singer and mental performance expert, Marco uniquely blends principles from music, business, and psychology to help people bypass mental resistance and access their highest human capacity—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This rare integration allows him to serve as a conduit for deep “flow,” enabling others to perform and lead at their best. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Marco has traveled to more than 12 countries sharing his message of human potential and inner mastery, and has shared the stage with business leaders such as Bob Kittell, Rey Perez, and Loral Langemeier. When not working with entrepreneurs and leadership teams, he enjoys being outdoors and traveling with his wife and five children, living the same principles of presence, purpose, and creativity that he teaches.Learn more: http://marcolopez360.comInfluential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-marco-lopez-mental-performance-expert-for-visionaries

If fat loss feels harder than it should and healing seems slow no matter what you try, the problem may not be your discipline. It may be your nervous system. In this conversation, I explain why a chronically dysregulated nervous system can block healing, fat loss, and hormone balance no matter how perfect your protocols look on paper.  Your body is always choosing survival first, and when it perceives constant stress, it will not prioritize digestion, repair, or metabolic efficiency. I walk you through how your brain interprets everyday stress the same way it would a life-or-death threat, keeping you stuck in fight or flight.  This is why cortisol stays elevated, inflammation lingers, and progress feels frustratingly slow. I break down why this isn't a mindset issue or a lack of discipline, but a physiological response rooted in your nervous system.  We dive into the role of the vagus nerve and how it connects your brain, gut, hormones, and stress response. I explain what vagal tone is and why improving it creates the conditions your body needs to feel safe enough to heal.  You'll learn simple, practical vagus nerve–supporting practices you can use daily without adding more overwhelm. We also talk about why these tools are supportive, not magical fixes, and how they enhance everything you're already doing. If you're dealing with stubborn fat loss, gut issues, thyroid challenges, or chronic stress, this episode lays the foundation you may be missing.  Nervous system regulation isn't optional or fluffy. It's essential. When your body feels safe, healing becomes possible. Time Stamps: (1:19) Lots of Things Going On(4:54) Getting Out Of Survival Mode(7:52) The Vagus Nerve(13:55) Strategies For Improving Your Nervous System---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

In this episode of the Better Coaching podcast, Luke Gromer speaks with mental performance coach James Leath. They discuss how coaches can embed mental performance development into their coaching and practices. It also dives into the significance of organized practice in sports, emphasizing the distinction between practicing for skill development and preparing for competition. James highlights the necessity of creating a structured environment where athletes can learn decision-making under pressure, ultimately enhancing their performance in actual games.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPSThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you're interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.Director interest form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITYClick the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!

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The 2026 Australian Open has wrapped up with Elena Rybakina winning the women's singles title over Aryna Sabalenka 6–4, 4-6, 6-4, and Carlos Alcaraz winning the men's singles title over Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the women's and men's singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that led to the successes of the champions and finalists.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you're enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak engages with Dr. Julia Cawthra of the USOPC and Abby Woodford of USA Hockey to explore the critical role of mental health and performance psychology in sports. They discuss their personal journeys into the field, the evolution of psychological services at the USOPC, and the distinctions between mental health and mental performance. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about seeking mental health support, strategies for preparing athletes for major events like the Olympics, and practical techniques such as breathing exercises and visualization to enhance performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of connection and adaptability in high-pressure situations, providing valuable insights for athletes and coaches alike.

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Struggling with motivation lately? You're not broken and you're definitely not lazy.  In this episode, I share a real-time reflection on why motivation feels shaky during seasons of massive identity transition, especially when life, work, and motherhood are all evolving at once. When our identity is clear, action feels easy but when we're questioning who we are becoming, everything can feel heavy and confusing. I break down why motivation is an unreliable driver and why waiting to “feel ready” keeps you stuck. We dive into the three things that actually create follow-through: commitment, identity, and systems. I'll challenge how you think about commitment (with a comparison that might sting a little), and explain why saying you're committed isn't the same as acting like it.  We'll talk about how anchoring your actions to who you want to be, not just what you want to achieve, changes everything. I'll also walk through practical ways to reduce friction by building systems that support you on low-energy days. If you're in a season of transition, questioning your next chapter, or frustrated with your lack of consistency, this episode will help you reframe motivation and rebuild alignment. Stop waiting to feel motivated and start building something that works even when motivation is gone.  Time Stamps: (2:02) Moving, Second Trimester, and The Swings of Motivation(4:17) Forcing Myself To Show Up This Month(8:17) Feel Motivated After The Action(10:41) Commitment, Identity, and Systems(10:52) What is Commitment?(17:36) Identity and Who You're Becoming(23:52) Systems(26:22) Tangible Steps You Can Take This Week(29:57) Giving You What You Need---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Guest: Corwin Duncan is a mental performance coach, former national champion and world team member, and a longtime fencing coach and referee. He works with fencers of all levels to build concrete, in-the-moment skills for managing pressure, emotions, and focus — on and off the strip.What we cover:Why tournaments feel different than practice: familiarity, “safety,” routine disruption, and expectationsHow spirals start (and how to interrupt them before they snowball)The “5-second reset” breathing technique you can use between actionsUsing time wisely on strip (shoe tie, blade straighten, creating a moment to think)A parent's role: supporting without adding pressure, and managing your own stress“Losing to weaker fencers”: how expectations can lower intensity — and what to do insteadReframing a bad result so it doesn't define youWhen it's time to consider a mental performance coach (including “I'm not enjoying fencing anymore”)Building a mental warm-up and why routines should be consistent, not rigidWhy Corwin cares about skills that transfer beyond fencing (the “doctor's shot” story)Links mentioned:SharperMind Training: https://sharpermindtraining.com/ --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Dr. Sasha Gollish is a Team Canada middle- and long-distance runner, engineer, coach, and advocate for gender equity in sport. With a PhD in civil engineering and decades of experience in athletics and research, she leads community-engagement efforts at the University of Toronto's Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre. Passionate about movement and belonging, Sasha co-founded Yellow Running Shoes and works to help young athletes thrive on and off the field. She is also the author of Unstoppable, a mental-performance journal published by Strong Girl Publishing, designed to help athletes show up with confidence, focus, and resilience for every big goal that matters to them.Stevie chats with Sasha about:Her background as high performance athlete and coachHer work as a researcher on mental health and girls in sportHow to be unstoppable through injury and adversityAdapting to the changes in performance technology Sensationalizing the basics when it comes to training and nutritionFood as connectionNew trends in sports nutritionAnd so much more!You can find Sasha on Instagram at @SGollishRuns and @Yellow_Running_Shoes

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Krista Moreland, one of our incredible functional health coaches here at Vital Spark, to share her story, her breaking point, and the moment that changed everything. Krista joined our team in early 2025 with over a decade of coaching experience, but her journey goes far deeper than credentials. Before motherhood, she was a two-sport college athlete whose identity was built on discipline, performance, and mental toughness. Then she became a mom, and everything she thought she knew about herself began to shift.Krista opens up about navigating early motherhood while caring for a medically complex baby, including her son's heart surgery at just four months old. She shares the shame, fear, and invisible stress she carried, and how food became her unexpected escape during that season. As a former athlete who had never used food emotionally, this struggle left her feeling confused and lost inside her own body. We talk about the identity shock no one prepares women for, especially high-achieving moms who are used to holding it all together.Krista takes us into the quiet breaking point that happened in her bathtub, where she realized no one was coming to rescue her. That moment wasn't about weight loss, but about choosing herself again. We explore how healing her relationship with food and her body changed the way she showed up as a mom, partner, and woman. This conversation is for any woman who feels like she used to know who she was and is ready to find her way back. Time Stamps: (3:08) Before Motherhood and College Days (6:54) Identity Shift to Motherhood (18:32) Leadership In The Home (23:22) Managing The Mind and Emotions (33:02) Where Coach Krista Is In Her Journey Right Now (37:10) You Are Not Broken (40:02) Where To Find Coach Krista---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I'm joined by Tom Smalley, MS, CMPC, CSCS, for a grounded conversation about mental performance, anxiety in athletes, and identity beyond competition. Tom's work sits at the intersection of strength culture and mental health, and we talk openly about what that actually looks like in practice, especially in environments like jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and strength sports where toughness is often valued over honesty. We discuss Tom's athletic background, his experience living with OCD, and how anxiety shows up for athletes who appear “put together” on the outside. From there, we unpack the difference between mental performance and mental health, the risks of pushing through everything, and how coaches can respond when athletes open up instead of shutting down. We also explore strength culture's complicated relationship with vulnerability, what healthy toughness really means, and how athletes can begin separating self-worth from performance. This episode is for grapplers, coaches, parents, and athletes navigating pressure, on the mats and off them, who want practical tools, clearer language, and a more sustainable approach to resilience.

David Hitz is the founder of NeuroPro, where he helps athletes and high performers strengthen mental performance through neuroscience-backed tools and training. In this episode, we talk about the turning point that changed David's life, losing his older brother, and how that experience pushed him to take his health seriously in every area. We break down practical strategies that support the nervous system and improve performance, including breathwork, cold therapy (cold plunging), and the science of how the brain and body work together under pressure. If you are an athlete, coach, or parent of an athlete who has ever wondered why mental performance doesn't match physical ability, this episode will give you frameworks you can apply immediately. Topics include: Neuroscience fundamentals for better performance Breathwork and nervous system regulation Cold exposure and mental resilience Performance under stress and building consistency NeuroPro Mini-Course ($39): https://goneuropro.com/  Related interview with David (Athlete Narrative): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btoupoRUVaI  Follow The Gametime Guru: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru  X: https://x.com/thegametimeguru/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-larson-4b591944/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru 

In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader Podcast, host Jasmine Neely welcomes mental performance coach Gary Chupik, who specializes in helping athletes unlock their potential. Gary discusses the key traits that make someone a great candidate for coaching, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and the willingness to experiment with oneself. He shares insights into the common mental blocks athletes face, particularly around confidence, and how these can be addressed through targeted coaching sessions. Gary highlights that confidence is crucial for performance and explains how athletes can regain it by focusing on their strengths and preparing adequately for their performances.The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of performance, with Gary sharing a transformative story about a young hockey player who regained his confidence by focusing on his unique strengths. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how it can be nurtured through preparation and positive reinforcement. The episode also touches on the significance of visualization techniques in mental performance, encouraging athletes to engage all their senses to enhance their confidence and performance. Gary concludes by offering a free mental performance assessment to listeners, showcasing his commitment to helping others achieve their best.Follow Gary @elitemindset on InstagramVisit https://bit.ly/49JgDsJ to get your mental performance assessment. Use discount code: ELITE100Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok for more pro dance topics Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching00:40 Identifying Candidates for Coaching01:28 Understanding Mental Blocks and Confidence03:35 The Nature of Confidence Loss05:06 Building Confidence Through Preparation06:06 Transformation Stories in Coaching09:47 The Power of Focusing on Strengths11:06 Belief and Self-Confidence12:18 The Importance of External Belief14:31 The Impact of Positive Reinforcement16:16 Fueling Motivation: Positive vs. Negative17:17 Transitioning from Pastoral Work to Coaching19:48 Challenges of Being a Pastor22:32 Reflections on Pastoral Work23:57 The Smartness of Quitting24:37 The Art of Quitting: Knowing When to Let Go29:30 Mental Performance: Visualization Techniques for Success34:30 Understanding Emotional Expression: Men vs. Women37:30 Traits of High Performers: Resilience and Focus40:13 Gary's New Initiative: The Mental Performance Assessment

Riley Jensen joined DJ & PK to talk about the local college football scene and what he does to help athletes succeed at the highest level.

What happens when the Mental Training Lab host hands over the mic? I'm your host Pete Kadushin, and in this special reverse interview episode, I'm interviewed by psychiatrist, meditation teacher, and longtime contemplative practitioner Holly Rogers. The conversation grew organically out of our previous episode together, one that sparked more questions, deeper curiosity, and the realization that it was time to balance the scales.Together, Holly and I explore how contemplative practices like mindfulness and meditation have shaped my personal life and professional path—from grad school, to working with elite athletes, to my current role in learning and development with the Chicago Blackhawks. I open up about vulnerability, presence, impermanence, and why mental performance work increasingly feels like sacred work rather than a set of techniques.This episode is an honest, reflective look at what it means to practice what we teach. And how slowing down, paying attention, and trusting the process can lead to more meaningful performance, deeper relationships, and work that truly lights us up.Whether you're a coach, athlete, leader, or simply someone curious about how contemplative practices can change the way you show up in the world, this conversation offers insight, humanity, and permission to explore your own path with a little more trust.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

If you're getting everything done on the outside but feel exhausted, foggy, and feel like giving up on the inside, this episode is for you.High functioning burnout is the state where your nervous system stays on constant alert while your life keeps demanding more.It shows up most often in high achievers like entrepreneurs, corporate women, and medical professionals who are praised for pushing through.In this episode, I break down 18 subtle but powerful signs that your body is stuck between high cortisol and total collapse.We'll talk about why rest feels unsafe, stillness makes you anxious, and productivity comes in extreme waves instead of balance.You'll recognize the patterns of irritability, avoidance, overstimulation, and mental exhaustion that don't look like classic burnout.I explain what's actually happening inside your nervous system when you feel wired but tired, motivated but flat, social yet depleted.This isn't a motivation problem or a discipline issue, it's a regulation issue. You'll learn why pushing harder only deepens the loop and what happens if these signals are ignored long term.We'll connect the dots between chronic stress, dopamine crashes, cortisol dysregulation, and hormonal fallout.Most importantly, this episode will help you name what you're experiencing so you can stop blaming yourself.Burnout doesn't always look like quitting or falling apart, sometimes it looks like functioning too well for too long. If you want your life to feel as good as it looks, this conversation is a wake up call. Time Stamps: (1:20) Both Looking Good Today(2:22) Natalie Ellis Quote(3:35) Between High and Low Cortisol(5:18) 18 Signs You Are High Functioning Burnout(25:52) What To Look For If This Resonates With You---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

If fat loss has ever felt harder than it should, this episode will completely change how you think about dieting.After years of coaching women through fat loss, I've learned that success isn't about magic foods or extreme plans. It's about creating the right physiological and psychological environment with food.In this episode, I break down a simple, repeatable food framework that makes fat loss easier to stick to and faster to achieve.You'll learn why hunger management is the real key to consistency and how the right food choices naturally keep calories lower without feeling restrictive.I explain how micronutrient-dense foods support your thyroid, hormones, training performance, and energy so your body actually responds to a calorie deficit.We'll walk through the best carbohydrate sources for fat loss, including why potatoes, berries, oats, and non-starchy vegetables work so well. I'll cover the most effective lean protein options to stay full, preserve muscle, and keep your metabolism strong.You'll also learn how to use fats strategically without blowing your calorie target.I share a full sample day of eating so you can see exactly how this framework looks in real life.We'll talk through easy swaps and shortcuts for busy schedules so this plan is realistic, not perfect.This approach makes your diet simpler, more measurable, and far less stressful.It keeps your body healthy, responsive, and primed for fat loss instead of fighting it.If you want a meal plan that actually works with your body and your life, this episode is for you. Time Stamps: (2:06) How Should We Eat For Fat Loss? (4:36) Keeping Hunger Manageable (9:22) Remember SHREDS For Biofeedback (12:13) Macro Sources (14:42) Metabolic Flexibility (17:52) Berries and Antioxidants (23:42) Protein Sources (29:10) Sample Meal Plan (32:32) Making Fat Loss Easier---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Ways to calm anxiety before a Presentation. Mental Performance Strategies before a Presentation. A free Handout- Strategies before a Presentation.  If your heart races before presentations, Your mind goes blank when all eyes are on you, your voice shakes even when you know your material. Or you replay the meetings afterward, wondering why you didn't sound as confident as you felt inside. This podcast will help.

You want change more than anything, yet somehow you keep finding yourself back in the same frustrating patterns... and this episode explains why.  If you have ever wondered why motivation fades, follow-through slips, and 2026 feels like it has to be different, this conversation is for you. We break down the hidden loop so many women live in: setting goals with hope, only to fall back into old habits and self-doubt.  You will learn why this is not a discipline problem or a personal failure, but a very human pattern rooted in both nervous system protection and brain wiring. We explore the ancient concept of akrasia, the science of time inconsistency, and why resistance often shows up strongest when you want change the most.  You will see how past experiences, especially control or criticism, can quietly fuel self-sabotage today. This episode walks you through clear signs you may be stuck in this cycle and why nothing is “wrong” with you. More importantly, we outline a new way forward that does not rely on willpower, pressure, or punishment.  You will learn how to shift from control-based change to self-leadership rooted in care and alignment. We cover practical tools like reducing friction, designing your environment, and using implementation intentions so action becomes easier. This is about moving from self-sabotage into enkrateia — calm, grounded power over yourself.  If you are ready for 2026 to be the year things finally stick, this episode is your turning point. Time Stamps: (2:00) Jumping Into 2026 With This Topic (4:17) Omar and Doomscrolling (7:37) Competing Motivations and Resistance (10:33) How To Break The Cycle (11:32) Notice The Awareness (13:04) Acknowledge The Consequences (17:02) Shifting From Control To Love (20:16) Setting Our Environment Up For Success (22:03) Reducing Friction (24:22) Implementation Intentions (28:02) Power Over Yourself Through Leadership---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

The Minnesota Wild have been playing some pretty great hockey lately, but it wasn't always like that.  There was a time in the fairly recent past that the fans of the Minnesota Wild were mentally in a very different place, however most Minnesotan's don't have a mental performance specialist to lean on.  Yet, regardless of the lows, or the highs, the Minnesota Wild have been quite resilient, and very possibly because of the teachings of their Mental Performance Specialist Aaron Bogosian.  Brother of Defenseman Zach Bogosian, Aaron grew up in a household of brothers, and seemingly was born for this job.  With both a professional hockey background, and military experience, Aaron Bogosian brings a sense of presence and familial support to the Wild lockeroom.  Aaron credits his work ethic and mental toughness to his upbringing, and the fact that we can now help the next generation of young hockey professionals in Minnesota, just might be his true calling.  Carts and King go deep with Bogo, but only as far as one would think when you're in the presence of such selflessness.  A truly interesting interview, and beyond that includes the Olympic rosters that the guys breakdown.  The snubs, the stars, the trivia, it's all here to kick off 2026.  Let's Go.

Zach Brandon of Threshold Performance Coaching joins Luke Gromer on The Better Coaching Podcast to discuss sideways vs backwards comparison, the 4 C's for high achieving leaders and coaches, and the four factors needed to foster a winning and sustainable environment for the people you coach and lead.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPSThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you're interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITYClick the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!

In Episode 205, I had some health hacks I was excited about and now it's time to review them... This year brought us so much in terms of family, a new home, new coaches, and a baby girl (surprise!) on the way! I wanted to take this episode to review some of the hacks I had talked about at the beginning of the year, see what stuck, what I actually enjoyed and didn't, and what's going to make the cut in 2026. Since this is my first pregnancy, some things like cold plunging will have to go on the back burner but I'm excited to share what I'm excited about and what I will be taking with me into 2026.  Some topics like private healthcare and peptides are topics I want to cover more extensively in later episodes but wanted to mention them in today's episode because I think they are two big topics.  DM me and let me know if there's any health hacks that you are ditching or including in your 2026 and Happy New Year from all of us at Vital Spark! Time Stamps: (1:11) Surrounded By Boxes (2:34) Gender Reveal (4:57) What I'm Bringing Into 2026 (5:52) What I Covered Last Year (19:02) Leaving Yoga Classes in 2025 (21:46) Caffeine Limits (24:27) Cold Plunges (26:42) Sober Periods (29:42) Health Optimization (31:37) Let Them Mentality (34:56) Private Healthcare (37:16) Peptides---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Social anxiety is not a personality flaw, it is your nervous system doing its job a little too loudly.  In this episode, we reframe awkwardness and self-consciousness as signals of alert, not evidence that something is wrong with you. If holiday parties, crowded rooms, or feeling “on” leave you tense and overthinking, this conversation will help you understand what is actually happening in your body.  I walk you through seven gentle, practical tools designed to give your nervous system cues of safety so you can stay grounded and present. These are not mindset tricks or confidence hacks, they are body-based resets you can use in real time. You will learn how to quickly orient to the present moment, regulate your breath, and take micro breaks without disappearing.  We talk about why food or drinks often become a coping tool in social settings and how to expand your options without judgment or restriction. You will also learn how to prepare simple connection cues so conversations feel less draining.  This episode emphasizes choice, permission, and self-trust rather than forcing yourself to push through discomfort. Even using one of these tools can shift how safe your body feels. Confidence is not about being calm all the time, it is about knowing how to support yourself when you are activated.  If you want to feel more at ease socially without changing who you are, this episode is for you. Time Stamps: (3:07) Social Anxiety and Awkwardness (8:03) #1: The Name and Notice Reset (9:03) #2: The Anger Breath (9:55) #3: The Micro-Step Away (10:48) #4: The Connection Cue (13:30) #5: The Pocket Script (15:51) #6: The Sensory Grounder (19:58) #7: The Permission Slip---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

This week, we're joined by Dr. Adam Feit of Springfield College, a leader in high-performance consulting whose work spans sport psychology, strength and conditioning, coaching education, and nutrition. Dr. Feit shares insights on mental performance, working with athletes, and why mental skills are such a critical part of the athletic trainer's role in high-performance environments.A great conversation for anyone working in sports medicine, performance, or athlete development.For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

What does the next era of sports psychology look like? In this special roundtable, Dr. Hillary Cauthen, Dr. Brent Hogarth, and Dr. Eddie O'Connor join Performance Talk to break down where the profession is headed—covering trust-building with coaches and athletes, the rise of the CMPC, and why service, self-awareness, and collaboration are redefining what it means to perform at the highest level.

In today's episode, I'm talking honestly about body image and not from a place of perfection, but from my real everyday experience.  We'll  unpack how constant exposure to food content, fitness trends, and curated lifestyles subtly shapes the way we think about our bodies. I share what intrusive thoughts around appearance can sound like and why they tend to show up when life slows down or feels uncertain.  We talk about the arrival fallacy and the belief that once our body looks a certain way, we'll finally feel at peace and why that promise almost never delivers. I reflect on how comparison creeps in quietly and how it disconnects us from actually enjoying the lives we're building.  This episode isn't about fixing your body; it's about understanding the mental patterns that keep you feeling dissatisfied even when things are objectively good. I also share perspective shifts that have helped me soften my relationship with my body without forcing positivity.  We explore what it looks like to hold ambition and self-acceptance at the same time. If you've ever thought, “I should feel happier than this,” you're not alone.  This conversation is an invitation to notice, not judge, the stories you're telling yourself. Body image isn't just about how you look. It's about how present you're able to be in your own life. And sometimes, the work isn't changing anything externally, but learning to arrive where you already are. Time Stamps: (1:32) Instagram Food Algorithms(7:26) The Intrusive Thoughts(9:02) Binging Landman(15:52) The Arrival Fallacy(20:49) Arthur Brooks Quote (23:12) Our New Home (31:32) Let Us Know If You Enjoyed Today's Episode---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Check out Zach Brandon's podcast The Threshold Lab Coach Your Brains Out: The Art and Science of Coaching VolleyballThe Inner Knight: Train and Compete Like a ChampionBecome a Patron to support the show.Billy's fantasy series is finally done! Check out the books here!

If you've ever been told your gut is “fine” but you still feel bloated, inflamed, exhausted, or stuck, this episode will change the way you look at your health. In today's episode, I break down what a GI Map actually is and why I use it as the starting point for almost every woman I work with. I explain the critical difference between what a traditional GI doctor looks for and what a GI Map is designed to uncover.  While medical doctors are trained to find disease, this type of testing looks for dysfunction, the subtle imbalances that quietly sabotage your energy, hormones, digestion, and metabolism. I walk you through what the test measures, including bacteria, yeast, parasites, inflammation, leaky gut markers, and detox capacity.  You'll learn why so many women get “normal” test results at the doctor's office but still feel anything but normal in their bodies. I share why skipping the gut and jumping straight into hormone work often leads to stalled progress and frustration. I also break down how we use GI Map results to create custom gut-healing protocols that go far beyond random supplements.  We talk through the real-life signs that your gut might be your missing piece even if you don't have obvious digestive issues. I explain why this test alone isn't enough and how coaching and real-time adjustments are what make the process actually work.  If you've been doing “all the right things” and still feel off, this episode will connect the dots for you. By the end, you'll understand whether a GI Map might be the next step in your healing journey and why guessing is no longer necessary. If you're ready for clarity instead of trial and error, this episode is for you.  Time Stamps: (1:21) Home Ownership(4:40) GI Map's(6:32) Disease vs Dysfunction(9:50) What Is A GI Map?(12:27) Where We Start Our Vital Spark Clients(15:40) Your House Is On Fire(20:07) Episode 206 and 207(21:58) Would You Benefit From A GI Map?(29:47) What Happens After The GI Map---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Check out Zach Brandon's podcast The Threshold Lab Coach Your Brains Out: The Art and Science of Coaching VolleyballThe Inner Knight: Train and Compete Like a ChampionBecome a Patron to support the show.Billy's fantasy series is finally done! Check out the books here!

In this episode, I sit down with performance and leadership advisor Zach Brandon. Zach spent seven years leading mental performance and coach development initiatives with the Arizona Diamondbacks and now works directly with professional and collegiate coaches.Zach takes us through his journey. We discuss sports psychology, the significance of individualized mental training, and the role of coaches in player development. We also talk about the nuances of breathwork, the balance between aspirational goals and process, and the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in performance. Huge thanks to Zach for coming on the podcast and sharing his expertise with us!On X:Zach Brandon: @MVP_MindsetPatrick Jones Baseball: @pjonesbaseballZach Brandon's newsletter: Winning With Words — playbook of stories and principles for coaches to elevate their leadership and help their players win the inner game.

If you woke up extra puffy, bloated, or sluggish after Thanksgiving, you're not alone. Today I'm walking you through the exact protocol I'd use to feel normal again fast. In this episode, I break down a simple A.M., P.M. routine designed to calm inflammation, support lymphatic flow, reset your circadian rhythm, and get your digestion back on track.  We start with a morning lineup that helps your body de-bloat naturally: dandelion and peppermint tea, sunrise exposure, gentle lymphatic drainage, and a cold plunge or face dunk to clear the fog. I'll share why “easy-to-digest” meals like eggs, fruit, ground turkey, and white rice speed up recovery after a heavier holiday meal.  You'll also learn how hydration, electrolytes, sauna sessions, and strategic walking across the day work together to flush excess water retention. I walk you through small daytime habits that make a huge difference including stress management tools that actually matter when you're feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable in your body.  Then we close with a powerful P.M. routine designed to optimize digestion, calm cortisol, improve sleep quality, and support your lymphatic system while you rest. From early dinners to legs-up-the-wall breathing, these are the tools that help you feel lighter, clearer, and more grounded within 24–48 hours. If you want a gentle, supportive, and science-backed plan to ditch bloat and puffiness quickly, without punishing yourself, this episode is your reset guide. Let's get you feeling like you again. Time Stamps: (2:20) Gender Prediction (5:22) Waking Up Feeling Thick (8:37) The Big 6 For Lymphatic Drainage (13:02) Meals Across The Day (17:30) Sauna Usage (22:12) Early Dinner (25:06) Something Is Better Than Nothing---------------------Find Out More Information on Vital Spark Coaching---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Listen to the full episode: https://youtu.be/fWvBYBO3ssE?si=M7K4oJWnVAOWKWnz  At 60, JJ Virgin looks better than most people half her age, but her approach to hormones and supplements might surprise you. In this Fitness Friday episode, we dive into her specific protocols and why the "most studied" supplement isn't always the best choice. We also discuss a shocking body composition case study: how someone went from 25% to 10% body fat with only a 3-pound scale change, proving why tracking the right metrics matters more than the number on your bathroom scale. JJ Virgin is a 4-time New York Times bestselling author and celebrity nutrition expert who's been in the health and wellness space for over 30 years. She's the creator of the Virgin Diet and founder of the Well Beyond 40 podcast. What we discuss: Why Starting HRT at the First Signs of Hormone Shifts Changes Everything The Specific Symptoms That Signal It's Time to Consider Hormone Therapy How to Navigate HRT When Doctors Aren't Trained in Menopause Why 85% of Regular Creatine Never Enters Your Bloodstream The Real Science Behind Creatine HCL vs Monohydrate for Women Using Creatine for Jet Lag, Mental Performance, and Brain Health Why Women Over 40 Should Prioritize Creatine Above Most Other Supplements Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. 99designs by Vista: 99designs.com/jen20  – click "Claim my discount" to get $20 off your first design contest.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Find more from JJ Virgin: Website: https://jjvirgin.com/  Podcast: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcasts/  Instagram: @jj.virgin Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements