The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast

The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast

Trauma is everywhere, and so is performance pressure. The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast is where those two worlds meet. I’m Stephanie High, M.A. — trauma-informed educator and performance psychology practitioner — and I created this show to help athletes, professionals, and leaders understand how trauma impacts performance, and more importantly, how to respond in ways that build resilience instead of reinforcing harm. In each episode, you’ll hear a mix of science, storytelling, and practical tools. From trauma-informed leadership to resilience training and post-traumatic growth, this is a space for learning how to perform at your best without losing yourself in the process. If you want grounded insights, real talk, and actionable strategies for thriving under pressure, you’re in the right place.

Episodes

August 23, 2025 8 mins

Trauma is everywhere — but it doesn’t have to limit performance or leadership.

In this episode of the Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, Stephanie High explores trauma-informed care through the lens of sports, business, and high-performance environments. From understanding how trauma shapes the brain and body, to applying six core principles of trauma-informed care, this episode blends research with practical strategies for coaches, leaders,...

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In the hustle of today's non-stop society, sleep is often the first sacrifice at the altar of productivity — but at what cost? This episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast shines a spotlight on the critical role of sleep in our lives, especially for those committed to high performance and recovery. We'll delve into the science of sleep, how it affects everything from cognitive function to physical health, and why it should be a non-...

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February 27, 2024 4 mins

Setbacks are inevitable, but it's our response to them that defines our path forward. In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, we explore the resilient mindset that helps individuals turn failures into stepping stones for success. We'll discuss strategies for coping with setbacks, the importance of adaptability, and how to cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. Join us as we provide you wit...

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On this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, we delve into the heart of teamwork — cohesion. Discover why team cohesion is the cornerstone of high-performing groups in sports, business, and beyond. We'll discuss the latest research on team dynamics, share stories of teams that thrived through unity, and provide actionable insights on how to strengthen the bonds within your team. Tune in to learn how the synergy of a cohesive tea...

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February 20, 2024 1 min

In this insightful episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, we explore the transformative technique of visualization. Often used by top athletes and successful entrepreneurs, visualization is a powerful tool for achieving personal and professional goals. We'll discuss how mental imagery can shape your future, the science behind it, and practical steps to incorporate visualization into your daily routine. Tune in to learn how to harn...

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February 15, 2024 1 min

Join us on The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast for an engaging episode that dives deep into the art of time management. With our host, we'll unravel the fabric of efficient scheduling, discover strategies to combat procrastination and learn how to prioritize tasks effectively. Our discussion will not only offer practical tips but also explore the psychological underpinnings of time perception and productivity. Tune in to transform the way ...

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February 13, 2024 1 min

Join us on The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast where our host, Stephanie High, takes you through the introspective journey of self-reflection. This episode delves into how self-examination can lead to profound personal growth and improved mental fitness. We'll explore techniques to effectively reflect on your thoughts, actions, and decisions, and how this practice can lead to a more fulfilling personal and professional life. Tune in to dis...

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Join host Stephanie High as she explores the dynamic world of problem-solving techniques that drive success in sports, business, and life. This episode delves into how critical thinking, creativity, and resilience can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. Stephanie highlights the cognitive tools and strategies that top performers use to navigate challenges, make pivotal decisions, and achieve their goals. From the spor...

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February 6, 2024 1 min

Step into the analytical side of peak performance with "Beyond the Score: Performance Analysis," this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast hosted by Stephanie High. This episode deep dives into the nuances of evaluating and enhancing performance in both the athletic and corporate worlds. Stephanie sheds light on the latest methodologies and technologies used by top performers and organizations to dissect performance, identify are...

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Dive into the profound world of the mind-body connection in this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, hosted by Stephanie High. "Harmony in Action" explores the intricate dance between mental and physical health and their combined impact on achieving peak performance. Stephanie delves into cutting-edge research and practical strategies, highlighting how mental states influence physical capabilities and vice versa. This episode i...

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January 30, 2024 1 min

Step into the world of mental fortitude with this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, "Navigating the Path to Mental Readiness." Host Stephanie High offers a concentrated burst of insight into the essential strategies for cultivating a mindset primed for success. In this quick but powerful session, discover the key techniques that athletes and top performers use to prepare their minds for the challenges ahead. From harnessing t...

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January 9, 2024 1 min

In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High dives into the critical roles of nutrition and hydration in enhancing mental and physical performance in both the sports and corporate worlds. Stephanie highlights dietary choices' profound impact on athletes' strength, training, and recovery. She emphasizes the importance of hydration in maintaining concentration and cognitive function.

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In this insightful episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High dives into the multifaceted nature of effective leadership. She highlights that true leadership transcends mere team management – it's about inspiring, influencing, and making impactful decisions. Drawing from a study in the 'Journal of Organizational Behavior,' Stephanie emphasizes the crucial role of emotional intelligence (EI) in managing both persona...

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In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High explores the science-backed art of goal setting. She explains how setting specific, challenging goals, Goal-Setting Theory, can significantly enhance performance. Stephanie discusses the S.M.A.R.T framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) as a proven method for setting effective goals, the importance of commitment to goal achievement, a...

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In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High takes an in-depth look at the art of decision-making. She highlights its importance in high-pressure situations, whether in sports or business. Drawing from a study in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Stephanie explains that effective decision-making is a blend of cognitive processing, emotional regulation, and contextual understanding. She discusses t...

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In this insightful episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High dives into the science and psychology behind building confidence. She explains the concept of 'Self-Efficacy' as defined by Albert Bandura, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering confidence and enhancing performance. Stephanie explores various strategies to bolster self-efficacy: drawing strength from past successes ('Mastery Experiences'), finding in...

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In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, host Stephanie High explores the essentials of effective communication. Diving into research from prestigious sources like the 'Harvard Business Review,' Stephanie reveals that effective communication is much more than just the words we speak. It encompasses active listening, understanding nonverbal cues, clarity and brevity, effective feedback, and emotional intelligence. By integrat...

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Discover the role of the prefrontal cortex, the power of mindfulness meditation, the efficiency of the Pomodoro Technique, and the cognitive benefits of physical exercise. Stephanie also shares strategies for minimizing distractions, all rooted in scientific research. Tune in for a discussion on sharpening your focus, enhancing cognitive functions, and achieving more, all in one concise and impactful episode. 

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Tackle the powerful concept of "reframing" — the art of changing perspectives on challenges and setbacks — can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Explore real-life examples of how athletes have shifted their mindset for better outcomes and discuss actionable strategies for applying reframing techniques in sports. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with bite-sized, practical in...

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December 12, 2023 1 min

Let's open up a conversation about the role of 'luck' in sports and performance psychology. Explore the intriguing interplay between luck, mindset, and athletic performance. In this episode, we'll discuss how the belief in luck affects an athlete's confidence and performance. Is luck merely a superstition, or does it hold psychological significance in sports? Let's unpack these ideas together, offering quick, actionable insights al...

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