Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

In this episode, we have a candid discussion on the continued presence of mental health stigma in sports. For example, differences in how physical injury versus mental health symptoms are regarded.

Keith and Tim shed light on some common misconceptions surrounding mental health challenges among athletes, and explore the unique role that pressure has in sport environments. Taylor shares his personal insights highlighting t...

In this episode, University of Pennsylvania Head Women's Rowing Coach Wes Ng joins the conversation. He talks with Keith and Tim about his unique coaching philosophy that has guided him to success across divisions of NCAA competition, including being named 2023 Ivy League and Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) D1 Region I Coach of the Year.

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram:...

In this episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor continue their conversation about the compatibility of mindfulness and competition. Part 1 of this conversation centered largely on mindfulness aspects of this debate, while this episode delves deeper into the competition side.
 
Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

YouTube: Mindful Spo...

In this episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor have a conversation about an ever-present tension in their work: the compatibility of mindfulness and competition. From one perspective, packaging mindfulness for the inherently striving act of winning is counter to the very foundations of this type of practice. Alternatively, helping make mindfulness digestible, accessible, and practical can allow people to benefit in their sporting and ever...

Rediscover the transformative power of play as we sit down with Dr. Matt Bowers, faculty member in the Sport Management program at the University of Texas at Austin and key contributor to the Aspen Institute's Project Play. His fascinating research is challenging the current understanding of athlete development in youth sport, and he helps us explore the often overlooked value of play in fostering creativity, passion, and mind...

In this episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor unpack some of the profound impacts that the COVID pandemic has had across the world of sport and on athletes of all ages and levels - including impacts on personal identity, mental health, and performance. We also celebrate the strength and adaptability that has emerged during this challenging time, and discuss how the integration of mindfulness and other wellness strategies can be crucial a...

Are participation trophies merely shiny objects that distract from the true essence of competition, or do they play a key role in building self-esteem and encouraging future sport involvement? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons with a critical eye, weighing the possibility that these awards might be diluting the significance of hard work and resilience, while also acknowledging that kids are often more perceptive about t...

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Brady Howe, Vice President of Health and Performance for the NBA's Phoenix Suns, to discuss enhancing athlete performance holistically. Tim begins the episode with a brief mindfulness practice, and then we chat with Brady about his journey and experiences in the NBA and the importance of collaboration among physical and mental/psychological specialists.   

Social Media Men...

What does it take to execute and lead effectively amidst the pressures of a game? Join us as we explore these questions with our guest, American professional soccer player Aidan Rocha.

This episode is a deep dive into the science and art of mental preparation in elite sport. Aidan shares his pre-game routine, the mental practices he picked up during his time at Georgetown University, and how he uses mindfulness to enhance...

What role does winning play in your life? Are you consumed by the need to be #1, or do you find joy in simply participating and growing from the experience? Join us in this episode of The Mindful Sport Performance Podcast, where we disentangle the intertwined concepts of winning, success, motivation, balance, and life satisfaction.

Winning - it's a concept that's often synonymous with success, recognition, and op...

In this episode, we welcome Deirdre Keane, a former pediatric critical care nurse practitioner, now a healthcare consultant, who found solace in running after the loss of her father. More than just a runner, Deirdre's story is one of resilience and overcoming adversity, reminding us all of the power of the human spirit. Her passion for running pushed her beyond marathons and into the realm of ultra marathons, ultimately leadin...

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Imagine a world where the term 'student athlete' is irrelevant and college sports have been commercialized. Is it a utopia where athletes, like their professional counterparts, are fairly compensated for their skills and effort? Or is it a dystopia where values and education take a back seat to monetary gains? Our producer, Taylor Brown, joins us as we traverse through this fascinating landscape of 'what ifs'.

Are you ready to challenge the traditional paradigm of success and greatness? What if hard work and perseverance aren't the only tickets to victory? Buckle up as we embark on an intriguing exploration redefining greatness in sports. We analyze the sports careers of high-profile athletes who, despite their relentless dedication and effort, never reached the pinnacle of success. Alongside, we ponder the elusive elements of luck ...

Given the recent stories coming out of Northwestern University, Tim, Keith, and Taylor discuss what perpetuates the fear and "power-over" culture within sports teams, possible alternatives, and how to help coaches make the shift toward a "trust culture."

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute

YouTube: Mindful Sport Perform...

In this episode, our Season 4 finale, professional soccer player Jack Beer joins the conversation.

Jack currently plays for NYCFC II in  MLS NEXT Pro. He starred at Georgetown University where he won the NCAA Championship in 2019. Inspired by his own experiences with anxiety and depression, Jack serves as a mental health advocate and aims to transform the narratives surrounding mental health and athletics. He is a Whole B...

In this episode, sport psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Pospos joins the conversation.

Sarah completed her psychiatric residency as a Chief Resident at UCLA-Kern. As a sports psychiatrist and former student-athlete, she is devoted to helping aspiring, current, and former athletes with depression, performance and general anxiety, insomnia, and psychiatric challenges associated with injury, concussion, retirement, overtraining, and o...

In this episode, elite golfer and therapist Matt Sughrue joins the conversation.

Matt was a successful insurance executive and business owner in the Washington, DC metro area for 25 years. Then, in 2008, at the age of 49, he took a major life detour and trained to become a psychotherapist and performance consultant. Among his varied clientele are amateur and professional golfers - across several pro tours. Matt is also an...

In this episode, professional rugby player Marcel Brache joins the conversation.

Marcel was born in the United States and moved to South Africa at age 4. It was there that he discovered and fell in love with the game of rugby, and he became a professional rugby player at the age of 23. Marcel played rugby in South Africa for 3 years before moving to Australia, and playing there for 8 seasons. He has since moved back to th...