#13: Carl Paoli on Movement, Mastery & Connection: Principles for Life—and Horsemanship!

In this episode of theOptimized Equine Podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett is joined by Carl Paoli, an elite gymnast, movement specialist, author, and coach. They explore the concept of 'feel' in movement, the journey of writing his bookFreestyle, and the importance of deliberate practice in achieving optimal performance. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence in coaching and training, and the intricate relationship between performance and personal growth.

Tamara and Carl discuss the evolution ofThe Freestyle Way podcast. They reflect on key moments, guests, and the deeper philosophy behind the show. Additionally, they discussCarl’s Corner Turners—a few of the pivotal people who have shaped his life’s trajectory. He highlights the profound impact these individuals have had on his values, philosophy, and personal growth, illustrating the power of meaningful relationships in shaping our paths.

You can learn more about Carl Paoli, and his book free+style atfreestyleconnection.com. Also find him onInstagram,X, and theFreestyle Way podcast!

Learn more about Tamara on Instagram,Facebook,X and attamaraleebarrett.com

Takeaways

Human performance starts with a feel, a connection to the moment.

Practice provides information about ourselves.

Mastering the basics is essential for optimal movement.

Deliberate practice requires an aware and conscious approach.

Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth and understanding.

Intuition plays a significant role in performance and coaching.

The journey of writing a book can be an exercise in self-discovery.

Engaging with material can lead to deeper understanding and adaptation.

Optimal movement involves getting out of our own way.  

Most of us operate unconsciously throughout the day.

Deliberate practice helps reprogram our reflexive selves.

Being fully present leads to the best outcomes.

Animals reflect our emotional state back to us.

Anxiety can be managed through physical awareness.

Emotional fitness is the capacity to translate feelings into action.

The dialogue with animals teaches us about connection.

Trusting your reflexes can lead to growth and improvement.

Being in the moment is crucial for personal development. 

The podcasting journey can evolve through various formats and directions.

Authenticity in content creation is crucial for genuine engagement.

Diverse conversations can introduce listeners to new perspectives and ideas.

Corner turners are pivotal moments or people that change our life trajectory.

Parenting offers profound insights into personal growth and connection.

The importance of letting go of outcomes in creative endeavors.

Engaging with different mediums can enhance self-expression.

Personal experiences shape our understanding of the world.

Connection with others is fundamental to personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

01:57 How I met Carl Paoli

04:02 Exploring the Book 'Freestyle'

05:13 Discussing Feel and Movement

11:47 The Journey of Writing and Reflection

19:58 Optimal Movement and Intuition

27:57 Deliberate Practice vs. Feel

36:19 Navigating Reflexive and Voluntary Behavior

39:31 The Role of Deliberate Practice in Personal Growth

43:43 The Power of Presence in Coaching

47:48 Learning from Others: The Dialogue of Connection

51:41 Overcoming Anxiety Through Physical Awareness

56:38 Emotional Fitness: Transforming Feelings into Purposeful Action

01:11:02 The Evolution of the Freestyle Way Podcast

01:14:01 Exploring Diverse Perspectives Through Conversations

01:17:00 The Challenge of Authenticity in Content Creation

01:19:57 Corner Turners: People That Shape Our Lives

01:25:01 Parenting: A Transformative Experience

01:29:59 The Connection Between Horses, Parenting and Personal Growth

01:36:08 Where to find Carl Paoli