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October 27, 2024 77 mins

What does it take to reach the pinnacle of snooker and stay there, while grappling with the pressures of fame, addiction, and mental health? Ronnie O'Sullivan, one of the greatest snooker players in history, reveals the intensity of his journey—the highs of record-breaking achievements and the depths of personal struggle.


Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they explore O'Sullivan's Unbreakable, uncovering the raw realities behind his success. From a tumultuous upbringing and battle with addiction to the life lessons learned from mentors and mental health struggles, O’Sullivan’s story offers a unique lens into the price of greatness. Through it all, he emphasizes resilience, mindfulness, and the necessity of passion, revealing that true mastery is not only about skill but also self-awareness and balance.


In this episode, you will:

  • Discover how O'Sullivan uses passion and routine to stay grounded under intense pressure.

  • Understand the importance of positive influences and boundaries in maintaining mental well-being.

  • Explore the role of self-reflection, learning, and resilience in personal growth, even for the world’s best.

Join us as we delve into the highs and lows of a champion’s journey—where success demands not only talent but also a constant re-evaluation of one's life and values.

Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/UNBREAKABLE/dp/1399610015


Socials:

X -⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/SportPsychDunc⁠⁠  

⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 


To Watch

The Guinness World Record for the fastest 147 break https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D2rFMPN9js 

Ronnie breaks down his 147: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCINghGnuyY 

Snooker for dummies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjSWUTkupQo 


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Ronnie O'Sullivan

02:07 Ronnie O'Sullivan's Achievements and Background

03:58 Exploring the Book 'Unbreakable'

05:14 Understanding Snooker: The Game and Its Challenges

06:39 The Emotional Toll of Mastery in Snooker

08:28 Ronnie's Early Years and the Joy of the Game

12:26 The Influence of Role Models in Sports

14:47 Ronnie's Complicated Family Background

19:39 The Impact of Upbringing on Mindset and Performance

20:36 The Mental Battle in Snooker

21:50 The Mental Game of Snook

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