Shows
The Playbook with Colin JonovDr. Dora Kurimay- The Mental Game That Separates Champions From Everyone ElseSend us a textDr. Dora Kurimay shares her journey from Hungarian national table tennis player to sports psychologist and mental performance coach, revealing powerful insights on developing self-awareness and mental toughness for competitive athletes.• Moving from Budapest to Berkeley at age 25 created a significant cultural and language adjustment despite prior English training• Competed with the Hungarian national table tennis team from ages 14-18 before transitioning to psychology studies• Self-awareness forms the foundation of mental performance through journaling, reflection, and video analysis• Language shapes performance psychology – focus on "areas for improvement" rather than weakn...2025-08-0648 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovTerry Grossetti- Faith & Athletic Excellence: How Genuine Care Transforms AthletesSend us a textTerry Grossetti shares his personal faith journey and coaching philosophy, exploring how spirituality transformed his approach to life and athletic development. He reveals powerful insights about building true buy-in with athletes through genuine care while balancing structured training with individual needs.• The battle between temptation and faith is a daily fight requiring constant vigilance• Genuine care for athletes as people is the foundation for effective coaching relationships• The way athletes approach warm-ups reveals volumes about their character and potential• Finding the balance between high expectations and realistic goals is essen...2025-07-301h 40The Playbook with Colin JonovMichael Krauza- How to Find Purpose Beyond The GameSend us a textMichael Krauza shares his extraordinary journey from being cut twice from his high school baseball team to pitching professionally in the New York Mets organization, highlighting how finding purpose beyond sport ultimately unlocked his greatest athletic performances.• Growing up smaller than peers, Michael went from being one of the best players at age 12 to getting cut from his high school team multiple times• Transformation began in college when he gained 40 pounds in three months through intense training and nutrition• Throwing velocity increased from 80-81 mph to 88-89 mph in just s...2025-07-231h 43The Playbook with Colin JonovKarlo Zovko- Why 90% of College Football Stars Fail: The Hidden "Give A Shit Factor"Send us a textReal success in college football depends on finding players with both physical talent and mental fortitude - what recruiters call "the give a shit factor." • 90% of college football success comes down to genetics - the measurables coaches obsess over• The grinding schedule of college athletics requires tremendous commitment - 6am to 10pm daily schedules are normal• NIL deals and the transfer portal have completely changed program dynamics and player development• 49% of players who enter the transfer portal never emerge with another scholarship• Pitt football produced the most draft picks...2025-07-162h 01The Playbook with Colin JonovPodcast Update: Colin Jonov faces hometown's worst flood in decades | The Playbook AnnouncementSend us a textSetbacks don't define you—your response does.When disaster strikes, the easy path is to quit. The harder path—the path of growth—is to adapt and overcome.My podcast studio was destroyed in a historic flood, but this is just a temporary roadblock on our journey together.- Finding alternative recording spaces- Rescheduling amazing guests- Rebuilding what was damaged- Sharing content from our archivesThe most resilient people don't avoid obstacles—they transform them into opportunities for growth and inno...2025-06-1101 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovEpisode Re-Release: World-Class Performance Coach Dr. Julie Gurner On Drive, Talent & The Price of GreatnessSend us a textWe dive deep into the psychology of elite success with Dr. Julie Gurner, exploring what separates high achievers from everyone else and how to find your exceptional path forward. Dr. Gurner breaks down misconceptions about success, revealing the mindset and cognitive frameworks that drive exceptional performance.• Drive is something you either have or don't—it cannot be trained into someone• High achievers possess a "force of nature" quality that pushes them forward despite setbacks• How you cognitively interpret challenges determines whether they become fuel or limitations• Belief must precede ac...2025-06-041h 00The Playbook with Colin JonovWelcome to The Playbook 🏆 | New Look, New EnergySend us a text🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT: We’ve officially rebranded to The Playbook and we couldn’t be more excited to share what’s ahead.No episode this week, but starting next Wednesday, we’re back to our weekly drops with a whole new vibe: – Fresh new setup – Stronger stories – Same heart – All-in on you🎥 Check out the new studio look on YouTube and hit subscribe! 🎧 New episodes every Wednesday. ⭐️ 5 stars only! Thanks for riding with us!2025-05-2800 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovRunning the Identity Marathon: Charlie Ruiz on Storytelling, Growth & PresenceSend us a textCharlie Ruiz shares his powerful "Identity Marathon" concept, where he mapped a 26.2-mile route through significant locations from his past, creating a transformative journey of self-discovery that connected his physical path with his life story. This conversation explores how our identities are formed, challenged, and reimagined throughout life's journey.• The Identity Marathon: retracing life's journey through significant locations while reflecting on personal growth• Finding balance between isolation and connection as complementary forces in personal development• Storytelling as a tool for self-awareness and connecting authentically with others• Living in the tens...2025-05-2158 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovWhy We Rebranded: From The Athletic Fortitude Show to The PlaybookSend us a textColin announces the rebranding of the Athletic Fortitude Show to "The Playbook with Colin Jonov," expanding the podcast's focus while maintaining its core values around mindset and performance.• The rebrand allows for broader conversations beyond athletics, exploring success mindsets from entrepreneurs, doctors, and professionals across all domains• "The Playbook" represents different strategies or "chapters" people can apply to various life situations• Identity exploration will become even more central, going deeper into what constitutes identity beyond outcomes• Social media will consolidate under Colin's personal accounts (@colkyjonov10) for better connection with the...2025-05-1433 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovYogi Roth- Finding Balance, Curiosity, and the Future of College AthleticsSend us a textYogi Roth shares his philosophy of "chasing what matters" and how to balance achievement with gratitude while staying focused on life's true priorities.• Chase what matters: have clarity about what matters most, confidence when you say it, and discipline in how you attack it• Learning to take feedback requires separating your identity from your performance• Mental health support should be "front-loaded" in athletic programs, not treated as an afterthought• The most successful people are "seekers" – constantly curious and learning• Storytelling is essential for athletes to share who they are bey...2025-05-0751 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovCoach Q (Fred Quartlebaum)- Championing Culture: The Kansas Basketball WaySend us a textCoach Q shares his personal philosophy on positivity and growth, revealing how family experiences with cancer shaped his resilient outlook and commitment to process-oriented thinking. He explains how maintaining optimism during life's challenges requires finding your "compass to get back to center" and focusing on continuous improvement.• Developing a positive mindset starts with daily gratitude and seeing each day as an opportunity• Finding balance between positivity and acknowledging difficult emotions requires buzzwords like "focus," "reset," and "gratitude" to recenter• Culture is the heart and soul of any organization, fueling connec...2025-04-3059 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovClint Hurdle - The Power Of Self-Discipline and Redefining SuccessSend us a textClint Hurdle shares his journey from rock bottom to becoming an author and respected MLB manager, revealing how vulnerability became his greatest strength and sobriety his foundation for success.• Writing a book required discipline and consistency, with most writing done during flights to maintain family time• Vulnerability in sharing personal struggles including alcoholism, divorce, and professional failures• Moving back in with parents in his 30s before climbing to manage two billion-dollar MLB organizations• Identifying rock bottom as the catalyst for meaningful change in his life• Recovering alcoholics must prior...2025-04-2330 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovHabakkuk Baldonado- From Italy to the NFLSend us a textWe speak with Habakkuk Baldonado about his extraordinary journey from soccer-loving Italian teenager to NFL player, exploring how finding American football videos on YouTube changed the trajectory of his life.• Growing up in Italy where soccer dominates, Baldonado realized he needed to find a different sport since professional soccer players are identified by age 12• Watched "Here Comes the Boom" football highlights on YouTube which sparked his interest in the seemingly "insane" sport of football• Made the decision to leave Italy at 17 to play high school football in Florida with what w...2025-04-1645 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovQ&A Episode: From Anxiety to Confidence: What Every Athlete Should KnowSend us a textMental resilience begins with understanding that your sport is what you do, not who you are—a fundamental truth that becomes crucial during career transitions and setbacks.• Building identity starts with core values and characteristics that form the foundation of your personal "house"• Effective mental training requires creating simulated pressure scenarios in everyday practice• Comprehensive preparation across all domains is the first step to mental resilience• Reframe stress as a performance enhancer rather than a threat to maximize capabilities• Separate your identity from outcomes to compete freely without fear...2025-04-0942 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovNFL's Erick Hallett: What Separates Elite Athletes From Everyone ElseSend us a textErick Hallett shares his journey of discipline and self-discovery as he navigates life as an NFL safety, revealing how he's learning to trust his instincts and find joy in the process rather than fixating solely on outcomes.• Creating structure in the offseason through simple tools like a billboard in his bedroom listing priorities• Breaking down success into daily actions rather than distant goals• Realizing that targets keep moving and contentment must come from the process• Overcoming hesitation on the field by trusting his instincts and preparation• Building confidence...2025-04-0242 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovThe Mental Hitting Guy- Reveals The 3 Mental Pillars That Separate Good From GreatSend us a textColin and Vic explore the delicate balance between learning from experiences and overthinking in sports, examining whether there's always a lesson to extract from every outcome or if sometimes you simply need to reset and try again.• Finding the middle ground between overthinking and ignoring valuable feedback• Why some athletes thrive by caring less or by being "so dumb they don't know they're in pressure moments"• The three pillars of athletic success: mindset, focus, and approach• How a batter's approach serves as their "basket" – a clear target to aim for2025-03-2655 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovThe 12 Lessons I Wish I Knew SoonerSend us a textThese 12 powerful life lessons from 65 podcast episodes deliver transformative insights about emotions, success, and authentic leadership. Each lesson offers practical wisdom for navigating life's challenges while staying true to your values and purpose.• Emotions aren't good or bad—they're valuable data points that reveal what matters to us• Master the basics before chasing 1% hacks—focus on sleep, nutrition, training fundamentals• Don't compare yourself to others—use them as signals to understand your unique strengths• Addressing stress requires action, not avoidance—develop routines to channel energy effectively• Resilience builds through dai...2025-03-1931 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovWorld-Class Performance Coaches: How To Build UNBREAKABLE Resilience - Dr. Kelly & Juliet StarrettSend us a textDr. Kelly Starrett Co-Founder, Head Coach and Physical Therapist, Chief Tinkerer, Lover of Dune Kelly is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and is the co-author of the New York Times bestsellers Becoming a Supple Leopard, Ready to Run and Built to Move and the Wall Street Journal bestseller Deskbound. Kelly is also the co-founder and Chief Health Officer of TheReadyState.com and co-founder of San Francisco CrossFit, the 21st CrossFit affiliate. Kelly consults with athletes and coaches from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, the US Olympic Team and CrossFit. He works with...2025-03-121h 07The Playbook with Colin JonovThe Uncomfortable Truth About Excellence: Why Tension Is Necessary For Growth- Alex AuerbachSend us a textExploring the dynamic tension between hard work and rest creates a valuable framework for achieving exceptional results. We unpack strategies for integrating virtues into daily decisions while recognizing the importance of listening to personal needs.• The significance of understanding tension as a guiding sign • Curiosity as the foundation for making thoughtful choices • Balancing the virtues of hard work and restorative rest • Coping mechanisms for managing performance pressure • Importance of self-awareness and physical needs • The role of analytics in enhancing personal performance • Building cohesive teams through understanding person...2025-03-0554 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovWhy Talent is Never Enough: Former MLB Star Kevin Young On Turning Rejection Into ExcellenceSend us a textEngaging in a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of athletics and education, we explore how society values talent and the implications of prioritizing sports. Kevin Young, former MLB player and now an analyst, shares personal experiences and insights on overcoming adversity and the importance of nurturing athletic talent.• Discusses the dilemma between education and sports • Kevin’s journey from player to broadcast analyst • Understanding how to foster gifted athletes • The significance of competition in character development • Insights on team dynamics and culture • Mental toughness as a key factor in athle...2025-02-2657 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovThe Surprising Truth About Finding Your Path - Steven BraultSend us a textThe podcast episode features a candid discussion with former MLB pitcher Steven Brault on stress management, focusing on the importance of routine, action, and open communication in navigating pressure. Brault shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies for reframing nerves as excitement and overcoming the tendency to catastrophize, emphasizing the significance of self-talk and adaptability in both sports and life. • Discusses the role of routine in an athlete's life • Explores the difference between routine and superstition • Highlights action as a means to combat stress • Examines the dangers of catastrophizing • Introdu...2025-02-1959 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovThe Unconventional Path To Success - Andy GroveSend us a textAndy Grove of Pose Fitness shares his insights on how collaboration, purpose, and innovation can transform the fitness industry. The conversation delves into the familial dynamics of business, the importance of balancing well-being with professional drive, and how Pose aims to make wellness accessible to everyone through a new fitness app. • Emphasis on family collaboration in building Pose Fitness • Importance of integrating fitness as a lifestyle choice • Motivation behind launching the Pose app and its unique features • Discussion on balancing individual drive with well-being • Insights on creating community throu...2025-02-121h 08The Playbook with Colin JonovThe Cost of Mental Fortitude- Michael "The Fort" McKenrySend us a textThis episode dives deep into the multifaceted concept of toughness, challenging listeners to redefine its meaning beyond just physical pain tolerance. The discussion covers essential themes such as resilience, identity, purpose, and the impact of community and relationships during struggles, urging athletes and individuals alike to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and fulfillment. • Defining toughness through a broader lens• Understanding pain tolerance versus pain capacity• The risks of technology reliance in athletic performance• Adapting and thriving in chaotic situations• The significance of identity in athletics and persona...2025-02-051h 09The Playbook with Colin JonovThe Hidden Psychology Of Elite Performers - John HittlerSend us a textThis episode features a captivating discussion with CEO John Hittler, who shares invaluable insights on leadership, relationships, and resilience. Through compelling stories—including a harrowing tale of being kidnapped at gunpoint—John emphasizes that true growth occurs when we prioritize people over processes, harnessing our unique talents and fostering genuine connections. • Importance of relationships as the true currency in leadership • Balancing charisma with substance in business • The significance of discernment in decision-making • Choosing compassion over conflict in challenging situations • The necessity of discovering and leveraging one's “genius talent” • The da...2025-01-291h 07The Playbook with Colin JonovThe Hidden Daily Habits That Separate Winners From Everyone Else - Kevin DeShazoSend us a textThis episode explores the journey of finding authentic self-worth and overcoming the need for external validation. Kevin DeShazo discusses the importance of embracing failure, reshaping self-talk, and committing to practices that lead to greater personal and professional fulfillment.• The impact of social media on self-perception • Seeking validation and its implications for identity • Redefining failure as a learning opportunity • Overcoming fear and risk aversion in pursuing goals • The role of consistent practice and intention in achieving greatness • Building trust and culture through intentional relationships • Adjusting priorities to align actions wit...2025-01-2256 minThe Playbook with Colin JonovMLB All-Star Jonathan Lucroy on Finding Purpose Beyond The GameSend us a textJoin us as we explore the multifaceted life and mindset of former MLB catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who shares insights on overcoming failure, the importance of positivity, and the challenges of intertwining politics and sports. Through candid conversation, we uncover the value of personal growth while navigating pressures in both arenas. • Discussing the reflections of baseball as a metaphor for life • Insights on resilience in overcoming failures • Exploring the journey from athlete to entrepreneur • Parenting lessons rooted in positivity and selflessness • Addressing the complexities of political discourse within sports • T...2025-01-151h 05The Playbook with Colin JonovWorld-Class Performance Coach Dr. Julie Gurner On Drive, Talent & The Price of GreatnessSend us a textDr. Julie Gurner highlights the common misconceptions surrounding success, emphasizing that determination, sacrifice, and mindset are crucial for achievement. She encourages listeners to shift their perspectives about their backgrounds, harness their belief in themselves, and cultivate resilience to overcome obstacles. • Misconceptions about success often lead to false expectations • High achievers must sacrifice and persist through challenges • Both nature and nurture shape motivation and ambition • Belief drives action; understanding this is key to growth • Importance of surrounding oneself with a positive support system • Embracing resilience in face of rejection and setb...2025-01-081h 00