Shows
Mindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 93: The Value of Practice with Chad McGeheeIn this episode, we are re-joined by Chad McGehee, Director of Meditation Training within University of Wisconsin - Madison Athletics. We discuss the value of actually doing mindfulness practice - for athletes, coaches, and mindfulness teachers - and some of the cutting-edge programming and research that Chad is doing with his teams. Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneChad McGehee - University of W...
2025-06-0654 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 92: Building an Elite Culture with Coach Steve ColemanIn this episode, we are joined by Tampa Bay Rowdies Interim Head Coach Steve Coleman to discuss his unique integration of storytelling in building elite soccer/football cultures - first in New Zealand and now in the United States. Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneTampa Bay RowdiesBooks MentionedMindful Sport Performance EnhancementRemember to...
2025-05-2354 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 91: MSPE in Real TimeIn this episode, we have a candid, impromptu discussion about Tim's recent work with a college rowing team, and the unique experience of crafting a MSPE sport (rowing) meditation with them. Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneBooks MentionedMindful Sport Performance EnhancementRemember to rate and support our pod, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
2025-05-0956 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 90: MSPE in International Ballet with Annkathrin BahrIn this episode, we're joined by Annkathrin Bahr, a clinical and sport psychologist from Munich, Germany. Annkathrin has adapted Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) for the young international ballet dancers she works with at the Heinz-Bosl Foundation. She talks about the unique nature of her work and her experiences bringing mindfulness to the performing arts. Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneHeinz-Bosl Foundation
2025-04-2541 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 89: Dealing with UncertaintyIn this episode, Keith and Tim discuss the inevitability of uncertainty in life - and how we can relate to it healthily (or less healthily) whether within our families, our cultures, or an athletic competition. Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneBooks MentionedMindful Sport Performance EnhancementRemember to rate and support our pod, and subscribe to o...
2025-04-1146 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 88: Revisiting Grief and LossIn this episode, we revisit the topic of grief and loss with Tim to mark the third anniversary of his daughter's passing. In particular, we focus in on the complexity of emotional reactions and the nonlinear evolution of experiences - whether on the playing field or in broader life. Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneBooks MentionedMindful Sport P...
2025-03-2855 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 87: Is Bare Awareness Actually Possible?In this episode, Keith and Tim chat about bare awareness. What is it, and is it even possible to achieve or sustain? We dive into everything from the philosophy to the practical applications within sports. Please weigh in on the discussion! Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneBooks MentionedMindful Sport Performance EnhancementRemember to rate and s...
2025-03-1456 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 86: Mindfulness and Sport in Türkiye with Dr. Emre Ozan TingazIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Emre Ozan Tingaz from Gazi University in Türkiye. Ozan is doing incredible work in sport psychology - and applications of mindfulness and MSPE, in particular. He talks about the state of the field in Türkiye, how he introduces concepts like mindfulness to the athletes he works with, and the cutting-edge research he's doing to advance the sport sciences worldwide. Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.min...
2025-02-2846 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 85: Intersections of Mindfulness Science and Spirituality with Dr. Michael GersonIn this episode, we welcome back Dr. Michael Gerson - professor, consultant, and mindfulness expert. Michael has worked in numerous elite, high-performance settings including academia, U.S. Special Operations, and Major League Baseball. He lends us his unique views on how the science of performance enhancement and spirituality can coexist and complement each other from a mindfulness-based perspective across various domains of life.Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.org...
2025-02-1452 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 84: Journey into Early Career Sport Psychology with Dr. Tommy MinklerIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Tommy Minkler back to the podcast. Tommy is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Sport Leadership and Management at Miami University. He also works in private practice as a provisionally licensed professional counselor and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Prior to completing his graduate school training, he coached college lacrosse. Tommy has been a longtime MSPE contributor, but only recently entered the field as a Ph.D. consultant, clinician, and researcher, and he talks candidly about his early experiences - as well as the role that mindfulness has played in...
2025-01-3148 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 83: A Decade of Mindful Program Building with Kate AthingIn this episode, we welcome back our first-ever guest from way back in Season 1, Marymount University Women's Lacrosse Head Coach, Kate Athing. Kate and our very own Tim Pineau have worked together for a decade now on building and implementing a mindful college program - from recruiting through evaluation and performance, mindfulness is a part of everything the program does. And, perhaps not coincidentally, the team has not had a losing record in 10 years. How did they do it and sustain their success? Listen to this episode to find out! Social Media Mentioned:...
2025-01-1753 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 82: The Art of Failing Better with Dr. Ashley KucharIn this episode, Dr. Ashley Kuchar, mental performance coach and founder of Fail Better Training, returns to the podcast to discuss her latest RESET (Resilience and Enhancement in Sport, Exercise, & Training) program initiatives - as well as the critical and often misunderstood role that self-compassion has in elite performance.Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc, @failbettertrainingYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.org
2025-01-0344 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 81: Bringing EEG into MSPE with Jackson WhitlowIn this episode, we welcome California State University - Chico graduate student Jackson Whitlow to discuss his new groundbreaking research incorporating EEG (brain activity recording) technology into Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) training for collegiate volleyball players.Social Media Mentioned:Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastLinkedIn: Jackson WhitlowWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgZen in the ZoneBooks MentionedMindful Sport Performance EnhancementRemember to rate...
2024-12-2045 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 80: Pursuing Championships Through Nonstriving with Taylor BrownIn this episode, we have a happy reunion with our former producer and current Assistant Coach for Men's Lightweight Rowing at The University of Pennsylvania, Taylor Brown. Taylor has already had great success in his tenure at Penn, and we talk candidly with him about the synergy and barriers to pursuing national championships through a nonstriving (i.e., acceptance-based) approach.Social Media Mentioned:Twitter/X: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc, @penn_lwt_rowingYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:
2024-12-0657 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 79: Integrating Physical and Mental Training in Elite Sport with Brady HoweIn this episode, we welcome back Brady Howe, former Vice President of Health & Performance for the NBA's Phoenix Suns and current Director of Sports Medicine at Grand Canyon University. Brady is recognized as a collaborative leader in the sport performance industry, having served as an athletic trainer, strength coach, and mental performance coach, and is the ideal expert to talk to about bridging the gap between physical and mental training in elite sport settings.Social Media Mentioned:Twitter/X: @mindfulsportdoc, @coachbradyhoweInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc, @coachbradyhowe...
2024-11-1548 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 78: MSPE for Injured Athletes with Teona VelehorschiIn this episode, we're joined by clinical psychology doctoral student and former Division I college athlete Teona Velehorschi. Teona is leading an ambitious study delivering Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) to injured athletes at the University of Toledo, and talked with us about the joys and challenges of sport psychology research, how she built key relationships within her athletics department, and why mindfulness can be so impactful when dealing with injuries in sport.Social Media Mentioned:Twitter/X: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport...
2024-11-0152 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 77: Sports Analytics and Mindful Awareness with Dr. Greg ClarkeIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Greg Clarke, clinical sport psychologist and consultant in the English Premier League, back to the pod to discuss the fascinating and largely untapped synergy between sport psychology (perhaps especially practicing mindful awareness) and "Moneyball" sports analytics. We talk everything from stats to behavior to philosophy, and tease a project Keith and Greg are working on to bring these exciting worlds together. Social Media Mentioned:Twitter/X: @mindfulsportdoc, @wmoneyballInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWeb...
2024-10-1857 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 76: Holistic Pro Sports Team Ownership with Angela Baroni BerzonskyWelcome to Season 6 of the pod! In this episode, we welcome Angela Baroni Berzonsky of Attain Sports for a fascinating discussion on building a winning culture within pro sport through holistic team ownership. Being a Division I athlete, as well as a coach, before venturing into the ownership suite has given Angela truly unique perspectives on how the layers of an organization can best interact to produce both championships and happy, healthy people. Social Media Mentioned:Twitter/X: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Pe...
2024-10-0450 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 75: Revisiting Grief with Dr. Tim PineauIn this episode, we conclude Season 5 with another raw conversation revisiting grief with Dr. Tim Pineau. In the previous two conversations, Tim has shared his authentic and evolving experience with grief after the loss of his infant daughter. In this deeply personal follow-up to those conversations, Tim speaks with us about how this experience has influenced his relationship with and teaching of mindfulness, how stepping back and seeing more of the big picture has brought him a sense of peace, and how his evolving perspectives on what is important in this world has changed his work with competitors.
2024-04-1254 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 74: Taking On the Stigma of Mental Health Issues in SportsIn 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 the importance of changing entrenched concepts of grit and toughness in athletics. Social Media Mentioned:Twitter/X: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc
2024-03-2949 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 73: A Mindful Coaching Philosophy with Wes NgIn 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: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgBooks Mentioned
2024-03-1557 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 72: The Compatibility of Mindfulness & Competition - Part 2In 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: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.orgwww.enduromind.comBooks MentionedMindful Sport Performance EnhancementRemember to rate and support our podcast, and su...
2024-03-0151 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 71: The Compatibility of Mindfulness & Competition - Part 1In 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 everyday lives. Join us for Part 1 of this discussion. Social Media Mentioned:Twitter: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast...
2024-02-1640 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 70: The Lost Art of Play with Dr. Matt BowersRediscover 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 mindfulness in young athletes. Social Media Mentioned:Twitter: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast
2024-02-0256 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 69: Ongoing Impacts of the Pandemic on Athletes and SportIn 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 as echoes of the pandemic linger. Social Media Mentioned:Twitter: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdocYouTube: Mi...
2024-01-1941 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 68: Participation Trophies in Youth Sports: Pros vs ConsAre 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 the value of these trophies than we give them credit for. The episode culminates with a broader discussion on how sports shape kids' beliefs and values, particularly as they s...
2024-01-0559 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 67: Mental Training in the NBA from the Inside Out with Brady HoweIn 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 Mentioned:Twitter: @mindfulsportdocInstagram: @mindful_sport_podcast, @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc, @bhowe6YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance PodcastWebsites Mentioned:www.mindfulsportperformance.org
2023-12-1547 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 66: Mindful Leadership in Pro Soccer with Aidan RochaWhat 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 his performance at the pro level. He also describes how he creates emotional space, embodies positivity, and crafts his leadership style. And, how Eastern philosophy...
2023-12-0155 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 65: Why Does Winning MatterWhat 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 opportunities. But is it the only measure of success? Not necessarily, as we discover in our chat with our AI friend, Chat GPT. We tackle the complex relationship between intrinsic and...
2023-11-1053 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 64: The Holistic World Marathon Challenge with Deirdre KeaneIn 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 leading her to victory in the World Marathon Challenge.Deirdre's journey is fraught with challenges, mentally and physically, but her deep-seated faith and philosophy has carried her through...
2023-10-2741 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 63: Rewriting the Rules - Mental Health Acceptance in Sports🎧 Enjoying our show? Your support keeps us going! Become a valued subscriber and set your own monthly contribution. We believe in you, our incredible listeners, determining the value of our content. Your subscription empowers us to keep delivering top-notch episodes that inspire, inform, and entertain. Together, let's fuel this journey and shape the future of our podcast. Click the link below and let's create something amazing, hand in hand. Support the showOn this week's episode: mental health acceptance in sports. Brace yourself for a powerful discussion inspired by Lee Dixon and Robbie Mus...
2023-10-1356 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 62: Exploring the Commercialization of College Sports - An Ethical and Socioeconomic DebateImagine 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'.We begin by scrutinizing the origins of the 'student athlete' term and the NCAA's NIL regulations. The recent Supreme Court ruling opens a Pandora's box of arguments and counterarguments, backed by...
2023-09-2954 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 61: The ABCs of Greatness - A Fresh Take on Success in SportAre 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 and opportunity, and their often overlooked role in shaping an athlete's career.Ever wondered how acceptance, bravery, and consistency contribute to an athlete's success? We delve into these aspects of Keith's "...
2023-09-1539 min
Mindful Sport Performance PodcastA Mindful Take: Fear-Based and Trust-Based Cultures in SportsGiven 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_instituteYouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org www.enduromind.comBooks Mentioned Mindful Sport Performance EnhancementRemember to rate our podcast a...
2023-07-2128 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 60: Confronting Mental Health Stigma in Professional Sports with Jack BeerIn 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 Being Athlete ambassador for Athletes for Hope where he is featured on panels to discuss the importance of reducing the stigma toward mental health.Jack begins with a W...
2023-04-1448 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 59: A Holistic Approach to Sport Psychiatry with Dr. Sarah PosposIn 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 other issues in her California telepsychiatry practice. Sarah begins the episode with a diaphragmatic breathing practice, then she talks with Keith and Tim about: [9:10] What exactly is sport psychiatry?[14:36] Working through at...
2023-03-3143 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 58: Facing the Yips with Matt SughrueIn 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 accomplished golfer himself. He is the 8th ranked senior amateur in the world by The World Amateur Golf Ranking and has played in 33 major national golf championships. In November 2022, M...
2023-03-1754 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 57: A Rugby Mindfulness Journey with Marcel BracheIn 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 the United States, and last year signed with and played for the Major League Rugby team, Austin Gilgronis. Keith begins the...
2023-03-0342 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 56: Flourishing with Drs. Adam Wright and Nick HoltonIn this episode, Drs. Adam Wright and Nick Holton join the conversation. Dr. Adam Wright is a peak performance coach who supports a broad range of performers including elite athletes, Fortune 400 corporate leaders, professionals in military and law enforcement, and creatives from the entertainment world. Adam's work is dedicated to exploring how individuals in teams can leverage and build the cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and physical capacities to flourish professionally and personally. He is the founder of Arete Fitness and Performance Training Inc. and co-founder of the Antifragile Academy LLC and Elevate Performance Group LLC. He currently...
2023-02-1745 min
Mindful Sport Performance PodcastA Mindful Take: Preparing for Super Bowl LVIIWelcome to A Mindful Take! This is a sub-series of the Mindful Sport Performance Podcast, hosted by Dr. Keith Kaufman, Dr. Tim Pineau, and our producer and colleague Taylor Brown. Tired of the endless stream of sports "experts" screaming at each other? Us too!We're offering a fresh perspective on current sports news rooted in mindfulness. This may be different than anything you've experienced previously, and that's exactly our hope. In this episode we prep for Super Bowl LVII, focusing on the phenomenon of prop bets and differences among openness, optimism, and positive th...
2023-02-1128 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 55: JourneyStrength with Olympian Rachael AdamsIn this episode, Rachael Adams, Olympian and mentor, joins the conversation. Rachael is a 2016 Olympic Medalist and 2014 World Champion in volleyball. She joined the U.S. Women's National Team after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin and was a member of that team for 10 years. She has played professionally in Poland, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, and recently moved to Japan. Rachael is additionally a mindset and confidence mentor for female athletes. She is the founder of JourneyStrength, where it is believed that a well-equipped mindset and a strong sense of self are among the...
2023-02-0345 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 54: Building the Professional Athlete with Ryan MartinIn this episode, Loudoun United FC Head Coach Ryan Martin joins the conversation. Ryan Martin joined Loudoun United FC in June 2019 as the second head coach in the club's history after becoming the director of DC United's academy program in 2017. Prior to overseeing all youth development at DC United, the Columbus, Ohio native coached and was the recruiting coordinator at Wake Forest University and, in 2016, helped build FC Cincinnati's roster from scratch. Tim begins with a mindfulness of sound meditation, and then he, Keith, and Ryan have a conversation about:[10:36] Ryan's e...
2023-01-2055 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 53: Revisiting Grief with Dr. Jon Kabat-ZinnIn this episode, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn rejoins the conversation. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer, and meditation teacher engaged in bringing mindfulness into the mainstream of medicine and society. He's a Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where he founded it's world-renowned mindfulness-based stress reduction clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society. He is the author of numerous books and other publications including two best-sellers, Full Catastrophe Living and Wherever You Go, There You Are. His books and guided meditation programs...
2023-01-061h 14Mindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 52: Consulting within Women's Football with Dr. Amanda WildingIn this episode, Dr. Amanda Wilding joins the conversation. Amanda qualified as a sport and exercise scientist in 2005 and became an HCPC registered sport and exercise psychologist in 2012. During her career, she has worked with a range of athletes from world champions to grassroots in sports such as football (soccer), track and field, hockey, fencing, and powerlifting. She has worked as a performance psychologist at Southampton Football Club since 2012 and recently has worked with the women's first team in their bid to become national league champions and gain promotion to the Barclay Women's Championship. Amanda is also...
2022-12-0955 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 51: Thanksgiving Special - Our Reflections on GratitudeIn this Thanksgiving episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor reflect on their experiences of gratitude. Tim begins with an authentic gratitude practice, and then we discuss:7:45 - The misconception that gratitude can only exist in the presence of "relentless" positivity, and how authentic gratitude is not mutually exclusive with more painful emotions. 17:31 - How mindfulness and acceptance can help us rebuild our relationships with the capabilities and limitations of our bodies. 20:11 - Exploring the various barriers to experiencing gratitude, such as comparison, striving, and attachments.
2022-11-2551 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 50: Special 50th Episode Q&A with Keith, Tim, and TaylorIn this episode (our 50th!), Keith, Tim, and Taylor answer frequently asked questions about mindfulness and sport performance. Tim begins the episode with a self-compassion mediation, and then we discuss:[8:54] – Keith and Tim reflect on their experience hosting 50 episodes of the Mindful Sport Performance Podcast[14:16] – Kayla Hightower’s question: How does increased mindfulness enhance sport performance and what is its relationship to anxiety?[18:45] – Reflecting on the misunderstandings and the true process of “letting go”[26:00] – FailBetterTraining’s Question: What are some common...
2022-11-111h 00Mindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 49: Pioneering Mindfulness in Sport with Bruce BeallIn this episode, Olympian and rowing coach Bruce Beall joins the conversation. Bruce rowed at the University of Washington, earning three varsity letters. He competed on the U.S. National Team in three World Rowing Championships, two Pan American Games, and the 1984 Olympics. He has coached at the University of Washington, Boston University, Harvard, and Cal Berkeley. Bruce was the Executive Director of the Pocock Rowing Foundation and was a member of the U.S. Rowing High Performance Committee for the four years leading up to the Athens Olympics. He is now the Director of...
2022-10-2855 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 48: RESETTING in Sport with Dr. Ashley KucharIn this episode, Dr. Ashley Kuchar joins the conversation. Dr. Ashley Kuchar is the founder of Fail Better Training, and is passionate about helping athletes learn to respond to challenging situations in ways that foster resilience rather than relying on self-criticism. She completed her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin working alongside Dr. Kristin Neff. While pursuing her doctorate, she received a NCAA research grant which aided in the development of RESET, a program she created as part of her dissertation. Working with over 250 student-athletes, she found that RESET supported adaptive...
2022-10-1455 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 47: Mindfulness & Depression with Dr. Zindel SegalIn this episode, Dr. Zindel Segal joins the conversation. Dr. Segal is a distinguished professor of psychology in mood disorders at the University of Toronto - Scarborough. He has pioneered the use of mindfulness meditation for promoting wellness in the area of mood disorders and been funded continuously through the National Institute of Mental Health and the Canadian Institute of Health Research for the past 15 years. He is the author of over ten books and more than 200 publications, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, The Mindful Way Through Depression, and The Mindful Way Workbook. Dr. Segal continues t...
2022-09-3055 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 46: Authenticity and the Whole Self with Natasha HastingsIn this Season 4 premiere episode, two-time Olympic gold medalist, supermom, and aspiring mental health professional Natasha Hastings joins the conversation. Natasha is an Olympic, World, and U.S. National Champion track & field sprinter. She founded the Natasha Hastings Foundation, which empowers young female athletes to gain confidence in their voice in sports and life. Tim begins the episode with a brief centering practice, and then he, Keith, and Natasha discuss:[8:35] - Where Natasha learned her mental skills and some of her personal practices[12:00] - Bringing your authentic...
2022-09-1655 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 45: Grief & Mindfulness with Dr. Tim PineauIn this episode, co-host Tim Pineau returns to the pod and Ketih and Tim have a conversation about grief.Tim stepped away from his co-hosting role for our last few episodes to manage a family crisis, which is what Tim and Keith are talking about in our final episode of Season 3. Tim's daughter, Inayaa, died in February 2022 at 4 and a half months old after being diagnosed with a rare heart defect. Tim shares Inaaya's story and what his journey through this grief has been like so far.Many people we work with often ask how so...
2022-05-0657 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 44: Inside the Mind of a Track & Field Olympian with Maggie MaloneIn this episode, Maggie Malone joins the conversation. Maggie Malone is a two-time Olympian (Rio and Tokyo), NCAA Champion, and American and collegiate women's record holder in the javelin throw. Keith begins the episode with a brief intention setting practice. Then, he and Maggie discuss:10:50 - Maggie's evolution in mindset throughout her career.14:10 - The meditation practices that Maggie uses. 15:40 - Coping with the "Olympic Hangover." 20:00 - The benefits of meditation in being able to strengthen your identity.
2022-04-2245 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 43: Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Ethics with Dr. Tim HerzogIn this episode, Dr. Tim Herzog joins the conversation. Dr. Tim Herzog is a Licensed Psychologist in Virginia and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Montana. He works with athletes nationally and internationally, and his practice, Reaching Ahead, is located in Annapolis, MD. Dr. Herzog is a Fellow with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and serves on the organization’s Ethics Committee. He is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), is listed on the USOPC Sport Psychology (2012 to present) and Mental Health (2021 to present) Registries, and is Board Cer...
2022-04-0157 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 42: Running Mindfully with Chrissy HoranIn this episode, Chrissy Horan joins the conversation. Chrissy Horan is a public health professional turned freelance writer and runner. After almost 20 years of studying and promoting healthy behaviors like nutrition, physical activity, and sleep in academic, government, and non-profit organizations, she changed career paths to pursue a long-term interest and hobby: writing. She has since spent her time writing about health, wellness, and fitness for publications like Runners World, Women's Running, and The Boston Globe. Chrissy is a life-long athlete who began running upon moving to Cambridge, MA in 2000. She...
2022-03-1842 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 41: Peak Mind with Dr. Amishi JhaIn this episode, Dr. Amishi Jha joins the conversation. Dr. Amishi Jha is the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. With grants from the Department of Defense and several private foundations, she leads research on the neural bases of attention and the effects of mindfulness-based training programs on cognition, emotion, resilience, and performance. Dr. Jha recently published her first book, Peak Mind, and her work has been featured in many outlets including TED.com, NPR, and the Armchair Expert podcast. She has been invited to...
2022-03-0449 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 40: Authentic Human Flourishing with Georgetown Athletics' Tony MazurkiewiczIn this episode, Tony Mazurkiewicz, Chaplain for Georgetown University Athletics, joins the conversation. Tony Mazurkiewicz serves as the Georgetown University Chaplain for Athletics and the Senior Advisor of the Georgetown John Main Center for Meditation and Interreligious Dialogue. Prior to his current positions, Tony served as a member of the Carmelite Order as a brother and priest for 15 years, including five years as President of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, IL. Tony has over 20 years of ministerial and leadership experience in K-12 public and private schools, parishes, retreat centers and prisons. He...
2022-02-1842 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 39: Drs. Jen Schumacher & Kat Longshore - US Military Academy Center for Enhanced PerformanceIn this episode, Drs. Jen Schumacher and Kat Longshore join the conversation.Jen is the Assistant Director of the Performance Psychology Program at West Point where she works with cadets and Division I athletes on the psychological aspects of elite performance. She is a professional speaker and provides individual training for elite performers, ultra-endurance athletes, and Fortune 100 executives. Kat joined the Center for Enhanced Performance in 2020 as a performance-enhancement specialist and lecturer. She works with cadets and core squad athletes on their mental game to perform at their best when it matters most. Prior to...
2022-02-0449 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 38: Véronique Prouhet Annerino - Manager at Headspace Inc. & Mindfulness TrainerIn this episode, Véronique Prouhet Annerino joins the conversation. Véronique has practiced and studied mindfulness for 20 years and has taught mindfulness meditation for the past four years to tens of thousands of people across 44 countries. As a behavioral health and mindfulness trainer to global experts and executives in engineering, research, health care, and multinational corporations, she provides mindfulness and meditation tools and techniques for cultivating equanimity and building mental fortitude to enhance focus, performance, and well-being. She has a master's in health and healthcare economics and a decade of experience in population health and...
2022-01-2144 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 37: Dr. Ross White - Global Mental Health Expert and Author of "The Flexible Mind"In this episode, Dr. Ross White joins the conversation. Dr. White is a professor of clinical psychology at Queens University in Belfast and an expert on global mental health. He has active research collaborations with the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees investigating the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for reducing distress in the aftermath of humanitarian crises. He's the lead editor of the Palgrave Handbook of Sociocultural Perspectives on Global Mental Health, and lead author of the recently published Acceptance and Commitment Approaches for Athletes' Wellbeing and Performance: The Flexible...
2022-01-0755 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 36: Dr. Ben Guest - Bestselling Author of Zen and the Art of Coaching BasketballIn this episode, Dr. Ben Guest, bestselling author, teacher, and basketball coach, joins the conversation. Ben begins with a brief mindful breathing practice and then talks with Keith and Tim about the evolution of his coaching style away from a "command-and-control" model and the writing of his influential book, Zen and the Art of Coaching Basketball: Memoir of a Namibian Odyssey.Support the show
2021-12-1751 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 35: Dr. Jim Afremow - Author & Co-Founder of The Champion's MindIn this episode, Dr. Jim Afremow, author and co-founder of The Champion's Mind, joins the conversation. Jim begins with a relaxation and awareness practice, and then talks with Keith and guest host Taylor Brown about the roles of mindfulness in his work, inspiring clients to pursue a champion's mindset, recovery from injury, finding balance in youth sport, and the importance of team culture.Support the show
2021-12-0350 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 34: Dr. Bob Rosenbaum - Neuropsychologist and Zen TeacherIn this episode, Dr. Bob Rosenbaum, a neuropsychologist, behavioral medicine specialist, and Zen teacher, joins the conversation. Bob begins with a centering practice and then talks with Keith about finding his center through Qigong, teaching non-striving by building curiosity and trust, his concerns about applications of mindfulness in the West, and the importance of patience and acceptance in performance.Support the show
2021-11-1252 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 33: Dr. Michael Gerson - Clinical Sport Psychologist & EducatorIn this episode, Dr. Michael Gerson, clinical sport psychologist and Assistant Professor at National University, joins the conversation. Michael begins with a centering breath practice that he co-developed with his students. Then, he talks with Keith and Tim about the course he created on mindful performance featuring MSPE, managing impostor syndrome mindfully, modeling authenticity, and the mental training work he's done with military populations.Support the show
2021-10-2947 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 32: Dr. Chris Winter - Sports Sleep Medicine SpecialistIn this episode, Dr. Chris Winter, sleep medicine specialist and neurologist, joins the conversation. Tim begins with an interval breath counting exercise. Then, Chris talks with Keith and Tim about fear and anxiety in sleep and how mindfulness can help, challenges in creating a sleep-friendly culture within a pro sports team, and pitfalls in seeking gimmick solutions for insomnia.Support the show
2021-10-1554 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 31: Tyler Harvey - Professional Basketball Player, Illawarra HawksIn this Season 3 premiere episode, Tyler Harvey, NCAA scoring champion and player for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League, joins the conversation. Keith begins with a brief mindful eating practice. Then, Tyler talks with Keith and Tim about his daily mindfulness routine, finding flow in his basketball performances, how he's learned to tune out distractions, and how different countries he's played in incorporate mindfulness.Support the show
2021-10-0145 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 30: Bianca Campbell - Founder & Director of Rise Mindful Basketball AcademyIn this Season 2 finale episode, Bianca Campbell, Founder and Director of Rise Mindful Basketball Academy, joins the conversation. Bianca begins with a "warmup" breathing meditation and then talks with Keith and Tim about her development of Rise, experiences with mental training as an elite athlete, personal journey to mindfulness, and how she introduces mindfulness to the athletes and parents at her Academy.Support the show
2021-07-2348 minMindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 29: Dr. Paul Salmon - Professor, Author, and Expert in Mindfulness and MovementIn this episode, Dr. Paul Salmon, associate professor of clinical psychology and author of Mindful Movement in Psychotherapy, joins the conversation. Paul begins with a mindful moment focusing on sensations of the breath and then talks with Keith and Tim about how he got interested in mindfulness before it was a buzzword, helped bring MBSR into mainstream psychology, and integrates movement with mindfulness in his work.Support the show
2021-07-0948 min