Shows
Foundations For SuccessThe Power of Presence With Special Guest Mady JustinOn this week's episode of the podcast, I introduce a special guest- Mady Justin. Mady and I briefly talked about the benefits of being present and how to better facilitate it happening. 2023-10-0912 minFoundations For SuccessHow to Become Comfortable With the UncomfortableIn this episode, I talk about 7 steps that will increase performance in order to become comfortable with what makes you uncomfortable. 2023-10-0214 minFoundations For SuccessUsing Healthy Perfectionism To AchieveIn this week's episode, I talk about the difference between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism, how to spot it, and how to use it to your benefit. 2023-09-2506 minFoundations For SuccessIdina Menzel's Method For Performance EnhancementIn this week's episode of The Mental Game, I share Idina Menzel's methods for performance enhancement. 2023-09-1806 minFoundations For SuccessGrowth Isn't LinearIn this week's episode, I provide an analogy that I have found extremely helpful in reminding myself that growth isn't linear. 2023-09-1108 minFoundations For SuccessOvercoming Self-DoubtOn this week's episode of the podcast, I give an abbreviated lesson on overcoming self-doubt. 2023-09-0707 minFoundations For SuccessThe Fight of Two WolvesOn this episode of Motivation Monday, I share an old Native American parable about the fight between two wolves. 2023-08-2804 minFoundations For SuccessSometimes It's Best To Hit ResetIn this week's episode, I talk about how resting rebuilds your brain muscles. I pull from my vacation last week to give an example of the way resetting helps retool your mind. 2023-08-2104 min
Performers on the RiseUnderstanding Your Performance Anxiety | Glenn KelichWhether you're a seasoned elite athlete or a pre-professional performer, performance anxiety is real and not talked about enough. It can show up during the moments when we least expect it; we may not even know what's happening or how to make it stop. In this episode, I bring on Glenn Kelich, a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and former ballet dancer. We take a deep dive into our personal performance anxiety stories and how we were able to cope and manage the pressures of high-caliber performance training. Follow Glenn Kelich @mentalperformancestudio and...2023-08-1542 minFoundations For SuccessProgressive Muscle Relaxation For Deep Relaxation and Releasing TensionOn this week's episode, I walk listeners through a live PMR activity for relaxation and releasing tension. 2023-08-1409 minFoundations For SuccessThe Gifts of ImperfectionIn this week's episode of Motivation Monday, I talk about how not being perfect actually gets us closer to perfection. 2023-08-0705 minFoundations For SuccessHow To Become Motivated When You Don't Feel Like ItIn this week's episode, I talk about becoming motivated even when you don't feel like it. 2023-07-3105 minFoundations For SuccessLauren Ostrander: Soloist With Sarasota Ballet and Persistence Psych InternOn this week's episode of The Mental Game, I speak with professional ballet dancer, Lauren Ostrander. Lauren is currently a soloist with Sarasota Ballet and an intern at Persistence Psych. Be sure to give her a follow over on social media - @lauren.ostrander and let us know what you think of the episode!2023-07-271h 14Foundations For SuccessThe 1,000 Minute RuleIn this week's episode of Motivation Monday, I talk about the finite amount of time we have to use each day.2023-07-2404 minFoundations For SuccessManifesting is BSIn this episode, I talk about why manifesting something, or simply thinking about it, doesn't work. 2023-07-2004 minFoundations For SuccessQuiet Your MindIn this episode on Motivation Monday, I talk about a quick and effective intervention for quieting your mind. 2023-07-1004 minFoundations For SuccessThe Law of AveragesIn this episode, I talk about the law of averages and how it's important to remember on a day-to-day basis. 2023-07-0304 minFoundations For SuccessMichael Jordan Has Failed TooIn this first edition of Motivation Monday, I talk about the importance of motivation and how we can reframe failure on a day-to-day basis. 2023-06-2603 minFoundations For SuccessEmily RS: Building a Resilient and Pain-Free Mind and BodyEmily is a professional dancer, business owner, and online pilates instructor. If you only heard of the hardship, including two major knee surgeries, you might not believe that she is dancing stronger, more confident, and better at the age of 30 than ever before. Emily shares incredible insight and reflects honestly on how she has made this happen. This includes taking a step back and recovering mentally and physically for over 2 years before making her return as a professional.
Along with dancing professionally, Emily runs her own business as an online pilates instructor where she...2023-06-191h 02Foundations For SuccessFábio Mariano: Co-Founder of Blacks In Ballet & Company Member With Collage Dance CollectiveThis is easily one of the most impactful conversations to date on The Mental Game. In this episode, Fábio talks about his journey that has taken him all the way from Rio de Janeiro to dancing for the last 7 seasons here in the US. One of the key elements to his leaving Rio was the lack of diversity and inclusion among ballet companies in Brazil. He shares eye-opening stories and perspectives that bring awareness to the issues that the country and others are facing. From this and the lack of role models in positions at the tops of c...2023-05-1850 minFoundations For Success5 Steps to Controlling Your EmotionsWelcome and thank you for listening to my first solo episode! In this episode, I talk about a method I use with clients to better manage and gain control of emotions and emotional reactivity. This method is derived from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, in which researchers followed an entire generation of people, collecting data on their approaches to life and their relationships. From that study came this model on how to better control and manage unwanted emotional states. If you find this helpful, please reach out and let me know! I look forward to hearing from you! 2023-04-2332 minFoundations For SuccessBryce Lee: Colorado Ballet Demi-Soloist and Founder & Director of The Male Dance ConnectionBryce Lee grew up moving numerous times forcing him to be comfortable with adapting to new places, new environments, and new people. Because of this, he often lacked those vital connections with boys, men, and mentors that could show him a path to reach his goals. Through what he calls "the beginner's mindset", Bryce was able to take what he did have and continually put time and effort into what he was able to control. Through this frame of mind, he eventually became one of the youngest company members of The Colorado Ballet, at just the age of 19. He...2023-04-091h 23
Foundations For SuccessJess Spinner: Living The Whole Dancer LifestyleOn this week's episode, I have former professional dancer turned health, nutrition, and lifestyle coach - Jess Spinner. Jess has an incredible story she shares about the way in which her own difficulties faced as a dancer turned into her career, her passion, and her desire to help those who struggle similar to how she did. Throughout the episode, Jess shares so much wisdom on how to build confidence, how to live a balanced life, her 7-step process for developing a stronger mindset, and so much more.
Be sure to follow Jess on social...2023-03-2354 minFoundations For SuccessGrace Zering: Indiana University Dental Student - How to Become Comfortable With the UncomfortableAn INCREDIBLE story this week with someone who has gone through so much, but always found themselves coming out on the other side stronger and better than before. Grace Zering shares a story of unimaginable adversities that she had to go through at a very early age. This includes abuse, an eating disorder, and having a failed marriage, all before the age of 21.
Listen to find out how Grace has overcome these adversities to find her love for dentistry and oral hygiene. Her story will leave you inspired and motivated no matter what you do or what you...2023-03-091h 18Foundations For SuccessArianna Shimits: How to Build Confidence and Act From EmpowermentOn this week's episode I interview former professional ballet dancer now turned Certified Mental Performance Consultant and doctoral student, Arianna Shimits. Growing up, Arianna had to work diligently to catch up to her peers in ballet and ultimately pave a way in the professional world. During both her pre-professional and professional career, Arianna then became aware of the mental skills necessary to succeed in the world of ballet and performance. This passion led to her receiving a Master's Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver and currently working towards her PsyD in Counseling Psychology from Spr...2023-02-171h 00Foundations For SuccessDerick Boyd: Using Your Purpose to Fuel Success, Being Intentional Each Day, & The Importance of Self-CareI can't think of a better way to kick of The Mental Game in 2023 than with my brother, Derick Boyd. Derick is a 4th year Ph.D. student at Indiana University. His journey in getting to this point was filled with many trials and tribulations that could have easily led anyone to give up or quit. For Derick, quitting was never an option. There was something greater that he was working towards... Something bigger than himself that pushed him to strive each and every day.
Listen along to find out what those things were (still are) and more...2023-02-021h 05
Making The Impact - A Dance Competition PodcastBattling Stage Fright as a PerformerGuests - Caleb Dicke and Glenn KelichHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 128 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, Courtney and Lesley discuss their experiences with stage fright with two wonderful guests. Caleb Dicke, professional dancer and IDA judge, and Glenn Kelich, former professional dancer turned mental health professional, remind listeners that they're not alone in struggling with stage fright. Topics Include: Strategies for handling stage fright Personal experiences with stage fright How teachers and parents can...2023-01-121h 00Foundations For SuccessTayler Seymour: MOTIVATION DOES NOT EXIST, What It Means to Be a Professional, & How to Perform Outside of PerformanceOn this week's episode I have on someone filled with energy, joy, and inspiration - Tayler Seymour. Tayler is someone you will find motivating just from looking at her Instagram page for 2 minutes. Not only that but she has a health and fitness community called "The Party People 🥳💪", where she shares this energy and so much more.
Tayler shows extreme vulnerability in this episode where she talks about her transition away from performance and how she never quite reached the pinnacle of what she had hoped. Through this she was able to cultivate incredible habits, skills, and qualities...2022-10-201h 20Foundations For SuccessGabby Harris: Turning Adversity Into Opportunity, The Power of Being Mindful, and The Importance of Having Great MentorsGo Hoosiers!! I might be biased, but it is always a pleasure having on a fellow Indiana University Jacob's School of Music alum. On this week's episode I have on the show, the wonderful Gabby Harris. Gabby has had quite the journey filled with some really amazing ups, but also some very prolonged downs. Throughout this episode, you will hear how Gabby has been able to find the silver lining in each and every one of those difficult times. This includes a span of several months where she was experiencing extreme pain in her hip and was flat out told...2022-09-161h 18Foundations For SuccessJulia Rust: Joining Joffrey Ballet at 17, Winning the Silver Medal at USA IBC, and How To Prime Your Mind on a Daily BasisThank you for tuning into the episode this week with Ms. Julia Rust. Julia is a fabulous dancer and an even more wonderful person. In this episode, Julia talks about her upbringing and how the coaching she received impacted her frame of mind and performance. This would lead to her joining The Washington School of Ballet, winning the silver medal at USA International Ballet Competition, and joining The Joffrey Ballet at JUST 17!
You guys are going to take a lot away from this episode, especially in terms of the way Julia navigates her state of mind. She has...2022-08-271h 03Foundations For SuccessLauren Fadeley Veyette: Walking Away From New York City Ballet, The Importance of a Beginner's Mindset, & Attacking Opportunity With Certainty In YourselfIn this week's episode I have on former professional ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Miami City Ballet, Lauren Fadeley Veyette. Lauren has a tremendous background that found her to leaving the "dream job" at NYCB after just two years in the company. This however led her to a rejuvenated love for ballet through time spent at Indiana University earning a Bachelor of Science in Ballet Performance and an outside field in Kinesiology. While at IU she had the privilege of working with the esteemed, Violette Verdy.
Following a successful career, Lauren was...2022-07-271h 21Foundations For SuccessDaria Afshar: Overcoming Body Image Concerns, Being Shamed at 13, and Reframing Through Inspiring Others Via Her Health and Wellness PlatformYou guys are going to want to listen to this entire episode... On this week on The Mental Game I sit down with a close friend, Daria Afshar. Daria grew up in Fishers, IN where she begun dancing at the age of 3. When she was 13 she experienced her first bout of shame when a teacher pointed at her and told her to "shrink that", referring to a part of her body. Daria pushed passed this traumatic event and would eventually go on to study ballet at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart, Germany. Here, body image became even more of a...2022-07-181h 09
Foundations For SuccessDr. Sheena Sikorski: How To Dismantle Perfectionism, The Inner Critic, and Best Daily Practices For Mental Well-BeingIn this episode of The Mental Game, I sit down with licensed Psychologist, Dr. Sheena Sikorski. Dr. Sheena and I discuss some of the most common mental health concerns she comes across as a clinician. We talk about the inner critic, often at the forefront of the difficulties many of her patients face. We discuss where this inner critic comes from, including how it lends itself to the development of perfectionism.
Dr. Sheena shares deep insight into the process of working through this perfectionism and being a kinder, more compassionate human being to our inner critic. She also...2022-06-2857 minFoundations For SuccessJoel Malkoff: How to Prime Both Your Mind and Your Body For Elite PerformanceThis dude is ELITE! Joel Malkoff is a well-versed, well-traveled, and well-experienced human being of many different avenues. By principal, Joel is an acrobat whose main act is tight wire. In this episode, Joel takes us through the physical and mental preparation necessary to perform such an act.
Listen along as he also describes how his early childhood formed his way of thinking and how he approaches each and every day. Also, give Joel a follow over on social media at - @joelmalkoff , where he is constantly showing what he is working on! You will not be disapp...2022-06-161h 12Foundations For SuccessRico Hipolito: Dealing With Pressures of Performing & Navigating Mind Games in the StudioImagine falling out of a turn and your director tells you, that better not happen again. Or imagine a scenario where they make you question all of the time and hard work you have put in up to that point. How would you work through the possible stress and anxious feelings that might follow? In this episode, Rico Hipolito talks about this AND more.
Rico is a lead dancer with Richmond Ballet. Prior to Richmond, he was a dancer with Kansas City Ballet for 4 seasons. Along the way Rico has dealt with mind games, toxici...2022-05-121h 08
Dance; Better.S2E19 The One With The Mental GameToday, I got to catch up with a good friend of the show, Glenn Kelich. You might remember him from season 1, episode 22 titled “The One Where Dancers are Human”. If you haven’t already listened to that one, please go back because it is GOOD.
Glenn revisits the show to delve more into his own mental health as it relates to dance, gives us an update to introduce his very own mental health podcast, The Mental Game, and talks about how all his mental health education is informing his teaching practices.
To connect with Glenn and Th...2022-04-151h 06Foundations For SuccessGoldie Jane: Going To Therapy With The Lazy Ballerina ClubIn this week's episode of The Mental Game I sit down with a dear friend who has already made waves in the mental health arena. Goldie Walberg is a former professional ballet dancer with Ballet Met and the Kansas City Ballet and danced with Kansas City for a number of years before a crisis involving a loved one put life into perspective.
Goldie and I discuss her mental health journey, which includes having gone to therapy now for multiple years. Goldie is very open and vulnerable as she talks about the impactful traumas and triggers that led to...2022-04-131h 11Foundations For SuccessMaura Bell: Dancer Transitions and How to Develop a Positive MindsetOn this week's episode I speak to a dear friend of mine, Ms. Maura Bell. Maura and I first met back at Indiana University where we were partners together in the production of The Nutcracker. Since then, Maura has danced professionally with the St. Louis Ballet and completed her Master of Education from Carlow University.
We talk about this transition from being a professional dancer to wanting to teach and inspire the mind's of the next generation. We also talk about how to develop a more positive mindset in today's dance world where we are taught to noti...2022-03-041h 10Foundations For SuccessGlenn Kelich: Allow Me To Introduce MyselfOn this week's episode I answer the question; why did I create this podcast? I bring you guys into my own mental health journey and struggles that lead to wanting to pursue this as a career. There were specific factors that I discuss that were crucial to my early years in dance, allowing me to feel comfortable to continue to pursue this beautiful combination of artistry and athleticism. I also share stories about experiences I had that would eventually push me to look inside myself and figure out what to do beyond the world of dance. This and so much...2022-02-2729 minFoundations For SuccessGreg Goessner: Building Psychological ResilienceIn this week's episode I sit down with one of my very dear friends, Greg Goessner. Greg has had numerous stops in the ballet world, most recently with Dayton Ballet and Indianapolis Ballet. He is currently a ballet instructor and teacher at the prestigious Expressenz Dance Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Greg shares how his early experiences shaped his mindset and helped him build resilience in the face of adversity. Early successes led the way to feeling confident that he was capable of reaching his goals, along with the help of teachers that formed the way he would go o...2022-02-161h 18Dance; Better.S1E22 The One Where Dancers Are HumanIn today's episode, the girls spoke with former professional dancer and now graduate student, Glenn Kelich. He spoke candidly about his experience as a football player and ballet dancer, struggles with concussion injuries, and ways we can change the ballet world for the better.
Glenn was both a high school football player as well as a pre-professional ballet student. He went on to graduate from Indiana University’s rigorous ballet program with a Bachelor of Science in Ballet as well as a degree in Sports Marketing and Management. Following graduation, he danced with the Kansas City Ballet and...2021-04-1658 min