Shows
The Focused AthleteS2 Episode 4: Resilience, selflessness and the path to MNTL VZN with Jazlen GreenIn this episode, former Division I athlete and founder of MNTL VZN, Jazlen Green, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from high school basketball setbacks to competing at UC Berkeley and earning her master’s at San Diego State. Jazlen opens up about her experience with mental health, the power of self-advocacy, and the importance of selflessness in emotional intelligence. She also discusses the work she’s doing to bring mental health awareness and resources into schools and communities, while offering valuable advice for young athletes striving to balance their goals with personal well-being.
2025-09-0532 min
The Focused AthleteS2 Episode 3: Coaching the whole athlete and supporting the parent journey with Warner AthleticsIn this episode, we talk to Melissa Warner and Steph Beall, longtime coaches and co-owners of Warner Athletics. Melissa and Steph talk about blending technical on-field training with the mental side of the game, and how emotional intelligence has helped them build stronger connections with their athletes. They share how creating personal mission statements, leading with values, and focusing on whole-person development have shaped their coaching philosophy. They also discuss their focus on parent education, the importance of the self-led journeys for kids, and how they manage stress while balancing the many roles they play in and out of...
2025-07-2523 min
The Focused AthleteS2 Episode 2: Establishing team values and embracing adversity with Tracy JoynerIn this episode, Sarah talks with Tracy Joyner, head coach of University of Oregon women’s soccer. Tracy shares her philosophy on leadership, the power of team values, and how consistency in everything you do leads to success. She also opens up about emotional intelligence, embracing adversity, and preparing athletes for life beyond the game.
2025-03-2117 min
The Focused AthleteS2 Episode 1: Being Your Authentic Self and an Empathetic Leader with Danette LeightonIn this episode, we talk to Danette Leighton, 30-year sports industry and corporate executive with experience serving both men’s and women’s professional and collegiate sports leagues and teams, as well as current CEO of the Women's Sports Foundation. Danette talks about being her authentic self and balancing her emotions throughout high level roles. She talks about how being an empathetic leader, being okay with making mistakes and not being afraid to say sorry has helped her within these roles.
2025-02-2018 min
Female FootballersSarah Kivel with EiFocusThis week we are joined by founder and Board President of EiFocus, Sarah Kivel. EiFocus is aimed at helping coaches harness emotional intelligence and leadership development within their athletes. Sarah is a certified executive coach who specializes in emotional intelligence. We discuss the definition and importance of emotional intelligence training for athletes. She is a wealth of knowledge and insight. Enjoy!
2024-03-2034 min
The Focused AthleteEpisode 16: Managing obstacles and emotional control with Michelle BrownIn this episode, we talk to Michelle Brown, Second Degree Black Belt, Bok Fu Do and CEO Gumsaba Fitness and Hit with Power. Michelle talks about how martial arts has impacted her as a leader and athlete. She talks about the importance of emotional control and managing obstacles…
2021-12-2218 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 15: Body love and awareness for peak performance with Shayna HammondIn this episode, we talk to Shayna Hammond, gymnast, collegiate softball player and CEO. Shayna talks about being in tune with her body and the importance of body love. She talks about the importance of being able to express and release emotions in order to have control over what happens next…
2021-12-0821 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 14: Role modeling and leadership performance with Karima Wesselhoft.In this episode we talk with Karima Wesselhoft. Karima is a leader in Education and she was a collegiate softball player. Karima talks about the importance of role modeling, self awareness, and connecting with others…
2021-11-2421 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 13: The power of kindness with Justine Siegal.In this episode, we talk to Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach in Major League Baseball. Justine talks about what it's like being a female coach in a men’s league, She talks about the power of kindness, the importance of self care and family time.
2021-11-1021 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 12: The goalie's experience on managing stress and pressure with Madison DavisIn this episode we talk to D1 Loyola Marymount University women’s water polo goalie, Madison Davis. Madison talks about what it’s like to be a goalie, she shares tools on how to manage the pressure and stress that come with being a goalie…
2021-10-2726 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 11: Overcoming fear with Geeta AnandIn this episode we talk with Geeta Anand, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Author, Dean of UC Berkeley Journalism, and National swimming champion! Geeta talks about how sports have helped her to where she is today. She talks about overcoming fear and the importance of enjoying what you do…
2021-10-1314 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 10: Turning negative emotions into positivity with Daniela Garmendia.In this episode we talk with Daniel Garmendia, Artistic Swimming ahlete and coach. Daniela was part of the Venezuelan National team, she was a swimmer at Lindenwood University, and she was also the assistant coach for the USA Junior National Team. Daniela talks about visualization and turning negative emotions into positivity, and she talks about the importance of enjoying what we are doing…
2021-09-2919 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 9: Sasha Dingle and the impact of resilience on performance.In this episode we talk with professional skier and mountain biker and Director of Mountain Mind Project, Sasha Dingle. Sasha talks about resilience and how having too much resilience can affect performance, the importance of tuning into the body and power of mindfulness and positivity…
2021-09-1521 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 8: The power of gratitude with Maureen O’Toole PurcellIn this episode, we talk to Olympic Silver Medalist, USA Women’s Water Polo, Maureen O’Toole Purcell. Maureen talks about how managing emotions is a key component to being a good coach. She talks about the power of gratitude and self compassion. And she talks about the importance of connecting with her athletes and really getting to know each one of them…
2021-09-0124 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 7: Tuning in to your athletes with Tammy McGregorIn this episode, we talk to USA Artistic Swimming Olympic Gold Medalist and Coach, Tammy McGregor. “Mama McGregor,” as she is fondly referred to by her athletes, talks about how she tunes into each of her athletes to learn what is amazing about each one of them, she talks about investing in her athletes in order to build their life skills and not just their athletic skills…
2021-08-1833 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 6: Maggie Steffens and the importance of teammatesIn this episode, we talk to Maggie Steffens. Maggie is considered to be one of the best female water polo players of all time in the world. She is a 2x Olympic Gold medalist and Team USA Women’s Water Polo Captain and Stanford University graduate. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, Maggie set an all-time record as the leading scorer in Olympic history for women's water polo. In this episode, Maggie talks about the how she manages pressure, she shares some of the ways that she prepares for competition, and she talks about the importance of her teammates…
2021-08-0416 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 5: Staying positive to stay in the game with MyKayla SkinnerIn this episode, we talk to Team USA Gymnast, MyKayla Skinner. MyKayla talks about the different mental cues she uses to stay motivated and positive. She shares her feelings about the challenges during the pandemic and what it takes to train for an extra year for the Olympics. She also talks about the importance of the relationships she has with her coaches…
2021-07-2121 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 4: Turning it ON and OFF with Jazmine Fenlator-VictorianIn this episode we talk to women’s Olympic bobsledder, Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian. Jazmine is a two time Olympian, the owner of GoalDen Theory, and part of the eiFocus team. Jazmine talks about her “on” and “off” switch, how important it is to stay present, and the relationship between coach and athlete…
2021-07-0728 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 2: Creating champions in life through sport with Valorie Kondos Field.In this episode we talk with Valorie Kondos Field. Valorie was the UCLA women’s gymnastics coach, she is a 7x NCAA champion, she is in the UCLA Athlete Hall of Fame, and she is the PAC12 Coach of the Century. Valorie talks about the importance of vulnerability and creating connections with her athletes. She talks about creating champions in life through sport and the power of silence…
2021-05-0128 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 3: Turning fear into challenge with Andrea FuentesIn this episode we talk with Artistic Swimming 4x Olympic medalist and Head Coach to Team USA, Andrea Fuentes. Andrea talks about turning fear into challenge, the importance of being present, and she gives tips on how to keep things fun…
2021-05-0127 minThe Focused AthleteEpisode 1: The Starting Line with Sarah KivelIn this kick off episode, Sarah Kivel, eiFOCUS™ Founder and Executive Coach talks about the importance of the relationships between teammates and coaches and how this impacts performance. She shares her own story as a collegiate soccer player and how this experience has motivated her to train coaches and athletes on the skills of emotional intelligence.
2021-05-0106 min
Mindful Sport Performance PodcastEp. 20: Sarah Kivel - Leadership & Performance Coach, Founder of eiFocusIn this episode, Sarah Kivel, founder of eiFocus, joins the conversation. Sarah begins with a brief loving-kindness meditation. She then talks with Keith and Tim about the power of empathy and compassion in sport, as well as her work promoting emotional intelligence and culture change within women's sports.Support the show
2021-03-1247 min