Dr. Jim Taylor, an internationally recognized expert on performance psychology and a former world-ranked alpine ski racer, shares insights on training the mind for athletic success. He discusses the critical role of mental training, emphasizing positive mindset and confidence. Taylor explores how personal narratives shape athletes' performance and the significant emphasis on mental health in sports. He also highlights strategies for building self-efficacy and overcoming mental barriers, underscoring the connection between psychology and unlocking athletic potential.

In this discussion, Dr. Derek Panchuk, a skill acquisition specialist with over 15 years of experience, dives into the art and science of coaching. He emphasizes the crucial role of visual perception in sports, highlighting how elite athletes like Messi excel in decision-making through effective visual cues. Derek explores innovative training methods, including gamifying cricket practices with audio cues to enhance anticipation. He also stresses the balance between training volume and skill development, advocating for adaptable coaching strategies that boost athlete performance and resilience.

I’m delighted to speak with performance coach and scientist, Dr Mehdi Kordi this week. Mehdi began his career in biomedical science before moving into aerospace physiology. His first position in high performance sport was as a sports scientist for British Cycling before moving into coaching role with the GB Para Cycling Team. In 2018 Mehdi joined the KNWU – The Dutch National Cycling Union – initially as coach and scientist for the Track Sprint Team, and then as Track Coach for the Endurance Team. In 2022 he became the Head Coach for KNWU. During this time both the men’s and the women’s teams enjoyed unprecedented success in major cycling competitions including the Olympic games.   Mehdi has a PhD from The University of Northumbria in Sport and Exercise Physiology. Mehdi and I speak about the cultural and coaching interventions that transformed the Dutch cycling team from obscurity into Gold Medal winners.

Dr. Chris Shambrook, a sports psychologist with 25 years of coaching experience and six Olympic Games under his belt, shares insights about high performance. The conversation reflects on lessons learned from hosting numerous industry leaders. They discuss the essential role of confidence in both sports and corporate settings, the evolution of sports psychology, and the importance of mental frameworks for athletes. Chris emphasizes belief and communication in coaching, and the need for collaboration in enhancing performance across various fields.

Duff Gibson, a former Olympic gold medallist and coach, shares his extensive expertise in sport and the mental facets of athletics. He discusses his journey through different sports, emphasizing self-awareness and mental strategies. Duff highlights the importance of balancing rigorous training with personal well-being, illustrating this with anecdotes of team camaraderie. He also explores intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and the necessity of a growth mindset, revealing how a supportive approach can lead to success in competitive environments.

Dr. Kimberly Wagner, a licensed clinical and sport psychologist with a competitive athletic background, shares her insights on enhancing performance through mental skills. She reveals the vital role of resilience and positive self-talk, particularly in baseball. The discussion highlights the connection between mental health and athletic success, emphasizing tailored mental skills training. Kimberly also illustrates how these skills can be applied beyond sports to elevate performance in professional settings, offering listeners practical tools to navigate mental barriers.

In this insightful discussion, Ben Ashdown, a senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University focusing on resilience in youth football, joins Dr. Mustafa Sarkar, an expert in elite sports resilience. They delve into the behavioral indicators of resilience, emphasizing emotional regulation and teammate support in young athletes. The duo explores the nuances between persistence and resilience, rebound resilience after setbacks, and the vital role of self-awareness in performance. Their innovative methods aim to enhance coaching through psychological insights and observational tools.

In this episode, UEFA football coach and lecturer James Barraclough shares insights from over 20 years in the field and his MSc in Sport Psychology. He discusses the importance of psychosocial skills in youth soccer, emphasizing resilience and effective communication for athlete development. James highlights findings from his research on integrating psychological training in academies and the collaborative efforts needed between coaches and psychologists. His perspective sheds light on preparing athletes not just for sports but for life beyond the game.

Prof Robert Schinke, a distinguished sport psychology consultant and former equestrian athlete for Canada, shares insights from his new book, 'Gifted: 8 Steps to Succeeding in Sport, Work, and Life.' He emphasizes recognizing innate talents to achieve goals and discusses the evolving dynamics of sports that prioritize mental health over mere victories. Prof Schinke highlights the importance of cultural awareness in sports psychology, particularly for Indigenous athletes, and stresses the necessity of continuous self-reinvention for overall well-being and success.

Eamon Devlin, head coach of several senior Gaelic football teams and founder of the sports consultancy Minute9, dives deep into the importance of halftime in team sports. He shares his research findings on how players perceive coaching messages during breaks. The discussion explores emotional challenges athletes face at halftime and the critical need for structured communication. Eamon highlights strategies to create a supportive environment, integrating psychological insights and video analysis to enhance player motivation and performance.