Our heroes become gods...and then sometimes, our gods become human.

This week we’re diving into the Olympics, figure skating, the Quad God, and the brutal beauty of performing under pressure.

The journey of the seemingly unbeatable Ilia Malinin is one of the biggest stories of this Winter Olympics. Let's explore what happens when the gold feels inevitable… and then suddenly isn’t.

Why is it easier to chase than to defend? Why do we play freely when we have nothing to lose—but tighten up when it’s ours to win? And what’s actually happening in our brains when we “choke”?

This episode unpacks the psychology of pressure, the art of recovering from mistakes, and how to keep caring deeply without letting nerves take over.

If you’ve ever folded when it mattered most—or been afraid you might—this one’s for you.

The book referenced in this episode is Choke by Sian Beilock.

Photo by WANG ZHAO/AFP

Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre

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