March 03, 2025

257: Fear is your friend: A Champion's Paradox

31 minutes

In this captivating episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Sam Kotadia, the pioneering sports psychologist supporting Wrexham FC's recent success and a transformative force in athletic mental performance for over two decades. Sam challenges conventional wisdom about positive thinking and mental preparation, offering a revolutionary perspective that turns traditional sports psychology on its head.

From his early breakthrough with a tough-as-nails centre back at Colchester United to his current work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC and the inspiring Empire Fighting Chance programme in Bristol, Sam shares how his approach to performance psychology has evolved. He reveals why trying to control your mindset might be holding you back, and why embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking peak performance.

Discover why the lucrative self-help industry might be missing the point, how world-class athletes like Pelé and Ronaldo actually maintain their focus, and why that pre-game anxiety might not be the enemy you think it is. Whether you're an elite athlete, coach, or weekend warrior, this conversation will transform how you think about mental preparation and performance.

Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about sports psychology and mental performance. Sam's refreshing perspective might just be the game-changer you've been looking for.

About Sam Kotadia

Sam Kotadia is a chartered sports psychologist with over two decades of experience transforming athletic performance at all levels. From his groundbreaking early work at Colchester United to his current role as the mind coach behind Wrexham FC's remarkable journey, Sam has consistently challenged traditional approaches to sports psychology. He's the founder of FlowSK and a key figure at Empire Fighting Chance, where he helps at-risk youth discover their potential through non-contact boxing. His revolutionary approach, which turns conventional positive thinking on its head, has earned him recognition across professional football and combat sports. Working alongside managers like Phil Parkinson, Sam has developed a unique philosophy that emphasises authenticity over forced positivity, helping athletes from grassroots to elite level unlock their natural performance state.

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