The HeadSet Podcast was honored to have the opportunity to interview one of the best in world of performance psychology. Duncan Simpson PhD is the Director of Personal Development at IMG Academy.

Dr. Simpson, provides young athletes with a wealth of insight and information on what it means to dedicate your life to being/becoming an elite athlete. He also provides an incredible look behind the scenes of IMG Academy.

This is a great sources of insight for young athletes seeking the opportunity to learn more about attending an elite Sports and Educational institution.

Duncan Simpson is also a co-host of of the Performers PodCast that can be found on on Spotify.

[email protected]

@sportpsychdunc⁠

imgacademy.com

It is beyond a rare experience to see someone re-define records of excellence. It is even more exciting when you are able to meet someone who has shattered the standards that have kept those records of excellence intact.

Jennifer Welter Phd, is that person who "shatters" standards set by all others. She is not only an elite level athlete, a professional coach, she is also an author, and PhD in the area of Sports Psychology. Jen has shattered not only one ceiling but three. In 2014 - she became the first female to play professional football for the Texas Revolution (arena football). In 2015 - she was the First Lady to be signed as a professional football coach for the Texas Revolution (Linebacker coach). Later that same year (2015), Jen Welter PhD, became the first lady to coach in the NFL, for the Arizona Cardinals during both their Training Camp & Pre-Season. During 2015, Jen would receive the Women's Entrepreneur Day - Pioneer Award for her outstanding achievements in sports. In this interview Jen shares with us; insights into the intellectual facets of how NFL players are evaluated as well as how she became a source of inspiration for so many.

jenwelter / @welter47 / Linked-IN /Women's Sports Foundation

*Sponsor for this interview - The Harris Brand Foundation

For many of us ... We will go through life learning about individuals who defy the laws of nature ... and wonder if they will ever be fortunate enough to meet someone of this magnitude? ... I can now say .. "I have!". Several months ago, I found myself working late at night, using a movie playing in the background as a source of subtle distraction and timer. As the initial credits began to roll, I was drawn in to the movie by the caption "Based on a True Story". These are often my favorites. Almost instantly, the movie captured my attention, as it dealt with a former World Class hockey player who was trying to find his way in life as he overcame some of his inner demons.

The movie starred some incredibly talented actors. The lead character was played by actor Josh Hartnett, and the lead female actress was Mira Sorvino. Two incredible actors, with a long list of famous and acclaimed movies. The movie is "6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain". This movie put forth the incredible story of a man's ultimate "will to survive". Eric LeMarque was a Division-I ice hockey player for Northern Michigan, an NHL Draft Pick of the Boston Bruins, and a former member of the France Men's Olympic team during the 1994 Winter Olympics. To many, Eric's story is almost a "Fairy Tale" come true. But hidden within this dream, rest a "Nightmare of Reality". Eric was preparing to enter a rehabilitation program to rid himself of addiction. On the eve of starting the program, he attempted to take a small escape from life by going on a snowboarding excursion in the Sierra Mountains - alone! This trip would change Eric's life forever.

Besides being an incredible athlete, Eric LeMarque is also an author (Crystal Clear ... a journey through life as person attempting to overcome addiction), an entrepreneur, event speaker, and a performance consultant for elite level executives. Needless to say, Eric is busy individual who is constantly striving to help others attain their personal goals while "Re-Setting" his own. Eric is a person who is constantly working to help others reach their optimal best, but in doing such he is constantly pushing the limits of becoming the best version of himself. He truly believes in helping others by setting a good example. Today, Eric is attempting to become an elite level athlete in a manner yet to be achieved. Eric is training within his second athletic passion - snowboarding! This is not just a passion for Eric ... it has become a mission ... Eric is training to become the first athlete to compete in BOTH the Able-Bodied and Disabled Winter Olympic Games (Italy 2026).

Upon learning about the numerous trials and tribulations Eric has endured throughout his life, one can easily say that he truly embodies the "Ultimate Will to Endure, Overcome and Survive". Eric is a person whose positive vigor to live life to its fullest is both invigorating and inspiring. But nothing can compete with his positive and energetic personality! Eric's vibrant and electrifying zest to live everyday as if it were his last can only be best described - once you've had the chance to experience him. Not mention ... he is a person who has first hand experience with feeling that today could be his last ...

Professional Contact Information - LINK

6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain

Newspaper Article

NHL Statistics

Olympic Biography

Instagram

Every so often, we are fortunate to be able to meet people who truly live their life they way many wish they would. For many years I have been awe-struck with the athletes who compete in the PBR (Professional Bull Riders). Their level of athleticism is only matched by their level of courageousness. The idea of riding an animal that is larger and heavier than the average pick-up truck on the highway is beyond comprehension. Years ago, I was fortunate to experience the PBR live. During this experience I had the opportunity to stand 10 feet away from one of the most menacing creatures I have ever witnessed. This beautiful animal weighed more than 1500 pounds, and had a muscle structure that looked as if it were a Marvel Comic creature. It was at that moment that I realized what elite athletes Professional Bull riders must be.

The idea of riding an animal with that much power, anger and rage, for 8 seconds, cannot be described with mere words alone. By realizing the fact that athletes who compete on the PBR can die every time they ride, makes this sport more than extreme. Curtis Anderson was one of these incredibly brave and extreme athletes. Curtis was raised in Northern Alberta, Canada on a farm where he attributes the grown and development of his intense work ethic. It would be this sense of work ethic that would help him regain his life.

In 2002, while competing in the World's 5th Largest PBR event, the Ponoka Stampede, Curtis Anderson's would embark upon the toughest ride of his life. While riding the bull "Real Handy", Curtis would sustain 2 traumatic brain injuries on one ride. These major concussions would change his life forever. The injuries Curtis sustained caused him to have be medically induced into a coma to help relieve the pressure in his brain. Since his departure from the University of Alberta hospital, Curtis began a rehabilitation process that would last almost 2 decades. The up-hill battles he has had to face and overcome would make many quit and find refuge in the realization that things will never be the same. Fortunately for Curtis, his work ethic and mindset to always push forward and push beyond the boundaries placed before him - caused him to never accept the limits placed upon him.

Curtis Anderson has taken his injury and created a life line for so many athletes. Today he shares his story, as well as insight regarding TBI's (Traumatic Brain Injuries), and what it means to live life "Resiliently" to youth/adolescents, College/University students, as well as businesses and corporations. When he is not sharing his story, and lifting up others as they attempt to overcome the limits placed upon them as a result of a TBI, Curtis is working on the Canadian Trail Ride - a non-profit event that tries to raise funds and awareness for those suffering from a TBI. It is because he has chosen to live a life under the motto of "Never Give Up ... Don't EVER Give Up" ... This is not just a saying for Curtis. This is how he has chosen to live his life - every day. It is this same message that he shares with his others.

If you are looking for a motivation speaker who can provide a powerful message of what it means to be resilient - contact Curtis Anderson.

Motivational Speaker Bio

https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-anderson-6804b2ab/?originalSubdomain=ca

Courage Canada - Trail Ride https://cowboycountrymagazine.com/2022/06/curtis-anderson/

Courage Canada - Trail Ride Videos

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqOUqNTh8W0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOAoo4Hvklc

Whenever we think about the definition of "Resiliency", we often think of those that must overcome great obstacles that care placed before them. At times, we may even think of the person who seems to get "knocked to the ground" again and again. A "real life" Rocky Balboa. For some, it is the combination of both that makes their accomplishments so exceptional. But for only a select few, not only have they had to overcome mountains of obstacles, while also having to weather the seemingly endless storms of defeat ... they somehow were able to conquered both as well as use their experiences to then help others. This is not only true example of "resiliency", this is the sign of an incredible champion in life! This is the story of Kendra Fisher.

Once an elite goaltender and member of Team Canada's National. Kendra Fisher represented Team Canada as both an In-lIne and Ice hockey player. In doing such, her ability to face adversity was second none. Facing 70 mile per hour shots from less than 10 feet from her net was not an issue. Feeling the pressure to win on a team, whose entire nation lives and breathes the sport of hockey ... she calls that "just and average day". Where did fear and anxiety live within her ... it lived in the simple tasks of every day life, and the every day routine of being an elite athlete. For years, Kendra suffered from extreme levels of anxiety and depression, which grew into OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and over time Agoraphobia. Simply having leave her home, so that she could attend practice, became more difficult than having to climb Mount Everest. In the same manner, she would often find herself overwhelmed with fear and worry, so much so, that a simple 20 minute drive to the arena could take over an hour. A simple drive to a game would cause her to become so overcome with fear that it was cause her to become nauseous and then become sick, all while begging her family to please turn the car around so that she could go back home. Kendra's story is truly one that movies are based upon (hopefully this will happen some day for her).

But today, Kendra is something different ... to say the least. Today, Kendra is on a speaking tour where she addresses high school, college, and university students about her struggles and victories battling mental health. She shares incredible stories of pain, suffering, and defeat, while subtly sharing in the most modest manner her incredible victories along the way. As an athlete, Kendra Fisher was one of the best in the world at her position. Today, not only is she saving lives by sharing her story, her insights, and the lessons she's learned along her incredible path ... But she is also saving lives as a Fire-Women.

Checkout: www.kendrafischer.com

Follow Her: https://www.instagram.com/kfisher30/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWNkc0gdtzKIwVCjlIsnYEw

https://www.facebook.com/KendraFisher.mf

Throughout our lifetime, people will enter and exit our lives. Each of these people will leave some form of impression upon us. At times these impressions can be either positive or negative, while others will simply become "Life Changing" ... This was my experience in meeting Andrew Kurka. Not only is is Andrew, presently one of the TOP para-skiers in the world, he is also a boat captain, and is soon to become an airplane pilot!

This former elite level wrestler and ice hockey player, was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska. After experiencing a horrific ATV accident, at the age of 13, this incredible athlete was asked to participate within a group called Challenge Alaska. A program that teaches young athletes the fundamentals of numerous sports. Within two years of becoming a member of this program, Andrew Kurka was selected the Team USA's Para-Olympic team (debuting in 2010 as a part of Team USA that was set to compete in the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympics). After sustaining a major injury just days before the 2014 Olympics, Andrew sustained major injuries during a training run, just before the event. This achievement, in 2014, has now turned into Andrew's vocation.

In 2018, Andrew was selected again to represent the United States in the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics. But once again, Andrew would sustain several major injuries just before one of his olympic events. Somehow he would muster together the focus and strength to over come his injuries and sense of fear. Andrew would describe the ability to overcome this scenario as one of the many important life experiences he attained from his child-hood upbringing where he worked on his family's farm - daily. Andrew explained his ability to overcome the physical pain he carried just before the olympic events like this ..."It was easy ... there was simply NO WAY I was not racing. If I combined all of the injuries and pains I endured for years before the games ... they were so much more than the pains I am facing today!".

Andrew Kurka's perspective on life and the many challenges we are faced with throughout our life time as "Never Lose" scenarios. Andrew explains this perspective in that he places ultimate focus upon "his" efforts and doing "his best". This was developed at a young age through the help of his wrestling coach. A person who put inside of Andrew's head/mindset ... you must always be prepared to face someone who is going to be better than you. But no matter if you are a part of team dynamic or an individual competition, your ability to focus on being your individual best will "always" put you in a place of control for both yourself as well as for your teammates. This thinking is what Andrew refers to as the development of the mental mindset and skillset to "dominate".

During this aspect of mindset and competitive nature, Andrew discusses the importance of developing the "Dominate" mindset. The conversation builds upon how the perspective of dominating one's competition is not just a way of thinking ..."It's a Skill". It is this mindset combined with a perspective of I "Never Lose" (because any time I lose, I actually learn something about my opponent as well as myself ... Losing = Learning), which is supported by the physical dexterity to never give up ... makes Andrew Kurka the STRONGEST person I have ever met, and arguably the TOUGHEST competitive athlete on the planet!

You can follow Andrew Kurka on the following platforms"

https://instagram.com/andrewkurka?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://www.facebook.com/USAdaptive?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kurka-6556471a

https://twitter.com/andrew_kurka?s=21&t=RAwR0pH0kXfJF7zQG93gAgSee More from Jason Galea
https://andrewkurka.wordpress.com/page/2/

Very few times our life are we able to meet someone, who's life story completely takes our breath away and leaves us saying ..."WOW" ... Benjamin 'Benji' Alexander is that kind of person! The story of Benji Alexander is one that Disney movies are based upon. It embodies courage, resiliency, tenacity, an incredible sense of sacrifice that is coupled with sense of FEARLESSNESS that is only second to his incredible work ethic.

With less than two years of complete dedication to becoming a World Class athlete, Benjamin Alexander pursued an interest that made him an Olympic inspiration. During the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Benji became the first person to represent the country of Jamaica as an Alpine Skier. At the age of 38, Benji turned a business trip into a DREAM. Not to mention ... he accomplished this incredible achievement "without" a coach.

While on a trip to Canada, he would experience the excitement and energy of skiing. Instantly, he fell in love with the speed and adrenaline rush skiing provides. This experience would go on to change his life forever.

In true "movie style" fashion, Benji's story begins with numerous trials and tribulations as a young child, growing up in Northamptonshire, England. The son of working class parents, Benji had to overcome numerous challenges both in school and in life. These challenges would only make him "stronger" and more resilient than anyone could ever imagine. Throughout life, his hard work and captivating personality would provide opportunities to meet and befriend people that would help open doors for him. As he pursued his education, he found himself studying finance in University. Soon he would become a money management executive, a dream career for many. But achieving this milestone was not enough. It seemed lack the creativity and personal appeal he seemed to have in his life. It was at this time, that the financial wizard would chose to leave the fortunes he helped build and manage for others as well as himself, to pursue his passion for music. Benjamin Alexander the financial executive, would become a world class DJ for events taking place all over the world. 

One of the most inspirational facets of Benji's story rests in his ability to pool together many of his talents. Whether it's his incredible work ethic and passion for overcoming challenges that would inspire world class athletes and coaches to come to his aide as coaches and/or mentors, or it was his business acumen that helped him raise the funds needed to pursue such a dream and attain the equipment sponsorship he needed just to compete. Benji's story truly displays a mindset that can be an inspiration for so many. It is this "CAN DO ..." mindset that now fuels his new passion ... to help children experience the same dream he reached!

https://olympics.com/en/news/from-international-dj-to-alpine-skier-benjamin-alexander-s-unique-olympic-journe

https://www.instagram.com/benji.ski/?hl=en

https://www.benjaminalexander.co

https://www.cnn.com/videos/sports/2022/02/11/benjamin-alexander-jamaica-alpine-skier-spt-intl-lon-orig.cnn

VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsnkq-YDGGo

In today's society our phones are simple mini-computers that can help us navigate and communicate anywhere in the world. The question is ...  have they become a "new" type of addiction for us? Have we become so addicted to our phones that they are now a new form of "silent drug"? Many therapists and addiction specialists feel this is the case. (Check out: https://www.lemonade.com/blog/psychology-behind-phone-addiction/ ) This article from reviews.org is beyond scary ( https://www.reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction/ ). Our interview this week is especially important for parents, coaches, and program administrators/directors. It provides us with eye-opening insight from a mental performance expert - Larissa Mills. 

This interview places us before an expert in the area of phone addiction and the need to "curb" our habits and developing addictions. A consummate professional, Larissa provides our listeners with both insight and awareness, as well as providing us with applicable tools and procedures that can better assist our behaviors as well as our children's/young athletes as well as those who are adults and are having a difficult time separating themselves from their phone. Recently, in the Amazon Prime documentary series "Prime ..." the inside story of NFL Hall of Fame football player, and one of the greatest athletes of all time - (now coach) Deion Sanders, brings viewers into his home, his family life, and his locker room at Jackson State - where he is the head football coach guiding his athletes both on and off the field. In one episode, Coach Sanders attempts to deal with cell phone addiction as he addresses his players behavior of checking their phones, during the intermission/half-time of a game.

Phone addiction is a real problem in today's society which is of growing concern. If you feel your athlete(s) may have a problem or are looking to prevent this habit from becoming an issue - connect will Larissa Mills.

www.thementalgameacademy.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-mills 

For many of us, "dreams" are a mere source of motivation to keep that we pursue in "hope(s)" that good fortune will shine upon our efforts ... some day. But for others, living out our "dreams" is simply a way of life. Chasing a vision of major importance and significance to us as individuals. For decades we have heard that the jewel of our efforts rests within the "journey" not "the destination point". It is the journey of chasing the "dream" that Christopher Golden has created as simply a part of his everyday life.

Chris Golden is the Founder of Golden Racing. He is also the promotion and marketing director for the team, as well as director of sponsorship, and creative development. This incredible individual is "driven" to attain the success he has dreamt of as a child, when his grandfather took him to see racing at a local race-track. Did we mention that Chris Golden is also the HEAD MECHANIC and DRIVER of his fast dream - dirt track race car?!  Week after week, during the racing season, Chris is working hard to keep his car on the track. Every weekend, he travels to mandatory events that he must appear in so as to attain the points needed to remain in the elite league he is presently a part of. Based out of Elk City, Oklahoma - Chris works to keep his race car on the track(s), while also maintaining a full-time job as the General Manager of a local restaurant. 

The Golden Racing story is one that will grab your help in numerous ways. But it's true essence rests within a "real life" Rocky Balboa-like story. It will inspire you, it will grab your heart, and it will provide you with an emotional charge to pursue your very own dreams.

Check this out ...

Fast Dreams (click)

 Golden Racing - FaceBook

He's "arguably" the "BEST" strength and conditioning coach in the world, that specializes in training the National Hockey League's (NHL) most elite players. Not only is this Matt Nichol a World Class inspiration provider, but he is also an World Renowned innovator in performance training and entrepreneur (Former co-founder of BioSteel). During this interview, Matt shares with us some of the inspirational stories he has experienced during his 25 year career, as well as his first hockey client, and a potential mistake that could have cost him the career he has developed today.

Matt is also the creator of the brilliant Summer Training Program, that takes place in Toronto during the off-season which brings together the Top 25 players in the NHL and the Top Up-and-Coming players, into a program that combines off-ice training, rehabilitation, sports nutrition/performance, and on-ice training/playing. Each summer this incredible program is run out of his training facility and St. Michael's High School. 

Contact Information:

mattnichol.com

twitter        @M_Nichol