Mental Training Lab

Today's solocast explores the difference between positivity and optimism, and how positivity can often get in the way of both presence and progress. 

I also cover how to practice The Stockdale Paradox in real time, and the importance of practicing this shift in mindset in order to create lasting change. 

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this episode of the Mental Training Lab, I sit down with Jilyne Jarvis, co-founder and executive director of ZGiRLS, a confidence-building program transforming the lives of middle school girls. Jilyne was a professional ski racer who built a nonprofit that tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing young women (and human beings everywhere) today: self-doubt.

We talk about the baby steps and big leaps it takes to bring an idea to life, how to navigate setbacks without losing momentum, and why support systems are essential for personal and organizational growth. Jilyne shares openly about her struggles with self-doubt, how she’s learned to balance big dreams with practical action, and why compassion and patience with yourself are critical in the transformation process.

Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or leader, this conversation is packed with actionable insights about building confidence, embracing change, and creating impact. If you’ve ever wrestled with self-doubt or wondered how to move from vision to reality, Jilyne’s story may just inspire you to take the next step, no matter how small.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this episode, I explore a common motivation pattern that presents itself as people walk the path of mastery. I'll outline the negative motivation model, why we get hooked on being driven by fear, and how it holds us back.

Then, I roll out the alternative approach and offer up some practices that will allow you to cultivate more sustainable motivation over time. 

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

What makes an organization truly high-performing? It’s not just the leader at the top, it’s the system, the culture, and the people who are working together toward a shared mission.

In this episode of The Mental Training Lab I sit down with Adam La Reau, co-founder and President of O2X Human Performance. A former Navy SEAL turned organizational builder, Adam has dedicated this phase of his career to helping first responders, tactical athletes, and high level sports teams to unlock their highest potential.

We talk about what separates good teams from great ones, why trust and accountability matter, how resilience is cultivated, and how tools like after-action reviews (AARs) can transform setbacks into growth.

Whether you’re leading in sports, business, or life, this conversation is packed with lessons you can put into practice immediately. You’ll walk away with practical frameworks for building a culture of excellence and supporting your team so they can perform their best when it matters most.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

Excellence leaves clues, and sometimes, those clues come from the most unexpected places. Today, we're talking about the wisdom of bass guitar legend Victor Wooten and what his approach to rhythm, groove, and performance can teach us about showing up at our best when it matters most.

We’ll cover the difference between training and trusting mindsets, why so many skills fail to transfer from practice to performance, and how to make your training look, feel, and sound like the real thing. Along the way, we’ll connect the dots between funk music, self-expression, and the psychology of peak performance. What's the goeal? You can bring more groove, vitality, and trust to your own craft.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone performing under pressure, this one’s for you. Grab your metaphorical bass, plug in, and let’s get funky.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

Ever wondered what elite MMA fighters, elementary school playground dynamics, and high-performing leaders have in common? Turns out, a lot more than you’d think. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. William Massey, a pioneering sports psychology researcher renowned for his immersive approach to research, from literally stepping into the MMA octagon himself to meticulously observing recess interactions to decode performance under pressure.

William shares captivating stories from his groundbreaking research, exploring the powerful ways environment shapes behavior, performance, and leadership. We unpack his unique approach of total immersion, how trust and clarity drive team success, and why emotional awareness is crucial for leaders aiming to thrive under pressure.

If you’re curious about how your environment could be silently shaping your decisions, performance, and emotional states, or if you’re just fascinated by the idea of a researcher bravely taking punches to better understand human behavior, this episode will be a blast. Tune in for actionable insights and practical wisdom you can apply immediately to enhance your own performance and leadership effectiveness.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

Is it possible to truly rest and reset, even amidst constant stress and high performance demands? In this episode, I sit down with Annie Okerlin, Yoga Nidra and iRest instructor who has spent decades guiding veterans, first responders, athletes, and top performers to profound states of rest and resilience.

I first met Annie back in 2019 when she masterfully guided a room full of veteran detectives through a iRest yoga nidra practice that left a lasting impression on me. Annie’s approach is anchored in her presence, which comes through loud and clear in this conversation; on top of that, she expertly blends traditional yoga practices with scientifically-backed techniques designed specifically for high-stress environments and individuals navigating trauma or intense pressure.

Tune in to find out:

• What exactly is iRest and how is it different from other forms of yoga and meditation?
• How embracing and welcoming discomfort can profoundly enhance performance
• The power of structured relaxation in achieving peak performance, better sleep, and deeper resilience
• Real-life stories of veterans and first responders reclaiming their lives through the simplicity of relaxation and awareness

If you’re looking to reset your nervous system, find more clarity under pressure, or maybe simply find more balance in your life, this conversation provides practical, actionable insights from one of the field’s leading experts. Tune in to find how to rest smarter, perform better, and embrace your full human experience.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

The way we explain the past tells us everything we need to know about how we’ll predict the future…

On this solecast, we’ll explore how the stories we tell ourselves about ‘why things happen’ can give us incredible insight into the ways we’re empowering ourselves, and where we’re holding ourselves back.

At the heart of this is two questions. Does how we’re telling our story create the opportunity for success in the future, and do we believe that we’ll have influence over those future outcomes.

We’ll touch on why we tell these stories in the first place, how to uncover our own hidden narratives, and two key factors to look at when you consider how to rewrite the rules about your future.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Let’s head to the lab.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

What happens when an athlete's passion fades, but their entire identity is wrapped up in their sport? In this episode I sat down with two distinctly qualified experts to talk about the psychological and emotional journey athletes face during career transitions: Tessa West, NYU Professor of Psychology and bestselling author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy, and Kirsten Cooper, former U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete turned clinical and performance psychologist.

We unpack how athletes grapple with identity crises, ambivalence, and systemic barriers when considering life beyond sports. Powerful questions like: "Can I still be myself without my sport?", "Is passion-driven work a healthy pursuit?", and "How do I handle the guilt and uncertainty of moving on?"

Does that resonate? You will gain valuable strategies to navigate transitions, maintain curiosity, and foster resilience, learning how athletes (and non-athletes alike) can redefine satisfaction and success. If you're contemplating a significant career or life change, or simply seeking deeper fulfillment, this conversation is for you.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

What does it mean to truly matter, and how can focusing on this concept transform your performance and fulfillment? In this powerful episode of the Mental Training Lab, I sit down with professional mountain biker and positive psychology expert Sonya Looney to explore how she transformed from being driven by external validation to finding deeper purpose and joy in her career.

Sonya shares profound insights on why intrinsic motivation often outperforms extrinsic goals, how recognizing your strengths can reduce perfectionism, and why focusing on the impact you have on others is more meaningful than any trophy or accolade. We dive into practical strategies for enhancing "mattering," utilizing character strengths, and savoring achievements to build resilience and lasting success.

Whether you’re an athlete struggling with self-criticism, a coach aiming to foster deeper motivation in your team, or anyone seeking greater fulfillment and impact in your life, this conversation offers transformative tools and insights to help you thrive.

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Learn more about The Mental Training Lab
Connect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Subscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.