Performers on the Rise

Mental performance consultant Demi Agaiby sits down with Cindy Kuzma and Carrie Jackson to unpack the emotional toll of athletic injuries. From fear of falling behind to the comparison trap, they explore how athletes can reframe recovery as its own form of performance. With insights from their book Rebound, they share strategies for advocating for yourself, maintaining team identity, and building resilience during setbacks. Tune in for empowering tools and perspectives on returning stronger, mentally and physically.

Want more support during recovery? Visit injuredathletesclub.com for community, resources, and more from Carrie and Cindy.

Emma Desiderio shares her evolution from collegiate athlete to coach, reflecting on how connection, intentional leadership, and inclusive environments drive high-level performance. From navigating COVID-era setbacks to creating student-led structure and tackling tension between teammates, Emma reveals strategies for fostering trust and resilience on and off the floor. Tune in for a grounded, inspiring look at what it really takes to lead and unify a team.

@emmadesiderio

@gvsu_lakerdanceteam

In this episode, Demi sits down with Deb, a dynamic entrepreneur and former dancer turned educator and nonprofit leader. Together, they explore what it means to "prototype your life"—testing ideas, pursuing passions, and shifting identities as performers transition into new chapters.

Deb opens up about her early journey in dance, the creation of her first company Design Dance, and how her lived experiences led to founding The Brainchild Collective and Prismatic, two organizations dedicated to social-emotional learning and future-readiness.

This is a must-listen for athletes, performers, and coaches navigating identity shifts, burnout, career transitions, or the intimidating moment of starting over.

Topics Covered

From dancer to entrepreneur: How Deb followed her instincts and built a mission-driven business

Creating arts-based educational spaces focused on healing, not competition

Navigating confusion, burnout, and loss of direction after performance ends

The importance of transferable skills from dance, sports, and the arts

Redefining career success beyond traditional majors or job paths

How to prototype your life and test your passions in small, meaningful ways

The mental toll of being a beginner again—and how to push through

Advice for college-aged performers figuring out their next chapter

Boundaries, burnout, and deciding what passions to protect vs. pursue professionally

The Brainchild Collective – A hub for student enrichment and social-emotional learning https://www.brainchildcollective.co/

Prismatic – A nonprofit advancing future-readiness and employability through SEL

Design Dance – Deb's original arts education company supporting identity and creative expression

Keep Up on Instagram: @beyondhorizonsperformance

In this rich and insightful episode, Demi welcomes Mental Performance Consultant David Durand, author of Bet On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond. Together, they dive into the modern adolescent athlete's experience, how identity, perfectionism, and the nervous system intersect, and what coaches, parents, and athletes can do to restore balance and connection under pressure.

David shares the science and story behind his BET Method—Breath, Eyes, Touch—a practical and powerful toolset designed to help athletes regulate their nervous systems, increase self-awareness, and improve performance through precision, not pressure.

David's personal journey from overtraining athlete to sport psychology consultant

Nervous system regulation and the BET Method (Breath, Eyes, Touch)

Understanding the adolescent brain and Gen Z's unique stressors

How identity impacts performance and burnout

The myth of "doing more" vs. training with intention

How coaches can create space between stimulus and response

Tactical examples from volleyball and basketball athletes

Strategies for coaches to intervene supportively, not reactively

How parents can support athletes without adding pressure

Book: Bet On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond – Available on Amazon

Website: www.realdevelopment.org – Resources, contact info, and bonus booklets

Follow on Instagram: @beyondhorizonsperformance

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Demi sits down with Dr. Shaine Henert, a seasoned sport psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Together, they explore the crucial role that play, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation play in youth sports development—and what happens when those elements are lost. Shaine shares his personal journey into sport psychology, beginning with imagery exercises in junior high, through his graduate studies at Michigan State and Minnesota, and into his current work in higher education and youth sport advocacy.

This conversation is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes who are navigating the pressures of organized sports and seeking to preserve joy and self-discovery in the process.

• Topics Covered

  Shaine's personal journey into sport psychology

  How early coaching experiences sparked his interest in mental performance

  The value of free play and curiosity in athletic development

  The shift from community-based sports to high-pressure, club-driven environments

  Navigating stress, burnout, and high athletic identity in adolescents

  The psychological impact of over-scheduling and comparison culture

  Strategies for reigniting joy in sport—especially for teens feeling stuck or burnt out

  Resources & Mentions

  Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS)

  Project FLEX at Northern Illinois University

  PACE Coaching Education Program (Michigan State)

Follow on Instagram: [@beyondhorizonsperformance]

What does it really mean to align physical movement with mental wellbeing? In this episode of Performers on the Rise, Demi sits down with educator, therapist, and fitness expert Angie Miller to explore the critical connection between movement, mindset, and mental health. Angie shares her personal journey from classroom teacher to national speaker, and how embracing reinvention helped her discover her true mission.

Together, they unpack the mental health challenges athletes face today, from perfectionism and burnout to emotional fatigue and lack of self-compassion and how consistency and routine can help rebuild resilience. Plus, they dive into powerful tools for coaches and parents to support athletes in moments of vulnerability.

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zilRMKDF7CytuBNsesg9H

Website: https://angiemillerwellness.com/

Keep up on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondhorizonsperformance/?hl=en

Success in sports isn't just about skill. It's about mindset. Coach Melanie Hughes shares how an unexpected coaching role shaped her philosophy, emphasizing resilience and mental strength. From youth players to college athletes, she explores how sports psychology influences performance and growth. Tune in for insights on overcoming pressure and embracing the mental side of the game.

Keep up with Coach Melanie and the Lake Forest Girls Volleyball Team at https://www.instagram.com/lakeforestvolleyball

Keep up on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondhorizonsperformance/

Join board-certified sports dietitian, Holley Samuel and I in this insightful episode as we delve into the intricacies of nutrition, exploring patterns of hunger, and addressing gaps in our eating habits. Discover the "5 Nutrition Non-Negotiables" that form the foundation for optimal performance, from timing your meals to ensuring a balanced nutrient intake. Holley and I explore the importance of basic nutrition principles before diving into supplements and protein powders, emphasizing the significance of stable blood sugar and proper fueling for workouts. Learn practical tips on overcoming barriers, making time for meals even in a busy schedule, and enhancing mealtime etiquette for better digestion. Plus, uncover the connection between mindset, belief systems, and achieving your health goals. It's time to embrace a growth mindset for a nourished body and fulfilled potential.

Follow Holley Samuel @holleyfuelednutrition and listen to her podcast Holley Fueled Nutrition Podcast.

Stay connected on Facebook & Instagram @beyondhorizonsperformance!

In this episode, Yaz and I take a deep dive into her journey with injury as an athlete. In experiencing multiple knee-related injuries, Yaz was forced to determine how she wanted sports to function in her life at a fairly young age. The result? A transformed relationship with sport that prioritizes the experience and relational bond over numbers and output. Join us as we discuss how she manages how to remain adaptable and compassionate despite the realities of injury. We also chat about having imposter syndrome and share strategies to overcome self-doubt. Yaz offers valuable insights on rebuilding your relationship with sports and remaining an effective team leader while going through challenging seasons.

Follow Yaz's Athletic Journey: ⁠@yazhallinan⁠

Stay connected with ⁠@beyondhorizonsperformance⁠ on Facebook & Instagram!

Superstitions are a common part of sports culture, from lucky socks to pre-game rituals. But do they actually work? In this episode of Performers on the Rise, we explore the psychology behind sports superstitions. We'll dive into why athletes use them, their benefits and drawbacks, and how they can impact performance. Plus, we'll discuss how athletes can challenge superstitions while maintaining control over their mental game.

Keep up on Instagram!