Performers

Performers

By Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg YoungEducationSelf-Improvement
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Performers episodes

  • #40 Coach K’s Playbook: Inside the Leadership DNA of Duke Basketball

    What does it take to build a dynasty — not just in sport, but in life?


    In this episode of Performers, we go deep into the mind of Mike Krzyzewski — better known as Coach K — the winningest coach in college basketball history. His autobiography Leading with the Heart is more than a book on hoops — it’s a masterclass in emotional intelligence, team culture, and adaptive leadership.

    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they break down Coach K’s high-performance philosophy — from game-day adjustments to lifelong traditions — and discover what it truly takes to lead with strength, humility, and courage.

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    🏀 Why reliability beats predictability in leadership

    🧠 The mental preparation behind real-time adjustments

    🗣️ How presence, posture, and tone become coaching tools 🔥 The moment Duke flipped the script on UNLV — and why they were ready

    💡 Why elite teams don’t just execute — they reset

    📖 The power of tradition and why identity shapes performance

    🎯 Why the best leaders ask: “What does this group need right now?”

    Whether you're a coach, athlete, entrepreneur, or leader in any field, this episode will challenge you to reflect, reset, and lead with purpose.


    Support the show by paying what you can here: DONATE


    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: Leading with the Heart 


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 




























    1 hr 8 min
  • #39 Think Like a Grandmaster: The Psychology of Success with Garry Kasparov

    What separates the elite from the exceptional? Is greatness just talent — or something deeper, more deliberate?

    In this episode of Performers, we explore the mind of Garry Kasparov — chess grandmaster, world champion, and one of the most formidable strategic thinkers of all time. His book How Life Imitates Chess is more than a treatise on the game; it's a playbook for decision-making under pressure, self-awareness, and long-term performance.

    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they decode Kasparov’s lessons — from growing up in the Soviet Union to battling IBM’s Deep Blue — and uncover what it truly means to lead, think, and perform at the highest level.

    ♟️ Why talent is nothing without environment

    🧠 The true meaning of self-awareness in decision-making 🔥 How to build intuition through reps, reflection, and risk ⚔️ Why aggression, done right, creates psychological pressure 💡 What separates tactical thinkers from long-term strategists

    🚧 How success breeds complacency — and how to avoid it 🎯 How to use failure, not fear it, as a pathway to mastery

    Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, or someone chasing high performance, this episode is your invitation to sharpen your strategy, master your mind, and play to win — in every arena.

    Support the show by paying what you can here: DONATE

    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: How life imitates Chess


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Foundation of Success: Talent vs. Hard Work

    05:51 The Role of Environment in Performance

    10:47 Discipline and Imagination in Strategy

    14:58 The Importance of Self-Awareness

    17:42 Adapting to Change: The Key to Success

    21:21 The Power of Asking 'Why?' in Strategy

    24:56 Tactics vs. Strategy: Understanding the Difference

    29:07 Navigating Pressure: The Importance of Planning

    31:07 The Power of Innovation

    32:54 Embracing Failure for Success

    34:15 The Importance of Decision-Making

    36:25 The Role of Intuition in Performance

    41:13 Aggression and Psychological Pressure

    44:30 Complacency: The Silent Enemy

    49:41 The Impact of Catastrophic Losses

    54:40 Human Intuition vs. Machine Calculation

    56:51 Lessons from Performance Reviews


    1 hr 3 min
  • #38 Bowled Over: Freddie Flintoff’s Fight With Demons and Discipline

    What does it take to go from a working-class kid in Lancashire to becoming one of England’s most iconic cricketers?

    How do you navigate fame, failure, and ferocious expectation — while hiding the battles no one else sees?

    In Second Innings, Freddie Flintoff lifts the lid on life beyond the boundary — from Test match highs to private struggles with identity, eating disorders, and pressure. It’s a brutally honest account of what it means to perform when the world is watching… and when your biggest opponent lives in your own head.

    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they unpack the mental highs, emotional lows, and powerful mindset shifts behind Flintoff’s unforgettable career — and what it means for your own pursuit of excellence.

    🏏 How Flintoff’s working-class roots shaped his resilience and drive. 🧠 Why emotional chaos — not calm — became a secret weapon. 🔥 The creation of “Freddie” — a performance persona built to survive elite sport. 💡 How self-awareness, not sport psychology, helped him find clarity under pressure. 🎯 The cost of chasing meaning over money in a professional system. 🏆 Why true performance is about connection — to self, team, and purpose.

    Freddie Flintoff’s story isn’t just about wickets and wins — it’s about managing your mindset when the spotlight’s blinding, the dressing room’s cold, and your body is breaking down. Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or someone navigating your own “second innings,” this episode will challenge the way you think about resilience, identity, and what success really means.

    Support the show by paying what you can here: https://ko-fi.com/performerspod

    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: Fred Flintoff 2nd Innings 


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Elusive Balance of Emotions

    03:42 Introduction to Andrew Flintoff

    06:38 Flintoff's Early Life and Family Influence

    10:30 The Duality of Andrew and Freddie

    15:05 The Importance of Belonging in Cricket

    20:15 Navigating Early Career Challenges

    25:12 The Missionary vs. Mercenary Mindset

    30:38 Struggles with Identity and Eating Disorders

    33:40 Mental Challenges in Performance

    38:42 The Role of Leadership in Team Dynamics

    40:52 The Pressure of the Ashes

    45:14 Managing Performance Anxiety

    49:20 Mind Games and Warm-Ups

    51:05 The Joy of Winning

    54:09 The Power of Visualization

    #PerformersPodcast #FreddieFlintoff #AndrewFlintoff #SecondInnings #MindsetMatters #CricketMindset #AthleteMentalHealth #MentalPerformance #HighPerformance #SportsPsychology #CricketLife #AshesHero #PerformanceUnderPressure #ResilienceInSport #InnerGame #DualIdentity #VisualisationTraining #SportAndStruggle #EatPerformRepeat #FromLancsToLords #CricketCulture #PressurePerformer #FredVsAndrew #PlayingWithFire #EmotionalResilience #DressingRoomCulture #PerformancePsychology #AthleteWellbeing #MissionOverMoney #BelongingInSport #MentalToughness #SelfAwarenessWins #UnmaskingThePerformer #MindsetOfChampions #EnglandCricket #RedRosePride #Ashes2005 #BehindThePersona

    1 hr 3 min
  • #37 Fueling the Dream: How Lewis Hamilton Conquered F1

    What does it take to rise from a council estate in England to become the greatest driver in Formula One history?
    How do you turn sacrifice, pressure, and expectation into unstoppable momentum?


    In My Story, Lewis Hamilton reveals the grit, mindset, and family devotion behind his meteoric rise — from racing remote-control cars in his hallway to standing on Formula 1 podiums around the world. This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a masterclass in focus, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.


    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they unpack the lessons, stories, and strategies behind Hamilton’s incredible journey — and how you can apply them to your own pursuit of greatness.


    In this episode, you’ll discover:


    🏎️ How Lewis’s family built an environment for high performance from humble beginnings.

    🧠 Why emotional management — not just talent — is the secret weapon of elite performers.

    🔥 The "engine room" parenting model that shaped Hamilton’s competitive fire.

    💡 How to protect your energy and build mental systems for resilience.

    🎯 The critical mindset shift from "earning respect" to "chasing mastery."

    🏆 What it takes to stay grounded when the world wants to put you on a pedestal.

    Lewis Hamilton’s story isn’t just about winning races — it’s about winning the internal battles that most people never even see. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or leader, this episode offers powerful strategies to stay humble, stay hungry, and stay ready.


    Support the show by paying what you can here: https://ko-fi.com/performerspod

    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: Lewis Hamilton: My Story 


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey Begins: Lewis Hamilton's Story

    03:09 Family Influences: The Role of Parents

    06:37 Mental Strength: Balancing Emotions and Performance

    12:25 Finding Inspiration: The Bond with His Brother

    15:04 Overcoming Challenges: School and Bullying

    17:11 The Spark of Passion: Discovering Racing

    25:58 Building a Legacy: The Early Days of Karting

    25:58 Building Belonging and Confidence

    27:50 First Principles Thinking in Racing

    30:46 The Complex Father-Son Relationship

    32:54 Investment vs. Sacrifice in Racing

    36:31 The Journey to McLaren

    39:32 Transitioning to Formula One

    42:05 The Power of a Quiet Ask

    45:58 Becoming a Team Player

    50:20 Preparation Beyond the Track

    55:40 Navigating Sudden Visibility

    58:08 Team Dynamics and Rivalry

    01:02:12 The Breakthrough Win

    01:03:02 Managing Expectations and Tensions

    01:05:05 The Pressure of Success

    01:10:07 Coping with Physical Pain

    01:13:18 Learning from a Rival

    01:16:15 Navigating Emotional Friction

    01:19:13 The Final Race and Its Lessons


    #PerformersPodcast #LewisHamilton #MyStory #FormulaOne #F1Champion #Resilience #MentalStrength #EliteMindset #HighPerformance #F1

    1 hr 10 min
  • #36 From Rage to Rings: Ray Lewis’s NFL Journey and Unbreakable Mindset

    What does it take to rise from abandonment, abuse, and poverty—and become the fiercest linebacker in NFL history?

    Ray Lewis wasn’t just a force on the football field—he was forged in the fire of adversity. In I Feel Like Going On, Lewis takes us deep into his story: fatherless beginnings, relentless self-discipline, a near-career-ending scandal, and a comeback story for the ages.

    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the darkness and drive behind one of football’s most feared—and revered—leaders of all time.

    🏆 Why pain became Ray’s comfort zone—and the fuel for greatness

    🔥 How he turned childhood scars into unmatched discipline and intensity

    💪 What it means to chase demons and why some of the best are driven by their darkest wounds

    🧠 How Lewis simplified the game—and life—into one relentless principle: beat the man in front of you

    💡 Why leadership isn’t always about talking—it’s about showing up, even when it hurts

    Ray’s story is raw, physical, emotional—and deeply human. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, you’ll walk away with lessons on identity, drive, and how to finish what you start.

    🎧 Ready to redefine what toughness really means? Press play now.

    Support the show by paying what you can here: https://ko-fi.com/performerspod

    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: I Feel Like Going On: Life, Game, and Glory 


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc


    Chapters


    00:00 The Journey Begins: Ray Lewis's Early Life

    06:04 The Impact of Abandonment and Family Dynamics

    14:04 Finding Solace in Sports: The Role of Football

    21:40 Mindset and Identity: The Essence of Competition

    28:00 Confronting the Past: A Father's Absence

    28:58 The Burden of Legacy

    31:19 Channeling Anger into Motivation

    33:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery

    35:42 Wrestling with Identity and Experience

    37:41 Cross-Training and Skill Transfer

    40:03 Chasing Demons for Motivation

    42:54 The Road to the State Title

    44:34 The NFL Draft Journey

    56:45 Trivia and Early Career Insights

    57:21 The Rise of Ray Lewis

    58:53 Controversy and Resilience

    01:00:55 The 2000 Ravens Defense

    01:02:17 Super Bowl Glory and Personal Triumph

    01:04:25 Reconnecting with Family

    01:06:49 Transforming Pain into Purpose

    01:08:24 The Comeback Journey

    01:11:15 The Power of Purpose

    01:15:27 Life Lessons from Ray Lewis


    1 hr 20 min
  • #35 Gordon Ramsay’s Recipe for Success: From Kitchen Nightmares to Michelin Stars

    What does it take to go from a turbulent childhood to building a global culinary empire and redefining what it means to lead under pressure?

    Gordon Ramsay isn’t just a Michelin-starred chef and television icon—he’s a master of high performance. In Humble Pie, Ramsay opens up about his abusive upbringing, early football dreams, brutal kitchens, and the mindset that propelled him to global success.

    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the fire of Ramsay’s world—unpacking the grit, pain, and precision that shaped one of the most relentless performers of our time.

    🍳 Why failure in football became the spark for culinary greatness 🔥 What working under Marco Pierre White taught him about pressure and perfection 🧠 How Gordon built world-class kitchens by demanding excellence and loyalty ⚔️ Why honesty, consistency, and standards matter more than talent

    Ramsay’s story is raw, intense, and filled with brutal lessons on resilience, leadership, and the true price of mastery. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or chasing your passion—you’ll walk away with lessons forged in the heat of the kitchen.

    🎧 Ready to turn up the heat on your own performance? Hit play now.


    Support the show by paying what you can here: DONATE


    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: Humble Pie


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Real Gordon Ramsay

    01:56 Gordon Ramsay's Culinary Journey

    04:41 The Impact of Family Dynamics

    08:23 From Football Dreams to Culinary Aspirations

    15:17 Finding Passion in the Kitchen

    19:46 The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

    25:19 The Hidden Side of Success

    27:56 High-Pressure Environments and Growth

    29:17 Navigating High-Performance Environments

    31:33 The Impact of Toxic Leadership

    32:19 Lessons from the Kitchen: Growth and Resilience

    35:06 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

    38:56 The Importance of Hard Work and Patience

    41:25 Learning from Adversity

    43:39 Identifying What Not to Emulate

    47:17 The Great Walkout and New Beginnings

    48:55 The Transition to Television Stardom

    51:19 The Weight of External Validation

    53:23 The Art of Delegation and Trust

    57:43 Leadership Principles in High-Pressure Environments

    01:00:25 Setting Standards and Accountability

    01:02:30 Consistency as the Foundation of Excellence

    01:04:17 Gordon Ramsay's Television Legacy

    01:05:16 Reflections on Achievements and Future Goals

    1 hr 13 min
  • #34 Unbreakable: How Serena Williams Changed Tennis Forever.

    What does it take to rise from humble beginnings, dominate a global sport, and build a legacy that transcends the game?

    Serena Williams isn’t just one of the greatest athletes of all time—she’s a symbol of resilience, self-belief, and relentless determination. From learning tennis on the cracked courts of Compton to becoming a 23-time Grand Slam champion, her journey is a testament to discipline, innovation, and the power of mindset.

    In On the Line, Serena takes us through her remarkable rise, her struggles with pressure, mental health, and identity, and how she transformed both herself and the sport of tennis.

    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they break down the mindset, strategies, and habits that made Serena Williams one of the most dominant figures in sports history.

    Serena’s story is packed with lessons on resilience, ambition, and personal reinvention. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone navigating life’s challenges, this episode will leave you inspired to own your journey and chase greatness on your own terms.


    🔥 Don’t miss this deep dive into the GOAT’s journey. Hit play now!

    🏆 How she turned criticism and doubt into fuel for success🧠 The mental tactics that kept her dominant for two decades

    💥 What her rivalry with Venus reveals about competition and growth
    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: On The Line

    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@performers.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Early Days of Tennis

    00:38 Serena Williams: A Legacy of Accomplishments

    02:47 The Role of Family in Serena's Journey

    05:12 Overcoming Adversity: The Williams Sisters' Upbringing

    07:27 The Importance of Discipline and Self-Motivation

    10:00 The Impact of Sibling Rivalry

    12:17 Finding Strength in Competition

    14:35 Lessons from Humble Beginnings

    16:51 Creating a Positive Training Environment

    19:30 The Balance of Commitment and Burnout

    22:00 Personal Growth and Character Development

    24:21 The Dynamic Between Venus and Serena Williams

    28:10 Sibling Rivalries in Sports

    28:57 The Move to Florida: A New Beginning

    30:51 Training with a Purpose: The Williams Sisters' Development

    33:32 Balancing Pressure and Freedom in Sports

    35:47 The Role of Parental Influence

    36:47 Creating Boundaries: Work and Life Separation

    39:38 Transitioning from Fun to Competition

    41:29 The Shift to Becoming Champions

    45:52 Finding Identity Beyond Venus

    50:15 The Power of Self-Presentation

    52:19 Life's Unexpected Turns: 9/11 and Its Impact

    52:20 The Rise of the Williams Sisters

    54:20 Sibling Rivalry and Motivation

    55:44 Love, Loss, and Motivation

    58:43 Struggles and Comebacks

    01:02:02 Mental Health and Personal Challenges

    01:06:02 Reclaiming Identity and Purpose

    01:09:26 Overcoming Criticism and Doubt

    01:10:50 A New Beginning: The 2007 Australian Open

    01:14:48 Life Lessons from Serena Williams



    1 hr 18 min
  • #33 Tony Hawk’s Mindset: Grinding to Greatness On & Off the Board

    What does it take to redefine a sport, push the limits of what’s possible, and sustain greatness for decades?


    Tony Hawk is synonymous with skateboarding—his name transcends the sport much like Michael Jordan in basketball or Tiger Woods in golf. But behind the cultural icon is a relentless innovator, a fearless competitor, and an entrepreneur who weathered the boom-and-bust cycles of an entire industry.


    In Hawk: Occupation: Skateboarder, Tony Hawk takes us through his remarkable journey—from a restless kid with a high IQ and even higher energy to a world champion, business mogul, and action sports pioneer. His story is one of persistence, reinvention, and an unshakable belief in the value of doing things differently.


    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they dive into the mindset, strategies, and habits that propelled Hawk to the top and kept him there.


    ✅ How curiosity—not instant passion—can lead to mastery

    ✅ Why an unconventional upbringing shaped Hawk’s resilience and creativity

    ✅ The power of preparation, visualization, and strategy in competition

    ✅ How he navigated the pressure of being the face of a sport

    ✅ What his historic 900 moment reveals about persistence and peak performance

    ✅ The reality of boom-and-bust cycles in sports and business

    ✅ How he transformed skateboarding from a subculture to a global industry


    From pioneering tricks that were once deemed impossible to surviving financial struggles and redefining his career after retirement, Tony Hawk’s story is packed with insights on adaptability, pressure management, and long-term success.

    Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by high performers, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace reinvention and chase your own holy sht moment*.


    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the book: Hawk 


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey to the 900

    00:56 Introduction to Tony Hawk

    04:24 Tony Hawk's Early Life and Family Influence

    05:52 The Emergence of a Skateboarding Passion

    16:20 From Curiosity to Identity in Skateboarding

    20:04 The Role of Environment and Support in Success

    22:50 The Foundation of Greatness

    24:07 Managing Nerves and Expectations

    25:40 The Importance of Team Support

    26:54 Skateboarding as a Lifeline

    28:20 The Role of Parental Support

    32:39 The Evolution of Skateboarding Competitions

    36:14 The Impact of Fame and Success

    41:41 The Pressure of Expectations

    46:41 The Rise of Street Skating

    48:30 The Evolution of Skateboarding

    49:19 The Boom and Bust Cycle of Skateboarding

    50:45 Personal Struggles Amidst Industry Changes

    52:36 The Unseen Challenges of Fame

    54:24 The Arrival of the X Games

    56:19 The Impact of the X Games on Tony Hawk

    56:55 Navigating Fame and Expectations

    58:59 The 900: A Historic Moment in Skateboarding

    01:01:40 Retirement and New Beginnings

    01:02:37 The Launch of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

    01:03:40 Reflections on a Skateboarding Career

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    1 hr 9 min
  • #32 Will Smith: The Pursuit of Greatness

    What does it take to go from a kid in West Philly to the biggest entertainer on the planet? How do you reinvent yourself time and again while battling the internal fears that threaten to unravel it all?


    In Will, Will Smith takes us beyond the blockbuster hits and chart-topping records to reveal the deeply personal struggles and lessons that shaped his journey. From his early days as a hip-hop artist to becoming a Hollywood icon, Smith’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and an unrelenting work ethic.


    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they explore the key themes from Smith’s autobiography. Learn how his upbringing, relentless ambition, and the lessons from his father shaped one of the most dominant careers in entertainment.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How Will Smith transformed fear into an unstoppable drive for success.

    • The discipline and mindset instilled by his father that shaped his relentless work ethic.

    • Why humor became his greatest weapon—not just on stage, but in life.

    • The power of reinvention and how Smith continually adapted to stay at the top.

    • How his greatest achievements still left him searching for something more.


    From Grammy-winning rapper to TV icon, from box office king to one of Hollywood’s most reflective performers, Will is a raw and unfiltered look at what it truly takes to sustain greatness—and the personal costs that come with it.


    Whether you’re an aspiring performer, a high achiever, or someone seeking to better understand the psychology behind success, this episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to win.


    Tune in now and take away lessons that extend far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood.

    Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

    Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

    Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

    Buy the Book: Will 


    Socials:

    ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

    ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 


    Chapters

    00:00 The Golden Era of Hip Hop

    04:19 Overview of Will's Book

    08:50 Contrasting Parental Influences

    11:53 The Impact of Domestic Violence

    12:05 Building a Wall: Life Lessons

    14:58 The Complexity of Love and Performance

    17:58 Navigating Racial Identity

    20:38 The Role of Performance in Love

    23:13 The Aftermath of Abuse

    26:43 The Power of Humor in Rap

    29:03 Finding Confidence Through Skill

    34:27 The Rise of a Dynamic Duo

    37:07 The Grammy Win and Its Aftermath

    38:42 A Defining Moment: Choosing His Own Path

    40:38 Life Lessons from the Road

    41:48 Recording Sessions in London

    42:43 The Grammy Awards and Fame

    44:05 The Downfall of Fame

    46:41 A New Opportunity in LA

    49:08 The Defining Moment of Opportunity

    50:28 Discovering Passion in Acting

    52:30 The Cycle of Success and Preparation

    52:58 The Three F's of Movie Stardom

    53:20 The Struggles of Method Acting

    55:30 The Importance of Self-Understanding

    58:13 The Fear of Losing Success

    01:00:26 The Weight of Expectations

    01:02:06 Imposter Syndrome and Missed Opportunities

    01:04:02 The Paradox of Success

    01:05:48 Attribution Theory and Success

    01:07:42 The Fragility of Success

    01:08:38 The Illusion of Control

    01:10:07 The Addiction to Movement

    01:13:42 The Power of Surrender

    01:14:38 Life Lessons from Will Smith


    1 hr 22 min
  • #31 Winning the Right Way: Tony Dungy’s Journey of Faith, Family, & Football

    What does it mean to win not just in sports, but in life? How can staying true to your principles lead to a legacy far beyond trophies and accolades?


    In Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life, Tony Dungy takes us beyond the playbook to share the values, challenges, and lessons that defined his journey—from groundbreaking accomplishments in the NFL to his unwavering commitment to faith, family, and purpose.


    Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they delve into the wisdom of Dungy’s autobiography. Learn how the former Super Bowl-winning coach inspired a generation of leaders through compassion, integrity, and a steadfast belief in doing things the right way.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How Tony Dungy’s upbringing shaped his focus on character over accolades.

    • Why leading with empathy and trust is key to building lasting teams.

    • The power of staying true to core principles in the face of adversity.

    • How Dungy transformed team culture by emphasizing accountability, fundamentals, and resilience.

    • Why success is about impact, not just winning.

    • From redefining leadership in the NFL to overcoming personal and professional heartbreak, Dungy’s story is a masterclass in the art of perseverance and purpose.


      Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or someone seeking inspiration in your own journey, this episode will challenge you to lead with quiet strength and make a difference in the lives of others.


      Tune in now and be prepared to take away lessons that extend far beyond the game of football.


      Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

      Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

      Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

      Buy the Book: Quiet Strength 


      Socials:

      X -⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/SportPsychDunc⁠⁠  

      ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

      ⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

      ⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 


























      1 hr 17 min

    About Performers

    From the publisher's feed

    Are you fascinated by greatness? Well, this is NOT another interview podcast! Instead we condense entire autobiographies and take you inside the minds of the world's most extraordinary athletes,…