PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with performance scientist, professor, and former athletic trainer Dr. Toby Brooks to talk about resilience, recovery, identity, and what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Whether it’s an injury, retirement, a major setback, or an unexpected life change, every athlete will eventually face moments that feel like everything is falling apart. Toby shares how these experiences often become the starting point for growth, helping athletes discover new purpose beyond the challenges they face.

Drawing from his work with athletes, students, and high performers, Toby explains why community matters during difficult seasons and how support, connection, and perspective can make all the difference. He discusses the importance of having people who will sit beside you through hard moments instead of trying to immediately fix them.

We also explore the relationship between stress, recovery, and performance. Toby breaks down why growth requires both challenge and rest, how perfectionism can contribute to burnout, and why sustainable success depends on more than just working harder.

In this episode you will hear

• Why setbacks can become new beginnings
• How athletes can navigate major life transitions
• Why support and community matter during difficult times
• The role of stress and recovery in performance
• How perfectionism contributes to burnout
• Why rest is an essential part of growth
• How to build a healthier relationship with achievement

This conversation is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by avoiding challenges. When athletes learn to embrace setbacks, seek support, and grow through adversity, they build the resilience needed to thrive both in sport and in life.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with 3-time Olympian Becky Downie to talk about finding your voice in gymnastics, advocating for yourself, and helping create a healthier culture for the next generation of athletes.

For many gymnasts, speaking up can feel risky. Whether it's admitting you're scared, communicating pain, or disagreeing with a coach, athletes are often taught to stay quiet and push through. Becky shares how that mindset affected her early career and why learning to communicate became one of the most important skills she developed.

Drawing from more than two decades on the national team, Becky reflects on the evolution of gymnastics culture and the progress that has been made toward athlete well-being. She discusses the importance of trusting your instincts, understanding the difference between discomfort and injury, and creating environments where athletes feel safe to be honest.

We also explore the role coaches and parents play in helping young athletes develop confidence, self-awareness, and healthy communication skills. Becky shares why strong relationships matter, how athletes can learn to advocate for themselves, and why difficult conversations often create the biggest positive changes.

In this episode you will hear

• Why athletes need to find their voice
• How to communicate pain and injuries effectively
• Why trusting your instincts matters
• How healthy coach-athlete relationships improve performance
• Why speaking up can create positive change
• How parents can advocate for their children
• What gymnastics culture has learned over the last 20 years

This conversation is a powerful reminder that great athletes are not built through fear and silence. When athletes feel heard, supported, and empowered to communicate, they can perform with greater confidence, resilience, and joy.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Nicky Keay to talk about puberty, periods, hormones, and how they affect young athletes physically and mentally during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

For many gymnasts, puberty can feel confusing and frustrating. Skills suddenly feel different, emotions feel bigger, and bodies begin to change in ways athletes are often taught to fear instead of understand.

Dr. Keay explains why these changes are not something athletes should fight against. Hormones play a critical role in bone health, strength, recovery, cognition, and long-term athletic performance. While puberty can temporarily affect coordination, balance, and confidence, it is also what helps young athletes grow into stronger, healthier women.

We also discuss the importance of fueling properly during adolescence, especially in sports like gymnastics and dance where underfueling is extremely common. Dr. Keay explains how missing or irregular periods can be a warning sign of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and why parents and coaches should pay attention early.

One of the most helpful parts of this conversation is learning how athletes can better understand their own menstrual cycles instead of fearing them. Rather than seeing periods as a weakness, athletes can learn patterns, prepare ahead of time, and build confidence through awareness and recovery.

In this episode you will hear

• Why puberty changes athletic performance
•  How hormones affect strength, recovery, and coordination
•  Why missing periods can signal RED-S
•  How underfueling impacts health and performance
•  Why body changes during puberty are normal and necessary
•  How athletes can track and work with their menstrual cycles
•  Why parents and coaches need to create healthier conversations around puberty

This conversation is a powerful reminder that puberty is not the end of an athlete’s potential. With the right support, nutrition, and understanding, young athletes can grow into stronger, healthier, and more confident competitors.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

One of the hardest things athletes can experience is watching a dream fall apart. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Alexis Crockett to talk about mental blocks, burnout, body image, and how setbacks can lead to an even better path forward.

Alexis was one of the most talented gymnasts of her generation. She made elite at just 10 years old, represented the United States internationally, and became the first gymnast to compete a double twisting double pike. From the outside, it looked like her Olympic future was guaranteed.

But behind the success was a young athlete carrying enormous pressure.

We talk about how mental blocks can appear suddenly, even for athletes performing at the highest level. Alexis shares how burnout, overtraining, and years of pressure eventually caught up with her, leading to a mental block that completely changed the course of her gymnastics career.

What stood out to me most was her honesty about the shame and frustration she carried for years. So many athletes believe mental blocks mean they are weak or not trying hard enough, but Alexis explains why that simply is not true. Often, the brain is trying to protect the athlete from emotional or physical pain, even when the athlete desperately wants to keep going.

We also discuss body image in gymnastics, the unhealthy messages many athletes grew up hearing, and how Alexis is approaching her own daughter’s gymnastics journey differently. Instead of rushing success, she wants her daughter to enjoy being a kid first.

In this episode you will hear

• Why mental blocks can happen to any athlete
• How burnout and pressure affect performance
• Why body image struggles are so common in gymnastics
• How Alexis rebuilt confidence after setbacks
• Why athletes need support, not shame
• How parents and coaches can create healthier environments

This conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the dream falling apart leads you toward the life you were actually meant to build.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Most athletes assume great coaching is only about teaching skills, but the best coaches know that understanding the athlete matters just as much. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Lexi Funk to talk about mental blocks, communication, confidence, and what athletes really need from their coaches.

Lexi is a former All-American beam athlete from the University of Michigan and now a college coach at Pitt. She shares how her experience as both an athlete and coach has shaped the way she helps gymnasts work through fear, pressure, and self-doubt.

We talk about communication. Many athletes try to push through pain, exhaustion, or fear without saying anything because they worry about looking weak or losing opportunities. Lexi explains why honest conversations between athletes and coaches build trust and lead to better performance.

Another big part of the conversation is mental blocks. Lexi shares her own experience struggling on beam after a bad fall, even after successfully doing the skill thousands of times before. She explains why mental blocks do not always make logical sense and how rebuilding confidence takes patience and trust in the process.

We also discuss coaching styles, adaptability, and why athletes improve the most when they feel supported as people, not just performers.

In this episode you will hear

• Why communication builds trust
• How mental blocks happen to every athlete
• Why confidence can disappear after one mistake
• How coaches can better support athletes
• Why patience is important during setbacks

In this episode, Lexi Funk shares how athletes and coaches can work together to build trust, overcome fear, and grow through challenges.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Most athletes assume performance is all about physical ability, but what happens in your mind often matters more. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Wenske to explore how mental habits shape confidence, consistency, and long-term success.

Matthew is a former elite gymnast, US national team member, and NCAA national champion who now works in mental health. He shares his journey from being extremely hard on himself as a young athlete to learning how mindset directly impacts performance and enjoyment in the sport.

We talk about negative thoughts. Every athlete experiences them, especially under pressure. Matthew explains that thoughts like “don’t fall” can actually lead to mistakes, and how simple mental shifts like focusing on rhythm or execution can improve consistency.

Another key takeaway is self-talk. Many athletes believe being tough on themselves will help them improve, but Matthew shows that it often does more harm than good. Treating yourself with the same encouragement you would give a teammate leads to better results.

We also discuss confidence. It is not something you either have or don’t have. It is built through preparation, repetition, and trusting your training when it counts.

We also talk about resilience. Mistakes are part of the process, but learning to reset quickly and move forward is what separates great athletes. Developing a short memory and focusing on what is next can make a huge difference.

In this episode you will hear

• Why negative thoughts are normal and how to handle them
• How self-talk affects performance
• Why preparation builds confidence
• How to bounce back from mistakes

In this episode, Matthew Wenske shares how to get out of your head and perform with more confidence, focus, and control.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Performance and high scores are not built on skills alone. They come from something most athletes overlook. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Tammy DeGuzman to talk about the hidden factor that makes routines stand out.

Tammy is a FIG brevet judge, coach, and parent who has seen the sport from every angle. She explains that judges can feel a routine within seconds. It is not just execution. It is presence, confidence, and what she calls the “twinkle in their eye.”

We also talk about performance. Many athletes think you either have it or you don’t, but Tammy shows it can be trained. Using mirrors, music, and bigger movements, athletes can learn to project confidence and connect with judges.

Another key takeaway is scores. Gymnastics is subjective, and chasing numbers can be frustrating. Instead, the focus should be on progress, confidence, and enjoying the process.

We also discuss resilience. As a parent, it is tempting to fix everything, but growth comes from struggle. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is, “I believe in you.”

In this episode you will hear

• How to stand out beyond skills
• Why performance can be trained
• How to handle scores the right way
• Why resilience matters more than perfection

In this episode, Tammy DeGuzman shares how to build confident athletes who perform with presence and joy.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Confidence and consistency are not built by pressure alone. They come from feeling supported, having a sense of choice, and actually enjoying the process. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast I sit down with Myia Hambrick to talk about her journey from athlete to coach and what truly helps athletes thrive.

Myia is a former standout at Louisiana State University gymnastics and now an assistant coach at University of Utah gymnastics. She shares how one key factor shaped her success: choice. Gymnastics was always something she wanted to do, not something she felt forced into. That freedom helped her stay motivated and confident, even during challenges.

We also talk about fun. When Myia briefly explored elite gymnastics, it stopped being enjoyable, and she chose a different path. That decision led her to thrive in college. Now as a coach, she emphasizes that fun is not separate from success. It fuels it.

Another key takeaway is identity outside the sport. Myia had interests, friendships, and support beyond gymnastics, which helped her stay grounded. This made it easier to handle setbacks without losing confidence.

We also explore confidence and consistency. They build each other. Athletes perform better when they feel confident, and confidence grows through preparation, trust, and positive reinforcement.

In this episode you will hear

How choice builds confident athletes
 Why fun drives performance
 How identity outside sport supports resilience
 Why confidence and consistency are connected

In this episode, Myia Hambrick shares simple but powerful ways to help athletes perform at their best while still enjoying the journey.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Supporting athletes with ADHD is not just about managing behavior. It is about understanding how their brain works, how they handle pressure, and how they experience feedback. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast I sit down with Susan Stout to talk about ADHD, anxiety, and how coaches and parents can better support athletes so they can succeed and enjoy their sport.

Susan Stout educates and consults with athletic coaches to bring out the best in athletes who are wired differently, specializing in ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety. She built Own Beat Athlete based on her experience as a junior national level swimmer, select soccer player, coach, teacher, lawyer, and mom to a talented teen athlete with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety.

One of the biggest themes in this conversation is the difference between “I won’t” and “I can’t.” Many athletes with ADHD are often misunderstood as lazy or defiant, when in reality they are overwhelmed. These athletes want to do well, but their brains can make consistency difficult. Shifting this perspective changes how we support them.

We also talk about how ADHD and anxiety often show up together. Some athletes become anxious from years of criticism and pressure, which can lead to fear, avoidance, or emotional reactions. Understanding this helps coaches respond with empathy instead of frustration.

Another key takeaway is the importance of proactive coaching. Getting to know each athlete before issues arise and asking what helps them reset gives coaches an “operating manual” for each kid. This allows athletes to regulate themselves and stay engaged.

We also touch on feedback. Athletes with ADHD are often more sensitive, so positive reinforcement is essential. What coaches say becomes the voice athletes hear in their own head.

In this episode you will hear

• How to tell the difference between “I can’t” and “I won’t”
•  Why ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand
•  How to support athletes before problems happen
•  Why positive feedback builds confidence

In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast Susan Stout shares simple strategies to help athletes with ADHD feel understood, build confidence, and enjoy their sport while performing at their best.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Fueling a gymnast is not just about eating “healthy.” It is about giving the body and brain what they need to perform, recover, and grow. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast I sit down with Dr. Roger Adams to break down what most gymnastics families get wrong about nutrition and how to fix it.

One of the biggest takeaways is that carbs are not the enemy. Many athletes are underfueling because they restrict carbs and calories to stay lean. But carbohydrates are the main source of energy for both the body and the brain. When an athlete does not get enough, performance drops, recovery slows, and injury risk goes up. Simply put, carbs are fuel, not something to fear.

We also talk about the difference between healthy eating and performance fueling. What works for the average kid does not work for an athlete training 20 or more hours a week. Gymnasts need enough calories for performance, recovery, and growth. That means sometimes food is less about being “clean” and more about being effective.

Another key point is how to spot underfueling. It is not always about how an athlete looks. The first signs often show up in their attitude and energy. If they are more tired, less motivated, or not enjoying practice, that can be a red flag. The brain will actually slow the body down to conserve energy when it is not getting enough fuel.

We also dive into injury and recovery. Repeated injuries, slow healing, or constant soreness can be signs that an athlete is not eating enough. Proper fueling helps strengthen bones, muscles, and connective tissue so athletes can handle intense training loads.

One of the most practical takeaways is how to close the recovery gap. Many athletes eat before practice but forget about after. Recovery should start immediately with a simple snack that includes carbs and protein. It does not have to be perfect, just easy to digest and consistent.

We also cover meet day nutrition. When nerves are high, eating can be tough. The key is to fuel before arriving and keep things simple during the meet with quick carbs like fruit or crackers. Small amounts at the right time can make a big difference in performance.

In this episode you will hear

• Why carbs are essential for performance and recovery
•  How underfueling affects mood, motivation, and results
•  Signs your athlete may not be eating enough
•  How to support injury prevention through nutrition
•  Simple ways to improve recovery after practice
•  What to eat before and during competition

In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast Dr. Roger Adams and I share simple, practical strategies to help gymnasts fuel properly, recover faster, and perform with more energy and confidence.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/

Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/

Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com