In this conversation, Coby and Jon explore the intersection of mindfulness, personal growth, and coaching in the world of sports. Coby shares his journey from being a player to a coach, emphasizing the importance of meditation, family dynamics, and the challenges of navigating fame. They discuss the significance of creating a positive team culture, the art of listening, and building trust with players. Coby reflects on his coaching philosophy and the lessons learned from his experiences, highlighting the need for patience and understanding in the coaching process. In this conversation, Coby discusses the importance of the human side of coaching, emphasizing the need for connection and understanding among players. He shares insights on incorporating mindfulness and meditation into coaching practices, balancing preparation with intuition during games, and fostering resilience within teams. Coby also highlights the significance of empowering players and creating a player-led environment, while reflecting on his own growth and future goals in the coaching realm.

About Coby:

Coby Karl is a seasoned basketball coach, former professional player, and advocate for mindfulness in sports. The son of Hall of Fame coach George Karl, Coby carved his own path in the basketball world, playing in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers and other teams before transitioning into coaching. Known for his thoughtful approach to player development, Coby has served as a head coach in the NBA G League, where he earned respect for fostering winning cultures while emphasizing personal growth.

Coby’s coaching philosophy blends traditional basketball fundamentals with innovative mental performance strategies. Drawing from his experiences under legendary figures like Phil Jackson, Coby integrates mindfulness practices like meditation and visualization into team routines, helping athletes perform with focus and resilience. His leadership style emphasizes connection, empowerment, and a deep understanding of individual player journeys.

Off the court, Coby is a dedicated family man and lifelong learner. He openly shares lessons from his own struggles with anxiety and self-discovery, using them to guide players toward self-awareness and confidence. Whether mentoring young athletes or collaborating with elite professionals, Coby’s mission is clear: to help players unlock their full potential by mastering the mental game.

keywords: mindfulness, meditation, coaching, sports psychology, personal growth, family dynamics, communication, listening, team culture, winning, coaching, mindfulness, team dynamics, resilience, player empowerment, meditation, leadership, human connection, NBA, sports psychology

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In this meditation, Jon Giesbrecht dives into the concept of the inner critic, tailoring it specifically for basketball players. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and separating oneself from the negative self-talk that often creeps in after missed shots, turnovers, or tough games. Jon guides athletes through a series of exercises and a mindfulness meditation designed to engage with their inner critic, transforming it into a source of growth instead of doubt.

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Get back to Playing Free On and Off the Court! A short recording from Jon.

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Unlock the secrets to overcoming passive play and reaching peak performance on the Playfree Podcast. Ever wondered why athletes falter despite knowing the game plan like the back of their hand? We promise to unravel this conundrum by sharing insights into the constant tug-of-war between instant gratification and the dedication needed for long-term success. Through compelling discussions, learn practical strategies to dismantle mental barriers, set specific action goals, and utilize game footage to enhance assertiveness. We shine a spotlight on the power of focusing on personal actions instead of external pressures, offering a riveting case study of a client who revolutionized her game through goal-setting and self-accountability.

In our latest episode, we explore how personalized goal-setting can significantly elevate athletic performance. Instead of aiming for unrealistic targets, we guide athletes to bravely step just outside their comfort zones, embracing manageable challenges. Discover how small, strategic actions can drastically shift mindsets—whether it's being a decisive shooter or mastering the art of creating separation on the court. We also share how reframing scoring as a product of timing can enhance opportunities naturally. By prioritizing action over motivation, even simple pre-game rituals like light warmups or engaging in high-fives can propel confidence and focus, setting the stage for athletes to truly unlock their full potential.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the common mental challenges high-performance athletes face, particularly basketball players, when dealing with fear on the court. Jon shares a powerful tool to help athletes recognize and break free from unhelpful patterns like fear of failure, perfectionism, overthinking, and more. By bringing awareness to these patterns, athletes can build unshakable confidence and start playing free. This episode introduces concepts like shadow work and inner child work to empower players to take control of their mental game and shift from reactive to proactive in high-pressure situations.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Your Mind Journal – Start doing the work with our Free Your Mind journal. It’s designed to help you uncover and shift your limiting beliefs. Buy it on Amazon.
• Play Free Threads – Get your Play Free merch and proudly represent athletes who are mastering the mental game. Shop Now.
• Contact Jon for Mentorship:
  Message Jon on Instagram with the word "LEAD" to see if you’re the right fit for his mentorship program.

Support the Podcast:

• Rate our podcast 5 stars to help more athletes discover these tools.
• Share this episode with a teammate who could benefit from the mental game insights.
• Post on your Instagram story and tag @playfreebball for a chance to be featured.

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In this powerful episode of the Play Free Podcast, Jon offers a deep reflection on detaching from outcomes and staying present, especially in high-pressure moments like dealing with referees. Drawing from his own experiences, Jon shares the mindset shift that helped him overcome frustration and reactivity, offering listeners a guided meditation to cultivate calm, resilience, and emotional control on the court.

Key Takeaways:

• Success is the Journey: Learn how to reframe your perspective on success by focusing on the process rather than the destination.
• Mindfulness and Presence: Jon explores the power of being present, acknowledging how most things are out of your control, and how to use that realization to your advantage in both life and basketball.
• Calming Your Mind: Jon shares his personal experiences with poor officiating and how to handle moments of frustration in a way that serves your game, not hinders it.
• Guided Meditation: A meditation to help athletes let go of frustration, cultivate positive energy, and approach challenges with a clearer mind, all while staying rooted in self-love.

Looking to support Play Free? Rate our podcast 5 stars, share it with your teammates, or share it on your Instagram story.

Buy our new journal, "Free Your Mind," on Amazon and check out the link here:

Amazon Canada: https://a.co/d/cnXJzms

Amazon USA: https://a.co/d/dhZuFjI

For exclusive Play Free merch, visit ⁠PlayFreeThreads.com⁠ and show the world that you’re mastering the mental game.

Thanks for listening!

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In this special Canadian Thanksgiving episode of the Play Free Podcast, Jon explores the power of the 5:1 positive to negative ratio and how it can shape your relationships, mindset, and performance on and off the basketball court. He delves into how the same principle used for sustainable relationships can be applied to your game and your relationship with yourself.

Jon also touches on:

• The honeymoon phase in relationships and teams
• The challenges that arise as you invest more time and energy in the game
• Why negativity can derail your focus faster than you think
• The importance of taking time each day to acknowledge the good, even if it’s just for 10-15 seconds
• The impact of consistent, positive reinforcement on your mental game and overall confidence

Jon’s Play Free Challenge will push you to:

1. Slow down and install good moments into your mind and body.
2. Eliminate bad days by shifting your focus to the positive and reflecting on how far you’ve come.
3. Get into the habit of journaling to reinforce what's working and build up your positive ratio.

Looking to support Play Free? Rate our podcast 5 stars, share it with your teammates, or share it on your Instagram story.

Buy our new journal, "Free Your Mind," on Amazon and check out the link here:

Amazon Canada: https://a.co/d/cnXJzms

Amazon USA: https://a.co/d/dhZuFjI

For exclusive Play Free merch, visit PlayFreeThreads.com and show the world that you’re mastering the mental game.

Thanks for listening and Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

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In this episode, Jon dives into a powerful lesson for basketball players and athletes everywhere—the paradox of power. He explains how the difference between liking the moment and wanting the outcome can transform your game and mindset, both on and off the court. Jon shares how the pressure to control outcomes can cause us to lose the very thing we're striving for. Instead, he encourages listeners to focus on enjoying the process, staying present, and allowing the game to flow naturally.

Key Points:

• The Paradox of Power: Trying to hold onto a great moment or experience in basketball can cause it to slip away. The key is to enjoy the moment without attaching yourself to the outcome.
• Liking vs. Wanting: Liking is about appreciating the present moment—whether it's the feel of the ball, the movement of your body, or the energy of the game. Wanting, on the other hand, creates pressure and rigidity when you cling to specific outcomes like winning or praise.
• Playing with Freedom: When you let go of the need to control the outcome, your game becomes lighter, more fluid, and ultimately more effective. It’s about finding joy in the process rather than stressing over results.
• Spiritual Journey of Basketball: Basketball is more than a game—it's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection. It teaches you about yourself and the world around you, helping you become a better human being.
• Challenge for Listeners: Jon challenges athletes to bring a "cosmic giggle" to the game, reminding them that it's just a game, and the less seriously they take it, the more creative and unstoppable they become.

Connect with Jon:

Want to learn more about how you can help yourself thrive in basketball and in life?

Text Jon at +1 431 866 2256 to learn more, text LEAD.

Want 1-1 coaching to get past your fears and overthinking?

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Support us by rating our podcast 5 stars!

Buy our Free Your Mind Journal to Beat Overthinking

In today’s episode, Jon talks directly to parents about how the way you speak to your child can make all the difference in their athletic journey. As a coach with 20 years of experience working with athletes at every level, Jon shares his powerful insights on how parents can be a positive influence in their child’s sports performance.

Key Points:

• The Parent’s Impact: Jon explains how the right kind of support and language can help boost your child’s confidence and growth. Instead of focusing on mistakes or outcomes, you can shift to language that encourages effort and progress.

• Changing the Conversation: Using his experience in mental performance, Jon shows how shifting from criticism to affirmation can reshape your child’s mindset and set them up for long-term success.

• Practical Tips for Parents: Jon gives simple strategies for changing how you talk to your child. From asking growth-oriented questions to celebrating effort, you can help create an environment where they feel supported and motivated.

• A 14-Day Challenge: Jon challenges parents to focus on either avoiding comparisons or praising effort over results for the next 14 days. Track the changes in how you communicate and see the difference it makes for your child.

Connect with Jon:

Want to learn more about how you can help your child thrive in sports and life? Reach out to Jon for personalized guidance:

• Text Jon at +1 431 866 2256 to learn more about how his Play Free Basketball program can help your child develop confidence and mental resilience.
• Follow Jon on Instagram at @playfreebball for more tips and insights.

Share this Episode:If this episode was helpful to you, share it with other parents who want to support their child’s athletic growth and well-being!

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Here's a short talk with Jon to help you zoom out with your perspective on your basketball career.

How to support?

Review our podcast, share on Instagram, on send me a message sharing your experience for how you're applying these concepts.

Want 1-1 coaching to get past your fears and overthinking?

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Support us by rating our podcast 5 stars!

Buy our Free Your Mind Journal to Beat Overthinking