S6 E9: Athlete-Centered Skating w/Garrett Lucash

We had the honor of sitting down with competitive figure skating coach, Garrett Lucash, to talk about his athlete-centered approach to coaching figure skaters. Garrett is a former competitive figure skater himself, with countless accolades as one of the best skaters in the world during his prime (see his bio). However, Garrett’s meaningful journey extends well beyond his medals and outward accomplishments. He has paved a new way of coaching in competitive figure skating, known as ‘athlete-centered skating’. His unique approach aims to support athletes’ long-term growth and development as athletes and as humans in a sustainable and empowering way. His approach is based upon aspects of sport science, psychology, and education. This episode is filled with a depth and breadth of stories, wisdom, and insights that coaches can integrate into their day to day interactions with athletes.

Garrett Lucash is a retired competitive figure skater with accolades ranging from being ranked 12 in the world, being a 3-time US World Team Member (and 3-time Junior World Team Member), and a 2-time Olympic Team Alternate. His passion for the sport did not end once his competitive career ended; no, Garrett has gone on to coach competitive skaters since then for over 20 years. Garrett has won numerous coaching awards for his innovative ways of using sport science and psychology in his coaching, most recently earning the US Figure Skating 2023 Doc Counsilman Science and Technology Award. This award is given to the best coaches in all Olympic Sports. Garrett is a Team USA Coach; he is a member of the US Figure Skating Sport Science and Medicine Committee; he is Chair of the Professional Skaters Association Sport Science Committee where he creates curriculum for coaches continuing education; and he recently published a book titled “A Constraints-led Approach to Figure Skating”, published in 2022 by Routledge. Following his time in Boston at the Skating Club of Boston, Garrett brought his Athlete Centered Center program to the Detroit Skating Club where he is the Coaches Education Director.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by CyberSound Recording Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Tom Hanicak - artist, educator, art therapist, and beyond - to discuss what it means to allow artistic expression to flow through us all. Tom shares his personal journey of not understanding his own creative energies as a child and ultimately finding his way into an art therapy program, in which he was able to harness and connect his passions for creative expression with his deep care for humanity and helping others.

Tom goes on to share his personal experiences with allowing the ‘artist in him’ to take the wheel and drive in his life, which is something that had been suppressed for so many years as a misunderstood youth and student. Gerald and Alexis bring in themes of mental health, psychotherapy, learning and education, and more, as this episode brings together so many pieces of the human experience, including individuality, community, and self-love.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd Streaming Everywhere (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.). Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

S6 E7: The Psychology of Athletic Coaching w/Dr. John McCarthy

What goes into coaching in sports? Is it more than x’s and o’s? Is it more than just yelling orders at players to do what they are told? What is the psychology that is involved within coach-athlete relationships? What are the educational principles of teaching and learning that are part of coaching? What are the systematic and cultural aspects that influence the sport experience? In this episode, we answer these questions and more with Dr. John McCarthy, aka “Coach Mac,” who is a beloved clinical associate professor in the Applied Human Development graduate program at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development where he is in charge of the Sports Coaching specialization and also teaches and supervises the Sport Psychology students. This is an incredibly helpful resource for anyone in a leadership or coaching role, whether you are involved in sports or not.

S6 E6: Embracing the Journey w/ Meditation Teacher Fez Aswat

In the turbulent moments of life when deep questions or difficult experiences can shape our reality, meditation can serve as a vehicle to ground us to explore and feel presence, return to our breath, and is also an opportunity to grapple with the internal conflicts or curiosities that arise. For Alexis, she has been privileged to work with Fez Aswat as a teacher, guide, and friend for about 8 years. Fez Aswat is a meditation teacher and coach for individuals, teams, and organizations. He co-founded the Boston Dharma Collective, bostondharma.org, with his teaching partner Ryan Cunningham, where he teaches online meditation classes and retreats. His Buddhist study and practice are based on the Theravadin and Mahayana traditions, guiding his teaching to help students integrate practice into our modern world. He has been through quite a bit in his own life, but continues to navigate through challenge and change with grace, curiosity, and patience, as he returns to his practice and cushion for insight and support.

He leads with kindness and walks his talk by deepening his knowledge and practice with each passing day to show up for himself and those he cares most about, which he extends to his students and those he works with. We are incredibly grateful to have had this discussion to share more about meditation with the ReidConnect-ED Podcast listeners.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

S6 E5: Bringing Creative Ideas to Life w/Music Producer Mike Midura

What does it take to pursue a career in music production? In this interview, we get a behind the scenes understanding of what it's like for a music producer to bring creative ideas to life in a studio. We are joined by the incredibly talented Mike Midura of @CyberSoundRecordingStudios When creative people bring Mike their ideas and music, and he serves as your producer, Mike can potentially contribute to many different aspects of producing songs and albums.

In this episode, we discuss the relational aspects between a creator and producer, such as having a vision, communication patterns, mutual respect and understanding, trust, and experimentation. Mike also talks about his personal journey in becoming a music producer, from his multidimensional and formative musical experiences as a youth, to earning a degree from Berklee College of Music, and all the way to working in the Boston, MA studio.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

S6 E4: Being Enough - Exploring Perfectionism w/Dr. Ellen Hendriksen

When will it ever be enough? When will I be enough? These are the questions people with perfectionistic tendencies ruminate over, oftentimes without definitive answers. In this incredibly informative and insightful interview, we expand upon our original episode on perfectionism (S2E3) with a top expert, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, who recently released her second book “How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists.” In this conversation, we discuss the nuances of identifying perfectionistic tendencies, how perfectionism manifests across different contexts, what therapy for perfectionism looks like, and stories that bring this important topic to light. This episode is timely and significant given the immense cultural and technological shifts in society over the past few decades that have pushed people further toward an obsession with optimization and productivity while also grappling with the concept and meaning of self-acceptance. We explore the pros and cons of perfectionism in a nuanced way, which is what we strive to do on this podcast.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well. The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid, M.A. and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

Streaming everywhere.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

S6 E3: Fostering Engagement in Learning w/UDL expert Allison Posey.

In a world of checks and boxes, especially in work and learning, our goal is to have listeners think about what is possible to transform their own lives. The way we engage in all we do is often a choice, but the transformation and level of engagement can be increased when we have appropriate access to the possibilities.

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by friend and colleague, Allison Posey who is an expert in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and author of: “Engage the Brain: How to Design for Learning that Taps into the Power of Emotions” and “Unlearning: Changing Your Beliefs and Your Classroom with UDL”. Our discussion with Allison traverses the possibilities that educators and designers of all environments- which we believe are all learning environments- can proactively plan for to accommodate variability. When we design with flexibility and access in mind, we ultimately create greater equity and facilitate engagement in learning.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

It's not every day that someone dedicates their life to playing harmonica… but when they do, they can do something extraordinary. Shane Sager has proven himself to be a unique sound and masterful musician on the harmonica. To boil down Shane's life to just being a harmonica player would be an understatement, so we took the opportunity to traverse so many parts of his interests, experiences, and wisdom on this episode of the Reid Connect-ED Podcast. Shane is incredibly thoughtful, curious, and passionate.

Listen in to learn about what it took to become such a skilled musician, lessons he learned while touring with the incomparable Sting, deep dives into literature, performance psychology, the nuances of teaching and learning, and so much more. Whether you are a music fan, interested in how musicians hone their craft, or just looking for inspiration in life, this episode has something for everyone. Shane's upcoming book will be entitled: Beyond Breath: The Journey of A Harmonica Player is his first book, being released in May 2025. You can find his writings on Substacks @shanesager

S6 E1: Facing Fears

This may be one of the most important episodes we have recorded thus far in thinking about how facing fears can often be the impetus for creating positive change in one’s life. In this episode Alexis & Jerry have a nuanced conversation about facing fears through exposure.

Oftentimes fear can keep us stuck in repeated behaviors, more comfortable situations, or even hinder our willingness to create positive change. When we turn toward, rather than against our fears, we can often uncover opportunities and options we may have never imagined.

This episode traverses the intricacies of exposure therapy, neuro-developmental implications of avoiding that which we fear, motivations for change, and so much more. Alexis even opens up about a fear she faced with Dr. Reid walking her through a mock therapy session. He also pulls the curtain back to narrate some of his decisions in the process to share example perspectives from a psychologist helping a patient through an exposure to fear.

After listening, you may walk away with a new appreciation for fear, what it may teach us, and what we can do to face it with guidance and support.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast

Reid, Gerald and Reid, Alexis (Hosts). (2025, February 25). A Facing Fears (Season 6, Episode 1) [Audio podcast episode]. In The Reid Connect-Ed Podcast. LINK

In this episode, Gerald and Alexis have a very nuanced discussion around the topic of acceptance. There are many therapies that revolve around acceptance. This discussion focuses on the psychological aspects and concepts that pertain to how individuals can understand, grapple with, and figure out where and how acceptance fits in their life.

Be curious. Be Open. Be well.

The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by Cyber Sound Studios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid.

*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.

Follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidConnectEd

Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcast