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Pressure doesn’t ruin rounds; untrained minds do. Today we unpack how performance psychology turns nerves into fuel and chaos into clarity, with practical tools you can put to work before your next tee shot. We trace the field from early research to modern routines, then translate the best insights into disc golf language: attention control when the card is noisy, emotional regulation when “nervous” feels like “excited,” and visualization that carries the disc all the way to the chains.

We share the learning targets that guide our practice—focus, goal setting, resilience, confidence, stress management, imagery, and decision-making—and show how to build them into simple habits. Think closed-loop routines you can trust under pace-of-play pressure, small-win stacking that rebuilds momentum mid-round, and strategic planning that frontloads choices so your brain can execute instead of overthink. You’ll hear how we use breathing, progressive relaxation, sensory check-ins, and mantras to get present; how we simulate pressure with team golf and match play; and how a 10-second fix from a trusted caddy can save shots without overhauling your form.

We also tackle misconceptions head-on. This isn’t empty positivity or a quick fix. It’s evidence-based training—visualization, cognitive reframing, and measurable goal frameworks—that complements your mechanics and amplifies your strengths. From biofeedback and slow-motion video to UDisc stats and post-round reviews, we outline low-cost ways to track progress and keep confidence honest. Along the way, we trade stories about slumps, gummy-worm celebrations, worst-shot rounds, and the quiet power of staying in your lane when a cardmate’s negativity tries to hijack your headspace.

If you’re ready to level up your bag and your mindset, start with one habit for thirty days and measure the change. Subscribe, share this with a cardmate who loves process and progress, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your focus is your edge—let’s sharpen it.

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Golf mindset coach Debbie O'Connell brings decades of experience to the disc golf world in this transformative conversation about the mental game. As an LPGA professional, bestselling author, and creator of the "Conquer Your Golf Mind" program, O'Connell shares powerful insights that translate perfectly to disc golf's mental challenges.

The episode explores how our thoughts create our reality on the course, with O'Connell introducing game-changing frameworks that help players overcome self-doubt and pressure. Her E+R=O formula (Event + Response = Outcome) demonstrates how we can't control things like weather or slow play, but our response ultimately determines our results. Meanwhile, her BLAB technique (Body Language, Language, Appreciation, Breath) offers a practical method for shifting from frustration to focus in moments when performance matters most.

Perhaps most revealing is O'Connell's perspective on how we interpret others' reactions to our play: "What you think other people are thinking of you is your business and it's very telling." This insight helps players recognize when they're projecting their own insecurities onto others, creating unnecessary pressure. Through stories from her work with professional golfers and the LPGA Leadership Academy, O'Connell illustrates how authenticity and vulnerability actually enhance performance rather than hinder it.

The conversation weaves between practical techniques for immediate implementation and deeper philosophical shifts about how we approach competition. Whether you're struggling with tournament nerves, negative self-talk, or the frustration of inconsistent play, this episode offers tools to transform your relationship with disc golf's mental challenges.

Ready to elevate your mental game? Join Debbie's free five-day mindset challenge at debbie-oconnell.com, where five-minute daily practices can create lasting change in how you approach the course—and life beyond it.

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Ever wondered how the pros prepare for a tournament? In this special live panel discussion, we go deep with five DGPT professionals as they reveal their personal strategies for tournament success at the Cascade Challenge.

Holland Handley, Eric Oakley, Casey White, James Proctor, and Robert Burridge share their approaches to everything from physical recovery between events to mental preparation for technical wooded courses. Their insights expose the reality of life on tour – the grind of travel, the decisions about practice intensity, and the personalized routines that help them perform at their peak.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as the pros discuss course management philosophy, with a particularly illuminating exchange about playing to your strengths rather than forcing textbook shots. "Boring golf is scoring golf," Holland notes, emphasizing the value of consistency over flashy play. Meanwhile, James reveals his surprisingly minimalist practice approach: "When I can step away from disc golf and do some other things unrelated to the sport, I think that helps me stay balanced."

The panel also dives into disc selection strategy, putting techniques, mental game approaches, and even shares stories about their most treasured lost discs. Whether you're a competitive player looking to improve your tournament game or simply fascinated by the inner workings of professional disc golf, this episode offers rare insight into the minds of those competing at the highest level of the sport.

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What if the secret to elevating your disc golf game isn't about physical technique at all, but rather mastering what happens between your ears? Joel Turner, renowned mental performance expert and founder of Shot IQ and Mind IQ, joins us to share revolutionary insights that will transform how you think about the mental side of disc golf.

Turner blows our minds with his explanation of what he calls "the ultimate human skill"—the ability to get loud in your head with the right words at the right moments. Through clear, practical examples, he breaks down exactly how your internal dialogue controls your disc golf performance, from those frustrating putting yips to executing perfect drives under pressure.

We dive deep into the science of open and closed loop control systems, revealing why trying to fix your form during a throw almost always backfires. Joel shares the mental game equation that applies universally across all human performance: understanding where, when, and how to direct your conscious mind into specific tasks at specific moments. You'll learn why focusing on a chain link during putting works (and it's not just about aim), how to overcome anxiety on the course, and practical drills to practice getting louder than your thoughts.

What makes this episode truly special is how immediately applicable these concepts are. Whether you're struggling with inconsistency, tournament nerves, or those inexplicable moments where your body won't execute what your brain intends, Turner's frameworks provide clarity and solutions you can implement immediately. The conversation moves seamlessly between detailed disc golf applications and broader life skills, showing how these same mental techniques apply to everything from professional performance to managing everyday anxiety.

Ready to change more than just your disc golf game? Listen now and discover how to harness the power of your own voice to transform your performance on the course and beyond.

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What happens when a professional agroecologist with a passion for disc golf decides to tackle a deteriorating course? The answer is a revolutionary approach to course restoration that could change how we think about disc golf sustainability nationwide.

Kris Pendleton, project lead for the NAD Restoration Project, joins us to share how his team is transforming the Naval Ammunition Depot Park disc golf course in Washington through ecological principles and community engagement. With an estimated 40,000 rounds played annually, NAD Park was showing clear signs of degradation—exposed roots, compacted soil, and eroding fairways. Rather than accepting this as inevitable, Pendleton saw an opportunity.

Through creative applications of mulching, pathway development, and native plantings, the NAD Rangers are demonstrating how courses can actually improve with use rather than deteriorate. Their approach goes beyond simple maintenance to incorporate wildlife habitat, artistic elements, and educational opportunities. Most remarkably, they've achieved all this without municipal funding, instead leveraging community partnerships, volunteer labor, and innovative fundraising.

The implications reach far beyond a single course. As disc golf explodes in popularity—with over 500 new municipal courses added nationwide last year alone—the need for sustainable approaches to course design and maintenance has never been greater. The NAD Restoration Project offers a blueprint that other communities can adapt, potentially transforming how we think about our relationship with disc golf courses everywhere.

Whether you're a course manager, club leader, or simply a player who loves beautiful courses, this conversation will change how you see the ground beneath your feet on your next round. The future of disc golf isn't just about playing courses—it's about becoming stewards of these special places.

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Sarah Hokom, 2012 World Champion and four-time major winner, takes us on a captivating journey through her remarkable disc golf career. From her first round in 2007 where she witnessed an ace that hooked her into the sport, to developing her signature sidearm dominance that set her apart in competition, Sarah shares the honest reality of professional disc golf with refreshing authenticity.

The mental game takes center stage as Sarah reveals how Bob Rotella's sports psychology principles transformed her competitive performance overnight. "That's how I started winning immediately," she explains, detailing the shift from outcome-focused anxiety to process-oriented confidence. Her insights on handling tournament pressure, recovering from mistakes, and maintaining perspective when everything feels like life-or-death on the course offer practical wisdom for players at any level.

Life on tour comes alive through Sarah's colorful stories – from sleeping in tents behind Walmart with a knife for protection, to her heartbreaking car accident while leading the 2015 World Championships by seven strokes. Beyond competition, she provides valuable perspectives on women's participation in disc golf, highlighting how creating supportive female-focused environments can foster sustainable love for the sport. Looking forward, her vision to develop courses serving the 99% of recreational players rather than just the competitive 1% demonstrates her commitment to growing disc golf's accessibility and community impact.

Whether you're fascinated by the professional tour, struggling with your mental game, or interested in disc golf's future in collegiate sports and the Olympics, this conversation offers thoughtful insights that will enhance your appreciation for this rapidly evolving sport. Subscribe now and join our community of intentional disc golfers committed to playing with purpose!

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In this engaging episode of the Intentional Disc Golfer Podcast, we hear from Ryan Skaife, who shares an inspiring journey from Wisconsin to Tanzania, where he is using disc golf to create social change. As he discusses his mission to introduce the sport to Tanzania, Ryan details the deep connections he has developed with the community and how disc golf can serve not only as a recreational activity but also as an economic driver for sustainable agriculture and community building.

Through heartfelt anecdotes, Ryan illustrates the power of sport in fostering relationships, promoting inclusivity, and addressing pressing issues, particularly food security. He discusses plans for establishing disc golf courses in several regions, emphasizing the cultural significance of these efforts in uniting people from different backgrounds and facilitating learning opportunities. 

Listeners will gain insight into how they can support this initiative, whether by participating in training programs, engaging in cultural exchanges, or simply spreading the word about this transformative journey. Disc golf has consistently proven to be more than just a game; it is a vehicle for connection, empowerment, and healing. Dive into this uplifting conversation, and discover how you can be part of a global movement that spans continents, inspires communities, and transforms lives. Join us in taking the first steps toward a brighter future for disc golf in Tanzania and beyond. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help amplify this important message!

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What if you could transform your life and community through a sport that’s both adaptable and inclusive? Join us on the Intentional Disc Golfer Podcast as we chat with the legendary Scott Stokely. Scott isn’t just a renowned figure in the world of disc golf; he's a testament to the sport's power to build bridges and foster growth. His journey, from the early days of disc golf to becoming an influential player and mentor, offers valuable insights into the evolution of the game. Through his stories, you'll discover the profound impact of disc golf on personal and communal development, underscoring its ability to unite people from various backgrounds.

This episode goes beyond the technicalities of disc golf, exploring how shared hobbies can enhance personal relationships and promote self-improvement. We delve into the role of sports in children's lives and the balancing act parents must perform to support their kids’ emotional investment while keeping outcomes in perspective. We also reflect on the transformative potential of disc golf, especially for families with special needs, offering a sport that adapts to individual abilities and fosters an inclusive environment. Our conversations are enriched with personal anecdotes and stories that reveal how disc golf can be a source of peace, purpose, and joy for individuals of all abilities.

Explore the intricacies of disc golf mechanics and the importance of practice and repetition. Learn how advancements in technology have changed the game and how teaching and sharing these insights can elevate the disc golf community. Discover Scott Stokely’s ventures into disc manufacturing, with his unique approach to combining passion with business, and hear about the exciting developments in disc designs. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, this episode promises to inspire and encourage you to embrace the vibrant and supportive community of disc golf.

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Ever wondered how to truly optimize your disc golf game with purpose and strategy? Join us, Brandon and Jenni Czuprynski, on the Intentional Disc Golfer Podcast as we share our latest disc golf escapades and offer insights on perfecting your disc selection and bag setup. We recount a memorable round at Fort Steilacoom with friends Ed Call and Jason Boyd and gear up for upcoming tournaments like the Evergreen Women's Series.

Imagine stepping onto the course with a disc golf bag perfectly tailored to your playstyle and the day's conditions. We dive into the art of bag building, from selecting the right bag size to understanding the importance of carrying strategic backups. Our discussion extends to the nuances of different disc plastics, offering tips on how to ensure consistency and confidence with every throw. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned pro, we've got practical advice and personal stories to help you create a setup that stands up to the challenges of any course or tournament.

But a perfect disc golf setup isn't just about the discs—preparation and comfort play a crucial role in your performance. We've compiled a list of essential gear, from snacks and hydration to sunscreen and rain gear, ensuring you're ready for anything. So, pack your bags, embrace the quirks, and join us for an engaging blend of advice and entertainment that celebrates everything we love about disc golf.

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Can gyroscopic forces and aerodynamics truly transform your disc golf game? Join us as we navigate the world of disc flight physics, sharing the secrets we’ve unearthed about why your favorite disc might not be behaving the way you expect. From our rollercoaster experience at SeaTac to our spirited studio antics, this episode promises a blend of laughter and learning as we dive into the science of disc selection and performance.

As we dissect the mechanics of disc flight, you'll discover why refining your technique can often be more beneficial than upgrading your gear. We tackle common misconceptions, like the knee-jerk reaction to choose heavier discs, and instead highlight the benefits of starting with lightweight, understable options. With personal stories and various tournament tales, we aim to equip you with a deeper understanding of how factors like spin and momentum can dramatically alter your game.

Our discussions are peppered with humor and candid insights, offering practical advice for achieving consistency in disc flight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to disc golf, we invite you to explore the intriguing dynamics of disc behavior with us. And while we unravel these concepts, we also remind you to enjoy the chaos of learning something new. Let's embrace the journey and share a few laughs along the way, as we continue to build our vibrant disc golf community.

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To support this podcast or arrange for an interview please contact us at [email protected]