The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast

James Brett Wilks is an English film producer, vegan activist, and former professional mixed martial artist. A professional from 2003 until 2012, he competed for the UFC, King of the Cage, and was the winner of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. After winning his title and several UFC fights, it was during a sparring session towards the end of fight camp where he was dealt a major setback injuring both knees. Having limited mobility, it was during his rehabilitation he searched for a way to be productive, so he immersed himself in the science of recovery and proper diet for athletes. In doing so, he came across research, science and scientist that forever changed how he looked at food. This interview is so much about adaptation, debunking limiting beliefs, and seeing how you can reinvent yourself through food.

Jeannie Bartholomew is a professional canopy pilot who (along with her husband, Curt Bartholomew) has put everything she has into the sport of skydiving. She is a member of Team Alter Ego Fastrax, travels the globe to teach canopy piloting skills and compete in events, and holds multiple records: National women’s records: longest distance (127.25 m), fastest speed (2.386 seconds in 2017), fastest speed (2.411 seconds in 2016). North American women’s records: fastest speed, longest distance. State women’s records: Tennessee longest distance and fastest speed, Florida fastest speed, North Carolina fastest speed

With over 9,000 jumps to her credit her goal is to become the world’s best in her sport but first she claims she needs to beat her husband, who is currently ranked #1 in the world.

In this interview that Jeannie was kind enough to allow a few of my student to sit in on, we discuss the importance of routines, visualization, physical endurance, preparation and the attention to detail for maintaining success and safety in this high risk sport. Jeannie’s passion for life and sport can be summed up in this statement: “Your character is defined by how you treat someone who can do nothing for you.”

Bonus Content - Check this out!

https://vimeo.com/426426360?fbclid=IwAR3eoIpRnBGf4-_NUKbSK9KNRTCTDSCBHhFX7Wm3Luh-LLutknYK0dfQq-E

Ladies and Gentlemen, This might just be the most important interview that I’ve ever had.  When I finally got to watching the Netflix documentary “Losers", it ripped my heart open because of the raw honesty of Michael Bentt.  Michael’s emotional courage shows in how he reveals his roller coaster journey from being in a household where fatherly love was conditional to his winning, the high of becoming Heavyweight Champion of the world to the deep abyss of losing the title going through extreme depression, a loss of identity and contemplation of taking his life.  

Choosing the right food source to support what both the mind and the body need for the elite athlete and everyday human being. Leslie is as good as they get when it comes to understanding how food can impact one’s performance. Her resume is a who’s who of professional teams is always in demand for her expertise. I am so glad to hear her to speak on the subject of fad diets (Keto, Paleo, etc.), supplements, hydration and factors critical to keeping ourselves healthy, productive and effective.

More about Leslie

Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, is the owner of ActiveEatingAdvice.com- Be fit, fed and Fearless? – A nutrition consulting company. Her clients include: The National Dairy Council, California Dried Plum Board, The National Peanut Board, Potatoes, USA, Gatorade, Ready Nutrition, General Mills and Douglas Labs. She is the nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs, Carnegie Mellon University athletics and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She was the sports dietitian for the Super Bowl Champ Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Blue Jays, world champion Washington Nationals and teams within the WNBA.

Show Notes

Referenced: 1938 Fueling Young Athletes by Heather Mangieri

(https://www.amazon.com/Fueling-Young-Athletes-Heather-Mangieri/dp/1492522090)

I am so excited to share this interview with Rolando Garza, pitching coordinator for the Tampa Bay Rays.  In this session, he shares his journey from awkward teenage kid to getting drafted out of high school by the Sox organization, his playing experiences as a pro, his eventual transition into coaching and the people who were his greatest influence along the way. This podcast provides great insight and advice for anyone (player or coach) wanting to perform at the highest levels.

You’d never know it but this 1st round draft pick gets nervous and has had to deal with his fair share of adversity. Disappointment came in many packages for Ethan from having to say no to the college of his choice to being a walk on at Miss State without any guarantee; dealing with Tommy John surgery and all the challenges that accompany a major injury and rehabilitation to then reinventing how he was viewed in the eyes of a new coaching staff. Ethan’s story is a must read for those searching answers on why perspective matters, how to gather power from our darkest moments, and the importance of creating a will to win.

In this episode, we have the honor of being invited into the home of Elite Show Jumper Mandy Porter, arguably one of the nicest yet fiercest competitors in the sport. As a professional she’s appeared in multiple Nations Cup teams for the United States, competed in the prestigious FEI World Cup Jumping Finals several times, and been a winner of the $1MM HITS grand prix on the West Coast.

Her personality, openness and humility are an amazing contrast to the high achieving performer that she becomes when she enters the show ring. We discuss her early influences that she credits to this day as being part of the foundation for her process and success. In addition, Mandy talks about mistakes, putting failure into proper perspective, knowing what your job is and finding a balance. I know you’ll love this conversation and like Mandy even more than you did.

In this episode, we visit the world class RVCA Headquarters and with its own state of the art combat training facilities to sit down with professional MMA trainer Jason Parillo whose students include BJ Penn, Cris Cyborg, Rafael Dos Anjos, Tito Ortiz, and a list of others elite fighters.

We discuss a common friend and his former mentor/coach Jesse Reid and what influence he had in Jason’s own coaching style. Also, what it takes to train championship athletes and what it takes to bounce back from failure.

As a heads up, there are a couple of choice adult words (BEWARE) in this episode which is very much a part of the fight world. If you, as a listener or parent have reservations hearing “salty” language then please refrain from hearing this episode.

Thank you and God Bless

- Mario

For more information about how I work with athletes and coaches, visit my website www.mariosoto.com and follow @mariosportsdoc on all major Social Media channels.