The Odyssey Effect

I am honoured and thrilled to be joined today on the Unlocking your mind podcast by USA Heptathlete Chari Hawkins.

Chari is an incredibly exciting talent. Among her impressive accolades are: she is a five-time All American, she has won the Bronze model at the US indoor championships and before that, she became the outdoor British champion in 2018, which then lead her to represent the United States in the 2019 World championships, Chari has since been working towards realizing her dream and competing at the Tokyo Olympics.

During the course of the podcast, we discussed Chari’s journey from where it all began in her home state of Idaho. We discussed the power of mental training that Chari does to get the best out of herself and overcome performance anxiety which has been the biggest battle in her career to date.

We also discuss the power of affirmations, meditation, visualization, journaling, goal setting, and how we can overcome anxiety.

What I really like about Chari is she uses her Instagram to help others become the best versions of themselves, she is open and honest about the highs and lows in her career. She is a real role model, who is inspiring people daily.

My guest on the unlocking podcast today is none other than former Welsh international rugby player Eli Walker. During his rugby career,  Eli played for the Ospreys on 75 occasions, scoring a really impressive 110 points during that time. These performances earnt him several call ups to the national Welsh squad, However,  Injury kept ruling him out. That was until the summer of 2015, where Eli won his first well earnt and overdue Welsh cap against Ireland.

From following Eli’s career, and being a supporter of the Ospreys, I can tell you as many of you know Eli was a phenomenal rugby player who played rugby with such flare and electricity, it seems unfair and cruel that at the age 25 he was forced to retire due to a back injury.

During the podcast, we speak about his career, mindset Injuries, what drives him, and what that time was like when he was forced to retire.  Eli is honest and refreshingly open with the setbacks and the struggles he faced and overcame. 

I have such huge respect for Eli. He is a great Father, he has completed his masters in strength and conditioning and set himself new goals and challenges.

Eli offers great advice on the lessons he has learnt in his career.

This is an incredibly empowering listen. Anyone who has been forced to retire, or faced a serious injury, I think all people can take a lot from this.

Enjoy.

During this episode, I sat down with Ben John. A former professional rugby player for the Ospreys and Dragons. Ben discusses his rugby journey. Focusing on where it began, who inspired him to become a rugby player and how he overcame the obstacles in his career, that caused him to retire from rugby at the age of 27. Ben talks openly and honestly about the lessons he has learned and how important it is to prioritise your physical and mental health.

Ben also discusses his new career as a fitness coach as a Head coach at 'Manor London' and also his new business called '9twelverugby'.

Dai Greene is truly an impressive individual. He represents Team GB and Wales in the 400 metre hurdles and 400 metre relay. The Welshman has achieved accolades such as World champion, European champion and Commonwealth champion.

Dai discusses his proudest achievement in his career. The disappointment of missing the 2016 Rio Olympics and what it takes to become a World champion.

Dai gives great insight into his journey and where it all began. He also gives great advice from the lessons he has learnt along the way. Along with his sporting goals for the future.

During this podcast, I was given the privilege to have a chat with Olympic GB sprinter, Ashleigh Nelson.

Ashleigh has had a wealth of success in her career. She has won medals at the World Championships, European Champions, and Commonwealth Games. Where she represented GB and England in the 4x100 metre Relay.

Along with Ashleigh's impressive accomplishments, she became the first GB female athlete in 40 years to win a medal at the European Championships in the 100 meters.

Ashleigh is incredibly inspiring. Throughout the podcast, we discuss her journey, injuries, mindset, inspiration, and what it takes to strive to become the best in the world.

During this episode, I speak to Olympic swimmer Shane Ryan. Shane discusses his impressive journey from growing up in the USA, to then representing Ireland in the Olympic games and placing 3rd in the world championships.

Shane talks honestly and openly about his career and the hardships he has faced. Shane discusses how his hardships changed his mindset into an incredibly positive and powerful one. 

This discussion offers a fantastic insight into what it takes to be a world-class athlete, along with advice he has for others.

 I chatted with former New Zealand international rugby player Lima Sopoaga. We discussed his impressive rugby career to date.

Lima gives an amazing insight into what it takes to play at the highest level, for the most successful rugby team ever: The New Zealand All Blacks.

We also discuss advice, the importance of enjoying the journey, friendships he has made, the lessons he has learnt along the way, and how you should face setbacks.

I hope you enjoy this episode.