In Episode 136, Ruth Brennan Morrey, Mental Performance Coach with RBM Performance Coaching, Ironman and amateur World Champion Triathlete, former University of Wisconsin-Madison and semi-pro footballer, talks with Phil and Paul about her journey from college and semi-pro soccer to the Olympics to Ironman Triathlons, and what she has learned about life and leadership on her journey, the importance of unstructured free play, building confidence through “ESPs,” reaching our “true potential,” her work with RBM Performance Coaching, building an “Ideal Team Family,” and much more. Specifically, Ruth discusses:

·      Her personal story, including how she grew his passion for soccer, leadership, triathlons, and mental performance coaching (3:50)

·      The impact John Wooden has had on her life and work, and why it is important to apply some of the “Wooden Principles” in our coaching today (12:24)

·      Her trip to Guatemala with Warrior Way and how it impacted her life (15:25)

·      Her personal why/life purpose and how she is living it out (18:05)

·      The benefits of unstructured free play and all that our kids miss when they don’t have it in their lives on a regular basis (22:15)

·      RBM Performance Coaching, how it came to be, and what she is doing with it (32:08)

·      How we can coach our players to be more confident (34:26)

·      How she defines “True Potential” (40:15)

·      The concept of “Ideal Team Family” and why it is so important (47:39)

·      Life and leadership lessons she has learned during her time as a triathlete (58:52)

·      How she has used lessons learned from soccer in her marriage and parenting (1:02:10)

·      Her recommendations (1:04:27)

Resources and Links from this Episode

·      RBM Performance Coaching website

·      Video of the Episode

·      HSEL Facebook Group

·      Warrior Way Soccer

·      Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast)

·      Coaching the Bigger Game Program

·      Phil’s email for DISC Training

·      Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes, Alfie Kohn

·      The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance, Dr. Nate Zinsser

·      Clear Coaching: Harness Clarity to Drive Development, Todd Beane

·      Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear

The Coach’s Guide to Teaching, Doug Lemov