When faced with challenges, some choose to back down, while others refuse to do so.  Today's guest, Brett Martin, chose the latter when facing a challenge as a teenager.  While setbacks can affect even the most established professionals, Brett reminds us to "do what's comfortable and trust yourself" even when you don't feel like you have it all together in the moment. 

In our conversation with Brett, we explore:

*His relationship with perfectionism (6:16)

*What experiences have molded him into who he is today (10:38)

*What differentiates him from other competitors (13:23)

Throughout our discussion, Brett gives us insight into what challenges his confidence, what he's trying to prove in his career, and how even a serious diagnosis couldn't derail him from realizing his dream and making it a reality. To watch today's episode, please click the following link: https://vimeo.com/359642085

If you interact with Tony Beasley, you'll notice his positive demeanor and relentless pursuit to greet everyone that crosses his path.  His upbeat attitude stems from the belief that we as individuals "get our cup filled" from others, but that we must also "fill the cups of others".  In our conversation with Tony, we discuss:

*The power of words (5:33)

*How words can be weapons for destruction or tools for construction (7:38)

*How everyone is a "work-in-progress" (15:58)

Even though Tony's demeanor exudes positivity, previous life experiences proved to be a major challenge.  What we learn, however, is that these challenges only served to instill a bigger commitment to humility and gratitude.  Tony's views on life, interactions, and what we can do for others shows us how each person we interact with is either a demolition site, or a construction opportunity.  To watch today's interview, please click the following link: https://vimeo.com/363050711

Today we sit down with Texas Rangers All-Star, Joey Gallo. We learn about the critical moments that have shaped his life, as well as what motivates him and how he deals with failure.

In talking with Joey, we gain a better understanding of:

*Who challenged him (8:35)

*The various ups and downs of his career (10:25)

*What helps him maintain confidence, even when he doesn't feel his best (18:23)

Lastly, we discuss his competitive nature and the most crucial advice he would give to his younger self. In this episode, we gain a better understanding of what events make someone who they are, what frustrates them, what motivates them, and we even get to see Joey's artistic skills toward the end of the interview. To watch this interview, please click the following link: https://vimeo.com/362140534

Today Jack fills us in on how we shouldn't take every instance in our lives too seriously. Sport is rife with perfectionism, and we need to see how counterintuitive the expectations for perfection can be. If we can let the unimportant stuff go, we can focus on what matters most. As you listen to this short episode, ask yourself the following: How tightly do you grasp on to the idea of perfection?

Today Jack explains how doing the wrong thing in the moment can seem like the proper route but may cause further issues in the future. In sport, regret or guilt can occur on a regular basis. This could be during one's career, or afterwards. Either way, hindsight is "20/20" as some would say. In order to avoid this guilt, Jack instructs us on the importance of doing the right thing, even when it seems too cumbersome. As you listen, ask yourself the following: What small discomforts can I withstand today that will help me improve in the future?

This is a combination of classrooms, teachings, and thoughts on performance. Mixed, cut, and scratched by DJ Cre One, we honor the modern-day athlete, the field of psychology and music in a unique way.

At first glance, the world of performing arts and sports seem to mix like water and oil. What we learn in today's episode, however, is how similar both the performing arts and sport domains really are.  As we sit down with Dr. Gregory Klug, and discuss his work as a performer and composer, we cover the following:

*Adaptability in the performance environment (13:45)

*Using imagery in the performing arts (21:20)

*Mitigating stress in performance (18:37)

*Being in the zone in one's performance (26:54)

*Using music as a performance tool (32:35)

*Music, modern technology, and brain function (41:55)

As we progress in this interview, the similarities between sport performance and the performing arts become clear. Even though the physical actions differ, the pressure and expectations do not. Artists, like athletes, strive to be the best in their domain. Today's episode helps us draw those connections and realize the importance of preparation, no matter the domain of choice.

Dr. Samuel Sterk's background in sport and performance psychology started in the clinical realm. As a child of Holocaust survivors, he learned early in life about the importance of resiliency and growth, even in times of great duress. As Dr. Sterk grew as a professional, he took the necessary steps to learn to help athletes not only with clinical issues, but performance enhancement as well. In today's discussion with Dr. Sterk, we cover:

*How hypnosis can help with mental and physical setbacks (10:13)

*Positive traits of successful performers (19:02)

*Resiliency as it applies to performance and growth, both personally and professionally (21:26)

*The importance of reframing negative experiences (25:17)

Dr. Sterk's experiences early on taught him tremendous lessons about challenging oneself through struggle. As you listen to today's episode, you will learn how effective both hypnosis and sport psychology tools are to enhancing one's performance and limiting distractions.

To call Mark Uyeyama a passionate individual would be an understatement. As a strength and conditioning professional in the NFL, Mark has learned what it takes to stay relevant in an industry where coaches are replaced at an incredible rate. In today's session with Mark, we discuss:

*Traits of a championship level NFL team (4:38)

*The importance of preparation for high-stakes games (5:30)

*How to thrive through coaching and organizational changes as a sports professional (16:46)

*The importance of criticism as a vetting tool (33:22)

As you listen to Mark discuss his career, one thing stands out: his passion. This passion Mark exhibits is maintained through a dedication to learn and refine his craft. Even though he's been in the industry a while, Mark is a lifelong learner with an undying dedication to help players perform at a higher level.

As a high performer on the football field, Shannon Butler learned what it meant to have faith, not only in religion, but in his teammates, coaches, and himself. As his career came to a close, Shannon's purpose was pulled into the direction of religious service and he eventually became both a pastor and baseball chaplain. Faith is often a word associated with religion and many consider it to be religious in nature. The truth, however, is that faith goes beyond religion, and describes the belief one puts in themselves and others around them- regardless of religious affiliation. In today's episode, we discuss:

*Why faith is important for athletes and coaches from a performance perspective (2:20)

*The value of a beliefs system (5:54)

*Examples of athletes who had faith in themselves and their teammates (23:20)

*One major transformation in Shannon's life that impacted him greatly (36:46)

If you think today's episode is only about religion, you are sadly mistaken. This in-depth discussion with Shannon dives into what it means to be confident in oneself, their teammates, and their coaches. Having "faith" in this sense, boils-down to maintaining confidence in one another to do their job and remain driven, even when times are tough.