Best How Do I Reach Peak Performance Podcasts (2025)

1
The Future of Cal Gymanstics with Geralen Stack-Eaton 39:03

Play Pause

3d ago39:03

39:03

There is something truly powerful about a coach who sees more than just the athlete in front of them. Someone who understands that success is not just about medals but about growth, confidence, and character. In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sat down with Geralen Stack Eaton, the new head coach of Cal Gymnastics, and discovered…

1
What Not to Do When Having a Mental Block 20:08

10d ago20:08

20:08

There is nothing more frustrating than watching your gymnast freeze on a skill they know how to do. One day it looks easy, and the next day, fear and hesitation take over. It can leave both of you confused and unsure how to help. In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I talk about the things that actually make mental blocks worse and w…

1
When is it Time to Leave a Toxic Training Environment 18:12

17d ago18:12

18:12

There is nothing more painful than watching your athlete lose their love for the sport they once adored. The stomach aches before practice, the tears in the car, the fear that never used to be there. It breaks your heart. In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking about toxic training environments. These are gyms where kids fee…

1
How Sarah Neumayer Overcame the Twisties 32:59

24d ago32:59

32:59

By Rebecca Smith

1
Are Smart Kids More Prone to Anxiety? 15:14

1M ago15:14

15:14

Ever noticed your brilliant, sensitive gymnast getting stuck in their own head? You’re not alone. As a sports psychology expert, I’ve seen countless smart kids struggle with mental blocks, and today I want to share some hope and practical advice. What Makes Smart Kids Different in Sports Intelligent athletes often have some common traits: They’re i…

1
How to Shut Down a Bully in Gymnastics (Even the One in Your Head) 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

There is nothing more painful than hearing words that cut into your confidence. Maybe someone told you that you will never get that skill, or that you are not good enough, or that you are holding the team back. Even if you try to ignore it, those comments can sit in your mind and make you question yourself again and again. In this week’s episode of…

1
How to Know if You're Making Your Mental Block Worse 13:05

2M ago13:05

13:05

There is nothing more frustrating than watching your athlete finally get a skill… only to lose it the very next day. One step forward, two steps back. Skills appear, then disappear, leaving athletes, parents, and coaches in a cycle of confusion and discouragement. In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m diving into what I call “Yo-Y…

1
How to Actually Reach Your Goals in Gymnastics 11:59

2M ago11:59

11:59

There is nothing more frustrating than setting a goal, working hard for it, and then feeling like you are getting nowhere. You show up, put in the effort, and instead of building confidence, you leave practice more discouraged than when you started. In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m breaking down why so many athletes get stuck…

1
Fear isn't Forever - How to Build Lasting Confidence With International Elite Gymnast Céleste Mordenti 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with international elite gymnast Céleste Mordenti, the first gymnast from Luxembourg to ever win a FIG World Cup medal. Céleste’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. As a young gymnast, she rose quickly through the ranks, representing Luxembourg at European and World Championships.…

1
Building a Champion Mindset with Utah Gymnast Avery Neff 40:59

2M ago40:59

40:59

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking with Utah gymnast Avery Neff — a rising star whose journey proves that resilience, mindset, and belief in yourself can take you further than raw talent ever could. Avery wasn’t always the clean, confident athlete you see competing on the NCAA stage today. She started as a “floppy” gymnast, throwing…

1
Helping Kids Navigate the Pressure of Upcoming Competitions 25:33

2M ago25:33

25:33

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking to parents who are navigating one of the hardest parts of raising athletes: watching your kids struggle with disappointment, pressure, and even toxic coaching environments. As parents, our instinct is to protect our kids from heartbreak and setbacks. But what if the very challenges we want to shiel…

1
From Injuries to Easterns - A Gymnast’s Comeback Story with Gymnast Arya & Sara Rose Page 35:22

3M ago35:22

35:22

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking to athletes and parents who are in the thick of it — setback after setback, injury after injury, and feeling like the dream is slipping away. If that’s you, I want you to meet Arya and her mom, Sara. Arya spent years navigating injuries, mental blocks, and environments that didn’t bring out her bes…

1
How to Get Your Skill Back Before Season Starts 15:11

3M ago15:11

15:11

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking to athletes who are stuck. You know you’re capable of doing the skill—you’ve done it before—but for some reason, it’s just not happening right now. Maybe you’re dealing with the pressure of move-ups, recovering from a past fall, or your brain is simply hitting the brakes. You’re not alone, and ther…

1
Why Kids Get Camp Superpowers and How to Keep Them 15:02

3M ago15:02

15:02

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m sharing one of my favorite topics: the “camp magic” that gives athletes those powerful bursts of confidence, and what you can do when that confidence disappears back at the gym. Whether it’s a breakthrough skill at camp or a fearless moment at competition, those experiences can feel like superpowers. But w…

1
How to Build Lasting Confidence in 10 Minutes a Day 12:46

4M ago12:46

12:46

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m sharing the simplest way to build confidence, even if you feel like you don’t have a single extra minute. So many athletes and sport parents tell me the same thing: “I want to feel more confident, but I’m just too busy to add one more thing to my day.” Trust me, I get it. Between school, sports, work, and …

1
How to Talk to Your Athlete About Their Sport Without Adding Pressure or Stress 15:01

4M ago15:01

15:01

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking directly to sport parents (but athletes, don’t tune out just yet!). I had two parents in our community share the same concern: “I don’t want to say the wrong thing.” They love their kids, they want to help, but they’re afraid they might accidentally be making things worse. So in this episode, I’m s…

1
Should I Quit? 4 Questions Every Athlete Should Ask Themselves 19:53

4M ago19:53

19:53

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, Coach Rebecca dives into a powerful Q&A session centered around one of the most difficult crossroads in an athlete’s journey—deciding whether to keep going or walk away from their sport. Whether you’re deep in upgrade season, dreading practice, or feeling the spark fade, this episode offers clarity and compass…

1
3 Hidden Warning Signs You're Accidentally Keeping Your Athlete Stuck in Fear 13:38

5M ago13:38

13:38

Has your athlete suddenly developed a fear of a skill they’ve done a hundred times before? You know they can do it physically, but something’s holding them back… and no matter what you try, nothing seems to help. In this week’s PerformHappy podcast episode, I’m diving into three hidden warning signs that you, as a well-meaning parent, might acciden…

1
How I Stopped Pushing and Helped My Athlete Thrive with Susan Bardack 42:28

5M ago42:28

42:28

In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by sport parent and PerformHappy alum, Susan Bardack, for a real, honest conversation about the rollercoaster of raising an athlete. Susan shares her daughter Ashland’s journey from gymnastics to D1 college diving, including how they navigated tough mental blocks and the moment everything shifted—when…

1
How to Help Your Athlete Manage Disappointment 18:09

5M ago18:09

18:09

There’s a specific kind of heartbreak that hits when your child doesn’t get moved up to the next level, especially when all their friends do. You see it in their face. You feel it in the silence on the car ride home. And as a parent, you just want to fix it. You want to make it better; give them hope and tell them to keep pushing. But deep down, yo…

1
How to Overcome Fear for Good – This Summer! 14:18

5M ago14:18

14:18

If your athlete is stuck in a mental block, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what I’m diving into on this week’s PerformHappy Podcast — because fear is something so many athletes struggle with, and honestly, it was my biggest struggle too. You know the feeling — your athlete says they’re not scared, but they just can’t go. Or maybe they are scared …

1
Why Mental Training Doesn't Work 11:53

5M ago11:53

11:53

It’s frustrating. You’re doing everything “right.” You’ve got the mindset tools, the journaling prompts, the visualizations… but it’s still not clicking. In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m diving into a truth most people don’t talk about: sometimes mental training doesn’t work. Yep, I said it. There are athletes who put in the effort and stil…

1
From Fear to Flow - Mastering the Athlete's Mindset with Lacey Rochelle 53:47

6M ago53:47

53:47

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I got to switch things up—I was the one answering the questions! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lacey Rochelle from Shine Health Coaching to dive deep into the science behind fear and how it shows up in performance. We unpacked quick, practical tips for staying present when the pressure’s on, and talk…

1
The Truth About Hypermobility in Sports with Dr. Taylor Goldberg 38:30

6M ago38:30

38:30

Do you know an athlete who’s super bendy, always impressing with their flexibility, but constantly dealing with little injuries or pain that won’t go away? In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I sat down with chiropractor and hypermobility expert Dr. Taylor Goldberg to unpack exactly what’s going on behind the scenes for these “Gumby-like” athletes…

1
The ABC Framework - Managing Fear in High-Risk Sports with Sam Buxbaum 45:15

6M ago45:15

45:15

Today on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of our own – Coach Sam, also known around here as Samantha Buxbaum. Sam is a fearless athlete who has competed in gymnastics, diving, and now rock climbing, and she brings so much wisdom from her journey through high-risk sports. In this episode, Sam shares her experience with …

1
The Science of Bravery with Jill Schulman 45:49

6M ago45:49

45:49

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child (or yourself) face fear and rise to the occasion, this episode is for you. This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jill Shulman—a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, positive psychology expert, and soon-to-be author of a book on the science of bravery. Yes, sci…

1
How 3x Olympian Shallon Olsen Turns Pressure into Performance 44:28

7M ago44:28

44:28

Pressure is part of the game in gymnastics, but how do the best in the world handle it? On this episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I sit down with three-time Olympian Shallon Olsen from Canada to talk about just that. Shallon is known for her powerful vaulting, but what sets her apart is her ability to stay calm and focused—even under intense com…

1
Kohei Uchimura's Coach Teaches the Key to Mental Strength 42:34

7M ago42:34

42:34

What does it take to coach one of the greatest gymnasts of all time? On today’s PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with Hiroaki Sato, the mastermind behind Japan’s men’s gymnastics gold medal at the 2024 Olympics and the coach of legendary gymnast Kohei Uchimura. Sato’s coaching philosophy is all about putting people first. From working with the GOAT…

1
Trust, Accept, Be Present- Graham Betchart’s Three-Step Plan for Sport Success 53:27

7M ago53:27

53:27

In this episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with mental skills coach Graham Betchart, whose expertise has helped top NBA players develop a strong mindset for high-pressure moments. But what makes Graham’s approach so powerful is that it’s not just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to perform at their best, embrace mistakes, a…

1
Overcoming Hurdles to Olympic Glory 1:00:59

7M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Overcoming Hurdles to Olympic Glory Lucy Hatton’s story is one of resilience, grit, and breaking through barriers 3rd Fastest Sprint Hurdler in British History, Lucy didn’t have an easy ride to the top As a young girl, she was faced with the challenge of severe dyslexia, a hurdle that made learning in school feel like an uphill battle Despite worki…

1
Lost Skills and Stuck Takeoffs - James Coomber’s Secrets to Tackling Both Types of Mental Blocks 45:46

7M ago45:46

45:46

Mental blocks can be one of the most frustrating challenges for athletes, whether it's a lost skill that suddenly disappears or a takeoff that just won’t feel right. In this episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with elite trampoline coach James Coomber to dive into both types of mental blocks and how to break through them. James is an in…

1
Guided by the North Star: Mastering the Mindset for Unstoppable Success 1:01:03

8M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

North Star Thinking Let me ask you something: Have you ever thought about how the Three Wise Men found their way? They followed the North Star But here’s the thing… The North Star wasn’t the destination It was the guide to get there… And that’s exactly what today’s guest is all about Will Polston is an absolute powerhouse not only coaching others t…

1
Safer Skills, Happier Athletes - Dr. Ian Crider’s Gymnastics Roadmap 40:35

8M ago40:35

40:35

If you’ve ever felt like pushing harder is the only way to improve in gymnastics, this episode is for you. I sat down with Dr. Ian Crider, also known as the gymnastics doc, to talk about a better way—one that leads to safer skills, fewer injuries, and happier athletes. Dr. Crider is the expert when it comes to balancing safe training with top-level…

1
Choreographing Confidence With Chloe Van Bavel 43:11

8M ago43:11

43:11

This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Chloe Van Bavel, a former Dutch elite gymnast turned professional choreographer with an impressive background in ballet, modern dance, social work, and sports psychology. Chloe brings a unique perspective to the gymnastics world, helping athletes shine from the inside out. In our conver…

1
Suni Lee's Auburn Head Coach Jeff Graba on Making Winning Worth It 46:32

8M ago46:32

46:32

This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Graba, Auburn University’s legendary head gymnastics coach and mentor to Olympic champion Suni Lee. In this episode, Jeff shares how he helps athletes navigate fear, bounce back from setbacks, and create championship journeys that aren’t just about winning—they’re about…

1
Shaun Short - Performance Optimisation isn't just a skill 12:34

8M ago12:34

12:34

Why Performance Optimisation is more than just skills... Most people think success comes down to; 👉🏼 Focus your skills in one area 👉🏼 Work harder 👉🏼 Work More game over, right? ❌ Wrong High performers don’t just rely on skill They optimise their body, mind, and energy like a Formula 1 car Because at the highest level, skill gets you in the game but…

1
Paving the Way for Future Champions with Olympian Chellsie Memmel 44:18

8M ago44:18

44:18

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with someone who truly embodies resilience and passion for gymnastics: Chellsie Memmel. As a world champion, Olympian, and now an influential leader in USA Gymnastics, Chellsie has worn many hats in the sport, and she’s not done yet! In our conversation, Chellsie shared her rema…

1
Shaun Short - Sport like Life is Unpredictable 8:44

8M ago8:44

8:44

Sport like Life is Unpredictable... Even the best preparation can unfold at a blink of an eye And in today’s Shaun Short episode I share real life sporting stories about how this is just the case You have no idea what is around the corner But you can put yourself in the right position to handle it Because with the right: 👉🏼 Skills 👉🏼 Mindset 👉🏼 Sec…

1
When ‘Winning It All’ Isn’t Enough - Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie on Reinventing Success 49:00

9M ago49:00

49:00

Have you ever wondered what happens after the medals are won and the records are broken? On this week’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie, a true legend in gymnastics and an inspiration beyond the sport. Theresa’s resume is remarkable: an Olympic alternate for the iconic 1996 Games, a two-ti…

1
The Journey From Mental Blocks to College Commitment with Gymnast Soraya Rostocil 34:44

9M ago34:44

34:44

On the latest episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with Soraya Rostocil, a gymnast I’ve worked with in a mental training capacity for over five years. Watching her journey unfold has been nothing short of extraordinary. Soraya's story is one that so many gymnasts can relate to—three years stuck at Level 7, grappling …

1
Rugby: “I didn’t want to die” - A battle with Cocaine 58:50

9M ago58:50

58:50

Rugby: “I didn’t want to die” - A battle with Cocaine Today’s guest has seen success in many areas of his life From representing Harlequins in Rugby To landing a successful role in London in life after he finished playing But that pursuit took Kent Bray down a road that he wasn’t expecting He always wondered “what’s next?” Until the day that questi…

1
Building Unshakable Self-Trust, with OU Gymnast Hannah Scheible 44:18

9M ago44:18

44:18

This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of talking with the incredible Hannah Scheible, one of Oklahoma State University’s standout gymnasts. Hannah’s reputation for consistency and success is undeniable, but what truly fascinated me was uncovering the mindset that drives her achievements. Despite her impressive track record, Han…

1
A Midlife Crisis at 11 years old with Mo Farrah’s training partner 55:54

9M ago55:54

55:54

A Midlife Crisis at 11 years old with Mo Farrah’s training partner Safe to say today’s guest kept me on my toes with this interview Because if a challenging childhood wasn’t enough of going through Alopecia and succumbing to bullying Adam Strong went through what he described a Mid Life crisis at 11 years old Growing up in a council estate with not…

1
Tackling life after sport head on… 58:19

9M ago58:19

58:19

Tackling life after sport head on… On today’s episode I have the pleasure of sitting down with a guest who shares the same values of the Always Another Game Podcast Spanning over a 15 year career in Rugby this guests knows the importance of planning for life after the game has finished And through his business Front Row Support he is helping athlet…

1
Culture, Character, and Championships- OU Coach Mark Williams on High-Performance Coaching 39:33

9M ago39:33

39:33

On this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome a true legend in the world of gymnastics coaching, Mark Williams. As the head coach of the Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team for over two decades, Mark has built a legacy that includes nine national championships, countless All-Americans, and multiple Olympians. But what sets Mark apart isn’…

1
A College Gymnast’s Guide to Turning Pressure Into Power with Kyrstin Johnson 47:31

9M ago47:31

47:31

In this week's PerformHappy Podcast episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kyrstin Johnson, whose gymnastics journey is nothing short of inspiring. From starting gymnastics later than most to thriving at an HBCU, Kyrstin's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and mental toughness. But her journey wasn't without challenges. When her tea…

1
Teaching Athletes to fill their mental filing cabinets 59:39

9M ago59:39

59:39

Teaching Athletes to Fill Their Mental Filing Cabinets AAG is back with it’s first interview episode of 2025 And what better way to start than going inside the mind of someone who goes inside the athletes mind Colin Booth and I have crossed paths recently in our Ice Hockey World And he love and passion for his Athlete Neuro Performance is clear for…

1
Jill Hicks on What Truly Matters in College Recruiting 44:50

10M ago44:50

44:50

Today on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by Jill Hicks, one of the top experts in college gymnastics recruiting. If you’re a gymnast dreaming of competing at the college level, or a parent or coach supporting that dream, this episode is packed with must-hear advice. Jill shares her wealth of knowledge on navigating eligibility rules, finding t…

1
Shaun Short - Are breaks always good in sport? 14:32

10M ago14:32

14:32

Shaun Short: Are breaks always good in sport? After a short Winter Hiatus The Always Another Game Podcast is back To help inspire you into action by showing that skills are transferable in life And today we will be discussing the power or hindrance of a break? As we all head back after a short or long Christmas break we see many who feel great and …

1
Carly Dockendorf Transforms Utah Gymnastics, One Athlete at a Time 44:26

10M ago44:26

44:26

On today’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Carly Dockendorf, head coach of Utah Gymnastics. Carly brings a unique perspective to the table—not just as a coach but as a former national team athlete for Canada who has faced her own challenges with mental blocks. During our conversation, Carly opens up about her struggle…