Ep. 60: Confronting Mental Health Stigma in Professional Sports with Jack Beer

In this episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor continue their conversation about the compatibility of mindfulness and competition. Part 1 of this conversation centered largely on mindfulness aspects of this debate, while this episode delves deeper into the competition side.
 
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Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

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www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

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Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

In this episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor have a conversation about an ever-present tension in their work: the compatibility of mindfulness and competition. From one perspective, packaging mindfulness for the inherently striving act of winning is counter to the very foundations of this type of practice. Alternatively, helping make mindfulness digestible, accessible, and practical can allow people to benefit in their sporting and everyday lives. Join us for Part 1 of this discussion.    

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

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www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate and support our podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

Rediscover the transformative power of play as we sit down with Dr. Matt Bowers, faculty member in the Sport Management program at the University of Texas at Austin and key contributor to the Aspen Institute's Project Play. His fascinating research is challenging the current understanding of athlete development in youth sport, and he helps us explore the often overlooked value of play in fostering creativity, passion, and mindfulness in young athletes.
 
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Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

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mindfulsportperformance.org

enduromind.com

projectplay.org

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate and support our podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

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In this episode, Keith, Tim, and Taylor unpack some of the profound impacts that the COVID pandemic has had across the world of sport and on athletes of all ages and levels - including impacts on personal identity, mental health, and performance. We also celebrate the strength and adaptability that has emerged during this challenging time, and discuss how the integration of mindfulness and other wellness strategies can be crucial as echoes of the pandemic linger.  

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

Websites Mentioned:

www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned:

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate and support our podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

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Are participation trophies merely shiny objects that distract from the true essence of competition, or do they play a key role in building self-esteem and encouraging future sport involvement? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons with a critical eye, weighing the possibility that these awards might be diluting the significance of hard work and resilience, while also acknowledging that kids are often more perceptive about the value of these trophies than we give them credit for. 

The episode culminates with a broader discussion on how sports shape kids' beliefs and values, particularly as they stand at the crossroads of either deepening their involvement or stepping away from competitive play. This conversation contributes to a dialogue on the importance of intrinsic motivation, the overemphasis on winning, and how mindfulness practices can help reinforce a healthy perspective on self-worth that transcends the playing field.

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

Websites Mentioned:

www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate and support our podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

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In this episode, we're thrilled to have Brady Howe, Vice President of Health and Performance for the NBA's Phoenix Suns, to discuss enhancing athlete performance holistically. Tim begins the episode with a brief mindfulness practice, and then we chat with Brady about his journey and experiences in the NBA and the importance of collaboration among physical and mental/psychological specialists.   

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc, @bhowe6

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

Websites Mentioned:

www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate and support our podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

What does it take to execute and lead effectively amidst the pressures of a game? Join us as we explore these questions with our guest, American professional soccer player Aidan Rocha.

This episode is a deep dive into the science and art of mental preparation in elite sport. Aidan shares his pre-game routine, the mental practices he picked up during his time at Georgetown University, and how he uses mindfulness to enhance his performance at the pro level. He also describes how he creates emotional space, embodies positivity, and crafts his leadership style. And, how Eastern philosophy has influenced his approach to soccer and life.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on how intensity, mindfulness, and leadership go hand-in-hand within a pro sports team, and Aidan gives us an insider's view of how it all can come together. So, whether you're an athlete, coach, sport psychologist, or a die-hard sports fan, this episode promises to deliver valuable insights and a fresh perspective on mental aspects of professional sport.

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc, @aidanrochaa

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

Websites Mentioned:

www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate and support our podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

What role does winning play in your life? Are you consumed by the need to be #1, or do you find joy in simply participating and growing from the experience? Join us in this episode of The Mindful Sport Performance Podcast, where we disentangle the intertwined concepts of winning, success, motivation, balance, and life satisfaction.

Winning - it's a concept that's often synonymous with success, recognition, and opportunities. But is it the only measure of success? Not necessarily, as we discover in our chat with our AI friend, Chat GPT. We tackle the complex relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, explaining how a healthy appetite for competition can be inspiring, and how finishing last in a grand finale can sometimes be more rewarding than winning a lesser final. We probe into the potential downsides of being overly competitive, reflecting on personal experiences and perspectives including Kobe Bryant's view on the necessity of winning.

As we wrap up this conversation, we place a magnifying glass over the impact of winning and the potential imbalance it can create in our lives. Can we truly achieve success without compromising our personal wellbeing? What happens when we don't win? Do new doors open? We dissect these questions and more, leaving you with fresh insights to ponder about the concept of winning and success in sports, and life in general. This dialogue is sure to challenge your mindset and redefine your perception of victory.

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

Websites Mentioned:

www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor 

In this episode, we welcome Deirdre Keane, a former pediatric critical care nurse practitioner, now a healthcare consultant, who found solace in running after the loss of her father. More than just a runner, Deirdre's story is one of resilience and overcoming adversity, reminding us all of the power of the human spirit. Her passion for running pushed her beyond marathons and into the realm of ultra marathons, ultimately leading her to victory in the World Marathon Challenge.

Deirdre's journey is fraught with challenges, mentally and physically, but her deep-seated faith and philosophy has carried her through. Her approach to life, deeply impacted by her father, has shaped her into the champion she is today. As she navigates the risky terrains of the World Marathon Challenge, we delve into her thoughts on identity, motivations, and the intriguing collection of runners who dare to tackle this daunting challenge.

But the story doesn't end at the finish line. We'll take a step back from the adrenaline rush of the race to address the often overlooked topic of balance in a high-intensity sport like running. Deirdre offers an honest account of her struggle to maintain equilibrium, and the dark reality of depression faced by many retired athletes. Her athletic achievements continue to inspire us, making this episode a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Tune in for a journey of resilience, faith, and balance that will leave you inspired and moved.

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On this week's episode: mental health acceptance in sports.

Brace yourself for a powerful discussion inspired by Lee Dixon and Robbie Mustoe, who open the door to their personal experiences with mental health during their football careers in a recent NBC Premier League Mornings segment. As we navigate this labyrinth of mental health in professional sports, we reflect on the scarcity of support these players received during their active years, and the significant strides made in resources for present-day players.

This episode goes beyond the usual playbook, venturing into an important, often overlooked realm—awareness, and acceptance of mental health in sports. Together, we dissect the urgent necessity for coaches to be vigilant about potential mental health struggles their athletes may endure, and stand as a beacon guiding them towards the help they need.

We're not just here to talk; we're here to transform.

Join us as we challenge the conventional segregation of mental and physical health, and advocate for the priceless value of mindfulness for athletes. From exploring the spectrum of mental health needs among athletes, to the role of holistic wellness and the indispensable part coaches play in managing athlete's mental health needs, we touch on a lot of the issues, but really only scratch the surface.

Let's kick off the stigma, lace up our boots, and rewrite the rules of the game together. Tune in as we continue this crucial conversation.

Social Media Mentioned:

Twitter: @mindfulsportdoc

Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast,  @mspe_institute, @mindfulsportdoc

YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

Websites Mentioned:

www.mindfulsportperformance.org

www.enduromind.com

Books Mentioned

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement

Remember to rate our podcast and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

Very much appreciated, 

Keith, Tim, and Taylor (our producer!)