Becoming My Stronger Me

Text me your thoughts! Mental performance training only works if the mind is capable of change — and science says it is. In this episode, Coach Nassim explores why the mind is trainable across development, drawing from neuroscience, developmental psychology, learning theory, and skill acquisition research. The conversation breaks down neuroplasticity, brain development from youth through adulthood...

Text me your thoughts! Season 3 of the Becoming My Stronger Me podcast begins with the foundation every athlete, coach, and parent needs: a clear, evidence-based understanding of what mental performance actually is — and what it is not. In this episode, Coach Nassim defines mental performance through the lens of applied sport psychology and performance science, clarifying how mental skills differ...

Text me your thoughts! In this special episode, I share an important update about the podcast, what’s ahead, and why I'm taking a purposeful pause for the first time since launching the show in March 2023. After two full seasons — from the foundational conversations of Season One to the deep-dive Mental Performance Series in Season Two — it’s time to step back, breathe, and create space for s...

Text me your thoughts! Pressure moments reveal who we are more than they define us. Whether it’s a game-winning shot, a tryout, or a championship match, athletes at every level face moments that test their focus, confidence, and composure. In this episode, I break down the psychology of pressure — what actually happens in the mind and body, how perception shapes performance, and what it takes to p...

Text me your thoughts! Confidence isn’t something that just appears on game day—it’s something you build, train, and protect. In this episode, I break down the Confidence Equation: Confidence = Trusting Your Skills + Owning Your Role. Through research and practical strategies, I'll explain how athletes can strengthen confidence by grounding it in preparation, self-awareness, and purpose. Lear...

Text me your thoughts! What if peak performance wasn’t about working harder—but learning how to harness your mental energy ? In this episode, I explore the science of mental energy and its connection to achieving flow—the psychological state where focus, confidence, and performance come together effortlessly. Drawing from the latest 2025 research on professional athletes, I'll explain how men...

Text me your thoughts! Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s training. In this episode, I explore how sleep shapes every aspect of athletic and mental performance. Drawing from the latest research in sports science, neuroscience, and physiology, this conversation breaks down what really happens during the sleep cycle, how it impacts recovery and skill development, and why consistent, high-quality rest is the...

Text me your thoughts! Peak performance depends not only on effort, but also on alignment with the body’s natural rhythms. This episode explores current research on how hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle influence training, recovery, and injury risk in female athletes. Drawing from emerging evidence—including the FIFA-funded study on female soccer players and ACL injuries—the discuss...

Text me your thoughts! Comparing yourself to teammates, rivals, or even highlight reels on social media is nearly impossible to avoid. But when social comparison takes over, it can erode confidence, fuel anxiety, and impact mental health. In this episode, Coach Nassim explores the psychology of social comparison, from Leon Festinger’s classic theory to modern research on how constant upward compar...

Text me your thoughts! Parents are some of the most powerful influences in an athlete’s life. The car rides, sideline reactions, and dinner table conversations all leave lasting impressions that can either build confidence or increase pressure. In this episode, I explore the parent–athlete relationship—what helps, what hurts, and how parents, coaches, and athletes themselves can create environment...

Text me your thoughts! Talent might win games, but culture wins championships. In this episode, I explore how team cohesion and culture can elevate performance on the field and far beyond it. Drawing on sports psychology research, real-life examples, and years of experience working with athletes and coaches, this episode unpacks what makes teams thrive: trust, communication, and shared purpose. Yo...

Text me your thoughts! We all know about the fear of failure—but what about the fear of success ? In this episode, I unpack a mindset pattern that quietly limits athletes, coaches, and even parents: the tendency to hold back just as things are going well. Drawing from psychology, sport science, and real-life examples, I explore why some athletes shrink when the spotlight gets brighter, how fear of...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Penkala—former racehorse jockey, licensed massage therapist, wellness educator, and author of "The Pause to Relax". Linda’s journey from the fast-paced, high-stress world of horse racing to her work in women’s health and self-care offers a powerful perspective on resilience, healing, and the importance of slowing down. We talk a...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Lineberger—a lifelong softball player, former collegiate athlete, and mental health professional who has redefined her relationship with the sport she loves. Kelsey’s journey began at just five years old on the t-ball field and carried her through collegiate play in West Virginia and at Saint Vincent College. After graduation, she coache...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I’m joined by Jess Jensen, founder of Co-pilot Communications, a Portland-based advisory helping bold executives and founders build digital brands that actually sound like them. After 20 years inside Fortune 100 companies—including Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nestlé, and Adidas—Jess launched Co-pilot in 2024 to help leaders stop playing small online and start showi...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I sit down with Simone Knego—speaker, author, adventurer, and creator of the REAL Method. Simone’s approach to leadership and self-growth is grounded in everyday life, reminding us that the most powerful lessons don’t just happen in boardrooms, but around our kitchen tables. From her days as a competitive horseback rider to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Simon...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Tom Swales—a seasoned physiotherapist, strength coach, and creator of the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) Certification. With over 20 years in orthopedic healthcare and a journey that includes overcoming a life-threatening infection, Tom brings unmatched insight into resilience, rehabilitation, and movement mastery. Whether you’re re...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I’m joined by Priestly—longtime radio personality, athlete, and father of three. Known across Maryland for his upbeat energy and voice behind the mic, Priestly has spent decades connecting with listeners through stations like B102.7, Mix 106.5, and SiriusXM’s Pop2K and 90s on 9. But beyond his radio career, Priestly's story is one of reinvention, resili...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I sit down with Demetra Mallios—former professional soccer player turned founder and CEO of Puberry, a wellness company on a mission to reframe puberty for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Demetra shares her journey from competing at the highest levels of soccer to launching a purpose-driven company focused on empowering youth through education, confidence, and self-awa...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I'm joined by Gary Chupik—high-performance mindset coach, author, speaker, and founder of Elite Mindset. Gary has spent over 20 years helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders tap into the mental side of performance. With a background in NCAA coaching and a client roster that spans Olympic athletes, NHL pros, and high-level business executives, Gary...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I'm joined by Joe Gyau—a U.S. Men’s National Team veteran, Bundesliga trailblazer, and third-generation professional footballer. Joe takes us inside his incredible journey: from his upbringing, leaving the U.S. as a teenager to pursue his dream in Germany, to breaking into the first team at Borussia Dortmund, and beyond. We talk about resilience, mindse...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I share how athletes can grow—regardless of whether they’re the most or least experienced player on the field. Summer brings unique opportunities: pickup games, camps, and guest sessions that mix skill levels. How you approach these moments determines how much you grow. Drawing on sports psychology and learning theory, I explore strategies for athletes, coac...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I dive into one of the most sought-after—and misunderstood—mental performance tools: flow state. Also known as “being in the zone,” flow is that powerful mental space where time slows, action feels effortless, and focus is razor sharp. But it’s not just for elite athletes—it’s trainable for anyone who wants to elevate performance in sport, work, or life. Thi...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I explore one of the most powerful tools in mental performance: the Triangle of State—the connection between your physiology, focus, and language. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, you'll learn how to shift your emotional and mental state by taking control of your body, attention, and self-talk. I'll share real-life examples, explai...

Text me your thoughts! In this episode, I share my journey into coaching—from growing up as a multi-sport athlete to rising through the ranks of higher education leadership, and ultimately making the bold decision to pivot into mental performance coaching. What began as a career in education evolved into a mission-driven practice of supporting athletes, coaches, and parents in strengthening both b...