Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J

In this exciting new episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , Dr. J and producer John Largent reunite in studio to unveil a major evolution in the Gettin' Gritty brand: a 20-part mental performance video series designed for athletes, parents, coaches, and high performers of all ages. Packed with 20+ years of sports psychology wisdom and delivered in powerful, bite-sized lessons, this new library is...

In this heartfelt episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , Dr. J and John explore the deeply emotional experience of saying goodbye to a beloved family dog—and the broader themes of grief, healing, and acceptance. From the quiet pain of pet loss to reflections on athletic failure, emotional resilience, and even the power of underdog victories, this conversation blends real-life loss with mental stre...

In this heartfelt episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , Dr. J and John explore the deeply emotional experience of saying goodbye to a beloved family dog—and the broader themes of grief, healing, and acceptance. From the quiet pain of pet loss to reflections on athletic failure, emotional resilience, and even the power of underdog victories, this conversation blends real-life loss with mental stre...

In this deeply personal episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , grief takes center stage. Dr. J opens up about the emotional, spiritual, and psychological journey she's been on—navigating anticipatory grief, finding forgiveness, and reshaping her beliefs about life after death. It's a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it means to let go with love and live on with intention.  🎧 Tune in and hea...

In this episode of Gettin Gritty with Dr J, Dr. Julie and John Largent dive into how a parent's identity becomes tied to their child's athletic journey, the pressures of pursuing pro sports, and gender disparities in career transitions. John also shares how adopting a plant-based diet helped him reverse type 2 diabetes and improve his health. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: ✅ How parental identity shapes the y...

In this episode, Dr Julie Wiernik and John Largent discuss red flags in service providers and scams, emphasizing the importance of due diligence. Key points include: Ask for References: Refusal to provide references is a major red flag. Legitimate providers stand by their work. Avoid Large Upfront Payments: Pay incrementally to ensure accountability and protect yourself. Do Your Homework: Verify a...

Dive into the gripping world of sports and personal evolution with Dr. Julie Wiernik. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Tolson, a former Air Force veteran turned NCAA basketball referee. Craig shares his journey from playing multiple sports in California to navigating life changes that led him to become a respected referee. Discover how he balanced academics and athletics at UCLA, faced chall...

In this insightful episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , Dr. Julie Wiernik sits down with Dr. Gordon, founder of Ground Level Four and host of Performance Talk , to explore the evolving challenges of youth sports. They discuss the increasing pressure on young athletes to specialize early, the psychological and physical toll of overuse injuries, and the impact of societal distractions on motivatio...

This week on Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , Dr. Julie Wiernik and John Largent reflect on life's defining moments—both the joyous and the challenging. From John's emotional experience of his son's wedding to navigating the complexities of marriage, parenting, and personal growth, the conversation is filled with humor, wisdom, and authenticity. They examine the importance of struggle in building resil...

In this reflective episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , Dr. J shares her excitement about attending a sports psychology conference in Las Vegas, where she's combining learning with personal downtime. She opens up about her approach to solo self-care, prioritizing time to recharge while embracing moments of personal growth. John Largent and Dr. Julie Wiernik discuss the transformative power of th...

In this episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J , Dr. Julie Wiernik and John Largent tackle the often-overlooked reality of sports injuries. Dr. J opens up about personal injuries and the struggles her own children have faced, offering a deep dive into the physical and psychological challenges that come with getting hurt. They explore the mindset needed to cope with injuries, how to avoid gaslighting...

In this heartfelt episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, host Dr. J return from her summer hiatus to reflect on the challenges and joys of balancing family life during the busy summer months. Dr J. and John Largent dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood, the impact of COVID-19 on family dynamics, and the vital importance of cherishing time with loved ones. Dr. J shares a poignant story...

In this episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, join Dr. J and John Largent as they dive into the whirlwind of summer travel for sports and the relentless pursuit of success. Dr. J shares her exhilarating weekend traveling with her twins for baseball tournaments, from San Antonio to Houston and finally to Dallas. Despite the exhaustion, the experiences were filled with excitement and gratitude. John...

In this episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, we dive into the complex world of youth sports and the identity of an athlete. Dr. J and John Largent discuss the intense pressures young athletes face from their parents, coaches, and themselves. They explore the delicate balance between encouraging a child's passion for sports and avoiding the projection of parents' unfulfilled dreams onto their chil...

In this episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, join Dr. J and John Largent as they dive into the nostalgic memories and complex dynamics of youth sports. From their personal coaching experiences in I9 sports to broader discussions on the difference between intense and abusive coaching, they explore how to foster a healthy, competitive environment for young athletes. Listen as they share stories of...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, we delve into the nuances of family dynamics and the importance of empathy, especially around special occasions. Dr. J shares his personal experiences of celebrating a belated Mother's Day and the significance of making every family member feel valued and heard. Dr. J and John discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise...

In this touching Mother's Day episode of Getting Gritty with Dr. J, we dive deep into the multifaceted roles mothers play in shaping resilience and strength in their children. We delve into the profound impact of parental affection on children's emotional development and how it translates into their adult relationships. Our guest, John Largent, shares heartfelt stories of his childhood, reflecting...

In this enlightening episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, the host celebrates turning 50 and reflects on the monumental shifts in technology and lifestyle from her youth to the present. Dr. J and John Largent delve into the stark contrasts between growing up pre-internet and the tech-saturated world our children navigate today. As they muse on the profound changes, the conversation shifts to a he...

Join Dr. Julie Wiernik and Cade Largent as they dive deep into the complexities of coaching and player dynamics. From discussing the challenges of dealing with favoritism to the importance of perseverance and self-reflection, they explore how athletes can navigate through tough situations on and off the field. With personal anecdotes and insights, they shed light on the realities of high school sp...

Join Dr. Julie in this episode of Gettin Gritty as she and John Largent delve into the intricate world of sports, coaching, and the mental fortitude required to navigate through the challenges of athletic pursuits and life itself. From the sacrifices of Olympic athletes to the complexities of dealing with difficult coaches, Dr. J and John explore the nuances of commitment, resilience, and the impo...

Join Dr. Julie and John Largent as they dive deep into the world of women's sports, uncovering the grit, passion, and challenges behind the game. From basketball to tennis, softball to volleyball, they explores the multifaceted nature of women's athletics, sharing personal insights, interviews, and discussions with athletes, coaches, and experts. Discover the power of sportsmanship, the thrill of...

In this episode of Gettin Gritty with Dr. J, join host Dr. J and special guest Mark as they delve into the transformative journey from being a player to becoming a coach. Mark, a lieutenant paramedic and volleyball coach, shares his diverse experiences and insights gained from wearing multiple hats. From his roots in Southern California's competitive volleyball scene to his role as a high school v...

Join Dr. J as he delves into the complexities of mental health and the digital age with author Lorenzo Gomez III, exploring the dark world of online bullying. In this four-part series, they dissect Lorenzo's latest book, The Bully in Your Pocket: Your Number One Playbook to Defeat Online Trolls. Lorenzo shares personal experiences and insights, revealing the anatomy of trolls and the psychological...

In this candid episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, Dr. Julie and John engage in an open dialogue about the challenges and trials that many are facing in 2024. From personal losses to societal upheavals, they delve into the raw emotions and struggles that accompany difficult times. With authenticity and empathy, they explore how to maintain resilience and positivity amidst adversity. However, a w...

Join Dr. J in an inspiring episode of Gettin' Gritty as she delves into the captivating world of grit and discipline with retired Lieutenant Colonel Kristian Thiele. Exploring Thiele's journey from a young thrill-seeker to an accomplished F-16 pilot, this conversation unpacks the mindset needed to excel in high-pressure environments. Drawing parallels between the mental fortitude required in the m...