Mindful Sport Performance Podcast

In this episode, Keith and Tim talk all things flow (and get a bit starstruck) with one of their professional heroes, Dr. Sue Jackson. Sue is a renowned performance psychologist and leading expert in the psychology of flow. She is the author of Flow in Sports and the brand new, bestselling Experiencing Flow: Life Beyond Boredom and Anxiety . Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcas...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss the value and applications of  informal mindfulness practice - from handling unpleasant, chaotic, or stressful situations to finding empathy with and connection to self and others.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperfo...

In this episode, Keith and Tim continue their explorations of attention. Specifically, how divided our attention can be, and how difficult it often is to resist the various pulls to engage (emails, texts, social media, etc). They consider what realistic boundaries could look like, whether it is possible to avoid the "costs" of unplugging, and potential implications for performance. Socia...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss the bellwether "Zuckerberg Social Media Addiction Trial" in Los Angeles. Arguments and evidence that have emerged from both the prosecution and the defense have profound implications in the current "war for attention" that is raging across domains of our society, including in sport. Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss the expansive coverage of Alysa Liu's recent gold medal figure skating win in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. She seems to have found and embraced a mentality that is very much aligned with mindfulness, but how well is the media actually grasping the nuances she's describing? And, what can we learn about motivation, achievement, and competing without...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss what can be the very difficult processes of student-athlete tryouts and recruiting. They explore from a mindfulness-based perspective how athletes can thrive under these pressure-filled conditions, and what coaches can do to improve the process.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sp...

In this episode, Keith and Tim wade (gently) into the fray of political tensions, and the roles that sports and athletes can sometimes find themselves in. How can mindfulness help in these very complicated situations where there are often no "right" or "easy" answers?  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindfu...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss what it means to show up and do your best (as a performer and/or a meditator), even when you "don't feel like it."  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org Zen in the Zone Books and Articles Menti...

In this episode, Keith and Tim brainstorm on an exciting (and hopefully groundbreaking) insight that had just come up in their MSPE Institute meeting about the "why" of mindfulness as applied to sport performance.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportp...

In this episode, Keith and Tim welcome their colleague, sport and health psychologist Dr. Carly Hunt, to discuss her exciting new book and the fascinating topic of training the brain to manage both acute and chronic physical pain.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfu...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss how we can respond to feelings of betrayal in sport - whether related to injury, relationships, losing, or something else - with mindful acceptance. Spoiler alert : it's not easy, but it can be done with practice!  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Web...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss how we can relate to mistakes differently. When revisiting what happened - everywhere from in our minds to through sports analytics or film sessions - how the approach we take can influence whether we learn from or repeat them. Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Pod...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss psychological safety in sports environments - exactly what is it and why is it so important? And, what role can mindfulness play in helping players, coaches, and administrators to establish psychological safety? They share examples from their work and reflect on what's happening in cultures across levels of sport.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @min...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss the shifting landscape across levels of sport (from youth through professional) due to rampant monetization. How can we explain what is happening, what are the impacts on athletes' mental health and development, and is there anything we can do to promote positive cultural changes?   Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_instit...

In this episode, Tim provides a candid update on his grief process and where he finds himself this year at a significant anniversary. His courage and authenticity is on full display, and the resonance is clear whether you are a parent, an athlete, or just human. Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast...

In this episode, we talk social polarization through the lens of sport rivalries. Is it true that "to hate like this is to be happy forever" or is there advantage in loving even our fiercest competitors? Weigh in on the discussion!    Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentione...

In this episode, we are re-joined by Chad McGehee, Director of Meditation Training within University of Wisconsin - Madison Athletics. We discuss the value of actually doing mindfulness practice - for athletes, coaches, and mindfulness teachers - and some of the cutting-edge programming and research that Chad is doing with his teams.   Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @m...

In this episode, we are joined by Tampa Bay Rowdies Interim Head Coach Steve Coleman to discuss his unique integration of storytelling in building elite soccer/football cultures - first in New Zealand and now in the United States.    Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mind...

In this episode, we have a candid, impromptu discussion about Tim's recent work with a college rowing team, and the unique experience of crafting a MSPE sport (rowing) meditation with them.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.org Zen in the Zon...

In this episode, we're joined by Annkathrin Bahr, a clinical and sport psychologist from Munich, Germany. Annkathrin has adapted Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) for the young international ballet dancers she works with at the Heinz-Bosl Foundation. She talks about the unique nature of her work and her experiences bringing mindfulness to the performing arts.  Social Media Mentione...

In this episode, Keith and Tim discuss the inevitability of uncertainty in life - and how we can relate to it healthily (or less healthily) whether within our families, our cultures, or an athletic competition.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned: www.mindfulsportperformance.or...

In this episode, we revisit the topic of grief and loss with Tim to mark the third anniversary of his daughter's passing. In particular, we focus in on the complexity of emotional reactions and the nonlinear evolution of experiences - whether on the playing field or in broader life.  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindfu...

In this episode, Keith and Tim chat about bare awareness. What is it, and is it even possible to achieve or sustain? We dive into everything from the philosophy to the practical applications within sports. Please weigh in on the discussion!  Social Media Mentioned: Instagram: @mindful_sport_podcast , @mspe_institute , @mindfulsportdoc YouTube: Mindful Sport Performance Podcast Websites Mentioned:...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Emre Ozan Tingaz from Gazi University in Türkiye. Ozan is doing incredible work in sport psychology - and applications of mindfulness and MSPE, in particular. He talks about the state of the field in Türkiye, how he introduces concepts like mindfulness to the athletes he works with, and the cutting-edge research he's doing to advance the sport sciences worldwid...

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Michael Gerson - professor, consultant, and mindfulness expert. Michael has worked in numerous elite, high-performance settings including academia, U.S. Special Operations, and Major League Baseball. He lends us his unique views on how the science of performance enhancement and spirituality can coexist and complement each other from a mindfulness-based perspect...