Performers on the Rise

Mental performance consultant Demi Agaiby sits down with Cindy Kuzma and Carrie Jackson to unpack the emotional toll of athletic injuries. From fear of falling behind to the comparison trap, they explore how athletes can reframe recovery as its own form of performance. With insights from their book Rebound , they share strategies for advocating for yourself, maintaining team identity, and building...

Emma Desiderio shares her evolution from collegiate athlete to coach, reflecting on how connection, intentional leadership, and inclusive environments drive high-level performance. From navigating COVID-era setbacks to creating student-led structure and tackling tension between teammates, Emma reveals strategies for fostering trust and resilience on and off the floor. Tune in for a grounded, inspi...

In this episode, Demi sits down with Deb, a dynamic entrepreneur and former dancer turned educator and nonprofit leader. Together, they explore what it means to "prototype your life"—testing ideas, pursuing passions, and shifting identities as performers transition into new chapters. Deb opens up about her early journey in dance, the creation of her first company Design Dance , and how her lived e...

In this rich and insightful episode, Demi welcomes Mental Performance Consultant David Durand, author of Bet On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond . Together, they dive into the modern adolescent athlete's experience, how identity, perfectionism, and the nervous system intersect, and what coaches, parents, and athletes can do to restore balance and connection under pressure....

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Demi sits down with Dr. Shaine Henert, a seasoned sport psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Together, they explore the crucial role that play, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation play in youth sports development—and what happens when those elements are lost. Shaine shares his personal journey into sport psychology, beginning with imagery...

What does it really mean to align physical movement with mental wellbeing? In this episode of Performers on the Rise, Demi sits down with educator, therapist, and fitness expert Angie Miller to explore the critical connection between movement, mindset, and mental health. Angie shares her personal journey from classroom teacher to national speaker, and how embracing reinvention helped her discover...

Success in sports isn't just about skill. It's about mindset. Coach Melanie Hughes shares how an unexpected coaching role shaped her philosophy, emphasizing resilience and mental strength. From youth players to college athletes, she explores how sports psychology influences performance and growth. Tune in for insights on overcoming pressure and embracing the mental side of the game. Keep up with C...

Join board-certified sports dietitian, Holley Samuel and I in this insightful episode as we delve into the intricacies of nutrition, exploring patterns of hunger, and addressing gaps in our eating habits. Discover the "5 Nutrition Non-Negotiables" that form the foundation for optimal performance, from timing your meals to ensuring a balanced nutrient intake. Holley and I explore the importance of...

In this episode, Yaz and I take a deep dive into her journey with injury as an athlete. In experiencing multiple knee-related injuries, Yaz was forced to determine how she wanted sports to function in her life at a fairly young age. The result? A transformed relationship with sport that prioritizes the experience and relational bond over numbers and output. Join us as we discuss how she manages ho...

Superstitions are a common part of sports culture, from lucky socks to pre-game rituals. But do they actually work? In this episode of Performers on the Rise, we explore the psychology behind sports superstitions. We'll dive into why athletes use them, their benefits and drawbacks, and how they can impact performance. Plus, we'll discuss how athletes can challenge superstitions while maintaining c...

Today we're diving into a topic that doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Grit. While talent and intelligence often steal the spotlight, research shows that perseverance and passion are just as important, if not more so, for long-term success. Grit is about pushing forward even when things get tough. It's what separates those who stay the course from those who quit at the first challenge....

Welcome back to Performers on the Rise! Today, we're getting real about leadership with Georgia Miller, a former volleyball captain turned sports psychologist. Georgia's got a unique perspective on the challenges of leading a team, especially when you're younger than some of your teammates. Get ready for some powerful stories and actionable tips as we explore how to build confidence, overcome self...

We're back with a deep dive into the mental side of performing, something rarely talked about. Alyssa Epstein, former Radio City Rockette turned mental performance coach, shares how sports psychology transformed her 16 year dance career. We cover perfectionism, injury recovery, and training your mind like an athlete. If you've ever let self doubt or a single mistake shake your confidence, this one...

We're back with another episode, and today we're diving into a topic that's often overlooked but incredibly important—the idea that your team isn't necessarily your family. While the term "family" is commonly used in sports and workplace settings to build camaraderie, it can actually have unintended consequences.

We're back after a busy January and ready to dive into all things mental performance. Today, we're focusing on the often-overlooked skill of self-compassion. For athletes and performers, high expectations and perfectionism can be overwhelming, leading to doubt and performance anxiety. This episode explores how to practice self-compassion, helping you manage pressure and perform at your best. Let's...

Success in sports goes beyond just wins and losses. It's about recognizing growth and achievements that often get overlooked. Your confidence shouldn't depend solely on outcomes, as those can be out of your control. In this episode, we'll discuss five practical ways to stabilize your confidence and embrace the progress you make during training and performance. Let's dive in!

As the New Year approaches, excitement about goals and resolutions is high, but it's important to acknowledge the challenges that come with change. Much like a team expecting a flawless season, unrealistic expectations can derail progress. This discussion explores common mindset obstacles and how to overcome them, equipping you for a successful transformation in the year ahead. With the right appr...

Stress can be beneficial for performance, identify, mental skills. However, it's important to understand the difference between acute stress and chronic stress. Stress and anxiety have physiological impacts on the body that require attention as part of our self-care routine. The fact is, most people are uncomfortable with discomfort, and that mindset only ecourages dissociating from the stresser....

Hannah de Groot, owner of Stride Counseling, joins the show to bring her professional advice to an important conversation. After struggling with an eating disorder, Hannah was inspired to help support other athletes struggling in the same way. Part of the athletic process is physical awareness. But, when that awareness is disfunctioned, it will do more harm than good. Social and societal pressures...

At some point, every athlete struggles with comparison, and the implications it has on performance and mindset. It's an unavoidable part of being human. While comparison can have negative effects, it doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. This episode highlights the power of comparison and how to use it constructively. We'll also examine the impact comparison can have on your mindset, teamwor...

We've all been in situations where we were buckling under the pressure of intense stress, overwhelm, or expectations. Maybe everything seems to pile up, and there's barely enough time to handle it all? Or, maybe you've faced a high-pressure moment, like a competition or performance, and felt the stress weighing on you. How do we rise to the challenges ahead and keep up without burning out? Today,...

Dr. Carrie Hastings, a licensed clinical and sports psychologist and the mental health clinician for the Los Angeles Rams, joins us on today's show to share her personal athletic journey and professional insights into the athlete's mindset in today's world. With rising levels of pressure and performance anxiety, athletes of all ages are facing unprecedented mental challenges. Dr. Hastings discusse...

Navigating the sports world is more than just winning—it's about building relationships and finding joy in the journey. Coach Matt Rogers shares insights from his life as a coach and his book, Significant Recruiting, focusing on how athlete relationships can create lasting impact. From understanding personal commitment to balancing mental toughness in sport, Matt explains how a relationship-driven...

When reflecting on our performance outcomes, it's easy for our minds to spiral into unproductive trains of thought. By becoming aware of these thought patterns, we can interrupt them before they take over. There is value in being able to take responsibility for our mistakes, without over-internalizing them. At the same time, we must recognize when there are external variables at play beyond our co...

Bodies and brains perform their best under pressure. However, your individual relationship with pressure can influence your performance. For some athletes, an unhealthy relationship can lead to negative performance anxiety and choking under pressure. Let's breakdown what factors into  pressure so we can bring awareness to unhealthy habits and redefine our relationship with it. https://open.spotify...