The Athletic Mind

As the holiday season wraps up, it's essential to rediscover the joy and fun in your game. In this episode, we discuss how to incorporate fun into your training and competition to reignite passion and motivation. Embrace the playful side of the sport to unlock your best performance. Want to bring more fun and energy into your game? EmpowerHER will help you reignite your passion in 2025. Use code A...

Gratitude is a simple but powerful tool that can transform your mindset. In today’s episode, we explore how practicing gratitude enhances your emotional well-being and strengthens your connection to your team. Learn how to integrate gratitude into your daily routine and the impact it can have on your overall performance. Grateful for new opportunities? EmpowerHER can help you cultivate gratitude,...

Visualization is a powerful mental performance tool used by top athletes. In this episode, we explore how to visualize your perfect game, from execution to post-game reflection. Learn how mental imagery can boost your focus, calm nerves, and improve your overall performance. Want to master visualization and other mental performance strategies? Join EmpowerHER in 2025 and get the support you need t...

Challenges are a part of every athlete’s journey. In this episode, we discuss how to embrace adversity and use it as an opportunity for growth. Learn how to shift your mindset to view challenges as stepping stones rather than setbacks. Ready to embrace challenges and grow? EmpowerHER, launching in 2025, will help you build resilience and unlock your potential. Use code ATHLETE10 to save 10% when y...

In today’s episode of The Athletic Mind , Taylor Cook explores how athletes can recharge effectively during downtime without losing their edge. Learn why rest is critical for mental and physical recovery, and how to maintain balance through light activities and healthy routines. Taylor shares actionable strategies like active rest, mindfulness exercises, and tips for sticking to nutrition and slee...

In this episode of The Athletic Mind , Taylor Cook highlights the power of intentional breathing exercises for athletes. Learn how deep breathing reduces stress, sharpens focus, and enhances performance during high-pressure moments. Taylor shares actionable tips, including the box breathing technique, pre-game centering exercises, and how to use breathwork to recalibrate after mistakes. Whether yo...

Your inner dialogue can make or break your performance. In this episode of The Athletic Mind , Taylor Cook explores how positive self-talk can transform your mindset, build confidence, and boost resilience. Learn how to identify and reframe negative thoughts, practice affirmations, and create a constructive inner dialogue to help you excel in high-pressure moments.  Ready to elevate your mindset?...

Physical training is only part of the equation for athletic success—mental workouts are just as essential. In this episode of The Athletic Mind , Taylor Cook dives into why mental training should be part of every athlete’s routine. Learn how practices like visualization, mindfulness, and journaling can improve focus, resilience, and emotional regulation. Discover simple ways to incorporate mental...

In this episode of The Athletic Mind , Taylor Cook explores the importance of emotional awareness for athletes and coaches. Discover how understanding your emotions can reduce stress, improve team dynamics, and lead to better decision-making. Taylor shares actionable tips like daily self-check-ins, mindfulness practices, and the 'pause' technique to help you stay calm and focused during the holida...

The holiday season is full of distractions, making it easy for athletes and coaches to lose focus. In this episode of The Athletic Mind , host Taylor Cook shares practical strategies to keep your motivation alive while still enjoying the festivities. Learn how to manage fluctuating energy levels, maintain consistency with small daily actions, and reconnect with your passion for the game.  Struggli...

The holidays can be a busy and chaotic time for athletes and coaches, with training schedules, family commitments, and personal downtime all competing for attention. In this episode of The Athletic Mind , host Taylor Cook breaks down practical strategies for mastering time management during the holiday season. Learn how to prioritize your goals, focus on energy management, and create a simple rout...

The holidays can be a challenging time for athletes and coaches to stay connected, but fostering team spirit during this busy season is key to maintaining performance and morale. In this episode of The Athletic Mind , host Taylor Cook shares actionable strategies for strengthening team bonds both on and off the ice. Learn how to create meaningful holiday traditions, show gratitude to teammates, an...

In this episode, Taylor Cook sits down with Dutch professional basketball player Natalie van den Adel to explore the mental side of elite sports. Natalie shares her journey from playing college basketball at Colorado State University to competing in top European leagues and winning a European Championship in 3x3 basketball. Beyond her on-court achievements, Natalie opens up about her struggles wit...

Ever wonder why top athletes, leaders, and high performers swear by coaching? In this episode of The Athletic Mind , host Taylor Cook explores the transformative power of coaching and why it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about personal and professional growth. Discover the key benefits of coaching, including: How coaching provides clarity and sets actionable goals The importance of accountab...

In this episode of The Athletic Mind , Taylor Cook sits down with renowned sports scientist Don Moxley to discuss cutting-edge insights into athlete development. They explore why women's sports deserve more investment and the crucial differences between male and female athlete training, particularly the impact of hormonal fluctuations on performance and recovery. Don shares groundbreaking research...

In this special relaunch of The Athletic Mind , host Taylor Cook—former pro hockey player and certified mental performance coach—explores the power of mental performance coaching for athletes. Discover Taylor’s journey and why mental resilience and confidence are crucial for achieving peak sports performance. This episode marks a shift towards delivering powerful, actionable strategies to enhance...

Set yourself up for success with Taylor's comprehensive guide to mindful goal-setting. This episode covers reflection on past performances, creating SMART goals, and developing a flexible plan to stay motivated throughout the season. Equip yourself with techniques to approach each practice and game with clarity and determination. If you found this episode to be of value, share it on social or with...

Performance anxiety can hold back even the most seasoned athletes. In this episode, Coach Taylor shares five impactful tips to help athletes conquer anxiety and enhance mental toughness. These practical insights will support you in achieving optimal performance, whether you're preparing for a big game or training hard. If you found this episode to be of value, share it on social or with a friend,...

Confidence is crucial for peak athletic performance and mental resilience. In this episode, Taylor breaks down how top athletes like Serena Williams and Simone Biles utilize mental techniques, such as visualization and positive self-talk, to maintain focus and excel under pressure. Get strategies to build your confidence and overcome performance hurdles. If you found this episode to be of value, s...

In this episode, Taylor sits down with Ryan Comeau, CEO of Kinetisense, a revolutionary markerless motion capture technology transforming the clinical, employee wellness, and fitness industries. As a former collegiate hockey goalie who faced multiple non-contact sports injuries, Ryan's journey of innovation began with a personal mission: to solve the challenges athletes and professionals encounter...

Discover how menstruation, amenorrhea, and menopause uniquely impact female athletes' performance. Taylor hosts Adrien Cotton, a wellness coach and expert in women's health, as they explore essential knowledge for athletes and those who support them. Gain insights on navigating these physiological changes and their effects on training and competition. If you found this episode to be of value, shar...

Join Taylor as she interviews Noemi Neubauerova, an international hockey star and key player for the Czechia Women's National Team. This episode delves into Noemi’s inspiring path from youth hockey to joining the Toronto PWHL team, highlighting her biggest challenges and key strategies for success. Learn how she fuels her passion for hockey and her vision for the growth of women’s sports. If you f...

Join Taylor Cook for an exciting episode as she welcomes Chris Sinclair, host of the Rinkside Rundown podcast and a dedicated writer for PWHL Ottawa at The Hockey News. Chris shares his inspiring journey into the women's hockey arena, revealing his passion for spotlighting the incredible stories of female athletes through his work. Plus, don’t miss a major announcement that will have listeners buz...

Join Taylor Cook this week as she explores how competitive athletes can cope with the loss of a loved one while managing their sports careers. She covers the unique challenges athletes face, including balancing grief with performance pressures. We delve into effective coping strategies, such as creating a supportive environment with open communication and flexibility in training. Learn practical a...

Taylor delves into the crucial topic of post-season rest and recovery for athletes, focusing on both physical and mental rejuvenation and performance enhancement. In this episode you'll learn how to optimize your recovery with practical tips on rest, hydration, nutrition, and injury management, discover effective strategies to boost your mental resilience and overall well-being, and understand the...