In this episode of the Get Mental podcast, we talk with Dr. Brendan Hanley, a performance psychologist with a rich background in sports and military training. They explore the critical mental skills necessary for high-pressure environments, emphasizing the importance of self-identity, motivation, and resilience. Dr. Hanley shares transformative experiences from his work with military personnel, highlighting the significance of authenticity and care in leadership. The conversation delves into the balance between praise and criticism in coaching, the impact of shame and guilt, and the journey of personal development. As they wrap up, they discuss future directions in performance psychology and the importance of intentional recovery practices.

In this conversation, Dave Matthews interviews David Ford, a Division 1 golfer, about the mental skills necessary for high performance in golf. They discuss the importance of accepting losses, knowing strengths and weaknesses, and having self-belief. Ford shares how he learned to accept losses and move on quickly, and how he developed a strong self-belief in his abilities. He also talks about the role of faith in his golf game and how reading Bible verses helps calm his nerves and give him peace. Ford emphasizes the importance of using his platform to glorify God, regardless of his golf scores. In this conversation, David Ford discusses the importance of desire and simplicity in his golf game. He shares how his desire to win propelled him to success, even when his fundamentals were not perfect. He emphasizes the need to understand one's game and focus on what works well, rather than constantly seeking to make changes. Ford also talks about his pre-tournament routine, which involves keeping things simple and maintaining a positive mindset. He advises athletes going through the recruiting process to take it slow, find a coach they mesh well with, and not get too stressed about where they go to college. He also highlights the role of supportive and hands-off parents in building confidence and self-esteem.

Today we're talking with another member of the Hearts & Minds team: George Rivers! George is a published author, former Division 1 tennis player, and mental coach. Tune in to hear his insights about self-talk and the mental game at large!