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All-Star Athlete Podcast

From Setback to Comeback: A Colorado University Football Journey | Ray Robinson & Justin Hebert
01:03:52

From Setback to Comeback: A Colorado University Football Journey | Ray Robinson & Justin Hebert

In episode #24 of the All-Star Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Ray Robinson, a former Division I football player from the University of Colorado, whose journey from high school injury to college football comeback is packed with grit, growth, and powerful lessons in mental resilience. After tearing his ACL and meniscus and missing his entire senior year of high school, Ray fought his way back to the field at CU—only to discover that the mental battles were just as intense as the physical ones. In this episode, Ray opens up about the internal challenges of returning from injury, the identity struggles many athletes face, and how mental performance tools helped him push through the toughest moments. Ray’s story isn’t just about football—it’s about redefining self-worth, finding purpose after sport, and learning to thrive in life’s transitions. Whether you’re currently sidelined, chasing a comeback, or stepping into life after competition, this conversation will remind you that you’re never alone in the mental grind. 🌟 Key Takeaways: -Overcoming ACL & Meniscus Injuries – The mental and physical battle of a high school setback and D1 comeback. -Mental Tools That Work – How Ray used routines and mindset shifts to stay focused through adversity. -Reclaiming Identity – Why realizing he was more than “just an athlete” changed Ray’s entire perspective. -Clearing the Mental Hurdle – What it really took to believe in himself again after injury. -Leadership & Community – How Ray continues to give back and lead with purpose. -Life After Football – Staying connected to the athlete mentality, building balance, and moving forward. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. 📲 Ray’s Favorite Organization App: Clear – The simple, intuitive to-do list app that keeps him on track mentally and physically. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 - All-Star Athlete Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promotion 1:10 - Subscription Promotion 1:46 - Ray Robinson Brief Introduction 2:36 - Rapid-Fire Pre-Game Questions 7:38 - Ray’s Sport & Injury Background 18:01 - Ray’s Colorado University Experience 20:49 - Mental Performance Tools & Routines 28:56 - Clearing the Mental Hurdle of Injury Recovery 31:34 - Realizing He Was More Than Just An Athlete 37:12 - Rapid-Fire Halftime Questions 43:58 - When Ray Knew It Was Time To Move On From Football 45:36 - Leadership & Community in Football and Life 47:45 - Finding Ways To Feed The Athlete Mentality 52:06 - Finding Balance Post Athletic Career 56:11 - What Ray Wishes He Knew At A Younger Age 57:44 - Advice for Younger Athletes Dealing With Injuries 1:00:19 - Social Media & Links 1:02:00 - Ray’s Legacy & Message For The Next Generation 🔗 Follow Ray Robinson: LinkedIn: Ray Robinson 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: @AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from Ray’s story? Whether it’s mental toughness, redefining your identity, or finding balance after sport—drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
More Than an Athlete: Finding Purpose Beyond the Game | Brennan Wheeler & Justin Hebert
01:51:33

More Than an Athlete: Finding Purpose Beyond the Game | Brennan Wheeler & Justin Hebert

In episode #23 of the All-Star Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Brennan Wheeler, a former Division II basketball player from California State University, Chico, whose journey through injury, pandemic disruptions, and mental health growth offers lessons that extend far beyond the hardwood. From a devastating knee injury that sidelined him for over a year to navigating the emotional impact of COVID-19 shutdowns, Brennan shares how adversity forced him to redefine who he was—not just as an athlete, but as a person. He opens up about the emotional challenges of identity loss, the power of mental health in performance, and how stepping outside of basketball allowed him to give back to his community through an impactful internship program. Brennan’s story is a powerful reminder that true strength isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s about discovering purpose, building resilience, and finding fulfillment beyond the game. Whether you're grappling with setbacks, searching for your identity after sports, or learning how to thrive in transitions, this conversation is full of real-world insights and inspiration. 🌟 Key Takeaways: Overcoming Major Injury – The physical and emotional challenges of a long-term comeback. Coping With COVID-19 Disruptions – How the pandemic reignited Brennan’s passion for basketball. Redefining Identity Beyond Athletics – Why separating self-worth from sport changed Brennan’s life. The Role of Mental Health in Performance – How managing emotions made Brennan a better athlete and leader. Giving Back – Brennan’s journey to supporting fellow students through mental health initiatives. Life After Basketball – Finding purpose, balance, and a renewed mindset outside of competition. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 - All-Star Athlete Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promotion 1:10 - Subscription Promotion 1:46 - Rapid-Fire Pre-Game Questions 13:41 - Brennan Wheeler Background & Introduction 17:50 - Injury History (Fractured Cartilage, ACL Partial Tear, MCL Sprain) 21:07 - Impact of Injuries on Physical and Mental Health 24:37 - Importance of Support System While Injured 28:23 - Impact of COVID-19 Shutdown on Brennan’s Career 37:15 - Brennan’s Identity Outside of Being an Athlete 44:30 - Mental Health Development Throughout His Career 48:12 - The Process of Leaving Competitive Basketball Behind 56:44 - Rapid-Fire Half-Time Questions 1:05:59 - CSU Chico Internship 1:17:12 - Social Media & Internship Details 1:21:01 - Staying Connected to the Athlete Mindset Post Career 1:23:49 - Finding Balance After His Basketball Career 1:29:48 - What Brennan Wishes He Knew Earlier In His Career 1:36:04 - The Zone of Optimal Performance & Inverted-U Theory 1:44:07 - Paying it Forward to the Next Generation of Athletes 🔗 Follow Brennan Wheeler: Instagram: @movewithbrennan LinkedIn: Brennan Wheeler 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from Brennan’s story? Whether it’s finding purpose beyond sports, managing mental health, or embracing change—drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
When the Body Slows Down but the Fire Remains | Brian Gallo & Justin Hebert
01:23:06

When the Body Slows Down but the Fire Remains | Brian Gallo & Justin Hebert

In episode #22 of the All-Star Athlete Podcast, I sit down with Brian Gallo, a former multi-sport athlete whose journey through collegiate football, semi-pro competition, and powerlifting has been anything but linear. From walking on at UMass to battling through four surgeries in four years, Brian’s story is one of relentless resilience, mental toughness, and the constant search for balance in the face of physical limitations. Brian opens up about what it’s been like living over a decade without a fully healthy day, how that’s impacted not just his performance but his identity, and why staying active—even with serious limitations—is a lifeline for his mental health. He shares the emotional weight of chronic injury, the mental gymnastics of managing pain and expectations, and the strategies he's developed to keep pushing forward. Whether you're navigating setbacks, searching for purpose post-competition, or redefining your relationship with training, Brian’s story offers raw honesty, practical mindset tools, and powerful lessons in perseverance. 🌟 Key Takeaways: -The Mental Toll of Chronic Injury – What it’s like to keep showing up when your body says otherwise. -Losing and Rebuilding Identity – How injury shifted Brian’s athletic goals and daily mindset. -Finding Balance in the Gym – Staying challenged without causing reinjury. -Dealing With Daily Pain – The mental performance strategies Brian uses to stay grounded. -The Power of Routine and Activity – How movement has become his medicine. -Advice for Injured or Former Athletes – What Brian wishes more people talked about when it comes to pain and purpose. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. 0:00 - All-Star Athlete Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promotion 1:10 - Subscription Promotion 1:46 - Introduction to Brian Gallo 8:44 - The Mentality Required to Play High Level Sports 19:57 - The Mental Shift From Football to Powerlifting 25:56 - Ongoing Injuries and Their Effect on Mental Health 29:01 - Finding The Motivation To Continue Exercising 31:55 - Redefining What Success Looks Like As We Age 39:01 - Utilizing Mental Strategies For Performance 45:40 - The Most Difficult Part of Dealing With Injuries 51:07 - Techniques For Being In The Present Moment 53:08 - Designing Workouts To Be Both Safe & Challenged 56:09 - Finding Other Ways To Stay Mentally Challenged *1:01:13 - What Brian Wishes He Knew Earlier in His Career 1:06:33 - Advice For Athletes Dealing With Injury & Loss of Identity 1:10:10 - How Brian’s Mindset Developed Into What It Is Today 1:12:36 - Choose Your Hard 🔗 Follow Brian Gallo: Instagram: @bgals6 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s managing setbacks, finding identity beyond sport, or building mental grit—drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
Inside the Mind of a Sport Psychology Professor & Mental Performance Coach | Dr. Aubrey Newland
01:37:24

Inside the Mind of a Sport Psychology Professor & Mental Performance Coach | Dr. Aubrey Newland

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aubrey Newland, a professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at CSU Chico and an experienced mental performance coach. Dr. Newland shares her insights from working with high school, D2, and D1 athletes across a wide range of sports, including baseball, softball, track and field, volleyball, and more. We dive into the mental side of sport—from building confidence and managing nerves to dealing with coaching trauma, overthinking, and unexplained performance issues like the yips. Dr. Newland also reflects on how her coaching work informs her teaching, what makes a great coach, and how the field of sport psychology has evolved over time. This conversation offers practical tools, personal reflections, and deep insights for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to strengthen their mental game. 🌟 Key Takeaways: -The Most Common Mental Barriers Athletes Face -Coaching Trauma & Treating Athletes Like Humans -Mental Strategies for Handling Pressure & Overthinking -How to Coach Athletes Through the Yips -Identity Struggles & Burnout in Competitive Sport -What Separates Great Coaches from the Rest -How Sport Psych Has Changed—and What Still Needs to Evolve 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - All-Star Athlete Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promotion 1:10 - Subscription Promotion 1:46 - Introduction to Dr. Aubrey Newland 2:30 - Educational Background & Career Path 5:24 - Working With Athletes - Experience & Insights 8:50 - Age Differences in Mental Performance Coaching 12:45 - Common Mental Barriers For Athletes 14:01 - Initial Assessment Techniques For Athletes 18:28 - The Importance of Staying Mentally Present 20:46 - Case Study #1 - Shifting Focus For Better Performance 26:28 - Case Study #2 - Techniques for Handling Distractions Better 31:27 - Thinking Positively About Performance 36:59 - Navigating the Physical Symptoms of Nerves 44:36 - Navigating the Challenges of Overthinking 49:50 - Coping With Negative Coaching Experiences 1:00:35 - Dr. Newland’s Social Media 1:02:06 - Integrating Experience Into Teaching 1:08:19 - Changes Within The Field of Sport Psychology 1:14:40 - Distinguishing Good From Great Coaches 1:18:39 - Addressing Burnout & Identity Struggles 1:23:57 - Understanding Coaches’ Impact on Mental Health 1:27:53 - Meaningful Moments in Coaching & Research Career 1:33:40 - Closing Comments 🔗 Follow Dr. Aubrey Newland: Instagram: @aubreynewland Faculty Page: https://www.csuchico.edu/academics/college/communication-education/departments/kinesiology/faculty-staff.shtml 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: @AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s coaching strategies, athlete identity, or managing nerves under pressure, drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
Episode #20 feat. Nicole Papayans: Setbacks, Strength and Success: The Mindset of a Resilient Dancer
01:40:00

Episode #20 feat. Nicole Papayans: Setbacks, Strength and Success: The Mindset of a Resilient Dancer

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Papayans, a dedicated dancer whose journey spans ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and song-team performances, among other styles. Nicole shares the highs and lows of her dance career, from her early passion for movement to the mental and physical challenges of competitive dance. She dives into the pressures of body image, the toll of toxic dance coaches and environments, and the struggle of identity loss after stepping away from performance. Nicole opens up about her transition from high school to college to professional dance, her experiences in different dance styles, and the mental resilience required to thrive in such a demanding field. Now focused on personal training and coaching, she offers insights into preventing burnout, redefining success, and how she wants to create a healthier dance culture. Whether you're an athlete, a performer, or anyone navigating setbacks, Nicole’s story is a testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of embracing change. 🌟 Key Takeaways: -The Mental Challenges of Dance – Overcoming self-doubt, body image struggles, and high expectations. -Identity Beyond Performance – Coping with the transition away from competitive dance. -Lessons From Hip-Hop & Jazz – The unique mental and physical demands of each style. -Coaching & Preventing Burnout – How Nicole is reshaping the way dancers approach training. -Facing Adversity Head-On – Finding resilience in the face of setbacks and toxic environments. -Advice for Young Dancers – What Nicole wishes she knew earlier in her career. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promo 1:10 - Subscription Promo 1:46 - Nicole Papayans Introduction & Dance Background 9:09 - Origins of Dance Career 14:30 - Younger Years of Dance 26:16 - College To Professional Transition 30:19 - Nicole’s Social Media 31:18 - Hip Hop Dance Experience 40:03 - Jazz Dance Experience 44:49 - Toxic Jazz Stories 52:00 - Current Relationship With Dance 54:01 - Mental Challenges of Dance Career 1:06:46 - Body Image Discussion 1:11:11 - Nicole’s Coaching/Training Philosophy 1:15:25 - Struggling With Identity Loss 1:19:50 - Brainstorming About What’s Next 1:25:05 - Nicole’s Vision For Preventing Burnout In Dance 1:29:08 - How Coaches Should View Dance Participation 1:30:24 - Advice For Her Younger Self 1:34:01 - What Needs to Change In Dance Culture 1:37:53 - Closing Thoughts 🔗 Follow Nicole Papayans: Instagram: @papayansfitness 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s resilience, identity, or the mental strength required in dance, drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
Episode #19 feat. Brandt Pfeifer: Finding A Way To Feed Your Inner Athlete
01:21:30

Episode #19 feat. Brandt Pfeifer: Finding A Way To Feed Your Inner Athlete

🎙️ Brandt Pfeifer: Finding a Way to Feed Your Inner Athlete In this episode, we sit down with Brandt Pfeifer, a former Division 1 football player turned professional golfer and DJ. Brandt shares his journey through elite-level sports, the mental battles of transitioning between disciplines, and the struggles of finding purpose beyond competition. From the intense, structured world of college football at Kent State to the individual grind of professional golf, Brandt opens up about the mental highs and lows, the challenge of patience, and the identity shift that comes with leaving sports behind. Now, as a golf coach and music producer, Brandt has found new ways to challenge himself and feed his inner athlete, embracing the process of growth rather than just focusing on the results. He discusses the mental coping strategies that helped him through his toughest moments, the impact of positive vs. negative coaching, and why learning to enjoy the journey is the key to long-term success—whether in sports, music, or life. 🌟 Key Takeaways: The Mental Side of High-Level Sports – How Brandt navigated the psychological demands of football and golf. Patience & The Long Game – Lessons learned about staying present, managing frustration, and trusting progress. Overcoming Mental Hurdles – Handling self-doubt, pressure, and setbacks in different competitive environments. Coaching & Mindset Development – The impact of positive vs. negative coaching experiences on mental resilience. Identity After Sports – The challenge of losing the athlete label and rebuilding purpose in new pursuits. The Mental Connection Between Sports & Music – How DJing and performing recreate the thrill of competition. Enjoying The Process – Why shifting focus from results to daily improvement is the key to long-term fulfillment. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promo 1:10 - Subscription Promo 1:46 - Brandt Pfeifer Introduction 5:55 - Kent State Football experience 12:30 - Post-Football Sports Experience (Primarily Golf) 20:41 - Differences Between Football and Golf Careers 26:27 - Brandt’s Social Media 27:57 - Lessons Learned About Patience 34:05 - Retrospective View on Football and Golf Careers 39:12 - Mental Hurdles in Football and Golf 43:48 - Mental Coping Strategies 49:53 - Positive vs. Negative Coaching Experiences 57:58 - Brandt’s Music Career 1:10:23 - Learn to Enjoy the Process 1:13:50 - Advice for Those Struggling With Identity Loss 🔗 Follow Brandt Pfeifer: Personal Instagram: @brandtpfeifer Producer Instagram: @brandteverest YouTube: @brandteverest Golf Coaching Website: www.golflessonssd.com 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s resilience, patience, or the power of shifting your mindset, drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
Episode #18 feat. Olivia Johnson: The Journey to Self-Acceptance, Strength & Body Positivity
01:26:32

Episode #18 feat. Olivia Johnson: The Journey to Self-Acceptance, Strength & Body Positivity

🎙️ Olivia Johnson: Overcoming Setbacks, Body Image Struggles & Finding Strength In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Johnson, a former Division 1 volleyball player whose career was cut short after suffering two ACL tears. Olivia shares her powerful journey through injury recovery, body image struggles, and the ups and downs of extreme weight-loss efforts—including liposuction, a tummy tuck, and Ozempic. After years of searching for confidence, she is now on a sustainable path to feeling strong, stable, and at home in her body, working with personal trainer Justin (All-Star Mindset) to build a healthier future. Olivia opens up about the mental and physical battles she’s faced, from feeling hopeless after her injuries to embracing the power of consistency in her fitness and nutrition. If you’ve ever struggled with body image, setbacks, or finding motivation, this episode will inspire you to take control of your own journey—one step at a time. 🌟 Key Takeaways: -Overcoming Setbacks – How Olivia rebuilt her life after back-to-back ACL tears. -The Reality of Weight Struggles – From liposuction to Ozempic, the hard truths of quick fixes. -Body Image & Self-Acceptance – The mental toll of weight gain and dysmorphia. -Training for Strength, Not Just Looks – How personal training changed Olivia’s mindset. -Mental Performance & Trusting the Process – Why consistency is key to long-term success. -Balancing Fitness & Femininity – Navigating muscle gain while embracing self-confidence. -Long-Term Growth – How Olivia is rewriting her story with sustainable health habits. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promotion 1:10 - Olivia Johnson Introduction & Background Story 10:59 - Life After Volleyball 15:31 - Weight Gain, Body Dysmorphia, Liposuction, Ozempic & More 27:00 - San Diego, Personal Training & Overall Health 30:44 - Olivia’s Social Media 31:58 - Return to Volleyball & Physical Fitness 40:48 - Struggling with Body Image & Coping Strategies 45:23 - The Benefits of Fitness & Healthy Eating 47:39 - Mental Performance Techniques & Trusting The Process 53:11 - Balancing Muscle Gain With Maintaining Femininity 56:46 - Current Fitness Goals 59:44 - Greatness Rejects All First Time Applicants 1:01:31 - Consistency Is A Superpower 1:08:07 - You Don’t Have To Be A Champion To Start Acting Like One 1:11:32 - Repercussions of Cosmetic Surgery 1:16:05 - Write Your Own Story 1:17:21 - Stay Consistent With Your Habits 1:18:46 - Long-Term Personal Growth Goals 1:21:31 - Externalizing Our Thoughts 🔗 Follow Olivia Johnson: Instagram: @oliviajuice 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s resilience, self-acceptance, or the power of consistency, drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
Episode #17 feat. Sam Warner: Embracing Challenges and Staying True to Yourself
01:42:31

Episode #17 feat. Sam Warner: Embracing Challenges and Staying True to Yourself

🎙️ Sam Warner: Resilience, Kindness & Embracing Your Own Journey In this episode, we sit down with Sam Warner, a former volleyball player turned fitness enthusiast, who shares her journey of personal growth, mental performance, and finding balance in life. Sam dives into the importance of kindness, giving back to others, and showing up even when things get tough. Sam emphasizes how embracing your own unique path, finding accountability partners, and being kind to yourself can lead to lasting success. She also opens up about her experiences with body image, mental health challenges, and how to overcome the comparison mindset in today’s social media world. Whether you're looking to enhance your fitness or grow mentally, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay focused, resilient, and true to yourself. 🌟 Key Takeaways: -The Power of Giving – How helping others strengthens your own journey. -Just Show Up – The importance of showing up consistently, even on tough days. -Accountability & Grace – Finding a balance between pushing yourself and being kind. -Mental Performance for Exercise – Techniques to stay strong mentally while training. -Dealing with Body Dysmorphia & Comparison – How to overcome negative self-talk. -Resilience & Mindset – Strengthening your mind to face any challenge head-on. -The Balance of Mental Health & Physical Fitness – Why both are equally important. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Promotion 1:10 - Sam Warner Introduction 4:41 - Everyone Has Their Own Journey 8:23 - Evolution of Sam’s Training 13:48 - Social Media & Lifestyle 17:32 - Involvement in Hyrox Events 19:57 - Competition, Diet & Nutrition 25:57 - Comparison Mindset 36:27 - Mental Performance Techniques For Exercise 40:10 - Discussing Physique 45:50 - Discussing Body Dysmorphia & Diet Choices 57:36 - Struggling With Not Being Good Enough 1:06:23 - Mental Performance Techniques (Part 2) 1:10:09 - Resilience & Mindset 1:12:42 - Approach To Recovery 1:26:07 - Perspective on Mental Health & Balance 1:32:35 - Advice on Managing Mental Challenges 1:39:43 - Closing Thoughts 🔗 Follow Sam Warner: Instagram: @_sam.warner 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s kindness, resilience, or finding balance, drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
Episode #16 feat. Quinn Rawdin: Choosing the Hard Right Over the Easy Wrong
01:59:52

Episode #16 feat. Quinn Rawdin: Choosing the Hard Right Over the Easy Wrong

🎙️ Quinn Rawdin: Endurance, Mindset & Choosing the Hard Path In this episode, we sit down with Quinn Rawdin, a former volleyball and basketball athlete turned endurance competitor. Quinn has embraced the world of marathons, ultra-marathons, and Hyrox events, constantly pushing his limits in pursuit of growth. His journey is defined by his commitment to taking the hard path—not because it’s easy, but because of the lessons, resilience, and strength it builds along the way. Quinn shares his insights on mental toughness, the importance of “belief before ability,” and why embracing discomfort is the key to unlocking potential. He also breaks down strategies for staying present, controlling the controllables, and developing a mindset that thrives in adversity. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to fuel your journey. 🌟 Key Takeaways: -Belief Before Ability – Success starts with trusting yourself before you have the skills. -Discomfort Equals Growth – How to embrace pain and challenge to become stronger. -Choose the Hard Right Over the Easy Wrong – The power of making difficult but meaningful choices. -Mindfulness & Staying Present – How journaling, meditation, and awareness enhance performance. -Control the Controllables – Letting go of what you can’t change and focusing on what you can. -The Journey Over the Destination – Why success is just a byproduct of consistent effort. 🛠️ Sponsored by Well Traveled Stay energized and healthy wherever life takes you with Well Traveled. This plant-based drink mix is packed with clinically proven ingredients and contains no added sugar. It’s a better alternative to Emergen-C and Airborne, perfect for staying sharp on the go. ✨ Save 25% when you use the code ALLSTAR at checkout! 👉 Visit gowelltraveled.com/discount/allstar to claim your discount today. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Podcast Introduction 0:10 - Well-Traveled Sponsor 1:10 - Quinn Rawdin’s Athletic Background 7:15 - Reflection During COVID & Transition to Endurance Sports 12:48 - Motivation to Change 18:36 - Growth Occurs Outside Your Comfort Zone 24:47 - Learning to Pursue The Most Difficult Opportunities 31:48 - Inspiration to Pursue Endurance Sports 40:04 - Mental Techniques For Endurance Events 48:36 - Mental Techniques for General Fitness 52:49 - Hyrox Information & Training 1:03:05 - Quinn’s Most Challenging Ultramarathon Experience 1:17:41 - Being In The Present Moment 1:21:28 - Mental and Physical Recovery Techniques 1:27:38 - Shifting Perspective on Mental Health & Resilience 1:41:11 - Advice For The Next Generation 1:44:19 - Perspective Is Key For Success 1:49:46 - Your Life Is A Story Waiting To Be Written 1:51:32 - Start Acting Like A Champion Today 🔗 Follow Quinn Rawdin: Instagram: @quinnrawdin 🔗 Follow All-Star Mindset: Instagram: @allstarmindset_ TikTok: @allstarmindset X: AllStarMindset_ YouTube: @allstarmindset LinkedIn: All-Star Mindset 💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s mental toughness, pushing through discomfort, or staying present, drop your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀
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