Eighty Percent Mental

In this episode of the Eighty Percent Mental podcast, hosts Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington welcome Dr Andrew Wood, a performance psychologist with extensive experience in disability sports. The conversation explores Andrew's journey into sports psychology, his work with blind football, and the psychological challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. They delve into Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and its application in performance psychology, as well as Andrew's personal experiences with long COVID and the impact it has had on his life and values. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acceptance, meaningful living, and the role of psychology in everyday life. Follow Woody on Instagram: @dr_andrew_wood Follow Woody on LinkedIn: Dr Andrew Wood

In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga welcomes Dean Hammond, a seasoned coach with a military background. They discuss the evolution of gym culture, the importance of practical experience in coaching, and the mission of the Catalyst Project, which aims to transform everyday athletes into 'athletic weapons.' Dean discusses the importance of building a supportive ecosystem for athletes, integrating psychological practices into coaching, and emphasizes the need for a community-focused approach in the fitness industry, advocating for deeper personal goals over superficial ones. We explore themes of vulnerability, the evolution of training as we age, the importance of mastering the basics in health and fitness, and the profound life lessons learned through experience. Dean emphasizes the finite nature of life and the need to live with purpose, encouraging listeners to focus on what truly matters and to embrace their unique journeys. Follow Dean on Instagram: @coach_dean_hammond Check out the catalyst project: thecatalystproject.co.uk

In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga, and Dr Leah Washington are joined by Dr. Angel Brutus to explore the multifaceted nature of leadership. They discuss the qualities of great leaders, the importance of understanding leadership identity, and the myths surrounding leadership capabilities. The conversation highlights the significance of context, personal experiences, and the influence of those around us in shaping effective leadership. Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Dr. Brutus, discusses the complexities of leadership identity, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, reflective practices, and the impact of societal factors such as gender and race on leadership roles. Follow Angel on Instagram: @sportpsychsynergy and @angelbrutus1 Follow Angel on LinkedIn: Synergistic Solutions and Angel Brutus

In this special episode of the Eighty Percent Mental Podcast, host Dr Pete Olusoga talks with Dr. Laura Swettenham and Dr. Kristin McGinty Minister from the ‘But Why?’ podcast to explore the psychological implications of our online lives, the prevalence of misinformation, and the importance of critical thinking. The conversation emphasizes the need for questioning the content we consume and understanding the purpose behind it, how social media can be both beneficial and detrimental to mental health, the role of algorithms in shaping our experiences, and the challenges faced by women in online spaces. We talk about the challenges of maintaining humanity in a digital world and the importance of balance in our online interactions. Follow Kristin on Instagram: @Doctor_kristinm and @Butwhy.pod Follow Kristen on Tiktok: @dr_kristin and @Butwhy.pod Follow Laura on LinkedIn: Dr Laura Swettenham Follow But Why? on Youtube: @ButWhyMinds

In this episode, Pete and Leah, are joined by Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Aren Ulmer to explore the significance of identity in sports and exercise, and how our sense of identity impacts performance and well-being. They discuss the importance of holistic development for athletes, and the challenges collegiate athletes face in managing dual identities, how athletes navigate their personal and cultural identities, and the importance of celebrating individual differences. They also explore the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of competitive sports and emphasize the need for preparation and support during this process. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of authenticity and the value of embracing one's true self in various contexts. Follow Aren on Instagram: @arenulmer Find Aren on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aren-ulmer Check out Aren at courtexperformance.com

In this episode of the Eighty Percent Mental podcast, Dr Pete Olusoga is joined by Head of Women’s Performance Psychology at the Football Association, Dr. Kate Hays. We discuss Kate’s model for success, outlined in her new book “How to win: Lessons in success from the front line of performance psychology,” which includes understanding oneself, defining purpose, establishing methods, and creating a conducive environment for performance. In this conversation, Kate shares insights from her experiences with athletes and reflects on her personal philosophy and the value of being present in both our professional and personal lives. Check out Kate’s website here: https://drkatehays.com/ Find Kate’s book here: https://lnk.to/HowToWin

Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington engage with “soon to be Dr” David Smith, to explore the intersection of psychology, exercise, and societal issues. They discuss the transformative power of sport, the importance of community, current societal challenges and the role of resilience in navigating these complexities. In this conversation, David discusses the historical silence of the government during the AIDS crisis, emphasizing the resilience and self-care strategies adopted by the LGBTQAI+ community during that time. He highlights the importance of community support and social connections in overcoming adversity. The discussion then shifts to the current climate regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exploring its implications and the role of allyship in social movements. Follow David on Instagram: @stonewallperformance @fitwithpride Follow David on YouTube @stonewallperformance Find David on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr Check out David’s website here: stonewallperformance.com

In this episode of the Eighty Percent Mental Podcast, hosts Pete and Leah and guest Dr Luke Olsson delve into the complex topic of burnout. They explore the differences between stress and burnout, the symptoms associated with burnout, and how it manifests in various professions. The conversation also touches on the individual and environmental factors that contribute to burnout, and the cultural influences that exacerbate the issue. Luke shares insights from his research, emphasising the importance of understanding burnout as a psychological response rather than merely a physical condition. Dr Luke Olsson is a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University in the UK. His research primarily focusses on ascertaining the key reasons that make an athlete vulnerable to experience burnout as well as quantifying how burnout can influence an athlete including health and performance consequences. Follow Luke on Twitter: @L_F_Olsson

In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, hosts Pete and Leah, along with guest Dr Marina Harris, delve into the complex world of eating disorders. They discuss the definitions of eating disorders versus disordered eating, the impact of diet culture, and the role of social media in shaping body image. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing red flags in eating behaviours, the stigma surrounding eating disorders, the responsibility of coaches and support staff in supporting athletes, fostering healthy relationships with food and how to approach conversations about eating disorders. Dr Marina Harris is a licensed psychologist, performance consultant, and speaker. As a former Division I gymnast, she understands the unique stressors affecting athletes and performers. Her psychology practice, Bloom Psychology Group, offers individual therapy and sport psychology services for perfectionistic high-achievers who want to feel more calm. Follow Marina on Twitter: @DrMarinaHarris Follow Marina on Instagram: @DrMarinaHarris Follow Marina on TikTok: @DrMarinaHarris Check out Marina’s website: bloompsychologync.com Explore the book mentioned by Marina, Intuitive Eating, by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/intuitive-eating-4th-edition-a-revolutionary-anti-diet-approach-hillary-huber/16191829?ean=9781250255198&next=t&aid=8537&listref=intuitive-eating&next=t If you feel like you’ve been impacted by anything in this episode or would like to reach out for help, here are some useful resources: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/eating-problems/treatment-and-support/ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/ https://www.priorygroup.com/eating-disorders/guide-to-uk-free-eating-disorder-helplines https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/international

In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are joined by Director of Culturgen and self-confessed behavioural science nerd, Chris Garrison to explore the Science of Bias. What is cognitive bias? How does it work? What is the impact of our biases on those around us and how can we begin to challenge the biases that we all hold? We discuss all of this and much more in this episode of Eighty Percent Mental. Follow Chris on Bluesky: @chrisgarrison.bsky.social Follow Chris on Instagram:@thecgarrison Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/56314/thinking-fast-and-slow-by-kahneman-daniel/9780141033570

In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington welcome the President of the International Society of Sport Psychology, Dr Rob Schinke, to the podcast to talk about mental health and about finding ways to harness our gifts and truly live up to our human potential. We discuss Rob’s work with with Olympic and professional athletes, his thoughts on Cultural Sport Psychology and his book, “Gifted:8 Steps to Succeeding in Sport, Work, and Life.” Check out Rob’s profile here: https://laurentian.ca/faculty/rschinke Follow Rob on Instagram: @robertjschinke Get Rob’s book, Gifted, here: https://canada.humankinetics.com/products/gifted

The commercialisation of wellness and wellbeing has led us to the point where everyone has basically gone fucking nuts. With so much crap on the internet, how can ordinary folk spot the snake oil? How can we be more skeptical about the information we’re presented with, and how can we be better scientists? In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington talk to Dr Nick Tiller, exercise scientist at Harbor-UCLA, about Bad Science! Dr Tiller is the author of The Skeptic’s Guide to Sports Science, a columnist at Skeptical Inquirer magazine, and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Follow Nick on Twitter: @NBTiller Check out Nick’s website: nbtiller.com, where you can buy his genuinely excellent book. And no, we’re not on commission!

4.04 – What about my immune system? What is my immune system and why is it so important? In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are joined by immunologist, Senior Lecturer and author, Dr Jenna Macciochi, to explore how the immune system is linked to psychological health. We discuss what our immune systems actually are, what they do (and what they don’t do), as well as unpacking some of the barriers to maintaining a health immune system, and discussing the importance of movement. There’s so much to learn here! Check out Dr Macciochi’s website here: drjennamacciochi.com Follow Jenna on Instagram: @dr_jenna_macciochi Follow Jenna on Twitter: @drjmacc Jenna’s book – Immunity: The Science of Staying Well: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/immunity-the-science-of-staying-well-dr-jenna-macciochi?variant=32560620863566 Jenna’s book – Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity: https://www.yellowkitebooks.co.uk/titles/dr-jenna-macciochi/your-blueprint-for-strong-immunity/9781529363623/ Use my special link (https://zen.ai/dd76YpKAh4wE45wmPb_-kam6MT43BY1WpVW5XUuMPaM) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

The Olympic Games wouldn’t be complete without an EightyPercentMental Olympic Review and that’s exactly what Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are doing in this episode with the help of their guest, Dr Quincy Davis. We talk about highs, the lows, our favourite moments, and of course we dive into the psychology underpinning some of the most memorable performances – and yes that includes the breakdancing. Dr Quincy Davis is an Assistant Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology at Mississippi State University and owns a private practice “Resolute Performance Consulting”. Passionate about all things athlete mental health, mental performance, and overall well-being. Follow Quincy on Instagram: @dr_quincydavis Follow Quincy on Twitter/X: @DrQuincyDavis Connect with Quincy on LinkedIn: Quincy Davis Quincy’s Private Practice Website: resoluteperformanceconsulting.com

There’s a well-established link between exercise and mental health. In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, Dr Pete Olusoga and new co-host, Dr Leah Washington explore how and why moving our bodies can be beneficial for our psychological health, but also why it might not be as simple as just moving more! Our guest this episode is Dr Hillary Cauthen, a clinical sport psychologist based in Austin TX, and Co-Founder of Texas Optimal Performance & Psychological Services. Her work in high performance environments is breaking down stigma across communities which is highlighted in her book, “Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate.” Follow Dr Cauthen on Twitter: @TOPPSTIP Check out Hilary’s website here: hillarycauthen.com Get Hilary’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Trauma-Our-Invisible-Teammate/dp/B0CPN9KRVT/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp&qid=1702231223&amp&sr=8-1

Welcome to the brand-new series of EightyPercentMental, the podcast all about the psychology of sport and performance. Only… it isn’t just about sport and performance anymore, because in this series, we’re going to explore how psychology is important in exercise, health, and wellbeing, and how we can apply this to our everyday lives! Is exercise really good for my mental health? What’s the link between my immune system and psychological wellbeing? How can I start doing difficult things and keep going? In this first episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and new co-host, Dr Leah Washington, speak to their expert guest, sport and exercise psychologist in training, and fitness coach, Clara Swedlund about all things motivation. What gets in the way when we try to change our habits? Why are values important to setting goals? Which way up should our cups go in the cupboard? This was such a valuable conversation and a great way to kick off Series 4 of the 242nd most popular sports podcast in Costa Rica! Follow Clara on Instagram: @clara_theexerpsych Follow Clara on Twitter: @ceswedlund Check out Clara’s website: theexerpsych.com

Sometimes the transition out of sport can be easy, a natural progression to the next stage of an athlete’s life. Sometimes it can be an intensely difficult and painful experience.  Sometimes, ending an athletic career can be a deliberate choice, other times it’s forced upon an athlete through injury, or changing circumstances. In the final episode of this series, Dr Pete Olusoga explores The Psychology of The End with two very special guests, Psychologist and Director of NBA Mind Health, Dr Kensa Gunter, and Senior VP and Head of NBA Player Development, Jamila Wideman. We discuss Jamila’s own playing career (drafted 3rd overall in the inaugural WNBA draft) and her own transitions in and out of sport, and Dr Gunter offers her insights from a psychological perspective on overcoming the challenges of bringing an athletic career to a close. It’s such an honest and truthful conversation and a wonderful way to bring this series to an end. Enjoy! Follow Dr Kensa Gunter on Twitter: @DrKensa Check out Kensa’s website here: drkensagunter.com Connect with Jamila Wideman on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamila-wideman-503849133/

There’s no denying the strategy, the undeniable levels of skill, and the precision involved in American Football, but it’s also a sport, a little like rugby, where a good part of your time is spent picking yourself up off the floor after being knocked on your ass. In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, Dr Pete Olusoga explores the psychology involved in collision sports. What are the unique mental challenges of taking (or dishing out) massive hit after massive hit? Joining Pete on this episode are special guests, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being at the University of North Carolina, Dwight Hollier, and Performance Consultant and Therapist, Dr Adrian Ferrera. Follow Dwight Hollier on Twitter: @Dfin50 Check out Dr Ferrera’s website:dradrianferrera.com Follow Dr Adrian Ferrera on Twitter: @dradrianferrera Follow Dr Adrian Ferrera on Instagram: @dradrianferrera Follow Dr Ferrera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ferrera-phd-lpc-8a01724a/

Earlier this series (Episode 3.13), Dr Pete Olusoga spoke to  Laura Langton and Kit Windsor, from Team Ace of Blades, just before they set off on their quest to row across the Atlantic. Along with the other two members of the crew, Lizz Watson and Beth Motley, they set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 13th December, 2023. Forty-seven days later, they rowed their 25ft boat into English Harbour in Antigua having successfully navigated all 3000 miles of the World’s Toughest Row. In this extra-special episode of EightyPercentMental, Laura, Kit, Lizz, and Beth are all here to talk about their incredible achievement, their magnificent voyage, and of course, about the role that psychology played on their adventure. Visit Team Ace of Blades: teamaceofblades.com Donate to the Team’s incredible charities: teamaceofblades.com/charities Follow Team Ace of Blades on Instagram: @teamaceofblades Follow the team on Twitter: @TeamAceOfBlades Finish Line Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmWOcfUsQss

Ever fancied strapping yourself to a plank and throwing yourself down a snowy mountain? In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, Dr Pete Olusoga explores The Psychology of The Slopes with snowboarding legend, Stevie Bell, and the Founder of the Mental Performance Center for Action Sports, Alēc Herbert. Such a great conversation around the mental aspects of action sports, preparation, professionalism, and doing things you immediately regret! Follow Stevie on Intagram: @steviebell801 Check out Stevie’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGRWqUsePRplN3jh2gFRVw Follow Alēc on Twitter: @MPCActionSports Check out these incredible organisations: https://www.hoodstowoodsfoundation.org/ https://www.shredfoundation.org/ https://stoked.org/ https://sharewinterfoundation.org/ https://yeskids.org/ https://www.snowdaysfoundation.org/ This the National Brotherhood of Skiers, it is a community-based organization for adult or already avid riders.  https://www.nbs.org/