Flow State Yoga for Athletes

Dan interviews Jeff Cohen, head lacrosse coach at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. They discuss the importance of posture, body language, and mindset in athletic performance, and how these elements connect with broader themes of yoga and flow state. Cohen shares insights from his journey as both a player and a coach, emphasizing the cultural and competitive shifts within the Clark lacrosse program over the years. They also explore the integration of holistic practices, such as yoga, into sports training, and the impact of resources and mental conditioning on achieving peak performance. The conversation touches on the unique Clark experience, highlighting the benefits of the university’s academic programs and tight-knit community. Topics 01:18 Meet Coach Jeff Cohen 02:09 Coach Cohen's Athletic Journey 05:00 Coaching Philosophy and Style 07:17 The Role of Mental State in Athletics 10:35 Insights from Dr. Joel Fish 14:58 Integrating Yoga and Athletics 23:41 Next Play Mentality: A Coaching Philosophy 24:43 Self-Study and the Food Journal 27:21 The Clark Experience: Unique Selling Points 34:21 Team Culture and Leadership 42:25 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Excitement 43:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Flow State Yoga

In this episode of the Flow State Yoga for Athletes podcast, Dan delves into an enlightening discussion with Kyle Devitte, Editor and Lead Writer for the New England Lacrosse Journal. Kyle shares his transformative journey from a tough and regretful college coach to a more thoughtful and supportive high school coach. He discusses the power of therapy, his shift in coaching philosophy, and the importance of constructive feedback and positive reinforcement. They explore the deep passion for lacrosse, personal growth through lacrosse writing, and evolving as a player who seeks fulfillment and purpose. The conversation touches on mental health, meticulousness in coaching, and the importance of caring for the athletes. Kyle also reflects on meaningful achievements such as helping revive the lacrosse program at Whittier and emphasizes the fulfillment he finds in coaching. This episode offers valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts alike. Topics 01:19 Guest Introduction: Kyle Devitte 02:15 Kyle's Early Lacrosse Journey 05:53 College and Writing Challenges 08:03 Flow State and Writing Process 15:28 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution 32:41 Reflecting on Coaching Styles and Regrets 33:46 Therapy and Personal Growth 34:07 Positive Reinforcement in Coaching 37:23 Coaching Mentors and Lessons Learned 41:04 The Importance of Delegation and Teamwork 43:50 The Rewards and Challenges of Coaching 56:35 The Role of Therapy in Personal Development 01:01:29 Excitement for Lacrosse and Future Plans 01:03:38 Final Thoughts and Farewell Flow State Yoga

Dan interviews Kyle Werman, the head baseball coach at LaSalle College High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Kyle shares his journey from growing up in Southern California, playing collegiate baseball at the University of Virginia, to transitioning into professional baseball and eventually coaching. Kyle discusses the importance of self-motivation, mental resilience, visualization, and the evolving dynamics of youth sports. He also highlights his experiences and strategies as a coach, focusing on how to cultivate competitive spirit and life skills in young athletes. Topics 00:44 Welcome to the Podcast 01:20 Meet Coach Kyle Werman 01:57 Kyle's Baseball Journey Begins 03:37 College Baseball Experience 14:42 Transition to Professional Baseball 19:44 Memorable Moments in Independent League 22:45 Visualization and Mental Preparation 26:56 Path to Coaching 30:03 Balancing Coaching and Family Life 30:50 Transitioning from College to High School Coaching 33:03 The Cavalier Toughman Challenge 36:46 Challenges of Modern High School Athletes 41:23 Creating Competitive Practice Environments 43:57 Off-Season Training and Specialization 47:39 Personal Reflections and Maintaining Balance 52:24 Switch Hitting Journey 58:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Flow State Yoga

Dan delves into the intertwining themes of soccer, mental health, and holistic athlete development with Dakota Carroll, Director of Teams at Steel Sports. Dakota shares her journey from youthful soccer dreams to impactful professional roles, advocating for a holistic approach to coaching that includes mental health, life skills, and yoga. The dialogue broadens to encompass the critical roles of mindfulness, community, and personal well-being, highlighted by experiences from prominent athletes like Simone Biles and personal anecdotes. The conversation underscores the importance of enjoying sports, reducing performance pressure, and fostering a supportive, community-driven environment for young athletes to thrive. Authentic stories of flow states, community bonds, and impactful coaching moments enrich this exploration of balancing sports, life, and personal growth. More on Dakota: https://steelsports.com/ Topics 00:49 Meet Dakota Carroll: Soccer Player and Yoga Enthusiast 02:04 Dakota's Role at Steel Sports 03:23 Holistic Approach to Athlete Development 05:21 Dakota's Yoga Journey and Mental Health 10:07 Incorporating Yoga into Coaching 13:20 Mindfulness and Mental Health in Sports 22:07 Personal Practice and Postpartum Journey 25:52 The Value of Staying Active in Adulthood 27:23 The Importance of Community in Sports 29:37 The Concept of Flow in Sports 30:48 Healthy Lifestyle and Longevity 34:33 Positive Coaching and Youth Sports 43:14 Cherishing Moments of Peak Performance 48:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Flow State Yoga

In this engaging podcast episode, Dan delves into the concepts of flow state, play, and movement with guest Jason Brown, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, and a Qigong instructor. Together, they discuss the significance of achieving a flow state through being fully absorbed in activities and how play and creativity foster this state. The episode also touches upon Jason's holistic approach to movement, emphasizing the importance of being a guide rather than just a coach. They explore the cultural phenomena of CrossFit and the social aspects of sports that contribute to longevity and well-being. The conversation highlights Jason's unique approach to integrating creativity into physical training, promoting a balanced, community-oriented, and playful way to improve health and human performance. 00:00 Introduction to Flow State Yoga for Athletes 00:46 Meet Jason Brown: Martial Arts and Qigong Expert 01:16 Understanding Flow State 04:30 The Role of Play in Training 08:36 Art and Connection in Practice 11:10 The Scholar Warrior Path 17:58 Coaching Philosophy and Methods 26:27 The Value of Judo for Young Grapplers 26:50 Memorable Experiences at the Philadelphia Judo Club 29:09 The Concept of Smiling Randori 30:03 Nostalgia for Early Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Days 33:49 Personal Training Practices and Philosophy 36:15 The Evolution and Impact of Kettlebell Training 40:08 The Importance of Play and Community in Fitness 48:56 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information Flow State Yoga

In this episode of the Flow State Yoga for Athletes Podcast, Dan interviews Martin Bowes, a former professional lacrosse player and coach. They delve into Bowes' athletic journey from youth sports to playing professionally, and his transition into coaching and breathing instruction. Bowes talks about the importance of intrinsic motivation, the impact of flow state on performance, and how teaching skills can deepen understanding. The conversation also covers Bowes' personal growth through breathwork, martial arts, and meditation, exploring how these practices helped him manage challenges like concussions. Additionally, they discuss the transformative experience of fatherhood and its parallels to healing one's own inner child. Bowes shares insights on judgment, curiosity, and the ever-present pursuit of one's highest potential. Topics 00:00 Introduction to Flow State Yoga for Athletes 00:46 Welcoming Martin Bowes 01:59 Martin's Athletic Journey 03:46 Transitioning to Professional Lacrosse 06:06 Coaching and Skill Development 12:07 The Coaching Journey Begins 15:29 Shifting Motivations and Self-Discovery 17:23 The Power of Breathwork and Meditation 20:19 Discovering Sandao Jiu Jitsu 28:02 Champion's Wisdom: Meditative Insights 30:35 Yoga Therapy Assessment: Koshas Explained 31:47 Personal Reflections: Energy and Breath 38:28 Parenthood: A Journey of Inner Healing 43:51 Flow State: The Ultimate Goal 48:57 Challenges in Athletic Performance 50:45 Closing Thoughts and Resources Flow State Yoga

Dan speaks with Corrie Gray, a big wave surfer and realtor from Oahu, originally from New Jersey. Corrie shares her journey from learning to surf at the inlet in Manasquan to tackling 20-foot waves in Hawaii. She discusses her experiences with near-death situations in the ocean, the importance of mentorship, and the mental and physical training required for big wave surfing. Corrie emphasizes the challenges of balancing work as a realtor with her passion for surfing and the importance of drawing good lines on big waves. The conversation also delves into managing fear, the role of mental resilience, and the supportive nature of the surfing community. Corrie encourages those interested in big wave surfing to pursue it despite the life changes it brings, highlighting the importance of positivity and camaraderie among women in the sport. Topics 01:24 Growing Up in Manasquan 02:44 Early Surfing Experiences 03:37 High School and College Athletics 05:35 Transition to Big Wave Surfing 08:50 Training and Mentorship 12:53 Notable Surfing Experiences 16:30 Board Design and Equipment 21:45 Future Surfing Goals 26:51 Visualization and Mental Preparation 28:04 Balancing Real Estate and Surfing 29:09 Challenges of Freelance Work 30:41 Sponsorships and Social Media 31:30 Competing in Big Wave Surfing 32:18 Supporting Women in Surfing 37:29 Coaching and Mentoring Aspirations 49:23 Managing Fear in Big Wave Surfing 58:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections Flow State Yoga

In the inaugural episode of the Flow State Yoga for Athletes podcast, host Dan Rosenak engages in an enriching conversation with Bryan Gleason, a veteran lifeguard, lifelong athlete, and owner of Surf Costa Retreat Center in Costa Rica. Bryan shares his journey growing up on the Jersey shore, his evolution as an athlete, and the founding and growth of Surf Costa. He discusses the importance of lifeguard training programs, his approach to breathwork for optimal performance, and his experiences rescuing people in challenging conditions. Bryan also shares insights into the upcoming men's surf and yoga retreat and stresses the value of building a lifestyle around core passions and values. Links www.surfcosta.com IG: @surfcosta FlowStateYogaTherapy.com @FlowStateYogaTherapy FlowStateYogaTherapy@gmail.com Topics 00:50 Meet Bryan Gleason: Lifeguard and Surf Retreat Owner 01:22 Growing Up by the Shore 03:17 Founding SurfCosta: A Dream Realized 08:35 Expanding SurfCosta Beyond Surfing 11:09 Partnering for a Surf and Yoga Retreat 11:38 Crafting a Life Around Passion 12:13 The Challenges and Rewards of Following Your Passion 16:05 Brian's Athletic Journey: Surfing and Paddling 16:34 The SEA Paddle Race Experience 25:57 Rescue Stories and Memorable Moments 29:58 A Lifeguard's Instincts and Early Experiences 30:36 Growing Up with Sports and Lifeguarding 33:18 The Competitive Spirit of New Jersey Lifeguarding 35:21 Brother's Journey in Competitive Surfing 41:35 Training the Next Generation of Lifeguards 47:19 Personal Growth Through Breath Work 55:13 Promoting Surf Costa and Final Thoughts Flow State Yoga