The Most Important Game

Shannon Friday is an amazing student of the game, one of the top teaching pros in the country, and he plays in the PGA teaching professional's most competitive events. A true Player-Coach. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to play at a high level, preparing for big events, and how to overcome the mental game interference that ruins rounds (and scores.) - among other things.Download Paul's Free 2025 - 2026 Mental Game Inventory: 7 Questions that may change your golf game forever. https://inventory.mentalgolfbook.com----------------------------------------------Shannon's Websitehttps://www.golfbyshannonfriday.com/----------------------------------------------Paul’s Book, The Most Important Gamehttps://mentalgolfbook.com/get-the-book----------------------------------------------Follow Paul on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulMYoutube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e----------------------------------------------Watch this Episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/BFTECnx-XXw

I got the chance to chat with Marathoner and former D1 college soccer player, Casey Abelein. Casey (who also happens to be my nephew) has a lot of experience with pushing the body past its instinct to quit.Paul’s Book, The Most Important Gamehttps://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002----------------------------------------------Paul’s Websitehttps://www.paulmonahan.com/----------------------------------------------Follow Paul on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulMYoutube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e----------------------------------------------Watch this Episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/6UDfbHgcU0A

Tim Graves joins me again on TMIG. Tim is an award-winning PGA teaching professional with decades of high-level competitive playing success. In this episode, Tim shares specific actions that can actually help players get ready to play at a high level - and even win.Graves Golf Academyhttps://gravesgolf.com/about-graves-golf/----------------------------------------------Paul’s Book, The Most Important Gamehttps://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002----------------------------------------------Paul’s Websitehttps://www.paulmonahan.com/----------------------------------------------Follow Paul on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulMYoutube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e----------------------------------------------Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Xqk3d1n3ljc

Tim Graves joins me again on TMIG. Tim is an award-winning PGA teaching professional with decades of high-level competitive playing success. In this episode, Tim shares specific actions that can actually help players get ready to play at a high level - and even win.Graves Golf Academyhttps://gravesgolf.com/about-graves-golf/----------------------------------------------Paul’s Book, The Most Important Gamehttps://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002----------------------------------------------Paul’s Websitehttps://www.paulmonahan.com/----------------------------------------------Follow Paul on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulMYoutube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e----------------------------------------------Watch this Episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/gDRdi0tctzQ

In this episode, we talk with Todd Graves - co-founder of Graves Golf Academy about his new book The Intelligent Golfer, a fascinating approach to unlocking the golf swing that is already inside of you . Todd also shares his unique mental game perspective from nearly three decades in golf instruction and player development. Todd’s The Intelligent Golfer and The Intelligent Golf Swing bookhttps://theintelligentgolfer.ai/https://theintelligentgolfswing.com/----------------------------------------------Paul’s Book, The Most Important Gamehttps://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002----------------------------------------------Paul’s Websitehttps://www.paulmonahan.com/----------------------------------------------Follow Paul on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulMYoutube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e----------------------------------------------Watch this Episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/VUlE2Ofoqyg

In this episode, Nathan Ray (10th Degree Black Belt) returns to the podcast to explore the intersection of golf, martial arts, mental performance, and personal growth. This one is packed with insightful moments surrounding positivity, the ego, self-talk, willpower & visualization, and so much more.Nathan’s Book, Supreme Martial Artshttps://a.co/d/cpLIKi8----------------------------------------------Paul’s Book, The Most Important Gamehttps://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002----------------------------------------------Paul’s Websitehttps://www.paulmonahan.com/----------------------------------------------Follow Paul on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulMYoutube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e----------------------------------------------Watch this Episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/JRx7U2ExAec

Sherry Welsh is an experienced engineer, corporate executive, and executive coach. And if that is not enough, one of her specialties is hypnotherapy. (And in fact, Sherry has studied with and is certified by one of the world’s leading practitioners in the hypnotherapy space.) In this episode, Paul and Sherry discuss the profound performance impacts that hypnotherapy can have on those who engage in it. Sherry Welshsherrywelsh.comsherry@sherrywelsh.com----------------------------------------------Paul’s Book, The Most Important Gamehttps://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002----------------------------------------------Paul’s Websitehttps://www.paulmonahan.com/----------------------------------------------Follow Paul on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulMYoutube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e----------------------------------------------Watch this Episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/DCvOlGl5neo

Kyle Stark spent a career in, on, and around elite-level teams, including over 15 years in coaching and management in Major League Baseball. In this episode, Paul and Kyle discuss the performance fundamentals and organizational dynamics of success and achievement on teams. Kyle Stark:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-stark-41642120b  ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FjcBXPiq8JE

Have you ever wondered why change & development can sometimes be so difficult? We unpack that question in this fantastic episode with Ellen Van Oosten - co-author of Helping People Change: Coaching with Compassion for Lifelong Learning and Growth. Ellen & Paul dig into some key topics from the book and get to the bottom of the question, “how can we make changes that stick?”   Buy Ellen’s Book Helping People Change: Coaching with Compassion for Lifelong Learning and Growth https://a.co/d/5pkCWr5 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xJ3dddZ24u8

Trent Griessel is an elite-level college golfer entering his final spring season as a member of the University of Texas - Arlington Men's Golf Team. In this episode, Trent and Paul explore the essence of the mental game of golf (and life) - and what it takes to "win" the battle.   Follow Trent on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trentgriessel?igsh=MTRxMWRkcXBsemlhYw== ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/WC8nZ1Fvy3A  

Brian Miles is a certified mental game coach for the Cleveland Guardians MLB Team. Brian shares what he believes are the primary drivers that help the most elite performers rise above an already highly competitive pool of athletes. It also happens (as often does in these episodes) that everybody can apply these ideas to their own life & work.   Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Brian Miles https://www.instagram.com/briancmiles?igsh=MWdoeHNyNHFzaGhiZA== ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/JGIM1p9V4DI

Cinzia Lee knows that mindset matters. As a mindset and meditation expert working in elite-level performance spaces, Cinzia works with the best, helping them to be their best when it means the most. In this episode, we discuss a Warrior Mindset and the one thing you can start doing today to enhance your own performances. Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Cinzia Lee’s Website https://www.cinzialee.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/nu5ARyILtjY  

Paul visits with Joe Hahn, former Greens Superintendent and GCSA Director. Their discussion spans Hahn’s life and career spent in golf course management, where they discuss Joe's journey from his early days working on a golf course as a teenager to his roles in professional-level tournament golf at revered courses like Locust Hill and Oak Hill in Rochester, NY. Joe gives his first hand perspective and stories on the challenges and triumphs of hosting and setting up courses for the biggest events on the golf calendar like the Senior PGA championship, US Open, and Ryder Cup. Joe’s reflections on his career are full of wisdom, a bunch of great stories - and a couple of cool surprises. Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/SG9M8vVrAws

Christian Henning is a passionate and fascinating professional from the world of golf instruction. As an integral part of the Graves Golf Academy team in Edmond, Oklahoma, Christian brings his perspectives from golf instruction, mobility, nutrition and strength training to our long-running discussion of what it takes to play your best golf! Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Graves Golf Academy https://gravesgolf.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PHvPg7KpgOQ

Singer-songwriter Anna Vaus joins us in this episode to weigh in on what the inside game looks like to a professional musician. Anna sheds some light on the mental patterns that lead to great performances, as well as some of the things that can stand in a creative musician’s way. If you want to learn how to deal with the ups and downs that come with pursuing your passion, Anna is a phenomenal model. Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Check out Anna Vaus’s Music Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ftsk3ROAgHws85G83ppw1 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anna-vaus/1434236422 Youtube: www.youtube.com/@annavaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annavaus ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aj246uQBZg8

Our guest in this episode is Australian Rules Football coach & former player, Ron Watt. After a brief Aussie Rules 101, Paul & Ron dive straight into what makes great performances in this domain - both from a player’s perspective and a coach’s perspective. Ron shares what he believes the best players do that most players are neglecting. He also drops some wisdom regarding the difference between goals and purpose.   Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Reach out to Ron Watt ron.watt@aflca.com.au ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/TyjQQ6zzWyk

This episode’s guest is 10th degree black belt, 2-time World Champion in Karate, and life-long martial arts instructor, Nathan Ray. We dive into the power of words, discipline, the importance of mindset, and the parallels between golf and martial arts. Nathan also drops some sage advice regarding when we should be training. Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Nathan Ray’s Book: Supreme Martial Arts https://www.amazon.com/dp/0972076646?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KVNB33SDWQS36WM3CS4X ---------------------------------------------- Nathan’s Dojo https://www.suprememartialartsknightdale.com ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/k7UUTaiHR-Y

Kim Franca, Nashville-based vocal coach/producer, joins us to talk about how the “inside game” applies to singers, speakers, and anyone interested in using their voice in a performance realm. Kim shares her unique take on visualization and how it helps singers to be more present and connected to productive emotions during a performance. A deep well of wisdom and interesting perspectives on the inside game, Kim is amazing, high-energy, and a total pro who inspires her clients (and us too) to “Inhale life and exhale a song.” Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Kim Franca’s Website https://kimfranca.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/axzy0fIqV80  

What creates success for the individual operator on a Navy SEAL team? Bob Schoultz, a retired US Navy captain and Navy SEAL commander, discusses his experiences and insights from his time in “the Teams” as well as other human performance dynamics. Bob discusses the surprising characteristics of the Navy SEAL operator of today and helps us explore the myths and realities of the Navy SEALs. Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ndSO5vsLY8E

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a D1 College Athlete, and a NCAA Football Champion? Our guest Mike D’Andrea shares his experience playing football at The Ohio State University under head coach Jim Tressel. Paul & Mike hit on how preparation affects our mental state during performances, the intersection between anxiety and focus, and a handful of other key inside game topics. Mike’s perspective is one you will be glad you heard! Paul’s Book, The Most Important Game https://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Game-Better-Struggle/dp/1998315002 ---------------------------------------------- Paul’s Website https://www.paulmonahan.com/ ---------------------------------------------- T3 Performance, Mike’s Sports Performance & Wellness Company https://t3athlete.com/ ---------------------------------------------- Follow Paul on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachpaul/ X: https://twitter.com/CoachPaulM Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PaulMonahanCoach?si=aov2boB5QOg8Mx0e ---------------------------------------------- Watch this Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/IhnOf0knW5c