Happy Athlete

In today’s episode I speak with Caroline Fitzgerald. Caroline launched GOALS Sports in 2020 with the mission to make "the business case for women's sports”. Caroline tells us why women's sports is a largely untapped landscape for investment and growth, and the supporting role that GOALS Sports lends. Caroline talks about the 50-year anniversary of Title IX, how far it has come, where it is today, and where it needs to go. She also discusses the impact of the recent ghoulish Supreme Court decision to take away freedom from women and the impact it will have on women’s sports. Caroline’s Linkshttps://goals-sports.com/https://twitter.com/goals_sports_https://twitter.com/pghcarolinehttps://www.instagram.com/goals_sports_/?hl=enSean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

Today’s meditation is Positive Visualization.I remember the rollercoaster ride of emotions of confidence and self doubt when I used to play. Up, down. Up, down. It seemed like it was non-stop. No athlete is alone in this battle.When our minds are filled with negative thoughts, we experience anxiety and tension that can affect our game and our entire well-being.This meditation will help you fight that negative voice in your heads as we focus only on positive images that will enhance your performance. This visualization practice will help relax your body and mind which will lead to optimal performance. See the highlights you want to see! See it and believe it. See it and do it. Have a cushion or blanket ready.Sean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

In this entertaining and thought-provoking episode, I speak with my friend Bryan Kest. Bryan coined the term “Power Yoga” and was one of the early influencers in making yoga more accessible. Bryan opened one of the first yoga studios in the country, the iconic Santa Monica Power Yoga Studio in 1995. In Bryan’s straight-shooting way, he shares his philosophy and insights from teaching and practicing yoga for over 40 years. Bryan talks about gentleness, moderation, taking care of our bodies and minds, and more. Bryan’s LinksPowerYoga.comFollow Bryan on InstagramSean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

Meditation Monday. Today’s meditation is to help manage perfectionism. Perfectionism is something I struggled with at points in my life especially when I was playing football. Quite often I felt like a failure. Not quite good enough.There can be some positives to perfectionism. It can help us achieve goals and accomplishments. However, sometimes when things don’t go the way we want them to, it can result in feelings of stress and failure. A recent study found that meditation is an effective way to help perfectionists deal with negative thoughts and recover from failure. The study was done with college students who deal with a lot of stress and battle perfectionism. In the study, they practiced a non-judgement mindfulness meditation which helped improve their mood and recover from stress. That’s what we will practice today. A non-judgement mediation. And you don't have to be a college student to do it. It's for everyone. This meditation, practiced regularly, can help you shift your mindset. Instead of searching for the things that didn’t work out that you think you need to fix, over time you will cultivate positive affirmations. They will allow you to:● Experience self-compassion and non-judgement.● Remind yourself to not take everything so seriously.● Perhaps even celebrate your accomplishments.Let's begin. Grab a cushion and let’s begin. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Sean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on InstagramSean's Book - The Point After: How One Resilient Kicker Learned there was More to Life than the NFL

Today we speak with former professional snowboarder, Megan Pischke. In this episode, Megan talks about how her breast cancer battle has changed her perspective on life. She shares the tools that helped her through those years and what she does today to find gratitude in every moment. Megan is one of the pioneers of female snowboarding. Megan competed in the Winter X-Games every year from 1997-2004. For almost 25 years, Megan has dedicated herself to Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC)She provides breast cancer survivors with scholarships to her women's wellness experiences rooted in snowboarding, surfing, and yoga with a focus on meditation, nutrition and other tools for prevention. In 2012, Megan was diagnosed with breast cancer and describes this part of her journey as "a gift." Living life as grateful and appreciative as she always has is a big part of her healing. Her story was chronicled in an award winning documentary film, Chasing Sunshine. Megan’s LinksFollow Megan on InstagramSean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on InstagramSean's Book - The Point After: How One Resilient Kicker Learned there was More to Life than the NFL

Today, we have another amazing guest meditation teacher. Mia Togo.Mia leads us in a guided gentle meditation to restore balance. With so much changing in the world, this is a space to breathe into your center. Sitting in stillness will help you soften into your true nature to replenish your energy and return you home to your wholeness. Mia offers life coaching, leads retreats around the world , and teaches classes online for Yoga Works and TriYoga. You can also listen to Mia on one of our previous episodes: “Overcoming Trauma Using Shadow Work with Mia Togo”Mia’s LinksMiaTogo.comFollow Mia on InstagramSean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on InstagramSean's Book - The Point After: How One Resilient Kicker Learned there was More to Life than the NFL

Today we speak with Easkey Britton. Easkey was named for a famous wave break off the coast of northwest Ireland. Her family brought the sport to Ireland and she was on her first board at age four. She is a 5-time National Champion big wave surfer but now, surfing has evolved into something much more emotional for her. In this episode Easkey shares with us her work in studying the relationship between our well-being and the ocean. Some of the highlights:Being a woman surfing big waves in a male-dominated line-upThe healing power of the ocean and water Using mindfulness for ourselves and to help the greater good.Her travels to teach surfing to women in IranHow her grandmother introduced surfing to IrelandThe disconnect between people and natureEaskey’s links:https://easkeybritton.com/https://www.instagram.com/easkeysurf/Sean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

Today, we have a guest meditation teacher. I am very excited to introduce my wife and yoga studio partner, Karen.This meditation is your invitation to be present, open, and receptive to the flow of energy in your own life, and in the natural world.Karen owns the Amazing Yoga studio in Pittsburgh. She runs an annual Women’s Yoga Retreat in places like Tulum and Costa Rica. Karen's Links:karenconley.netFollow Karen on Instagram

Today we are going to practice one of my favorite meditations. It’s simple, fun, and beautiful. Watering Your Flowers.It helps us to be more positive throughout our day and recognize when we go down the "path of negativity". The results of meditation happen when we are not on the mat. Negative Self - talk. We’re all susceptible to it. But when we have a regular meditation pratcice, we become more aware when we have that battle in our head. We can more often choose positivity. Studies have shown that we have up to 60,000 thoughts per day. 95% of those thoughts are repetitive. 80% are negative. For example, “I’m not good enough, or “I’m going to fail”, etc. Through this repetition we’ve become good at negative self-talk. Good at judging ourselves. This meditation will help you recognize when you are being judgmental or critical. It will help you learn that “the voice” is there, but maybe the next time, you will not let it push you toward fear, anger, resentment, or regret. Instead you will move towards thoughts of peace, love, and positivity. Let’s begin.

Today we speak with davidji, a globally recognized meditation teacher, author, and mind-body wellness expert. He has taught millions of people around the world to heal their hearts, plant powerful intentions and manifest their dream lives. His grasp of time-tested solutions combined with real-world practical applications, have helped people at every life stage and circumstance find balance, heal deep wounds, and transform into their best versions.In this episode, davidji talks about all the reasons that we are stressed and what we can do to find inner peace and get grounded throughout our daily lives. Hang around for the entire episode as davidji will lead us through a beautiful, short, and sweet guided meditation.davidji’s Linkshttps://davidji.comhttps://www.instagram.com/davidjimeditation/?hl=enSean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

Join us for today’s meditation. We will be strengthening our gratitude muscle. Just like exercising, and other healthy habits, you can practice gratitude and learn to take charge of your gratitude. It just requires a little bit of time and energy. There are studies that have shown that practicing gratitude:Reduces stressImproves sleep qualityImproves heart healthEnhances relationshipsReduces lonelinessIncreases happinessGratitude connects us with the present moment. Helps us connect to our heart. Gratitude is the secret to happiness. So let’s begin to cultivate some gratitude.Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Cushion or blanket recommended. SeanConley.netSean on Instagram

Today we speak with Mia Togo. Mia has been teaching yoga for 20 years and has been a life coach for over 10. Mia shares her vast experience in the healing practice of shadow work. Shadow work refers to the process of loving and understanding the rejected pieces of ourselves, our darkness. It helps you release past pain. She talks about how shadow work can help you move forward in your life with tools to process and rinse old thought patterns and emotions. Mia shares how these newfound skills help us shift our limiting beliefs so that we can take responsibility for our own struggles and get through to the other side. Mia’s Linkshttps://www.miatogo.comhttps://www.instagram.com/miatogo/?hl=en

Today’s guided meditation will be using a powerful tool. Mantra.There is scientific evidence that mantra meditation helps in many ways, such asreducing anxiety and stress, increasing positivity and confidence, and more inner peace. Let’s begin. Sean's Links:seanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

Today we speak with Liz Corwin, a former F-18 Pilot and now an international yoga teacher. Liz shares her experiences of flying in the Navy and navigating in a high stress environment dominated by men. She tells us about her mid-air collision and her miracle landing on an aircraft carrier. We talk about her launch of her teaching career during flight school and how she now shares yoga with vets and civilians around the world. Also, Liz talks about what the true characteristics of a warrior are and a new way to look at strength and how each one of us can tap into our “spiritual warriors”.Liz’s Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/lizcorwin/http://www.walkaboutyoga.comSean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

Today’s meditation is to help us soften and manage anxiety. Anxiety happens to all of us. You’re not alone. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Let's meditate together.

Today we speak with Rebecca Pacheco. Even when the world feels unsteady, we have tools to find strength from within.In this episode, Rebecca joins Sean to talk about her new book, Still Life, which shows us ways we can incorporate mindfulness and meditation into our busy lives. We discuss tools for challenging time to help us find acceptance and joy in the body we are in. Rebecca is an award-winning blogger, author, and contributor to the Boston Globe on a range of mind-body topics. She’s been teaching yoga and meditation for more than 20 years. Rebecca is the author of the best-selling book Do Your Om Thing published in 2015 and her second book, Still Life: The Myths and Magic of Mindful Living, was released in August of 2021.Rebecca’s Links:Website: StillLifeBook.comInstagram: @omgal Sean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

Today’s meditation is to help us live more in the present moment.  Being right here, right now. Focusing on the present moment can transform our perspective on life. Life is found in the present moment. Instead of going through life at times on auto-pilot, stuck in the past, worried about the future, we can be more mindful. And when we are more mindful, we increase our capacity to be more compassionate, more grateful, and at peace. Let’s begin. Sean's Linksseanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram

We speak with Robert Sturman about his experience photographing breast cancer survivors, prisoners, and how art can impact humanity. We talk about the simple, yet sometimes challenging act of “loving life” and finding beauty all around us. Robert was the official Artist for the 47th Grammy Awards, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2008 United States Olympics. Robert’s work transcends the mere physical and points to something beyond. His powerful work includes BB King, the world’s oldest yoga teacher, breast cancer survivors, prisoners, and war veterans who have embraced the practice of yoga to heal PTSD. Whether on the Brooklyn Bridge, in the Impressionist Wing of the Getty, or the desolation of San Quentin Prison, he continually reminds us that there is beauty everywhere. Robert’s Links:https://www.robertsturmanstudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertsturman/?hl=enSean ConleyMore at: seanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram @seanconley2

Today, we speak with Chad McGehee. Chad is the University of Wisconsin Athletics Director of Meditation Training. Wisconsin is the first — and so far, only — school in the country with a full-time meditation specialist dedicated to its athletic department.Drawing from his vast experience with athletes, Chad shares practical tips to fight anxiety and stress and to bring more stability into our day-to-day lives. Chad is a mindfulness teacher who creates, teaches and researches the impacts of meditation practices on well-being and performance. Chad has taught mindfulness in various settings including with current college athletes, retired professional athletes, police officers and K-12 students and teachers.Chad’s Links:https://inneredgemeditation.com/Twitter @mcgeheechadInstagram @chadmcgeheeFacebook https://www.facebook.com/chad.mcgeheeLinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/chad-mcgehee-59591b56More at: seanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram @seanconley2

Today we talk with former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Adams. Just a few years into his professional career, Mike was near-fatally stabbed, essentially ending all hope of playing at the highest level. He battled PTSD, body issues, and an identity crisis. He soon found his purpose as a yoga teacher helping others overcome challenges and finding peace. Follow Mike Adams on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mike_adams75/?hl=enMore at: seanconley.netFollow Sean on Instagram @seanconley2