In this episode, I sit down with one of my past students Charis Furgat-Johnson—a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt and social worker-in-training—who brings a rare and refreshing perspective to the conversation on mental health in athletics. Charis blends her competitive experience on the mats with her academic and professional background in social work, offering a powerful lens on how athletes can build confidence, cultivate empowerment, and protect their mental well-being.

We dive into the intersection of sport and social work, exploring topics like:

- How resilience and mental toughness can sometimes work against athletes.

- The biggest misconceptions about confidence and how it’s really built.

- Practical tools for managing self-doubt, fear of failure, and negative self-talk.

- What “safe spaces” look like in sports teams and coaching environments.

- How athletes can redefine empowerment beyond performance.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply someone passionate about growth, this conversation will give you tangible strategies and fresh perspectives for supporting both yourself and others on the mental side of sport.

About Charis:

Charis Furgat-Johnson is a jiu jitsu brown belt, who brings the same passion she has on the mats into her career as a social worker. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and is currently working toward her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. She blends her experience in coaching and competing with social work principles to offer a unique perspective on empowerment, self-confidence, and community building. Charis is passionate about guiding others through  their mental health journey while offering a safe space where they can feel heard and validated. Outside of work, Charis is a proud cat mom, loving wife, and devoted daughter, who enjoys going to concerts, getting lost in a good book, and all things horror and Halloween.

What You'll Learn:

1. Charis’s journey as a jiu jitsu brown belt and social worker.

2. What a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) does and how they can support athletes.

3. The balance between resilience, toughness, and mental well-being.

4. The most common mental health challenges athletes face.

5. Redefining empowerment and confidence in sport.

6. Practical strategies to manage self-doubt and fear of failure.

7. The power of body language, self-talk, and creating safe team environments.

8. Supporting athletes during transitions or struggles—both in and out of sport.

Episode Resources:

Connect with Charis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisfurgatjohnson/

Charis Email: charisfurgatjohnson@gmail.com

The Performance Blueprint: This is a step by step guide that will help you develop deliberate behavior changes and lifestyle habits so you can step into becoming the best version of yourself on and off the mats. Click below to join:

PIF $497 - ⁠⁠https://www.bodybyboss.com/offers/zuNto2kR 

Payment Plan 3 x $197- https://www.bodybyboss.com/offers/jhVLvRUr

Book Recommendation: NVC Process book

Podcast Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybybossllc

Anchor: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/638O1ZWIiBbSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I51iEgw8qQ6QQpcG2zUK5?si=e6faa04317b24fa1 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-empowered-athlete/id1692030579 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/VxYwN62A-GE