Illuminating Champions Podcast

Episode 18 - The Heart of A Champion

This episode defines what it means to have "heart" as an athlete. Providing tips on how to "activate" the heart and kindle the love for your sport and yourself. 

Episode 17 - The Thrill of the Pursuit

This episode is all about feeling and appreciating the thrill of the pursuit and allowing children the feeling of this unique sensation by immersing them in sports. Learn how to inspire motivation within and keep it alive!

Episode 16 - Actively Enhancing Performance

This episode is all about enhancing athletic performance through a positive, and focused mindset; offering tips for both coaches and parents on getting young athletes to understand the value in focusing intently on each repetition, stimulating a "growth mindset" and building a stronger "mind/body" connection.  This episode is particularly great for those gearing up for their first ever competitive season.

Episode 15 - Athletic Bodies Make Attentive Minds

This episode breaks the stigma that the time commitment of athletics deters academic success by showing how the lessons of responsibility, accountability, and strong ambition learned within athletics correlate directly to academic success. 

Episode 14 - Being Coachable

What exactly does it mean to be "coachable"? Listen along to gain insight into this 'make it or break it" athletic attribute! This episode is beneficial for athletes to listen to with their parents, and it contains helpful information for coaches!

Episode 13 - Raising an Elite Hopeful

This episode provides insight into the uniqueness of raising an elite athlete. Learn what makes a very young athlete stand out as an elite hopeful, what's to be expected along their journey, and how you can help provide the safest and most uplifting environment to them as they pursue their dreams!

Episode 12 - The Value of A Dream

This episode emphasizes how vital dreams are to life and the important role we play in sparking and protecting the dreams of young children.  We talk about the importance of being granted opportunity in life and the benefits of being involved in sports. Learn more about our work within the Power of A Dream Foundation and our mission to protect the Olympic dreams of young Ukrainian gymnasts. 

Episode 11 - Carrying the Lantern of Dreams

This episode touches on the importance of the coach as they carefully carry the lantern holding the dreams of their athletes as their source of guiding light.  Tips on mindfulness, self-reflection, high self-worth, and the ability to openly discuss human error for the betterment of the athlete's environment are all discussed!

Episode 10 - The Comfort of Falling

Learning to find comfort in one of the most uncomfortable situations & the power to rise back up stronger. This episode provides tips for coaches & parents which will allow their athletes a calmer, more focused performance, by guiding the "perfectionist" mind into one which is determined to succeed, but understanding of stumbles in the pursuit of doing so.

Episode 9 - The Benefits of Competing Young

This episode discusses the most common questions parents have when choosing to allow their young child to partake in sports (particularly gymnastics) competitively; highlighting the profound impact sports bring to life.