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Performers

Written by: Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young
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  • Summary

  • Are you fascinated by greatness? 'Performers' - the podcast that takes you into the minds of the world's most extraordinary athletes, coaches, and performers. Your hosts, Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young, are sport psychology experts who will guide you through the pages of autobiographies revealing the mindsets, strategies, and habits that propelled the world’s best to the pinnacle of their fields. 'Performers' is crafted for anyone who aspires to greatness by helping you to extract and apply lessons to your life and career.
    Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young
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Episodes
  • #11 No Ropes Attached: Alex Honnold’s Dance with Death and Mastering Risk

    #11 No Ropes Attached: Alex Honnold’s Dance with Death and Mastering Risk
    Apr 21 2024

    What drives a man to climb towering cliffs without ropes or safety gear? Join sport psychology experts Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they delve into Alex Honnold’s riveting book, "Alone on the Wall," exploring the unique world of free solo climbing.


    In this episode, Dr. Simpson and Dr. Young unpack the extraordinary mindset required for free soloing. They discuss the critical roles of focus, visualization, and mindfulness in managing the intense challenges and risks associated with climbing hundreds of feet above the ground without a harness. The conversation also explores how fear and anxiety are not just obstacles but essential components that can enhance high-stakes performance when embraced and understood properly.


    In this episode of Performers, you will:

    • Learn the importance of meticulous preparation and embracing simplicity to achieve high performance.
    • Gain insights into confronting fears, staying grounded, and living authentically amidst extreme challenges.
    • Discover how trusting in your abilities, seeking solitude, and reflecting on experiences contribute to overcoming adversity and continuous self-improvement.


    Tune in to this episode of "Performers" for a fascinating exploration into the mind of Alex Honnold. Find out how his lessons on free solo climbing can inspire your own journey to confront fears, challenge your limits, and achieve greatness in any field.


    Support the show

    Alone on the Wall by Alex Honnold: https://amzn.to/4d5HcsU

    60 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR1jwwagtaQ

    Socials

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X -⁠@sportpsychdunc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @performerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin- Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Free Solo Climbing

    11:32 The Importance of Preparation

    32:33 Embracing Simplicity and Focusing on What Matters

    48:54 Trusting in Your Abilities and Overcoming Challenges

    57:55 Maintaining a Sense of Adventure and Boyhood

    01:05:16 Reflecting on Experiences for Growth and Learning
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • #10 Pele: Lessons from the King of Brazil on Mastery and Soccer Dominance

    #10 Pele: Lessons from the King of Brazil on Mastery and Soccer Dominance
    Apr 7 2024
    Have you ever wondered what shapes the mindset of a soccer legend? Join sport psychology experts Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they delve into the early life and upbringing of Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, in this episode of "Performers." This episode explores Pelé’s profound passion for soccer, influenced heavily by his father and coach, and how resilience played a pivotal role in his development. Dr. Simpson and Dr. Young discuss the significance of luck, motivation, and the importance of play in shaping Pelé’s journey to becoming a global superstar. They also cover Pelé’s early professional years, his approach to balancing performance with ongoing development, and the crucial role of learning from mistakes and failures. The discussion highlights how cross-training, addressing weaknesses, and the psychology of sports were integral to his success, especially during the 1958 World Cup that solidified his status while also bringing immense pressures and expectations. In this episode of Performers, you will: Learn about the impact of early influences and resilience in shaping an athlete's career.Gain insights into the importance of balancing performance development and the role of psychology in sports.Discover how reflection and learning from past performances can propel an athlete to represent and inspire a nation. Tune in to this episode of "Performers" for an inspiring exploration into the mind of Pelé, and learn how his legendary journey in soccer can inspire your own path to greatness in any field. Support the show Pele: The Autobiography: https://amzn.to/3PQAH33 Socials ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X -⁠@sportpsychdunc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @performerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin- Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 The Joy of Playing Football 09:32 The Influence of Family and Coaches 30:09 Motivation and the Seeds of Greatness 31:09 Balancing Performance and Development 33:02 The Importance of Blending Performance and Development 36:19 Learning from Mistakes and Failures 41:39 Cross-Training and Improving Weaknesses 48:31 The Role of Psychology in Sports 55:30 The Pressure of Representing a Nation in Sports 01:01:45 The Influence of Values and Identity 01:03:35 The Impact of Overconfidence on Performance 01:06:00 The Pressure of Achieving Milestones 01:09:05 The Challenges of Transitioning Out of Sport 01:12:26 Balancing Edson and Pele 01:13:49 Top 10 Tips for Success 01:16:15 10 Things to Avoid
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • #9 From Accidental Athlete to World Champion: The Chrissie Wellington Story

    #9 From Accidental Athlete to World Champion: The Chrissie Wellington Story
    Mar 24 2024
    Have you ever wondered how mental resilience can redefine the limits of human performance? Join sport psychology experts Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they delve into Chrissie Wellington's autobiography 'A Life Without Limits,' chronicling her remarkable journey as a former professional triathlete who dominated the Ironman distance. In this episode, Dr. Simpson and Dr. Young explore Wellington's unexpected rise in the sport, her relentless drive for perfection and control, and the challenges that come with high-level competition, including addiction and pressure. They discuss the themes of striving for excellence, self-validation, and the continuous quest to unleash potential. Wellington’s story is a vivid illustration of overcoming personal battles and finding strength in vulnerability, which collectively contribute to her lasting legacy. In this episode of Performers, you will: Learn how to prepare for and overcome unexpected setbacks while pushing through pain and doubt.Gain insights into the importance of balancing talent and hard work, and how to embrace a multifaceted identity for greater success.Discover the significance of mental strength in overcoming personal battles and harnessing the power of the mind to leave a lasting legacy. Tune in to this episode of "Performers" for an inspiring exploration into Chrissie Wellington's life and career, and learn how her journey can inspire your own path to embracing challenges and exceeding your limits. Support the show A Life Without Limits by Chrissie Wellington ⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4amiEtB Socials ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X -⁠@sportpsychdunc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @performerspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin- Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ironman and Chrissie Wellington 02:50 Chrissie Wellington's Accidental Athlete Journey 07:58 The Drive for Perfection and Control 13:04 The Dark Side of Addiction and Pressure 15:59 Striving for Excellence and Self-Validation 26:52 Talent, Hard Work, and Flourishing 30:01 Dominating the Field and Smashing Expectations 31:17 Discovering Her Potential 33:14 Meeting Coach Brett Sutton 36:01 Becoming a Professional Triathlete 41:13 First Ironman Experience 46:02 From Anonymity to World Champion 50:14 Training the Mind 55:27 Pushing Beyond Limits 59:11 Enduring Pain and Discomfort 01:01:05 Overcoming Adversity in Kona 01:02:53 Preparing for Challenges 01:03:53 Overcoming Setbacks 01:04:48 Fear of Failure 01:06:15 Pushing Through Pain 01:08:11 Finding Confidence 01:09:11 The Perfect Race 01:10:09 Dealing with Injuries 01:11:05 Flow State 01:13:02 Mental Resilience 01:15:18 Overcoming Doubt 01:18:04 Inner Critic vs Inner Cheerleader 01:19:00 The Iron War 01:20:54 The Power of Mind over Matter 01:23:41 Legacy of Inspiration and Determination
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    1 hr and 35 mins
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