In today’s episode David Charlton and his colleague Adam Batstone emphasised the importance of psychological support in football and sport coaching with children. They particularly acknowledged the need to foster rapport with parents to address their concerns about disclosing their child's challenges. David and Adam highlighted the need for adaptability in coaching methods, especially for neurodivergent children, who may require more personalised approaches. They discussed strategies like framin...
Jul 04, 2025•46 min•Ep. 285
David Charlton introduces the next phase of the "Demystifying Mental Toughness" podcast, where episodes will address various contemporary issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for underrepresented groups like BAME athletes and neurodivergent individuals. The podcast will also discuss the impact of social media and the problematic cultures of blaming and shaming in sports. David emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences and avoiding stereotyping, a...
Jun 27, 2025•5 min•Ep. 284
Today, the case study that David Charlton and his colleague Colm O’Donoghue discuss is connected to a 16-year-old swimmer who spends a lot of time online checking his rivals out, be that on social media or reviewing stats and results. The implication is that his motivation and focus when training fluctuates and negative emotions such as jealousy and anxiety are triggered. As well, potential challenges with his own self-esteem and how he feels about himself can be evident. David and Colm offer so...
May 23, 2025•11 min•Ep. 283
In this episode, David Charlton and his colleague Colm O’Donoghue discussed a case study of a 12-year-old tennis player who struggled with her emotions on the court. She often became overwhelmed by with anger and frustration or disappointment after making mistakes or losing points, leading to a loss of focus, poor performance and less enjoyment. Her parents also found it very difficult to watch her play and contain themselves as a result too. David and Colm go on to offer some advice for managin...
May 16, 2025•11 min•Ep. 282
Does the perfect golf swing exist? NO. Does the perfect golf swing equal lower scores in golf? NO – Yet many golfers continue to strive to attain the “perfect swing.” This is the topic of conversation today, where David and colleague Colm O’Donoghue talk about the problem with this approach and the implications for your golf game. They also share some advice on what you could consider doing to improve your scores and your enjoyment of the game. Key Learning Points: Studies suggest that the varia...
May 09, 2025•10 min•Ep. 281
David Charlton hosts the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast with his colleague and a fellow competitive amateur golfer, Colm O’Donoghue today. Colm discusses his journey from playing golf as a child to returning to the sport in his mid-20s, driven by an interest in the psychological aspects of golf. He shares his struggles with perfectionism and the importance of maintaining a present-focused mindset. Together they talk about a case study of a young golfer, who excels in match play but strugg...
May 02, 2025•14 min•Ep. 280
Today, in episode #279 David and Gerard discuss the challenges faced by a 12-year-old cricketer named Amir (pseudonym), who is a leg spinner struggling with inconsistent selection due to the club's preference for pace bowling. Amir's fluctuating motivation and confidence, as well as the potential for dropping out of cricket are attributed to poor communication from coaches and his own difficulty in expressing frustrations. Key Learning Points: · Helping the cricketer develop psychological flexib...
Apr 25, 2025•12 min•Ep. 279
In today’s episode, #278 David and Gerard discuss the impact of a shouty coach on an 18-year-old rugby player named Tom (pseudonym). They explore how such coaching styles can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and increased self-criticism, affecting both on-field performance and confidence levels. They emphasize the importance of coaches fostering a supportive environment where players can express themselves freely. Key Learning Points: · The conversation highlights the broader issue of youth ...
Apr 18, 2025•13 min•Ep. 278
In episode #277 David and Gerard Fitzgerald discussed how to help shift the focus of an extra competitive footballer or athlete, using the example of a boy named Joe who hates losing. Key points included the importance of harnessing anger positively, as seen with Wayne Rooney's iconic goal in 2005 for Manchester United versus Newcastle United. They also share the need to normalise emotional responses like anger where footballers may kick out, tackle over aggressively, shout at team-mates or disp...
Apr 11, 2025•12 min•Ep. 277
Today marks the start of an 8-episode series where David Charlton is joined by a colleague. Gerard Fitzgerald features in this episode, as well as the next 3 episodes. They go on to discuss a case study of a young female footballer, 11 years old with a pseudonym name called Carly who is a sensitive soul who worries too much about other people (team-mates specifically in this case). We go on to normalise emotional sensitivity in young athletes, highlighting that it can be a strength if managed pr...
Apr 04, 2025•16 min•Ep. 276
After a short break from creating and broadcasting episodes of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, in episode #275, David discusses a change in format to the podcast for the rest of 2025. He also highlights the benefits of having a support system and the benefits of reading and acting on advice from The 12 Week Year, book written by Brian F Moran and Michael Lemmington. Key Learning Points: · Taking a break can revive our motivation and creativity similar to the power of periodisation in ...
Mar 14, 2025•6 min•Ep. 275
In this week’s episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast #274, we focus in on the control and challenge measures from Professor Peter Clough’s 4C’s model of Mental Toughness. David highlights how US tennis player Danielle Collins' managed fans heckling at the Australian Open to aid her performance. Insightful guests, Sport Psychologists, World Champion Athletes and Olympians also offer tips: where they focus on self-care for perfectionists, emphasise why getting clarity on your "why" ...
Jan 24, 2025•20 min•Ep. 274
The "Demystifying Mental Toughness" podcast episode #273, hosted by David Charlton, features insights from various team sports coaches and athletes, on commitment and confidence. Key points include the importance of individual motivation in team sports, maintaining a balance in life, and the necessity of standing out in training and matches. Guests emphasize the need for authenticity and surrounding oneself with positive influences, as well as many other great points. Key Learning Points: · Prio...
Jan 17, 2025•12 min•Ep. 273
Today’s podcast episode #272, focuses on helping coaches develop themselves and improve their relationships with their athletes, in turn, positively influencing performances. Many different guests from the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast emphasize the following points when considering self-improvement: sport coaches should be open-minded, focus on continuous learning and film themselves frequently. In developing their athletes: the importance of high support in coaching, understanding athl...
Jan 10, 2025•24 min•Ep. 272
Happy New Year! Why not make 2025 one of your best years to date? To do so if you focus some attention on improving your mental toughness by creating better routines and habits you can give yourself a great chance. In this NEW episode, a number of our excellent guests offer many helpful and inspiring suggestions. Points of note relate to understanding the stories that you tell yourself about certain situations, events and abilities, how to find your passion and purpose, being authentic and true ...
Jan 03, 2025•28 min•Ep. 271
In today’s podcast episode #270, many of our fabulous guests share some tips so that you can build your mental fortitude and consistently perform well in 2025. Key points relate to rest, recovery and well-being where they identify; managing fatigue, nasal breathing, the importance of rest days, nutrition, hydration, cold water and much more to ensure you attack the new year. If you’re looking to get into good habits and maintain optimal well-being and performance this podcast episode is a must t...
Dec 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 270
In episode #269 David addresses the question, “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist” for the final time as this episode marks the end of an 8 part series. This time he focuses on the following statements “Performance Enhancement: The sports psychologist will help you identify and overcome mental barriers that may be hindering your performance” and “Feedback and Reflection: Expect regular discussions about your progress, experiences in training or competition, and adjustments ...
Dec 20, 2024•11 min•Ep. 269
In today’s episode David explores the importance of confidentiality when working as a Sport Psychologist when supporting clients. He discusses how various environments, such as cafes, public spaces, and formal meeting rooms, can impact a client's comfort and confidentiality. He also emphasizes the need for tailored settings, considering factors like social anxiety, neurodiversity, and the client's familiarity with the space. The episode also covers the ethical considerations in working with athl...
Dec 13, 2024•8 min•Ep. 268
In episode #267 of Demystifying Mental Toughness, David discusses the role of a Sport Psychologist in helping coaches manage anxiety. He differentiates between state anxiety, which occurs in specific situations, and trait anxiety, a personality trait influenced by factors such as childhood, genetics, trauma and environment. David goes on to share to insights to aid the understanding of coaches on the topic, with some solutions discussed too. Key Learning Points: · State anxiety can be managed th...
Dec 06, 2024•9 min•Ep. 267
Today David considers the statement: “Coping strategies: You’ll develop tools to manage pressure and stress” where he focuses on supporting coaches to improve themselves, and in turn, improve their athletes. This is a continuation of his examination into ChatGPT and its response to the question “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist.” David shares many insightful thoughts about the topic to be able to support coaches. With some great questions for coaches to ask themselves. Ke...
Nov 29, 2024•12 min•Ep. 266
Professor Sophia Jowett’s has conducted a lot of research into understanding the interpersonal dynamics between coaches and athletes and is instrumental in raising awareness and changing attitudes around the reciprocity of the relationship and the importance of relational qualities including mutual trust, respect, appreciation, commitment, loyalty, co-operation and collaboration. In today’s episode, part 4 of David’s investigation into ChatGPT’s and its response to the question “What Can I Expec...
Nov 22, 2024•8 min•Ep. 265
Ensuring that your focus is placed on helpful things, that you stay motivated during difficult times and that your confidence levels remain steady and intact even when you lose form are seen as vitally important components being a top class athlete. In today’s episode, part 3 of David’s investigation into ChatGPT’s and its response to the question “What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist” he goes on to share with you some helpful tools that you can help athletes in this context....
Nov 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 264
Welcome to episode #263 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. This week’s episode features lessons from the world of business and entrepreneurship as well as the military. Psychological well-being, mental health, mental fitness and self care are key topics that are highlighted. Enjoy! Connect with David Charlton Sign Up to The Mental Edge Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIN Other Valuable Resources Sports Psychology Case Studies Resilience i...
Nov 08, 2024•30 min•Ep. 263
In episode #262 of Demystifying Mental Toughness due to unforeseen circumstances David includes a large number of inspiring take home messages from guests that originated in episode 100 of the podcast. The takeaways that you will hear relate to the development of mental toughness, how you can deal better with stress and adversity. Coping with trauma and mental health challenges are also key features. Enjoy! Connect with David Charlton Sign Up to The Mental Edge Join David @ The Sports Psychology...
Nov 01, 2024•49 min•Ep. 262
In part 2 of David’s exploration surrounding ChatGPT’s and its response to the question What Can I Expect When Working With A Sport Psychologist, David explores the complexities of goal setting. ChatGPT suggests setting SMART goals for performance and psychological well-being are part of working with a Sports Psychologist, which he is in agreement with. However, David points out that not all Sports Psychology practitioners are comfortable addressing psychological well-being. He goes on to emphas...
Oct 25, 2024•9 min•Ep. 261
Today David starts the first of a series of episodes where he looks into ChatGPT’s explanations about the field of sport psychology and adds further detail to help inform you. ChatGPT states “working with a sport psychologist can offer a range of benefits and experiences. Here’s what you might expect: 1. Assessment - Initial sessions often involve assessments to understand your mental skills, strengths, and areas for improvement.” David goes on to add the following points to this explanation. Ke...
Oct 18, 2024•8 min•Ep. 260
In episode 259 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses why thinking that you must feel confident to perform well is unhelpful. He uses getting in an ice bath as an analogy to illustrate the mindset of athletes who believe they must feel confident to perform well. He argues that this belief is unrealistic due to the unpredictable nature of sports. David references Novak Djokovic's admission of getting ahead of himself, highlighting that even top athletes experience doubts. H...
Oct 11, 2024•9 min•Ep. 259
A common goal when supporting attacking football or soccer players, is overcoming mental blocks when dribbling with the ball in football. This is the topic David discusses in this week’s Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast. He goes on to share’s 3 tips to help attacking players overcome such issues with anxiety and confidence, tension, and the tendency to play it safe. Key Learning Points: Elite Professional footballers are not immune to mental blocks. Keeping a journal, noting down positive m...
Oct 04, 2024•8 min•Ep. 258
In episode 257 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David discusses pre-shot routines in sport. With an emphasis on golf, and the importance of a personalised routine to enhance performance. Key elements include the decision making process, assessing one's state of mind, taking practice swings in a purposeful way, visualizing the shot, focusing on the target, focusing your attention ahead of execution and the use of trigger words. Key Learning Points: Write down key steps of your person...
Sep 27, 2024•9 min•Ep. 257
In this podcast episode, David focuses on the emotional control aspect of mental toughness. Where he discusses the emotional states that children may experience before and during competitions and matches. He shares a personal story about his son's first competitive league football match, highlighting the typical nervousness and arousal levels children and parents experience. David also emphasises the fact children have an immature brain and draws on psychological research which highlights the ne...
Sep 20, 2024•16 min•Ep. 256
