Every athlete leaves behind a legacy—whether it's in the record books or in the lives they’ve touched. In Episode 8 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we discuss how athletes can create a lasting impact beyond their career in sport. We’ll explore how to use your platform to inspire change, engage with communities, and contribute to causes that matter to you. You’ll hear from athletes who have used their influence to advocate for social change, mental health awareness, and inclusivity in sport...
Apr 27, 2025•6 min
What separates the good athletes from the great ones? It’s the mental edge. In Episode 7 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we break down the mental strategies used by top athletes to stay focused under pressure, visualize success, and perform at their peak when it counts. From mastering the art of concentration to using mindfulness techniques to combat anxiety, this episode will provide actionable insights into how athletes can improve their mental game. You’ll also learn about the psycholog...
Apr 20, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 7
The relationship between a coach and athlete is one of the most important in sport. But what makes that relationship thrive? In Episode 6 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we explore the dynamic between coaches and athletes and how a positive environment can foster success. We’ll look at the key characteristics of a great coach, such as empathy, communication, and trust, and how athletes can build a collaborative relationship with their coach. You’ll also learn how to create an environment t...
Apr 13, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 6
For many athletes, the pressure to train and perform often leads to neglecting other areas of life, whether it's relationships, hobbies, or self-care. In Episode 5 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we dive into the importance of finding balance between your athletic pursuits and personal life. We’ll explore how overtraining can lead to burnout and decreased performance and how to prioritize rest and recovery. You’ll hear tips on how to create a sustainable routine that doesn’t just focus on ...
Apr 06, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Injuries are a reality for almost every athlete, but they don’t have to be the end of your story. In Episode 4 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we discuss how to mentally and physically overcome setbacks, focusing on the process of recovery and rehabilitation. We’ll talk about how to maintain motivation and positivity during injury recovery, strategies for developing patience, and how to transform the challenge of an injury into a period of growth. This episode aims to empower athletes to s...
Mar 30, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 4
No athlete is an island. The journey to success is shaped by those around you. In Episode 3 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we highlight the importance of building a strong, supportive network of relationships—whether it’s teammates, coaches, family, or friends. We’ll explore how positive, empowering connections can fuel an athlete’s growth and performance, and how to cultivate these relationships for a long-lasting impact. You’ll also learn how to deal with toxic relationships that hinder...
Mar 23, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 3
What happens when an athlete’s identity is tied solely to their sport? In Episode 2 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we delve into the complexities of self-identity and why it’s crucial for athletes to develop a sense of self beyond their sport. We’ll discuss the psychological toll of defining yourself exclusively as an athlete, how to discover and nurture other passions, and how this broader self-awareness can contribute to overall well-being. Featuring insights on how to navigate transiti...
Mar 16, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 2
The foundation of any successful athlete is their mindset. In Episode 1 of The Athlete Playbook Mini-Series , we break down the core components of a resilient and focused athlete’s mindset. We’ll explore the power of a growth mindset, how to cultivate mental toughness, and why mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training. Athletes at all levels can benefit from learning how to manage self-doubt, stay motivated during tough times, and set meaningful goals that go beyond just winning...
Mar 09, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode of Perfectly Flawed , I sit down with Grayson Bell, an elite Australian swimmer with a story that goes far beyond the medals. Grayson delves into the mental and emotional journey of being a top-tier athlete, offering valuable insights on how self-belief, mental resilience, and the support of a strong community have been key to his success. He opens up about the setbacks that defined his career, the challenges of transitioning from junior to senior teams, and how he managed the pr...
Sep 15, 2024•33 min
In this episode of Perfectly Flawed, host Renee Fox sits down with Tara Kinder, a 21-year-old competitive swimmer from Melbourne, Australia. Tara shares her early beginnings in swimming, from being scouted into squad training to dedicating herself to a demanding training regimen. She candidly discusses the ups and downs of her swimming career, including dealing with injuries, performance setbacks, and the mental health challenges that come with being a competitive athlete. Tara emphasizes the im...
Aug 04, 2024•32 min
In this enlightening episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tim Cook, the National Program Manager of "Outside the Locker Room" - a mental health charity dedicated to supporting individuals in the world of sports. Tim Cook steps into the limelight to discuss an issue close to his heart - mental well-being, both within the realm of sports and throughout the broader community. Mental health struggles have often been a silent challenge in the world of sports. Athletes face unique pressur...
Oct 15, 2023•1 hr 7 min
*TW* SUICIDE In this powerful 6-minute clip, American athlete Deja Young-Craddock discusses the hidden struggles and immense pressure athletes face. Deja shares her personal journey and insights into the mental health challenges within the sports world. Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perfectly-flawed-podcast/episodes/Deja-Young-Craddock---Paraolympian--mental-health--mum-e1ufiur/a-a99l7tr...
Sep 24, 2023•7 min
In this compelling episode of "Perfectly Flawed," we delve into the extraordinary journey of Australian swimmer Bradley Woodward. This episode not only celebrates his remarkable achievements in the world of swimming but also delves into the intriguing facets of his mental fortitude and his quest for identity beyond the confines of the pool. Brad's story takes us from his coastal Australian roots to his rise as an elite swimmer. We explore the pivotal moments that shaped his mental resilience, un...
Sep 10, 2023•50 min
In this captivating podcast snippet, we explore the intriguing concept of the "Olympic Come Down" – the emotional aftermath that follows the conclusion of the Olympic Games. Join Chelsea Hodges as we delve into the unique challenges faced by athletes and the broader impact on society. Gain valuable insights into the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by athletes as they navigate the transition from the world stage back to everyday life. Discover the lasting legacies and lessons learned from t...
Aug 27, 2023•4 min
In this dynamic episode, I have the privilege of engaging in a candid dialogue with Todd, a driving force behind the impactful organization "Outside the Locker Room." Together, we explore the multifaceted world of mental health, sports, and personal well-being. Todd shares profound insights into the essence of happiness – what it truly means and how it intertwines with our everyday lives. Drawing from his experiences and expertise, he reveals invaluable strategies to foster happiness, both on an...
Aug 13, 2023•1 hr 31 min
Part 2 of my chat with my swim coach Michael! In this episode, I am joined by my swim coach Michael Goff. We dive deep into the extraordinary world of the coach-athlete relationship. Join us as we explore the unbreakable bond that we have formed as coach and athlete, transcending the pool's surface to shape dreams, unlock potential, and achieve greatness. Together, we share our remarkable journey, revealing the invaluable lessons learned, challenges overcome, and victories celebrated along the w...
Jul 30, 2023•1 hr 21 min
In this episode, I am joined by my swim coach Michael Goff. We dive deep into the extraordinary world of the coach-athlete relationship. Join us as we explore the unbreakable bond that we have formed as coach and athlete, transcending the pool's surface to shape dreams, unlock potential, and achieve greatness. Together, we share our remarkable journey, revealing the invaluable lessons learned, challenges overcome, and victories celebrated along the way. Listen closely as we unravel the secrets b...
Jul 16, 2023•1 hr 17 min
In this episode, I talk you through a mindfulness exercise. The purpose of this mindfulness exercise is to provide you with a scene that completely absorbs your attention and distracts you away from your negative thoughts. As you become absorbed in the scene you will deepen your state of relaxation and will notice physical changes. For body image concerns, this technique can be used to help you think about and attend to your body in a different way. You will work towards accepting your body and ...
Jun 11, 2023•7 min
In this episode, I talk you through a mindfulness exercise. This is a mindfulness exercise to talk you through mental preparation focused on graditude. This can be used before a match, race, or competition, or even just use to feel calm and ready to tackle your next task. I hope you find this exercise helpful and you can play me over and over whenever you need it! There is no intro or outro so you can just focus on the exercise! You can follow me on Instagram @reneeeeefox To keep up to date with...
May 28, 2023•2 min
In this episode, I talk you through a mindfulness exercise. This is a mindfulness exercise to talk you through mental preparation focused on confidence. This can be used before a match, race, or competition, or even just use to feel calm and ready to tackle your next task. I hope you find this exercise helpful and you can play me over and over whenever you need it! There is no intro or outro so you can just focus on the exercise! You can follow me on Instagram @reneeeeefox To keep up to date wit...
May 14, 2023•2 min
In this episode, I talk you through a mindfulness exercise. This is a mindfulness exercise to talk you through mental preparation focused on success. This can be used before a match, race, or competition, or even just use to feel calm and ready to tackle your next task. I hope you find this exercise helpful and you can play me over and over whenever you need it! There is no intro or outro so you can just focus on the exercise! You can follow me on Instagram @reneeeeefox To keep up to date with t...
Apr 30, 2023•2 min
In this episode, I am joined by David Curtiss. David is a professional swimmer from the United States. He was a force to be reckoned with on the junior scene competing at the World Junior Championships before debuting on the senior team including the recent World Short Course Championships held right here in Melbourne, Australia. In our chat, we take a deep dive (pun intended!) into David’s mindset. He is able to articulate so well his thought process as an elite athlete. We discuss feeling ‘out...
Apr 16, 2023•40 min
In this episode, I talk you through a mindfulness exercise. This is a mindfulness exercise to talk you through mental preparation after you have done a physical warm-up. This can be used before a match, race, or competition, or even just use it to feel calm and ready to tackle your next task. I hope you find this exercise helpful and you can play me over and over whenever you need it! There is no intro or outro so you can just focus on the exercise! You can follow me on Instagram @reneeeeefox To...
Apr 02, 2023•4 min
In this episode, I am joined by Bill. Bill is a 3 time Olympian for team USA for bobsleigh. He is now a proud businessman and father. Bill discusses his sporting career with his start in athletics and his road to the Sydney Olympics cut short. It was due to this that led him to be introduced to bobsleigh with no idea what it is – introducing the movie Cool Runnings. Bill had a tough upbringing, but it was because of this that created his drive and persistence. He had an incredible sporting journ...
Mar 19, 2023•46 min
In this episode, I am joined by Chris. Chris is a running coach and also a runner himself. Chris talks about his love for running and the satisfaction he gets from it. He had a big career change from being in a 9 to 5 job to becoming a running coach. He wanted the opportunity to pursue something he loves and being able to share that passion with others. Chris speaks about his own running journey and his marathon experiences. Within Chris’ story he has some great advice and wisdom that can not on...
Mar 05, 2023•41 min
In this episode, I am joined by Deja Young-Craddock. Deja is an American Paralympian in athletics. Deja speaks about her physical impairment and her introduction to sport which led to her amazing career so far. Deja made her first senior team in 2015. She talks about the highs and lows she has experienced and what led to her suicide attempt. She speaks about her support network and how that helped with her quick turnaround to the Paralympic games. Deja is also a new mum and she talks about the e...
Feb 19, 2023•37 min
In this episode I am joined by Self Worth Sam. Sam is an imposter syndrome expert, author, and public speaker. Sam explains what imposter syndrome is and his fascination with it that lead him to devoting his career to talking about its effects. We also discuss self-worth and some tips on how we can build it up ourselves. Sam speaks about how self-worth and imposter syndrome can be evident in sport and in particular athletes. He is able to provide explanations of each whilst also giving advice, t...
Feb 05, 2023•30 min
In this episode, I am joined by Gaby Villa. Gaby is a sports and athlete nutritionist specialising in ultra-endurance nutrition. Her role through ‘IntensEATfit’ is to make your life easier, provide you with the tools that will help you take control of your diet, and make it your best ally to achieve your goals in sport and life. Gaby talks about how she became a nutritionist and her personal love for sports. We then delve into the role food can play in our mental health, sport, and even periods....
Jan 22, 2023•49 min
In this episode, I talk you through a mindfulness exercise. Visualisation, also known as, imagery or mental rehearsal, is defined as using all your senses to rehearse your sport in your mind. Its main purpose is to aid the replication of the competitive environment, whilst in a training scenario. It is a form of conditioning for your brain for successful outcomes. The more you mentally rehearse your performance, the more it becomes habituated in your mind. Think of visualization in sports as a p...
Jan 15, 2023•8 min
In this episode, I am joined by Kiah Melverton and Lachlan Carter both elite swimmers. This episode is the first in a new series based on different themes. This episode's theme is all things body image. Now, this episode was originally supposed to be released prior to Christmas and some of the conversation highlights that but everything we speak about is still very relevant. I hope to continue with this series bringing a new topic of conversation each episode with 2 guests sharing their varying ...
Jan 01, 2023•53 min
