This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, Coach Rebecca dives into a powerful Q&A session centered around one of the most difficult crossroads in an athlete’s journey—deciding whether to keep going or walk away from their sport. Whether you’re deep in upgrade season, dreading practice, or feeling the spark fade, this episode offers clarity and compassion for athletes (and their parents) navigating burnout, fear, and identity. Coach Rebecca shares personal stories from her own gymnastics career,...
Jun 30, 2025•20 min
Has your athlete suddenly developed a fear of a skill they’ve done a hundred times before? You know they can do it physically, but something’s holding them back… and no matter what you try, nothing seems to help. In this week’s PerformHappy podcast episode, I’m diving into three hidden warning signs that you, as a well-meaning parent, might accidentally be keeping your athlete stuck in fear. Maybe you’ve tried everything: encouragement, time off, stepping back, even considering a new sport, but ...
Jun 17, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 259
In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by sport parent and PerformHappy alum, Susan Bardack, for a real, honest conversation about the rollercoaster of raising an athlete. Susan shares her daughter Ashland’s journey from gymnastics to D1 college diving, including how they navigated tough mental blocks and the moment everything shifted—when Susan stopped pushing and started trusting. We talk about the lessons parents often learn the hard way, the impact of pressure (even when it's well-m...
Jun 11, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 258
There’s a specific kind of heartbreak that hits when your child doesn’t get moved up to the next level, especially when all their friends do. You see it in their face. You feel it in the silence on the car ride home. And as a parent, you just want to fix it. You want to make it better; give them hope and tell them to keep pushing. But deep down, you might already know… this just isn’t going to go the way they hoped. In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m diving into this all-too...
Jun 03, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 257
If your athlete is stuck in a mental block, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what I’m diving into on this week’s PerformHappy Podcast — because fear is something so many athletes struggle with, and honestly, it was my biggest struggle too. You know the feeling — your athlete says they’re not scared, but they just can’t go . Or maybe they are scared and don’t know how to stop feeling that way. Either way, it can be incredibly frustrating for everyone involved. In this episode, I’m breaking down w...
May 27, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 256
It’s frustrating. You’re doing everything “right.” You’ve got the mindset tools, the journaling prompts, the visualizations… but it’s still not clicking. In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m diving into a truth most people don’t talk about: sometimes mental training doesn’t work. Yep, I said it. There are athletes who put in the effort and still feel stuck. In this episode, I unpack the common reasons why—even with all the best tools—some kids don’t see results. And (spoiler alert), it’s not...
May 20, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 255
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I got to switch things up—I was the one answering the questions! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lacey Rochelle from Shine Health Coaching to dive deep into the science behind fear and how it shows up in performance. We unpacked quick, practical tips for staying present when the pressure’s on, and talked about what it really takes to move from stuck to confident. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or a coach, you’ll hear how the right kind of supp...
May 13, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 254
Do you know an athlete who’s super bendy, always impressing with their flexibility, but constantly dealing with little injuries or pain that won’t go away? In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I sat down with chiropractor and hypermobility expert Dr. Taylor Goldberg to unpack exactly what’s going on behind the scenes for these “Gumby-like” athletes. Dr. Goldberg shares her own journey as a high-level cheerleader—how being extra flexible wasn’t always the gift it seemed—and what she wishes she ha...
May 06, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 253
Today on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of our own – Coach Sam, also known around here as Samantha Buxbaum. Sam is a fearless athlete who has competed in gymnastics, diving, and now rock climbing, and she brings so much wisdom from her journey through high-risk sports. In this episode, Sam shares her experience with fear, mental training, and how critical self-advocacy is for athletes in what we call “scary sports.” She also dives into the ABC Framework — a simple...
Apr 29, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 252
If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child (or yourself) face fear and rise to the occasion, this episode is for you. This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jill Shulman—a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, positive psychology expert, and soon-to-be author of a book on the science of bravery. Yes, science! This wasn’t just a feel-good conversation… we dove deep into the research-backed strategies that help people become braver, happier, and more ca...
Apr 22, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 251
Pressure is part of the game in gymnastics, but how do the best in the world handle it? On this episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I sit down with three-time Olympian Shallon Olsen from Canada to talk about just that. Shallon is known for her powerful vaulting, but what sets her apart is her ability to stay calm and focused—even under intense competition pressure. We dive into her mindset, how she keeps her nerves in check, and the strategies she’s developed to thrive when the stakes are high....
Apr 15, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 250
What does it take to coach one of the greatest gymnasts of all time? On today’s PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with Hiroaki Sato, the mastermind behind Japan’s men’s gymnastics gold medal at the 2024 Olympics and the coach of legendary gymnast Kohei Uchimura. Sato’s coaching philosophy is all about putting people first. From working with the GOAT of men’s gymnastics to leading an entire team to victory, his approach is built on trust, joy, and teamwork. He shares game-changing insights on how ...
Apr 08, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 249
In this episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with mental skills coach Graham Betchart, whose expertise has helped top NBA players develop a strong mindset for high-pressure moments. But what makes Graham’s approach so powerful is that it’s not just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to perform at their best, embrace mistakes, and stay present. Graham shares his simple yet game-changing three-step plan: Trust, Accept, Be Present. He explains how trusting yourself, accepting w...
Apr 01, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 248
Mental blocks can be one of the most frustrating challenges for athletes, whether it's a lost skill that suddenly disappears or a takeoff that just won’t feel right. In this episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with elite trampoline coach James Coomber to dive into both types of mental blocks and how to break through them. James is an incredible coach who balances high-level goals with a nurturing approach. He’s worked with world-class athletes, but he firmly believes that there’s a p...
Mar 25, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 247
If you’ve ever felt like pushing harder is the only way to improve in gymnastics, this episode is for you. I sat down with Dr. Ian Crider, also known as the gymnastics doc, to talk about a better way—one that leads to safer skills, fewer injuries, and happier athletes. Dr. Crider is the expert when it comes to balancing safe training with top-level performance. In our conversation, he breaks down how gymnasts can make real progress without pain, why smart conditioning is more effective than over...
Mar 18, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 246
This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Chloe Van Bavel, a former Dutch elite gymnast turned professional choreographer with an impressive background in ballet, modern dance, social work, and sports psychology. Chloe brings a unique perspective to the gymnastics world, helping athletes shine from the inside out. In our conversation, Chloe shares how she builds confidence, creativity, and joy through the art of choreography. Whether you're a gymnast who thrives on performan...
Mar 11, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 245
This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Graba, Auburn University’s legendary head gymnastics coach and mentor to Olympic champion Suni Lee. In this episode, Jeff shares how he helps athletes navigate fear, bounce back from setbacks, and create championship journeys that aren’t just about winning—they’re about making the entire process meaningful and fulfilling. Jeff’s insights are not only practical but also refreshing, especially in a high-pressure sport ...
Mar 04, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 243
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with someone who truly embodies resilience and passion for gymnastics: Chellsie Memmel. As a world champion, Olympian, and now an influential leader in USA Gymnastics, Chellsie has worn many hats in the sport, and she’s not done yet! In our conversation, Chellsie shared her remarkable journey—one that includes her inspiring comeback to gymnastics in her 30s (proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion), her unique pers...
Feb 25, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 242
Have you ever wondered what happens after the medals are won and the records are broken? On this week’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie, a true legend in gymnastics and an inspiration beyond the sport. Theresa’s resume is remarkable: an Olympic alternate for the iconic 1996 Games, a two-time NCAA champion, a world bronze medalist, and a record-setting athlete at the University of Utah. But her story goes far beyond her accolades. In our...
Feb 18, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 241
On the latest episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with Soraya Rostocil, a gymnast I’ve worked with in a mental training capacity for over five years. Watching her journey unfold has been nothing short of extraordinary. Soraya's story is one that so many gymnasts can relate to—three years stuck at Level 7, grappling with mental blocks, and questioning whether it was time to walk away from the sport she loved. But instead of giving up, Soraya leaned into the mental...
Feb 11, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 240
This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of talking with the incredible Hannah Scheible, one of Oklahoma State University’s standout gymnasts. Hannah’s reputation for consistency and success is undeniable, but what truly fascinated me was uncovering the mindset that drives her achievements. Despite her impressive track record, Hannah shared that her journey hasn’t been without challenges. She’s faced mental blocks and moments of fear—just like so many athletes do. What sets her...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 239
On this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome a true legend in the world of gymnastics coaching, Mark Williams. As the head coach of the Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team for over two decades, Mark has built a legacy that includes nine national championships, countless All-Americans, and multiple Olympians. But what sets Mark apart isn’t just the medals and titles—it’s his ability to cultivate character, resilience, and trust within his athletes. In our conversation, Mark shares his ...
Jan 28, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 238
In this week's PerformHappy Podcast episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kyrstin Johnson, whose gymnastics journey is nothing short of inspiring. From starting gymnastics later than most to thriving at an HBCU, Kyrstin's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and mental toughness. But her journey wasn't without challenges. When her team was unexpectedly cut, Kyrstin faced one of the toughest moments in her athletic career. Instead of letting this setback define her, she used it as a...
Jan 21, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 237
Today on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by Jill Hicks, one of the top experts in college gymnastics recruiting. If you’re a gymnast dreaming of competing at the college level, or a parent or coach supporting that dream, this episode is packed with must-hear advice. Jill shares her wealth of knowledge on navigating eligibility rules, finding the right college fit, and staying motivated through the ups and downs of the recruiting journey. She breaks down what truly matters in the recruiting ...
Jan 14, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 236
On today’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Carly Dockendorf, head coach of Utah Gymnastics. Carly brings a unique perspective to the table—not just as a coach but as a former national team athlete for Canada who has faced her own challenges with mental blocks. During our conversation, Carly opens up about her struggles with fear and how those experiences have shaped her approach to coaching. She shares her insights into creating a culture of trust and reigniting pa...
Jan 07, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 325
If you’re looking for a feel-good, inspiring conversation, you won’t want to miss this week’s episode of the PerformHappy podcast! I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Morgan Mannix, the general manager of Dana Mannix Gymnastics and a standout coach known for her innovative, athlete-first approach. Morgan is a true expert in the art of balancing joy and excellence in gymnastics. Whether it’s helping gymnasts overcome mental blocks, breaking down complex skills into approachable progressi...
Dec 31, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 324
On today's podcast, I’m sitting down with collegiate gymnast Carissa Clay, who has a story you won’t want to miss. Carissa has competed at two Division 1 schools and is now in her fifth year of eligibility—a testament to her love for the sport and her incredible resilience. We talk about some of the toughest challenges she’s faced, including navigating mental blocks like the twisties, a challenge many gymnasts know all too well. Carissa shares how she worked through those moments, redefining her...
Dec 24, 2024•38 min
On today’s PerformHappy Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Coach Yandy Urquila—a name many of you might recognize from social media as one of the most inspiring coaches out there. After this episode, it’s easy to see why he’s earned that reputation. Yandy’s journey began as a self-proclaimed “gym baby,” growing up in his parents' gym, where he developed not just his gymnastics skills but also a deep passion for the sport. Over the years, he’s become a game-changing coach, known...
Dec 17, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 241
Today on the PerformHappy podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Brittany Lapinski, better known as The Gymnastics PT , to talk about something every gymnast, coach, and parent needs to hear: how to prevent injuries and recover stronger when setbacks happen. Dr. Lapinski shares her expert insights on building a mindset that prioritizes injury prevention and long-term health. She explains how gymnasts can avoid common mistakes that often lead to injuries, while also giving practical tips for recovering both ...
Dec 10, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 240
On today’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sam Phillips, a former international elite gymnast and current standout at the University of Illinois. Sam’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—from competing on the national stage to overcoming personal challenges that helped him rediscover his joy in the sport. In this episode, Sam opens up about his "mental health era" and how he’s embraced setbacks as opportunities for growth. He shares how he turned self-doubt into conf...
Dec 03, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 239
