In part three of their series on tennis parenting, Brian and Josh discuss how parents can support the competition needs of players before, during, and after matches. They also reference additional resources that tennis parents can use from Positive Coaching Alliance and The Growth Equation Newsletter. Links for those resources are listed below. The Growth Equation Newsletter - How to Save Youth Sports: A Manifesto - https://thegrowthequationnewsletter.substack.com/p/how-to-save-youth-sports-a-ma...
Mar 10, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh move on to part two in a three-part series on tennis parenting. They discuss the educational needs of tennis parents including reasons for choosing and playing tennis, the financial and time demands of the sport, knowledge of tennis, and understanding the development system of the sport. The willingness of parents to learn is a critical component of the education process. Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for listeners of the show. ...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh start a three-part series on tennis parenting. For Part 1, they review the difficulties of tennis parenting, talk about certain positive and negative behaviors of tennis parents, and lastly discuss the preferences that junior players have for how their parents behave. The upcoming two episodes in the series will focus on the educational needs of tennis parents, and how parents can support the competition needs of players. Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - ...
Feb 19, 2025•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss specific “Characteristics of the Self-Actualizer” from the work of humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow. The co-hosts focus on five characteristics from Maslow’s list that they feel can help tennis players become the best tennis players they can be, become the best people they can be, and ultimately help them self-actualize. This episode is sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on Geau Sport products by using the d...
Feb 12, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thinking too much about ratings and rankings can cloud your focus on the court. It’s difficult to stay in the moment when you are worried about the consequences of winning and losing. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impacts of rating and ranking systems on players, especially in the 21st century. The dynamic nature of these systems can be problematic for many, but there are strategies for dealing with them. Brian and Josh review strategies that they have found to be effective with th...
Feb 04, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast The 2025 Australian Open has wrapped up with Madison Keys winning the women’s singles title over Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 2-6, 7-5, and Jannik Sinner winning the men’s singles title over Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. In this episode Brian and Josh discuss the women’s and men’s singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that led to the successes of Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner. Article about the mental toughness journey of Madison Keys . To learn more about Josh and Brian's ...
Jan 28, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss a quote from motivational speaker, Jim Rohn (see quote below), on the topic of discipline and regret, and how these concepts apply to tennis players. They describe some thought exercises that players can work through to minimize regret in their careers. Furthermore, the co-hosts stress the importance of ensuring that an athlete’s actions match their stated goals for their future and tennis development. Full quote by Jim Rohn - “We all say that we want to s...
Jan 23, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss zest as a primary virtue for flourishing in tennis and beyond. To begin, they define the virtue of zest and talk about the benefits of incorporating more zest into one’s life and tennis game. Furthermore, they offer practical suggestions for increasing zest in training and competition. To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com . If you have feedback about the show or ...
Jan 13, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss a concept known as "the paradox of the ego." In short, the paradox is that it is necessary to have a strong ego in order to eventually let go of it. The co-hosts address how tennis players can eventually learn to put their own egos about results, rankings, ratings, and comparisons aside for the benefit of their future and development. To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and Performance...
Jan 04, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Josh and Brian draw inspiration from a quote by Marcus Aurelius related to recovering one's mental balance after being upset by circumstances. Practical applications of the concept are discussed as is a concept called 'The Equanimity Game.' How to Play the Equanimity Game: https://youtu.be/eE-gv3uawZA?si=argOrcNZJvR1 To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com . If you have feedback about the...
Dec 23, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss their most important takeaways from the first 200 episodes of the Tennis IQ Podcast. Let us know what you have learned on this journey! To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com . If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com . If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podc...
Dec 12, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the “4 i’s” of intentional practice. This is based on a model of intentional practice (article linked below) by Dan Abrahams in which intentional training is divided into four areas: interesting, intense, internalize and integrated. The co-hosts discuss how tennis players, coaches, and parents can incorporate these key elements into each practice to ensure that it is done in an intentional and deliberate way. Article - https://tinyurl.com/2uv636m6 To learn...
Dec 04, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Prior to Rafael Nadal's last match at the 2024 Davis Cup, Roger Federer penned a letter in tribute to Rafa's legendary career and their shared journey. Josh and Brian discuss Federer's thoughts on Rafa as well as the legacy that Nadal leaves in tennis as one of the sports greatest champions. To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com . If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in te...
Nov 24, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the importance of self-reliance on the tennis court. They talk about how tennis players can take responsibility for themselves and their actions in practice and matches which ultimately can lead to better results long-term. They also referenced a recent Forbes article (link below) that Josh was quoted in regarding this topic and potential changes to coaching in professional tennis. Forbes article - https://www.forbes.com/sites/timellis/2024/10/23/is-off-co...
Nov 19, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh interview Dominik Hrbatý. Dominik Hrbatý is a former professional tennis player from Slovakia. He reached the semifinals of the 1999 French Open, and achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 12 in October of 2005. Hrbatý is one of only three players, alongside Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt, to have beaten each member of the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal) the first time he played them. During his playing career, he had over...
Nov 09, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the benefits of slowing down. Slowing down begins as a perspective that then translates into action. The process and benefits of slowing down apply in the long-term (your career), as well as in a match, and between points. Players can also benefit from the idea that “slow is smooth, smooth is fast." Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go...
Nov 03, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can embrace pain, uncertainty, and hard work. The inspiration for this topic came from the chapter titled ‘“I LOVE PUH” (YOU?)’ on pages 600 and 601 from the book Areté by Brian Johnson. The co-hosts reviewed how tennis players can embrace the challenges of life and competitive sport including the necessary pain, uncertainty, and hard work that come along with the journey. They offered practical suggestions that tennis players can implem...
Oct 21, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh talked with Bob Litwin about how to use storytelling and writing to improve your tennis and your life. Bob Litwin is an executive, sports and life performance coach and author of the best selling book, Live the Best Story of Your Life: A World Champion’s Guide to Lasting Change. He was the first non ATP tour, non Division 1 college tennis player inducted into the USTA Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame, and was a recipient of the Vitas Gerulaitis Community Service Award....
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh respond to two questions from a listener. The first question was about how to handle playing against weaker opponents, and the second question was about how to play with a partner that is weaker than you. The co-hosts discuss each question in detail and provide some guidance on both of these common scenarios. Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, ...
Sep 29, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Some losses are tougher to digest than others, and in this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can handle tough losses in the best possible way. They start by defining different types of tough losses such as losses in big events, losses in close matches, losses when it feels personal, losses against weaker players, and losses when a player feels like they let their team down. Next, the co-hosts discuss how players generally don’t handle tough losses in the best way through making ...
Sep 20, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the 2024 US Open through the lens of sport psychology and mental skills. Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 to win the women's singles championship while Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to win the men's singles championship. The hosts talk about the various upsets of the tournament including the losses of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff. They also review the breakthroughs of Taylor Fritz, ...
Sep 12, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the necessity of trust and commitment to a game plan by looking at the concept in three ways: 1) how players can develop their playing style and game plan long-term, 2) committing to a game plan going into a match, and 3) trusting the game plan and committing to it between points. Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerP...
Sep 09, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss anger and what people often get wrong about it. The conversation is based on an article entitled “4 Things About Anger Everyone Should Know." The co-hosts review their thoughts on each of the four things noted in the article and provide practical implications of understanding anger for tennis players. Article: https://www.thefriendlymind.com/4-things-about-anger-everyone-should-know/ Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/memb...
Aug 31, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the differences between “SMART goals” and “open goals”. They outlined the benefits and drawbacks of the popular “SMART goals” approach and introduced open goals as an alternative. Additionally, they reviewed process goals, learning goals, and other concepts related to the goal setting and attainment process. Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology b...
Aug 21, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is it true that each of us has a 'reptilian' brain within our human brain? Where do our emotions come from? In this episode, Josh and Brian debunk some myths about the brain and explain how emotions are constructed. Knowing how this actually works can be very beneficial for tennis players. Papers noted in this episode: The Theory of Constructed Emotion: https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/12/1/1/2823712 Your Brain is not an Onion with a Tiny Reptile Inside: https://journals.sagepub.com...
Aug 06, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Peter Clarke is a former professional tennis player who was born in Ireland, and moved to Australia at the age of 6 where he developed his game to become one of the best juniors in the country. He went on to play professional tennis on the ATP Tour, and as a professional player, he achieved a career high world ranking of 229 in 2002. It was during his playing career that Pete began his transition to coaching and business as a means of funding his journey on tour. Once his playing days were compl...
Jul 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. On the women’s side, Barbora Krejčíková defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, and on the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4). The co-hosts review various sport psychology themes relating to the champions, the finalists, and other top players in the tournament. Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and...
Jul 18, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impact of irrational self-talk. Examples of this type of self-talk involve words and phrases such as ‘have to’, ‘need to’, ‘supposed to’, ‘should’, ‘must’, etc. These phrases add pressure and make it harder for tennis players to be at their best. The hosts reviewed how irrational self-talk originated, and offered strategies that players can use to improve their self-talk in matches. Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/member...
Jul 09, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss Roger Federer’s recent commencement address at Dartmouth College. His address included three “lessons” which are: 1) “effortless” is a myth, 2) it’s only a point, and 3) life is bigger than the court. The co-hosts examine how these three “lessons” relate to various sport psychology themes that tennis players can apply to their games. Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrou...
Jun 29, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Brian and Josh were joined by Rick Macci, and their conversation touched on a number of topics related to sport psychology and the mental aspect of tennis. Over the past 40 years, Rick Macci has had the distinction of having trained and worked with a “Who’s Who” of tennis players including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati, Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina and many more. In that time, he has had the privilege of working with five pla...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
