Change Your Mindset with Interrogative Self-Talk ft. Ryan Lavarnway
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
In this episode, they are joined by Ryan Lavarnway, a former MLB player with an incredible career including winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox and representing Team Israel at the 2020 Olympics. Ryan shares his incredible journey getting to the big leagues - notably, where he was sent up and down from the big leagues 26 times. Ryan’s mindset was shaped by the use of interrogative self-talk. Specifically he eloquently explains how four questions were the key to his success: Why not me? Why not more? Why not us? Why not now? This episode is a...
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An Insider’s Perspective: GTHL Executive Director & Former Referee Scott Oakman
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
Welcome to another episode of the "Beyond the X's and O's" podcast, your go-to destination for discussions on mindset and leadership within the world of sports. In this episode, hosts Dr. Cassidy Preston and Chris DiPiero take a unique turn as they welcome Scott Oakman, a seasoned referee with almost a thousand games under his belt and the Executive Director of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), the world's largest minor hockey league. Here's a brief overview of what to expect in this insightful conversation: Journey of a Referee: Scott shares his experiences as a referee, delving...
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Elevating Coaching: A Conversation with Luca Gianinazzi
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
Welcome to the "Beyond the X's and O's" podcast, where we delve into the world of sports, focusing on mindset and leadership. In this episode, your hosts, Dr. Cassidy Preston and Chris DiPiero, welcome a special guest, Luca Gianinazzi, a 30-year-old head coach of a professional hockey team in Switzerland, Hockey Club Lugano, which competes in the Swiss National League. Luca's unique perspective on coaching and leadership is a fascinating look into the new era of coaching in the world of sports. He provides valuable insights and shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of...
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The Outdoor Rink Mentality with David Gucciardi
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
In this episode, Cassidy interviews David Gucciardi, a prospect of the Washington Capitals. He discusses the work he has done on his mindset through his junior and college hockey career thus far. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect in this engaging episode: Developing His Emotional Regulation: David discusses his transition from a player where his emotions would get the best of him to someone who has learned to stay even keel. Staying Connected to the Love of the Game: David shares the story of how he developed his powerful alter ego, "ODR Gucc" to stay connected to his love for...
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Working with 23 Different Million Dollar Companies aka Coaching in the NHL with Steve Spott
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
In this episode, we have a captivating conversation with Steve Spott, a long-time friend of Chris DiPiero and a respected figure in the hockey world. Steve's extensive hockey journey, from playing junior hockey to coaching in the NHL, provides a rich backdrop for our discussion. Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect: Authentic Communication: Learn the importance of clear and authentic communication in coaching, as well as the crucial role it plays in player development. Embracing Mindset Training: Discover how athletes are increasingly recognizing the value of mindset training and...
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Navigating the Challenges of Modern Hockey with Mike McKenzie
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Mike McKenzie, General Manager of the Kitchener Rangers and a former St. Michael's Buzzers - where he was part of the championship team with Cassidy and Chris. Mike shares his wealth of experience, highlighting both the timeless principles and modern challenges of hockey. Here’s what you can look forward to: The Essentials Remain: Discover how some fundamentals of the game, like going to the net, battling, and contact, have remained unchanged despite the evolution of hockey. Social Media Pitfalls: Dive into a crucial discussion about the impact of social...
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Thinking Differently about Embarrassment, Adversity, & Mindset with Louie Caporusso
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Louie Caporusso, a former St. Michael's Buzzers - where he was part of the championship team with Cassidy and Chris. Louie shares his journey as a professional hockey player and provides valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents. Here's what you can expect: Embracing Embarrassment: Louie talks about how healthy it can be to experience embarrassment and how it can lead to personal growth. The Beginner's Mindset: Discover the importance of adopting a mindset that recognizes you're never a finished product and that there's...
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Stop Looking at the Clock and Get Immersed in the Process with Trevor Large
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
In this episode, we're joined by a returning guest, Trevor Large, the head coach of Canisius College's hockey team. Trevor shares how he led his team to their first-ever NCAA tournament this past season. Here's a glimpse of what's in store: A Different Coaching Approach: Discover how Trevor has embraced a unique coaching philosophy focused on building culture, accountability, and trust. Mindset First: Learn about Trevor's radical shift away from obsessing over results and how he immerses himself in the coaching process instead. Strategic vs. Emotional Leadership: Explore the importance...
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The Champion Teammate by Jerry Lynch and John O’Sullivan
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
Jerry Lynch and John O’Sullivan are leadership, performance, and team culture specialists. Jerry and John co-host the Way of Champions Podcast, as well as the Way of Champions Transformational Leadership Conference, and both are national advisory board members of the Positive Coaching Alliance. Together they brought their extensive experiences together to write the book: the Champion Teammate. In today's episode, John joined us back on the podcast to dive into the book. Here's what you’ll discover: A Fresh Perspective: Switching your mindset from “what can I get?” to “what...
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Standing with Your Fear featuring Domenic DiVincentiis
Beyond the X's & O's Podcast
Domenic DiVincentiis is a prospect for the Winnipeg Jets, who currently plays for the North Bay Battalion. Over the past four years, he’s worked with Dr. Cassidy Preston to help give him a mental edge on and off the ice as he continues to climb the ranks. In this interview Dom discusses how he has personalized his mental game to work for him. He shares insights into his mindset and the lessons he learned that helped him earn the OHL goalie of the year and sign his entry level deal with the Winnipeg Jets. Here’s what you’ll discover: Overcoming adversity: Dom’s story of resilience and...
info_outlineIn this episode we decided to dive into accountability - a crucial component to any team or organization. We believe the standards of what is acceptable behaviour within the sport culture are changing, but without the proper structures of accountability real change will be slow. The shortcomings of Hockey Canada and other national sport organizations are prime examples of the importance of accountability - click here for a recent article that we make mention of in this episode.
Accountability often gets this ‘bad wrap’ and gets interpreted as being overly critically, hard on people, and negative. But the reality is people want structure and clear expectations. This does not need to be a point of contention, but rather an opportunity for collaboration and clarity. The fact is when a culture of accountability is created, it helps both the team and individual people thrive.
Thinking of accountability as a proactive rather than reactive process is essential. It pays off to invest the time and energy upfront creating clear expectations and agreed upon commitments. Trying to create a culture of accountability when you are in the middle of a fire and trying to clean up the mess is a lot more challenging.
The concepts and strategies we cover in this episode apply to leadership at all levels. Reach out with any questions or comments.
Enjoy this episode as we continue to go Beyond the X’s and O’s.