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_outlinePerformance anxiety is one of the leading reasons athletes struggle to perform when it matters most.
In this podcast, we want to show you how to break through the limiting beliefs and cultural norms that perpetuate performance anxiety.
This is a follow up to the How to Perform Under Pressure video recently posted.
Here are the main concepts we unpacked to help athletes overcome performance anxiety:
Building Up the Context
Athletes, coaches, parents, and fans alike often attach too much meaning to the event or game.
Athletes then build up the context in their mind and get too hyped up for a particular opponent, ‘pressure’ situation, or a ‘must win’ game.
As a result, the context becomes overwhelming and the athlete mentally falls apart, they panic or hesitate on the field of play, and choke under the pressure.
In last year’s Stanley Cup final, Tampa Bay Lightning all-world defenceman Victor Hedman was asked about how he and his teammates are able to maintain a high level of play in their third straight Cup finals. His response was “easy, we never let the moment be bigger than any one particular play”.
This was a brilliant response.
The ability to detach from the context and be dialed into the task at hand is the key to being totally present.
This mindset allows them to have trust and faith, not only in their own abilities, but those of their teammates as well. It’s no surprise they have been the Gold Standard for culture and excellence for the better part of a decade.