Taryn Brasher & Kristen Nuss Cruz | The Mental Side of Being Elite in the World of Beach Volleyball
Release Date: 03/13/2026
Taryn Brasher & Kristen Nuss Cruz | The Mental Side of Being Elite in the World of Beach Volleyball
Max Out Mindset
In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down once again with the number one beach volleyball team in the world, Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss Cruz, for an honest conversation about growth, pressure, and the mental work behind elite performance. This is the third time Taryn and Kristen have joined the show, and their journey has evolved in powerful ways. After the emotional highs and lows surrounding the Olympic experience, they reflect on what it truly means to grow as athletes and teammates. The conversation dives deep into how elite...
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Authentic Leadership at an Elite Level | Alyssa D’Errico, Head Volleyball Coach - University of Utah
Max Out Mindset
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John Cook - Sustained Excellence
Max Out Mindset
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Max Out Mindset
Norah Sis has built a career on more than talent — everywhere she goes, teams win. From state appearances with her high school team, a national championship in club, gold medals in international competitions, Elite 8 runs at Creighton, and a PVF championship in her first professional season, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Norah shares how joy fuels her competitiveness, why culture drives championships, and what it means to play free under pressure. She opens up about perfectionism, confidence struggles, and the evolution of her leadership — from a timid freshman to the...
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Max Out Mindset
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Max Out Mindset
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Merritt Beason | Discipline, Leadership, and Confidence
Max Out Mindset
In this episode of Max Out Mindset, we sit down with Merritt Beason, a First Team All-American at Nebraska, two-time college captain, and the number one overall draft pick in the Pro Volleyball Federation who now plays for the Omaha Supernovas. Merritt opens up about her journey to competing on some of the biggest stages in college volleyball. She shares how discipline became her competitive advantage, what it was like to step into a leadership role at a new school, and how she learned to manage self-talk, confidence, and performance pressure. Merritt also reflects on her transition to...
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Elite Softball Coach Beth Singleton-Winners Win
Max Out Mindset
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Max Out Mindset
In this episode, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down with Coach Brian Rosen, the new head of Creighton University Volleyball and one of the rising stars in collegiate coaching. From his beginnings in high school sports to leading one of the top volleyball programs in the country, Rosen shares a candid and insightful look into what it takes to max out as a coach, a leader, and a person. Coach Rosen unpacks his journey and the power of vulnerability, grace, and intentional self-talk in developing an elite mindset. He speaks to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people,...
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Coach Steven Gream: Sustained Excellence in Volleyball, The Cowley Way
Max Out Mindset
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In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down once again with the number one beach volleyball team in the world, Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss Cruz, for an honest conversation about growth, pressure, and the mental work behind elite performance.
This is the third time Taryn and Kristen have joined the show, and their journey has evolved in powerful ways. After the emotional highs and lows surrounding the Olympic experience, they reflect on what it truly means to grow as athletes and teammates.
The conversation dives deep into how elite performers navigate disappointment, rebuild belief, and continue to push forward. Taryn shares the internal work that helped her develop confidence and self-trust, while Kristen talks about the mindset shifts that allowed them to keep improving even while competing at the highest level in the world.
You’ll hear powerful insights on communication between teammates, handling pressure on the biggest stages, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for teams that want to sustain success.
Taryn also shares how journaling became a critical tool for managing thoughts, building belief, and improving sleep and recovery during tournaments. Together, they explain how the mental side of the game helped them transform setbacks into one of the most successful seasons of their careers.
This episode is packed with practical insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to:
• Build real confidence through preparation and self-talk
• Communicate honestly with teammates during high-pressure moments
• Turn setbacks into growth instead of self-doubt
• Train mindset habits like journaling and awareness
• Develop trust and resilience within a team
Whether you’re an athlete chasing your potential, a coach developing a culture, or a leader working through challenges with others, this conversation offers a powerful reminder:
Elite performance isn’t just about talent. It’s about the mindset you bring to the journey.
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