Eighty Percent Mental

4.11 - How to deal with... all this shit!

Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington engage with “soon to be Dr” David Smith, to explore the intersection of psychology, exercise, and societal issues. They discuss the transformative power of sport, the importance of community, current societal challenges and the role of resilience in navigating these complexities. In this conversation, David discusses the historical silence of the government during the AIDS crisis, emphasizing the resilience and self-care strategies adopted by the LGBTQAI+ community during that time. He highlights the importance of community support and social connections in overcoming adversity. The discussion then shifts to the current climate regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exploring its implications and the role of allyship in social movements.

• Follow David on Instagram: @stonewallperformance @fitwithpride
• Follow David on YouTube @stonewallperformance
• Find David on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bttrflyr
• Check out David’s website here: stonewallperformance.com

4.10 - What can we do about burnout?

In this episode of the Eighty Percent Mental Podcast, hosts Pete and Leah and guest Dr Luke Olsson delve into the complex topic of burnout. They explore the differences between stress and burnout, the symptoms associated with burnout, and how it manifests in various professions. The conversation also touches on the individual and environmental factors that contribute to burnout, and the cultural influences that exacerbate the issue. Luke shares insights from his research, emphasising the importance of understanding burnout as a psychological response rather than merely a physical condition.

Dr Luke Olsson is a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University in the UK. His research primarily focusses on ascertaining the key reasons that make an athlete vulnerable to experience burnout as well as quantifying how burnout can influence an athlete including health and performance consequences.

• Follow Luke on Twitter: @L_F_Olsson

4.09 - Eating disorders and disordered eating

In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, hosts Pete and Leah, along with guest Dr Marina Harris, delve into the complex world of eating disorders. They discuss the definitions of eating disorders versus disordered eating, the impact of diet culture, and the role of social media in shaping body image. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing red flags in eating behaviours, the stigma surrounding eating disorders, the responsibility of coaches and support staff in supporting athletes, fostering healthy relationships with food and how to approach conversations about eating disorders.

Dr Marina Harris is a licensed psychologist, performance consultant, and speaker. As a former Division I gymnast, she understands the unique stressors affecting athletes and performers. Her psychology practice, Bloom Psychology Group, offers individual therapy and sport psychology services for perfectionistic high-achievers who want to feel more calm.

• Follow Marina on Twitter: @DrMarinaHarris
• Follow Marina on Instagram: @DrMarinaHarris
• Follow Marina on TikTok: @DrMarinaHarris
• Check out Marina’s website: bloompsychologync.com

Explore the book mentioned by Marina, Intuitive Eating, by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/intuitive-eating-4th-edition-a-revolutionary-anti-diet-approach-hillary-huber/16191829?ean=9781250255198&next=t&aid=8537&listref=intuitive-eating&next=t

If you feel like you’ve been impacted by anything in this episode or would like to reach out for help, here are some useful resources:

• https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/eating-problems/treatment-and-support/
• https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/
• https://www.priorygroup.com/eating-disorders/guide-to-uk-free-eating-disorder-helplines
• https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/international

4.08 - The Science of Bias

In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are joined by Director of Culturgen and self-confessed behavioural science nerd, Chris Garrison to explore the Science of Bias. What is cognitive bias? How does it work? What is the impact of our biases on those around us and how can we begin to challenge the biases that we all hold? We discuss all of this and much more in this episode of Eighty Percent Mental.

• Follow Chris on Bluesky: @chrisgarrison.bsky.social
• Follow Chris on Instagram:@thecgarrison
• Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/56314/thinking-fast-and-slow-by-kahneman-daniel/9780141033570

4.07 - Gifted: Unlocking potential with lessons from elite sport

In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington welcome the President of the International Society of Sport Psychology, Dr Rob Schinke, to the podcast to talk about mental health and about finding ways to harness our gifts and truly live up to our human potential. We discuss Rob’s work with with Olympic and professional athletes, his thoughts on Cultural Sport Psychology and his book, “Gifted:8 Steps to Succeeding in Sport, Work, and Life.”

• Check out Rob’s profile here: https://laurentian.ca/faculty/rschinke
• Follow Rob on Instagram: @robertjschinke
• Get Rob’s book, Gifted, here: https://canada.humankinetics.com/products/gifted

4.06 - Bad Science

The commercialisation of wellness and wellbeing has led us to the point where everyone has basically gone fucking nuts. With so much crap on the internet, how can ordinary folk spot the snake oil? How can we be more skeptical about the information we’re presented with, and how can we be better scientists? In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington talk to Dr Nick Tiller, exercise scientist at Harbor-UCLA, about Bad Science!

Dr Tiller is the author of The Skeptic’s Guide to Sports Science, a columnist at Skeptical Inquirer magazine, and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

• Follow Nick on Twitter: @NBTiller
• Check out Nick’s website: nbtiller.com, where you can buy his genuinely excellent book. And no, we’re not on commission!

4.05 - EPM Special: Paralympic Review, Paris 2024

In this episode of EightyPercentMental, hosts Pete and Leah are joined by Paralympic gold medalist Danielle Brown to talk about the Paris 2024 Paralympics. We discuss standout moments from the Games, the significance of the opening ceremony, and the psychological strategies athletes use to cope with pressure. In this conversation, Danielle Brown, double Paralympic gold medalist, shares her experiences and insights on the pressures of performance in sports, the identity and recognition of the Paralympics, and the importance of language in discussing disability. She emphasizes the need for a more scientific approach to athlete classification and advocates for the empowerment of female athletes through storytelling.

• Follow Danielle on Twitter (X): @danibrownmbe
• Follow Danielle on Instagram: @daniellebrownmbe
• Check out Danielle’s website: daniellebrown.co.uk
• Find Danielle’s book here: https://www.daniellebrown.co.uk/books.html

4.04 - Why is my immune system so important for my mental health?

4.04 – What about my immune system?

What is my immune system and why is it so important? In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are joined by immunologist, Senior Lecturer and author, Dr Jenna Macciochi, to explore how the immune system is linked to psychological health. We discuss what our immune systems actually are, what they do (and what they don’t do), as well as unpacking some of the barriers to maintaining a health immune system, and discussing the importance of movement. There’s so much to learn here!

• Check out Dr Macciochi’s website here: drjennamacciochi.com
• Follow Jenna on Instagram: @dr_jenna_macciochi
• Follow Jenna on Twitter: @drjmacc
• Jenna’s book – Immunity: The Science of Staying Well: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/immunity-the-science-of-staying-well-dr-jenna-macciochi?variant=32560620863566
• Jenna’s book – Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity: https://www.yellowkitebooks.co.uk/titles/dr-jenna-macciochi/your-blueprint-for-strong-immunity/9781529363623/

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4.03 - EPM Special: Olympic Review, Paris 2024.

The Olympic Games wouldn’t be complete without an EightyPercentMental Olympic Review and that’s exactly what Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are doing in this episode with the help of their guest, Dr Quincy Davis. We talk about highs, the lows, our favourite moments, and of course we dive into the psychology underpinning some of the most memorable performances – and yes that includes the breakdancing.

Dr Quincy Davis is an Assistant Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology at Mississippi State University and owns a private practice “Resolute Performance Consulting”. Passionate about all things athlete mental health, mental performance, and overall well-being.

• Follow Quincy on Instagram: @dr_quincydavis
• Follow Quincy on Twitter/X: @DrQuincyDavis
• Connect with Quincy on LinkedIn: Quincy Davis
• Quincy’s Private Practice Website: resoluteperformanceconsulting.com

4.02 - Is exercise really good for my mental health?

There’s a well-established link between exercise and mental health. In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, Dr Pete Olusoga and new co-host, Dr Leah Washington explore how and why moving our bodies can be beneficial for our psychological health, but also why it might not be as simple as just moving more! Our guest this episode is Dr Hillary Cauthen, a clinical sport psychologist based in Austin TX, and Co-Founder of Texas Optimal Performance & Psychological Services. Her work in high performance environments is breaking down stigma across communities which is highlighted in her book, “Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate.”

• Follow Dr Cauthen on Twitter: @TOPPSTIP
• Check out Hilary’s website here: hillarycauthen.com
• Get Hilary’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Trauma-Our-Invisible-Teammate/dp/B0CPN9KRVT/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp&qid=1702231223&amp&sr=8-1

4.01 - How do I start doing difficult things... and keep going!?

Welcome to the brand-new series of EightyPercentMental, the podcast all about the psychology of sport and performance. Only… it isn’t just about sport and performance anymore, because in this series, we’re going to explore how psychology is important in exercise, health, and wellbeing, and how we can apply this to our everyday lives! Is exercise really good for my mental health? What’s the link between my immune system and psychological wellbeing? How can I start doing difficult things and keep going?

In this first episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and new co-host, Dr Leah Washington, speak to their expert guest, sport and exercise psychologist in training, and fitness coach, Clara Swedlund about all things motivation. What gets in the way when we try to change our habits? Why are values important to setting goals? Which way up should our cups go in the cupboard?

This was such a valuable conversation and a great way to kick off Series 4 of the 242^nd most popular sports podcast in Costa Rica!

• Follow Clara on Instagram: @clara_theexerpsych
• Follow Clara on Twitter: @ceswedlund
• Check out Clara’s website: theexerpsych.com

3.22 - The Psychology of... THE END!

Sometimes the transition out of sport can be easy, a natural progression to the next stage of an athlete’s life. Sometimes it can be an intensely difficult and painful experience.  Sometimes, ending an athletic career can be a deliberate choice, other times it’s forced upon an athlete through injury, or changing circumstances. In the final episode of this series, Dr Pete Olusoga explores The Psychology of The End with two very special guests, Psychologist and Director of NBA Mind Health, Dr Kensa Gunter, and Senior VP and Head of NBA Player Development, Jamila Wideman. We discuss Jamila’s own playing career (drafted 3^rd overall in the inaugural WNBA draft) and her own transitions in and out of sport, and Dr Gunter offers her insights from a psychological perspective on overcoming the challenges of bringing an athletic career to a close. It’s such an honest and truthful conversation and a wonderful way to bring this series to an end. Enjoy!

• Follow Dr Kensa Gunter on Twitter: @DrKensa
• Check out Kensa’s website here: drkensagunter.com
• Connect with Jamila Wideman on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamila-wideman-503849133/

3.21 - The Psychology of... The Clash

There’s no denying the strategy, the undeniable levels of skill, and the precision involved in American Football, but it’s also a sport, a little like rugby, where a good part of your time is spent picking yourself up off the floor after being knocked on your ass. In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, Dr Pete Olusoga explores the psychology involved in collision sports. What are the unique mental challenges of taking (or dishing out) massive hit after massive hit? Joining Pete on this episode are special guests, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being at the University of North Carolina, Dwight Hollier, and Performance Consultant and Therapist, Dr Adrian Ferrera.

• Follow Dwight Hollier on Twitter: @Dfin50
• Check out Dr Ferrera’s website:dradrianferrera.com
• Follow Dr Adrian Ferrera on Twitter: @dradrianferrera
• Follow Dr Adrian Ferrera on Instagram: @dradrianferrera
• Follow Dr Ferrera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ferrera-phd-lpc-8a01724a/

3.20 - EPM Special: Return of Team Ace of Blades

Earlier this series (Episode 3.13), Dr Pete Olusoga spoke to  Laura Langton and Kit Windsor, from Team Ace of Blades, just before they set off on their quest to row across the Atlantic. Along with the other two members of the crew, Lizz Watson and Beth Motley, they set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 13th December, 2023. Forty-seven days later, they rowed their 25ft boat into English Harbour in Antigua having successfully navigated all 3000 miles of the World’s Toughest Row.

In this extra-special episode of EightyPercentMental, Laura, Kit, Lizz, and Beth are all here to talk about their incredible achievement, their magnificent voyage, and of course, about the role that psychology played on their adventure.

• Visit Team Ace of Blades: teamaceofblades.com
• Donate to the Team’s incredible charities: teamaceofblades.com/charities
• Follow Team Ace of Blades on Instagram: @teamaceofblades
• Follow the team on Twitter: @TeamAceOfBlades
• Finish Line Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmWOcfUsQss

3.19 - The Psychology of... The Slopes

Ever fancied strapping yourself to a plank and throwing yourself down a snowy mountain? In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, Dr Pete Olusoga explores The Psychology of The Slopes with snowboarding legend, Stevie Bell, and the Founder of the Mental Performance Center for Action Sports, Alēc Herbert. Such a great conversation around the mental aspects of action sports, preparation, professionalism, and doing things you immediately regret!

• Follow Stevie on Intagram: @steviebell801
• Check out Stevie’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGRWqUsePRplN3jh2gFRVw
• Follow Alēc on Twitter: @MPCActionSports

• Check out these incredible organisations:
• https://www.hoodstowoodsfoundation.org/
• https://www.shredfoundation.org/
• https://stoked.org/
• https://sharewinterfoundation.org/
• https://yeskids.org/
• https://www.snowdaysfoundation.org/
• This the National Brotherhood of Skiers, it is a community-based organization for adult or already avid riders.  https://www.nbs.org/