Hi guys! On today's PerformHappy podcast, I'm absolutely thrilled to bring you a conversation with none other than Miss Val—yes, the Valorie Kondos Field, legendary former head coach of UCLA gymnastics. Miss Val led her team to seven national championships and was even named Coach of the Century. She’s truly one of a kind, and after spending time with her, I’m ready to sign up for her classes myself. She’s that inspiring.In this episode, we dive into what it means to be a true champion. For M...

Today on the PerformHappy podcast, we’re diving into the world of Men’s elite gymnastics with Heath Thorpe, a true standout from Australia known for his incredible artistry and athleticism. Heath is making waves not only with his powerful routines but also by pushing the limits of self-expression in a sport that doesn’t always welcome individuality. He’s showing a new generation of athletes what it means to be authentic, even in high-stakes environments.Heath’s journey is one of resilience an...

On today's PerformHappy podcast, we're diving deep into the world of sport parenting with a truly special guest, Asia Mape. Asia is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and sports TV producer who has worked for all the major sports networks, covering some of the biggest events, including five Olympics and NBA profiles. But the reason she's here today goes beyond her impressive career—she’s also the mother of three daughters who all love sports, and she’s the founder of I Love to Watch Yo...

Hey guys! On today's PerformHappy podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the amazing Louise Brownsey, an elite trampolinist from Great Britain. She's done some truly incredible things, from competing in World Championships to performing at Disneyland Paris.In this episode, we dive into her journey—how she overcame fears, handled pressure, and turned her passion for trampoline into a dream job. Whether you're a young gymnast looking for inspiration, a supportive parent, or just someo...

Hi everyone! On today’s PerformHappy podcast, we dive deep into a topic that’s close to my heart—ADHD. Whether you have ADHD, coach athletes with ADHD, or are raising a child with it, this episode is packed with valuable insights.I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Brent Hogarth, a clinical psychologist and sports psychology expert who specializes in ADHD and hyperfocus. Dr. Hogarth has worked with Olympic athletes, CEOs, and first responders, and—fun fact—he’s a former gymnast and alum of my univers...

Hey guys! I am so excited about today’s episode of the PerformHappy podcast because I’m sitting down with none other than Olivia Trautman, former University of Oklahoma gymnast, international elite athlete, and a true resilience master. Olivia has achieved so much in her career—she’s a four-time NCAA national champion, NCAA vault champion, and a 10-time All-American. She’s also celebrated two NCAA team championships and is now coaching at the University of Oklahoma, continuing to inspire the ...

On today’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by Shayamal Jallabhjee, an expert in mental resilience who has worked with top athletes and leaders across the globe. Shayamal shares practical tips on how to stay calm and balanced, whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just dealing with the everyday stress of life.We dive into topics like mindfulness, staying centered during tough moments, and how to build the mental strength needed to handle whatever life throws your way. If you’v...

In today’s episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I’m excited to sit down with resilience expert Nina Sossamon Pogue. Nina is a former US elite gymnast, a member of the US national team, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and a mom. With her incredible background, she’s got a wealth of knowledge to share.One of Nina's greatest strengths is helping people navigate life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s a personal tragedy, a major setback, or just feeling stuc...

In today's PerformHappy podcast episode, I’m sitting down with mental performance coach Joey Hewitt. This is an episode you won’t want to miss if you're looking for simple, actionable mental skills that can completely shift your confidence and joy in sports. Joey breaks down easy strategies that helped him go from being a barely-making-varsity high school basketball player to a professional athlete. What I love about Joey’s approach is how practical and straightforward it is. These aren't com...

In today’s podcast, I sit down with Maddi Leydin, a former international elite gymnast, NCAA superstar, and now a psychologist in training. Maddi shares her journey through the highs and challenges of elite gymnastics and her transition into a career focused on helping others.We dive into the critical topic of balance—something Maddi learned firsthand through her own experiences. She offers practical, actionable tips on mental preparation, performing under pressure, and most importantly, how ...

In the latest episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Holly Johnson, a dedicated sport mom, coach, and member of our PerformHappy community. Holly shares her powerful journey of navigating mental blocks with her daughter, a tumbler and dancer. As a former athlete herself, Holly has experienced the highs and lows that come with guiding a young athlete through the challenges of sports. Over the years, she’s faced the frustration of mental blocks, made mistakes, ...

Today’s podcast is a must-listen for anyone who thinks that gymnasts have to peak at age 16. My guest, Rosanna Ojala, is here to prove that wrong. Rosanna’s story is all about how you can have a long, happy, and healthy gymnastics career that extends well into your 20s and 30s.She’s living proof that if we change the culture around gymnastics, we can change the longevity of athletes, shift the goals, and rediscover the joy in the sport. Rosanna’s experience is so encouraging, especially if yo...

On today’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I have the privilege of talking with Sam Cerio, a former Auburn gymnast who’s not only a top-tier athlete but also a rocket scientist. Sam shares her inspiring story, including how she navigated a devastating, career-ending injury on the world stage and the journey that led her to walk down the aisle on her wedding day.Sam dives deep into her gymnastics journey, reflecting on her initial thoughts and emotions after the injury and the incredible ...

On today's episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with NCAA gymnastics star Sage Thompson from Oregon State. Sage's story is one of resilience and determination, embodying the "never give up" mindset that so many young athletes strive for. Throughout her career, Sage has faced significant challenges, but she's pushed through with the support of positive coaches and a deep-rooted motivation to excel.We discuss the types of encouragement that have kept her focused on her goals, even in...

I’m thrilled to announce today’s special PerformHappy podcast episode, featuring none other than the incredible Daniel Purvis! If you’re a gymnastics fan, you’re in for a treat because it’s Olympics week, and we’re diving deep into the journey of this Scottish former international elite gymnast, Olympian, and three-time British all-around champion.Join me as I reminisce with Dan about his unforgettable Olympic experience. We chat about the magic of the Olympic Village, the camaraderie of bein...

In the latest episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Whitney Bjerken, a name many of you might recognize from her impressive gymnastics journey shared on YouTube. Whitney's channel, boasting over 1.5 million subscribers, has been a window into her life as a level 10 gymnast, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and social media.Our conversation delved into the mental skills Whitney developed during her gymnastics career, skills that hav...

On today's PerformHappy podcast episode, I'm thrilled to have Olympian Aagje Vanwalleghem join us. Not only is she an amazing athlete, but she's also a dedicated gymnastics mom and a passionate advocate for positive change in the sport of gymnastics. Our conversation left me feeling hopeful about the future of gymnastics, and I'm excited to share her insights with you.Aagje's journey is truly inspiring. She has played a critical role in putting Belgian gymnastics on the map, winning multiple ...

On today's podcast, I'm thrilled to interview Dr. Ellen Reed, a former professional dancer, performance coach, and fellow recovering perfectionist. If you're struggling with perfectionism, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Reed shares practical mental strategies to help you shift from perfectionism to optimism, making you happier and more successful in your sport.Get your notebook ready because Dr. Reed packs this episode with concrete tips that you can start using right away. This is a high...

In the latest episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing UCLA and Canadian Elite Gymnast Ana Padarariu the 2018 World Championships silver medalist on balance beam. Ana has faced her fair share of injuries, and obstacles that have interrupted her Olympic dream. However, her story is incredibly inspiring. Despite the setbacks, Ana has always bounced back with a smile. Her experiences have not only made her a better athlete but also a better human being, with a stro...

On today's episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Brandi Smith, the founder of Perfect 10.0 Physical Therapy and Performance Training. Perfect 10.0 is an all-inclusive program dedicated to injury care and sport-specific strength, conditioning, and performance. It’s designed to not only return athletes to their sport but also enhance their overall performance.Brandi brings a wealth of experience as a former collegiate gymnast, high school cheerleader, and danc...

I'm excited to share today's PerformHappy podcast episode with you. This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Australian elite gymnast, Emma Nedov. Emma initially retired from gymnastics in 2020, transitioning into life after the sport. However, less than a year ago, she decided to make a comeback and set her sights on competing in the Paris Olympics.Our conversation was inspiring and packed with insights drawn from Emma's 20 years of experience in elite gymnastics. She sha...

Join us as we chat with Becky Beaulieu, Champion Culture Coach, former licensed psychologist, and NCAA head coach. Becky shares her unique insights on raising team standards without increasing pressure, fostering a joyful and successful team environment. With a wealth of experience coaching top teams and mentoring athletes, Becky’s practical tips and personal anecdotes are invaluable for any coach or athlete. Tune in for actionable strategies to enhance your team’s culture and performance.In ...

Today on PerformHappy, join me in an uplifting conversation with Sage Kellerman, a remarkable gymnast from Michigan State University. Beyond her perfect 10 on vault, Sage shares her journey of resilience and gratitude in the face of adversity, including the loss of her father. From navigating grief to battling impostor syndrome, Sage's story is one of courage and growth. Tune in for inspiration and wisdom from this bright light in the gymnastics world.I hope you find as much inspiration in Sa...

On today’s PerformHappy Podcast episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Professor Jaime Hamilton, a communication expert and fierce advocate for bullying awareness. Jaime founded The Comm Experts to bridge the gap between higher education and real-world contexts, focusing on bullying prevention and awareness. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she is passionate about enhancing communication in all areas of life.Bullying in youth sports is a challenge many face, whether from peers, coaches, o...