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    <title>Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Performanceanxiety”</title>
    <link>https://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/tags/performanceanxiety</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    <description>Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science and the untold stories behind the best athletes and teams on the planet.
Hosted by Richard Graves, we bring you exclusive insights from elite athletes, world-class coaches, and leading sports scientists who are shaping the future of global sport.
This isn’t just another sports podcast—this is your backstage pass to:
- The science powering record-breaking performances.
- The trends, challenges, and breakthroughs redefining the game.
- Mastering the balance of art and science in coaching.
Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, physio, nutritionist, teacher, or just a passionate sports fan, this is your chance to learn from the pros and stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in every Monday and uncover what it takes to make the best, better.
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    <itunes:subtitle>Behind the Scenes of Elite Performance – Unlocking the Science, Stories, and Strategies That Make the Best Even Better</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science and the untold stories behind the best athletes and teams on the planet.
Hosted by Richard Graves, we bring you exclusive insights from elite athletes, world-class coaches, and leading sports scientists who are shaping the future of global sport.
This isn’t just another sports podcast—this is your backstage pass to:
- The science powering record-breaking performances.
- The trends, challenges, and breakthroughs redefining the game.
- Mastering the balance of art and science in coaching.
Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, physio, nutritionist, teacher, or just a passionate sports fan, this is your chance to learn from the pros and stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in every Monday and uncover what it takes to make the best, better.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>sport, science, sports, sports science, education, coach, coaching, athletes, performance, strength, conditioning, strength &amp; conditioning, S&amp;C, recovery, nutrition, entertainment</itunes:keywords>
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      <itunes:name>Science for Sport</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>contact@scienceforsport.com</itunes:email>
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<itunes:category text="Sports"/>
<itunes:category text="Science"/>
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  <title>257: Fear is your friend: A Champion's Paradox</title>
  <link>http://scienceforsport.fireside.fm/257</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  <author>Science for Sport</author>
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  <itunes:episode>257</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Fear is your friend: A Champion's Paradox</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Science for Sport</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this thought-provoking episode, sports psychologist Sam Kotadia challenges everything you thought you knew about mental performance, revealing why positive thinking might be holding you back and how embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking your true potential. From his groundbreaking work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC to transforming young lives through boxing, Sam shares why the multi-billion pound self-help industry might have it all wrong</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>31:03</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>In this captivating episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Sam Kotadia, the pioneering sports psychologist supporting Wrexham FC's recent success and a transformative force in athletic mental performance for over two decades. Sam challenges conventional wisdom about positive thinking and mental preparation, offering a revolutionary perspective that turns traditional sports psychology on its head.
From his early breakthrough with a tough-as-nails centre back at Colchester United to his current work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC and the inspiring Empire Fighting Chance programme in Bristol, Sam shares how his approach to performance psychology has evolved. He reveals why trying to control your mindset might be holding you back, and why embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking peak performance.
Discover why the lucrative self-help industry might be missing the point, how world-class athletes like Pelé and Ronaldo actually maintain their focus, and why that pre-game anxiety might not be the enemy you think it is. Whether you're an elite athlete, coach, or weekend warrior, this conversation will transform how you think about mental preparation and performance.
Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about sports psychology and mental performance. Sam's refreshing perspective might just be the game-changer you've been looking for.
About Sam Kotadia
Sam Kotadia is a chartered sports psychologist with over two decades of experience transforming athletic performance at all levels. From his groundbreaking early work at Colchester United to his current role as the mind coach behind Wrexham FC's remarkable journey, Sam has consistently challenged traditional approaches to sports psychology. He's the founder of FlowSK and a key figure at Empire Fighting Chance, where he helps at-risk youth discover their potential through non-contact boxing. His revolutionary approach, which turns conventional positive thinking on its head, has earned him recognition across professional football and combat sports. Working alongside managers like Phil Parkinson, Sam has developed a unique philosophy that emphasises authenticity over forced positivity, helping athletes from grassroots to elite level unlock their natural performance state.
FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241
​ Learn Quicker &amp;amp; More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp;amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform
Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005)
Google Podcasts (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&amp;amp;ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA)
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g)
Stitcher (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast) 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>sports science, sport science, strength and conditioning, S&amp;C, performance, athlete, sport, exercise, nutrition, injury, injuries, WrexhamFC, SportsPerformance, MentalHealth, SportsCoaching, PeakPerformance, FlowState, MindsetCoaching, PositiveThinking, SportsLeadership, AthleteMindset, PhilParkinson, RyanReynolds, SportsConfidence, EmpireFightingChance, BoxingPsychology, FootballPsychology, PerformanceAnxiety, MentalToughness, ElitePerformance, SportsPsychology, MentalTraining, AthleteDevelopment, LeagueOne, YouthSports, PerformanceCoaching, MindCoach, SelfHelp, PsychologicalPerformance, CompetitiveSport, MentalGame, MentalPreparation, SportsSuccess, HighPerformance, AthleteWellbeing, SportsMotivation Additional relevant terms specific to t</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this captivating episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Sam Kotadia, the pioneering sports psychologist supporting Wrexham FC&#39;s recent success and a transformative force in athletic mental performance for over two decades. Sam challenges conventional wisdom about positive thinking and mental preparation, offering a revolutionary perspective that turns traditional sports psychology on its head.</p>

<p>From his early breakthrough with a tough-as-nails centre back at Colchester United to his current work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC and the inspiring Empire Fighting Chance programme in Bristol, Sam shares how his approach to performance psychology has evolved. He reveals why trying to control your mindset might be holding you back, and why embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking peak performance.</p>

<p>Discover why the lucrative self-help industry might be missing the point, how world-class athletes like Pelé and Ronaldo actually maintain their focus, and why that pre-game anxiety might not be the enemy you think it is. Whether you&#39;re an elite athlete, coach, or weekend warrior, this conversation will transform how you think about mental preparation and performance.<br>
Don&#39;t miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about sports psychology and mental performance. Sam&#39;s refreshing perspective might just be the game-changer you&#39;ve been looking for.</p>

<p><strong>About Sam Kotadia</strong><br>
Sam Kotadia is a chartered sports psychologist with over two decades of experience transforming athletic performance at all levels. From his groundbreaking early work at Colchester United to his current role as the mind coach behind Wrexham FC&#39;s remarkable journey, Sam has consistently challenged traditional approaches to sports psychology. He&#39;s the founder of FlowSK and a key figure at Empire Fighting Chance, where he helps at-risk youth discover their potential through non-contact boxing. His revolutionary approach, which turns conventional positive thinking on its head, has earned him recognition across professional football and combat sports. Working alongside managers like Phil Parkinson, Sam has developed a unique philosophy that emphasises authenticity over forced positivity, helping athletes from grassroots to elite level unlock their natural performance state.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>

<h3>🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005" rel="nofollow">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA" rel="nofollow">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast" rel="nofollow">Stitcher</a></li>
</ul>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this captivating episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Sam Kotadia, the pioneering sports psychologist supporting Wrexham FC&#39;s recent success and a transformative force in athletic mental performance for over two decades. Sam challenges conventional wisdom about positive thinking and mental preparation, offering a revolutionary perspective that turns traditional sports psychology on its head.</p>

<p>From his early breakthrough with a tough-as-nails centre back at Colchester United to his current work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC and the inspiring Empire Fighting Chance programme in Bristol, Sam shares how his approach to performance psychology has evolved. He reveals why trying to control your mindset might be holding you back, and why embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking peak performance.</p>

<p>Discover why the lucrative self-help industry might be missing the point, how world-class athletes like Pelé and Ronaldo actually maintain their focus, and why that pre-game anxiety might not be the enemy you think it is. Whether you&#39;re an elite athlete, coach, or weekend warrior, this conversation will transform how you think about mental preparation and performance.<br>
Don&#39;t miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about sports psychology and mental performance. Sam&#39;s refreshing perspective might just be the game-changer you&#39;ve been looking for.</p>

<p><strong>About Sam Kotadia</strong><br>
Sam Kotadia is a chartered sports psychologist with over two decades of experience transforming athletic performance at all levels. From his groundbreaking early work at Colchester United to his current role as the mind coach behind Wrexham FC&#39;s remarkable journey, Sam has consistently challenged traditional approaches to sports psychology. He&#39;s the founder of FlowSK and a key figure at Empire Fighting Chance, where he helps at-risk youth discover their potential through non-contact boxing. His revolutionary approach, which turns conventional positive thinking on its head, has earned him recognition across professional football and combat sports. Working alongside managers like Phil Parkinson, Sam has developed a unique philosophy that emphasises authenticity over forced positivity, helping athletes from grassroots to elite level unlock their natural performance state.</p>

<p><strong>FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL</strong></p>

<p><strong>SIGN UP NOW:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241</a></p>

<p>​ Learn Quicker &amp; More Effectively<br>
​ Optimise Your Athletes&#39; Recovery<br>
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In<br>
​ Reduce Your Athletes&#39; Injury Ratese<br>
​ Save 100&#39;s Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More<br>
​ Improve Your Athletes&#39; Performance<br>
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes<br>
​ Save Yourself The Stress &amp; Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research</p>

<h3>🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast/id1506431005" rel="nofollow">Apple Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5maXJlc2lkZS5mbS9zY2llbmNlZm9yc3BvcnQvcnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAIQ4aUDahcKEwj43vyLxbrrAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBA" rel="nofollow">Google Podcasts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5DZlm3bNyPQd1QknUxCWTz?si=yHWOt3LORfeGgp7i31ey8g" rel="nofollow">Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/science-for-sport-podcast" rel="nofollow">Stitcher</a></li>
</ul>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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