#090: Real Talk with Julie Kliegman - Writer, Editor, Former Copy Chief at Sports Illustrated & Author of “Mind Game: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes”

“You can learn to recognize when something is constructive criticism versus just criticism, and decide what you want to actually internalize and what you can let go," - Julie Kliegman In addition to an illustrious career as a freelance sports journalist, Julie spent four years as the Copy Chief at Sports Illustrated Magazine, and is now the author of “Mind Game: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes”. In this highly reviewed novel, Julie offers insight into how elite athletes navigate mental performance and mental illness—and what non-athletes can learn from them. She explores the recent mental health movement in sports, the history and practice of sport psychology, the stereotypes and stigmas that lead athletes to keep their troubles to themselves, and the ways in which injury and retirement can throw wrenches in their mental states. Tune in as Julie candidly opens up to Grace about her personal battles with mental health and how these experiences sparked her deep dive into the interplay between sports and psychology. Could there be a hidden key to unlocking "mental toughness"? Discover the ways athletes carve out time for their mental well-being and what we can all learn from their journey. In this episode we’ll dive deeper into these key takeaways: Identity Foreclosure. In her book, Julie dives into the complex psychological landscape faced by athletes during the pandemic. Listen as she explains how the inability to compete, train and connect with teammates led to a phenomenon known as “identity foreclosure” for many professionals. But beyond our careers, how do we discover our true selves? Find Your Zen. Julie offers practical tools to enhance your daily mental health. She underscores the significance of exploring and identifying your unique path to zen as a crucial step toward overall well-being. Diversity in Mental Health. The conversation around mental health in sports is evolving, with more athletes openly sharing their struggles. Julie discusses the growing need for a diverse range of mental health professionals, highlighting stories from icons like Simone Biles, DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love. Mamba Mentality. Learn from Julie how professional athletes achieve peak performance by adhering to daily routines and practices. She reveals how simple, consistent actions, whether in training or everyday activities, are essential for both physical and mental excellence. If you’re looking to celebrate connection and community, tune in for this special episode. With so much love & gratitude, Grace 💋 Connect with Julie Website Book Email