PODCAST · sports
Eighty Percent Mental
by Dr Peter Olusoga
If you‘re interested in the mental side of sport performance, this is the podcast for you. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a sport psychology professional, or even just a sports fan, Dr Pete Olusoga, along with his expert guests will answer all the questions you could possibly have about the role of the mind in sport performance. Is there such a thing as a winning mindset and if so, where can I get one? Why do we get nervous, and what should we do about it? What‘s the deal with mindfulness? In each episode, Dr Pete - with the help of some special guests - will ask and answer questions like these, exploring what the research says, and highlighting lessons from sport psychology that you can use on and off the field.
Episodes
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4.20 - The Psychology of Anger
Pete and Leah speak to Dr. Mitch Abrams, a leading expert with over 25 years of experience in sport psychology and anger management, as he exposes the myths, risks, and hidden benefits of this often misunderstood emotion. We discuss the difference between anger and aggression, practical…
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4.19 - EPM Super Special Winter Olympics Review 2026!
In this episode Dr Pete Olusoga and Leah Washington discuss the highlights and controversies of the Winter Olympics, featuring special guest John Evans. They delve into the opening ceremony, dramatic moments in curling, and the performances of athletes like Ilia Malinin and Lindsey Vonn. The...
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4.18 - How to run an Ultramarathon
In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, host Dr Pete Olusoga talks with endurance runner and Peloton instructor Susie Chan, and psychologist Dr. Julie Johnston to find out “How to Run and Ultramarathon!” They discuss Susie's journey from a non-runner to an accomplished ultra marathoner, the...
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4.17 - Living with Long COVID: Disability and chronic illness
In this episode of the Eighty Percent Mental podcast, hosts Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington welcome Dr Andrew Wood, a performance psychologist with extensive experience in disability sports. The conversation explores Andrew's journey into sports psychology, his work with blind football…
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4.16 - The Psychology of Strength II
In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga welcomes Dean Hammond, a seasoned coach with a military background. They discuss the evolution of gym culture, the importance of practical experience in coaching, and the mission of the Catalyst Project, which aims to transform everyday athletes into 'athletic...
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4.15 - What is Leadership Identity - and why is it important for YOU?
In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga, and Dr Leah Washington are joined by Dr. Angel Brutus to explore the multifaceted nature of leadership. They discuss the qualities of great leaders, the importance of understanding leadership identity, and the myths surrounding leadership capabilities. The...
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4.14 - EPM Special: EPM x ButWhy? Mental health in the online age
In this special episode of the Eighty Percent Mental Podcast, host Dr Pete Olusoga talks with Dr. Laura Swettenham and Dr. Kristin McGinty Minister from the ‘But Why?’ podcast to explore the psychological implications of our online lives, the prevalence of misinformation, and the importance of...
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4.13 - Who are you? The complexity of athletic identity
In this episode, Pete and Leah, are joined by Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Aren Ulmer to explore the significance of identity in sports and exercise, and how our sense of identity impacts performance and well-being. They discuss the importance of holistic development for athletes, and...
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4.12 - How to win!
In this episode of the Eighty Percent Mental podcast, Dr Pete Olusoga is joined by Head of Women’s Performance Psychology at the Football Association, Dr. Kate Hays. We discuss Kate’s model for success, outlined in her new book “How to win: Lessons in success from the front line of performance...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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3.18 - The Psychology of... Pressure
Experiencing pressure is something we can all identify with. In this episode of the EightyPercentMental podcast Dr Pete Olusoga talks with Sport Psychologist and UK Sport Institute Technical Lead, Dr Mike Stoker about what exactly pressure is, the impacts that it can have on how we think, feel…
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3.17 - The Psychology of... The Kids
In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, Dr Pete Olusoga is joined by Dr Mark O’Sullivan for a deeply insightful conversation on youth sport. We talk about the nature and evolution of coach education and the impact on coaching practice in youth sport, and we discuss the very purpose of youth…
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3.16 - The Psychology of... The Team
After taking a few weeks off Dr Pete Olusoga is back with another episode exploring the psychology of performance. We’ve had actors, singers, dancers, strength athletes, coaches, speed demons, and endurance masters on the podcast this series, but one thing we haven’t really considered yet this...
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3.15 - The Psychology of... The Fight
It’s brutal. It’s violent. It’s two people trying to hit each other until one of them can’t hit back any more… but it's a sport that has always had, and still has, huge appeal. What is it that makes athletes want to take up boxing in the first place? What kind of mindset does it take to get in…
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3.14 - The Psychology of... The Skies
If you’re nervous about flying, imagine the nerve required to fly a 25ft plane through a 30ft window at 250mph. In this episode of EightyPercentMental Dr Pete Olusoga speaks with veteran Red Bull Air Race competitor and champion aerobatics pilot, Mike Goulian, and gets the perspective of veteran...
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3.13 - The Psychology of... The Sea – with Team Ace of Blades
In this episode of EightyPercentMental, Dr Pete Olusoga talks to Kit Windsor and Laura Langton, exactly 50% of Team Ace of Blades, the all-women crew set to row (and definitely not sail) unsupported across the Atlantic in December 2023. Laura and Kit talk about the mental challenges of being on…
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3.12 - EPM Special: Physical 100 (with Miracle Nelson)
If you haven’t seen Netflix’s Physical 100, then you’re missing out! One hundred contestants in top physical shape compete in a series of gruelling challenges to claim the honour – and cash prize – as the last one standing. The challenges required strength, skill, stamina, but also a tremendous...
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3.11 - The Psychology of... The Student Athlete
In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga explores the Psychology of The Student Athlete. How do high-school, college, and university students balance studying with sports while trying to make it as an athlete, pursue excellence in academics, all while going through a pretty intense period of personal...
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3.10 The Psychology of... Strength
In this episode of the #EIghtyPercentMental podcast, Dr Pete Olusoga talks with International Weightlifter and multiple British record holder, Jenny Tong about the Psychology of Strength. Just a great conversation about identity, motivation, confidence, and whether toilet paper should go over or...
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3.09 - EPM Special: Sport and Social Justice
There is a long history of sports leading the way on a number of different social issues. For decades, our sporting heroes have been torn down, vilified, and ostracised for standing up for what they believe in and fighting for issues that go beyond the sports arena. While some people were...
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3.08 - The Psychology of... Success
Success and winning are often thought of as synonymous, but if you’re not first, does that really make you last? We live in a society that is constantly trying to sell us a very specific version of what success should look like and in this fascinating episode of EightyPercentMental, Dr Pete…
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3.07 - The Psychology of... The Singer
What a special episode this is! Dr Pete Olusoga is joined for a fascinating conversation on the psychology of performance by the queen of British soul, Beverley Knight, MBE. An award winning recording artist and musical theatre actress, Beverley Knight has been a mainstay of British and world…
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3.06 - The Psychology of... Stage & Screen
The stars are out as Dr Pete Olusoga explores the psychology of stage and screen with the wonderful British actor (and Coronation Street veteran), Shobna Gulati. Joining them is Psychologist and Lecturer at Lancaster University, Dr David Tod, for a fascinating conversation about the psychology of...
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3.05 - EPM Special: Live from AASP in Fort Worth, Texas!
Eighty Percent Mental host, Dr Pete Olusoga, attended the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. As well as winning an award for Distinguished Public Communication, Outreach, and Awareness for producing this very podcast, Dr Pete spent time talking...
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3.04 - The Psychology of... Speed
Continuing the mission to explore the psychological aspects of performance, Eighty Percent Mental host Dr Pete Olusoga explores ‘The psychology of... Speed’ with two-time World Superbikes Champion, James Toseland. Also featuring Sport Psychologist, Shameema Yousuf, this episode explores the...
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3.03 - The Psychology of... Dance
In this episode of EightyPercentMental, Dr Pete Olusoga gets to grips with ‘The Psychology of... Dance’ with Kit Holder, First Soloist with Birmingham Royal Ballet and Dr Sanna Nordin-Bates, Associate professor in sport psychology, at the Swedish School of Sport & Health Sciences in Stockholm.…
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3.02 - The Psychology of... The Coach
This episode is pure gold. With the help of two special guests, Coach Marc Steutel and Dr Kristen Dieffenbach, Dr Pete Olusoga investigates ‘The Psychology of... The Coach’. How do coaches incorporate sport and performance psychology into their coaching? How can coaches be vulnerable and…
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3.01 - The Psychology of... Endurance
Welcome back to Series 3 of Eighty Percent Mental. In this series (or season if you’re American), Dr Pete Olusoga is going to explore some different areas of performance – and not necessarily just sport performance. In this first episode, Dr Pete talks to endurance athlete, Greg Hewitt, and Sport...
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2.15 - Super Special Bonus Winter Olympic Review!
In this Super Special Winter Olympic Review, Dr Pete Olusoga is joined by Dr Chelsi Day, Sport Psychologist at ‘The’ Ohio State University, and Dr Leah Washington, resident Olympic Superfan and professor of sports medicine and sport psychology to talk about the ups, downs, ins, outs, and triple...
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2.14 - Mental health and wellbeing in sport
A ‘win at all costs’ culture can make it almost impossible for people in high-performance environments like sport to show any sort of vulnerability, to concede that pressure takes a toll, to admit that they are not in fact superhuman. But many sports performers are beginning to change this...
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2.13 - The greatest sports movie of all time?
At the start of Series 2, we ran a poll to find the Greatest Sports Movie of All Time… The Movie GOAT. Somehow, Remember the Titans won… still not sure how that happened, but pretty sure it’s your fault. Anyway, in this episode, Dr Pete is joined by Dr Meghan Halbrook, Dr Tammy Sheehy, and (not…
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2.12 - Do we deserve better from our sporting heroes?
From diving to doping to serious crimes, hardly a day goes by without an athlete getting themselves into some sort of trouble. In this episode Dr Pete is joined by Sport, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Dr Mitch Abrams, and Assistant Professor of sport and exercise psychology at Georgia...
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2.11 - EPM Special: Conversations on racism in sport
The conversation should always be about more than just sport. In this EPM Special, Dr Pete Olusoga is joined by organisational psychologist and best-selling New York Times author, John Amaechi OBE, for an honest and inspiring conversation about racism, anti-racism, and what we all could or should...
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2.10 - How do I bring psychology into the weight room?
Dr Pete and Hugh Gilmore (featuring in his final episode) investigate how we might bring psychology into the weight room. Lead Strength and Conditioning coach at Sheffield Hallam University, Dave Hembrough, and ALTIS Programs Director and Performance Coach, Nick Ward, discuss the mental…
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2.09 – Diversity and cultural awareness in sport - The Director‘s Cut
When words like diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness are mentioned, they’re often met with a mix of confusion, defensiveness, and responses like “well I just treat everyone the same, I don’t see difference.” In this episode Dr Pete is joined by Dr Ale Quartiroli and Shameema Yousuf to…
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2.08 - Pete & Hugh's Olympic Review!
2.08 – EPM Special: Pete & Hugh’s Olympic Review Less than a week after the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 2021 Olympics, Dr Pete and Hugh are joined, once again, by Dr Chelsi Day, Sport Psychologist at ‘The’ Ohio State University, and Dr Leah Washington, a professor of sports medicine and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
If you‘re interested in the mental side of sport performance, this is the podcast for you. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a sport psychology professional, or even just a sports fan, Dr Pete Olusoga, along with his expert guests will answer all the questions you could possibly have about the role of the mind in sport performance. Is there such a thing as a winning mindset and if so, where can I get one? Why do we get nervous, and what should we do about it? What‘s the deal with mindfulness? In each episode, Dr Pete - with the help of some special guests - will ask and answer questions like these, exploring what the research says, and highlighting lessons from sport psychology that you can use on and off the field.
HOSTED BY
Dr Peter Olusoga
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Eighty Percent Mental have?
Eighty Percent Mental currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Eighty Percent Mental about?
If you‘re interested in the mental side of sport performance, this is the podcast for you. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a sport psychology professional, or even just a sports fan, Dr Pete Olusoga, along with his expert guests will answer all the questions you could possibly have about the...
How often does Eighty Percent Mental release new episodes?
Eighty Percent Mental has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Eighty Percent Mental?
You can listen to Eighty Percent Mental on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Eighty Percent Mental?
Eighty Percent Mental is created and hosted by Dr Peter Olusoga.
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