The Sporting Mindset Show

Motivation is not magic, and if yours keeps disappearing, this episode gives you the exact system to rebuild it. Dwayne Nestor breaks down how young athletes can create motivation from scratch, protect it when life gets messy, and use it to unlock confidence and self-efficacy.He shows why motivation is a skill you train, not a personality trait you either have or don’t. You’ll learn the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, why one keeps athletes in the game longer, and how to find the right balance without relying on praise, trophies, or hype to get you moving.Dwayne shares a practical, science-backed framework for building motivation that actually lasts:set clear, bite-sized goals that create quick winscelebrate small progress to trigger dopamine and persistencebuild routines that remove decision fatigueaudit your inner circle because motivation is socially contagiousHe also gets real about why motivation drops in the first place. Burnout, invisible progress, toxic pressure, social media comparison, and life stress can all drain an athlete’s drive, and understanding the warning signs is the first step to fixing them.If you’re stuck in a rut, the recovery plan here is especially valuable. Dwayne walks through how to take strategic rest, reconnect with your “why,” inject novelty into training, talk openly before isolation takes over, and shift your focus back to effort and controllables. He also explains the neuroscience behind why action comes before motivation, and why the five-minute rule works when you feel completely flat.This is essential listening for young athletes, parents, and coaches who want a smarter approach to performance mindset. If you want more drive, less burnout, and a clearer way to build confidence from the inside out, this episode delivers the roadmap.Dwayne Nestor is the host of the Sporting Mindset Show and works with athletes and coaches through SISU Life, helping them develop the mental skills that support long-term performance and growth.

Big bodies get boxed in early - but John Okafor turns that stereotype into an edge. The Rotherham forward reveals how he went from wanting to fit in as a kid to learning how to use his size, presence, and mindset to control games, win collisions, and stay dangerous under pressure.Dwayne opens with the nickname that followed John from school to professional rugby, and the conversation quickly becomes a masterclass in confidence, identity, and performance. John shares what it felt like growing up as the big kid in the room, why he once wished he could blend in, and how that same physical presence later became a weapon on the rugby field and in work.You'll discover how John thinks about being a hybrid forward in modern rugby, why he believes he was caught in the wrong era for his skill set, and how he now balances the brutal side of the game with the "beautiful" side - running, kicking, tackling, and making the right decision when space opens up. He also explains the mental routine that gets him ready before kickoff: telling himself he's the best player on the pitch, and using that belief to stay confrontational, demand the ball, and force opponents to plan specifically for him.John shares a practical framework for bouncing back from bad performances: never two in a row, trust the work, and review games through context rather than isolated mistakes. That leads into a deeper discussion about curiosity, coachability, and why understanding the "why" behind a drill creates real buy-in - especially as the game becomes more detail-driven at Championship level.For anyone juggling multiple demands, John's honesty lands hard. He's part-time, working a corporate job, studying for exams, training after work, and still trying to perform at a high level in a tougher, more detailed rugby environment. He talks about the music, the commute, the fatigue, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up when the easy option is to go home.Dwayne and John also get into what changes when a club moves up a level, why extra training and more reps matter, and how resilience becomes the defining skill in a career that never goes perfectly in a straight line. John reflects on academy setbacks, release, injury, and the long stretch of uncertainty before finding the right home at Rotherham - and why the ability to keep going may be the most important mental skill of all.Essential listening if you want an honest look at elite mindset, rugby mentality, and what it really takes to turn pressure, size, and setbacks into performance.

Consistency is the most underrated superpower in sport - and this episode shows you exactly how to build it, protect it, and learn to love it. If you’re an athlete who wants better results without relying on motivation, this is the blueprint for staying on track when life, training, and confidence all get messy.Dwayne Nestor breaks consistency down into practical, repeatable systems you can actually use - not motivational fluff.He shows why consistency doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and how honest communication, clear expectations, and the right support network create the trust and stability athletes need to keep showing up at a high level.You’ll discover:How to build a support network that challenges you honestly without judging youThe two questions every athlete should ask their coach and parentsHow to create a training environment that reduces chaos and saves willpowerWhy routines need to be reliable and flexible, not rigid and fragileWhat to do when motivation disappears or injury interrupts your progressHow to plan weekly and seasonal schedules that actually match your goalsThe mindset shift that turns plateaus and performance dips into useful feedbackHow curiosity can transform training from pressure into explorationWhy “loving the grind” is really about loving who you’re becomingDwayne also gives clear calls to action throughout the episode, including simple reflection exercises, planning prompts, and backup strategies for the exact moments athletes usually fall apart.From minimum-standard sessions and contingency plans to smarter scheduling and mindset resets, this episode is packed with tools that help you stay consistent when most people would quit.This matters because talent alone doesn’t carry athletes to their biggest goals - consistency does.Without it, even the most gifted performers burn out, stall out, or get derailed by pressure, injury, and inconsistency.With it, progress becomes predictable, confidence grows, and high performance starts to feel sustainable.Perfect for young athletes, parents, and coaches who want a realistic, high-performance approach to building better habits and stronger results.If you want a sharper mindset and a practical system for showing up better every day, this one is essential listening.

Starting something new can make even the experts feel like rookies, and that’s exactly where Dwayne Nestor finds himself in this episode. If you’ve ever been derailed by self-doubt, overthinking, or the pressure to get it perfect, this conversation will hit home fast.Dwayne turns the spotlight on his own experience launching The Sporting Mindset Show and connects it to the same psychological battles athletes face before big performances. He breaks down why self-doubt is not a weakness but a survival instinct, how to build a stronger internal conversation, and why fuel beats fear every time.You’ll discover:Why self-doubt shows up when pressure rises and how to stop letting it make your decisionsHow a personal "contract" with yourself can keep you moving when confidence wobblesWhy perfectionism and over-analysis often make performance worse, not betterThe difference between chasing perfection and building excellenceHow to know when analysis is useful and when it’s just mental clutterDwayne also shares the hard lesson he learned while editing his first episodes: trying to remove every stumble can strip away authenticity and make the result less engaging. That insight becomes a powerful reminder for athletes, creators, and high performers alike - smooth is fast, but perfect is a trap.If you’re in a season of learning, rebuilding, performing under pressure, or simply trying not to quit when things feel messy, this episode gives you a practical mindset shift you can use right away. Essential listening for athletes, coaches, creators, and anyone trying to do hard things without getting swallowed by doubt.

Confidence is the hidden weapon behind a future champion.Luke Williams opens up about the mental side of triathlon, from the self-talk that pulls him out of a race-day spiral to the routines that keep him training, recovering, and improving at 17.Hosted by Dwayne, this conversation goes beyond medals and splits to reveal what actually drives a young athlete chasing national results and Junior Worlds qualification.Luke shares what it’s like to train with his dad as coach, why swimming is his natural strength, why the bike gives him the best flow state, and how he’s building the mindset to race with belief instead of doubt.You'll discover:Why Luke’s best sessions happen when he enters flow on the bikeHow a father-coach relationship changes training, feedback, and daily motivationThe simple pre-training routine that gets him out of bed at 5:00 amHow he uses race debriefs, family support, and positive self-talk to stop spiraling mid-raceWhy confidence, not just fitness, is the skill he believes will define his careerLuke also talks candidly about the pressure of competition, the value of a close Team WA Triathlon squad, and the small habits that keep him sharp, from sleep discipline to fuel after dinner.For any young athlete, triathlon fan, or parent trying to understand what really builds a high-performing mindset, this episode offers a rare look inside the head of a rising talent learning to trust himself under pressure.Essential listening if you want to understand how elite habits, family support, and mental resilience come together long before the podium.

What happens when a loose forward is suddenly asked to play 12, then becomes one of the most dominant centres in the league? Travis Gordon and assistant coach Alex Stajka unpack the messy, fascinating reality of changing positions, adapting to English rugby, and learning how to think like both a player and a coach.Trav explains how a year of wet, heavy conditions in England forced him to rethink everything - from carrying lower in contact to making decisions faster when the game slows down. Alex reveals the coaching decision behind the switch, how little time Trav actually had to prepare, and why his understanding of the system made the transition possible.You'll discover:Why English winter rugby exposes the basics and punishes sloppy techniqueHow Trav learned to play 12 after a decade as a loose forwardThe mental reset needed when your default habits take over under pressureWhy asking better questions can make you a better player and a better coachHow coaching young players sharpened Trav's communication, clarity, and decision-makingAlex also shares what stood out from Trav's season at 12, including how he handled the pressure of a new role in a league where every game mattered. Trav, meanwhile, opens up about the coaching mindset that helps him lift the players around him, and why resilience has become his defining mental skill after multiple injuries and setbacks.If you're a player, coach, or rugby fan who loves the details behind performance, adaptation, and leadership, this conversation is packed with practical insight and honest reflection. Essential listening for anyone trying to get better at the role in front of them - even when the role changes completely.

Think sports psychology is just for pros? Think again.Meet Cienna, a teenage cycling prodigy whose secret weapon isn’t just big gears and fast legs—it's her mind. She’s the kind of athlete who visualizes Olympic gold every night and turns nerves into fuel, not fear. Her bold approach to mental resilience, confidence, and enjoying the grind makes you wonder: what if we all saw setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks?In this episode, Cienna shares how she owns her nicknames—like Tinks and Twinkletoes—and how that playful spirit spills over into her racing attitude. She breaks down how she transforms pre-race nerves into excitement, turning the pressure of national competitions into gratitude for the chance to compete. Plus, she reveals her favorite mental tricks—like imagining Olympic finals during tough gym sets and flipping negative self-talk into a motivation boost. The result? A mindset that keeps her pushing, even when the cold roads and long rides threaten to break her spirit.You'll discover:How a teenage cyclist rewires her attitude to enjoy the process, not just the podiumThe mental strategies, including visualization and breathing techniques, powering her performanceWhy her coach’s experience and understanding her personality make her training a joy, not a choreThe importance of reflection—analyzing races to level up, not dwell on mistakesAnd her secret to staying positive when the effort gets hard—spoiler: it’s all about gratitude and imagining the finish lineIf you're craving inspiration to turn stress into success or want behind-the-scenes insight into an athlete’s mental game, this episode is your new secret weapon.Perfect for young athletes, coaches, or anyone looking to push boundaries without sacrificing joy. Get ready to be motivated—and maybe learn to see your challenges as your next big victory.Cienna is a rising star at Peel Region Academy of Sports, on her way to Olympic podiums and a world of self-discovery. Her take on balancing fun, focus, and feedback makes this a must-listen for anyone who wants to level up their mindset—because the best competition is the one happening inside your head.

What separates a good coach from a great one? In this episode, Dwayne Nestor talks with rugby coach Colin Phillips about the real psychology behind high-performance coaching. From growing up playing club rugby in northeast Scotland to working in Scottish Rugby's academies and coaching state teams in Perth, Australia, Colin has seen coaching from every angle. He opens up about reading the room during sessions, managing individual behaviour without disrupting the group, knowing when to apply pressure and when to ease off — and why curiosity might be the most underrated coaching trait of all. Whether you're a coach, player, or leader, there's something here for you.

What separates a good coach from a great one? It's not technical knowledge — it's the ability to truly understand people.In this episode, we sit down with Paolo Franzoni, a Level 3 accredited cricket coach who has worked with players of all abilities — from six-year-olds to state and national representatives, including players with intellectual disabilities and the visually impaired Australian team.Paolo shares how a deputy headmaster standing at square leg with a shooting stick shaped his entire coaching philosophy, why he puts the person before the player, and the moment he realized he'd been listening to respond rather than listening to understand.What we cover:Why the first session is never about coachingHow to build relationships that unlock player performancePre-season vs. in-season coaching approachesThe role of curiosity, silence, and body languageCharacter over cover drives — building team culture that outlasts any coachFrom IT specialist to Level 3 coach: Paolo's unlikely journeyWhether you're a coach, a leader, or someone who works with people — this one's for you.

In this episode of The Sporting Mindset Show, host Dwayne Nestor sits down with Western Force rugby player Doug Phillipson. Doug opens up about growing up on a farm in country New South Wales, making his Super Rugby debut, and battling through multiple injuries — including two shoulder reconstructions, a broken jaw, and an ACL. He shares how curiosity, perspective, and the influence of experienced players like Nick White and Ian Prior have shaped his mindset, and why being a "sponge" is at the heart of his development as a professional athlete.

Alana Thomas has walked in every pair of shoes in high-performance sport — as a player, a head coach, and now as High Performance Manager at Netball Australia. In this candid conversation with Dwayne Nestor, she opens up about the mindset shifts, hard lessons, and relationship-first approach that have defined her career.From juggling accounting and coaching to making the leap into rugby full-time… from navigating the culture of Fiji to stepping into one of the most successful netball programs in the world — Alana's story is one of curiosity, courage, and continuous growth.In this episode you'll learn:✔ What high performance actually looks like day to day✔ Why questioning is a skill most people underestimate✔ How Fiji changed the way Alana leads✔ What she looks for psychologically in a player✔ The difference in mindset between player, coach, and administrator✔ How to build a culture where values are genuinely livedIf you work in sport, lead a team, or simply want to perform better — this one's for you.🔔 Follow for weekly conversations with elite coaches, athletes, and sports leaders.

Are you tired of the Hollywood version of mental toughness—emotionless, unfeeling robots? Real mental toughness is dynamic, psychological, and within your control. It’s the secret weapon that lets you thrive under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and keep pushing forward when others fold. If you think toughness means denying your feelings, think again. I’m revealing five game-changing strategies rooted in cutting-edge science that’ll transform how you handle stress, mistakes, and motivation.In this episode, we debunk the myth of stoic silence and build a toolkit for true resilience. You'll discover why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than wins, how to normalize errors so they become your best teachers, and why third-person self-talk is just as powerful as a coach on your side. We break down the science behind each tactic—like Dr. Carol Dweck’s growth mindset, the neurobiology of error processing, and self-determination theory—to show you how to implement them today.These strategies aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re practical, actionable, and designed to make you unshakable in the heat of competition. From taking control of your decision-making to regulating your emotional storm, this is mental conditioning like no other. Miss out, and you risk mental fragility—embrace it, and you’ll unlock a new level of performance and resilience.Perfect for athletes, coaches, parents, or anyone hungry for mental mastery. Gear up, because your mind is the most powerful muscle you’ve got—train it right, and watch your performance soar.Ready to crush self-doubt, learn to embrace mistakes, and develop mental toughness that lasts? Hit play now.

Does your child have big sporting goals but struggle to follow through? In this episode of The Sporting Mindset Show, host Dwayne Nestor shares a powerful six-point goal-setting framework that goes way beyond just writing down what you want to achieve. We cover the six key areas — Actions, Needs, Obstacles, Motivation, Promoting your goal, and Rewards — and how parents can use this process to become a genuine support system for their young athlete. Whether your child plays golf, football, athletics, or any other sport, this framework will help them build the habits and mindset needed to give themselves the best chance of success.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on the mental side of sport.

Consistency beats intensity — and when it comes to raising young athletes, this idea changes everything. In this episode of the Sporting Mindset Show, host Dwayne Nestor explores why showing up regularly matters more than occasional bursts of effort, and how parents can create a home environment that supports their child's athletic development. Drawing on James Clear's Atomic Habits, Duane breaks down the real distractions holding young athletes back — and how to remove them.

Are you the calm parent on the sideline — or the one adding pressure without realizing it? In this episode, Duane Nestor shares practical tools to become the parent your young athlete actually needs.

Are you helping your child thrive — or adding to the pressure? In this episode of The Sporting Mindset Show, host Dwayne Nestor explores one of the most underrated skills in sports parenting: self-awareness. Discover how understanding why you react the way you do at games can transform the support you give your young athlete. From sideline anxiety to emotional over-investment, Dwayne unpacks the real reasons parents struggle — and the practical steps to change. A must-listen for any parent who wants to be a genuine source of calm, confidence, and encouragement.

"You're not my coach!" — three words that have echoed across car parks and back seats everywhere. But what if that moment is actually an invitation to become the parent your child really needs?In this episode, Dwayne Nestor explores one of the most important roles in youth sport — the sporting parent — and why getting it right can be one of the greatest performance advantages your child ever has.Dwayne shares a simple but eye-opening exercise: write a job description for your role as a parent, have your child do the same, then compare. The gap between the two lists often tells you everything.He also shares the story of a former Australian elite athlete whose well-intentioned shift into high-performance mode at her daughter's national championship had the opposite effect — and what it reveals about the power of calm, consistent support at the moments that matter most.Whether you're a sports parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will give you something practical to take into your week.

Beyond the Scoreboard: Teaching Kids What Real Success Looks LikeWhat does success actually mean for your young athlete — and are you defining it in a way that helps them thrive?In this episode of the Sporting Mindset Show, host Dwayne Nestor explores why tying success purely to winning can undermine a child's development, and what a healthier, more empowering definition looks like. When we shift the focus to the things kids can actually control — effort, attitude, improvement, and personal progress — we give them a foundation for lasting confidence and motivation.Dwayne also talks about the importance of celebrating achievements, big and small, and how parents can play a meaningful role in reinforcing a growth-oriented mindset that serves young athletes well beyond the playing field.Whether you're a parent on the sideline, a coach in the gym, or an athlete working toward your next goal, this episode will give you a new way to think about what it really means to succeed.Host: Dwayne NestorShow: The Sporting Mindset ShowThe Sporting Mindset Show is dedicated to helping athletes, coaches, and parents understand the mental side of performance — because mindset matters.

Being a parent-coach is one of the toughest — and most rewarding — roles in sport. In this episode, Dwayne Nestor breaks down the one skill that makes or breaks the parent-coach relationship: communication. You'll learn how to navigate the dual roles, handle the hard conversations, and know when it's time to simply hang up the coach's hat and just be Mum or Dad. If you're raising an athlete you also coach, this one's for you.

Have you ever wondered what your child is really thinking — especially when it comes to sport?In this episode, host Dwayne Nestor explores how parents can better connect with their young athletes by developing a deeper understanding of their mindset. It starts with empathy — putting your ego aside and genuinely trying to see the world through your child's eyes.Dwayne breaks down why being non-judgmental matters more than you think, how curiosity unlocks real conversations, and why asking the right questions (at the right time) can completely change your relationship with your child in sport.In this episode:Why empathy is the foundation of supporting young athletesHow to replace quick judgments with genuine curiosityThe "five questions deep" technique for meaningful conversationsWhy timing and space matter as much as the conversation itselfThe role of reflection — for your child and for you as a parentWhether you're a parent on the sideline, a coach in the gym, or simply someone passionate about helping young people thrive — this episode will give you something real to take into your week.Mindset matters. And so does how we support it.