COGNELITE

In this solo episode, Kiley Smith breaks down one of the most powerful, and often overlooked, mental performance skills: self-talk. From the thoughts that run through your head before a game to the way you respond after mistakes, your inner voice has a direct impact on confidence, focus, and performance.Kiley goes beyond the typical “just be positive” advice and dives into what self-talk actually looks like for athletes. She explains the different types of self-talk, how to recognize whether it’s helping or hurting your performance, and gives practical, actionable steps to start improving it immediately.Whether you’re an athlete looking to perform with more confidence, or a parent or coach wanting to better support the athletes in your life, this episode gives you tools you can start using right away.Because at the end of the day, the one voice you hear the most is your own.🛜 cognelite.net📧 [email protected]📲 @cognelite

Visualization is one of the most talked-about mental skills in sports, but most athletes aren’t actually taught how to use it.In this episode, Jess breaks down what visualization really is, why it works (including how it activates the same neural pathways as physical movement), and how it can improve confidence, focus, reaction time, and emotional control.More importantly, she walks through exactly how athletes can apply it in real situations, from learning new skills and remembering plays to building confidence, preparing for pressure, and staying sharp during injury or time off.If you’ve ever been told to “just visualize it” but didn’t know what that actually meant, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step way to start using it as part of your training.This episode is designed for athletes to apply directly, and for parents and coaches to better understand how to support them in building this skill.Connect with us:cognelite.net | [email protected] | @cognelite

What actually happens in mental performance work?In this episode, Jess Hanson and Kylie Smith take you inside the process, from how sessions are structured, action plans, how sessions evolve over time, and how we actually make an impact in athletes with 1:1 work.Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete curious about mental performance training, this conversation breaks down what to expect and how we build confidence, resilience, and consistency in sport.

Fear of failure shows up in more athletes than you think, and it doesn’t always look like “I’m scared.” Sometimes it looks like holding back, playing tight, low motivation, emotional blow-ups after mistakes, or constant comparison to teammates.In this episode, Kiley (Cognelite Consultant) interviews Jess (Cognelite Founder + CMPC) on what fear of failure really is, why it’s often the root of confidence and performance issues, and how it quietly impacts effort, joy, and long-term development.You’ll learn practical strategies athletes can use right away, including:Threat vs. challenge: how to reframe big goals so they feel motivating, not paralyzingHow to define what “failure” actually means (and reality-check worst-case scenarios)The “what if” game and how to flip it from negative to productiveVisualization and chasing goals toward something (instead of running away from fear)Simple in-the-moment tools for resetting after mistakes with self-talk + presence cuesPlus, Jess shares how parents and coaches can support athletes without adding pressure—through better conversations, balanced expectations, healthy language, and creating environments where mistakes are part of growth.If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared to mess up, or like you’re “counting yourself out,” this episode is your reset, especially heading into a new season (or a new year) of goals that should be a little scary.Connect with us:cognelite.net@[email protected]

What does intentional practice actually look like and how do you make sure you’re getting better instead of just getting reps?In this episode, COGNELITE mental performance consultant Kiley Smith sits down with John Ritzen, Head Women’s Golf Coach at Chardon State College and author of The Golf Workbook: A Practice Plan to Improve Your Game, to break down the difference between “hit and hope” practice and training with real purpose.You’ll hear practical takeaways for athletes, coaches, and parents, including:Why quality reps beat quantity reps (and how to stay mentally engaged in practice)Block vs. variable practice and how changing targets builds real skillHow to create a simple pre-shot routine that locks in focus (even during practice)Why managing expectations is a mental skillHow to handle emotions mid-competition (yes, even “scream into a towel”)Coaching + parenting tips: how to support athletes without turning every moment into instructionWhether you’re a golfer or not, this conversation is packed with transferable tools for performing under pressure and building a practice plan that actually translates to competition.

In this episode, Jess sits down with Super Bowl 50 champion and former Denver Broncos safety David Bruton, now a physical therapist and owner of Between the Lines PT, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of elite performance, injury, and transition out of sport. David shares openly about his journey from Notre Dame to the NFL, becoming a young father, getting cut, dealing with concussions, and ultimately choosing to walk away from football for his long-term health and his kids.They dive into how David handled the pressure of “your job is on the line in four hours,” the mindset shift that turned him into a difference-maker on special teams, and how he’s now using that same experience to support injured athletes in the clinic every day.In this conversation, they explore:What it actually feels like to play under intense performance pressure in the NFLHow failure, film study, and missed opportunities shaped David’s mental gameNavigating identity beyond “just an athlete” and finding a new purpose after sportThe emotional side of injury, from grief and coping to fear of re-injuryWhy confidence, self-talk, and giving yourself grace can speed up the rehab processHow PT and mental performance can work together to help athletes return stronger, physically and mentallyIf you’re an athlete, parent, or coach supporting someone through injury or big transitions in sport, this episode is packed with real, honest insight and encouragement that you are more than your stats, your jersey, or your season.Get in touch with David Bruton and Between the Lines:https://[email protected]

Concussions aren’t just “bumps on the head.” They’re brain injuries that ripple into focus, confidence, decision-making, and emotions, which are all things athletes rely on to perform.In this episode of the Cognelite Podcast, Mental Performance Consultant Kiley Smith sits down with Dr. Danny Mistry to unpack what happens in the brain during a concussion and how recovery is strongest when medical care and mental performance work together. You’ll hear how skills like regulating emotions, rebuilding attention, and “controlling the controllables” support return-to-play decisions, protect wellbeing, and help athletes feel like themselves again.✅ What You’ll LearnWhat’s actually happening in the brain during a concussion and why recovery timelines differThe most common physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms to watch forHow anxiety, mood, and confidence are affected and what to do about itPractical mental performance tools (breathing, attention resets, self-talk, routines) that aid recoveryHow a multidisciplinary team (medical + therapy + mental performance) accelerates safe return to school/work/sportWhat athletes, parents, and coaches can control (reporting symptoms, following protocols, smart progressions)🎧 Tune in to understand concussions through both a medical and mental performance lens so athletes can heal well, return safely, and compete with confidence.Get in touch with us:@Cognelite | Cognelite.net | [email protected]. Dilaawar (Danny) Mistry, MD, MS, ATCAasha Brain Clinic | [email protected]

In sports, it’s easy for athletes to get caught in the past or lost in what’s coming next. But their best performance happens when they’re fully present.Staying present isn’t just about focus; it’s about learning how to tune into the moment, let go of distractions, and trust their training. And one of the most effective ways to build that skill is through mindfulness.In this episode of the Parent Power Huddle, Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant and founder of Cognelite, explores how parents and coaches can help athletes develop the mental skill of presence—so they can stay locked in, bounce back quickly, and find more joy in the game.✅ What You’ll LearnWhat it really means to stay present—and why it’s so hard in sportsHow mindfulness supports performance, confidence, and resilienceSigns your athlete may be mentally checked out or distractedMindfulness tools athletes can use on and off the field (breathing, body scans, 5 senses check-ins, cue words, and more)Why staying present helps athletes enter "flow" states and recover from mistakesHow parents and coaches can model mindfulness and reinforce it with small, consistent practicesWhether your athlete tends to overthink, fixate on mistakes, or feel pressure to be perfect, this episode will give you tangible ways to help them reset, refocus, and return to what matters most: the moment they’re in.🎧 We release new episodes every month!Be sure to follow us on Instagram @Cognelite or reach out anytime at [email protected].

When it comes to sports, goals often get the spotlight. But behind every goal is something deeper that drives how athletes show up every day: their values. Values shape effort, decision-making, relationships, and even how athletes respond to tough emotions or pressure.In this episode of the Parent Power Huddle, Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant and founder of Cognelite, sits down with Kiley Smith to explore how clarifying and living through values can transform an athlete’s experience—not just in competition, but in life. Together, they’ll break down how values anchor athletes through uncertainty, keep them aligned with who they want to be, and provide fulfillment beyond wins, losses, or statistics.✅ What You’ll LearnThe difference between goals, emotions, and values—and why values matter mostHow values give athletes a sense of identity and purpose beyond sportWays parents can help athletes clarify their values through simple reflectionWhat it looks like to make values-based actions in high-pressure momentsCommon barriers that pull athletes away from their values (comparison, pressure, peer influence)How parents can model and reinforce values at home and on the sidelinesWhether your athlete dreams of playing in college or simply wants to enjoy the game they love, this episode will help you guide them to play—and live—with clarity and consistency.Guest contact info:Kiley Smith | 970-427-2774 | [email protected] release these episodes every month! Be sure to follow @Cognelite on Instagram.

In this Cognelite Power Huddle, we sit down with Jordyn Shapiro, founder and CEO of Just Start LA, to explore how executive functioning coaching can unlock peak performance for student-athletes—both in the classroom and in competition.Jordyn and her team specialize in working with athletes who are juggling rigorous training schedules, travel, academics, and social life. She shares actionable strategies to help student-athletes strengthen core executive functioning skills: time management, organization, task initiation, planning, self-advocacy, and metacognition. You’ll learn how athletic discipline can translate into academic success—and how to build systems that foster independence, consistency, and confidence.This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and educators who support high-performing students looking to balance sports and school without burnout. Athletes, give this a listen too!Guest Contact Info:📍 4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302💻 VIRTUAL sessions available nationwide📞 818.835.2565📧 [email protected]🌐 juststartla.comWe release these episodes every month! Be sure to follow @Cognelite on Instagram.

The recruiting process can be one of the most defining times in an athlete’s career—and one of the most mentally demanding. From high-stakes showcases to the pressure of being seen, athletes need more than skills and strategy. They need mindset support.In this episode of the Cognelite Coach Power Huddle, Jess Hansen, Certified Mental Performance Consultant and founder of Cognelite, shares what she’s seen firsthand from years of working with athletes during recruiting summers—and how coaches can lead with intention, empathy, and impact during this pivotal time.We’ll dive into:✅ The mental highs and lows athletes experience during recruiting season✅ How pressure, perfectionism, and comparison derail performance✅ Signs your athletes may be mentally checked out (and how to respond)✅ Mental strategies to help athletes stay confident, composed, and locked in✅ How to reinforce resilience, focus, and enjoyment—without burning them out✅ The coach’s role in building athletes up when the spotlight is onWhether you coach athletes preparing for June 15th or just starting the process, this episode will equip you with tools to support their mindset and guide them through the grind—with clarity, compassion, and confidence.📌 Follow us on Instagram @Cognelite for more mental performance strategies for athletes, coaches, and teams.🎧 New episodes drop monthly—because coaching the mind is coaching the whole athlete.

The recruiting process is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—seasons of an athlete’s journey. From June 15th and September 1st calls to jam-packed schedules of tournaments, clinics, and showcases, the stakes can feel sky-high. But while the opportunities are thrilling, the pressure, burnout, comparison, and emotional rollercoaster are very real for athletes—and their families.In this episode of the Cognelite Parent Power Huddle, Jess Hansen, Certified Mental Performance Consultant and founder of Cognelite, shares what she’s learned from working with dozens of athletes during recruiting summers, and how parents can be a steady, supportive presence through it all.We’ll cover:✅ Common highs and lows of recruiting summer (and what most parents don’t see)✅ Why athletes often lose confidence or hold back under recruiting pressure✅ How to help your athlete stay present and avoid burnout✅ Mental strategies for focus, composure, and showing up with confidence✅ Ways to support your athlete without adding more pressure✅ Why now might be the best time to bring in extra mental performance supportWhether your athlete is fielding calls or just getting started, this episode will help you walk alongside them with clarity and purpose—and make sure this big summer doesn’t just build their future, but builds their joy too.📌 Follow us on Instagram ⁠@Cognelite⁠ for more tips on athlete mental performance and parent support.🎧 New episodes drop at the end of each month—thanks for being part of the journey!

Pressure is a normal—and important—part of competitive sports. But for young athletes, learning how to navigate high-stakes moments can be overwhelming without the right support. In this episode of the Cognelite Parent Power Huddle, Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant and founder of Cognelite, shares how parents can help athletes embrace pressure as a privilege rather than fear it.We’ll explore:✅ Why pressure impacts athletes mentally and physically✅ How internal and external pressures shape performance✅ Common signs your athlete may be struggling with pressure✅ Mental strategies athletes can use to stay composed under stress✅ How parents can encourage resilience without adding extra pressureWhether your athlete deals with big-game nerves, perfectionism, or fears of letting others down, this episode will give you tools to help them thrive under pressure—not just survive it.📌 Follow us on Instagram @Cognelite for more mental performance tips for athletes and parents.🎧 New episodes drop at the end of every month—let’s keep empowering athletes from every angle!

Pressure can bring out the best—or the worst—in athletes. While some thrive under the spotlight, others freeze, fight, or fade when the stakes are high. In this episode of the Cognelite Coaches Power Huddle, Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, unpacks how coaches can help athletes embrace pressure as a privilege and perform with confidence when it matters most.We’ll dive into:✅ Why pressure impacts athletes' mindset and performance✅ The brain-body response behind fight, flight, and freeze moments✅ Practical tools to help athletes stay grounded and reset after mistakes✅ How to design practices that prepare athletes for pressure✅ What coaches can do (and avoid) to create a culture that thrives under stressWhether your team is gearing up for playoffs or navigating everyday competitive challenges, this episode will equip you with strategies to help your athletes handle pressure like champions.📌 Follow us on Instagram @Cognelite for more mental performance tips for coaches and teams.🎧 Tune in each month for fresh conversations designed to elevate your coaching impact.

Handling Emotions On and Off the Field: A Coach’s PlaybookEmotions can be an athlete’s greatest strength—or their biggest challenge. The highs of victory, the lows of defeat, and everything in between can impact performance and well-being. In this episode, Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, breaks down how coaches can help their athletes develop emotional resilience to stay composed, confident, and focused.We’ll explore:✅ The role of emotions in peak performance✅ How to help athletes manage frustration, anxiety, and pressure in competition✅ Strategies to guide them in bouncing back from mistakes without spiraling✅ The importance of emotional regulation off the field for overall well-being✅ How to create a team culture that fosters emotional strength and confidenceWhether your athletes struggle with game-day nerves, post-loss frustration, or emotional burnout, this episode will give you the tools to help them navigate the ups and downs of competition.📌 Follow us on Instagram @Cognelite for more insights on mental performance coaching.Join us next month as we continue empowering coaches and athletes with game-changing mental strategies!

Handling Emotions On and Off the Field: A Parent’s PlaybookEmotions can be an athlete’s greatest strength—or their biggest challenge. The highs of victory, the lows of defeat, and everything in between can impact performance and well-being. In this episode, Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, breaks down how parents can help their athletes develop emotional resilience to stay composed, confident, and focused.We’ll explore:✅ The role of emotions in peak performance✅ How to help your athlete manage frustration, anxiety, and pressure in competition✅ Strategies to support them in bouncing back from mistakes without spiraling✅ The importance of emotional regulation off the field for overall well-being✅ How to create a home environment that fosters emotional strength and confidenceWhether your athlete struggles with game-day nerves, post-loss frustration, or emotional burnout, this episode will give you the tools to help them navigate the ups and downs of competition.📌 Follow us on Instagram @Cognelite for more insights on mental performance coaching.Join us next month as we continue empowering parents and athletes with game-changing mental strategies!

Perfectionism is one of the biggest mental roadblocks for high-achieving athletes, and as a coach, you play a key role in helping them navigate it. In this episode, Jess Hansen, Certified Mental Performance Consultant and founder of Cognelite, dives into how perfectionism impacts performance, confidence, and overall athlete well-being—and, most importantly, what you can do about it.We’ll cover:✅ The difference between perfectionism and striving for excellence✅ Why perfectionist athletes hesitate, overthink, and fear mistakes✅ How perfectionism drains confidence and leads to burnout✅ Coaching strategies to reframe mistakes, build resilience, and shift focus to progress✅ How your words and reactions shape an athlete’s view of success and failureAs a coach, you’re more than just a strategist—you’re a key influence on your athletes’ mental game. This episode gives you the tools to help them break free from perfectionism and perform with confidence.📌 Follow us on Instagram @Cognelite for more mental performance resources.Don’t forget to share this episode with other coaches and tune in next month as we tackle another critical mental performance topic!

Perfectionism is one of the biggest mental roadblocks athletes face, and it can quickly turn their passion into pressure. In this episode, Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, dives into the perfection trap—why so many athletes struggle with it, how it impacts confidence and performance, and what parents can do to help.We’ll explore:✅ The difference between perfectionism and striving for excellence✅ How social media fuels unrealistic expectations✅ The psychological toll of perfectionism—self-criticism, fear of failure, and burnout✅ Strategies for athletes to reframe mistakes and embrace a growth mindset✅ How parents can create a supportive environment that values effort and progress over perfectionWhether your athlete struggles with self-doubt, overthinking, or feeling like they're never good enough, this episode will give you the tools to help them break free from perfectionism and play with confidence.📌 Follow us on Instagram @Cognelite for more resources on mental performance coaching.Join us for next month’s session as we continue empowering parents and athletes with game-changing mental strategies!

Confidence is one of the most talked-about traits in sports, but what does it really mean? In this episode of theParents Power Huddle, we break down thepsychology of athlete confidence, how it’s developed (or shaken), and what you can do as aparent to help your athlete build lasting self-belief.JoinJess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, as she dives into:✔️ Thetrue meaning of confidence (hint: it’s not just believing they’ll win)✔️ The difference betweenhealthy self-confidence and overconfidence✔️ Thepsychological factors that shape an athlete’s belief in their abilities✔️ How parents cansupport or unintentionally undermine their child’s confidence✔️Practical strategies to help your athlete trust their preparation and perform under pressureConfidence isn’t just about feeling good—it’s abouttrusting their skills, preparation, and resilience. As a parent, you play a huge role in shaping how your child sees themselves and their abilities. This episode will give you the tools toencourage growth, support their mindset, and help them thrive in sports and life.🎧Tune in now, take notes, and learn how to empower your athlete with confidence!

Confidence is one of the most talked-about traits in sports, but what does it really mean? In this episode of the Coaches Power Huddle, we break down the psychology of athlete confidence, how it’s built (or broken), and what you can do as a coach to foster it in your players. Join Jess Hanson, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, as she dives into:✔️ The true definition of confidence (hint: it’s not just believing you’ll win)✔️ The difference between self-confidence and overconfidence✔️ The psychological foundations that shape an athlete’s belief in their abilities✔️ How coaches can build or unintentionally break an athlete’s confidence✔️ Actionable coaching strategies to help athletes trust their preparation and perform under pressure Confidence isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about trusting your skills, preparation, and resilience. Whether you’re coaching youth athletes or elite competitors, this episode will give you the tools to create a mentally strong, high-performing team. Tune in, take notes, and start coaching with confidence!