Mind Your Game

The Slow Build: Why the Mental Game is Never a MomentDr. Mat and LPGA veteran-turned-performance coach Cydney Clanton discuss mental performance lessons drawn from recent Masters interviews, highlighting Cameron Young’s idea that handling pressure comes from a slow buildup of tools and confidence to stay present. They compare examples from Rory, Tommy Fleetwood, Tiger Woods, and Scottie Scheffler to explore perspective shifts under pressure, why athletes can tighten up when leading, and how success can trigger an “upper limit” ceiling that leads to self-sabotage. The episode emphasizes deliberate daily mental training, redefining success as progress and contention, managing nerves as normal, using committed swings to conservative targets, and shaping better self-talk through language (e.g., “improvements” vs. “bad”). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

On the Mind Your Game podcast, hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Mat Park welcome pro golfer Cydney Clanton to discuss the Rory McIlroy Amazon Prime documentary, focusing on how Rory avoided spiraling after major mistakes and why recovery is trainable. They explore why putting carries extra pressure as the “finale” of each hole, how body language and sustainable confidence (chin up, shoulders back, eye line above the horizon) helped Rory, and how distractions like Masters scoreboards and crowd roars can be managed by focusing on controllables. Dr. Mat introduces the FACE pillars—focus, attitude, commitment, and effort—plus the value of grit and never quitting. Cydney explains why mental-game training is the fastest performance lever, helping in both slumps and success, and shares her own early-career experience of reaching a goal without clarity. They close with Masters winner picks: Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood, and Max Homa.00:00 Rory Bounces Back00:40 Podcast Intro01:02 Rory Doc Pressures01:58 Why Putting Feels Final03:48 Wedge Mistakes and Media05:39 Built to Bounce Back07:14 Body Language and Confidence11:01 FACE Mental Game Plan17:03 Never Quit Grit Clip18:59 Player Reactions to Grit21:00 Love the Struggle Mindset22:46 Confidence vs Cocky24:42 Stop Complaining Start Grinding25:22 Why Mental Game Wins26:24 Tools For Slumps And Surges31:04 Visualization And Injury Prevention32:43 Winning Then What34:22 Syds LPGA Wake Up Call38:13 Clarity Over Panic Practice41:04 Masters Picks And Wrap Up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

Who would sign up for a job where you have to pay upfront, not know if you’ll get reimbursed, grind all year long… and still might not make enough to keep your spot?Welcome back to the Mind Your Game Podcast.In this powerful episode, co-hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Matt sit down with “Lefty Sophia” — former performer, licensed clinical dietician, late-life left-handed golfer, and now LPGA sports agent — for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the mental and financial realities of professional golf.Sophia shares her unconventional journey:* Switching from righty to lefty in golf during COVID* Starting a brand-new career later in life* Navigating fear, rejection, and performance pressure* Supporting LPGA players who are grinding week-to-week just to break evenThis conversation goes far beyond golf.We dive into:The financial pressure of life on tourHow money stress impacts performanceThe emotional weight of representing athletesPerforming under pressure (on stage and on the course)The “Mama Bear” mindset of being an agentFear, rejection, and learning to accept bothSophia opens up about what it’s really like for professional golfers who:* Prepay travel, caddies, and tournament fees* Must make the cut just to break even* Risk losing their card if they don’t earn enough points* Carry family sacrifices on their shouldersThis episode is about pressure — financial, mental, emotional — and what it takes to stay in the game when nothing is guaranteed.If you’re an athlete, parent, coach, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing something uncertain… this one will hit home. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Mind Your Game Podcast, host Dustin Donner sits down with veteran LPGA tour player Lauren Coughlin to discuss the mental side of athletics, business, and life. Lauren shares her recent victory at the Grant Thornton Invitational, her experiences on the LPGA tour, and how she deals with both success and adversity. From her beginnings as a walk-on at the University of Virginia to becoming a professional golfer, Lauren dives deep into staying mentally tough, setting realistic goals, and finding success beyond just winning tournaments. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or just looking to improve your mental game, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 Lauren Coughlin’s Recent Victory01:47 Celebrating Wins and Moving Forward03:19 Mindset and Routine in Golf06:04 The Challenges of Putting11:59 Overcoming Adversity and Building Belief18:10 Task-Oriented Practice and Structure20:50 Working with Sports Psychologists21:57 Managing Performance Anxiety25:04 Balancing Golf and Personal Life28:15 Reflecting on Success and Identity30:39 The Importance of Support Systems32:32 Defining Success and Setting Goals35:47 Team Dynamics and Mental Toughness37:48 Underdog Mentality and Self-Belief40:27 Looking Back and Moving Forward This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Mind Your Game podcast, co-hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Mat sit down with LPGA player Kate Smith-Stroh to discuss the emotional and professional challenges of life on the tour. Kate shares candid insights about her recent experiences at the Q series, coping mechanisms for handling pressure, and the importance of maintaining joy and authenticity in golf and life. She also reflects on her growth over the past year, offers advice for aspiring young golfers, and talks about her creative pursuits off the course. Join us for a deep dive into the world of professional golf and the mental resilience it demands.00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Losses00:31 Q Series Experience02:07 Welcome to the Podcast02:26 Charity Event in Texas03:23 Reflecting on the 2025 Season04:17 Growth Moments and Confidence07:27 Belonging on the LPGA Tour09:54 Playing with Fear and Anxiety17:18 Balancing Golf and Graphic Design19:56 Goals for 202624:30 Reflecting on Tour Moments26:09 Advice for Aspiring Athletes28:23 Handling Losses and Q Series Experience31:29 Finding Peace and Moving Forward33:47 Balancing Play and Professionalism39:27 Looking Ahead and Embracing Creativity44:18 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

Building a Resilient Athletic Culture: Insights from Athletic Director Scott LarsonIn this episode of The Mind Your Game podcast, host Dustin Donner welcomes Scott Larson, Athletic Director at UTPB, to discuss the role of resilience in student-athletes, the impact of parental involvement, and the unique aspects of Division II athletics. Scott Larson shares his journey from starting college on a music scholarship to becoming an Athletic Director, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive culture in athletic programs. He highlights the significance of setting standards, accountability, and the need for athletes to take ownership of their development. Larson also provides practical advice for student-athletes and their parents on navigating the recruiting process. Tune in for valuable insights into building a strong athletic department and fostering resilience in student-athletes.00:00 Introduction: Resilience in Athletes00:43 Meet Scott Larson: Athletic Director of UTPB01:13 Scott’s Journey in Athletics03:55 The Appeal of Division II Athletics06:51 Creating a Positive Athletic Culture10:58 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching23:24 Parental Influence on Student Athletes29:01 Balancing Work and Personal Life33:51 Conclusion: Building a Supportive Environment This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

Join Dustin Donner on The Mind Your Game podcast as he interviews Epson tour player Sadie Engleman. In this engaging episode, Sadie shares her journey from college golf at Stanford to her first year as a professional. Listen as Sadie discusses the importance of balancing life and golf, how she manages the pressures of professional tournaments, and the mental shift that helped her play her best golf. Learn about her support system, managing off-seasons, handling failures, and the crucial piece of advice she has for youth athletes aspiring to reach the next level.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:28 Life as a Professional Golfer05:15 Transition from College to Professional Golf12:51 Support System and Mental Health25:39 Financial Realities of Professional Golf27:29 Passion and Motivation in Golf36:18 Advice for Aspiring Athletes40:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Mind Your Game podcast, co-hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Mat are joined by special guest Grace van der Byl, a world-record-holding long-distance swimmer. Grace shares her exhilarating journey of swimming from Catalina to San Pedro and breaking records, only to face life-threatening challenges like stepping on a sea urchin and contracting MRSA. Grace delves into the mental toughness required for open water swimming, the significance of staying present, and her unique relationship with fear. She also discusses her major setbacks, including a near-death experience, and how they shaped her resilience and performance. Grace highlights the importance of owning one’s path, having a reliable support system, and maintaining accountability. The episode wraps up with insight into her relationship with Vito and an endorsement of Caddy Snacks, the official sponsor of the podcast. Perfect for athletes and anyone interested in high performance and mental fortitude, this episode offers invaluable lessons on pushing limits and achieving greatness.00:00 Record-Breaking Swim and Unexpected Hospital Visit00:30 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:57 Grace’s Training Environment and Community03:09 The Mental Game in Sports05:46 Facing Fear in Open Water Swimming10:33 Embracing Challenges and Authentic Self14:13 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure22:41 Reframing Weakness and Continuing the Journey26:04 Hallucinations and Hypothermia27:13 Tropical Storm Hits Manhattan Swim28:38 Near-Death Experience and Reflection30:14 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward31:59 Winning the Manhattan Swim33:13 The Importance of Accountability35:51 Meeting Vito and Night Train40:40 Advice for Youth Athletes47:17 Final Thoughts and Mentorship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Mind Your Game podcast, co-founder of Caddy Snacks, Chelsea Bialla, joins us to discuss the journey of building the brand with her family. Chelsea shares how her father’s vision and veteran background inspired Caddy Snacks and highlights the emotional and entrepreneurial aspects of their journey. Delve into the importance of grit, adaptability, and setting realistic expectations as an entrepreneur. Discover the unique health benefits of Caddy Snacks, their future vision for the brand, and how they aim to provide golfers with optimal nutrition. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on family, business, and innovation in the golf nutrition space.00:00 The Heartwarming Origin of Caddy Snacks01:14 Welcome to Mind Your Game Podcast01:46 The Grind of Building a New Brand02:37 The Importance of Grit and Team Support03:39 A Family of Extreme Athletes and Entrepreneurs05:15 Identifying a Unique Market Opportunity in Golf07:25 The Challenges and Rewards of a Niche Market10:20 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life16:02 The Nutritional Benefits of Caddy Snacks17:15 The Power of L-Theanine17:42 Nootropics and Their Benefits18:54 Caddy Snacks: A Superfood Bar19:35 Educating Consumers on Nootropics21:09 The Vision for Caddy Snacks22:41 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs27:14 The Emotional Journey of Caddy Snacks31:11 Live from Florida: Expanding Horizons32:54 Conclusion and Farewell This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Mind Your Game Podcast, hosts Dustin Donner and Dr. Mat Park explore the importance of discovering your ‘why’ and identifying guiding principles that shape your life and career. Dr. Mat shares his personal journey from aspiring professional golfer to coach, revealing how his core values led him to his true calling. The episode includes an insightful exercise on mind mapping to help listeners identify their top core values and offers advice on staying true to them amid life’s challenges. Tune in to uncover how these principles can guide you toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.00:00 Overcoming Intimidation: My Journey in Golf01:29 Welcome to The Mind Your Game Podcast01:47 Discovering Your ‘Why’ and Core Values03:30 A Personal Story: Guiding Principles in Action05:06 The Turning Point: Embracing Authenticity15:39 Mind Mapping Exercise: Identifying Core Values21:11 The Importance of Integrity and Honesty24:15 Building Confidence Through Guiding Principles25:10 Dustin’s Journey: From Athlete to Coach29:34 The Power of Boundaries and Generosity37:02 Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

Mind Your Game Podcast Ep. 2: Cydney Clanton - Journey, Challenges & Mental Toughness in Golf Welcome to episode two of the Mind Your Game Podcast! In this episode, host Dustin Donner sits down with 14-year LPGA Tour veteran Cydney Clanton. With one career win, nine top 10 finishes, and 27 top 25 career finishes, Cydney shares her journey from deciding to be a professional golfer in sixth grade to navigating the highs and lows of her career. Listen as she discusses the importance of mental toughness, the role of a strong support system, and how she transitioned to helping others through her new venture with MPGA. This episode is packed with valuable insights for junior golfers, collegiate players, and anyone interested in the mental and strategic aspects of the game. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:20 Cydney Clanton’s Early Golf Journey 02:43 College Years and Professional Debut 03:02 Challenges and Triumphs on the LPGA Tour 13:35 The Role of Mental Strength in Golf 20:04 Building a Support System 27:25 Building a Belief System Beyond Results 30:10 The Importance of Trust in Golf 31:27 Advice for Junior Golfers: Setting Clear Goals 34:56 Introducing the MPGA Venture 35:21 The Role of Evaluation in Performance 37:33 Creating a Comprehensive Training System 47:56 Empowering Golfers with Tools and Techniques 52:31 Final Thoughts and Legacy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe

Mind Your Game Podcast Ep. 1 | Overcoming Expectations and Ryder Cup Insights Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Mind Your Game Podcast, hosted by mental performance coach Dustin Donner and sport psychologist Dr. Mat Park. In this episode, Dustin and Dr. Mat introduce themselves and discuss the mental aspects of golf and life lessons that can be drawn from sports. They dive deep into the recent Ryder Cup, addressing how athletes manage external and internal expectations, the role of team chemistry, and the importance of mental preparation. The episode also features insights about handling high-pressure situations and maintaining focus amid distractions. Additionally, they highlight the potential benefits of having experienced team-building leaders like Coach K or Nick Saban as Ryder Cup captains. Tune in for a deep discussion on mastering the mental game, both on and off the course. 00:00 Welcome to Mind Your Game Podcast 00:07 Meet Your Hosts: Dustin and Dr. Mat 00:35 The Intersection of Sports and Life 02:01 Diving into the Ryder Cup 05:16 Handling Expectations and Pressure 24:55 The Power of Team Chemistry 29:25 Shoutout to Our Sponsor: Caddy Snacks 31:07 Looking Ahead to 2027 Ryder Cup 36:54 Closing Thoughts and Community InvitationTo watch the full episode: Click Below This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drmatpark.com/subscribe