Smalls Talk

Tom is joined by Former Division 1 Softball Player and Motivational Speaker Kelsey O'Connor to discuss the significance of building trust through shared experiences and the impact of athletic injuries on identity. Kelsey shares her journey through injury, isolation, and the emotional challenges of being a part of a sports team. She discusses the impact of her experiences on her identity and the importance of advocacy for mental health within athletic environments. Kelsey also reflects on her transition to public speaking and how her story resonates with others, emphasizing the power of empathy and personal growth in overcoming adversity.

Tom is joined by Senior International Coach Brittany Rucker to discuss the complexities of coach-athlete relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication, setting expectations, and creating a safe environment for feedback. Tom and Coach B discuss how these elements contribute to personal growth and performance, and the significance of finding the right fit between coaches and athletes. They also explore how the environment can impact success and the dynamics of competition within a team. 

Tom is joined by two-time Olympian Jourdan Delacruz to discuss Jourdan's journey into weightlifting, her experiences at the Olympic Training Center, and the emotional challenges faced during the Olympics, particularly the contrasting experiences between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Jourdan shares insights on the importance of support systems, the realities of life in the Olympic Village, and her reflections on identity and mental health after competition.

Jourdan also shares her vision for 'Her Athlete,' a platform she created aimed at providing resources and support for female athletes, emphasizing the significance of holistic approaches in athlete care and the value of a strong support system.

Considered one of the best basketball development coaches in the country, Steve Dagostino drops in to talk about his experience working with high level athletes.

Dags joins Tom to discuss his journey in building Dags Basketball and Maximize Basketball, the importance of accountability in youth sports, and the challenges posed by the American basketball system. Tom and Steve delve into various aspects of coaching, player development, and the nuances of working with different athlete demographics. They discuss the importance of situational training, the emotional landscape of NBA pre-draft experiences, and the value of consulting with coaches.

In this special bonus episode, Tom is joined by Coach Brittany Rucker to explore the mental aspects of meet day, emphasizing the critical role of mindset, self-awareness, and emotional resilience in facing challenges. They discuss strategies for athletes to manage expectations, control self-talk, and set clear intentions to boost performance. The conversation highlights the importance of distinguishing personal goals from external pressures and stresses the necessity of having a well-thought-out plan for both success and setbacks in the competitive environment.

Tom is joined for a quarterly catch-up chat with dear friend of the show Blake Bender discuss various topics ranging from current events, personal reflections, and Tom's upcoming move to Austin. The conversation also touches on the different type of mental fitness required for ultra running, including visualization techniques and the logistics involved in preparing for such demanding races.

Tom is joined by therapist and former Division I college athlete Evan Smith to discuss how athletes define success, the principles and the processes to get there, and the cultural shifts he experienced along his own athletic journey. Evan and Tom also discuss the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly with the introduction of NIL, and the critical role of coaching styles and support staff in athlete development.

Tom is joined by Senior International Olympic Weightlifting Coach Brittany Rucker (also his coach) to discuss the importance of mental fitness, setting realistic goals, and understanding the qualities that make athletes successful. Brittany shares her journey from athlete to coach, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. She also explains the concept of the alter ego effect in competition and how athletes can find their competitive persona. The conversation highlights the significance of accountability and the need to focus on all aspects of an athlete's life to achieve success.

05:05 - Key Qualities of Successful Athletes

09:16 - The Importance of Mental Fitness

12:15 - The Alter Ego Effect in Competition

17:03 - Finding Your Competitive Persona

19:32 - Setting Realistic Goals for Success

23:31 - The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals

27:59 - The Balance of Commitment and Realism

30:17 - Learning from Mistakes and Accountability

33:12 - Tailoring Coaching to Individual Needs

41:01 - Building Confidence in Athletes

47:10 - The Importance of Consistency and Realistic Goals

52:00 - Lessons from Failure and Growth

54:05 - Finding the Right Coach and Team

56:06 - Building Relationships in Coaching

Brittany Rucker Instagram: @slimthick64

Bexar Barbell Instagram: @bexarbarbell

Tom is joined by Jessica Weiss as she shares her journey living with endometriosis as a competitive athlete. Tom and Jessica discuss the lack of awareness surrounding the condition, the challenges of diagnosis, and the importance of education and advocacy. Jessica also highlights the significance of having a support system, particularly in navigating the healthcare system and managing chronic pain.

02:11 - Understanding Endometriosis: Symptoms and Diagnosis

12:46 - The Role of Advocacy and Education

18:01 - Navigating Healthcare: Patient Experiences and Challenges

27:34 - Support Systems: The Importance of Advocacy in Relationships

32:09 - The Role of Exercise in Pain Management

33:36 - Navigating Coaching and Training with Chronic Illness

40:31 - Societal Pressures on Parenthood

46:09 - Advice for Newly Diagnosed Individuals

47:07 - Hot Take: Weightlifting Rules Discussion

Tom is joined by Primal Mobility Coach Bekah Oh as they discuss the importance of mobility training, common misconceptions, and the key principles of Primal Mobility. Bekah and Tom talk about the significance of patience in mobility training, the indicators that suggest a need for mobility work, and essential exercises that can benefit everyone. They also explore current trends in fitness and mobility, the importance of tailoring programs for different populations, and provide key advice for those starting their mobility journey.

Tom is joined by Brennan Fleming, the owner of Armory Strength and Conditioning. They discuss Brennan's transition from a collegiate strength coach to a gym owner, the challenges he faces in business, the importance of mentorship, and the nuances of content creation in the fitness industry. Brennan emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership and the value of building genuine connections in the coaching community.

Tom is joined by Quarterback Coach Kyle Borey to discuss his journey in football, from playing at the collegiate level to developing his own business training quarterbacks. Borey shares insights on the transition from high school to college football, the mindset required for quarterbacks, and the significance of accountability in the sport. He also explores the traits of an ideal quarterback and the role of coaches and parents in fostering a supportive environment for young athletes.

Abbie Cooper drops by the studio to discuss her weightlifting journey and the importance of self-belief and a strong coach-athlete relationship. Tom and Abbie also talk about the importance of communication and accountability in coaching and the importance of keeping a journal to track progress and thoughts. The episode concludes with Abbie sharing her favorite exercises for overhead mobility and explains why she prefers the squat jerk over the split jerk.

Tom is joined in the studio by longtime friend and mentor Greg Fahey (Associate Head Coach of Hampton Men's Basketball) to discuss the evolving landscape of college coaching, the impact of NIL on player transfers, and the importance of building relationships and engaging students to foster a strong fan base. Tom and Greg explore the challenges and strategies involved in coaching, the significance of accountability and culture, and the necessity of preparation for success.

In this episode, Tom sits down with Fitness and Nutrition Coach Adam Badger to delve into his entrepreneurial journey. Adam opens up about the hurdles he faced while starting his coaching business and how a supportive partner helped him overcome them. Tom and Adam discuss the importance of focusing on daily habits over rigid timelines, and how building genuine relationships without expecting anything in return can drive business success. They also touch on self-worth, self-love, and the impact of past trauma on adult behavior, emphasizing that love is a choice and should be practiced even in tough times.

Tom is joined by good friend and athlete Don Carey to discuss his experiences as a college athlete and his transition to professional basketball. He reflects on his time at different colleges, the challenges of being patient and watching other players, and the importance of contributing to a winning culture. Tom and Don discuss his mindset, work ethic, and the influence of his parents. Don also shares his thoughts on the toughest places to play in the Big East and Big Ten conferences.

Tom is joined by longtime friend and Forever Forward Podcast Host Michael Thomas to discuss his path to finding purpose through the creation of his YouTube channel. They talk about the importance of being authentic and vulnerable, especially for men, and how it can lead to personal growth. They also touch on the challenges of pursuing a passion while working a nine-to-five job and the balance between financial stability and personal fulfillment. 

02:17 – The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability

08:00 – Balancing Financial Stability and Personal Fulfillment

11:39 – The Impact of Sharing Your Story

29:27 – Finding Fulfillment Outside of Corporate Culture

30:25 – Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability

31:23 – Taking a Leap of Faith and Pursuing Passion

34:19 – The Power of Authentic Conversations

35:18 – The Process of Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

37:39 – Avoiding Perfection and Embracing the Journey

38:53 – Surrounding Yourself with Supportive and Inspiring People

Tom is joined by fitness coach Andrew Holmes to discuss his recent ascent into the online coaching space and how he has leveraged his knowledge and authenticity to create genuine connections and sustainable results with clients. Tom and Andrew also discuss moving past imposter syndrome, and how they have each implemented high performance principles into their own lives.

Associate Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Temple Football Alum Evangelos Regas joins Tom to discuss their experiences in college strength and conditioning, the challenges of coaching, and the impact of athletics on personal and professional development. They also explore the changing landscape of collegiate athletics and the importance of facing adversity. The conversation then delves into the role of coaches in shaping the lives of student-athletes and the lessons learned from their own playing days.

Tom is joined by New York Weightlifting WSO President James McDermott and USAW At Large Director Sara Soto to discuss building community in sport, the importance of a supportive training environment, and the keys to finding a great coach.

10:50 - Building a Club Community: Ownership and Support

21:58 - Finding a Coach and the Challenges of Training Alone

27:50 - Taking Care of Mental Health and Avoiding Identity Attachment

36:06 - Advocating for Change and Inclusivity

Blake and Tom discuss Blake's recent trip to Australia, and his top 3 highlights from his journey to the land down under. The conversation then shifts to sports, with a focus on Australian rules football and rugby. They discuss the athleticism and physicality of these sports and compare them to American football and basketball. The discussion ends with Blake and Tom talking about the need for accountability in college athletics.

Tom is joined by Nicole Gaudenzi, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Leadership at Seton Hall University, to discuss how she cultivated and implemented an environment of encouraging student athletes to be open about their mental health during her tenure at Wagner College. Nicole and Tom discuss her recent trip to March Madness, and the ways she has seen athletes embrace being vulnerable. Gaudenzi also shares about hiring the first in-house mental health counselor at Wagner and implementing mental health training for coaches and staff.

Tom is joined by 2024 Atlantic 10 Conference POY Jordan King to discuss his basketball journey, from starting as a walk-on at Siena College to becoming the A10 co-player of the year at Richmond. Tom and Jordan talk about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and betting on oneself. Jordan offers advice to high school athletes who may be facing uncertainty and stresses the value of having the right support system. He also shares his experiences with doubt and mental health, as well as his proudest moments and goals for the future. The conversation concludes with a hot take about the best shooter in the 518 area.

09:51 - Realizing Potential and Overcoming Challenges

13:07 - Transferring to Richmond and Finding Success

16:02 - The Importance of Team Chemistry and Winning

19:26 - The Importance of a Support System

20:07 - The Importance of a Support System

20:59 - Being Honest and Realistic

22:15 - The Reality of College Athletics

23:07 - The Transfer Portal and Finding the Right Fit

24:04 - Telling Kids the Truth

25:12 - The Importance of Mental Performance

26:07 - The Confidence Boost from a Change in Environment

28:10 - Proud Moments and Acknowledging Success

30:26 - Dealing with Doubt and Overcoming Mental Challenges

37:05 - Looking Ahead and Pursuing the Next Level

Tom is joined by University of Michigan Athletic Counselor Ardran Carr, M.Ed., LLPC to discuss the need for preventive care in student athlete mental health. Ardran discusses his journey from former student athlete to being a licensed professional in the field of psychology. Tom and Ardran also dive into the impact NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has had on collegiate athletes, the need for athletic departments to invest in mental health resources, as well as balancing empathy and honesty as a counselor.

Tom is joined by Farshad Sarrafi, co-founder and owner of Beyond Built Training to discuss the importance of understanding people, and the similarities between coaching and owning businesses. They touch on the challenges of working with athletes and the need for context in training. Also discussed is the importance of building relationships, understanding the needs of athletes, and the role of proper technique and full range of motion in training. 04:06 - The Importance of Being a Student and Teacher

09:10 - Understanding People and Building Relationships

12:27 - Coaching Professional Athletes vs. Lifestyle Clients

14:02 - Balancing Off-Season and In-Season Training

20:16 - The Importance of Context in Training

24:33 - Vertical Integration in Training

27:35 - The Value of Proper Technique and Full Range of Motion

31:30 - The Importance of Health for Athletes

32:05 - Emphasizing Movement Quality

34:06 - The Relationship Between Weight Room Performance and Sports Performance

36:56 - Navigating Social Media and Imposter Syndrome

38:18 - The Value of Personal Growth in Content Creation

40:31 - The Importance of Building a Community

49:56 - The Fulfillment of Impacting Lives

51:22 - Hot Take: Emphasizing Training Through a Full Range of Motion

Instagram: @farshadsarrafi

After a month hiatus, Smalls' Talk is back and Tom is joined by Mental Performance Coach Siana Sylvester to discuss the keys to building successful habits! Siana and Tom also discuss the growth that comes from suffering and leaning into uncertainty.

03:49 - Working with Coaches

07:42 - Working with Parents

09:58 - Educating Coaches and Parents

15:25 - Time Management and Prioritization

33:18 - Why People Quit New Year's Resolutions

34:00 - Setting Goals and Creating a Plan

38:00 - The Importance of Mindfulness

43:00 - Overcoming Setbacks and All-or-Nothing Thinking

51:00 - The Transfer Portal and Embracing Adversity

58:00 - Choosing Growth and Persistence

Tom is joined by two of his favorite athletes, Meghan (UAlbany) and Jillian Huerter (Rutgers) to discuss their experiences playing at the collegiate level. The group discusses the challenges of being apart but still supporting each other, adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball, and the importance of taking constructive criticism. They also talk about the influence of their brothers' (Thomas and Kevin) basketball careers, their biggest supporters, and what it was like watching their Kevin get drafted in the 2018 NBA Draft.

03:26 - Being Apart but Supporting Each Other

08:25 - Adjusting to College Basketball

11:28 - Taking Constructive Criticism

14:06 - The Speed and Physicality of College Basketball

19:22 - Learning from Brothers' Basketball Careers

22:30 - Biggest Supporters

27:38 - Watching Kevin Get Drafted

34:42 - Dealing with Academic and Athletic Pressures

46:21 - Challenges of Joining a New Team

Host Tom Smalley is joined by Ex-MLB Player Chad Pinder to discuss his journey with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) while he navigated his career as an MLB Player. Tom and Chad discuss living with OCD, the challenges it presents, and the importance of staying with the maintenance of treatment. They also explore the impact of OCD on parenting and relationships, as well as Chad's decision to step away from the game and the importance of finding identity beyond sports.

1:03 – The Joys and Challenges of Dad Life

02:27 – The Grind of Professional Sports

03:55 – The Length of the Baseball Season

09:19 – Choosing Virginia Tech and Playing College Baseball

10:22 – Realizing the Possibility of Going Pro

112:18 – Gaining Confidence in Making it to the Big Leagues

16:34 – The Importance of Enjoying the Game and the Journey

22:13 – The Importance of Being Present and Accepting Roles

26:35 – Chad's Pinder's Experience with OCD

32:08 – Maintaining Mental Health and Being Present

39:34 – OCD and its Impact on Baseball Career

Host Tom Smalley is joined by John Armistead, former dual sport collegiate athlete turned Co-Founder of the Athletes Together app. John discusses the development of the Athletes Together app, an all-in-one mental health app for student athletes. John also shares his personal journey of starting the app with a co-founder and the process of transitioning from playing lacrosse to football at USC. The conversation delves into the stigma of toxic masculinity in sports and the need for athletes to seek help and show vulnerability. John shares his positive experience at USC, where mental health was addressed and resources were made available to the team.

03:01 The Need for Mental Health Resources in College Athletics

04:04 Challenges of Accessing Mental Health Resources

05:24 Building the Athletes Together App

12:00 Taking Risks and Overcoming Challenges

17:15 Providing Resources and Solutions for Mental Health

18:07 The Growing Mental Health Crisis

21:36 Playing Lacrosse at the University of Richmond

25:23 Transitioning to Play Football at USC

27:48 The Transfer Process and Persistence

28:04 Seeking Opportunities and Convincing Coaches

31:23 Mental Health Challenges and Imposter Syndrome

36:58 Taking a Preventive Approach to Mental Health

40:32 Toxic Masculinity and Seeking Help in Sports

44:02 Awareness of Mental Health at USC

47:34 Coach's Support and Caring for Players' Well-being

Instagram: @johnarmistead

John is a former two sport division 1 athlete, where he played lacrosse at University of Richmond and football at USC. He’s now using his athletic experiences and battles with mental health to fuel his startup company, AthletesTogether. The mobile app is designed for student-athletes to find mental wellness through a variety of features to directly address the needs of student-athletes

Host Tom Smalley is joined by Team USA Olympic Weightlifter Brandon Victorian fresh off of the Pan-American games. Tom and Brandon discuss what it has been like competing against the best, and how his mindset has evolved as the competition has become more elite. Brandon also talks about pre-competition anxiety, and how he likes to get the crowd engaged during weightlifting meets.

About Brandon:

In 2014, Brandon made a significant move to Fort Worth to pursue studies at TCU. Graduating in 2018 with an electrical engineering degree, he promptly commenced his career. Around 2017/2018, Brandon delved into CrossFit, adopting the workout style alongside conventional gym routines. This continued until 2020, just before the onset of COVID, when he found his current coach. Under his guidance, Brandon trained for about 8 months and entered his inaugural local competition in Oct. 2020, securing a commendable 3rd place.

Brandon committed to sustained training and embraced competitive weightlifting as an 81kg lifter. The dedication paid off when he not only won his first state meet but also earned the coveted title of overall best lifter in 2021. Nationals in the same year saw Brandon clinch 3rd place in the snatch and 5th overall, marking an impressive debut. The AO Finals added another feather to his cap with a 5th place finish.

Building on these accomplishments, Brandon triumphed at the state level in the 81 class in 2022. Internationally, he showcased his prowess at the XL Torneo Int. "Manuel Suárez in Memoriam" Tournament in Cuba, securing a noteworthy 3rd place overall. Nationals in 2022 brought yet another 3rd place finish, and Brandon emerged victorious at AO Finals.

In 2023, Brandon made the strategic move to the 89kg category, winning best lifter at Texas State and securing a 2nd place finish at the Arnold. The zenith of his career thus far transpired at nationals, where he swept gold with his best numbers to date: 152kg/190kg/342kg. Most recently, Brandon participated in the Pan Am Games, concluding with a commendable 7th place finish.

Looking ahead, Brandon is poised to maintain this momentum, harboring aspirations for a world championship bid next year and a rise in the rankings during the 2028 quad.

Tom is joined by Certified Mental Performance Consultant and Owner of Infinity Mental Performance Danielle Lynch to discuss her path into specializing in mental performance as well as becoming a business owner. Danielle explains how being a former collegiate athlete has helped her connect with the athletes she works with. Also discussed is the advice she would give to parents of athletes and how to prevent potential burnout in youth athletes.

About Danielle:

Danielle is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). She has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Siena College. She has worked with youth, high school and collegiate athletes, military personnel, high school and college coaches, and a variety of sport teams. She focuses on helping individuals build and maintain confidence, improve attentional focus, manage performance stress, control emotions, communicate more effectively, develop leadership skills, create team culture and improve cohesion to enhance team performance.

Danielle has extensive experience playing and coaching lacrosse. During her Bachelor’s degree, Danielle played goalie for her NCAA Division I (DI) lacrosse team at Siena College where she was ranked as high as fourth in the country for goalie save percentage during her senior season. She also coached youth, high school, and collegiate lacrosse players in New York State and the University of Tennessee club lacrosse team. In addition to coaching lacrosse, Danielle delivered life skills and mental performance services to students and athletes throughout the Knoxville area. During her time at the University of Tennessee, Danielle assisted NCAA DI student-athletes with academic course work while teaching them valuable strategies (e.g., stress management, time management techniques) in order to improve academic performance. Additionally, Danielle delivered mental performance services to youth soccer clubs, youth basketball programs, club hockey teams, high school golfers, varsity football teams, and Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) cadets.

Host Tom Smalley is joined by former Team USA Olympian turned Professional Boxer Virginia "Ginny" Fuchs to discuss her journey overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder on her way to competing for Team USA in the Olympics. Also discussed is how Ginny fell into the sport boxing, and what kept her motivated while in treatment.

About Virginia "Ginny" Fuchs:

Ginny Fuchs is an American flyweight boxer from Houston,

Texas. She proudly represented the United States at the 2021

Tokyo Olympics and was the boxing team captain for Team USA.

Ginny holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from LSU and

started boxing in college to stay in shape. After just one year of

training she won her first bout and has dominated boxing

competition ever since. During her amateur career, Ginny was a

3 time U.S. National Champion in 2016, 2017, and 2018. As an

advocate for people challenged by OCD, Ginny was recently

profiled in Oprah's Apple TV documentary "The Me You Can't See".

Instagram: @ginnyfuchsusa

Career Highlights:

2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Champion

2020 Strandja Tournament - 1st

2019 Olympic Trials Champion

2019 Pan American Games - 2nd

2017 Elite Continental Championships - 1st

2017 Strandja Tournament - 1st

2016 US Olympic Team Captain

2016 Olympic Trials Champion

2018 Elite National Championships - 1st

2017 Elite National Championships - 1st

2016 Elite National Championships - 1st

2015 National Golden Gloves - 1st

Host Tom Smalley is joined by his older, better looking brother for a special birthday episode where Tom presents 26 lessons he has learned in 26 years! The two brothers then address the state of Boston sports, and how they would fix the direction of the patriots franchise.

Host Tom Smalley is joined by Team USA Olympic Weightlifter and Clinical Psychologist Brian Reisenauer, Psy.D to discuss how he balances his work in the mental health profession and competing at the highest level as an Olympic Weightlifter. Brian talks about the things he has become more grateful for throughout his life, and how he carries that gratitude into training and competition.

Tom is joined by Lumin Sports executives Ben Gazzola and Blake Bender to discuss the athlete management software that is changing the way athlete wellness data is visualized and interpreted. Ben and Blake give a rundown on how Lumin became what it is today, and how the software is assisting coaches in making sure athletes are more taken care of than ever before. Also discussed is the way Lumin bridges the gap between physical and mental health, as well as the goals the company has as they expand into the United States.

About Lumin Sports:

Founded in 2018 in Adelaide, Australia, Lumin Sports is an Athlete Management Software company focused on giving all decisions makers in the world’s best teams the tools to interpret complex data. The Arc data visualization platform saves admin time, visualises data, improves communication and elevates decision making for coaches, S&C staff, athletes and medical practitioners. Lumin currently serves pro-teams, colleges, high schools, high performance centres and armed forces.

Instagram: @Luminsports

https://luminsports.com/

Tom is joined by his former college roommate and close friend Thomas Huerter Jr. to discuss his playing career, from winning the NY AA state championship with his brother Kevin all the way to playing for 3 different collegiate head coaches. Smalls and Tom discuss the lessons he provides to the athletes he coaches in AAU basketball, and what it was like growing up in a basketball family. Tom provides insight about what it has been like to experience his brother's career in the NBA develop as well as both of his sisters playing high level Division I basketball. Additionally, a special guest call-in from Tom's brother (Kevin Huerter) on who is physically stronger!

About Thomas:

Thomas grew up in Clifton Park, New York, and attended Shenendehowa High School, where he helped his team win the Class AA Basketball NY State Championship in 2015. After Shenendehowa, Thomas did a post graduate year at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut. Thomas would then go on to play for three years at Siena College, finishing his undergraduate degree in that time. Following Siena, Thomas played out his fourth year of eligibility and earned a Master’s Degree at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Thomas is currently a project manager at the Huersch Marketing Group, he helps in various capacities at the Impact Athletic Center in Halfmoon, he is the director of Huerter Basketball Camps, Vice President of the Kevin Huerter Foundation, and is the head coach of the 17U boys team for the Elevate NY Basketball Club.

Tom is joined by olympic weightlifter and national coach Suzy Sanchez to discuss her career as an elite level weightlifter for USAW while navigating a diagnosis of PTSD and MDD. Tom and Suzy chat about the important qualities to look for in coaches, and how she turned her struggle into strength by becoming an advocate for weightlifters with mental health challenges.

Follow Suzy on Instagram: @thesuzysanchez

About Suzy:

A 15 year veteran of the sport of weightlifting, Suzy began her athletic career in 2008 after competing for three years in competitive high school powerlifting in Alvin, TX. After medaling  at the 2009 university nationals Suzy connected with Olympic coach Dr. Kyle Pierce and shortly after moved to Shreveport, LA to train and study full time at LSU Shreveport. While training at LSUS Suzy had the opportunity to represent Team USA at the university level at the 2011 Summer Universiade and the 2012 University World Championships. After medaling at the 2012 University World championship Suzy received an invitation to move to Colorado Springs, CO to train full time at the Olympic Training Center. During her time at the training center Suzy had the opportunity to train under Olympic champion Zygmunt Smalcerz who introduced her to new training methodologies and modalities for sports performance. She qualified and competed at both the 2013 Summer Universiade and the 2014 University World Championships before leaving the training center at the end of 2014. Following her departure from the training center Suzy underwent corrective surgery for a shoulder injury and opened her club Beastmode Barbell in Friendswood, TX while working the 2015 IWF World Championships. Suzy now resides in Colorado Springs, CO and still competes locally in both weightlifting and powerlifting. She is currently a National level coach, USA Weightlifting course instructor, and Category 2 referee, and club director for the Retirement Home weightlifting club. 

- 2009 University silver medalist

University bronze medalist

- 2010 National championship silver medalist 

- 2010 Junior national championship bronze medalist 

- 2010 American open silver medalist

University gold medalist 

- 2011 National championship silver medalist 

- 2011 American open champion

- 2012 University gold medalist

- 2012 National championship silver medalist 

- 2012 University world silver medalist

- 2013 University gold medalist 

- 2013 National championship bronze medalist 

- 2013 American Open bronze medalist

- 2014 University gold medalist 

- 2014 National championship silver medalist

*University American Clean and Jerk Record (2012, 2013, 2014)

After 3 week hiatus, Tom is back and joined by University of Alabama Point Guard Hannah Barber to talk about how she overcame adversity throughout her 5 year collegiate career. Hannah talks about how she reframed her mindset after experiencing life's challenges, and the ways she was able to lead by example on and off the court.

About Hannah Barber:

Hannah was a 5 year point guard for University of Alabama Women’s Basketball program and an integral part in their most recent 2 NCAA Tournament appearances. She received her bachelors degree in Exercise Science and her Masters in Marketing. Hannah was named the 2023 SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year, and is now pursuing coaching basketball at the collegiate level.

Instagram: @hdebarber

Tom is joined by former professional hockey player turned mental performance coach Taylor Cook to discuss how to implement an athlete centered coaching model. Also discussed is how to provide useful feedback as a coach, and why mental performance is just as valuable as the physical aspect.

About Taylor:

IG - @taylorbcook_

The Athletic Mind - https://open.spotify.com/show/3mCWuxYHmwi48aXgzo8tSW?si=f4bffa9866fb4a41

Email: taylor@elitehighperformance.com

Brain Training for Athletes Mental Performance Program - https://elitehighperformance.mykajabi.com/pl/21476073

Tom is joined by two former athletes and coaches (Angela Teeple and Melissa Katz) that have joined together to start the ALL IN Apparel brand to empower athletes to share their own personal mental health journeys and bring the conversation of mental health in athletics to the forefront of people's minds. Angela and Melissa talk about why they chose apparel as the product for their company, and what the ALL IN mentality means to each of them. Tom also discusses why he turned down various brand ambassador deals and chose to join the ALL IN team.

https://allinathletes.org

Instagram: @allin.athletes

Ang and Melissa experienced firsthand the impact that mental health can have on athletes, both on and off the field. They’ve teamed up to create ALL IN, a brand focused on promoting mental health awareness and a positive mindset in sports.

In episode 015, Tom is joined by Brown University Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Paiva to talk about how environment can shape an athlete's experience and attitude.   Coach Paiva talks about his decision to open about his sexuality to his athletes and colleagues, and overcoming the anxiety that came with the decision.  Tom and Anthony also talk about how to foster an environment that is motivating and inclusive, the need for diversity in the performance field, and the willingness to have tough conversations around student athlete mental health.

About Coach Anthony Paiva, MS, CSCS, SCCC, USAW:

Anthony Paiva is a strength and conditioning coach for Brown University, currently in his fourth year.  Anthony joined the strength and conditioning staff in 2019 following an internship with the university.

Anthony has a background in a plethora of sports, most notably Jiu-Jitsu in which he trained for over 10 years. He currently competes in Olympic weightlifting in the 81kg weight class. He has spent 9 years in the strength and conditioning industry working in a range of settings from private sector to collegiate.

Anthony currently works with five sports at Brown, Baseball, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Water Polo and Men’s Soccer. He also serves as the Assistant State & Provincial Director for the Rhode Island NSCA Advisory Board, where he aims to provide continuing education for professionals and work to progress the field further.

Anthony graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2018 with a BS in Kinesiology, where he then went on to receive a MS in Exercise Science & Human Performance from Liberty University in 2019.

Tom is joined by Ivan Tchatchouwo (Founder and CEO of The Zone App) to discuss the way his team is addressing student athlete mental health and the preventative care The Zone app is aiming to provide to college campuses everywhere.  Ivan also discusses his background in human performance, and explains his "why" story detailing his own struggles with mental health as a collegiate athlete.  

Twitter/IG: @IvanTchatchuowo

About Ivan:

Ivan is a thoughtful leader and entrepreneur in the field of human performance and wellness. As Founder of The Zone, Ivan has taken on the mission of improving student-athlete wellbeing through mobile technology and data analytics. He has a Masters Degree in Applied Physiology from Columbia University, where he focused on data, wellbeing, and human performance. A former captain of the men’s basketball team at Concordia College, Ivan has been involved in athletics for 20+ years. He is passionate about helping the younger generation achieve wellness and long-term success.

Host Tom Smalley is joined by Professional Rugby player and Collegiate Coach Gianna Solomon to discuss her path to being a strong female leader in sports.  Gianna most recently won a national championship as an Assistant Coach with Dartmouth Women's Rugby, and is currently playing professional rugby in the women's premier league.  Tom and Gianna discuss what needs to change in athletics, how she has cemented herself as more than just a number, and the different types of anxiety coaches and athletes face daily.  You will not want to miss this!

About Gianna:

Gianna Solomon joined the Dartmouth women's rugby staff as an assistant coach in August 2022 and immediately contributed to the teams success as they took home the National Championship this past season.

A former collegiate rugby player, Solomon earned All-America accolades and won a pair of national championships at Penn State. She went on to play professionally in the Women's Premier League. Solomon also served as the head rugby coach at Greenwich Area School District and gained additional coaching experience as an assistant coach for Northeast Rugby Academy and The Rugby Advantage.

Solomon arrives at Dartmouth following her role as a graduate assistant in strength and conditioning at Wagner College, where she worked with women's basketball and several Olympic sports while serving as the head of education for nutrition, hydration and sleep.

Solomon graduated from Penn State in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and received a master's in media management at Wagner in 2022.