In this engaging conversation, Christopher Smith and Dr. Debbie Cruz explore the intricate relationship between psychology and performance in sports, particularly golf. They discuss the significance of thought processes, the concept of sub-personalities or 'mini-me's', and the psychological factors contributing to the yips. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of intention, accountability, and the adventure of performance, while also addressing the challenges athletes face in maintaining confidence and focus. In this conversation, Christopher Smith and Debbie Cruz delve into the mental aspects of golf performance, discussing the importance of overcoming fear and doubt, the role of the subconscious mind, and the impact of mental myths on golfers. They explore how adventure athletes maintain calmness under pressure, the significance of balance in the brain, and the necessity of determination in achieving success. The discussion also touches on the influence of language on performance and the unique insights gained from working with horses in coaching.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Debbie Cruz
05:11 The Importance of Thought in Performance
10:47 Understanding Sub-Personalities in Golf
17:40 Energy Transfer in Performance
24:51 The Yips: Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety
27:29 Understanding the Yips: A Deep Dive
30:05 The Role of Aim and Anxiety in Golf
33:07 Psychological vs. Neurological Yips
36:56 Outsmarting the Yips: Strategies and Techniques
40:42 Mental Myths in Golf: What to Focus On
49:14 Calmness in High-Pressure Situations
52:41 The Calm Before the Storm: Arousal and Focus
54:15 Relaxation vs. Performance: The Neurofeedback Study
56:25 Finding Balance: The Key to Optimal Performance
58:40 The C's of Performance: Consistency, Confidence, and Control
01:01:12 Determination Over Confidence: Strategies for Success
01:04:05 The Language of Expectations: Letting Go of Pressure
01:06:55 Chasing Goals: The Vision 54 Concept
01:12:22 Horses as Mirrors: Learning Through Connection
01:14:40 Bringing It All Together: Programs and Resources

Struggling with your putting? This podcast episode with David Orr, founder of Flat Stick Academy and top putting coach, reveals groundbreaking research and practical tips to transform your putting game.

In this podcast episdoe you will learn:
✅ Why most putting advice is WRONG (and what to do instead)
✅ The hidden role of wrist and forearm movements (3D data proves it!)
✅ How to read greens like a tour pro (slope is your #1 enemy)
✅ The difference between coaching and teaching (performance vs. technique)
✅ Why "perfect strokes" don’t exist (variability is normal!)

⛳ CHAPTER MARKERS:
00:00 - "Your Putting Coach is WRONG" (The shocking truth)
01:26 - Coaching vs Teaching: What pros really focus on
03:20 - Why old-school putting advice destroys your game
05:42 - The 3D revolution in putting (What TrackMan can't show)
08:15 - "Your wrists are LYING to you" (Data proves it)
12:34 - The "Symphony" of a perfect stroke (Like sheet music)
16:45 - Tiger Woods' secret putting weapon (Hint: It's not what you think)
20:30 - Green reading myths BUSTED (Why aimpoint isn't enough)
25:18 - Putter fitting lies exposed (Why most fittings fail)
30:22 - Speed golf putting secrets (Why fast = better)
35:40 - The "zero torque" scam (Industry doesn't want you to know)
40:15 - Mental game hacks (Stop fighting your line)
45:50 - Future of putting tech (AI coming soon)
50:38 - "You'll suck at first - here's why that's GOOD" (David's final tip)

In this episode of Don't Get Me Started, host Christopher Smith sits down with Dr. Mark Guadagnoli—neuroscience professor, performance coach, and expert in the psychology of elite performance.

Listeners can expect a deep dive into the mental side of golf and performance, as Dr. Guadagnoli shares insights from his work with world-class athletes, surgeons, and business leaders. The conversation explores how pressure affects performance, practical strategies to overcome mental barriers, and science-backed methods to accelerate learning.

Christopher and Dr. Guadagnoli also discuss optimizing practice, building confidence under pressure, and the importance of mindset in achieving peak performance. Whether you're a golfer, coach, or simply interested in performance psychology, this episode offers valuable takeaways on mastering the mental game.