In this heartfelt episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, Dr. J and John explore the deeply emotional experience of saying goodbye to a beloved family dog—and the broader themes of grief, healing, and acceptance. From the quiet pain of pet loss to reflections on athletic failure, emotional resilience, and even the power of underdog victories, this conversation blends real-life loss with mental strength and spiritual growth.

Dr. J also shares an exciting announcement: a new video course series designed to help athletes, parents, and performers level up their mindset with short, powerful, on-demand coaching.

🎧 Tune in for inspiration, truth-telling, and a reminder that loving deeply—even when it hurts—is always worth it.

#GettinGritty #MentalHealth #PetLoss #GriefAndGrowth #SportsPsychology #EmotionalResilience #AthleteMindset #PermissionToPerform

In this deeply personal episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, grief takes center stage. Dr. J opens up about the emotional, spiritual, and psychological journey she's been on—navigating anticipatory grief, finding forgiveness, and reshaping her beliefs about life after death. It's a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it means to let go with love and live on with intention.

🎧 Tune in and hear a story that may help you make sense of your own.

In this episode of Gettin Gritty with Dr J, Dr. Julie and John Largent dive into how a parent's identity becomes tied to their child’s athletic journey, the pressures of pursuing pro sports, and gender disparities in career transitions. John also shares how adopting a plant-based diet helped him reverse type 2 diabetes and improve his health.

🎙️ Key Takeaways:
✅ How parental identity shapes the youth sports experience
✅ The mental toll of chasing a professional sports career
✅ Gender differences in athletic career paths
✅ Life after sports—navigating transitions

A must-listen for parents, athletes, and anyone passionate about sports, health, and resilience!

In this episode, Dr Julie Wiernik and John Largent discuss red flags in service providers and scams, emphasizing the importance of due diligence. Key points include:

• Ask for References: Refusal to provide references is a major red flag. Legitimate providers stand by their work.
• Avoid Large Upfront Payments: Pay incrementally to ensure accountability and protect yourself.
• Do Your Homework: Verify accreditations and research thoroughly before committing.

They explore the psychology of perpetrators, often displaying narcissistic or sociopathic traits, and how they exploit emotions for personal gain.

• Educating Adolescents: Open discussions on consent, red flags in relationships, and unhealthy dynamics are vital.
• Building Trust Gradually: Traditional, slower approaches to dating help establish trust and reduce risks.

Sit back, relax, and get gritty as we help you navigate the slimy world of scams and trust with grit, wisdom, and actionable insights!

Dive into the gripping world of sports and personal evolution with Dr. Julie Wiernik. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Tolson, a former Air Force veteran turned NCAA basketball referee. Craig shares his journey from playing multiple sports in California to navigating life changes that led him to become a respected referee.

Discover how he balanced academics and athletics at UCLA, faced challenges in military service, and transitioned into officiating high-profile basketball games.

Key Takeaways:
- The importance of resilience when facing life's unexpected turns.
- Insights on balancing personal ambitions with professional responsibilities.
- Reflections on the evolving landscape of collegiate and professional sports.

Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on grit and determination.

www.drjuliewiernik.com

In this insightful episode of Gettin’ Gritty with Dr. J, Dr. Julie Wiernik sits down with Dr. Gordon, founder of Ground Level Four and host of Performance Talk, to explore the evolving challenges of youth sports. They discuss the increasing pressure on young athletes to specialize early, the psychological and physical toll of overuse injuries, and the impact of societal distractions on motivation. Drawing from decades of coaching and sports psychology experience, Dr. Gordon shares actionable strategies for fostering resilience, avoiding burnout, and optimizing performance both on and off the field.

1. Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Approach: Why early specialization can hinder long-term athletic development.
2. The Power of Individualized Training: How to tailor plans to an athlete's specific sport, position, and goals.
3. Building Mental Toughness: Why effort, resilience, and adaptability are critical life skills for athletes.
4. Motivating Today’s Athletes: Overcoming modern distractions like social media and video games.
5. Parental Role in Athlete Development: Setting realistic goals and fostering accountability without burnout.

Tune in to discover how embracing grit and adaptability can transform challenges into triumphs in youth athletics!

This week on Gettin’ Gritty with Dr. J, Dr. Julie Wiernik and John Largent reflect on life’s defining moments—both the joyous and the challenging. From John’s emotional experience of his son’s wedding to navigating the complexities of marriage, parenting, and personal growth, the conversation is filled with humor, wisdom, and authenticity.

They examine the importance of struggle in building resilience, how to foster deeper connections in relationships, and the significance of gratitude, especially as we enter the Thanksgiving season. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a fresh perspective, or just a reason to smile, this episode offers heartfelt insights to help you embrace life’s journey with grit and grace.

In this reflective episode of Gettin' Gritty with Dr. J, Dr. J shares her excitement about attending a sports psychology conference in Las Vegas, where she’s combining learning with personal downtime. She opens up about her approach to solo self-care, prioritizing time to recharge while embracing moments of personal growth. John Largent and Dr. Julie Wiernik discuss the transformative power of these experiences and how stepping away from daily responsibilities can inspire clarity and renewed purpose. The conversation unfolds into broader insights on the evolving field of sports psychology—how mental health support is crucial for athletes at all stages, the balance between mental toughness and emotional well-being, and the push for evidence-based positive coaching practices. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion on growth, resilience, and the impact of mindful self-care on both personal and professional fronts.