Five-time Nebraska Class A State champion volleyball coach Katie Tarman returns to the Max Out Mindset Podcast for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a championship culture. Katie shares how vulnerability, role acceptance, consistent communication, and genuine relationships have become the foundation of one of the nation's most successful high school volleyball programs. She explains why great cultures aren't built during the playoffs, but through months of intentional conversations, trust, and player ownership. The discussion also explores the realities of balancing motherhood with coaching, leading with both empathy and accountability, creating psychological safety, and helping athletes become leaders who elevate everyone around them. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this episode is filled with practical insights on building teams that compete fearlessly, stay connected through adversity, and create an environment where players never want to take off the jersey.

In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Dr. Larry Widman and Coach Jess sit down once again with the number one beach volleyball team in the world, Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss Cruz, for an honest conversation about growth, pressure, and the mental work behind elite performance.

This is the third time Taryn and Kristen have joined the show, and their journey has evolved in powerful ways. After the emotional highs and lows surrounding the Olympic experience, they reflect on what it truly means to grow as athletes and teammates.

The conversation dives deep into how elite performers navigate disappointment, rebuild belief, and continue to push forward. Taryn shares the internal work that helped her develop confidence and self-trust, while Kristen talks about the mindset shifts that allowed them to keep improving even while competing at the highest level in the world.

You'll hear powerful insights on communication between teammates, handling pressure on the biggest stages, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for teams that want to sustain success.

Taryn also shares how journaling became a critical tool for managing thoughts, building belief, and improving sleep and recovery during tournaments. Together, they explain how the mental side of the game helped them transform setbacks into one of the most successful seasons of their careers.

This episode is packed with practical insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to:

• Build real confidence through preparation and self-talk
• Communicate honestly with teammates during high-pressure moments
• Turn setbacks into growth instead of self-doubt
• Train mindset habits like journaling and awareness
• Develop trust and resilience within a team

Whether you're an athlete chasing your potential, a coach developing a culture, or a leader working through challenges with others, this conversation offers a powerful reminder:

Elite performance isn't just about talent. It's about the mindset you bring to the journey.

Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht

Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

In this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, Coach Jess sits down with Alyssa D'Errico, head coach of Utah Volleyball, for a powerful conversation on leadership, mindset, and what it truly means to max out.

Alyssa shares her journey from championship athlete to head coach and unpacks how elite performers sustain success without losing themselves in the process. The conversation dives into why behaviors—not results—must drive performance, how authenticity allows athletes to stay present under pressure, and why connection is the foundation of championship culture.

You'll hear real stories about managing competitiveness, learning emotional control, training response after failure, and helping athletes move from frustration to freedom. Alyssa also explains how elite programs "out-team" opponents by aligning coaches, athletes, and support staff around shared standards and trust.

This episode is packed with practical insight for athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to:

· Stay consistent when results fluctuate

· Train focus, readiness, and response under pressure

· Use failure as feedback instead of fear

· Build confidence without comparison

· Lead with clarity, connection, and purpose

Whether you're a high school athlete, college competitor, or coach building culture, this conversation offers a clear reminder: who you are and how you show up every day matters!

Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht

Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind