🎙️ Season 6, Episode 8 – Christian "TrAiDoS" Staedtter

This week on Mindclickers, I’m joined by Christian Staedtter - lecturer, and high-performance researcher with experience across 70+ LAN events since 2011, Christian brings a rare mix of academic insight and practical understanding of elite gaming environments.

We unpack psychological and environmental factors that influence performance, including team culture, sound, risk-taking, huddles, leadership, and even how things like air quality might affect gameplay.

🧠 Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro

• 01:10 – Christian’s journey

• 04:50 – PhD insight and driving motivator

• 07:10 – Individualisation in esports

• 07:50 – Team culture, environment, and managing expectations

• 11:30 – Social media impact on players

• 14:00 – Streamers and pros during COVID

• 15:10 – Playing in personal environments

• 17:10 – Crowd pressure and Christian’s LAN insights

• 20:00 – Old-school LANs and playing in booths

• 22:00 – Playing with sound vs no sound

• 25:00 – Sound desensitisation

• 26:00 – Impact of music on performance

• 28:40 – Placebos in esports

• 31:20 – Team huddles

• 33:10 – Real-life huddle example

• 36:00 – Ego in esports

• 41:30 – Using personality tests in recruitment

• 44:00 – Leadership in teams

• 46:00 – Cultural and gender differences in risk-taking

• 51:00 – Expanding on risk-taking

• 54:00 – Using data in esports

• 56:00 – VOD review accessibility

• 58:30 – Christian’s current research

• 1:06:00 – Upcoming research projects

• 1:10:00 – Analytical thinking styles

• 1:15:00 – Visualisation and mental rehearsal

• 1:18:00 – Communication strategies

• 1:20:00 – Environmental factors like air pollution

• 1:25:00 – Encouraging contribution to esports research

• 1:25:00 – Final thoughts and socials

📲 Connect with Christian

Website: https://www.christian-staedter.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianstaedter

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TrAiDoS

Research: https://www.emerald.com/tpm/article/doi/10.1108/TPM-09-2024-0109/1256464/Taking-aim-at-research-on-esports-teams-a

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The FUSE Cup - Esports in Schools | Mindclickers Season 6, Episode 5

In this episode of Mindclickers, I’m joined by Daniel Aivaliotis-Martinez, the founder of The FUSE Cup, an international interschool Esports competition that promotes digital wellbeing, inclusion, and positive gaming behaviours among students.

With over 18 years of experience in education and digital innovation, Dan shares how The FUSE Cup is helping reshape the role of gaming in schools across Australia and Asia. From building programs that support neurodiverse students, to tackling issues like loot boxes and screen time, this episode offers a powerful insight into how Esports and gaming can be used to educate, engage, and empower the next generation.

🎙️ Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 - Intro

• 01:32 - Introduction to Dan and the creation of The FUSE Cup

• 05:40 - School expansion roadmap

• 08:30 - How do schools fund esports programs?

• 12:00 - Educating students about loot boxes and game mechanics

• 13:00 - Physical and cognitive benefits of gaming

• 15:10 - Games played in The FUSE Cup

• 17:30 - Age ratings and game selection

• 19:00 - VR and gamification in education

• 22:30 - Setting up and hosting events

• 25:00 - Increasing girls' participation in esports

• 27:40 - Helping kids manage losing

• 29:00 - Encouraging participation and inclusion

• 30:40 - Esports pathways: high school to university

• 33:40 - How to go pro in esports - the tricky answer

• 37:30 - Competitive exposure for students

• 40:00 - Parental perspectives on gaming

• 49:00 - Positive social impact for neurodiverse students

• 51:20 - Final thoughts and advice from Dan

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📧 Email – contact@mindclickers.com

🔗 Connect with Dan Aivaliotis-Martinez & The FUSE Cup

🌐 The FUSE Cup Website – https://www.thefusecup.com

💼 Dan's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmartinezfuse

Chris Smith – Founder of BIGR | Ex-Pro Gamer, CMO, and Creative Strategist

In this episode of Mindclickers, I’m joined by Chris Smith, a veteran of the gaming and Esports industry who has worn nearly every hat from semi-pro gamer to commentator, CMO, and founder of a multi-seven-figure marketing agency. Now, Chris is building BIGR, an AI-driven platform that automates social media content for small businesses.

We dive into his journey through the gaming industry, the origin of BIGR, content creation challenges, and deep insights into the future of OCE Esports

🧠 Topics Covered:

🕹️ Chris's Journey

1:42 – Introduction to Chris and his background

3:02 – Joining Netgaming Radio

6:32 – Experience in nearly every pro role

7:30 – Origins of his esports passion

🎯 Mindset & Specialisation

12:30 – Catapulting into roles through transferable experience

16:00 – Using stats to build mental models

17:00 – Cricket analogy & player mindset

18:00 – Redefining what a "win" means

📹 Content Creation & Mental Health

19:00 – Internal conflict when making content

21:50 – Handling negative feedback online

🌏 Regional Esports & Industry Insight

25:00 – OCE vs The World in esports

31:00 – Importing players into OCE

32:20 – Elevating APAC: LBP’s personal experience

35:00 – Sponsor interest in the OCE region

41:00 – Salary dynamics in esports

43:00 – The impact of Saudi Arabia in the industry

🧬 Identity, Innovation & AI

50:00 – Building a personal identity within gaming

55:00 – The story behind BIGR and how AI fits into the future of content

1:10:00 – Understanding gaming cultures across regions

1:13:00 – Chris’s final advice for aspiring creatives and professionals

🔗 Connect with Chris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithymayo/

Website: https://www.bigrsocial.com/

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Introduction 0:00
Intro into Satthew's background at 1:20
Juggling the balance of school and RLCS 4:05
Support groups 6:20
Transition into a coaching role 7:30
Reflections about coaching 10:20
Dealing with scrim compliance 11:50
Regional differences 12:40
What makes a proper team? 15:00
Taking accountability 17:00
How to conduct yourself as a team 19:00
What motivates you as a coach 23:00
Being confident 27:00
Scrim confidence 29:30
Dealing with conflict 32:30
Timeout importance 34:30
Who calls the timeout? 37:00
Reverse sweep mindset 39:00
Showing respect to each other, confidence towards Major 40:40
Coming a player as a coach 44:00
Learn from your players 49:00
Being open as a coach 50:00
Funny bootcamp stories 51:00
Media days 52:30
Advice for younger players 54:00
Socials for Satthew 56:20

From Digitnas to leading and building M80, to now having a new adventure within MENA, I absolutely loved sitting down with my best bud Nick to chat all things the past 2 years and catch up on his Rocket League Career.

Social & Website
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mindclickers
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindclickers
Twitter Personal - https://twitter.com/Coach_LBP
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mindclickers
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mindclickers
Website - https://www.mindclickers.com/
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/coach_lbp

Subscribe to Mindclickers
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mlpbWJ...

Mindclickers is an insight into the psychological and performance demands of Professional Esports Personalities.

Imagine if you could hear what a Physiotherapist recommends for best practice about ergonomics or stretches. Thinking of adding exercises into your routine? I wonder what an elite-level Strength & Conditioning Coach would recommend. How about figuring out Nutrition? We've got Registered Dietitians and Performance Nutritionists to cover that too!

But it doesn't stop there.. Ever wondered what top-level professional players think about before, during, or after a game? How they relax, deal with anxiety, adopt the flow state, communicate effectively and perform? We provide exclusive insights into the mind of top-level players so that you can add to your game!

Not only that, but have you been interested in starting your own path in Esports, but not sure where to look? We have episodes with Esports organisation owners, who share their stories about their path, and how they found success in an ever-developing scene.

We are back bigger than ever with an exciting season of Mindclickers. We have some super special guests back in the spotlight, which I am super keen to share and provide some insights from some of the best individuals within Esports.

In the following episode I sat down with previous Renegades Partnerships Manager for OCE/APAC Carti, who is now working within the AI Sports tracking field, with a passion to get back into Esports.

Nick shares some key insights towards partnerships and the bridge that needs to be closed between traditional sports and Esports, in terms of coming together collectively.

Follow him over at Twitter on https://twitter.com/nicholascarti

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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mindclickers
Website - https://www.mindclickers.com/
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/coach_lbp

Subscribe to Mindclickers
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mlpbWJ...

Mindclickers is an insight into the psychological and performance demands of Professional Esports Personalities.

Imagine if you could hear what a Physiotherapist recommends for best practice about ergonomics or stretches. Thinking of adding exercises into your routine? I wonder what an elite-level Strength & Conditioning Coach would recommend. How about figuring out Nutrition? We've got Registered Dietitians and Performance Nutritionists to cover that too!

But it doesn't stop there.. Ever wondered what top-level professional players think about before, during, or after a game? How they relax, deal with anxiety, adopt the flow state, communicate effectively and perform? We provide exclusive insights into the mind of top-level players so that you can add to your game!

Not only that, but have you been interested in starting your own path in Esports, but not sure where to look? We have episodes with Esports organisation owners, who share their stories about their path, and how they found success in an ever-developing scene.

Season 4 Episode 1.

We are back bigger than ever with an exciting season of Mindclickers. We have some super special guests back in the spotlight, which I am super keen to share and provide some insights from some of the best individuals within Esports.

In the following episode I sat down with previous RLCS Professional player Snaski, who is now coaching Quadrant within EU.

Snaski shares some key insights towards his previous experience as a player, what he has learned from being a coach and what has transitioned well into his skillset.

Follow him over at Twitter on https://twitter.com/Snaski10

Social & Website
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mindclickers
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindclickers
Twitter Personal - https://twitter.com/Coach_LBP
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mindclickers
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mindclickers
Website - https://www.mindclickers.com/
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/coach_lbp

Subscribe to Mindclickers
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mlpbWJ...

Mindclickers is an insight into the psychological and performance demands of Professional Esports Personalities.

Imagine if you could hear what a Physiotherapist recommends for best practice about ergonomics or stretches. Thinking of adding exercises into your routine? I wonder what an elite-level Strength & Conditioning Coach would recommend. How about figuring out Nutrition? We've got Registered Dietitians and Performance Nutritionists to cover that too!

But it doesn't stop there.. Ever wondered what top-level professional players think about before, during, or after a game? How they relax, deal with anxiety, adopt the flow state, communicate effectively and perform? We provide exclusive insights into the mind of top-level players so that you can add to your game!

Not only that, but have you been interested in starting your own path in Esports, but not sure where to look? We have episodes with Esports organisation owners, who share their stories about their path, and how they found success in an ever-developing scene.

Episode 13!! Absolutely loved sitting down and talking with Oliver about his experience in @RLEsports OCE & APAC S Casting as he was crowned the 2021 Best New Commentator. Shoutcasting has always been an area that I've loved so It was fantastic to hear what goes on behind the scenes in terms of preparation for a big event!

Timestamps
0:01:37 - Oliver's Introduction into Esports
0:03:55 - Did you ever think you'd be in the position you are in now?
0:06:16 - Ability to wake up everyday, doing what he loves
0:08:13 - Esports to Tradtitional Sports Comparison
0:10:45 - XP League - LAN for Kids
0:11:10 - Parents asking for PRIVATE Esports coaching lessons?!
0:11:44 - Esports is different compared to 5 years ago
0:12:47 - Flashback to early shoutcasting days mindset
0:16:20 - Individual vs Duo Casting
0:21:30 - Yumi casting Farming Simulator is META
0:23:00 - How to cast a game you've never played before
0:25:50 - Casting is only ONE avenue into Esports
0:27:10 - The PHRASE BOOK!
0:33:00 - Looking back at previous casts/experiences
0:35:10 - Adjusting to different casting environments
0:38:30 - Casting at home easier after getting LAN experience
0:41:00 - Gaining confidence as an individual
0:42:00 - Utilising momentum in Esports
0:44:45 - Understanding and dealing with expectation
0:46:45 - LANDON Major 1st round predictions (Who did we have?)
1:12:10 - Reddit International Scrim Thread
1:13:30 - Final Takeaways/Insights


Follow Oliver on his main socials at https://twitter.com/BassFromThePast

Social & Website
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mindclickers
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindclickers
Twitter Personal - https://twitter.com/Coach_LBP
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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mindclickers
Website - https://www.mindclickers.com/
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/coach_lbp

Subscribe to Mindclickers
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mlpbWJ...

Mindclickers is an insight into the psychological and performance demands of Professional Esports Personalities.

Imagine if you could hear what a Physiotherapist recommends for best practice about ergonomics or stretches. Thinking of adding exercises into your routine? I wonder what an elite-level Strength & Conditioning Coach would recommend. How about figuring out Nutrition? We've got Registered Dietitians and Performance Nutritionists to cover that too!

But it doesn't stop there.. Ever wondered what top-level professional players think about before, during, or after a game? How they relax, deal with anxiety, adopt the flow state, communicate effectively and perform? We provide exclusive insights into the mind of top-level players so that you can add to your game!

Not only that, but have you been interested in starting your own path in Esports, but not sure where to look? We have episodes with Esports organisation owners, who share their stories about their path, and how they found success in an ever-developing scene.