At just 15, Kanak Jha moved across the world to pursue table tennis, and now he is a three-time Olympian with a record-breaking career. In this episode, he talks about the mental tools and habits that keep him performing at the highest level, how he bounces back from setbacks, and what it takes to thrive under pressure. He also shares behind-the-scenes moments from his Olympic journey and how he maintains balance and focus in a sport where every second counts. We dive into the mindset shifts, rituals, and small daily practices that have allowed him to compete consistently on the world stage. Tune in to learn how Kanak keeps the love for the game alive while pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Isaiah Jewett’s journey is the epitome of resilience. From overcoming setbacks in high school to becoming a gold medalist at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships and qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, his story is one of grit and determination. But it wasn’t just about winning for him, it was about learning to embrace every failure and use it as fuel for growth.
In this episode, Isaiah opens up about the challenges he’s faced, including the mental hurdles that nearly derailed his career, and how he’s found a way to use his journey as a source of strength. He talks about the importance of staying present, how vision boards helped him navigate his mental game, and how his childhood lessons have shaped the man he is today.
This conversation isn’t just about track; it’s about the power of believing in yourself through adversity. Isaiah’s willingness to face his fears head-on and keep pushing, no matter the outcome, is something every athlete and every person can learn from.
Listen now for a deep dive into the mindset of one of track and field’s brightest stars.
In this episode of Chatting with Chapman, I’m joined by Nick Itkin, a 2x Olympic Fencer, World Cup gold medalist, and 5-time US National Champion. We dive deep into the mental strategies that have fueled his success on the international stage. From handling the pressure of high-stakes competition to overcoming the emotional rollercoaster of victories and losses, Nick reveals how staying focused, adapting in real-time, and trusting his training have been key to his growth. He shares insights on how setbacks fueled his resilience, the value of pushing past comfort zones, and the importance of maintaining a strong mindset. If you're looking for valuable lessons in mental toughness and how to elevate your game, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.
Brandon Loschiavo, a USA Diving standout and Olympic finalist, shares an inspiring journey from facing intense fear to conquering heights, both physically and mentally. From battling nerves at the Olympic trials to overcoming the fear of diving off a 10-meter platform, Brandon’s resilience and mindset are truly remarkable. In this episode, he opens up about how mental preparation, exposure therapy, and learning to let go of outcomes shaped his journey to the Olympics. Whether you're an athlete or not, his insights on performance under pressure and how to face your deepest fears head-on are powerful and motivating. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation on pushing through mental barriers to reach your potential.
3x Olympian and World Cup Gold Medalist Lauren Doyle joins the Chatting with Chapman podcast for an unforgettable conversation about the mental side of elite performance! From balancing high school sports to dominating in rugby, Lauren dives into the mindset that propelled her to three Olympic appearances. She shares how self-awareness, staying present, and overcoming mental hurdles helped her rise to the top in a highly competitive sport. Plus, hear how she navigated leadership challenges and found purpose beyond the field. This episode is packed with powerful strategies for athletes, coaches, and anyone ready to level up their mental game. Tune in for some serious inspiration and insights that’ll help you push past your limits!
In this episode of Chatting with Chapman, I’m joined by two-time Olympian and world-class sailor, Lara Dallman-Weiss. From balancing track, cross-country, and basketball in high school to conquering the high seas at the Olympic level, Lara dives deep into her journey of growth, resilience, and mental strength. She shares how her routine, self-reflection, and unwavering commitment to learning from every challenge have shaped her into the champion she is today. Lara’s passion, adaptability, and focus on execution, rather than just outcomes, offer invaluable insights for anyone striving to break through barriers and reach their fullest potential. Don’t miss this motivating conversation on perseverance, strategy, and staying focused under pressure!
From overcoming injuries to balancing the grind of college and elite training, Evita Griskenas’ journey as a rhythmic gymnast and 2-time Olympian is a powerful testament to the importance of faith, mindset, and perseverance. At the heart of it all is her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ, which has been her foundation through every challenge. In this episode, Evita shares how journaling, managing negative thoughts, and trusting in her process helped her push through some of her toughest moments. Whether it was competing through a broken foot or finding joy in the grind, her story shows that success is built not just on results, but on the strength you build along the way. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, discipline, faith, and the power of believing in yourself. Don’t miss it!
Teal Cohen’s story is one of perseverance, self-belief, and the power of mental performance. In this episode, Teal opens up about the challenges of transitioning from college to the elite rowing level, including setbacks and moments of self-doubt. Yet, despite these hurdles, she pushed through and found a new level of joy and success in her sport. Her journey is a powerful reminder that while results are important, the real growth happens in embracing the process and trusting the people around you. With a great sense of humor and infectious energy, Teal's insights into mental resilience, handling pressure, and setting big goals will leave you inspired to stay focused and continue working towards your dreams.
From dropping out of college at 19 to chasing his rugby dreams, Aaron Cummings’ journey is nothing short of inspiring! A professional rugby player and Olympian, Aaron has faced self-doubt, pressure, and the grind of balancing work and training, but he never lost sight of his goal. In this episode, Aaron gets real about how he’s built confidence, powered through tough moments, and learned to trust the process. With a strong focus on accountability, mindset, and community, Aaron’s story will leave you fired up and ready to take on your own challenges with resilience and determination. Don’t miss this one!
Olympian C.J. Allen reflects on his 19-year journey to achieving his dream of making the Olympic team. In this episode, he shares how mastering patience, embracing "Willful Sacrifice," and staying present have shaped his success both on and off the track.
C.J. reveals how the journey, not just the destination, builds resilience and character. From grueling training sessions to woodworking and cooking, he approaches everything with discipline, mindfulness, and intention. Packed with inspiration and practical wisdom, this episode is perfect for anyone chasing big goals while staying grounded and balanced through life’s challenges—hurdles and all.
Trevor Bassitt’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of mindset. From dominating as a D2 athlete to navigating the challenges of his rookie pro season, Trevor has learned that success isn’t just about physical preparation—it’s about winning the mental game. In this episode, Trevor shares how he stays confident on tough days, the mental strategies that helped him ahead of the Olympic trials, and how he balances expectations with the joy of competing. Tune in to hear insights from a 3x World Championship Medalist and 2024 Olympian about what it takes to thrive at the highest level.
Check out these incredible stats: 5x USA Artistic Swimmer of the Year, 4x World Championship Medalist, 3x Olympian for Team USA, and a 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist! Anita Alvarez is a force in artistic and synchronized swimming, but what makes her stand out isn't just the medals—it’s her approach. She focuses on what she can control, lets go of chasing gold, and trusts the process. Her commitment to balance, community, and staying grounded has fueled her long career, especially since becoming an Olympian at just 19. Check out this episode to hear how Anita intentionally harnesses her mental performance to keep reaching new heights and achieving greatness. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!
In Episode 4, we sit down with Kendall Ellis, a 2x Olympian and 400m sprinter, who opens up about her powerful mental journey. Since high school, Kendall has faced intense anxiety and pre-race panic attacks. A heartfelt intervention by her parents and coach led her to therapy and working with a sports psychologist, shaping her resilience. Kendall candidly shares how sticking to mental routines remains a challenge throughout her career. Her honesty and desire to inspire make this episode a must-listen for any athlete seeking growth and perseverance.
I enjoyed this interview because you can feel Mike’s authenticity. You can hear it in his voice, especially when he talks about the challenges he’s faced in not meeting his own expectations as well as the happiness from knowing he is influencing the next generation of athletes. Mike is an extremely self-motivated person and is passionate about winning. He places a lot of expectations on himself but intentionally keeps great company around to ensure his own expectations don’t bog him down. He understands the importance of the cultivating the right mindset for practice, meets, and life in order to be successful – and that’s something that he works on constantly. Take a listen to understand how one of the greatest track athletes navigate their mental for performance.
The word Gianna and I chose as the foundation of this episode is mindfulness. Every story, every piece of advice, and every thought kept returning to this idea. According to the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, mindfulness means paying attention to our present-moment experiences with openness and curiosity. In simpler terms: Be where your feet are. It's easy to get caught up in the noise of our thoughts, but mindfulness helps us stay grounded, focusing on what’s happening right here, right now—whether it's something as small as walking through a door. Gianna beautifully illustrated this idea throughout our conversation, showing how even the most seemingly insignificant moments can be infused with intention. I’m so grateful Gianna brought this concept into our discussion because, as simple as it sounds, mastering mindfulness is a game-changer for elevating your performance and overall presence.
In the first episode of "Chatting with Chapman," we sit down with Professional Track athlete Josephus to explore the mental strategies that have fueled his success on the track.
From working with sports psychologists at a young age, Josephus learned key techniques like visualization, breath work, and mindfulness, helping him manage pressure and stay grounded. He shares how these mental skills have allowed him to accept failure, maintain perspective, and avoid putting too much pressure on himself—even at the highest levels of competition. Josephus reminds us all of the importance of enjoying the process and staying focused on the journey, not just the outcomes.
Whether you’re an athlete or simply navigating life’s challenges, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for maintaining mental resilience and perspective.
Key Takeaways:
Tune in to hear Josephus’s journey and how you can apply these tools to your own life, both on and off the field.