In this conversation, Amy Baltzell, an elite sports and executive performance consultant, shares her journey from a novice athlete at Wesleyan University to becoming a member of the US Olympic rowing team. She discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including her experiences in the America's Cup and the importance of team dynamics. Amy emphasizes the significance of sports psychology in managing internal distress and optimizing performance, highlighting techniques such as gratitude and mindfulness. She also explores the universal application of these principles across various fields, including business and personal development, and advocates for living in a state of flow to enhance overall well-being and performance. Takeaways Having someone believe in you can change your trajectory.The journey from distress to ease is essential for performance.Team dynamics are crucial for success in any sport.Chronic stress is a growing issue among athletes today.Gratitude can shift energy and improve performance.Mindfulness practices can help manage internal distress.Spirituality can enhance performance but is not necessary for success.Living in flow can be cultivated intentionally.The importance of connection and support in high-pressure environments.Personal experiences shape our approach to helping others. Sound bites "It's about being connected to the moment.""You can live in flow." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy Baltzell02:53 Journey to Wesleyan and Early Sports Career05:46 Transition to Sports Psychology08:55 The Impact of the America's Cup11:39 Team Dynamics and Collaboration14:48 Current Challenges in Sports Psychology17:35 Techniques for Managing Internal Distress20:23 The Role of Gratitude and Connection23:34 Spirituality and Performance26:32 The Universal Application of Mindfulness29:32 Living in Flow and Performance Optimization

In this conversation, Jeremy shares his profound journey from being fully sighted to becoming a world-renowned blind golfer. He discusses the challenges he faced after losing his sight at 19, the support he received from family and friends, and how he rediscovered his passion for golf through blind golf. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of interdependence, illustrating how asking for help can be a strength rather than a weakness. He also reflects on his experiences as a motivational speaker, aiming to inspire others to embrace interdependence in their lives. The conversation concludes with Jeremy's aspirations for the future, including writing a book on interdependence.   Takeaways Jeremy lost his sight at 19 due to a rare genetic disorder. He transitioned to blind golf with the help of his father as a guide. Interdependence is a crucial lesson learned through his journey. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of community and support. He has traveled the world competing in blind golf tournaments. His experiences have shaped him into a motivational speaker. Jeremy aims to inspire others through his story and lessons. He plans to write a book on interdependence. Family plays a significant role in his life and values.  

Summary In this conversation, Sarah Weiss shares her journey as a trans woman, discussing her childhood in Canada, the challenges of understanding her gender identity, and the process of transitioning. She reflects on her experiences in sports, the impact of societal norms, and the importance of community and collaboration. Sarah emphasizes the need for inclusivity in sports and the power of storytelling as a means of healing and empowerment. She also touches on her spiritual beliefs and the role of religion in shaping her perspective. Throughout the conversation, Sarah encourages listeners to live boldly and authentically, embracing their true selves. Takeaways Sarah Weiss shares her multifaceted identity as a trans woman, athlete, and author.Her childhood in Canada was marked by both normalcy and trauma, shaping her perspective.Understanding her gender identity was a long and complex journey for Sarah.Transitioning at 26 was a pivotal moment in her life, allowing her to embrace her true self.Sarah emphasizes the importance of community support during her transition.She discusses the challenges of navigating relationships as a trans woman.Sports have played a significant role in her identity and self-acceptance.Sarah advocates for inclusivity in sports, proposing a 'People vs. People' league.Her spiritual beliefs center around love and connection, transcending traditional religious views.Sarah encourages others to live boldly and authentically, despite societal pressures.   Sound bites "I want to bring Marvel to sports.""I love people and their stories.""Live boldly. Life is for the bold." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Weiss03:57 Childhood and Early Experiences06:55 Understanding Gender Identity09:39 The Journey to Transition12:18 Navigating Relationships and Self-Discovery15:19 Experiences in the Workplace18:23 Life After Transition21:08 Advice on Gender Dynamics and Collaboration30:05 Navigating Workplace Dynamics as a Woman31:27 The Freedom of Authenticity35:02 The Therapeutic Journey of Writing37:51 Empowerment Through Authentic Living41:29 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change42:23 The Role of Parenting in Acceptance46:32 The Journey into Pickleball and Self-Discovery52:16 Facing Challenges in Sports as a Trans Woman57:36 Empowerment Through Authenticity59:28 Navigating Controversy in Sports01:05:44 Reimagining Sports for Inclusivity01:16:26 Spirituality and Personal Beliefs01:23:43 Goals and Aspirations for the Future01:28:53 Outro.mp3

Today on infinite human we welcome Laura Trevelyan. Laura has worked as an international journalist covering major war zones, peace treaties and more recently the jan 6th attack on the US capitol building. Her last position was working as a news anchor for BBC world where she retired to focus on slavery repatriations in the Caribbean, notably Granada, where she discovered family ties to being slave owners. Rather than bury this fact, she has boldly put it out in the open to acknowledge the atrocities of the time, her family’s part and is addressing what reparations should look like. Through advocacy she has sparked conversations government wide. Laura was recently given the honor of being named Chancellor of Cardiff University in Wales and we are honored that she is talking with us today.

Infinite Human welcomes Dr Christine de Blasio and Geneviéve Henry to our show. Dr de Blasio is a founding member and Geneviéve Henry is the executive director of the Safety Team. The Safety Team is an organization that teaches a proven form of self-defence to all kinds of groups and individuals. They talk about how the Safety Team came about as well as their own personal journeys toward that. They give some wonderfully helpful information on what their sessions cover and how they actually have fun. They're working to empower, and therapeutically empower, individuals for their own safety, in some cases to heal from trauma as well as building self-confidence in all areas of life. They are both black belts in Kempo Jujitsu, have fascinating lives outside of the safety team, and most recently, Dr. Blasio was named USA Today's Vermont Women of the Year. Please enjoy listening to these amazing ladies. To Learn more about the Safety Team's please visit www.thesafetyteam.org. There are special events in April as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM).

Pete Asadourian is one of the most respected physical trainers to professional athletes in central Connecticut. Pete has worn many hats in his career with the recent constant of his company, Future Fitness Pro, for the last 20+ years. Pete is also a basketball coach and is the youngest coach to win a high school state championship with the Rocky Hill High School boys team. He now works with the Rocky Hill girls team and hope to repeat this feat. He talks about the challenge of overcoming stage 3 cancer and what life now means to him since. Pete is looking to pursue more motivational speaking and has outlined his lifes journey. achievements and challenges in his book - Built Different - you can find it to purchase HERE    

David Kendall is writer/producer/director who has worked in both television and film for decades. His credits include series for the broadcast networks, cable outlets, and streaming services. He has created shows, run shows, and directed pilots. He’s been a member of the Writers Guild of America since 1985 and a member of the Directors Guild of America since 1990. He has produced and written for iconic situation comedies like ABC’s Growing Pains and Boy Meets World and has directed classic kids’ programs like Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana. For five years, he Executive Produced a series he co-created for ABC Family/Freeform entitled Melissa & Joey, a romantic comedy which concluded its run in 2015 after 104 episodes. He wrote and directed episodes of the series as well. In 2020 he Executive Produced The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia, a half hour coming-of-age comedy for Netflix, directing their memorable musical Christmas episode. More recent directing credits include Erin & Aaron for Nickelodeon, Sydney to the Max for the Disney Channel, and Katharine McPhee’s Netflix series Country Comfort. On the feature side, David directed Steppin’ Into the Holiday, a musical Christmas movie starring Mario Lopez, which premiered in November of 2022 on the Lifetime Network. Previously, he directed the teen comedy Dirty Deeds, starring Milo Ventimiglia, Zoë Saldana, and Charles Durning. In that same genre, David wrote The New Guy, a Sony Pictures release which opened in 2600 theaters. He has co-written and/or produced several movies for television, including The Growing Pains Reunion Movie - a reunion for David as well, since that show was his very first television credit. In terms of actors, David has worked with Oscar Winners, Emmy Winners, Tony Winners, Grammy Winners, Professional Wrestlers, Adult Film Actors, Olympic Gold Medalists, and NFL Hall of Famers. With many family shows to his credit, he’s directed scores of talented young actors, from A (Ariana Grande) to Z (Zendaya). He has credits on over 40 different series. All told, that’s over 600 episodes of television - 200 plus of them as director. He has been a guest speaker for classes and workshops at USC and the American Film Institute. Since 2023, David has been a Visiting Instructor at Wesleyan University (his alma mater) where he teaches a directing workshop. He continues his freelance directing career while also developing scripts for television and film. A Philadelphia native, David resides in Los Angeles with his wife and their three children. Television Series Credits (Partial List):Growing Pains - 1985-1991- writer, producerJust the Ten of Us - 1988-1990 - writer, directorBoy Meets World - 1994-1999 - writer, producer, directorClueless - 1999 - directorEven Stevens - 2003 - directorThat’s So Raven - 2003 - directorNed’s Declassified School Survival Guide - 2004-2007 - directorHannah Montana - 2006 - directoriCarly - 2007-2012 - directorZoey 101 - 2007-2008 - directorMelissa & Joey - 2009-2015 - co-creator, writer, producer, directorVictorious - 2010-2013 - directorBig Time Rush - 2010-2012 - directorT...

Dr Matthew Castanho talks about how to optimize your living through food, diet and exercise for our best health and perfomrance. He discusses the place of naturopathic medicine in healthcare and what this approach can treat that conventional medicine may miss. He talks about the essentials that the body needs, and why for processes such as hormaone production, mental calrity or sleep. Great sleep is a foundation to health and Dr Castanho gives us the best strategies to get restoritive sleep and explains why it is so important and so much more.    As promised in the podcast:  NutreMeals - People who signup with the link and type in the code: WHOLESOME will get 50% off their first order. Joe Rogan Podcast: Joe Rogan Experience - Matthew Walker Dr Castanho is always taking on new patients with the goal to have everyone reach optimal health in the absence of medications. Please reach out to Dr Castanho at the following email:  www.drcastanho.com. Dr Castanho is also in the process of expanding the practice and taking on like-minded practitioners who will collaborate together. His anticipates this will be the healthcare model of the future; a “wholesome place” where patients receive coordinated care from functional and holistic multidisciplinary healthcare practitioners - a caring team who lives and breathes what they preach.   www.wholesomeplace.org  These are the supplements Dr Castano has helped formulate, curate, and recommend to patients.  They are all professional grade, third party tested for purity, and have potencies greater than the ineffective ones found over-the-counter at most grocery and convenience stores.  He takes them himself and have seen the greatest changes in patients when they’re consistent with them.  The most popular bundle - the one mentioned in the podcast - is the New England Essentials  

Michael Tow is an financial advisor that rediscovered his passion for acting a little later in life and has recently been cast in TV shows Landman, Lioness and City of Fire to name just a few. He talks about this journey and offers some advice for anyone looking to break into the acting profession. Having suffered the great loss of his Daughter a couple of years ago, he shares how integral acting and Pickleball have become in working through her loss. I hope you enjoy meeting Michael as much as I have.

Paul Assaiante has been coaching sports for 52 years and has seen it all. His men's squash team went unbeated for 17 years - a standing record in college sports. With the perspective of hindsight, his purpose is now to share the wisdoms and mistakes he has seen along the way. A sought after speaker for the world of busniess and education, he treats us here to an inside look at his world view. His talks about his mentors, such as Billy Jean King and Mike Krzyzewski, and the lessons they imparted to him. A great story teller and intellectual, there is always a pearl of wisom to learn from Paul.    

Wesleyan University Athletic Director talks about his path to being a first generation college stiudent competing in Football and Wrestling. He talks about his discovery of Football and Wreslting as a late blooming athlete in High School, and how this lead to him to ultimatley be the Athletic Director at Wesleyan University, CT. Other topics broached are, how he met his wife, who he'd like to play golf with and which uniform he prefers - football and wrestling. 

Rich Gibbons, President of SpeakInc, talks about his journey in the speakers bureau world. He talks about his time at Wesleyan Univeristy, CT and it's influence on where he is now. Rich played on thier squah team and touches on his experience. He talks through what it takes to become a speaker, how speakers are matched with events, the changing landcape of the speaker industry as well as the immense impact a speaker can truly make.

Meet Daryll Wyatt - co-owner of the Kansas City Stingers, professional tennis coach and pickleball player. Daryll takes us from his childhood beginnings in Washington D.C. to how he found tennis. His path to becoming a professional player, the inflences his mother had in shaping him and talks about what it was like oto be one of the few black players in this space. After getting injured from a bicycle accident, losing tennis and the passing of mother in a short space of time, he talks abuot how he found his was back to finding meaning in his life. He shares hishopes and dreams for the Kansas community and how he plans to be a part of that with the pickleball/tennis club he currently owns as well as the second one he is building. 

Chris Karges talks about her path to tennis greatness while being only five-feet tall. She discusses her battle with breast cancer to ultimately go on to be one of the worlds best 50+ professional pickleball players. Chris plays for the NPL professional pickleball team, Austin Ignite as well as being on the professional senior pickleball tour.