Finding Small Wins

For more episode information and other content, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com

In this conversation, Adam interviews Brook Choulet, a sports and performance psychiatrist, about mental health in sports. They discuss the different credentials in the mental health field, the challenges athletes face in terms of isolation and mental well-being, and the integration of mental health and physical performance. They also explore the concepts of mental health, mental wellness, mental illness, and mental performance. Brook emphasizes the importance of education, collaboration, and creating a safe space for athletes to be vulnerable. She also shares advice for achieving high performance and finding small wins.

Takeaways

There are various credentials in the mental health field, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and certified mental performance consultants.

Athletes often face isolation and struggle with mental well-being despite the perception of a glamorous life.

Integration of mental health and physical performance is crucial in sports, and it requires education, collaboration, and creating a safe space for athletes to be vulnerable.

Mental health refers to overall psychological well-being, while mental wellness is multidimensional and includes physical, emotional, social, and occupational dimensions.

Mental skills training takes mental health to the next level and focuses on building resilience, confidence, and enhancing mental and physical performance.

To achieve high performance, it is important to have a clear vision, set realistic goals, and focus on small wins.

Finding a balance between vulnerability and oversharing is essential in building genuine connections and trust.

Acknowledging and celebrating small wins can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

00:00 Introduction and Credentials

06:44 Understanding Mental Health, Wellness, Illness, and Performance

12:14 Psychological Readiness and Return to Play

26:43 Optimizing Integration of Mental Health in Team Environments

For complete episode information, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com

In this conversation, Jordan Webb, a sports scientist at U.S. Soccer, discusses the challenges of managing international soccer players and the integration of data in decision-making. He shares his experience in using GPS data to evaluate player performance and training load, as well as the importance of building relationships with clubs and players. Webb also emphasizes the limitations of injury prediction and the need to focus on making informed decisions rather than relying solely on data. He highlights the challenges of outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience in a data-driven world.

In this conversation, Jordan Webb shares insights on decision-making in high-performance sports and the importance of building relationships and prioritizing wellness. He emphasizes the need for practitioners to understand power dynamics and influence tactics in order to navigate complex environments. Webb also discusses his pursuit of a PhD in decision-making and his research on improving decision-making processes in high-performance organizations. He highlights the value of being present and mindful in both personal and professional settings. Webb shares his favorite cities and stadiums he has traveled to and recounts memorable moments in the locker room.

KEY TAKEWAYS

Managing international soccer players requires building relationships with clubs and players and integrating data from various sources.

GPS data is used to evaluate player performance and training load, but injury prediction remains challenging.

The focus should be on making informed decisions based on the quality of judgment and process, rather than relying solely on data.

Outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience can impact decision-making in sports.

Evaluating the quality of judgment and process requires aligning heuristics and experience with data and managing expectations. Build relationships and prioritize wellness to show up for the people you work with and care about

Understand power dynamics and influence tactics to navigate complex environments

Be present and mindful in both personal and professional settings

Improve decision-making processes in high-performance organizations

Enjoy the perks of traveling to different cities and experiencing different stadiums

Create memorable moments in the locker room that foster camaraderie and celebration

00:00 Introduction and Background

10:02 Integrating Data in Decision-Making

34:12 Making Informed Decisions Based on Judgment and Process

41:51 Building Relationships and Prioritizing Wellness

50:49 Preparing Athletes with Different Starting Points

01:00:46 Prioritizing Wellness for Personal and Professional Success

01:08:20 Experiencing the Perks of Traveling and Representing the US

01:19:04 Creating Memorable Moments in the Locker Room

Upgrade your game! Visit AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram @adam.loiacono for more insights. In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Dr. Adam Loiacono is joined by David Tenney, a high-performance director with extensive experience in MLS and the NBA. They dive deep into tactical periodization, a game-changing approach to training that integrates physical, cognitive, and emotional preparation.

David shares how this methodology enhances performance in soccer and other sports, drawing on his leadership roles at Austin FC, Orlando Magic, and Seattle Sounders. The conversation touches on load management, the importance of cognitive diversity in teams, and the nuances of transitioning between leagues. Learn how tactical periodization influences not only athletic performance but also injury recovery and return to play strategies.

Don’t miss out on exclusive podcast content at adamloiacono.com/category/podcast.

Elevate your performance and rehab strategies! Visit AdamLoiacono.com and follow Adam on Instagram @adam.loiacono. In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Dr. Adam Loiacono sits down with Daniel Bodkin, a leader in isokinetic testing and Director of Clinical Education for HUMAC Norm. Daniel shares his journey from military service to becoming a recognized expert in performance profiling, providing insights into isokinetics’ role in modern rehab and athletic training.

They explore how isokinetic testing improves strength, rate of force development, and rehabilitation outcomes, as well as its applications in return-to-play protocols. Learn why eccentric strength and torque development are critical for performance and injury prevention.

Get exclusive podcast content at adamloiacono.com/category/podcast.

Unlock Your Performance Potential – Visit AdamLoiacono.com for elite training insights and follow Adam on Instagram at @adam.loiacono.

In this episode of Finding Small Wins, Adam sits down with Brady Howe, a seasoned expert in sports medicine and performance training, to unpack his career spanning from the G-League to the NBA and back to college athletics. Brady’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and hard-earned wisdom—from driving team buses in the minor leagues to leading NBA health and performance strategies.

Adam and Brady dive deep into:

• The evolution of sports performance from college to pro leagues
• How networking (done right) can shape career opportunities
• The realities of working in the NBA, G-League, and college athletics
• How NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) is reshaping college sports
• The impact of mental performance and sports psychology on rehab

Brady also shares his biggest lessons learned in leadership, burnout, and career pivots—offering invaluable advice for young professionals in sports performance, strength & conditioning, and athletic training.

🎧 Don’t miss this insightful conversation! For more exclusive podcast content, visit: Finding Small Wins Podcast Hub.