The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
Ready to train your brain like you train your dog? This podcast is for dog handlers who know mindset matters—but don’t always know how to build it. I’m Julie Bacon, The Q Coach, and every week, I’ll bring you real-talk coaching, stories from the ring, and tools you can actually use to build a stronger performance mindset. Whether you’re dealing with ring nerves, inconsistency, fear of leveling up, or just want to feel more confident out there, this podcast is your weekly dose of support, strategy, and “omg same” moments. No fluff. No hype. Just practical mind...
#213: When your brain won’t shut up at trials (How to quiet the noise)
Today, we dive into four powerful focus strategies to help you stay calm and focused in the heat of the moment—whether you're in the ring or dealing with trial-day chaos. From pre-run rituals to in-the-moment refocusing techniques, let's maintain mental clarity and regain focus in the ring.
☕ Enjoying the podcast? Say thanks with a virtual coffee (or in my case, a slice of pizza! 🍕) → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach
📅 The 2025 Dogged Planner is here! Plan, track, and crush your goals. → https://www.theqcoach.com/dogged
💬 Got a question or topic idea? Ask me anything—anony...
#212: Which handler are you? (The real reasons we struggle with process goals)
We all know process goals matter — but actually sticking to them? That’s another story. In this episode, I break down the common mindset traps as “handler types” so you can finally see what’s holding you back and how to shift.
☕ Enjoying the podcast? Say thanks with a virtual coffee (or in my case, a slice of pizza! 🍕) → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach
📅 The 2025 Dogged Planner is here! Plan, track, and crush your goals. → https://www.theqcoach.com/dogged
💬 Got a question or topic idea? Ask me anything—anonymously if you’d like! → https://www.theqcoach...
#211: It’s not just a lucky shirt (It’s a mindset thing)
We all have our “things” — the socks we always wear, the lucky leash, the warm-up routine. But what’s the difference between a superstition and a routine? Or a ritual and a habit? In this episode, we dig into the psychology behind the things we repeat before our runs and how they can either support or sabotage our mindset. Spoiler: superstition isn’t a bad word. In fact, it might be your secret weapon... when you use it with intention.
☕ Enjoying the podcast? Say thanks with a virtual coffee (or in my case, a slice of pizza! 🍕) → https://www.buyme...
#210: Process a bad trial day with me (Along with the solution)
Bad trial day? We’ve all been there. Instead of letting it ruin my mindset, I used it as a live experiment in bouncing back—fast. In this episode, I break down exactly what went wrong, how I recovered in under an hour, and the mindset tools every handler needs to reset after setbacks. Whether you struggle with ring nerves, frustration, or just a rough competition day, this is your roadmap to getting back on track—quickly. Let’s make mental resilience a priority!
☕ Enjoying the podcast? Say thanks with a virtual coffee (or in my case, a slice of...
#209: The ‘after-Q slump’ is real (And what to do about it)
Ever feel a little lost after hitting a big milestone? Whether you just earned a title, had an amazing trial weekend, or finally hit a long-time goal, the “After-Q Slump” is real. Even elite athletes experience a mental dip after a major success! If you’ve ever wondered What now? after reaching a goal, this episode is for you!
☕ Enjoying the podcast? Say thanks with a virtual coffee (or in my case, a slice of pizza! 🍕) → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach
📅 The 2025 Dogged Planner is here! Plan, track, and crush your goals. → https://www.theqcoach.com/dogged
#208: Confidence Isn’t Magic (But It Sure Feels Like It)
Confidence isn’t just something you “have” or “don’t have”—it’s something you build (like reps in the gym, but for your brain). In this episode, we’re diving into what really fuels confidence in the ring and why waiting to “feel ready” is a total trap. Plus, I’ll share practical strategies to boost your confidence, even when doubt is creeping in. If you’ve ever felt rock-solid in training but wobbly in competition, this one’s for you!
☕ Enjoying the podcast? Say thanks with a virtual coffee (or in my case, a slice of pizza! 🍕) → https://www.buy...
#207: Revise that run before you file it. (Or, how to better deal with mistakes.)
Sure, mistakes are “sticky” because there are emotions attached to them, but they are also sticky because of how we treat them. When we replay a mistake over and over again in our minds, a neural pathway is formed - and it’s not a pathway that serves us. By using “revision” we can alter that mistake before we file it away in our memory bank.
Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach
The 2025 planner is out!! WooHoo! https://www.theqcoach.com...
#206: Trusting in process goals. (Even when you don’t yet believe.)
Process goals sound great in theory, but let’s be honest—most handlers struggle to truly embrace them until they experience that aha moment. So how do you trust the process before you actually believe in it? In this episode, we’re unpacking why handlers resist process goals, what finally makes them click, and (most importantly) how to lean into them now—even if you’re skeptical. If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing results, this one’s for you!
Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). https://www.buymea...
#205: Why mistakes are tough to get over. (And what we can do about that.)
Mistakes are part of all sports so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we can’t escape them completely. The best handlers are able to alchemize their mistakes into something useful while letting go of the emotions that come with them. Mistakes are sticky because we care - that’s a good thing - but we need reliable tools to reset.
Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach
The 2025 planner is out!! WooHoo! https://www.theqcoach.com/dogged
Got...
#204: Your ring nerves are not the problem. (Hot take: they’re actually the result.)
Recently in my 1:1 coaching work, I figured out a better angle when it comes to helping handlers work through their ring nerves. And like all of us who teach, sometimes we just find a better way to explain something so that it lands - this was a bit of that for me. Your ring nerves are not actually your issue, and I’m going to tell you why.
Support this podcast by saying thanks with a “virtual” coffee (or in my case, slice of pizza!). https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach
The 2025 planner is out!! WooHoo! https...
