PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith
I’m Rebecca Smith, your podcast host, and High Performance Coach. I’m Director of Complete Performance Coaching and founder of The #PerformHappy Community.Maybe you’re a gymnast with a fear of going backwards. A swimmer who can’t seem to go any faster. Or a parent who is clueless about how to help your child succeed. You might be stepping up to tougher competition and looking to raise your game. Whether you're struggling with a mental block, or you just had the best season of your life, this podcast is for you.Kids need resources to deal with the pres...
Fear isn't Forever - How to Build Lasting Confidence With International Elite Gymnast Céleste Mordenti
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with international elite gymnast Céleste Mordenti, the first gymnast from Luxembourg to ever win a FIG World Cup medal.
Céleste’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. As a young gymnast, she rose quickly through the ranks, representing Luxembourg at European and World Championships. But behind the medals and the spotlight, she battled the same struggles so many gymnasts face — fear, mental blocks, and the pressure to be perfect. At one point, she couldn’t even bring herself to swing giants, a skill she’...
Building a Champion Mindset with Utah Gymnast Avery Neff
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking with Utah gymnast Avery Neff — a rising star whose journey proves that resilience, mindset, and belief in yourself can take you further than raw talent ever could.
Avery wasn’t always the clean, confident athlete you see competing on the NCAA stage today. She started as a “floppy” gymnast, throwing skills with no fear but little form. With the help of her coaches, her relentless drive to prove herself, and a mindset shaped by her fearless family, she turned those early struggles into the foundation of a championship career.
Helping Kids Navigate the Pressure of Upcoming Competitions
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking to parents who are navigating one of the hardest parts of raising athletes: watching your kids struggle with disappointment, pressure, and even toxic coaching environments.
As parents, our instinct is to protect our kids from heartbreak and setbacks. But what if the very challenges we want to shield them from are the ones that help them build resilience for life? Using clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy’s “bench” analogy, I share how letting kids sit with their disappointment — instead of rushing to fix it — prepares them for the bigger bench...
From Injuries to Easterns - A Gymnast’s Comeback Story with Gymnast Arya & Sara Rose Page
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking to athletes and parents who are in the thick of it — setback after setback, injury after injury, and feeling like the dream is slipping away. If that’s you, I want you to meet Arya and her mom, Sara.
Arya spent years navigating injuries, mental blocks, and environments that didn’t bring out her best. She battled fear of re-injury, lost skills, and even walked into the gym in tears some days. Through it all, she held onto her dream of competing college gymnastics.
In this episode...
How to Get Your Skill Back Before Season Starts
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking to athletes who are stuck. You know you’re capable of doing the skill—you’ve done it before—but for some reason, it’s just not happening right now. Maybe you’re dealing with the pressure of move-ups, recovering from a past fall, or your brain is simply hitting the brakes. You’re not alone, and there is a way through it that doesn’t involve just pushing harder or trying to force your way over the mental block.
In fact, trying to "just do it" is usually the opposi...
Why Kids Get Camp Superpowers and How to Keep Them
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m sharing one of my favorite topics: the “camp magic” that gives athletes those powerful bursts of confidence, and what you can do when that confidence disappears back at the gym.
Whether it’s a breakthrough skill at camp or a fearless moment at competition, those experiences can feel like superpowers. But why don’t they last? I’ll explain what’s actually going on in the brain when athletes are in fresh, positive environments, and how you can capture that feeling and bring it home.
If your athlete has ev...
How to Build Lasting Confidence in 10 Minutes a Day
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m sharing the simplest way to build confidence, even if you feel like you don’t have a single extra minute.
So many athletes and sport parents tell me the same thing: “I want to feel more confident, but I’m just too busy to add one more thing to my day.”
Trust me, I get it. Between school, sports, work, and everything else, life is full. But what if I told you that just 10 minutes a day could actually rewire your brain for more confidence, happiness, and success?<...
How to Talk to Your Athlete About Their Sport Without Adding Pressure or Stress
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m talking directly to sport parents (but athletes, don’t tune out just yet!). I had two parents in our community share the same concern: “I don’t want to say the wrong thing.” They love their kids, they want to help, but they’re afraid they might accidentally be making things worse.
So in this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about how to actually support your athlete, without adding pressure, without creating shutdowns, and without walking on eggshells.
This is something I dive deep into in my Pe...
Should I Quit? 4 Questions Every Athlete Should Ask Themselves
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, Coach Rebecca dives into a powerful Q&A session centered around one of the most difficult crossroads in an athlete’s journey—deciding whether to keep going or walk away from their sport. Whether you’re deep in upgrade season, dreading practice, or feeling the spark fade, this episode offers clarity and compassion for athletes (and their parents) navigating burnout, fear, and identity.
Coach Rebecca shares personal stories from her own gymnastics career, candid conversations with athletes, and the key questions every gymnast should ask before making a decision they might regret...
3 Hidden Warning Signs You're Accidentally Keeping Your Athlete Stuck in Fear
Has your athlete suddenly developed a fear of a skill they’ve done a hundred times before? You know they can do it physically, but something’s holding them back… and no matter what you try, nothing seems to help.
In this week’s PerformHappy podcast episode, I’m diving into three hidden warning signs that you, as a well-meaning parent, might accidentally be keeping your athlete stuck in fear. Maybe you’ve tried everything: encouragement, time off, stepping back, even considering a new sport, but they're still shutting down.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about awa...
How I Stopped Pushing and Helped My Athlete Thrive with Susan Bardack
In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by sport parent and PerformHappy alum, Susan Bardack, for a real, honest conversation about the rollercoaster of raising an athlete.
Susan shares her daughter Ashland’s journey from gymnastics to D1 college diving, including how they navigated tough mental blocks and the moment everything shifted—when Susan stopped pushing and started trusting.
We talk about the lessons parents often learn the hard way, the impact of pressure (even when it's well-meaning), and how letting go actually helped Ashland find her confidence, joy, and success in sport.
If...
How to Help Your Athlete Manage Disappointment
There’s a specific kind of heartbreak that hits when your child doesn’t get moved up to the next level, especially when all their friends do. You see it in their face. You feel it in the silence on the car ride home. And as a parent, you just want to fix it. You want to make it better; give them hope and tell them to keep pushing. But deep down, you might already know… this just isn’t going to go the way they hoped.
In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m diving int...
How to Overcome Fear for Good – This Summer!
If your athlete is stuck in a mental block, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what I’m diving into on this week’s PerformHappy Podcast — because fear is something so many athletes struggle with, and honestly, it was my biggest struggle too.
You know the feeling — your athlete says they’re not scared, but they just can’t go. Or maybe they are scared and don’t know how to stop feeling that way. Either way, it can be incredibly frustrating for everyone involved.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why fear shows up (e...
How to Overcome Fear for Good – This Summer!
If your athlete is stuck in a mental block, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what I’m diving into on this week’s PerformHappy Podcast — because fear is something so many athletes struggle with, and honestly, it was my biggest struggle too.
You know the feeling — your athlete says they’re not scared, but they just can’t go. Or maybe they are scared and don’t know how to stop feeling that way. Either way, it can be incredibly frustrating for everyone involved.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why fear shows up (e...
Why Mental Training Doesn't Work
It’s frustrating. You’re doing everything “right.” You’ve got the mindset tools, the journaling prompts, the visualizations… but it’s still not clicking. In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m diving into a truth most people don’t talk about: sometimes mental training doesn’t work.
Yep, I said it. There are athletes who put in the effort and still feel stuck.
In this episode, I unpack the common reasons why—even with all the best tools—some kids don’t see results. And (spoiler alert), it’s not because they’re broken or lazy. A lot...
From Fear to Flow - Mastering the Athlete's Mindset with Lacey Rochelle
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I got to switch things up—I was the one answering the questions!
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lacey Rochelle from Shine Health Coaching to dive deep into the science behind fear and how it shows up in performance. We unpacked quick, practical tips for staying present when the pressure’s on, and talked about what it really takes to move from stuck to confident.
Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or a coach, you’ll hear how the right kind of support—from coaches, parents, and team...
The Truth About Hypermobility in Sports with Dr. Taylor Goldberg
Do you know an athlete who’s super bendy, always impressing with their flexibility, but constantly dealing with little injuries or pain that won’t go away? In this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I sat down with chiropractor and hypermobility expert Dr. Taylor Goldberg to unpack exactly what’s going on behind the scenes for these “Gumby-like” athletes.
Dr. Goldberg shares her own journey as a high-level cheerleader—how being extra flexible wasn’t always the gift it seemed—and what she wishes she had known back then. We talk about the real risks of pushing flexibility too far (yep, we’r...
The ABC Framework - Managing Fear in High-Risk Sports with Sam Buxbaum
Today on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of our own – Coach Sam, also known around here as Samantha Buxbaum. Sam is a fearless athlete who has competed in gymnastics, diving, and now rock climbing, and she brings so much wisdom from her journey through high-risk sports.
In this episode, Sam shares her experience with fear, mental training, and how critical self-advocacy is for athletes in what we call “scary sports.” She also dives into the ABC Framework — a simple, effective way to help athletes manage fear and build resilience.
Whether yo...
The Science of Bravery with Jill Schulman
If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child (or yourself) face fear and rise to the occasion, this episode is for you.
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jill Shulman—a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, positive psychology expert, and soon-to-be author of a book on the science of bravery. Yes, science! This wasn’t just a feel-good conversation… we dove deep into the research-backed strategies that help people become braver, happier, and more capable of achieving big dreams.
I couldn’t get enough of it. We...
How 3x Olympian Shallon Olsen Turns Pressure into Performance
Pressure is part of the game in gymnastics, but how do the best in the world handle it? On this episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I sit down with three-time Olympian Shallon Olsen from Canada to talk about just that.
Shallon is known for her powerful vaulting, but what sets her apart is her ability to stay calm and focused—even under intense competition pressure. We dive into her mindset, how she keeps her nerves in check, and the strategies she’s developed to thrive when the stakes are high.
If you've ever struggled with perf...
Kohei Uchimura's Coach Teaches the Key to Mental Strength
What does it take to coach one of the greatest gymnasts of all time? On today’s PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with Hiroaki Sato, the mastermind behind Japan’s men’s gymnastics gold medal at the 2024 Olympics and the coach of legendary gymnast Kohei Uchimura.
Sato’s coaching philosophy is all about putting people first. From working with the GOAT of men’s gymnastics to leading an entire team to victory, his approach is built on trust, joy, and teamwork. He shares game-changing insights on how to develop mental strength—not just for elite athletes, but for anyone s...
Trust, Accept, Be Present- Graham Betchart’s Three-Step Plan for Sport Success
In this episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with mental skills coach Graham Betchart, whose expertise has helped top NBA players develop a strong mindset for high-pressure moments. But what makes Graham’s approach so powerful is that it’s not just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to perform at their best, embrace mistakes, and stay present.
Graham shares his simple yet game-changing three-step plan: Trust, Accept, Be Present. He explains how trusting yourself, accepting whatever happens (mistakes and all), and staying in the moment can unlock your full potentia...
Lost Skills and Stuck Takeoffs - James Coomber’s Secrets to Tackling Both Types of Mental Blocks
Mental blocks can be one of the most frustrating challenges for athletes, whether it's a lost skill that suddenly disappears or a takeoff that just won’t feel right. In this episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I sit down with elite trampoline coach James Coomber to dive into both types of mental blocks and how to break through them.
James is an incredible coach who balances high-level goals with a nurturing approach. He’s worked with world-class athletes, but he firmly believes that there’s a place for everyone in the sport. In our conver...
Safer Skills, Happier Athletes - Dr. Ian Crider’s Gymnastics Roadmap
If you’ve ever felt like pushing harder is the only way to improve in gymnastics, this episode is for you. I sat down with Dr. Ian Crider, also known as the gymnastics doc, to talk about a better way—one that leads to safer skills, fewer injuries, and happier athletes.
Dr. Crider is the expert when it comes to balancing safe training with top-level performance. In our conversation, he breaks down how gymnasts can make real progress without pain, why smart conditioning is more effective than overtraining, and how something as simple as getting enough sleep can...
Choreographing Confidence With Chloe Van Bavel
This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Chloe Van Bavel, a former Dutch elite gymnast turned professional choreographer with an impressive background in ballet, modern dance, social work, and sports psychology. Chloe brings a unique perspective to the gymnastics world, helping athletes shine from the inside out.
In our conversation, Chloe shares how she builds confidence, creativity, and joy through the art of choreography. Whether you're a gymnast who thrives on performance or a "robo gymnast" who feels self-conscious about dancing, Chloe’s approach blends artistry and athleticism in a way that helps ever...
Suni Lee's Auburn Head Coach Jeff Graba on Making Winning Worth It
This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Graba, Auburn University’s legendary head gymnastics coach and mentor to Olympic champion Suni Lee.
In this episode, Jeff shares how he helps athletes navigate fear, bounce back from setbacks, and create championship journeys that aren’t just about winning—they’re about making the entire process meaningful and fulfilling.
Jeff’s insights are not only practical but also refreshing, especially in a high-pressure sport like gymnastics. He dives into strategies that help athletes grow through challenges while ensuring that their hard work...
Paving the Way for Future Champions with Olympian Chellsie Memmel
This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with someone who truly embodies resilience and passion for gymnastics: Chellsie Memmel. As a world champion, Olympian, and now an influential leader in USA Gymnastics, Chellsie has worn many hats in the sport, and she’s not done yet!
In our conversation, Chellsie shared her remarkable journey—one that includes her inspiring comeback to gymnastics in her 30s (proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion), her unique perspective on the selection process from the other side of the table, and the legacy she’s...
When ‘Winning It All’ Isn’t Enough - Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie on Reinventing Success
Have you ever wondered what happens after the medals are won and the records are broken? On this week’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Theresa Kulikowski-Gillespie, a true legend in gymnastics and an inspiration beyond the sport.
Theresa’s resume is remarkable: an Olympic alternate for the iconic 1996 Games, a two-time NCAA champion, a world bronze medalist, and a record-setting athlete at the University of Utah. But her story goes far beyond her accolades.
In our conversation, Theresa shares the challenges of navigating the intense world of 1990s elite gymn...
The Journey From Mental Blocks to College Commitment with Gymnast Soraya Rostocil
On the latest episode of the PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with Soraya Rostocil, a gymnast I’ve worked with in a mental training capacity for over five years. Watching her journey unfold has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Soraya's story is one that so many gymnasts can relate to—three years stuck at Level 7, grappling with mental blocks, and questioning whether it was time to walk away from the sport she loved. But instead of giving up, Soraya leaned into the mental training process, faced her fears, and learned to embrace challenges with cour...
Building Unshakable Self-Trust, with OU Gymnast Hannah Scheible
This week on the PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of talking with the incredible Hannah Scheible, one of Oklahoma State University’s standout gymnasts. Hannah’s reputation for consistency and success is undeniable, but what truly fascinated me was uncovering the mindset that drives her achievements.
Despite her impressive track record, Hannah shared that her journey hasn’t been without challenges. She’s faced mental blocks and moments of fear—just like so many athletes do. What sets her apart is how she’s learned to navigate those obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
Culture, Character, and Championships- OU Coach Mark Williams on High-Performance Coaching
On this week’s PerformHappy Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome a true legend in the world of gymnastics coaching, Mark Williams. As the head coach of the Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team for over two decades, Mark has built a legacy that includes nine national championships, countless All-Americans, and multiple Olympians.
But what sets Mark apart isn’t just the medals and titles—it’s his ability to cultivate character, resilience, and trust within his athletes.
In our conversation, Mark shares his approach to high-pressure moments, like preparing athletes for the Olympics, and the importance o...
A College Gymnast’s Guide to Turning Pressure Into Power with Kyrstin Johnson
In this week's PerformHappy Podcast episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Kyrstin Johnson, whose gymnastics journey is nothing short of inspiring. From starting gymnastics later than most to thriving at an HBCU, Kyrstin's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and mental toughness.
But her journey wasn't without challenges. When her team was unexpectedly cut, Kyrstin faced one of the toughest moments in her athletic career. Instead of letting this setback define her, she used it as an opportunity to grow stronger, both mentally and physically.
In our conversation, Kyrstin opens up about...
Jill Hicks on What Truly Matters in College Recruiting
Today on the PerformHappy Podcast, I’m joined by Jill Hicks, one of the top experts in college gymnastics recruiting. If you’re a gymnast dreaming of competing at the college level, or a parent or coach supporting that dream, this episode is packed with must-hear advice.
Jill shares her wealth of knowledge on navigating eligibility rules, finding the right college fit, and staying motivated through the ups and downs of the recruiting journey. She breaks down what truly matters in the recruiting process—beyond just scores and skills—and offers practical insights for athletes at every stage.
Carly Dockendorf Transforms Utah Gymnastics, One Athlete at a Time
On today’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Carly Dockendorf, head coach of Utah Gymnastics. Carly brings a unique perspective to the table—not just as a coach but as a former national team athlete for Canada who has faced her own challenges with mental blocks.
During our conversation, Carly opens up about her struggles with fear and how those experiences have shaped her approach to coaching. She shares her insights into creating a culture of trust and reigniting passion in her athletes. Carly doesn’t hold back, offering an authentic, behind-the-scenes look a...
Coaching Fearless, Fun, and Technically Excellent Gymnasts with Morgan Mannix
If you’re looking for a feel-good, inspiring conversation, you won’t want to miss this week’s episode of the PerformHappy podcast! I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Morgan Mannix, the general manager of Dana Mannix Gymnastics and a standout coach known for her innovative, athlete-first approach.
Morgan is a true expert in the art of balancing joy and excellence in gymnastics. Whether it’s helping gymnasts overcome mental blocks, breaking down complex skills into approachable progressions, or designing drills that are both technical and fun, Morgan’s creativity shines through in everything she does.
...
From Twisties to Triumph- Carissa Clay’s Path to Confidence
On today's podcast, I’m sitting down with collegiate gymnast Carissa Clay, who has a story you won’t want to miss. Carissa has competed at two Division 1 schools and is now in her fifth year of eligibility—a testament to her love for the sport and her incredible resilience.
We talk about some of the toughest challenges she’s faced, including navigating mental blocks like the twisties, a challenge many gymnasts know all too well. Carissa shares how she worked through those moments, redefining her identity beyond gymnastics and finding joy in embracing imperfection.
Her jour...
How to Get Perfect 10s with Positivity with Coach Yandis Urquila
On today’s PerformHappy Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Coach Yandy Urquila—a name many of you might recognize from social media as one of the most inspiring coaches out there. After this episode, it’s easy to see why he’s earned that reputation.
Yandy’s journey began as a self-proclaimed “gym baby,” growing up in his parents' gym, where he developed not just his gymnastics skills but also a deep passion for the sport. Over the years, he’s become a game-changing coach, known for his innovative drills, incredible positivity, and, perhaps most imp...
Recover Stronger and Prevent Injuries with The Gymnastics PT, Brittany Lapinski
Today on the PerformHappy podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Brittany Lapinski, better known as The Gymnastics PT, to talk about something every gymnast, coach, and parent needs to hear: how to prevent injuries and recover stronger when setbacks happen.
Dr. Lapinski shares her expert insights on building a mindset that prioritizes injury prevention and long-term health. She explains how gymnasts can avoid common mistakes that often lead to injuries, while also giving practical tips for recovering both physically and mentally. Her approach focuses on helping athletes trust their bodies, make smart choices, and stay resilient through ch...
Using Setbacks as Opportunities for Growth with Sam Phillips
On today’s PerformHappy podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sam Phillips, a former international elite gymnast and current standout at the University of Illinois. Sam’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—from competing on the national stage to overcoming personal challenges that helped him rediscover his joy in the sport.
In this episode, Sam opens up about his "mental health era" and how he’s embraced setbacks as opportunities for growth. He shares how he turned self-doubt into confidence and found a new purpose in gymnastics.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or s...
How to Get Into Your Dream School with Rachel Collins
Today's podcast is a must-listen for all the sport families out there who feel the pressure of the college admissions process. Whether you’re facing setbacks like injuries or worried that athletic achievements alone might not be enough to open those college gates, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s more to the story than just sports stats.
I’m thrilled to welcome Rachel Collins to the show! Rachel is the CEO of College Prep Consulting and has an incredible background as a former admissions officer at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She’s here to share in...
