Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Don’t Get Me Started

In this episode of Don't Get Me Started, Christopher Smith welcomes renowned golf coach Hugh Marr for a no-nonsense discussion on the state of modern golf coaching. They tackle the rise of so-called "experts" on social media, the widespread lack of true coaching ability, and the struggle for golfers to find real, effective instruction. Hugh shares insights from his decades of experience coaching on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and beyond, explaining why he shifted his focus to mentoring the next generation of coaches.

The conversation dives into the pitfalls of coaching certifications, the misuse of sports science, and the over-reliance on technology. Hugh argues that data alone doesn’t make a great coach—interpretation and application are everything. They explore why the best instructors can adapt their teaching to fit each student rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Christopher and Hugh also take aim at the flawed concept of "average" golf swings, emphasizing that every player is unique and should be coached accordingly. They discuss how misguided attempts to "fix" a player’s natural tendencies can do more harm than good, sharing real-world examples of elite golfers whose careers suffered due to overly rigid coaching.

For anyone passionate about golf instruction—whether as a player, coach, or fan—this episode is a masterclass in what great coaching should look like. It's a deep dive into the art of teaching, the science of improvement, and the mindset required to make a real impact in the game.

In this episode of Don't Get Me Started, host Christopher Smith interviews Nathalie Sheehan, known as Nattiegolf on social media, who serves as the Director of Women’s Golf at Pelican Golf Club and is recognized as a Golf Digest best young teacher. The discussion explores the intersection of golf instruction and content creation, addressing the challenges posed by social media influencers, the role of technology in coaching, and effective teaching strategies for diverse audiences.

Nathalie expresses significant concern about the rise of online golf influencers, particularly female creators, who post instructional content without substantial teaching experience. She argues that such content, often designed to attract attention rather than educate, undermines the credibility of golf instruction. She emphasizes the importance of "street cred," gained through extensive time teaching on the lesson tee, and questions the legitimacy of influencers who lack this experience.

As Nattiegolf, Nathalie navigates the dual roles of content creator and coach. She views her online presence as a form of free advertising to attract students, particularly targeting the growing female golf audience post-COVID. Her content focuses on simple drills, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle tips, but she ensures it is backed by genuine teaching expertise. This balance allows her to maintain credibility while leveraging social media’s reach.

Nathalie’s teaching philosophy prioritizes understanding the golf ball’s behavior and tailoring lessons to individual needs. She advocates for simpler communication, especially for women, who may prefer less technical detail and more focus on comfort and competence. For men, she provides more detailed explanations. She also stresses the importance of asking students about their goals and providing clear, actionable advice to address misconceptions often fueled by online content.

While acknowledging the utility of tools like Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and pressure plates, Nathalie cautions against over-reliance on technology. She finds pressure plates particularly useful for setup feedback but emphasizes that exceptional coaches rely on observation and communication. She draws inspiration from coaches like Brad Faxon, who use simple, effective methods, such as one-handed putting drills, to make students feel valued.

Nathalie sees personal branding as essential for golf coaches to stand out in a competitive industry. However, she encourages aspiring coaches to overcome the fear of criticism, embrace failure, and focus on helping students improve. Her own journey reflects this resilience, as she has built credibility through persistent effort and a commitment to authentic instruction.

The episode highlights the challenge of information overload from online sources, which can confuse students and lead to ineffective practices. Nathalie advocates for coaches to filter this information, focusing on what is relevant and empowering students to understand cause and effect in their game.

Nathalie notes distinct approaches to coaching men and women. Women often require a more empathetic approach to address nervousness and prefer simpler instructions, while men may seek technical data. This tailored approach ensures students feel supported and confident.

Discover the secrets of elite junior golf with Jack Kelly, named one of America's best young golf instructors by Golf Digest. 

In this exclusive interview, Jack shares his passion for coaching young talent and the strategies that led 27 of his juniors to compete in the Washington State Junior Championship, with two claiming victory. Learn how Jack makes golf fun and engaging for younger players, ensuring they develop a lifelong love for the game, while providing advanced technical coaching for elite juniors aiming for top competitions. 

Perfect for parents, coaches, and aspiring young golfers, this video offers invaluable insights into junior golf development, coaching techniques, and the importance of parental support. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the top junior golf instructors. Like, share, and subscribe for more expert golf instruction and elite junior golf tips.

In this episode of *Don’t Get Me Started*, host Christopher Smith, a master golf instructor and Guinness World Record holder in speed golf, sits down with John Novosel Jr., co-founder of Tour Tempo and a renowned speed coach. The conversation dives deep into the science of golf swing tempo, speed training, and debunking common misconceptions in the golf world.  

Novosel emphasizes the importance of tempo as a foundational element of the golf swing, explaining how elite players like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau use faster tempos to maximize power and consistency. He contrasts tempo (elapsed time) with rhythm (pattern of motion), revealing that while tour pros share similar tempos, their rhythms vary. The discussion highlights how slower backswings often lead to poor sequencing and reduced distance, advocating for an "optimum tempo" tailored to each golfer’s mechanics and athleticism.  

The episode also explores speed training pitfalls, stressing the need for transferable gains to the course. Novosel warns against over-reliance on air swings or heavy clubs, which can cause injury, and instead recommends resistance-based tools like his Dragonfly training aid to promote implicit learning. He outlines a hierarchy for speed development: tempo first, followed by mechanics, physical conditioning, and finally, speed training.  

Listeners gain insights into longevity in golf, with Novosel sharing how he achieved peak speed in his 50s through targeted training. The conversation touches on motor learning, the illusion of control in slow swings, and the balance between distance and accuracy for amateur golfers. Practical takeaways include the value of curiosity in practice, the dangers of over-coaching, and the role of sensory cues (like auditory tempo tones) in performance.  

This episode is a must-listen for golfers seeking to unlock more distance, improve swing efficiency, and understand the interplay between tempo, speed, and mechanics. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive player, Novosel’s expertise offers actionable strategies to elevate your game.

In this episode of Don't Get Me Started, host Christopher Smith sits down with Dr. Mark Guadagnoli—neuroscience professor, performance coach, and expert in the psychology of elite performance.

Listeners can expect a deep dive into the mental side of golf and performance, as Dr. Guadagnoli shares insights from his work with world-class athletes, surgeons, and business leaders. The conversation explores how pressure affects performance, practical strategies to overcome mental barriers, and science-backed methods to accelerate learning.

Christopher and Dr. Guadagnoli also discuss optimizing practice, building confidence under pressure, and the importance of mindset in achieving peak performance. Whether you're a golfer, coach, or simply interested in performance psychology, this episode offers valuable takeaways on mastering the mental game.

Struggling with your putting? This podcast episode with David Orr, founder of Flat Stick Academy and top putting coach, reveals groundbreaking research and practical tips to transform your putting game. 

In this podcast episdoe you will learn:
✅ Why most putting advice is WRONG (and what to do instead)
✅ The hidden role of wrist and forearm movements (3D data proves it!)
✅ How to read greens like a tour pro (slope is your #1 enemy)
✅ The difference between coaching and teaching (performance vs. technique)
✅ Why "perfect strokes" don’t exist (variability is normal!)

⛳ CHAPTER MARKERS:
00:00 - "Your Putting Coach is WRONG" (The shocking truth)
01:26 - Coaching vs Teaching: What pros really focus on
03:20 - Why old-school putting advice destroys your game
05:42 - The 3D revolution in putting (What TrackMan can't show)
08:15 - "Your wrists are LYING to you" (Data proves it)
12:34 - The "Symphony" of a perfect stroke (Like sheet music)
16:45 - Tiger Woods' secret putting weapon (Hint: It's not what you think)
20:30 - Green reading myths BUSTED (Why aimpoint isn't enough)
25:18 - Putter fitting lies exposed (Why most fittings fail)
30:22 - Speed golf putting secrets (Why fast = better)
35:40 - The "zero torque" scam (Industry doesn't want you to know)
40:15 - Mental game hacks (Stop fighting your line)
45:50 - Future of putting tech (AI coming soon)
50:38 - "You'll suck at first - here's why that's GOOD" (David's final tip)

In this engaging conversation, Christopher Smith and Dr. Debbie Cruz explore the intricate relationship between psychology and performance in sports, particularly golf. They discuss the significance of thought processes, the concept of sub-personalities or 'mini-me's', and the psychological factors contributing to the yips. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of intention, accountability, and the adventure of performance, while also addressing the challenges athletes face in maintaining confidence and focus. In this conversation, Christopher Smith and Debbie Cruz delve into the mental aspects of golf performance, discussing the importance of overcoming fear and doubt, the role of the subconscious mind, and the impact of mental myths on golfers. They explore how adventure athletes maintain calmness under pressure, the significance of balance in the brain, and the necessity of determination in achieving success. The discussion also touches on the influence of language on performance and the unique insights gained from working with horses in coaching.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Debbie Cruz
05:11 The Importance of Thought in Performance
10:47 Understanding Sub-Personalities in Golf
17:40 Energy Transfer in Performance
24:51 The Yips: Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety
27:29 Understanding the Yips: A Deep Dive
30:05 The Role of Aim and Anxiety in Golf
33:07 Psychological vs. Neurological Yips
36:56 Outsmarting the Yips: Strategies and Techniques
40:42 Mental Myths in Golf: What to Focus On
49:14 Calmness in High-Pressure Situations
52:41 The Calm Before the Storm: Arousal and Focus
54:15 Relaxation vs. Performance: The Neurofeedback Study
56:25 Finding Balance: The Key to Optimal Performance
58:40 The C's of Performance: Consistency, Confidence, and Control
01:01:12 Determination Over Confidence: Strategies for Success
01:04:05 The Language of Expectations: Letting Go of Pressure
01:06:55 Chasing Goals: The Vision 54 Concept
01:12:22 Horses as Mirrors: Learning Through Connection
01:14:40 Bringing It All Together: Programs and Resources

In this episode of the Don't Get Me Started podcast, Christopher Smith engages with Ward Jarvis, a mental performance coach on the PGA Tour, discussing the intricacies of mental performance in golf, particularly focusing on the YIPS and its psychological implications. They explore the journey of golfer Brendan Todd, the connection between stuttering and performance anxiety, and the role of neuroscience in understanding these phenomena. The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding neuroscience in golf coaching and emphasizes the importance of prediction in the brain's functioning. Additionally, they address the fear factor in golf and how it parallels high-stakes professions like surgery. In this conversation, Christopher Smith and Ward Jarvis explore the intricate relationship between confidence, competence, and performance in golf. They discuss the myth of consistency, the importance of an approach mindset, and the challenges posed by the yips. The dialogue emphasizes the need for context-specific practice and effective strategies to enhance performance. They also touch on the role of neuroscience in understanding these phenomena and the integrity required in coaching and marketing within the sports industry.