Play Free Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Get back to Playing Free On and Off the Court! A short recording from Jon.

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Unlock the secrets to overcoming passive play and reaching peak performance on the Playfree Podcast. Ever wondered why athletes falter despite knowing the game plan like the back of their hand? We promise to unravel this conundrum by sharing insights into the constant tug-of-war between instant gratification and the dedication needed for long-term success. Through compelling discussions, learn practical strategies to dismantle mental barriers, set specific action goals, and utilize game footage to enhance assertiveness. We shine a spotlight on the power of focusing on personal actions instead of external pressures, offering a riveting case study of a client who revolutionized her game through goal-setting and self-accountability.

In our latest episode, we explore how personalized goal-setting can significantly elevate athletic performance. Instead of aiming for unrealistic targets, we guide athletes to bravely step just outside their comfort zones, embracing manageable challenges. Discover how small, strategic actions can drastically shift mindsets—whether it's being a decisive shooter or mastering the art of creating separation on the court. We also share how reframing scoring as a product of timing can enhance opportunities naturally. By prioritizing action over motivation, even simple pre-game rituals like light warmups or engaging in high-fives can propel confidence and focus, setting the stage for athletes to truly unlock their full potential.

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In this episode of the Play Free Podcast, Jon addresses the common question of how to control thoughts and emotions. He shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of self-compassion and grounding techniques to manage intrusive thoughts. The conversation emphasizes the significance of connecting with the body and regulating emotions to foster mental well-being and confidence.

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In this engaging conversation, Mitch Creek shares his journey as a professional athlete, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, meditation, and personal growth. He discusses the challenges of maintaining identity beyond sports, the significance of honest conversations, and the need for financial literacy among athletes. Mitch highlights the power of vulnerability and the necessity of building connections for mental performance. He concludes with practical advice for aspiring professionals on budgeting, protecting assets, and exploring new opportunities.

• Meditation enhances performance both on and off the court.
• Self-identity should extend beyond being an athlete.
• Professionalism starts with self-awareness and personal growth.
• Team dynamics are crucial for success in sports.
• Honest conversations can lead to deeper connections.
• Financial literacy is essential for long-term success.
• Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
• Control your emotions to improve performance.
• Every experience is an opportunity for growth.
• Choice and freedom are vital for personal happiness.

• Finding Identity Beyond Sports
• The Mind of a Professional Athlete

Chapters

01:15 The Journey into Meditation

06:21 The Reality of Professional Sports

10:36 Understanding Roles and Sacrifices in Team Dynamics

15:53 The Importance of a Full Circle Athlete

18:11 Self-Discovery Through Adversity

25:16 The Power of Honest Conversations

36:44 Conclusion and Reflections on Growth

37:09 The Power of Release and Learning

45:34 Embracing Vulnerability and Trying New Things

59:42 Financial Awareness and Organization for Athletes

01:14:19 Practical Tips for Financial Management

keywords Mitch Creek, meditation, professional sports, self-awareness, financial literacy, personal growth, mental performance, athlete mindset, team dynamics, honest conversations, play free basketball

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Jon Giesbrecht discusses the journey of personal growth and confidence building, emphasizing the importance of commitment and routine. He outlines the three levels of confidence, the challenges faced in maintaining a stable mindset, and the significance of developing mental frameworks. Giesbrecht encourages listeners to commit to daily practices that foster growth and accountability, ultimately leading to supreme confidence and personal success.

Chapters

00:00 Building Confidence: An Introduction

01:08 Understanding the Levels of Confidence

04:42 The Role of Mental Frameworks

05:55 The Journey to Supreme Confidence

07:05 Commitment to Process: A Challenge for Growth

keywords: confidence, personal growth, commitment, mental frameworks, journaling, self-improvement, coaching, athlete mindset, manifestation, discipline

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In this meditation session, Jon guides athletes through the "Composed Pro" Meditation, focusing on developing confidence and emotional regulation. The meditation emphasizes recognizing physiological signals, visualizing a protective soldier, and learning to detach from emotions to enhance performance. The session encourages self-awareness and the use of breath as an anchor to ground oneself in the present moment.

• Meditation helps athletes elevate their game from within.
• Recognizing physiological signals is crucial for performance.
• Vulnerability can enhance creativity and performance.
• Breath serves as an anchor to settle the mind.
• Visualizing a protective soldier aids in emotional regulation.
• Detaching from emotions allows for better focus.
• Practice is essential for rewiring the mind.
• Acknowledging feelings is the first step to managing them.
• Creating a safe mental space enhances performance.
• Mindfulness can be developed over time with consistency.

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Andy Bass

Introduction: Andy details his journey from developing yips as a pitcher to earning his doctorate in motor behavior, where he discovered his passion for helping athletes overcome mental blocks. He landed his first job in mental skills coaching with the Pirates after they recognized his unique ability to relate to players' experiences.

Validating emotions and importance of listening: Andy emphasizes the critical importance of validating an athlete's emotions to make them feel heard and understood, which allows them to process what they're feeling and become more receptive. He stresses coaches must listen without judgment and avoid dismissing how an athlete feels.

Finding flow and managing expectations: Andy explains the dimensions that can help athletes enter a state of flow, such as balancing challenge and skills. He advises setting process-oriented goals within one's control to manage expectations, rather than outcome-focused goals that rely on external factors.

Goal setting with athletes: Andy details the SMART framework for goal-setting - making goals specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. He works with athletes using questioning to help them establish process-focused goals within their control that will lead to performance and outcome goals.

Pushing athletes while respecting boundaries: Andy notes the importance of reading an athlete's comfort level when providing mental skills support. For newcomers or veterans, he looks for organic ways like overhearing conversations to demonstrate his willingness to help without forcing it. Directly asking questions can also help push some athletes.

Addressing weaknesses as a coach: Andy admits to being too non-confrontational and focused on avoiding disruption. He's working on being more assertive while also modeling vulnerability through sharing his own mental health struggles. He aims to learn alongside athletes rather than position himself as the sole expert.

Overcoming slumps: Andy encourages athletes to talk through struggles and use techniques like differential learning in practice. He advises shifting focus to controllable process goals like defense rather than uncontrollable outcomes, and helping others to shift the mindset away from solely results.

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KYLE JULIUS PODCAST NOTES:

Establishing Identity

Kyle establishes his coaching identity is built on valuing hard work, honesty and developing players. He faces criticism as some players love while others hate his demanding approach.

⁠Building Relationships Through Honesty

Kyle emphasizes building trust with players through honest, weekly conversations about expectations and performance. Players don't always share honestly due to fear, requiring alternative communication channels.

Developing Players Through Hard Work

Kyle's passion is player development, grinding alongside them daily. Success comes when most players share his work ethic; otherwise friction arises from misaligned motivations.

Reflecting on Mistakes to Improve

Facing failure, Kyle deeply self-reflects, identifying relational errors and emotional inconsistencies. He resolves to improve communication and maintain composure through adversity.

Maintaining Consistency While Adapting

Kyle tailors his identity to new contexts but remains authentic to core values. Experience teaches fluidity within structure; he gives players space amid intensity to optimize growth.

Leading Through Authenticity and Experience

Kyle doubles-down on proven beliefs while integrating new perspectives. A leader emerges from challenges by earning others' trust over time through consistency and honesty.

Recruiting the Right Fit for Success

Prioritizing character over talent, Kyle learns to select self-motivated players aligned with his vision. Their shared work ethic and honesty cultivate the trust enabling championship caliber teamwork.

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On this episode, Jon interviews friend Tyler Harvey.

Tyler Jordan Harvey is an American professional basketball player for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League. He played college basketball for the Eastern Washington Eagles, where he led Division I in scoring as a junior. He was drafted by the Orlando Magic.

You can follow Tyler on his Instagram @hoopersparadise1.

If you are interested in our becoming a pro client or learning how to Play Free apply or purchase our journal through Instagram (@playfreebball) or email Jon through support@playfreebball.com. 

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On this episode, Jon interviews a Play Free member and pro client Glen Yang.

Glen is starting his second season with the Bay Area Dragons (Teammate of Duncan Reid), after finishing his first CEBL season with the Winnipeg Sea Bears. At the time of this recording, Glen had been a client with Play Free for 3 months.

If you are interested in our Play Free Membership, apply through Instagram direct message (@playfreebball) or email Jon through support@playfreebball.com.

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