Becoming My Stronger Me
"Becoming My Stronger Me” is a podcast designed to help you become stronger in mind, body, and heart. Season 1 - Like 47 million other Americans, I voluntarily left my successful full-time career to pursue, well, whatever was next. We’ll call this “my great resignation.” As you get to know me, you’ll see that I’m a type-A planner. So to make a life choice without some grand detailed master plan on the other side was unheard of. But now, 2 years later, it was the best decision of my life. Join me as I share my story, questions I asked myself (or wish I had), missteps I made (and how to avoid them), the effect this had on me and everyone around me, and other musings that helped me to become my stronger me. Season 2 - The Mental Performance Series is dedicated to exploring the intricate relationship between mental performance, sports excellence, leadership, and personal growth. We’ll dive deep into the psychology behind peak performance in athletics, leadership roles, and everyday life. Whether you're an athlete looking to optimize your mental game on the field, a leader seeking to inspire and motivate your team, or an individual striving for personal growth and success, this series provides practical tips, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to help you unlock your full potential and become your stronger you. Check out additional resources online: (https://www.becomingmystrongerme.com) and IG (@strongerme)!
Episodes
Peak performance depends not only on effort, but also on alignment with the body’s natural rhythms.
This episode explores current research on how hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle influence training, recovery, and injury risk in female athletes. Drawing from emerging evidence—including the FIFA-funded study on female soccer players and ACL injuries—the discussion highlights what science has uncov...
Comparing yourself to teammates, rivals, or even highlight reels on social media is nearly impossible to avoid. But when social comparison takes over, it can erode confidence, fuel anxiety, and impact mental health.
In this episode, Coach Nassim explores the psychology of social comparison, from Leon Festinger’s classic theory to modern research on how constant upward comparison undermines motivation and joy in...
Parents are some of the most powerful influences in an athlete’s life. The car rides, sideline reactions, and dinner table conversations all leave lasting impressions that can either build confidence or increase pressure.
In this episode, I explore the parent–athlete relationship—what helps, what hurts, and how parents, coaches, and athletes themselves can create environments that support resilience, confidence...
Talent might win games, but culture wins championships. In this episode, I explore how team cohesion and culture can elevate performance on the field and far beyond it. Drawing on sports psychology research, real-life examples, and years of experience working with athletes and coaches, this episode unpacks what makes teams thrive: trust, communication, and shared purpose. You’ll hear practical insights for ath...
We all know about the fear of failure—but what about the fear of success? In this episode, I unpack a mindset pattern that quietly limits athletes, coaches, and even parents: the tendency to hold back just as things are going well.
Drawing from psychology, sport science, and real-life examples, I explore why some athletes shrink when the spotlight gets brighter, how fear of success differs from fear of failure,...
In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Penkala—former racehorse jockey, licensed massage therapist, wellness educator, and author of "The Pause to Relax". Linda’s journey from the fast-paced, high-stress world of horse racing to her work in women’s health and self-care offers a powerful perspective on resilience, healing, and the importance of slowing down.
We talk about how her experience as ...
In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Lineberger—a lifelong softball player, former collegiate athlete, and mental health professional who has redefined her relationship with the sport she loves.
Kelsey’s journey began at just five years old on the t-ball field and carried her through collegiate play in West Virginia and at Saint Vincent College. After graduation, she coached as a graduate assistant a...
In this episode, I’m joined by Jess Jensen, founder of Co-pilot Communications, a Portland-based advisory helping bold executives and founders build digital brands that actually sound like them.
After 20 years inside Fortune 100 companies—including Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nestlé, and Adidas—Jess launched Co-pilot in 2024 to help leaders stop playing small online and start showing up with clarity and conf...
In this episode, I sit down with Simone Knego—speaker, author, adventurer, and creator of the REAL Method. Simone’s approach to leadership and self-growth is grounded in everyday life, reminding us that the most powerful lessons don’t just happen in boardrooms, but around our kitchen tables.
From her days as a competitive horseback rider to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Simone’s journey is a testament to resilie...
In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Tom Swales—a seasoned physiotherapist, strength coach, and creator of the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) Certification. With over 20 years in orthopedic healthcare and a journey that includes overcoming a life-threatening infection, Tom brings unmatched insight into resilience, rehabilitation, and movement mastery.
Whether you’re recovering from injury, build...
In this episode, I’m joined by Priestly—longtime radio personality, athlete, and father of three. Known across Maryland for his upbeat energy and voice behind the mic, Priestly has spent decades connecting with listeners through stations like B102.7, Mix 106.5, and SiriusXM’s Pop2K and 90s on 9.
But beyond his radio career, Priestly's story is one of reinvention, resilience, and raising athletes ...
In this episode, I sit down with Demetra Mallios—former professional soccer player turned founder and CEO of Puberry, a wellness company on a mission to reframe puberty for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Demetra shares her journey from competing at the highest levels of soccer to launching a purpose-driven company focused on empowering youth through education, confidence, and self-awareness.
We explore...
In this episode, I'm joined by Gary Chupik—high-performance mindset coach, author, speaker, and founder of Elite Mindset.
Gary has spent over 20 years helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders tap into the mental side of performance. With a background in NCAA coaching and a client roster that spans Olympic athletes, NHL pros, and high-level business executives, Gary brings a wealth of insight on what it...
In this episode, I'm joined by Joe Gyau—a U.S. Men’s National Team veteran, Bundesliga trailblazer, and third-generation professional footballer. Joe takes us inside his incredible journey: from his upbringing, leaving the U.S. as a teenager to pursue his dream in Germany, to breaking into the first team at Borussia Dortmund, and beyond.
We talk about resilience, mindset, and what it means to carry a famil...
In this episode, I share how athletes can grow—regardless of whether they’re the most or least experienced player on the field. Summer brings unique opportunities: pickup games, camps, and guest sessions that mix skill levels. How you approach these moments determines how much you grow.
Drawing on sports psychology and learning theory, I explore strategies for athletes, coaches, and parents to turn any training...
In this episode, I dive into one of the most sought-after—and misunderstood—mental performance tools: flow state.
Also known as “being in the zone,” flow is that powerful mental space where time slows, action feels effortless, and focus is razor sharp. But it’s not just for elite athletes—it’s trainable for anyone who wants to elevate performance in sport, work, or life.
This episode is packe...
In this episode, I explore one of the most powerful tools in mental performance: the Triangle of State—the connection between your physiology, focus, and language. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, you'll learn how to shift your emotional and mental state by taking control of your body, attention, and self-talk.
I'll share real-life examples, explain why we often let our stat...
In this episode, I share my journey into coaching—from growing up as a multi-sport athlete to rising through the ranks of higher education leadership, and ultimately making the bold decision to pivot into mental performance coaching.
What began as a career in education evolved into a mission-driven practice of supporting athletes, coaches, and parents in strengthening both body and mind. Nassim opens up about w...
In this episode, I’m joined by Nate Baker—former Division 1 soccer captain, professional player, coach, and founder of The Developer’s Way. With over 35 years of experience across every level of American soccer, Nate has seen the gaps in how we develop players—and he's on a mission to change that.
We talk about what it means to truly put people at the center of development, how to build environments that p...
In this episode, I’m joined by Lee Povey—high-performance leadership coach, former elite cyclist, and the mind behind countless world-class athletes and founders. From competing at the highest levels of sport to building and leading the Olympic Development Program for USA Cycling, Lee brings a rare depth of experience in both physical and emotional performance.
We dive into the powerful mindset shifts that sepa...
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