Beyond the X's & O's Podcast Dr. Cassidy Preston & Chris DePiero

In this episode, they are joined by Ryan Lavarnway, a former MLB player with an incredible career including winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox and representing Team Israel at the 2020 Olympics. Ryan shares his incredible journey getting to the big leagues - notably, where he was sent up and down from the big leagues 26 times. 
Ryan’s mindset was shaped by the use of interrogative self-talk. Specifically he eloquently explains how four questions were the key to his success: 
Why not me? 
Why not more? 
Why not us? 
Why not now?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and insights into the mental game of a professional athlete. Ryan Lavarnway's engaging story and the valuable lessons shared make this episode a powerful exploration of mindset in sports.
For more information about Ryan & his Keynote Speech checkout his website at:
https://ryanlavarnway.com/ 
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Welcome to another episode of the "Beyond the X's and O's" podcast, your go-to destination for discussions on mindset and leadership within the world of sports. In this episode, hosts Dr. Cassidy Preston and Chris DiPiero take a unique turn as they welcome Scott Oakman, a seasoned referee with almost a thousand games under his belt and the Executive Director of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), the world's largest minor hockey league.
Here's a brief overview of what to expect in this insightful conversation:
Journey of a Referee: Scott shares his experiences as a referee, delving into the challenges and mental fortitude required to officiate in the high-stakes world of hockey. The hosts discuss the evolution of officiating and the crucial role referees play in the game.
Behind the Scenes of the GTHL: Gain an exclusive look into the operations of the Greater Toronto Hockey League as Scott discusses his role as the Executive Director. Understand the initiatives and changes being implemented to enhance the hockey experience for players, parents, and coaches.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Scott provides insights into the GTHL's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the sport.
Safety Measures and Player Wellbeing: Explore the safety measures and protocols implemented by the GTHL under Scott's leadership to prioritize the wellbeing of young players.
This episode offers a fresh perspective on the game of hockey, going beyond the player and coach dynamic to explore the critical role of referees and the intricacies of managing a major hockey league. Scott Oakman's wealth of experience and leadership insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about the sport.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. Reach out with your questions and thoughts, and join the conversation as we continue to explore the world "Beyond the X's and O's."
 

Welcome to the "Beyond the X's and O's" podcast, where we delve into the world of sports, focusing on mindset and leadership. In this episode, your hosts, Dr. Cassidy Preston and Chris DiPiero, welcome a special guest, Luca Gianinazzi, a 30-year-old head coach of a professional hockey team in Switzerland, Hockey Club Lugano, which competes in the Swiss National League.
Luca's unique perspective on coaching and leadership is a fascinating look into the new era of coaching in the world of sports. He provides valuable insights and shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, communication, and developing players not only as athletes but as individuals.
Here's a glimpse of what you can expect in this insightful episode:
Embracing Self-Reflection: Luca discusses his journey into coaching, embracing the idea of self-reflection, and why it's crucial to continually grow as a coach.
The Challenge of Leadership at a Young Age: As a 30-year-old head coach, Luca opens up about the challenges he faces, especially addressing concerns about his age with his players and superiors.
The Power of Communication: Luca highlights the significance of communication in coaching, focusing on building strong relationships with players and demonstrating genuine care and interest in their development, both on and off the ice.
Balancing the Short-Term and Long-Term Goals: Luca's approach to coaching is rooted in developing a strong team culture and program for long-term success, even while aiming to win in the short term.
Delegating and Managing Energy: Luca shares his insights into learning to delegate responsibilities as a coach and manage his energy effectively.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving world of coaching and leadership in sports. Luca's wisdom and experience provide valuable lessons for coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts alike. Enjoy this deep dive into the mindset of a remarkable young coach as they go "Beyond the X's and O's."
Remember to subscribe, like, comment, and share your thoughts. If you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out.
 

In this episode, Cassidy interviews David Gucciardi, a prospect of the Washington Capitals. He discusses the work he has done on his mindset through his junior and college hockey career thus far. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect in this engaging episode:
Developing His Emotional Regulation:  David discusses his transition from a player where his emotions would get the best of him to someone who has learned to stay even keel.
Staying Connected to the Love of the Game: David shares the story of how he developed his powerful alter ego, "ODR Gucc" to stay connected to his love for hockey during high-pressure moments.
Balancing Offensive Creativity and Defensive Reliability: Learn how David balances his game, focusing on aggressive defensive play while maintaining his creative offensive style.
Capability Over Performance: Discover the importance of focusing on capability over short-term performance as a way to maintain confidence and positive momentum.
Encouraging Early Mindset Work: David encourages young athletes to start working on their mental game early and embrace it as a unique way to gain an advantage in their sport.
David Gucciardi's insights offer valuable lessons for athletes, coaches, and parents who are keen on understanding and improving the mental aspect of sports. 
Remember to subscribe, like, and leave comments. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. 
Enjoy this episode as we continue to explore the world "Beyond the X’s and O’s."
 

In this episode, we have a captivating conversation with Steve Spott, a long-time friend of Chris DiPiero and a respected figure in the hockey world. Steve's extensive hockey journey, from playing junior hockey to coaching in the NHL, provides a rich backdrop for our discussion.
Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:
Authentic Communication: Learn the importance of clear and authentic communication in coaching, as well as the crucial role it plays in player development.
Embracing Mindset Training: Discover how athletes are increasingly recognizing the value of mindset training and mental performance coaching in enhancing their performance.
The Power of Competitiveness: Dive into Steve's insights on the one common trait he's seen in successful players across different levels of hockey - competitiveness.
Balancing Power and Responsibility: Gain insights into the complexities of an NHL coach's role, managing multi-million-dollar companies with 23 players on the roster.
Steve Spott's wisdom, gleaned from his vast experience in the hockey world, is both enlightening and thought-provoking. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights that can elevate your understanding of the game.
Don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave comments, and feel free to reach out with any questions. Enjoy this episode as we continue our journey Beyond the X's and O's.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike McKenzie, General Manager of the Kitchener Rangers and a former St. Michael's Buzzers - where he was part of the championship team with Cassidy and Chris. Mike shares his wealth of experience, highlighting both the timeless principles and modern challenges of hockey.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
The Essentials Remain: Discover how some fundamentals of the game, like going to the net, battling, and contact, have remained unchanged despite the evolution of hockey.
Social Media Pitfalls: Dive into a crucial discussion about the impact of social media on today’s players, including issues of comparison, entitlement, and the need for balance.
Player Accountability: Explore the idea of personal accountability and respect for the game and how it can lead to a deeper enjoyment of hockey.
Consistency and Effort: Unpack the concept of players “figuring it out” and how consistency and effort are crucial factors in a player’s success.
Mike McKenzie’s insights into the modern hockey landscape are both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Join us in this conversation and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sport.
Remember to like, share, and leave comments, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Enjoy this episode as we continue our journey Beyond the X’s and O’s.