PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith
  • 4.8 (41)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

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 pressure of competition, but they don’t necessarily want it to be their coach or parents.I teach parents, coaches, and adolescent/teen athletes of all abilities how to achieve their personal best. These are the tips and mental toughness strategies that my clients tell me help them most.I also provide insights for parents and coaches who want to support their kids and their teams.Performing well is a blend of hard work, skill and mental toughness. I’ll teach you how to use all 3 to be the best athlete you can, and have FUN competing in your sport. Mental skills translate to all areas of your life. When kids learn skills to cope with stress & emotion in a sport context, they become better prepared to thrive in school and beyond.Join me each week as I help people reach peak performance and maximum enjoyment.

  1. 3d ago

    The Difference Between Sore, Scared, and Injured with Dr. Jenny Borda

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with gymnastics physical therapist Dr. Jenny Borda to talk about one of the hardest things for gymnasts, parents, and coaches to navigate: knowing the difference between being sore, being scared, and being injured. I see this come up all the time with athletes who are unsure when they should speak up about pain. They worry their coach will think they are making excuses, or they are afraid that saying something means they will miss a competition. Jenny and I talk about why communication early on matters, and why creating a safe space for athletes to share what they are feeling can make such a difference. Jenny breaks down how pain is not always a sign of injury, but it is always information worth paying attention to. We talk about the “green,” “yellow,” and “red” zones and how athletes can learn to understand what their bodies are telling them instead of immediately feeling like they have to either push through or stop completely. We also dive into something I see often in gymnastics: when fear and pain become connected. Sometimes an athlete’s body reacts because something feels unsafe, even when there is not a clear injury. Jenny explains why we should not dismiss that experience and why asking the right questions can help uncover what is really going on. In this episode you will hear Why gymnasts are afraid to tell someone when they are hurtingHow parents and coaches can respond in a way that builds trustThe difference between soreness, fear, pain, and injuryWhy communication can prevent bigger problemsHow athletes can better understand their own bodiesWhy caring for the athlete matters beyond gymnasticsThis conversation is an important reminder that supporting gymnasts is not just about getting through the next practice or competition. It is about helping athletes feel heard, supported, and confident in understanding their bodies throughout their journey. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    55 min

  2. Jun 23

    Never Let Someone Else Decide Your Dream with Gabby Roberts

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with former professional dancer and former Rockette Gabby Roberts to talk about chasing big dreams, overcoming rejection, building confidence, and learning how to never let someone else decide what is possible for you. Gabby shares her journey of being told she didn’t fit the image of a professional dancer, facing rejection from her college program, and continuing to pursue her goal even when others questioned her path. Gabby opens up about the impact that comments about body type, talent, and potential can have on young athletes and performers. She explains why feedback needs to come with support and guidance, and how words from coaches, teachers, and people around us can shape the beliefs we carry about ourselves. We also talk about the importance of having a support system when pursuing a difficult goal, why confidence often comes after making the decision to keep going, and how visualization helped Gabby prepare for auditions and performances. She shares why success is not just about wanting a dream badly, but about trusting the process, putting in the work, and staying committed through setbacks. In this episode you will hear Why you should never let someone else define your limitsHow rejection can become motivation instead of a reason to quitThe role parents and coaches play in supporting young athletesWhy confidence comes from preparation and consistencyHow to separate your self-worth from outcomesWhy loving the process matters when chasing a big dreamThis conversation is a powerful reminder that someone else’s doubt does not have to become your reality. When athletes learn to trust themselves, embrace challenges, and keep showing up, they create opportunities they never thought were possible. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    42 min

  3. Jun 16

    From Elite Gymnast to Mom- What I’d Do Differently (and What Still Matters) Jacqueline Barbera

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with former D1 gymnast, Parkettes alum, psych nurse, and mom of two gymnasts Jacqueline Barbera to talk about her journey through elite gymnastics, the lessons she learned, and how she would approach the sport differently today. Jacqueline shares what it was like growing up in a high-level gymnastics environment, moving across the country to pursue her dreams, and the challenges that came with elite training. She opens up about the pressure, the expectations, and how not having a voice as an athlete affected confidence, fear, and performance. We also explore what young athletes need most from their coaches and parents. Jacqueline explains why creating a safe environment does not mean lowering standards, but instead finding the balance between pushing athletes and helping them feel supported. She shares how her own experiences shaped the way she views coaching, parenting, and the future of gymnastics. Drawing from her experience as a psych nurse, former gymnast, and mom, Jacqueline discusses the connection between stress, recovery, confidence, and mental blocks. She explains why athletes need the right amount of challenge, but also need space to communicate, recover, and trust themselves. In this episode you will hear What elite gymnastics taught Jacqueline about resilience and disciplineHow fear and pressure can impact an athlete’s confidenceWhy athletes need a voice in their trainingThe difference between being pushed and being overwhelmedHow parents can support young athletes without adding pressureWhy stress and recovery both matter for performanceWhat Jacqueline would tell her younger gymnast selfThis conversation is a powerful reminder that success in gymnastics is not only about skills, scores, or medals. The athletes who thrive are the ones who learn to trust themselves, feel supported, and build a healthier relationship with the sport they love. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    34 min

  4. Jun 9

    From Breakdown to Breakthrough- The Comeback Mindset with Dr. Toby Brooks

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with performance scientist, professor, and former athletic trainer Dr. Toby Brooks to talk about resilience, recovery, identity, and what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan. Whether it’s an injury, retirement, a major setback, or an unexpected life change, every athlete will eventually face moments that feel like everything is falling apart. Toby shares how these experiences often become the starting point for growth, helping athletes discover new purpose beyond the challenges they face. Drawing from his work with athletes, students, and high performers, Toby explains why community matters during difficult seasons and how support, connection, and perspective can make all the difference. He discusses the importance of having people who will sit beside you through hard moments instead of trying to immediately fix them. We also explore the relationship between stress, recovery, and performance. Toby breaks down why growth requires both challenge and rest, how perfectionism can contribute to burnout, and why sustainable success depends on more than just working harder. In this episode you will hear Why setbacks can become new beginningsHow athletes can navigate major life transitionsWhy support and community matter during difficult timesThe role of stress and recovery in performanceHow perfectionism contributes to burnoutWhy rest is an essential part of growthHow to build a healthier relationship with achievementThis conversation is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by avoiding challenges. When athletes learn to embrace setbacks, seek support, and grow through adversity, they build the resilience needed to thrive both in sport and in life. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    42 min

  5. Jun 2

    Finding Your Voice with 3x Olympian Becky Downie

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with 3-time Olympian Becky Downie to talk about finding your voice in gymnastics, advocating for yourself, and helping create a healthier culture for the next generation of athletes. For many gymnasts, speaking up can feel risky. Whether it's admitting you're scared, communicating pain, or disagreeing with a coach, athletes are often taught to stay quiet and push through. Becky shares how that mindset affected her early career and why learning to communicate became one of the most important skills she developed. Drawing from more than two decades on the national team, Becky reflects on the evolution of gymnastics culture and the progress that has been made toward athlete well-being. She discusses the importance of trusting your instincts, understanding the difference between discomfort and injury, and creating environments where athletes feel safe to be honest. We also explore the role coaches and parents play in helping young athletes develop confidence, self-awareness, and healthy communication skills. Becky shares why strong relationships matter, how athletes can learn to advocate for themselves, and why difficult conversations often create the biggest positive changes. In this episode you will hear Why athletes need to find their voiceHow to communicate pain and injuries effectivelyWhy trusting your instincts mattersHow healthy coach-athlete relationships improve performanceWhy speaking up can create positive changeHow parents can advocate for their childrenWhat gymnastics culture has learned over the last 20 yearsThis conversation is a powerful reminder that great athletes are not built through fear and silence. When athletes feel heard, supported, and empowered to communicate, they can perform with greater confidence, resilience, and joy. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    39 min

  6. May 26

    Puberty, Periods, and Performance- What Every Gymnast Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Nicky Keay

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Nicky Keay to talk about puberty, periods, hormones, and how they affect young athletes physically and mentally during one of the biggest transitions of their lives. For many gymnasts, puberty can feel confusing and frustrating. Skills suddenly feel different, emotions feel bigger, and bodies begin to change in ways athletes are often taught to fear instead of understand. Dr. Keay explains why these changes are not something athletes should fight against. Hormones play a critical role in bone health, strength, recovery, cognition, and long-term athletic performance. While puberty can temporarily affect coordination, balance, and confidence, it is also what helps young athletes grow into stronger, healthier women. We also discuss the importance of fueling properly during adolescence, especially in sports like gymnastics and dance where underfueling is extremely common. Dr. Keay explains how missing or irregular periods can be a warning sign of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and why parents and coaches should pay attention early. One of the most helpful parts of this conversation is learning how athletes can better understand their own menstrual cycles instead of fearing them. Rather than seeing periods as a weakness, athletes can learn patterns, prepare ahead of time, and build confidence through awareness and recovery. In this episode you will hear Why puberty changes athletic performance How hormones affect strength, recovery, and coordination Why missing periods can signal RED-S How underfueling impacts health and performance Why body changes during puberty are normal and necessary How athletes can track and work with their menstrual cycles Why parents and coaches need to create healthier conversations around pubertyThis conversation is a powerful reminder that puberty is not the end of an athlete’s potential. With the right support, nutrition, and understanding, young athletes can grow into stronger, healthier, and more confident competitors. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    48 min

  7. May 19

    When Your Dream Falls Apart… and You Find a Better One with Alexis Crockett

    One of the hardest things athletes can experience is watching a dream fall apart. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Alexis Crockett to talk about mental blocks, burnout, body image, and how setbacks can lead to an even better path forward. Alexis was one of the most talented gymnasts of her generation. She made elite at just 10 years old, represented the United States internationally, and became the first gymnast to compete a double twisting double pike. From the outside, it looked like her Olympic future was guaranteed. But behind the success was a young athlete carrying enormous pressure. We talk about how mental blocks can appear suddenly, even for athletes performing at the highest level. Alexis shares how burnout, overtraining, and years of pressure eventually caught up with her, leading to a mental block that completely changed the course of her gymnastics career. What stood out to me most was her honesty about the shame and frustration she carried for years. So many athletes believe mental blocks mean they are weak or not trying hard enough, but Alexis explains why that simply is not true. Often, the brain is trying to protect the athlete from emotional or physical pain, even when the athlete desperately wants to keep going. We also discuss body image in gymnastics, the unhealthy messages many athletes grew up hearing, and how Alexis is approaching her own daughter’s gymnastics journey differently. Instead of rushing success, she wants her daughter to enjoy being a kid first. In this episode you will hear Why mental blocks can happen to any athleteHow burnout and pressure affect performanceWhy body image struggles are so common in gymnasticsHow Alexis rebuilt confidence after setbacksWhy athletes need support, not shameHow parents and coaches can create healthier environmentsThis conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the dream falling apart leads you toward the life you were actually meant to build. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    34 min

  8. May 12

    How to Coach Through Mental Blocks and Build Trust with Lexi Funk

    Most athletes assume great coaching is only about teaching skills, but the best coaches know that understanding the athlete matters just as much. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Lexi Funk to talk about mental blocks, communication, confidence, and what athletes really need from their coaches. Lexi is a former All-American beam athlete from the University of Michigan and now a college coach at Pitt. She shares how her experience as both an athlete and coach has shaped the way she helps gymnasts work through fear, pressure, and self-doubt. We talk about communication. Many athletes try to push through pain, exhaustion, or fear without saying anything because they worry about looking weak or losing opportunities. Lexi explains why honest conversations between athletes and coaches build trust and lead to better performance. Another big part of the conversation is mental blocks. Lexi shares her own experience struggling on beam after a bad fall, even after successfully doing the skill thousands of times before. She explains why mental blocks do not always make logical sense and how rebuilding confidence takes patience and trust in the process. We also discuss coaching styles, adaptability, and why athletes improve the most when they feel supported as people, not just performers. In this episode you will hear Why communication builds trustHow mental blocks happen to every athleteWhy confidence can disappear after one mistakeHow coaches can better support athletesWhy patience is important during setbacksIn this episode, Lexi Funk shares how athletes and coaches can work together to build trust, overcome fear, and grow through challenges. Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/ Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.com Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

    40 min
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4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

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 pressure of competition, but they don’t necessarily want it to be their coach or parents.I teach parents, coaches, and adolescent/teen athletes of all abilities how to achieve their personal best. These are the tips and mental toughness strategies that my clients tell me help them most.I also provide insights for parents and coaches who want to support their kids and their teams.Performing well is a blend of hard work, skill and mental toughness. I’ll teach you how to use all 3 to be the best athlete you can, and have FUN competing in your sport. Mental skills translate to all areas of your life. When kids learn skills to cope with stress & emotion in a sport context, they become better prepared to thrive in school and beyond.Join me each week as I help people reach peak performance and maximum enjoyment.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Smith
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    239
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith
  • Show Website
    PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

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