The Sporting Mindset Show

Dwayne Nestor
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  • Sports
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This show is all about helping athletes, coaches and parents better understand the mental side of performance.

  1. 4d ago

    LUKE WILLIAMS: How This Triathlete Trains His Mind As Hard As His Body

    Confidence is the hidden weapon behind a future champion. Luke Williams opens up about the mental side of triathlon, from the self-talk that pulls him out of a race-day spiral to the routines that keep him training, recovering, and improving at 17. Hosted by Dwayne, this conversation goes beyond medals and splits to reveal what actually drives a young athlete chasing national results and Junior Worlds qualification. Luke shares what it’s like to train with his dad as coach, why swimming is his natural strength, why the bike gives him the best flow state, and how he’s building the mindset to race with belief instead of doubt. You'll discover: Why Luke’s best sessions happen when he enters flow on the bikeHow a father-coach relationship changes training, feedback, and daily motivationThe simple pre-training routine that gets him out of bed at 5:00 amHow he uses race debriefs, family support, and positive self-talk to stop spiraling mid-raceWhy confidence, not just fitness, is the skill he believes will define his careerLuke also talks candidly about the pressure of competition, the value of a close Team WA Triathlon squad, and the small habits that keep him sharp, from sleep discipline to fuel after dinner. For any young athlete, triathlon fan, or parent trying to understand what really builds a high-performing mindset, this episode offers a rare look inside the head of a rising talent learning to trust himself under pressure. Essential listening if you want to understand how elite habits, family support, and mental resilience come together long before the podium.

    LUKE WILLIAMS: How This Triathlete Trains His Mind As Hard As His Body

  2. Aug 11

    TRAVIS GORDON: "How Coaching Made Me a Better Player and Communicator"

    What happens when a loose forward is suddenly asked to play 12, then becomes one of the most dominant centres in the league? Travis Gordon and assistant coach Alex Stajka unpack the messy, fascinating reality of changing positions, adapting to English rugby, and learning how to think like both a player and a coach. Trav explains how a year of wet, heavy conditions in England forced him to rethink everything - from carrying lower in contact to making decisions faster when the game slows down. Alex reveals the coaching decision behind the switch, how little time Trav actually had to prepare, and why his understanding of the system made the transition possible.You'll discover: Why English winter rugby exposes the basics and punishes sloppy techniqueHow Trav learned to play 12 after a decade as a loose forwardThe mental reset needed when your default habits take over under pressureWhy asking better questions can make you a better player and a better coachHow coaching young players sharpened Trav's communication, clarity, and decision-makingAlex also shares what stood out from Trav's season at 12, including how he handled the pressure of a new role in a league where every game mattered. Trav, meanwhile, opens up about the coaching mindset that helps him lift the players around him, and why resilience has become his defining mental skill after multiple injuries and setbacks. If you're a player, coach, or rugby fan who loves the details behind performance, adaptation, and leadership, this conversation is packed with practical insight and honest reflection. Essential listening for anyone trying to get better at the role in front of them - even when the role changes completely.

    TRAVIS GORDON: "How Coaching Made Me a Better Player and Communicator"

  3. Aug 1

    CIENNA TINKLER - The Power of Fun: How a Young Cyclist Uses Joy to Crush Pressure and Stay Motivated

    Think sports psychology is just for pros? Think again. Meet Cienna, a teenage cycling prodigy whose secret weapon isn’t just big gears and fast legs—it's her mind. She’s the kind of athlete who visualizes Olympic gold every night and turns nerves into fuel, not fear. Her bold approach to mental resilience, confidence, and enjoying the grind makes you wonder: what if we all saw setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks? In this episode, Cienna shares how she owns her nicknames—like Tinks and Twinkletoes—and how that playful spirit spills over into her racing attitude. She breaks down how she transforms pre-race nerves into excitement, turning the pressure of national competitions into gratitude for the chance to compete. Plus, she reveals her favorite mental tricks—like imagining Olympic finals during tough gym sets and flipping negative self-talk into a motivation boost. The result? A mindset that keeps her pushing, even when the cold roads and long rides threaten to break her spirit. You'll discover: How a teenage cyclist rewires her attitude to enjoy the process, not just the podiumThe mental strategies, including visualization and breathing techniques, powering her performanceWhy her coach’s experience and understanding her personality make her training a joy, not a choreThe importance of reflection—analyzing races to level up, not dwell on mistakesAnd her secret to staying positive when the effort gets hard—spoiler: it’s all about gratitude and imagining the finish lineIf you're craving inspiration to turn stress into success or want behind-the-scenes insight into an athlete’s mental game, this episode is your new secret weapon. Perfect for young athletes, coaches, or anyone looking to push boundaries without sacrificing joy. Get ready to be motivated—and maybe learn to see your challenges as your next big victory. Cienna is a rising star at Peel Region Academy of Sports, on her way to Olympic podiums and a world of self-discovery. Her take on balancing fun, focus, and feedback makes this a must-listen for anyone who wants to level up their mindset—because the best competition is the one happening inside your head.

    CIENNA TINKLER - The Power of Fun: How a Young Cyclist Uses Joy to Crush Pressure and Stay Motivated

  4. Jul 27

    COLIN PHILIPS - The Art of Coaching: 80/20 on the Human Side

    What separates a good coach from a great one? In this episode, Dwayne Nestor talks with rugby coach Colin Phillips about the real psychology behind high-performance coaching. From growing up playing club rugby in northeast Scotland to working in Scottish Rugby's academies and coaching state teams in Perth, Australia, Colin has seen coaching from every angle. He opens up about reading the room during sessions, managing individual behaviour without disrupting the group, knowing when to apply pressure and when to ease off — and why curiosity might be the most underrated coaching trait of all. Whether you're a coach, player, or leader, there's something here for you.

    COLIN PHILIPS - The Art of Coaching: 80/20 on the Human Side

  5. Jul 19

    PAOLO FRANZONI: The Curious Coach

    What separates a good coach from a great one? It's not technical knowledge — it's the ability to truly understand people. In this episode, we sit down with Paolo Franzoni, a Level 3 accredited cricket coach who has worked with players of all abilities — from six-year-olds to state and national representatives, including players with intellectual disabilities and the visually impaired Australian team. Paolo shares how a deputy headmaster standing at square leg with a shooting stick shaped his entire coaching philosophy, why he puts the person before the player, and the moment he realized he'd been listening to respond rather than listening to understand. What we cover: Why the first session is never about coachingHow to build relationships that unlock player performancePre-season vs. in-season coaching approachesThe role of curiosity, silence, and body languageCharacter over cover drives — building team culture that outlasts any coachFrom IT specialist to Level 3 coach: Paolo's unlikely journeyWhether you're a coach, a leader, or someone who works with people — this one's for you.

    PAOLO FRANZONI: The Curious Coach

  6. Jul 11

    DOUG PHILIPSON: "Righto, What's Next - Injury, Rehab and Moving Forward

    In this episode of The Sporting Mindset Show, host Dwayne Nestor sits down with Western Force rugby player Doug Phillipson. Doug opens up about growing up on a farm in country New South Wales, making his Super Rugby debut, and battling through multiple injuries — including two shoulder reconstructions, a broken jaw, and an ACL. He shares how curiosity, perspective, and the influence of experienced players like Nick White and Ian Prior have shaped his mindset, and why being a "sponge" is at the heart of his development as a professional athlete.

    DOUG PHILIPSON: "Righto, What's Next - Injury, Rehab and Moving Forward

  7. Jul 6

    ALANA THOMAS "Listen First, Lead Later: Coaching Coaches and Building World-Class Environments"

    Alana Thomas has walked in every pair of shoes in high-performance sport — as a player, a head coach, and now as High Performance Manager at Netball Australia. In this candid conversation with Dwayne Nestor, she opens up about the mindset shifts, hard lessons, and relationship-first approach that have defined her career. From juggling accounting and coaching to making the leap into rugby full-time… from navigating the culture of Fiji to stepping into one of the most successful netball programs in the world — Alana's story is one of curiosity, courage, and continuous growth. In this episode you'll learn: ✔ What high performance actually looks like day to day ✔ Why questioning is a skill most people underestimate ✔ How Fiji changed the way Alana leads ✔ What she looks for psychologically in a player ✔ The difference in mindset between player, coach, and administrator ✔ How to build a culture where values are genuinely lived If you work in sport, lead a team, or simply want to perform better — this one's for you. 🔔 Follow for weekly conversations with elite coaches, athletes, and sports leaders.

    ALANA THOMAS "Listen First, Lead Later: Coaching Coaches and Building World-Class Environments"

  8. Jul 4

    Being mentally strong isn't being the "Hollywood Tough Guy"; it's a set of skills

    Are you tired of the Hollywood version of mental toughness—emotionless, unfeeling robots? Real mental toughness is dynamic, psychological, and within your control. It’s the secret weapon that lets you thrive under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and keep pushing forward when others fold. If you think toughness means denying your feelings, think again. I’m revealing five game-changing strategies rooted in cutting-edge science that’ll transform how you handle stress, mistakes, and motivation.In this episode, we debunk the myth of stoic silence and build a toolkit for true resilience. You'll discover why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than wins, how to normalize errors so they become your best teachers, and why third-person self-talk is just as powerful as a coach on your side. We break down the science behind each tactic—like Dr. Carol Dweck’s growth mindset, the neurobiology of error processing, and self-determination theory—to show you how to implement them today.These strategies aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re practical, actionable, and designed to make you unshakable in the heat of competition. From taking control of your decision-making to regulating your emotional storm, this is mental conditioning like no other. Miss out, and you risk mental fragility—embrace it, and you’ll unlock a new level of performance and resilience.Perfect for athletes, coaches, parents, or anyone hungry for mental mastery. Gear up, because your mind is the most powerful muscle you’ve got—train it right, and watch your performance soar. Ready to crush self-doubt, learn to embrace mistakes, and develop mental toughness that lasts? Hit play now.

    Being mentally strong isn't being the "Hollywood Tough Guy"; it's a set of skills
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About

This show is all about helping athletes, coaches and parents better understand the mental side of performance.

Information

  • Creator
    Dwayne Nestor
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dwayne Nestor
  • Show Website
    The Sporting Mindset Show