FocusMatters

Noah Rolland
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

FocusMatters examines ways to enhance and maintain cognitive performance in high-demand environments. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts from government, medicine, human performance, and design who share practical insights on brain health, focus, and cognitive capacity. Hosted by Noah Rolland, the show cuts through hype to deliver evidence-based strategies for thinking clearly, performing better, and sustaining a mental edge.

Episodes

  1. FEB 19

    Build a High-Performance Brain: Fitness, Nutrition & Focus with Dr. Tommy Wood

    In this episode of FocusMatters, Dr. Tommy Wood joins Noah to explore how to build and sustain a high-performing brain across the lifespan. Rather than focusing on disease, this conversation centers on cognitive reserve, resilience, and the lifestyle factors that enhance attention, learning capacity, and mental endurance. They discuss: • Why cardiovascular fitness and strength training directly influence brain performance • How neuroplasticity allows you to keep upgrading your cognitive capacity • The role of nutrition in supporting clarity, energy, and long-term brain function • Why sleep is foundational for memory consolidation and focus • How social interaction and intellectual challenge build cognitive reserve • The impact of modern technology on attention and mental stamina If you care about protecting your cognitive edge, improving focus, and sustaining mental performance for decades, this episode delivers science-backed, actionable strategies.

    1h 41m

  2. FEB 3

    Major Nick "Bane" Caraballo: A Day in the Life of a Weapons School Instructor

    Decision making at the speed of sound. In this episode, I sit down with Major Nicholas Clifton Caraballo, an Air Force pilot at the prestigious USAF Weapons School (think Top Gun for the Air Force), and we explore the cognitive demands of one of the most challenging roles in the armed forces.  He discusses the rigorous training at Weapons School, the importance of intuition and communication, and the challenges of cognitive load during missions.  The conversation also explores the structure of a pilot's day, the focus on human performance optimization, and the significance of debriefing for continuous learning and improvement.  In this conversation, Bane Caraballo discusses the critical role of sleep in high-performance training, the cultural challenges faced in human performance programs, and the importance of resilience and mental toughness in pilots.  He emphasizes the need for a supportive culture that allows for failure as a learning opportunity and the significance of recognizing and managing 'helmet fire'—a state of cognitive overload.  Bane also offers valuable advice for aspiring pilots and performance coaches, highlighting the importance of understanding one's purpose and aligning efforts towards achieving it.

    1h 35m

  3. JAN 29

    Panel Discussion: Cognitive Training in the Real World

    Cognitive training is everywhere right now across elite sports and the military. What is far less clear is what it actually looks like when applied in real world, high pressure environments, and how well current approaches are supported by science. In the first in a series of live discussions, Noah and his guests bring together applied and scientific perspectives on cognitive training, with an emphasis on implementation, evidence quality, and common misconceptions. Michael Rabasca, Director of Cognitive Performance for the LA Galaxy, shares how cognitive skills like focus, decision making, and resilience are trained and assessed inside a professional sports organization. Dr Tommy Wood, Associate Professor at the University of Washington with an MD and PhD in neuroscience, provides a scientific lens on mechanisms, limitations, and where the data is solid versus assumed. If you have ever considered incorporating cognitive training into your human performance programming, this conversation is not to be missed.

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 6

    How Great Brands Earn Your Attention with Will Misselbrook

    Few people understand the power of branding in sports better than Will Misselbrook who led the rebranding campaign for the Washington Commanders while being the first person to hold the title of Chief Creative Officer in the history of the NFL. Will then brought his passion and creativity to the LA Galaxy, where he helped to revitalize and reimagine a new era for the Galaxy, helping to capture $25M in ticket sales and over $34M in brand partnership revenue. In this conversation, Noah and Will explore the dynamics of attention in the marketing and sports industries. They discuss the importance of brand relevance, emotional connections, and innovative strategies in engaging audiences.  Will shares insights from his experiences with the LA Galaxy and Washington Commanders, emphasizing the need for quality over quantity in marketing efforts and the role of curiosity in leadership. The discussion also touches on the integration of music and entertainment in sports, the significance of cognitive performance, and the evolving landscape of brand engagement.

    1h 6m

  5. 12/18/2025

    Don Moxley: A Deep Dive Into Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

    In this episode, we are joined by Don Moxley, a renowned expert in heart rate variability (HRV) and human performance. We discuss the significance of HRV as a key performance indicator, its relationship with recovery, and how it can be measured using various devices.  Don shares his personal journey from wrestling to discovering the importance of HRV in athletic training. The conversation delves into advanced techniques for boosting HRV, including vagal nerve stimulation and the use of cannabinoids and ketones.  Listeners gain practical insights into optimizing their health and performance through understanding and improving HRV.

    1h 13m

  6. 12/03/2025

    Dr Joe LaPlaca: Optimizing Vision and Cognitive Performance Driven by Metrics and Data

    In this conversation, Dr. Joe LaPlaca discusses the critical role of vision in sports performance and how his facility, Aries Elite Sports Vision, addresses the often-overlooked aspects of visual and cognitive training for athletes. He emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments, the distinction between sight and vision, and the integration of cognitive training tools like NeuroTrainer. Dr. LaPlaca also highlights the significance of physical fatigue on decision-making and the need for a holistic approach to athlete development, focusing on metrics that truly impact performance. Contact Noah: noah@focusmatters.live Contact Dr. Joe: https://areselitesportsvision.com/

    1 hr

  7. 11/11/2025

    The Mental Game of Golf with Rick Sessinghaus

    Everyone who ever picks up a club learns quickly that golf is a game reliant on mental skills. No other sport has the "rest" to "activity" ratio of golf, and therefore, no other sport gives you more time to dwell on your performance. Great golfers use this time to tune their mental game. Others use it to wallow in distress. In this episode, I am joined by one of the premier mental skills coaches in the US. Rick Sessinghaus is the Director of FLOWCODE and has spent his career helping golfers achieve greatness. In this conversation, Rick shares his journey from a passionate golfer to a mental skills coach, emphasizing the importance of mental game skills in achieving peak performance. They explore the concept of flow states, techniques for training focus and visualization, and the role of breath work in enhancing performance. Rick also discusses case studies of golfers overcoming mental barriers and the long-term development of mastery in the sport. The mental skills that Rick introduces apply to all sports and every aspect of life.  Contact me: Email: Noah@focusmatters.live LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahrolland/ Contact Rick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricksessinghaus/ theflowcode.com

    53 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    Mental Skills from the Air Force Research Labs to Red Bull with Anne Shadle

    Anne Shadle has been helping athletes across multiple sports and multiple domains for the last decade, including work with USA Baseball, USATF, AFRL, the New York Jets, and now Red Bull. In this conversation, we discuss her extensive background in sports psychology, focusing on the importance of attentional control, the impact of technology on athletes' focus, and strategies for managing cognitive load. She emphasizes the significance of recovery, mindfulness, and breathing techniques in enhancing performance. Dr. Shadle also shares insights on the human element in sports psychology, the role of sleep hygiene, and offers advice for young athletes aiming to optimize their mental state and performance. Key Takeaways - Athletes must manage their attention and focus effectively. - Cognitive leaks from technology can hinder performance. - Recovery is as crucial as training for athletes. - Mindfulness practices can help athletes quiet their minds. - Breathing techniques are essential for mental recovery. - Personalized mental skills toolkits are important for athletes. - Sleep hygiene significantly impacts athletic performance. - Compassion and empathy are vital in sports psychology. - Young athletes should embrace a growth mindset. Connect with Anne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-shadle-phd-cmpc-b2230516/ https://shadlepi.com/ Connect with Noah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahrolland/

    1h 7m

  9. 10/17/2025

    Critical Principles of Cognitive Training for Sports and Life with Justin Foster

    In this conversation, Justin Foster shares his journey from sports psychology to cognitive training, emphasizing the importance of integrating cognitive skills into athletic performance. He discusses the evolution of sports psychology, the role of cognitive resilience, and the application of the OODA loop in decision-making. Foster highlights key neurocognitive skills, training tools, and the challenges of proving the effectiveness of cognitive training. He concludes with insights on the future of cognitive training in various fields, including military and elite sports, and the significance of brain health for overall performance.

    58 min

  10. 10/08/2025

    Cognitive Performance and the LA Galaxy: a conversation with Michael Rabasca

    In this conversation, Michael Rabasca, the Director of Cognitive Performance for the LA Galaxy, shares his unique journey and insights into the integration of cognitive training within sports.  He discusses the evolution of cognitive tools, the challenges of proving their effectiveness, and the role of technology in enhancing athlete performance. Rabasca emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, awareness, and breathwork in training, as well as the connection between sleep and cognitive performance.  He reflects on his experiences and offers advice for future advancements in the field of cognitive training in sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cognitive Performance in Soccer 04:51 Challenges in Proving Cognitive Performance 10:40 Standardized Testing in Player Assessment 15:59 Developing Awareness and Mindfulness 21:30 Attention and Social Media Influence 26:21 Breath Work: Enhancing Physiology and Performance 31:17 Data-Driven Sleep Monitoring: Balancing Subjective and Objective Insights 39:38 Reflections on Career: Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations Follow Michael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rabasca-9906499/ Follow Noah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahrolland/

    47 min

  11. 10/08/2025

    Design Thinking and Attention with Matt Cooke

    In this conversation, Matt Cooke, the Creative Director of Iron Creative, discusses the evolution of design in the context of changing consumer behavior, attention spans, and the impact of technology.  He emphasizes the importance of adapting to the new customer journey, leveraging data for effective design, and the challenges of managing design teams in a remote environment. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in design and the future of creative work, highlighting the need for designers to maintain their focus and creativity amidst these changes. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Iron Creative 03:03 Adapting to the New Customer Journey 05:49 The Impact of Mobile Technology on Attention 08:43 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Attention 12:05 Data-Driven Design Decisions 14:45 Balancing Brand Integrity and Sales 17:41 The Role of Novelty in Consumer Engagement 20:40 The Changing Dynamics of Design Teams 23:55 The Future of Design Tools 31:34 Collaboration in Design: The Importance of Visibility 34:18 Understanding Different Work Styles: Balancing Collaboration and Focus 40:44 Managing Remote Teams: Strategies for Productivity 49:07 The Impact of AI on Design: Opportunities and Challenges 53:12 Preparing for the Future: Skills for Aspiring Designers Follow Matt:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcooke1/ Iron Creative website: https://ironcreative.com/ Follow Noah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahrolland/

    1 hr
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

FocusMatters examines ways to enhance and maintain cognitive performance in high-demand environments. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts from government, medicine, human performance, and design who share practical insights on brain health, focus, and cognitive capacity. Hosted by Noah Rolland, the show cuts through hype to deliver evidence-based strategies for thinking clearly, performing better, and sustaining a mental edge.

Information

  • Creator
    Noah Rolland
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 FocusMatters
  • Show Website
    FocusMatters