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. 4d ago

    How Do You Learn to Trust Your Gymnastics Coach

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I talk about what happens when a gymnast has lost trust in their coach and how parents, athletes, and coaches can work together to rebuild that relationship. We explore why trust does not happen automatically and how small, positive experiences can slowly fill up what I call the “trust bin.” I also talk about why neurodivergent gymnasts can sometimes be misunderstood in the gym. Sensory overload, executive function challenges, rejection sensitivity, and difficulty with transitions can look like defiance, lack of effort, or attitude when a gymnast is actually overwhelmed. We discuss how parents can help coaches understand their gymnast by creating an “operating manual” that explains what overwhelm looks like, what helps, and what does not. I also share why communication needs to be a partnership rather than a parent telling a coach how to do their job. In this episode you will hear: Why trust between gymnasts and coaches takes timeHow trust can be built through small positive experiencesWhy neurodivergent gymnasts may respond differently in the gymHow sensory overload can affect a gymnast’s behaviorWays parents can help coaches better understand their gymnastWhy regular parent, athlete, and coach check ins can helpHow communication can create a stronger team around the gymnastThis conversation is a reminder that when a gymnast feels misunderstood, the answer is not always to push harder. With patience, communication, understanding, and the right support, athletes and coaches can begin rebuilding trust and creating an environment where gymnasts feel listened to, supported, and able to thrive. 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

  2. Sep 22

    Managing Sports Conflict with Bill Taylor

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Bill Taylor, founder of Sports Conflict Lab and a former collegiate head coach, to talk about conflict in sports, communication, and why learning how to handle difficult conversations is an important part of becoming a confident athlete. Bill explains why conflict is inevitable in every relationship and why avoiding it usually makes things worse. We talk about the power imbalance between athletes and coaches, and why young athletes may be afraid to speak up because they worry about losing opportunities, being removed from a team, or changing how their coach sees them. We also talk about the role parents and coaches play in creating an environment where athletes feel safe communicating. Bill shares why parents should give their athletes the opportunity to work through conflict themselves when it is safe to do so, rather than immediately stepping in. He explains how these experiences can help young athletes become more bold, courageous, and confident. In this episode you will hear: Why avoiding conflict can make problems bigger How athletes can learn to speak up to coaches Why communication needs to come from leadership How parents can support athletes without taking over Why emotions need to be managed before solving a conflict How conflict can strengthen relationships and team culture Why working through difficult situations helps athletes grow This conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence is not just about performing skills. It is also about learning how to communicate, handle uncomfortable situations, and trust yourself enough to have difficult conversations. 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

  3. Sep 15

    Perception is Reality- Neurodivergence in Gymnastics with Elite Gymnast Lisa Lazar Richer

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with elite gymnast Lisa Lazar Richer to talk about neurodivergence, mental blocks, visual processing, ADHD, and the importance of understanding how each athlete experiences gymnastics differently. Lisa shares her journey as an elite gymnast and opens up about struggles she had with inconsistent steps, beam dismounts, vaults, and bar mounts that she could not explain at the time. Years later, while learning about her son's visual processing disorder, Lisa had a major light bulb moment. A vision therapist recognized patterns in her own gymnastics experience and explained that vision therapy may have helped her. Lisa shares how those challenges contributed to injuries and missed opportunities, including missing national team years and Olympic trials. We also talk about why assuming an athlete is simply not trying can miss what is really happening. Lisa explains how ADHD actually worked in her favor in the structured environment of the gym, while her visual processing differences created challenges she did not understand at the time. Lisa and I also discuss psychological safety, communication, and why coaching and support cannot be one size fits all. We talk about how parents and coaches can work together, listen to the athlete, and focus on finding solutions instead of pointing fingers. In this episode you will hear: Why mental blocks are not always about motivationHow visual processing can affect gymnastics skillsWhy athletes may need different types of supportHow ADHD can interact with gymnastics trainingWhy coaches and parents should avoid assuming an athlete is not tryingHow communication and collaboration can help athletes feel supportedThis conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the reason an athlete is struggling is not what we think it is. Understanding the athlete in front of you can change everything. 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

  4. Sep 8

    How to Build Confidence When Gymnastics Gets Scary with Lacie Saltzmann

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with NCAA gymnast Lacie Saltzmann to talk about building confidence, overcoming mental blocks, handling fear, and finding joy in gymnastics even when things don’t go according to plan. Lacie opens up about being a hesitant gymnast who struggled with confidence and mental blocks when she was younger. She shares how learning how skills worked helped her build trust in herself, and how visualization became an important part of her preparation. We also talk about a difficult moment at UNC when Lacie was overwhelmed by what-ifs, fell on a dismount, and had to find a way to trust herself again. Instead of allowing that experience to define her, she used visualization, positive self-talk, and the support of her coaches and teammates to move forward. Lacie shares why setbacks can become opportunities for growth, why finding small wins matters, and why young athletes should learn to enjoy the journey instead of putting all their happiness on the outcome. She also talks about prioritizing sleep, recovery, and time away from gymnastics as part of becoming a stronger athlete and person. In this episode you will hear Why confidence is built over timeHow visualization can help with fear and mental blocksWhy setbacks don’t have to define your gymnastics journeyHow parents, coaches, and teammates can support athletesWhy recovery is part of trainingHow to find joy in the hard daysThis conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence doesn’t mean never being scared. It means learning that you are capable, trusting the work you’ve put in, and continuing to move forward when things get hard. 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

  5. Sep 1

    The Gymnast Who Decided to Build the Gym She Needed with Riley Lee

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with 17 year old gymnastics entrepreneur Riley Lee to talk about creating change in gymnastics, building a better training environment, taking big risks, and believing that happy, healthy, high performing gymnastics is possible. Riley shares how growing up training in Hong Kong and Singapore opened her eyes to the differences in equipment, coaching, athlete safety, and opportunities around the world. As she and her friends began feeling unsupported and afraid to make mistakes, Riley started wondering what could be done differently. What started as a joke about opening a gym became a real business plan. Riley researched the industry, studied financials, sought out experienced mentors, traveled to observe gyms, and eventually built a vision for a gym centered around safety, quality coaching, and athlete well being. We also talk about why having a clear vision matters, how growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone, and why athletes should not have to choose between high performance and happiness. Riley explains how her passion pushed her beyond her comfort zone and helped her build something she truly believed was possible. In this episode you will hear: Why athlete safety must include emotional safetyHow a clear vision can turn an idea into actionWhy growth requires getting uncomfortableHow great coaching can support both performance and well beingWhy athletes deserve to enjoy the journeyHow one teenager is challenging the way gymnastics can be doneThis conversation is a powerful reminder that we do not have to accept that gymnastics has always been done a certain way. Sometimes the biggest changes begin with one person willing to imagine something better and then figure out how to make it happen. 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

  6. Aug 26

    Behind the Strong Athlete- The Mental Health Conversations We Need to Have with Kat Zempolich

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Kat Zempolich, Vice President and Co-Founder of Morgan’s Message, to talk about the mental health struggles that can exist behind the strong, successful athlete. Kat shares her journey as a collegiate lacrosse player at Duke, the impact of injuries on mental health, and how her friendship with Morgan led to the creation of Morgan’s Message. After Morgan’s death by suicide, Kat began asking what could have been different and how athletes could be given more opportunities to recognize their struggles and ask for help. We talk about why mental health can be difficult to recognize in athletes, especially when someone appears happy, successful, and high-achieving. Kat shares why building strong relationships and checking in regularly can matter more than trying to identify one obvious warning sign. We also discuss the gap between physical and mental health support in sports, the stigma around mental health, and why athletes, coaches, parents, and teammates need more education and open conversations around mental wellbeing. In this episode you will hear: Why strong athletes can still struggle mentallyHow injuries can affect an athlete’s mental healthWhy listening can be more helpful than giving adviceHow to build stronger connections with young athletesWhy asking for help sooner can make a differenceHow Morgan’s Message is creating peer-to-peer mental health conversationsThis conversation is an important reminder that you never truly know what someone is carrying beneath the surface. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up, listen, and make it easier for athletes to say, “I need help.” Kat also shares a powerful message for anyone who is struggling: you are not alone, and talking about what you’re going through can help. 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

  7. Aug 18

    How to Build Champions Without Breaking Them With Illinois Coach Josh Nilson

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Illinois head gymnastics coach Josh Nilson to talk about building champions without breaking them, creating healthy team cultures, and helping young athletes perform at a high level while still loving their sport. Josh shares lessons from his coaching career and explains why being a successful coach is about so much more than winning. Josh opens up about the importance of putting humans first, why an athlete’s value has nothing to do with gymnastics, and how coaches can challenge athletes without pushing them to a breaking point. We also talk about mental blocks, building confidence, communication, handling pressure, and why going back to the basics can help athletes overcome challenges. For parents, Josh shares an important reminder about supporting a young gymnast’s dreams without pushing so hard that they forget why they love the sport. We also talk about the character traits that matter beyond talent, including determination, communication, work ethic, and being a good teammate. In this episode you will hear  Why an athlete’s worth is bigger than their gymnastics How to build high-performing athletes in a healthy environment Why parents should protect their child’s love for the sport The importance of communication and self-advocacy How coaches can challenge athletes without breaking them Why character and work ethic can matter more than talent How to help gymnasts handle pressure and nervous-system responsesThis conversation is a powerful reminder that the goal isn't just to build great gymnasts. It's to help young athletes become confident, resilient people who can love the sport while they pursue big goals. 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

  8. Aug 11

    Doing It for YOU- Chloe Cho on Mental Blocks, Grief, and Trusting Your Voice

    In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with college gymnast Chloe Cho to talk about mental blocks, grief, trusting your voice, and learning to make gymnastics a choice that belongs to you. Chloe shares her journey through elite gymnastics, the mental challenges she faced, and how losing her dad during her freshman year changed the way she thought about gymnastics and her own identity. Chloe opens up about hearing people tell her she needed to keep doing gymnastics for her dad, and the moment she realized that she couldn't do the sport for someone else. She explains why choosing gymnastics for herself didn't mean shutting other people out, but instead meant understanding that the decision to keep going had to be hers. We also talk about mental blocks, learning to accept difficult days, and shifting from asking “why do I feel this way?” to focusing on what you can give today. Chloe shares why protecting your love for gymnastics matters, why young athletes deserve to listen to themselves, and how learning to trust your own voice can carry far beyond the gym. In this episode you will hear Why gymnastics needs to be your choiceHow grief can change your relationship with sportWhy mental blocks don't mean something is wrong with youThe importance of listening to your own voiceHow athletes can protect their love for gymnasticsWhy doing your best doesn't have to mean being perfectThis conversation is a powerful reminder that gymnastics can be something you share with the people who support you, while still being something you choose for yourself. 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

See All (252)

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
    252
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith
  • Show Website
    PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

You Might Also Like