Performers on the Rise

Demi Agaiby
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Athletes & Artists: Are you overwhelmed, burnt out, and tired of feeling tired? Do you find yourself wishing you had the confidence to pursue your goals, but are held back by insecurities, performance anxiety, and self-doubt? As a Mental Performance Consultant and a fellow performer, I'm here to reassure you - it doesn't have to stay that way. Whether it's baseball, football, dance, or cheer, mental skills and strategies have the power to give you the confidence and resilience you need to rise to any occasion that comes your way. It's time to take your performance career to the next level!

  1. 11/25/2025

    Comparison, Self-Doubt, & Frustration in Injury Recovery | Cindy Kuzma & Carrie Jackson

    Mental performance consultant Demi Agaiby sits down with Cindy Kuzma and Carrie Jackson to unpack the emotional toll of athletic injuries. From fear of falling behind to the comparison trap, they explore how athletes can reframe recovery as its own form of performance. With insights from their book Rebound, they share strategies for advocating for yourself, maintaining team identity, and building resilience during setbacks. Tune in for empowering tools and perspectives on returning stronger, mentally and physically. Want more support during recovery? Visit injuredathletesclub.com for community, resources, and more from Carrie and Cindy.

    46 min

  2. 09/29/2025

    Coaching with Intention and Inclusivity | Emma Desiderio

    Emma Desiderio shares her evolution from collegiate athlete to coach, reflecting on how connection, intentional leadership, and inclusive environments drive high-level performance. From navigating COVID-era setbacks to creating student-led structure and tackling tension between teammates, Emma reveals strategies for fostering trust and resilience on and off the floor. Tune in for a grounded, inspiring look at what it really takes to lead and unify a team. @emmadesiderio @gvsu_lakerdanceteam

    47 min

  3. 08/04/2025

    Prototyping Your Life: Purpose, Passion & Pivoting | Deb Giunta

    In this episode, Demi sits down with Deb, a dynamic entrepreneur and former dancer turned educator and nonprofit leader. Together, they explore what it means to "prototype your life"—testing ideas, pursuing passions, and shifting identities as performers transition into new chapters. Deb opens up about her early journey in dance, the creation of her first company Design Dance, and how her lived experiences led to founding The Brainchild Collective and Prismatic, two organizations dedicated to social-emotional learning and future-readiness. This is a must-listen for athletes, performers, and coaches navigating identity shifts, burnout, career transitions, or the intimidating moment of starting over. Topics Covered From dancer to entrepreneur: How Deb followed her instincts and built a mission-driven business Creating arts-based educational spaces focused on healing, not competition Navigating confusion, burnout, and loss of direction after performance ends The importance of transferable skills from dance, sports, and the arts Redefining career success beyond traditional majors or job paths How to prototype your life and test your passions in small, meaningful ways The mental toll of being a beginner again—and how to push through Advice for college-aged performers figuring out their next chapter Boundaries, burnout, and deciding what passions to protect vs. pursue professionally   Resources & Mentions The Brainchild Collective – A hub for student enrichment and social-emotional learning https://www.brainchildcollective.co/ Prismatic – A nonprofit advancing future-readiness and employability through SEL Design Dance – Deb's original arts education company supporting identity and creative expression Keep Up on Instagram: @beyondhorizonsperformance

    31 min

  4. 07/29/2025

    The BET Method: Nervous System Strategies for Gen Z Athletes | David Durand

    In this rich and insightful episode, Demi welcomes Mental Performance Consultant David Durand, author of Bet On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond. Together, they dive into the modern adolescent athlete's experience, how identity, perfectionism, and the nervous system intersect, and what coaches, parents, and athletes can do to restore balance and connection under pressure. David shares the science and story behind his BET Method—Breath, Eyes, Touch—a practical and powerful toolset designed to help athletes regulate their nervous systems, increase self-awareness, and improve performance through precision, not pressure. Topics Covered David's personal journey from overtraining athlete to sport psychology consultant Nervous system regulation and the BET Method (Breath, Eyes, Touch) Understanding the adolescent brain and Gen Z's unique stressors How identity impacts performance and burnout The myth of "doing more" vs. training with intention How coaches can create space between stimulus and response Tactical examples from volleyball and basketball athletes Strategies for coaches to intervene supportively, not reactively How parents can support athletes without adding pressure Resources & Mentions Book: Bet On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond – Available on Amazon Website: www.realdevelopment.org – Resources, contact info, and bonus booklets Follow on Instagram: @beyondhorizonsperformance

    44 min

  5. 07/18/2025

    Reigniting Curiosity in Youth Sports | Dr. Shaine Henert

    In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, Demi sits down with Dr. Shaine Henert, a seasoned sport psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Together, they explore the crucial role that play, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation play in youth sports development—and what happens when those elements are lost. Shaine shares his personal journey into sport psychology, beginning with imagery exercises in junior high, through his graduate studies at Michigan State and Minnesota, and into his current work in higher education and youth sport advocacy. This conversation is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes who are navigating the pressures of organized sports and seeking to preserve joy and self-discovery in the process. Topics Covered Shaine's personal journey into sport psychology How early coaching experiences sparked his interest in mental performance The value of free play and curiosity in athletic development The shift from community-based sports to high-pressure, club-driven environments Navigating stress, burnout, and high athletic identity in adolescents The psychological impact of over-scheduling and comparison culture Strategies for reigniting joy in sport—especially for teens feeling stuck or burnt out  Resources & Mentions Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) Project FLEX at Northern Illinois University PACE Coaching Education Program (Michigan State) Follow on Instagram: [@beyondhorizonsperformance]

    48 min

  6. 06/02/2025

    The Mental Health Connection | Angie Miller

    What does it really mean to align physical movement with mental wellbeing? In this episode of Performers on the Rise, Demi sits down with educator, therapist, and fitness expert Angie Miller to explore the critical connection between movement, mindset, and mental health. Angie shares her personal journey from classroom teacher to national speaker, and how embracing reinvention helped her discover her true mission. Together, they unpack the mental health challenges athletes face today, from perfectionism and burnout to emotional fatigue and lack of self-compassion and how consistency and routine can help rebuild resilience. Plus, they dive into powerful tools for coaches and parents to support athletes in moments of vulnerability.   Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zilRMKDF7CytuBNsesg9H Website: https://angiemillerwellness.com/   Keep up on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondhorizonsperformance/?hl=en

    38 min

  7. 03/31/2025

    The Mindset Shift Every Athlete Needs | Coach Melanie Hughes

    Success in sports isn't just about skill. It's about mindset. Coach Melanie Hughes shares how an unexpected coaching role shaped her philosophy, emphasizing resilience and mental strength. From youth players to college athletes, she explores how sports psychology influences performance and growth. Tune in for insights on overcoming pressure and embracing the mental side of the game. Keep up with Coach Melanie and the Lake Forest Girls Volleyball Team at https://www.instagram.com/lakeforestvolleyball   Keep up on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/beyondhorizonsperformance/

    39 min

  8. 03/24/2025

    Replay Rewind: How to Optimize Your Nutrition as an Athlete | Holley Samuel

    Join board-certified sports dietitian, Holley Samuel and I in this insightful episode as we delve into the intricacies of nutrition, exploring patterns of hunger, and addressing gaps in our eating habits. Discover the "5 Nutrition Non-Negotiables" that form the foundation for optimal performance, from timing your meals to ensuring a balanced nutrient intake. Holley and I explore the importance of basic nutrition principles before diving into supplements and protein powders, emphasizing the significance of stable blood sugar and proper fueling for workouts. Learn practical tips on overcoming barriers, making time for meals even in a busy schedule, and enhancing mealtime etiquette for better digestion. Plus, uncover the connection between mindset, belief systems, and achieving your health goals. It's time to embrace a growth mindset for a nourished body and fulfilled potential. Follow Holley Samuel @holleyfuelednutrition and listen to her podcast Holley Fueled Nutrition Podcast. Stay connected on Facebook & Instagram @beyondhorizonsperformance!

    44 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Athletes & Artists: Are you overwhelmed, burnt out, and tired of feeling tired? Do you find yourself wishing you had the confidence to pursue your goals, but are held back by insecurities, performance anxiety, and self-doubt? As a Mental Performance Consultant and a fellow performer, I'm here to reassure you - it doesn't have to stay that way. Whether it's baseball, football, dance, or cheer, mental skills and strategies have the power to give you the confidence and resilience you need to rise to any occasion that comes your way. It's time to take your performance career to the next level!

Information

  • Creator
    Demi Agaiby
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Demi Agaiby
  • Show Website
    Performers on the Rise