The Standard

Erin Sarles

This isn't motivation. This is a movement. The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. Hosts Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe brings raw, truth-packed conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders about identity beyond performance, discipline that lasts, and legacy that matters. 20-25 minutes of hard-hitting truth you won't hear anywhere else. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

  1. 1d ago

    The Neuroscience of Performing Under Pressure | Ep. 50 Dr. Kiersten Janjigian

    What actually happens in your brain when the stakes are highest? Most athletes train the body. Fewer train the mind. Almost none train the brain — and there's a difference. Dr. Kiersten Janjigian is a neuroscientist and mental performance consultant with a Ph.D. in Cognitive Motor Neuroscience and dual board certifications in biofeedback and neurofeedback. Her research focuses on the cortical dynamics underlying applied sport psychology and the state of the brain under stress — using EEG as her primary neuroimaging tool. She works at the intersection of brain, behavior, and physiology to help athletes, leaders, and high performers execute when it matters most. In this episode, Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe sits down with Dr. Janjigian to talk about what the science actually reveals — what's happening neurologically when athletes choke, freeze, or fall apart under pressure — and what evidence-based mental performance looks like when it's done right. This isn't motivation. This is science. In this episode: — The biggest lie performance culture sells about pressure and stress — What EEG research shows us about the brain in high-stakes moments — Why most mental performance training misses the mark — How to work with your neurophysiology instead of against it — What separates athletes who execute under pressure from those who don't — Practical tools for improving decision-making and emotional regulation This one is for every athlete who's ever performed below their ability when it mattered most — and every coach, parent, and leader who wants to understand why. Connect with Dr. Janjigian: Website:  https://www.drkierst.com/ The Standard Podcast™ — Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard. Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    36 min

  2. 5d ago

    From Grey Cup Champion to Mental Performance — The CRUSH-IT System | Ep. 49 Jaime Elizondo

    From Grey Cup Champion to Mental Performance Expert: Jaime Elizondo's Journey to Elite Execution The difference between high potential and elite performance isn't talent — it's the mental performance systems that allow someone to execute consistently when everything is on the line. Jaime Elizondo has spent 25+ years discovering and developing these systems, first as a championship coach and now as a Certified High-Performance Coach helping others break through to elite execution. As a former professional head football coach, Grey Cup Champion with extensive CFL experience and NFL background, Jaime has lived performance at the highest levels. This championship coaching experience provides the foundation for his current work as creator of the CRUSH-IT Mental Performance System, where he combines real-world elite performance knowledge with cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology. Through his CRUSH-IT and MAP (Mental, Athletic, Performance) processes and High-Performance Habits methodology, Jaime helps individuals and teams understand that elite performance is not about having more talent — it's about having better mental performance systems. His approach addresses the mental performance barriers that keep talented people from reaching their full capability. In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Jaime shares: How his Grey Cup Championship and coaching experience shaped his understanding of elite performanceThe biggest lies about mental performance and what it takes to execute under pressureWhy most people with high potential never reach elite executionHow the CRUSH-IT Mental Performance System bridges theory and practical applicationBuilding championship culture through evidence-based High-Performance HabitsWhether you're an athlete with untapped potential, a leader building championship culture, or a high-performer who wants to execute consistently when it matters most, Jaime's insights provide practical frameworks for breakthrough performance. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Jaime: https://jaimeelizondo.com/ Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    37 min

  3. May 22

    Cultivating Truth and Rediscovering Identity in Christ | Ep. 48 Troy Dennison

    From Business to Ministry: Troy Dennison on Cultivating Truth and Rediscovering Identity in Christ In a culture that often defines identity through performance, achievement, and external validation, Troy Dennison offers a different foundation for life and leadership. As founder of Cultivating Truth and regional leader within the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Western Montana, Troy has spent over 30 years helping athletes, coaches, and leaders discover their true identity in Christ and fulfill their God-given purpose. Troy's unique background spans entrepreneurship, executive pastoral leadership, and ministry, giving him authentic understanding of both business leadership and spiritual formation. His work with FCA involves faithfully engaging relationally, equipping scripturally, empowering spiritually, and mobilizing leaders across Western Montana to live, minister, and lead in truth. Rooted in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Troy's mission centers on coaching, equipping, motivating, and releasing individuals to rediscover their true identity, engage God's leadership, perform by the power of His Spirit, and fulfill their God-given purpose in fellowship with Him and others. In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Troy explores: The biggest lies culture tells athletes and leaders about identity and successHow to rediscover your true identity in Christ rather than performanceWhat it means to engage God's leadership and perform by the power of His SpiritBuilding legacy that extends beyond achievement to kingdom impactScripture-based leadership principles for authentic transformationWhether you're an athlete searching for identity, a coach trying to lead with purpose, or a leader seeking to understand what it means to live and lead in truth, Troy's insights provide biblical foundation for life beyond performance. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Troy: Ministry: Cultivating Truth Organization: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Western Montana) Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    31 min

  4. May 22

    TRoe FBombs and Building Athletes From Average to Asset | Ep. 47 Thomas Roe

    Co-Founder Spotlight: Thomas Roe on Character Development and His New Book "TRoe FBombs: From Average to Asset" In this special episode of The Standard Podcast™, Erin Sarles turns the interview lens on her co-founder and partner in the Blueprint mission — Thomas Roe, Chief Athletic Officer of Blueprint to Bluechip™. This intimate conversation reveals the foundation of their shared vision and the operational excellence behind their movement. Thomas brings a unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience to Blueprint's mission. As founder of TRoe Fitness-Sports Rehab & Recovery, he has spent decades building and repairing bodies while training athletes from professionals to weekend warriors. His personal competitive experience in Ironman Triathlons, endurance races, marathons, and Spartan competitions provides authentic understanding of what it takes to push through physical and mental barriers. The Blueprint co-founding story emerged from Thomas's repeated observations of character crises among athletes whose physical capabilities far exceeded their personal development. This pattern led him to understand that sustainable success requires more than conditioning — it requires the integration of character development with athletic training. In this episode, Erin and Thomas explore: The moment they realized Blueprint needed to exist and whyHow Thomas's endurance competition experience shaped his coaching philosophyThe operational systems that ensure Blueprint develops complete athletesThe launch of Thomas's new book "TRoe FBombs: From Average to Asset"What it means to build athletes who are assets, not just performersThis special co-founder conversation provides unprecedented insight into the vision, values, and operational foundation driving the Blueprint movement. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Blueprint: Website: blueprintbluechip.com Book: "TRoe FBombs: From Average to Asset" Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    44 min

  5. May 15

    From #1 Recruit to Youth Development — Lost the Game, Found the Lesson | Ep. 46

    From #1 Recruit to Youth Development Strategist: Britt Hunter's Journey of Finding the Lesson The path from being the #1 recruit in the country to becoming a trusted youth development strategist isn't typical, but for Britt Hunter, it represents a journey of transformation, purpose, and dedicated service to the next generation. Her story demonstrates that sometimes losing what you thought you wanted leads to finding what you were meant to do. Britt played basketball at both Duke University and UConn — two of the most prestigious programs in college athletics. But when she "lost the game," she "found the lesson" that would redirect her life toward empowering others. This pivotal experience taught her that authentic success comes not from external achievements, but from understanding who you are and taking ownership of your choices. After her athletic career, Britt built diverse experience across education as a charter school administrator, business with her Vanderbilt MBA and Microsoft leadership roles, and now youth development. This varied background gives her unique insight into what young people need to succeed in real-world environments. In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Britt shares: What it was like being the #1 recruit and how that experience shaped her perspectiveThe transformative lesson she found when athletics endedHow she helps young people ages 14-24 build authentic confidence and leadership skillsThe Own Your Adventure™ approach to developing resilient leaders who move with purposeWhat parents and educators need to understand about supporting youth developmentWhether you're a young person figuring out your path, a parent supporting your child's development, or an educator working with the next generation, Britt's insights provide practical guidance for building confidence, character, and authentic leadership skills that stick. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Britt: Website: betheexceptioncoaching.com Email: britthunter@betheexceptioncoaching.com Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    48 min

  6. May 11

    From Division I Athlete to Mental Health Therapist — Creating Geared Up | Ep. 45 Mia Zambarano

    From Division I Athlete to Mental Health Therapist: Mia Zambarano's Mission to Transform Athletic Mental Health The intersection of high-level athletic performance and mental health is complex, often misunderstood, and frequently stigmatized. Mia Zambarano has made it her life's mission to change that reality by bridging the gap between athletic culture and mental health support through both personal experience and professional expertise. As an award-winning, licensed mental health therapist and former Division I college athlete, Mia uniquely understands the pressures, expectations, and challenges that high-achieving athletes face. Her personal experience in college athletics, combined with her professional work with athletes and coaches, revealed a critical problem: mental health services for athletes were primarily reactive, addressing crises rather than preventing them, and athletes consistently hesitated to seek help when they needed it most. This realization led Mia to create Geared Up, an innovative online mental health and performance training membership specifically designed for college athletes. Using evidence-based strategies and tools, Geared Up provides proactive support during times of change, transition, uncertainty, and insecurity — the moments when athletes are most vulnerable but least likely to seek traditional therapy. In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Mia shares: How her Division I experience shaped her understanding of athlete mental health challengesThe biggest lies athletes are told about mental health and seeking helpWhy traditional reactive approaches fail the athletic communityEvidence-based strategies for managing pressure and optimizing performanceHow to create environments where athletes feel safe accessing mental health supportWhether you're an athlete struggling with pressure, a parent supporting your child's mental health, or a coach wanting to better support your athletes, Mia's insights provide practical guidance for transforming how we approach mental health in athletics. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Mia: https://www.thementalperformanceexpert.com/ Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    37 min

  7. May 7

    From Maine Football to Financial Success — Building Game Plans for Life After Sports | Ep. 44 Jeff Durr

    The transition from athletic excellence to financial success requires more than just good intentions — it requires understanding that the same qualities that made you successful on the field can create lasting success in life and business. Jeff Durr has spent over 35 years proving this principle as a Senior Partner of RU Financial Athletic Department and Senior Vice President at MassMutual. Jeff's journey began at the University of Maine, where he played NCAA Varsity Football while earning his Psychology degree. The values he learned in Orono — discipline, resilience, preparation, and team-first leadership — became the foundation for a career dedicated to helping current and former college athletes navigate the complex world of financial planning and career transition. Since entering financial services in 1988, Jeff has specialized in the unique financial needs and transition challenges facing the athletic community. Through RU Financial Athletic Department, he provides comprehensive financial planning services while coaching advisors nationwide on how to better serve athletes. In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Jeff shares: How his Maine football experience shaped his approach to financial servicesThe biggest financial mistakes athletes make during transitionWhy athletic skills are directly transferable to financial planning successWhat current college athletes need to know about managing NIL moneyHow to build wealth that lasts beyond playing careersAs host of the RU Strong Podcast, Jeff continues to highlight inspiring stories of athletic perseverance and successful transitions, building a community around the truth that your athletic experience is an asset, not something you leave behind. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Jeff: Website: rufinancial.net LinkedIn: Jeffrey Durr RU Financial Instagram: @jeffdurr, @ru_strong_podcast, @rufinancial Podcast: RU Strong Podcast (YouTube & Spotify) Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    29 min

  8. May 4

    From Poverty to Authenticity: Finding Your Voice and Living Your Truth | Ep. 43 Hugo Maynard

    Growing up in poverty without a father figure could have limited Hugo Maynard's possibilities, but instead of being defined by his circumstances, he chose to use them as fuel for authentic growth. His story represents the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to build a life on your own terms. Hugo's journey through adversity taught him invaluable lessons about identity and the importance of staying true to yourself despite external pressures. As a college basketball player at Winston-Salem State University, he learned discipline and perseverance. His athletic achievements culminated in representing the U.S. Virgin Islands Olympic Team in the 2003 Tournament of America, proving that excellence can emerge from any starting point. Today, Hugo shares his unfiltered truth as a speaker and podcast host, helping others resist the pressure to conform and find their authentic voice. His message is particularly powerful for young people facing adversity, proving that circumstances don't define destiny — choices and self-understanding do. In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Hugo shares: How growing up in poverty taught him about resilience and self-relianceThe role basketball played in developing his identity and characterWhat it means to represent your heritage at the international levelHow to find your voice when you've never had positive role modelsThe difference between authentic success and conforming to others' expectationsWhether you're facing difficult circumstances, struggling with identity, or tired of living according to others' expectations, Hugo's story provides both inspiration and practical wisdom for building an authentic life. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Hugo: Social Media: @hugoxredd_unfiltered Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

    30 min
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About

This isn't motivation. This is a movement. The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. Hosts Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe brings raw, truth-packed conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders about identity beyond performance, discipline that lasts, and legacy that matters. 20-25 minutes of hard-hitting truth you won't hear anywhere else. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

Information

  • Creator
    Erin Sarles
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Standard
  • Show Website
    The Standard