Advertise on podcast: Zupi Autotelic Mindset

In this episode of the Zupi Autotelic Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Canadian Olympian Luka Stoikos to explore the mental side of bobsleigh and what it takes to compete at the 2026 Olympic Games. Luka shares what he’s learned about pressure, preparation, and the mindset required to perform in a sport where every detail matters. We talk about the discipline behind the start, the trust it takes to race at full speed, and the mental habits that help him stay focused when the stakes are highest. This conversation is about more than sport — it’s about resilience, commitment, and learning how to show up with confidence on the biggest stage. If you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone interested in high performance, this episode is a reminder to flex your mind and trust the process.

In this episode of the Zupi Autotelic Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Canadian Olympic skeleton athlete Josip Brusic to explore the mindset, discipline, and resilience behind his journey to the Winter Olympic Games. Josip shares what it takes to compete in one of the fastest and most demanding sports in the world, and how he’s learned to stay focused through pressure, uncertainty, and the highs and lows of elite performance. We talk about the habits, routines, and mental approach that help him keep moving toward his goals, both on and off the track. This conversation is about more than speed — it’s about commitment, growth, and what it means to chase a dream at the highest level. If you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone drawn to high performance, this episode is a powerful reminder to flex your mind and trust the process.

In this episode of the ZUPI Autotelic Mindset Podcast, I sit down with two‑time Olympic bobsledder Mike O’Higgins to unpack the mental game behind hurtling down an ice track at over 130 km/h. Mike shares his journey from first discovering bobsleigh to representing Canada at two Olympic Winter Games, and what it really takes to keep showing up on the world stage. We dive into how he builds confidence, handles fear and doubt, resets after mistakes, and stays locked in through the highs and lows of an Olympic cycle. If you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone chasing high performance, this conversation is a powerful look at resilience, self‑awareness, and choosing to flex your mind when it matters most.

I’m thrilled to share my latest interview with Canadian Olympic gymnast William Émard! In this episode, we dive deep into the mindset required for elite gymnastics, the importance of emotional awareness, and how to master the mental game at the highest level. William opens up about his journey to the Olympics, the strategies he uses to overcome pressure, and how he stays focused through adversity. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just looking for inspiration, you won’t want to miss his insights on building mental resilience and staying motivated.

Nate Riech, the celebrated Canadian Paralympian Champion and World record holder in the 1500m, stands alongside his sibling Max Tucker, an emerging NCAA Collegiate athlete specializing in the Decathlon. Despite their distinct disciplines, these two remarkable individuals share a common goal: to excel as the premier athletes in their respective fields. Nate's remarkable journey took an unforeseen turn when a golf ball altered the course of his life, resulting in paralysis. Through resilience and determination, he not only overcame this adversity but also emerged as a prominent figure in Para athletics. His story delves deep into his mindset, offering profound insights into what drives him to greatness. Beyond the pursuit of medals, Nate endeavors to inspire the next generation of athletes with invisible disabilities, utilizing his platform for meaningful impact. Meanwhile, Max Tucker is swiftly making a name for himself in the track world, specializing in the demanding Decathlon. As Nate's sibling, one might assume Max faces immense pressure to live up to his brother's legacy. However, Max has forged his own unique path and identity, drawing inspiration and support from Nate and their family. With a steadfast determination, Max aims to realize his dream of competing in the Olympic Games, leveraging the invaluable resources and mentorship within his familial circle.

Lewis Irving, a Canadian Olympian Aerial Freestyle Ski Jumper, joins us on the Zupi Autotelic Mindset Podcast. Lewis discus’s his mental approach to achieving peak performance. He explains how he manages his emotional awareness by emphasizing the importance of staying focused and present and utilizing mental tools such as goal setting and visualization. Additionally, we explored how he manages his energy levels during training, competition, and recovery, highlighting the significance of trusting himself and his team's process to allow him to compete on one of the biggest stages: THE OLYMPIC GAMES!

Kris Mahler, a professional Canadian ski cross athlete, recently joined us on the Zupi Autotelic Mindset Podcast. Kris discusses his mindset of “SKI FAST DRIVE SLOW” and achieving peak performance. Kris explains how he balances the need for speed with the importance of staying focused and confident, utilizing mental tools such as goal setting, visualization, and breathing techniques. We also explore the significance of how he manages his energy levels and the importance of developing meaningful relationships to support his ultimate goal of "CHASING THE GLOBE". You can learn more about Kris and his journey by checking out his YouTube channel Chasing the Globe.

Gabriel Dufresne is a seasoned mogul ski athlete from Team Canada, with 8 years of experience in the national program. In this interview, he reveals the secrets behind his success and shares the sources of his motivation to excel as a Canadian skier. He delves into his mental training techniques and emphasizes the importance of visualization, walking us through his own personal step-by-step process.

In this interview, Canadian Olympian Alpine skier Brodie Seger shares his inspiring journey to becoming a professional athlete and how he approaches mental performance. He emphasizes the importance of developing a Mental Performance "toolbox" and knowing when to use specific tools depending on his feelings, thinking, and behavior. These tools include goal setting, breathing techniques, journaling, positive self-talk, and emotional debriefing. Furthermore, Brodie draws motivation from his personal experiences, including his father's diagnosis with ALS, and has launched a "HELMET FOR HOPE" project to raise funds for ALS in his local community. Overall, Brodie's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that a strong mindset and a sense of purpose can have on achieving personal and community goals

Join Canadian Paralympian Curtis Halladay as he recounts his inspiring journey to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil. After a life-altering accident, Curtis channeled his determination and found success as a high-performing athlete. In this candid talk, he shares his mindset of acceptance, the power of goal-setting, and the importance of embracing the process over the outcome. Discover how Curtis transcends his sport and applies these principles to overcome adversity and achieve success in life.

Bret Himmelman, Canadian Sprint Canoe athlete, shares and talks about his breakthrough season winning a bronze medal in the C2 men's 1000m race at the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Dartmouth, N.S. with his partner Craig Spence. He talks about his journey through playing University lacrosse and Jr. hockey, diving into his mindset on both playing a team sport and an individual sport at an elite level. He sheds light on the similarities and differences between a team and individual sport and how they have complemented his transition into paddling at the international level. Some may call him crazy for how he managed his time with all playing all these sports but it is what made him the athlete and, more importantly, the person he is today.

Lisa DeJong, Paralympic snowboarder shares with us what it means and takes to be a High-Performance Paralympic athlete along with being a mother of 2 kids. She explains how she manages her "Balance Board" and stays focused, bringing us into her mindset and how she approaches her sport and life in general. Along with walking us through winning her silver medal at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Max Van Haaster 2x Olympian shares his story of how it all began in early childhood days to now competed in two Olympic Games Rio 2016 and Japan 2021. He shares with us how he maintained balance while competing at the world level and attending University, to his mindset through two very different Olympic Games. Summing it up to "ENJOYING what you do, knowing you're going to lose more than you win, and learning from those experiences.”

Samantha Smith, Sports physiotherapist, and a Canadian national gymnastics team member. Shares with us her journey and passion for trampolining and the obstacles that lead her to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Greg shares with us journey through high performance sports, and how he sets goals with meaningful intentions in order to remain present and balanced.