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From the Big Leagues to Building Better Athletes: Adversity, Mental Toughness & Culture with Shane Youman-Osuoha What does it really take to make it to the big leagues—and what happens when you get there? In this powerful episode of the All Things Performance Podcast, Dr. Josiah Igono sits down with former Major League Baseball pitcher and current Division I pitching coach Shane Youman-Osuoha for a candid conversation about baseball, adversity, mental health, leadership, culture, and what it actually takes to develop athletes. Shane takes us through his journey from growing up in New Iberia, Louisiana, to playing at LSU, winning a national championship, being drafted, reaching the Major Leagues, and continuing his professional career in Taiwan and South Korea. But the conversation goes well beyond the highlights. Shane opens up about the difficult reality of being released from the Philadelphia Phillies, battling depression, struggling with his identity and confidence, and eventually recognizing that he needed help. His story provides an honest look at the psychological highs and lows that can accompany elite performance—and the importance of being willing to ask for help when things aren't right. The conversation then turns toward the current state of baseball and youth athletics. Shane challenges the growing culture of instant success, constant movement, entitlement, and avoiding adversity, explaining how the revolving door of select teams, travel baseball, and the transfer portal can sometimes prevent young athletes from developing the resilience, relationships, accountability, and character necessary to succeed at higher levels. Dr. Igono and Shane also tackle the importance of punctuality, discipline, personal responsibility, criticism, conflict resolution, team-first thinking, and building genuine culture. Shane shares key principles for coaches trying to establish a strong program—including the importance of having a plan, aligning the coaching staff, gaining administrative support, and bringing in athletes who fit the culture. This episode is ultimately about much more than baseball. It's about earning opportunities instead of expecting them, embracing adversity instead of avoiding it, developing people instead of simply developing players, and understanding that previous success never guarantees future success. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, this conversation will challenge the way you think about development, success, and what it really means to build a high-performance culture. Topics Covered: Shane's journey to Major League Baseball The reality of getting called up to the Big Leagues Playing professional baseball overseas Mental health and depression in professional athletes Asking for help and overcoming difficult seasons Adversity as a necessary part of development Youth baseball and the pursuit of instant success The transfer portal, player movement, and athlete entitlement Why punctuality matters Accountability and personal responsibility Building team culture Conflict resolution and relationships Developing athletes beyond their sport Mindset, discipline, and resilience Why previous success does not guarantee future success What coaches and parents can do differently #AllThingsPerformance #JosiahIgono #ShaneYouman-Osuoha #Baseball #MLB #MajorLeagueBaseball #CollegeBaseball #YouthBaseball #BaseballCoaching #SportsPsychology #MentalPerformance #MentalToughness #AthleteMentalHealth #AthleteDevelopment #HighPerformance #PerformancePsychology #SportsPerformance #Leadership #TeamCulture #CultureBuilding #Coaching #CoachLife #AthleteMindset #Adversity #Resilience #Accountability #Discipline #Punctuality #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #CollegeAthletes #StudentAthletes #BaseballLife #MentalHealthInSports #EliteAthletes

What does it really take to develop a great athlete—and what happens when parents and coaches become too focused on the outcome? In this powerful episode of the All Things Performance Podcast, Dr. Josiah Igono sits down with Dr. Fred Quarles of Indiana for an insightful conversation about athlete development, sports psychology, performance, psychological safety, parenting, coaching, resilience, faith, and long-term personal growth. Dr. Quarles shares his personal journey and the people who helped shape his aspirations, including the influence of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James and the powerful encouragement he received from his grandmother. His story provides an important reminder that sometimes a person's belief in our potential can become the catalyst for discovering what we are capable of achieving. The conversation then moves into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of athletic development: psychological safety. Drawing from his doctoral research on athletic performance and psychological safety, Dr. Quarles explains why athletes need environments where they can learn, ask questions, make mistakes, receive feedback, experience failure, and continue developing without unnecessary fear or shame. The discussion also challenges a common belief in youth and competitive sports: that losing is inherently negative. Instead, Josiah and Dr. Quarles explore how loss, failure, adversity, and setbacks can become powerful developmental experiences when athletes are given the opportunity to reflect, learn, adjust, and grow. Perhaps most importantly, this episode challenges parents and coaches to look in the mirror. Are we developing athletes—or simply demanding results? Are our expectations helping young athletes grow—or creating unnecessary pressure? Are we teaching discipline while simultaneously creating an environment where athletes are afraid to make mistakes? And are we helping young people understand that their identity and future are bigger than their athletic performance? The conversation brings together sports psychology, performance psychology, coaching, parenting, faith, character development, mental toughness, resilience, and athlete well-being to create a holistic perspective on what it means to develop athletes the right way. In This Episode, You'll Discover: *What truly contributes to athletic performance and long-term development *Why psychological safety matters in athletic environments *How coaches can create environments where athletes feel safe to learn and make mistakes *Why losing and failure can be essential components of athlete development *How parents can unintentionally create excessive performance pressure *The difference between supporting an athlete and becoming overly invested in their outcomes *Why encouragement and positive relationships can shape an athlete's belief in their potential *How resilience is developed through adversity *The importance of faith, character, and identity beyond athletic achievement *How coaches, parents, and mentors can better support the whole person Why athletic development should be measured by more than wins, losses, statistics, and championships...and much more! This episode is particularly valuable for parents of athletes, youth sports coaches, college coaches, athletic directors, performance psychologists, sports psychologists, mentors, and anyone responsible for developing young athletes. Ultimately, developing an athlete isn't simply about producing better performance. It's about developing a better human being who is capable of performing at a high level. . . . . . . . #AllThingsPerformance #JosiahIgono #FredQuarles #AthleteDevelopment #SportsPsychology #PerformancePsychology #PsychologicalSafety #YouthSports #SportsParenting #AthleteMindset #MentalToughness #AthleteConfidence #Resilience #SportsPerformance #CoachAthleteRelationship #YouthAthlete #AthleteMentalHealth #HighPerformance #FaithAndSports #ChristianAthlete #Coaching #ParentingAthletes #CharacterDevelopment #HolisticAthleteDevelopment #FailureIsFeedback

What happens when you put Newton's Laws of Motion, human performance, psychology, and faith into the same conversation? In this behind-the-scenes episode of the All Things Performance Podcast, Dr. Josiah Igono takes listeners inside a real Performance Psychology session with a collegiate football team. (Note: This session is not presented here in its entirety) Rather than simply talking about motivation or mental toughness, Josiah challenges the athletes to think differently about performance by connecting scientific principles—including Newton's Laws and the relationship between force, motion, energy, and action—to the way athletes approach their lives and competition. But the conversation doesn't stop with science. Josiah explores the spiritual implications of performance, challenging athletes to consider how their gifts, abilities, discipline, choices, and actions reflect something bigger than the scoreboard. The result is a fascinating intersection of sports science, performance psychology, physics, faith, identity, discipline, and personal responsibility. This isn't your typical team talk. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how science can provide a framework for understanding performance—and how faith can provide a foundation for understanding why we perform in the first place. In This Episode: Newton's Laws and their application to human performance The relationship between force, motion, energy, and action Scientific principles applied to athletic performance Performance psychology and athlete development The connection between physical performance and mental preparation Discipline, responsibility, and intentional action How athletes can think beyond performance outcomes Science can explain how things move. Performance psychology can help explain how people respond. Faith challenges us to ask what we are ultimately moving toward. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance. #AllThingsPerformance #JosiahIgono #PerformancePsychology #SportsPsychology #MentalPerformance #MentalToughness #CollegeFootball #FootballMindset #AthleteMindset #SportsScience #Newtonslaws #Physics #AthleteDevelopment #HighPerformance #PeakPerformance #FaithAndSports #ChristianAthlete #ChristianFootball #PerformanceCoach #MentalSkills

What truly separates equally talented athletes? The answer goes far deeper than physical ability. This session sneak-peek explores mental toughness, resilience, confidence, discipline, team culture, leadership, faith, personal responsibility, and the development of wisdom—providing athletes and coaches with practical principles they can take directly into training, competition, academics, relationships, and life. (Note: This session is not presented here in its entirety) In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why mentality can become the differentiator when athletic ability is similar. The psychological characteristics that separate high-performing athletes. Why work ethic, confidence, punctuality, and character matter. The difference between hacks, strategies, principles, and essence (via Myron Golden) Why knowledge alone isn't enough to produce performance. How athletes develop wisdom through action and practice. The connection between faith, identity, mindset, and performance. Why your foundation matters when adversity arrives. How team bonding and relationships contribute to a high-performance environment. What it means to love God with your mind and use your gifts intentionally. How athletes can build foundations that support both competitive excellence and personal growth. Talent may get you in the door. Your foundation determines what happens once you're there. #PerformancePsychology #SportsPsychology #MentalPerformance #MentalToughness #EliteAthletes #WomensSoccer #SoccerPsychology #AthleteMindset #AthleteDevelopment #HighPerformance #PeakPerformance #SportsMentality #Confidence #Resilience #Leadership #TeamCulture #TeamBuilding #AthleteMentalHealth #FaithAndSports #ChristianAthlete #ChristianSports #Mindset #CompetitiveExcellence #PerformanceCoach #JosiahIgono #AllThingsPerformance

Is success determined by talent—or by something much deeper? In this episode of the All Things Performance Podcast, Dr. Josiah Igono explores one of the most debated questions in sports and performance: What separates athletes who have the skill from those who consistently rise to the occasion? While skill may earn an opportunity, it is often will that determines who thrives when the pressure is greatest. Drawing from his experience as a former Major League Baseball Director of Peak Performance, university professor, and performance psychology expert, Dr. Igono unpacks the psychological and physiological variables that influence elite performance. From motivation, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience to fatigue, stress responses, and the neuroscience of competition, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what truly drives excellence when talent alone is no longer enough. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or leader, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers practical, science-backed strategies you can immediately apply to your own pursuit of high performance. If you've ever wondered why two athletes with similar physical abilities achieve vastly different outcomes, this episode provides the answers. In this episode you'll discover: Why skill opens doors—but will determines who stays. The psychology behind grit, resilience, and competitive toughness. How physiology influences decision-making under pressure. The hidden mental factors that separate elite performers from everyone else. Practical ways to develop the mindset that sustains excellence over time. High performance isn't reserved for the most talented. It's built by those who develop the will to consistently execute when it matters most. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance. #AllThingsPerformance #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #HighPerformance #MentalToughness #Leadership #AthleteMindset #PeakPerformance #SportsScience #PerformancePsychology

Burnout doesn't happen overnight—it builds silently until your performance, passion, and purpose begin to suffer. In this episode of All Things Performance, Dr. Josiah Igono unpacks the science behind burnout and explains why so many high achievers don't recognize the warning signs until they're already overwhelmed. Whether you're an athlete, coach, executive, student, parent, or leader, this episode provides practical tools to help you identify burnout early and regain control before it impacts your health, relationships, and performance. Dr. Igono introduces his proprietary B.U.R.N. Framework, a simple yet powerful system designed to help individuals recognize the subtle indicators of burnout before it's too late. He also explores the Biopsychosocial Model, demonstrating how your physical health, mental state, and social environment interact to either fuel burnout or promote sustainable high performance. You'll learn: What burnout really is—and what it isn't. Why high performers are especially vulnerable. The B.U.R.N.™ framework for identifying early warning signs. How the Biopsychosocial Model influences energy, motivation, and resilience. Practical strategies you can implement immediately to reduce stress, restore balance, and perform at your best. If you've ever felt emotionally exhausted, mentally drained, physically depleted, or disconnected from the work you once loved, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to recover and build lasting resilience. Remember: Burnout isn't a sign of weakness—it's often a signal that something in your system needs attention. Listen and start building a healthier, more sustainable path to peak performance. #MentalPerformance #Burnout #HighPerformance #SportsPsychology #PerformancePsychology #MentalHealth #Leadership #Resilience #PeakPerformance #StressManagement #AthleteMindset #AllThingsPerformance

What separates good teams from great teams? It isn't just talent—it's the environment. In this episode of All Things Performance, Dr. Josiah Igono takes a deep dive into one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in sports: building a high-performance environment. Whether you're a coach, parent, captain, athletic director, or athlete, you're an architect of the athletic experience. Every conversation, every expectation, and every interaction shapes the culture that athletes experience—and ultimately influences how they perform under pressure. Drawing from performance psychology and years of experience working with elite athletes and teams, Dr. Igono breaks down the essential elements of environments that consistently produce confident, resilient, and connected performers. You'll learn why the best cultures don't happen by accident—they're intentionally designed. In this episode, you'll discover: Why environment is one of the strongest predictors of performance. How to promote mastery instead of fear of failure. Practical ways to ensure every athlete feels seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. Why great leaders challenge athletes without diminishing them. How inviting player input increases ownership, accountability, and commitment. The difference between creating a demanding culture and creating a hostile one. How parents, coaches, and team captains can build trust, strengthen camaraderie, and develop lasting mental toughness. If you've ever wondered why some teams consistently rise to the occasion while others underperform despite having talent, this episode provides a practical blueprint for creating a culture where athletes can thrive. Because championship performance isn't built by chance—it begins with the environment you create. Listen now and start building a culture where confidence grows, resilience flourishes, and people perform at their highest level. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance. #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #Leadership #Coaching #MentalToughness #TeamCulture #HighPerformance #YouthSports #AthleteDevelopment #AllThingsPerformance #JosiahIgono

Every athlete loves the feeling of being motivated. But what happens when the excitement fades, training becomes repetitive, and the results you're working so hard for still haven't shown up? Do you keep going—or do you quit? In this episode of All Things Performance, performance psychology expert Dr. Josiah Igono tackles one of the greatest challenges facing athletes today: learning how to perform consistently when motivation is nowhere to be found. Josiah answers four questions that every athlete has asked at some point in their journey: What do I do when I don't feel motivated to train? What's more important: motivation or discipline? How do I keep going when results aren't showing up? Why do some athletes waste their talent while others maximize it? Drawing from performance psychology, elite sport, and years of working with high performers, Dr. Igono explains why motivation is temporary, discipline is trainable, and consistency—not emotion—is what separates good athletes from great ones. You'll discover how habits shape identity, why delayed results often precede breakthrough performance, and how the athletes who maximize their potential commit to excellence long before they ever see the rewards. If you've ever questioned whether the hard work is worth it, struggled to stay committed during difficult seasons, or wondered why some talented athletes never reach their potential, this episode will give you the mindset and practical strategies to keep showing up—especially when you don't feel like it. Because motivation may get you started. But discipline determines how far you'll go. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance. #AllThingsPerformance #AthleteMindset #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #DisciplineOverMotivation #MentalToughness #OwnThePieces

Every athlete will experience failure. A missed shot. A costly turnover. A devastating injury. A poor performance. A season that doesn't go as planned. The question isn't if you'll fail—it's what you'll do next??? In this episode of All Things Performance, performance psychology expert Dr. Josiah Igono explores one of the defining characteristics of elite performers: the ability to respond to adversity with resilience rather than retreat. Josiah answers four of the most important questions athletes ask: How do I bounce back after making a costly mistake? How do I handle failure when everyone is watching? Why do setbacks make some athletes stronger while others quit? How can I stop being afraid of failure? Drawing from performance psychology, personal experience, and lessons learned from working with athletes at every level, this episode uncovers the mental habits that transform disappointment into development. You'll learn why failure is one of the greatest teachers in sports, how your response to adversity shapes your identity, and why your greatest breakthroughs often begin where your greatest setbacks occur. Whether you're recovering from a difficult game, struggling with self-doubt, or trying to regain confidence after a setback, this conversation will equip you with practical tools to reset your mindset, embrace growth, and compete with greater freedom. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success—it is often the pathway to it. Because championships aren't built by athletes who never fall. They're built by athletes who refuse to stay down. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance.

You dominate in practice, but when the lights come on and the game begins, something changes. Your mind starts racing. You overthink simple plays. You feel pressure building. You begin asking yourself, "Why can't I perform the same way I do in practice?" In this episode of All Things Performance, performance psychology expert Dr. Josiah Igono dives into one of the biggest challenges athletes face: performing under pressure. Josiah answers some of the most common questions athletes ask: Why do I perform great in practice but struggle in games? How do elite athletes stay calm under pressure? What should I do when I start overthinking during competition? Can pressure actually improve performance? Drawing from performance psychology principles and practical performance strategies, this episode breaks down what pressure actually is, why the mind responds the way it does during competition, and how elite performers learn to work with pressure rather than against it. You'll learn why pressure itself isn't the enemy, why overthinking often sabotages performance, and how some athletes consistently rise to the occasion while others become trapped by the moment. If you've ever felt your confidence disappear in competition, struggled with game-day nerves, or wondered how top performers stay composed when everything is on the line, this conversation will give you practical tools and a new perspective on pressure. Because pressure doesn't create who you are. Pressure reveals how you've prepared. And sometimes the difference between breaking under pressure and performing through pressure is learning how to think differently when the moment gets bigger. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance.

Confidence is one of the most talked-about qualities in sports—and one of the most misunderstood. Many athletes believe confidence comes from making shots, winning games, earning playing time, or hearing praise from coaches. But what happens when performance declines, mistakes pile up, and results don't go your way? Does confidence disappear, or was it never built on the right foundation to begin with? In this episode of All Things Performance, Dr. Josiah Igono tackles some of the most common and important questions athletes ask about confidence: How do I stay confident when I'm not performing well? What's the difference between confidence and arrogance? Can confidence be built, or are some athletes simply born with it? Why does my confidence disappear after one bad game? Drawing from performance psychology, real-world experiences with elite athletes, and practical strategies you can apply immediately, Dr. Igono breaks down the myths that keep athletes trapped in confidence roller coasters and reveals how lasting confidence is actually developed. Whether you're an athlete looking to perform more consistently, a coach seeking to build resilient competitors, or a parent wanting to better support your child through the ups and downs of sports, this episode provides a blueprint for building confidence that can withstand mistakes, setbacks, and pressure. Because true confidence isn't just built when things are going well. It's built when they aren't. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance.

Bones & Belief Systems What do your bones and your beliefs have in common? More than you might think. In this thought-provoking episode, Bones & Belief Systems, we explore the fascinating connection between the physical structures that support our bodies and the belief systems that support our lives. You'll discover the remarkable physiological role bones play in providing strength, protection, movement, and adaptation—and how our beliefs serve a similar purpose spiritually, emotionally, and philosophically. The episode examines what happens when bones bend under pressure and how the body's response to stress can reveal powerful truths about personal growth, resilience, and faith.  Whether you're navigating trials, building resilience, or seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual growth, this episode offers practical insight and biblical wisdom that will challenge and encourage you. The discussion concludes with two powerful passages of Scripture that bring these concepts into sharp focus: II Timothy 2:3–5, which calls believers to endure hardship with discipline and purpose, and John 16:33, where Jesus reminds us that while trouble is inevitable, peace and victory are found in Him. If you've ever wondered how challenges shape both the body and the soul, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on why strength is often built through resistance—and why the beliefs that withstand pressure become the foundation for a resilient life. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance.

After a two-year hiatus, All Things Performance is back! In this special return episode, host Josiah Igono shares where he's been, what he's learned during the break, and why now is the right time to relaunch the podcast. More importantly, he introduces a powerful framework that has shaped his thinking on how information has changed our society, and how to be considered 'wise' during these times in: The 5 Laws of Information. Whether you're an athlete, coach, leader, or high performer seeking an edge, this episode explores how the information you consume, believe, process, and act upon directly impacts your performance. Josiah breaks down each law and explains how information can be life-changing & useless at the same time. In addition, Josiah answers questions submitted by athletes from various sports. If you've been part of the All Things Performance journey from the beginning, welcome back. If you're joining for the first time, this episode serves as the perfect introduction to the conversations ahead. The next chapter starts now. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance.

This podcast is with local community, leader, and pastor, Houston Woodard. Houston is a stalwart in the Phoenix community, and his leader ship is second to none. The following podcast hits several different aspects that many of us are navigating right now in society. Although faith is a large part of many peoples' lives, There are many people who struggle with "church hurt", hypocrites, and bad leadership within churches. We delve into that and much more in this podcast. Houston breaks down what to look for, and why it is imperative not to put your trust in man, or a 'building' for that matter. We also discussed the impact of sports, and why it can be such a tremendous tool for change. Houston, at one time, oversaw parts of one of the most extensive sports ministries in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Houston also draws from his military experience, and shares a concept that is timeless. We also talk about church, the diversity in churches, and why church can feel lonely on Sundays. Today's youth are also discussed, and the way individuals experience God is not (and cannot) be the same as some old-school methods that many of us are used to! If you are looking for an authentic conversation About topics that really matter, you've come to the right place. Enjoy!

During this chapel, we discuss how one of the most coveted traits in sports (unity) is achieved. In the entire sporting cosmos, whether you are talking about winning a Super Bowl, NBA Finals, NCAA championships, etc., you would be hard-pressed to find a team who has not figured out the cheat-code to achieving unity. It is very difficult to achieve monumental tasks without having buy-in and unity from a large group of players, coaches, and supporting staff. In this chapel, the primary ingredients that comprise unity are broken down: understanding, empathy, and action. The players learn in a very hands-on way why "understanding" directly impacts levels of unity. We also discuss the importance of listening and spending time with others. Some of the highest paid professionals in the world or sales people, and and an unlikely trait seems to emerge time and time again when you study them closely. We also break down the "7-4-11 Rule", and how we can use that in our everyday lives. We are also taught the importance of empathy, and what the Bible says about being empathetic. There's also an amazing example that highlights the effect of mirror neurons  & soldiers (a very little known story that many people do not talk about). Ultimately the chapel ends with the importance of action, and how nothing matters (our knowledge, our words, etc.) if you do not accompany it with action!