Ep. 233 - Unwrapping the Gift of Greatness

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how to attain greatness through adaptability and balance. The co-hosts discuss various chapters from Brian Johnson’s book Areté, which emphasize the importance of these two skills. Lastly, they review how tennis players can become more adaptable over time and find better balance in their tennis journeys.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh talk about a recent article from the Journal of the Philosophy of Sport regarding "talent loss." The co-hosts outline the three central views of talent loss from the article, share personal experiences and discuss various pro tennis players who have navigated life changes and this type of loss. Additionally, they offer suggestions that tennis players can incorporate to prepare for this in advance.Article - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/00948705.2024.2420364?needAccess=trueSponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh cover how tennis players can build the skill of reframing situations and shifting perspective. The co-hosts discuss why reframing is an important skill for players, review situations where it’s important to be able to reframe, and offer suggestions for how tennis players can shift their perspective in the moment as well as for the long-term.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh cover the 2025 U.S. Open Championships. They discuss various themes and sport psychology concepts that emerged from the tournament, particularly by champions and finalists Aryna Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss whether double faulting is solely a technical issue, a mental issue, or a combination of the two. Recently Coco Gauff decided to start working with biomechanical expert Gavin MacMillan to help her overcome her increase in double faults. The co-hosts discuss the Gauff's coaching change, review the causes of double faults, and offer suggestions for how tennis players can approach their first serves and second serves in more effective ways.Article: https://tennisnow.com/News/2025/news/gauff-fires-coach-daly-aims-to-sharpen-serve.aspxSponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the connection between commitment and enthusiasm. Using several quotes as inspiration, they review how tennis players can demonstrate commitment to their journey, show commitment to their goals, and how they can pursue their chosen journey and goals with enthusiasm and zest.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of momentum in tennis. First, they define the term, then they discuss the research about momentum in tennis and question whether momentum objectively exists. They review ways for tennis players to build streaks of points, and also ways to approach things differently when momentum seems to be working against them.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh utilize a recent article about Taylor Fritz as inspiration to discuss the path of wisdom for elite competitors. In the discussion, they discuss specific aspects of Fritz's perspectives on success and achievement, and compare those to the perspectives of elite competitors like Kobe Bryant and Rafael Nadal. This episode also discusses a model of stages of wisdom for tennis players, and how to evolve to a place of enlightenment.Interview with Taylor Fritz - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/25/taylor-fritz-wimbledon-tennis-grand-slamSponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh respond to a listener's question regarding resetting between points and handling emotions on the court. The co-hosts talk about how tennis players can focus on their competitive and fighting skills in addition to their tennis skills and strokes while playing. Additionally, they highlight the importance of the between-point routine, and discuss how using “green light” and “yellow light” routines can help players in different situations that come up.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how to handle training and rest leading up to tournaments. They review how players can approach their tournament schedule for the year to ensure that it aligns with their goals and vision for themselves. Additionally, they examine the importance of rest mentally and physically, and share anecdotes of professional and recreational players who chose to prioritize rest and recovery.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.