Show Notes:

In this insightful episode of The Connected Instructor Podcast, Landon sits down with Michael Whitehead, a former professional golfer, Rice University standout, and current fitness professional at Whitehead Fitness. They delve into Michael’s journey from college golf to competing in the U.S. Open, his unexpected shift to fitness, and how his approach to training evolved along the way. Now as a fitness trainer, Michael applies his unique experiences to help athletes, especially golfers, improve both on and off the course. His philosophy of “intentional training” and practical advice offer valuable takeaways for golfers and trainers alike.

What You'll Learn:

- [00:05:00] Michael’s college golf career and transition into professional play

- [00:11:00] How losing and injury led to his shift toward fitness training

- [00:20:00] Insights into the psychology of competition and handling pressure

- [00:35:00] Tips on strategic training for high-stakes play: driver control, shot shaping, and optimizing scoring

- [00:50:00] Balancing strength with precision—why “gaining speed” is only part of the equation

- [01:03:00] The future of golf training: integrating fitness, data, and personalized coaching to maximize performance

Follow Michael on social media to learn more about his work with golfers at Whitehead Fitness in Houston.

In this episode, Landon Michelson sits down with Joel Turner, creator of Shot IQ and Mind IQ, to explore the transformative power of mental training for athletes. Known for his revolutionary approach to handling performance anxiety and refining motor skills, Joel shares his insights on how shooters, archers, and golfers alike can benefit from conscious decision-making, speech-based focus techniques, and understanding open vs. closed loop systems in sports.

Key topics include:

• The psychology of performance anxiety and Joel’s approach to overcoming "target panic" in shooting—paralleled to the golfer’s struggle with the “yips.”
• Open and closed loop control systems: how golfers can use these principles to adjust their swing and improve consistency.
• The concept of “getting loud in your head” and how conscious self-talk can help athletes remain focused, even under intense pressure.
• Practical applications of Shot IQ and Mind IQ for golfers, as well as Joel's insights on how conscious attention to detail can help athletes build repeatable, reliable performances.
• Gender differences in perception and vision in sports, and how these nuances can influence performance.

Listen in to discover how to apply these groundbreaking mental techniques in your game, develop a stronger mindset, and take control of your performance.

You can connect with Joel Turner and explore his work through various platforms:

- Instagram Follow [@shotiq]

- YouTube: [SHOT IQ YouTube channel]

- Mind IQ Course: [Mind IQ online course]

In this episode of the Connected Instructor podcast, I sit down with Dr. Michael Lardon, a renowned sports psychiatrist and mental performance coach. We dive into Dr. Lardon's fascinating background, his unique approach to sports psychology, and what it takes to truly understand the needs of athletes.

We cover a range of topics, from balancing the demands placed on athletes with creating a supportive environment, to how parenting styles can shape athletic success. Dr. Lardon also provides insightful strategies for managing anxiety and fear during high-pressure moments.

A key part of our discussion revolves around the mental side of competitive sports, especially golf. Dr. Lardon explains how mastering anxiety, developing effective pre-shot routines, and using mental scorecards to track performance can make all the difference in your game. He also shares a new mental training tool designed specifically to help golfers elevate their performance.

• Understand each athlete’s unique needs. Every athlete is different, and recognizing those differences is essential for growth.
• Balancing pressure and support is key to effective coaching.
• Parenting styles have a significant influence on an athlete’s drive and determination.
• Anxiety can be a tool in small doses, helping athletes reach peak performance.
• Fear vs. Anxiety: Fear is primal, while anxiety is a normal response to pressure, but understanding the distinction is critical.
• Listening to athletes is one of the most important things a coach can do.
• Managing anxiety isn’t about avoiding it; it’s about embracing it to improve performance.
• The mental game is as important as the physical game. Relaxation techniques and desensitization help athletes thrive in competition.
• Pre-shot routines are essential for consistency.
• The left brain and right brain play distinct roles in decision-making, and understanding this balance can lead to more successful shots.
• The mental scorecard is a valuable tool for tracking performance and mental processes, which can boost success rates.
• Discipline in mental training leads to better outcomes in competitive environments.
• Transitioning between mental states helps maintain focus during gameplay.
• Playing under pressure can actually make the game more enjoyable.

00:00 - Introduction to Sports Psychology and Dr. Lardon
02:20 - Family Background and Early Influences
06:42 - The Role of Parenting in Sports Success
10:33 - Balancing Pressure and Support in Coaching
14:58 - Understanding Athlete's Unique Needs
18:43 - Fear vs. Anxiety in Sports Performance
24:57 - Strategies for Managing Anxiety
25:56 - Understanding Anxiety in Competitive Sports
32:28 - The Pre-Shot Routine: Left Brain, Right Brain, No Brain
39:22 - The Mental Scorecard: Tracking Performance
46:23 - Transitioning Between Mental States
49:49 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information