Скачать или смотреть Off the Mats Podcast

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https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-353vk-...

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I’m joined by Tom Smalley, MS, CMPC, CSCS, for a grounded conversation about mental performance, anxiety in athletes, and identity beyond competition. Tom’s work sits at the intersection of strength culture and mental health, and we talk openly about what that actually looks like in practice, especially in environments like jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and strength sports where toughness is often valued over honesty.
We discuss Tom’s athletic background, his experience living with OCD, and how anxiety shows up for athletes who appear “put together” on the outside. From there, we unpack the difference between mental performance and mental health, the risks of pushing through everything, and how coaches can respond when athletes open up instead of shutting down. We also explore strength culture’s complicated relationship with vulnerability, what healthy toughness really means, and how athletes can begin separating self-worth from performance.
This episode is for grapplers, coaches, parents, and athletes navigating pressure, on the mats and off them, who want practical tools, clearer language, and a more sustainable approach to resilience.