PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

Most athletes assume performance is all about physical ability, but what happens in your mind often matters more. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Wenske to explore how mental habits shape confidence, consistency, and long-term success.
Matthew is a former elite gymnast, US national team member, and NCAA national champion who now works in mental health. He shares his journey from being extremely hard on himself as a young athlete to learning how mindset directly impacts performance and enjoyment in the sport.
We talk about negative thoughts. Every athlete experiences them, especially under pressure. Matthew explains that thoughts like “don’t fall” can actually lead to mistakes, and how simple mental shifts like focusing on rhythm or execution can improve consistency.
Another key takeaway is self-talk. Many athletes believe being tough on themselves will help them improve, but Matthew shows that it often does more harm than good. Treating yourself with the same encouragement you would give a teammate leads to better results.
We also discuss confidence. It is not something you either have or don’t have. It is built through preparation, repetition, and trusting your training when it counts.
We also talk about resilience. Mistakes are part of the process, but learning to reset quickly and move forward is what separates great athletes. Developing a short memory and focusing on what is next can make a huge difference.
In this episode you will hear
Why negative thoughts are normal and how to handle them
How self-talk affects performance
Why preparation builds confidence
How to bounce back from mistakes
In this episode, Matthew Wenske shares how to get out of your head and perform with more confidence, focus, and control.
Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/
Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/
Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Performance and high scores are not built on skills alone. They come from something most athletes overlook. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast, I sit down with Tammy DeGuzman to talk about the hidden factor that makes routines stand out.
Tammy is a FIG brevet judge, coach, and parent who has seen the sport from every angle. She explains that judges can feel a routine within seconds. It is not just execution. It is presence, confidence, and what she calls the “twinkle in their eye.”
We also talk about performance. Many athletes think you either have it or you don’t, but Tammy shows it can be trained. Using mirrors, music, and bigger movements, athletes can learn to project confidence and connect with judges.
Another key takeaway is scores. Gymnastics is subjective, and chasing numbers can be frustrating. Instead, the focus should be on progress, confidence, and enjoying the process.
We also discuss resilience. As a parent, it is tempting to fix everything, but growth comes from struggle. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is, “I believe in you.”
In this episode you will hear
How to stand out beyond skills
Why performance can be trained
How to handle scores the right way
Why resilience matters more than perfection
In this episode, Tammy DeGuzman shares how to build confident athletes who perform with presence and joy.
Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/
Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/
Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Confidence and consistency are not built by pressure alone. They come from feeling supported, having a sense of choice, and actually enjoying the process. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast I sit down with Myia Hambrick to talk about her journey from athlete to coach and what truly helps athletes thrive.
Myia is a former standout at Louisiana State University gymnastics and now an assistant coach at University of Utah gymnastics. She shares how one key factor shaped her success: choice. Gymnastics was always something she wanted to do, not something she felt forced into. That freedom helped her stay motivated and confident, even during challenges.
We also talk about fun. When Myia briefly explored elite gymnastics, it stopped being enjoyable, and she chose a different path. That decision led her to thrive in college. Now as a coach, she emphasizes that fun is not separate from success. It fuels it.
Another key takeaway is identity outside the sport. Myia had interests, friendships, and support beyond gymnastics, which helped her stay grounded. This made it easier to handle setbacks without losing confidence.
We also explore confidence and consistency. They build each other. Athletes perform better when they feel confident, and confidence grows through preparation, trust, and positive reinforcement.
In this episode you will hear
How choice builds confident athletes
 Why fun drives performance
 How identity outside sport supports resilience
 Why confidence and consistency are connected
In this episode, Myia Hambrick shares simple but powerful ways to help athletes perform at their best while still enjoying the journey.
Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/
Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/
Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Supporting athletes with ADHD is not just about managing behavior. It is about understanding how their brain works, how they handle pressure, and how they experience feedback. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast I sit down with Susan Stout to talk about ADHD, anxiety, and how coaches and parents can better support athletes so they can succeed and enjoy their sport.
Susan Stout educates and consults with athletic coaches to bring out the best in athletes who are wired differently, specializing in ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety. She built Own Beat Athlete based on her experience as a junior national level swimmer, select soccer player, coach, teacher, lawyer, and mom to a talented teen athlete with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety.
One of the biggest themes in this conversation is the difference between “I won’t” and “I can’t.” Many athletes with ADHD are often misunderstood as lazy or defiant, when in reality they are overwhelmed. These athletes want to do well, but their brains can make consistency difficult. Shifting this perspective changes how we support them.
We also talk about how ADHD and anxiety often show up together. Some athletes become anxious from years of criticism and pressure, which can lead to fear, avoidance, or emotional reactions. Understanding this helps coaches respond with empathy instead of frustration.
Another key takeaway is the importance of proactive coaching. Getting to know each athlete before issues arise and asking what helps them reset gives coaches an “operating manual” for each kid. This allows athletes to regulate themselves and stay engaged.
We also touch on feedback. Athletes with ADHD are often more sensitive, so positive reinforcement is essential. What coaches say becomes the voice athletes hear in their own head.
In this episode you will hear
How to tell the difference between “I can’t” and “I won’t”
 Why ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand
 How to support athletes before problems happen
 Why positive feedback builds confidence
In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast Susan Stout shares simple strategies to help athletes with ADHD feel understood, build confidence, and enjoy their sport while performing at their best.
Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/
Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/
Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Fueling a gymnast is not just about eating “healthy.” It is about giving the body and brain what they need to perform, recover, and grow. In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast I sit down with Dr. Roger Adams to break down what most gymnastics families get wrong about nutrition and how to fix it.
One of the biggest takeaways is that carbs are not the enemy. Many athletes are underfueling because they restrict carbs and calories to stay lean. But carbohydrates are the main source of energy for both the body and the brain. When an athlete does not get enough, performance drops, recovery slows, and injury risk goes up. Simply put, carbs are fuel, not something to fear.
We also talk about the difference between healthy eating and performance fueling. What works for the average kid does not work for an athlete training 20 or more hours a week. Gymnasts need enough calories for performance, recovery, and growth. That means sometimes food is less about being “clean” and more about being effective.
Another key point is how to spot underfueling. It is not always about how an athlete looks. The first signs often show up in their attitude and energy. If they are more tired, less motivated, or not enjoying practice, that can be a red flag. The brain will actually slow the body down to conserve energy when it is not getting enough fuel.
We also dive into injury and recovery. Repeated injuries, slow healing, or constant soreness can be signs that an athlete is not eating enough. Proper fueling helps strengthen bones, muscles, and connective tissue so athletes can handle intense training loads.
One of the most practical takeaways is how to close the recovery gap. Many athletes eat before practice but forget about after. Recovery should start immediately with a simple snack that includes carbs and protein. It does not have to be perfect, just easy to digest and consistent.
We also cover meet day nutrition. When nerves are high, eating can be tough. The key is to fuel before arriving and keep things simple during the meet with quick carbs like fruit or crackers. Small amounts at the right time can make a big difference in performance.
In this episode you will hear
Why carbs are essential for performance and recovery
 How underfueling affects mood, motivation, and results
 Signs your athlete may not be eating enough
 How to support injury prevention through nutrition
 Simple ways to improve recovery after practice
 What to eat before and during competition
In this episode of the Perform Happy Podcast Dr. Roger Adams and I share simple, practical strategies to help gymnasts fuel properly, recover faster, and perform with more energy and confidence.
Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/
Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/
Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/

Write to me! Email: [email protected]

Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com