Flow State Yoga for Athletes

Building A Program with Clark Lacrosse Coach Jeff Cohen

Dan interviews Jeff Cohen, head lacrosse coach at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. They discuss the importance of posture, body language, and mindset in athletic performance, and how these elements connect with broader themes of yoga and flow state. Cohen shares insights from his journey as both a player and a coach, emphasizing the cultural and competitive shifts within the Clark lacrosse program over the years. They also explore the integration of holistic practices, such as yoga, into sports training, and the impact of resources and mental conditioning on achieving peak performance. The conversation touches on the unique Clark experience, highlighting the benefits of the university’s academic programs and tight-knit community.Topics01:18 Meet Coach Jeff Cohen02:09 Coach Cohen's Athletic Journey05:00 Coaching Philosophy and Style07:17 The Role of Mental State in Athletics10:35 Insights from Dr. Joel Fish14:58 Integrating Yoga and Athletics23:41 Next Play Mentality: A Coaching Philosophy24:43 Self-Study and the Food Journal27:21 The Clark Experience: Unique Selling Points34:21 Team Culture and Leadership42:25 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Excitement43:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Kyle Devitte: A Lacrosse Life: Finding Flow in Coaching, Journalism, and Personal Growth

In this episode of the Flow State Yoga for Athletes podcast, Dan delves into an enlightening discussion with Kyle Devitte, Editor and Lead Writer for the New England Lacrosse Journal. Kyle shares his transformative journey from a tough and regretful college coach to a more thoughtful and supportive high school coach. He discusses the power of therapy, his shift in coaching philosophy, and the importance of constructive feedback and positive reinforcement. They explore the deep passion for lacrosse, personal growth through lacrosse writing, and evolving as a player who seeks fulfillment and purpose. The conversation touches on mental health, meticulousness in coaching, and the importance of caring for the athletes. Kyle also reflects on meaningful achievements such as helping revive the lacrosse program at Whittier and emphasizes the fulfillment he finds in coaching. This episode offers valuable insights for coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts alike.Topics01:19 Guest Introduction: Kyle Devitte02:15 Kyle's Early Lacrosse Journey05:53 College and Writing Challenges08:03 Flow State and Writing Process15:28 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution32:41 Reflecting on Coaching Styles and Regrets33:46 Therapy and Personal Growth34:07 Positive Reinforcement in Coaching37:23 Coaching Mentors and Lessons Learned41:04 The Importance of Delegation and Teamwork43:50 The Rewards and Challenges of Coaching56:35 The Role of Therapy in Personal Development01:01:29 Excitement for Lacrosse and Future Plans01:03:38 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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’Love The Game’: a Life in Baseball with Kyle Werman

Dan interviews Kyle Werman, the head baseball coach at LaSalle College High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Kyle shares his journey from growing up in Southern California, playing collegiate baseball at the University of Virginia, to transitioning into professional baseball and eventually coaching. Kyle discusses the importance of self-motivation, mental resilience, visualization, and the evolving dynamics of youth sports. He also highlights his experiences and strategies as a coach, focusing on how to cultivate competitive spirit and life skills in young athletes.Topics00:44 Welcome to the Podcast01:20 Meet Coach Kyle Werman01:57 Kyle's Baseball Journey Begins03:37 College Baseball Experience14:42 Transition to Professional Baseball19:44 Memorable Moments in Independent League22:45 Visualization and Mental Preparation26:56 Path to Coaching30:03 Balancing Coaching and Family Life30:50 Transitioning from College to High School Coaching33:03 The Cavalier Toughman Challenge36:46 Challenges of Modern High School Athletes41:23 Creating Competitive Practice Environments43:57 Off-Season Training and Specialization47:39 Personal Reflections and Maintaining Balance52:24 Switch Hitting Journey58:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Dakota Carroll: Yoga For Athletes & Soccer For Life

Dan delves into the intertwining themes of soccer, mental health, and holistic athlete development with Dakota Carroll, Director of Teams at Steel Sports. Dakota shares her journey from youthful soccer dreams to impactful professional roles, advocating for a holistic approach to coaching that includes mental health, life skills, and yoga. The dialogue broadens to encompass the critical roles of mindfulness, community, and personal well-being, highlighted by experiences from prominent athletes like Simone Biles and personal anecdotes. The conversation underscores the importance of enjoying sports, reducing performance pressure, and fostering a supportive, community-driven environment for young athletes to thrive. Authentic stories of flow states, community bonds, and impactful coaching moments enrich this exploration of balancing sports, life, and personal growth.More on Dakota: https://steelsports.com/Topics00:49 Meet Dakota Carroll: Soccer Player and Yoga Enthusiast02:04 Dakota's Role at Steel Sports03:23 Holistic Approach to Athlete Development05:21 Dakota's Yoga Journey and Mental Health10:07 Incorporating Yoga into Coaching13:20 Mindfulness and Mental Health in Sports22:07 Personal Practice and Postpartum Journey25:52 The Value of Staying Active in Adulthood27:23 The Importance of Community in Sports29:37 The Concept of Flow in Sports30:48 Healthy Lifestyle and Longevity34:33 Positive Coaching and Youth Sports43:14 Cherishing Moments of Peak Performance48:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Jason Brown: A Life in Movement: Coaching Tai Chi, Qi Gong for Creativity

In this engaging podcast episode, Dan delves into the concepts of flow state, play, and movement with guest Jason Brown, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, and a Qigong instructor. Together, they discuss the significance of achieving a flow state through being fully absorbed in activities and how play and creativity foster this state. The episode also touches upon Jason's holistic approach to movement, emphasizing the importance of being a guide rather than just a coach. They explore the cultural phenomena of CrossFit and the social aspects of sports that contribute to longevity and well-being. The conversation highlights Jason's unique approach to integrating creativity into physical training, promoting a balanced, community-oriented, and playful way to improve health and human performance.00:00 Introduction to Flow State Yoga for Athletes00:46 Meet Jason Brown: Martial Arts and Qigong Expert01:16 Understanding Flow State04:30 The Role of Play in Training08:36 Art and Connection in Practice11:10 The Scholar Warrior Path17:58 Coaching Philosophy and Methods26:27 The Value of Judo for Young Grapplers26:50 Memorable Experiences at the Philadelphia Judo Club29:09 The Concept of Smiling Randori30:03 Nostalgia for Early Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Days33:49 Personal Training Practices and Philosophy36:15 The Evolution and Impact of Kettlebell Training40:08 The Importance of Play and Community in Fitness48:56 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information
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Martin Bowes: Professional Lacrosse in the MLL, Coaching, Breathwork, and Martial Arts

In this episode of the Flow State Yoga for Athletes Podcast, Dan interviews Martin Bowes, a former professional lacrosse player and coach. They delve into Bowes' athletic journey from youth sports to playing professionally, and his transition into coaching and breathing instruction. Bowes talks about the importance of intrinsic motivation, the impact of flow state on performance, and how teaching skills can deepen understanding. The conversation also covers Bowes' personal growth through breathwork, martial arts, and meditation, exploring how these practices helped him manage challenges like concussions. Additionally, they discuss the transformative experience of fatherhood and its parallels to healing one's own inner child. Bowes shares insights on judgment, curiosity, and the ever-present pursuit of one's highest potential.Topics00:00 Introduction to Flow State Yoga for Athletes00:46 Welcoming Martin Bowes01:59 Martin's Athletic Journey03:46 Transitioning to Professional Lacrosse06:06 Coaching and Skill Development12:07 The Coaching Journey Begins15:29 Shifting Motivations and Self-Discovery17:23 The Power of Breathwork and Meditation20:19 Discovering Sandao Jiu Jitsu28:02 Champion's Wisdom: Meditative Insights30:35 Yoga Therapy Assessment: Koshas Explained31:47 Personal Reflections: Energy and Breath38:28 Parenthood: A Journey of Inner Healing43:51 Flow State: The Ultimate Goal48:57 Challenges in Athletic Performance50:45 Closing Thoughts and Resources
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Corrie Gray: From the Jersey Shore to the North Shore of Oahu

Dan speaks with Corrie Gray, a big wave surfer and realtor from Oahu, originally from New Jersey. Corrie shares her journey from learning to surf at the inlet in Manasquan to tackling 20-foot waves in Hawaii. She discusses her experiences with near-death situations in the ocean, the importance of mentorship, and the mental and physical training required for big wave surfing. Corrie emphasizes the challenges of balancing work as a realtor with her passion for surfing and the importance of drawing good lines on big waves. The conversation also delves into managing fear, the role of mental resilience, and the supportive nature of the surfing community. Corrie encourages those interested in big wave surfing to pursue it despite the life changes it brings, highlighting the importance of positivity and camaraderie among women in the sport.Topics01:24 Growing Up in Manasquan02:44 Early Surfing Experiences03:37 High School and College Athletics05:35 Transition to Big Wave Surfing08:50 Training and Mentorship12:53 Notable Surfing Experiences16:30 Board Design and Equipment21:45 Future Surfing Goals26:51 Visualization and Mental Preparation28:04 Balancing Real Estate and Surfing29:09 Challenges of Freelance Work30:41 Sponsorships and Social Media31:30 Competing in Big Wave Surfing32:18 Supporting Women in Surfing37:29 Coaching and Mentoring Aspirations49:23 Managing Fear in Big Wave Surfing58:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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From the Jersey Shore to Costa Rica: Bryan Gleason

In the inaugural episode of the Flow State Yoga for Athletes podcast, host Dan Rosenak engages in an enriching conversation with Bryan Gleason, a veteran lifeguard, lifelong athlete, and owner of Surf Costa Retreat Center in Costa Rica. Bryan shares his journey growing up on the Jersey shore, his evolution as an athlete, and the founding and growth of Surf Costa. He discusses the importance of lifeguard training programs, his approach to breathwork for optimal performance, and his experiences rescuing people in challenging conditions. Bryan also shares insights into the upcoming men's surf and yoga retreat and stresses the value of building a lifestyle around core passions and values.Linkswww.surfcosta.comIG: @surfcostaFlowStateYogaTherapy.com @FlowStateYogaTherapy FlowStateYogaTherapy@gmail.comTopics00:50 Meet Bryan Gleason: Lifeguard and Surf Retreat Owner01:22 Growing Up by the Shore03:17 Founding SurfCosta: A Dream Realized08:35 Expanding SurfCosta Beyond Surfing11:09 Partnering for a Surf and Yoga Retreat11:38 Crafting a Life Around Passion12:13 The Challenges and Rewards of Following Your Passion16:05 Brian's Athletic Journey: Surfing and Paddling16:34 The SEA Paddle Race Experience25:57 Rescue Stories and Memorable Moments29:58 A Lifeguard's Instincts and Early Experiences30:36 Growing Up with Sports and Lifeguarding33:18 The Competitive Spirit of New Jersey Lifeguarding35:21 Brother's Journey in Competitive Surfing41:35 Training the Next Generation of Lifeguards47:19 Personal Growth Through Breath Work55:13 Promoting Surf Costa and Final Thoughts
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