COVID-19 is something nobody could have predicted when the 2020 sport calendar was being planned. In this episode, Sport Psychologist Dr Tadhg MacIntyre speaks to MT about how athletes are coping with their aspirations being delayed, or in some cases having to retire their careers earlier than planned.
Dr MacIntyre also explains why the general public, has been drawn outdoors since this pandemic hit our shores. Turns out, it's science. If you need any motivation to dust off those walking shoes, exercise outdoors is good for our mental health, and Tadhg explains why. The podcast ends with tips for our mental health during this time, advice that will also be relevant for when life gets back to some kind of normal.

What COVID-19 has taught us about sport and the outdoors

In this episode MT is joined by Dr Mark Campbell to talk about the fascinating psychology of golf.

Golf is a game that requires extensive mental skills and fortitude and Mark lays out what kind of personality makes a good golfer (and if that isn't you, never fear, he'll tell you how to get there). Mark also highlights what to do if your game hits the rough, and he tells us about the latest research into how all athletes and not just golfers should prepare for big events. And it turns out the golf yips are a thing, sometimes.

The Psychology of Golf: Yippee!

In this episode, MT is joined by journalist and criminology graduate Joanne O'Riordan, who explains how countries, organisations and companies use the shine of sport to polish up their image and how we're all complicit in one way shape or form. If you've ever wondered what kind of mindset a football hooligan has, the answer is right here as Joanne dissects the psychology of a hooligan, drawing upon her studies and from her own experiences.

Sportswashing And Hooligan Psychology The Darker Side Of Sport

Ciaran Casey is from Gorey in County Wexford, and after working in Ireland and the UK across a number of Olympic sports, he moved to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to join their Podium Program. In this episode, Ciaran explains the challenge of cultural differences and what it’s like to be hired by a nation yet to win an Olympic Gold Medal.

An Irishman Going For Gold In Malaysia

...let them play instead!

In this episode, coach and primary school teacher Shane Smith gives us an insight into his philosophy when it comes to coaching children. It's a must listen for any parent, coach or educator who wants to help kids develop a love for sport and to be the best they can be. Shane doesn't just talk the talk. He's walked the walk, from returning to education in his early 30s to coaching children and people of all ages and levels. Here, you'll get advice and tips that work in the real world, with the focus purely on children enjoying themselves and having fun.

Hey Coaches! Leave Those Kids Alone!

Today's topic is one for the cocooners, especially those who are older. Paul Gallier develops national initiatives to help older people become and remain physically active… something that has been a challenge for us all in these times, but perhaps even more so for those who were advised to withdraw from society for a while. Paul also has an extensive background in clinical exercise, working primarily with older people, and here he explains how it’s never too late for any of us to become more active, even during a pandemic.

Emerging From The Cocoon

I'm a broadcaster, a sport and exercise psychologist and I am currently studying medicine in Dublin, Ireland. I've started this podcast to inform people as to what sport psychology actually is.
hether you're an athlete, a coach, a parent, or someone who wants to learn a bit more, this podcast is for you.
Discover practical tips and ways to help improve your performance, motivate yourself and others, or even just little bits of info to impress your friends.
All the conversations will be with sport psychologists, scientists, athletes, coaches and anyone that we can learn something from. No bluff, no guff, no gurus or charlatans allowed!

The Sport Psychologist

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