Episodes

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined once again by mental game coach and friend, Josh Nichols, for a deep and powerful conversation on the emotional and mental toll competitive golf can take—and how to overcome it. Josh opens up about the burnout he experienced during the peak of his competitive career, the pivotal mindset shift that helped him release control, and why the addition of one important relationship completely changed how he viewed golf—and life. We e...

Fear is the most common force keeping golfers—and people—stuck. But here's the truth: you're not actually afraid of missing the putt, chunking the chip, or topping your drive. You're afraid of what it means about you. Of being judged. Rejected. No longer welcome. In this solo episode, I break down the hidden cost of living in fear and the subtle yet life-changing difference between feeling scared and being fearful. I also discuss timeless wisdom from the Stoics, actionable tools to diffuse...

In this high-energy and value-packed episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Shaun Diachkoff, founder of Fairway Performance, to dive deep into how golf-specific fitness transforms not just your physical game, but your mental edge as well. Shaun’s background in the Australian military, paired with his deep experience in strength and conditioning, offers a no-BS, high-accountability approach to training that’s rooted in discipline, structure, and personalization. In tod...

In this powerful and enlightening episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined by Steven Yellin, creator of the Fluid Motion Factor and one of the leading voices in understanding the neuroscience of performance in golf. Together, we dive deep into the mind-body connection, the neurophysiological conditions required for a fluid golf swing, and why most golfers unknowingly sabotage their own performance—especially when it matters most. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why your p...

Today, I’m joined by Justin Tang - one of THE distinguished golf instructors you should be following and learning from. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How elite golfers cultivate focus, confidence, and a mastery mindset. Why acceptance and emotional flexibility are key to playing your best. How peripheral vision affects brain waves and performance. Why most golfers practice the wrong way—and how to fix it. The one-ball challenge—a mental toughness test that will change how you play. Ho...

In this solo episode, I discuss how unaddressed emotional energy leaks quietly sabotage your golf game—and your life. Using a powerful analogy of driving with a leaky fuel tank, I’ll help you connect the dots between repressed emotions, mental fatigue, poor performance, and inconsistent results. In this episode, you'll learn... Why repressed emotions like guilt, shame, and frustration silently drain your energy The difference between small vs. large and conscious vs. unconscious energy leaks ...

#76: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Bob Winters (The Confidence Doctor): Building Confidence and Playing Mistake-Free Golf In this powerful episode, I sit down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Bob Winters - affectionately known as The Confidence Doctor - to explore how true confidence is built, sustained, and reclaimed after setbacks. Dr. Winters explains why confidence isn’t something you’re born with - it’s something you build through competence, commitment, and mental resilience. He breaks down...

In this solo episode, I unpack one of the most overlooked performance multipliers in both golf and life: intentionality. Drawing from dozens of recent coaching calls, I explore how a lack of intentionality silently sabotages your progress and reveals hidden fears, limiting beliefs, and patterns of self-protection. In this episode, you’ll learn… Why lack of intention isn’t laziness—it’s a defense mechanism rooted in fear. How fear of both failure and success cause self-sabotage during rounds....

#74: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Joseph Parent: Unconditional Confidence, Remaining on the Offensive, and How to Go Low with the PAR Method In this powerful and enlightening episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Joseph Parent, author of Zen Golf and one of the most respected minds in golf psychology. Together, we break down the mental collapse Rory McIlroy experienced at Augusta, why players in the lead shift from offensive to defensive mindsets, and how to overcome the ...

Today, I’m sharing a recap of my experience and learning lessons from participating in my first-ever Member-Member Tournament. In this episode, I take you inside my very first member-member tournament at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club—a 63-hole gauntlet of match play, missteps, and mindset mastery. You’ll hear firsthand stories of: hitting 12 fairways on day one (and what fell apart after that) navigating USGA match play rules I hadn’t previously known the temptation to confront cheating—a...

#72: [Inside the Mind] Gary Christian: Cultivating A Competitive Edge and the Intangibles of Winning Golf Today, I’m joined by Gary Christian, the oldest professional golfer to ever earn his PGA Tour Card - at age 40! In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How Gary overcame setbacks, self-doubt, and financial struggles to reach the PGA Tour. Why not having a plan B can be the key to success. The importance of mental training and how it changed his career. How course strategy and emotional resil...

Today, I’m sharing a replay of my conversation on The Mental Golf Show with Josh Nichols. This conversation originally went live on July 25, 2024. Together, we unpack how subconscious beliefs, emotional baggage, and unhelpful mental patterns sabotage consistency—and how hypnotherapy provides a rapid path to lasting change. In this episode, you'll learn: The real difference between talk therapy and hypnotherapy Why “scarcity of time” is ruining your focus and enjoyment How visualization mist...

#70 [Inside the Mind] Jody Martins: Progress versus Perfection, Reframing Failure, and Staying Focused Amid Countelss Distractions Today, I’m joined by Mental Performance Coach and Host of The Performance Formula Podcast, Jody Martins. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How to create a meaningful morning routine that sets the tone for your day. Why copying someone else's routine—like Tiger or Bryson—isn’t the answer. The difference between striving for progress vs. striving for perfection. ...

In this raw, vulnerable solo episode, I peel back the curtain on my golf journey over the past 90 days - and let’s just say, things haven’t gone quite as planned. On December 31, 2024, I set a bold goal: drop my handicap from 22.7 to a 5 by the end of the year. Fast-forward to today, and my current handicap sits at 21.7. Not the kind of progress I envisioned. In fact, the word that best sums up Q1 is humbled. Between welcoming a newborn, a growing business, and mismanaged expectations, I’ll s...

#68: [Inside the Mind] Leo Herrera III: Staying Connected, Reframing Nerves, and Becoming the Best Version of Yourself In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I welcome Leo Herrera III, known as "The Connected Golfer," to discuss how presence, confidence, and staying connected to yourself and the game can elevate your performance on and off the golf course. Leo shares how his journey in competitive sports and martial arts shaped his quiet confidence and explains the mindset pr...

You’re getting very, very sleepy… When I snap my fingers, you’ll cluck like a chicken… Okay - not so fast. In today’s episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, we’re we’re diving deep into the world of hypnosis - what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s a powerful tool for someone like you looking to unlock your potential on - and off - the course. In this episode, you'll learn: The truth about hypnosis and how it differs from stage hypnosis. Why 95% of your beliefs were formed befor...

Title: #66: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: Risk Management, Responding v. Reacting, and Emotional Detachment Today, I’m joined by Scott Fawcett, the Founder of Decade Golf. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why golf and poker share the same mathematical decision-making process. How expectation management eliminates frustration and improves decision-making. The role of risk management and when aggressive play actually makes sense. How bogey avoidance, not birdie chasing, is the key to low...

You will only rise to the level of success, money, and happiness you believe you deserve. That belief dictates how you perform under pressure, how much success you can experience, and whether you self-sabotage when you’re outside your comfort zone. In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the power of beliefs, explaining how your internal thermostat—your self-worth—regulates your success in golf and life. If you’re stuck in a cycle of playing below your potent...

Title: #64: [Inside the Mind] Gary Waters: Resistance as an Alarm Bell, the Power of Language, and Tidying Up Your History Today, I’m joined by High-Performance Mindset Coach Gary Waters. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why resistance is an "alarm bell for awakening" rather than something to avoid. How our subconscious programming creates mental roadblocks during high-pressure moments. How to identify and let go of limiting beliefs that hold you back on the course. Why self-acceptance is...

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I explore the relationship between emotions, energy, and performance, both on and off the golf course. I’ll introduce you to the concept of "emotional constipation" and explain how unresolved emotions can create internal resistance that holds you back. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why emotions are simply energy in motion and how they impact your body. How emotional stagnation can drain your energy and limit performance. The connecti...

Title: #62: [Inside the Mind] Justin Klemballa: Stop Aiming Small, Focus on Your Full Swing Less, and How to Thrive Playing Under Pressure Today, I’m joined by Justin Klemballa, the Director of Instruction at Paradise Valley Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, and one of Golf Digest’s best young teachers in America. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why "aim small, miss small" may not always serve you in golf (this part of the conversation fascinated me!) The role of presence and adaptabili...

Today, I share a long-awaited update on my journey to a five-handicap before diving deep into a discussion on shiny object syndrome - the relentless pursuit of the next best thing in golf improvement - and how it’s sabotaging your ability to make meaningful, lasting progress on the course. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why shiny object syndrome is holding you back from consistent improvement. How the urge to constantly switch swing thoughts, putters, or training methods prevents long-term...

Today, I’m joined by Kathy Hart Wood, an accomplished professional golfer, top 50 golf instructor, and mindset coach. Kathy shares her transformative journey from struggling to take her talent onto the course to becoming a mindset expert helping golfers unlock their full potential. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: The power of shifting limiting beliefs to unleash your full potential on the course. Why focusing on your mindset is as critical as your swing mechanics. How perfectionism and pe...

Today, I’m sharing a replay of episode #334 on the Wicked Smart Podcast, hosted by Michael Leonard. This episode will allow you to learn more about and from me when the roles are reversed - when I’m the one being interviewed. Michael asked phenomenal questions and led an engaging, inspiring conversation that I know you’ll find immense value in. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why you need to train your mind off the course by creating your ideal future self. The key differences between the...