Monthly Archives: September 2020

Ep. 025, Part 2 – Dr. David Eccles (TPD Science of High Performance Series)



Dr. David Eccles, Professor of Sport Psychology at Florida State University (Parts 1 & 2; Science of High Performance)

Do you have the patience to temporarily slow down enough in the midst of a high stakes situation to cultivate the best next move? Across two episodes we speak with Dr. Dave Eccles about his 20+ years of research on expert performance in a variety of domains. He describes research findings on how athletes plan ahead and simulate the competitive environment, his fascinating work on team coordination, and the impressive amounts of knowledge that orienteering athletes possess about navigating terrain. In Part 2, we get into his latest research exploring the role of rest in optimal performance, and discuss how not getting enough rest has been glamorized. This first installment of the Science of High Performance series is packed with useful tips for everyone.

Learn more about Dr. Eccles: Twitter


Ep. 025, Part 1 – Dr. David Eccles (TPD Science of High Performance Series)



Dr. David Eccles, Professor of Sport Psychology at Florida State University (Parts 1 & 2; Science of High Performance)

Do you have the patience to temporarily slow down enough in the midst of a high stakes situation to cultivate the best next move? Across two episodes we speak with Dr. Dave Eccles about his 20+ years of research on expert performance in a variety of domains. He describes research findings on how athletes plan ahead and simulate the competitive environment, his fascinating work on team coordination, and the impressive amounts of knowledge that orienteering athletes possess about navigating terrain. In Part 2, we get into his latest research exploring the role of rest in optimal performance, and discuss how not getting enough rest has been glamorized. This first installment of the Science of High Performance series is packed with useful tips for everyone.

Learn more about Dr. Eccles: Twitter


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Joe Jacobi



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Olympic Gold Medalist, Former CEO of USA Canoe/Kayak, and Performance Coach with the mic hot. Highlights include the idea of holding competing emotions (excited and nervous), being in the right place at the right time, and a discussion about the purpose of the pre-performance routine. Keep listening to The Path Distilled Podcast to catch future discussions about the pros and cons of goal setting.


Ep. 024 – Joe Jacobi



Joe Jacobi, Olympic Gold Medalist, Former CEO of USA Canoe/Kayak, and Performance Coach

Do you focus on and remember more about your start lines or finish lines? In this episode, we speak with Lauren’s Valor Performance colleague, Joe Jacobi, about his sport career, as well as his experiences with leading a national governing body which led him to becoming a performance coach. Joe joins us from Catalonia, Spain, and shares his “outlier” story of getting involved in the sport, his case for a good routine, and how he and his doubles canoe partner implemented deliberate practice, simulation, and visualization leading up to the 1992 Games where they won the first American Gold Medal in whitewater canoe slalom. Joe also tells us about his philosophy on goals, what he views as the real difference maker in high performance, and how he thinks the river is an excellent analogy for life. Whether you are in sport, business, or any other performance domain, Joe shares many applicable stories, takeaways, practices, and lessons. 

Learn more about Joe: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram

Learn more about Valor Performance: Website


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Brian Bates



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with stand-up comedian and podcaster Brian Bates with the microphone hot.  Highlights include their discussion about developing an identity as a comic, comedy as a coping and defense mechanism, and the tremendous amount of work that goes  into comedy. Kevin also shares his perspective from having performed stand-up including comedic timing and the pitfall of “my friends think I’m funny.”


Ep. 023 – Brian Bates



Brian Bates, Stand-up Comedian, and Cohost of Nateland Podcast

Would you have what it takes if your dream opportunity came true? In this episode we speak with Brian Bates about his career in comedy, and more recently, podcasting. Brian shares his path from taking a comedy class as a distraction from life events to touring the country and performing in theaters with world-class comedians. We also discuss Brian’s adjustments going from the corporate world to the life of a comic, the work ethic required to make it in comedy, and the attributes he thinks allowed him to succeed. You will also want to listen to hear what autofills when you begin searching for Brian’s name.

Learn more about Brian: Website, Instagram, Twitter

Learn more about Nateland Podcast: YouTube


Ep. 022 – Dr. Emily Pica



Dr. Emily Pica, Forensic Psychology Researcher and Advocate for Wrongfully Convicted

Would a major life detour derail you or would you defy expectations? In this episode, Dr. Emily Pica discusses her path from having a child at 14, to all of her initial PhD applications being rejected, to becoming a well known researcher and advocate. She also discusses her battles with impostor syndrome, the value of criticism, and how much she loves mentoring students. Her story will inspire students, budding researchers, and anyone who ever has been determined to persevere.

Learn more about Dr. Pica: Instagram