Jacqui Louder has spent over 20 years working as a sport and performance psychologist with some of Australia's biggest teams - Collingwood in the AFL and the Melbourne Storm in the NRL.
On the eve of the 2025 AFL Preliminary Final she takes us inside the four walls and inside the minds of our elite sports stars.
Ryan Harris was one of Australia's fiercest fast bowlers - known for his grit, courage and ability to push through pain. But behind the wickets and the glory were battles with injury, self-doubt, and the mental tolls of elite sport.
In this episode of Playing on Your Mind, Ryan opens up about:
The toughest mental challenges of his career
Redefining what “toughness” really means
Coping with injuries and setbacks
How he now helps players manage the mental side of cricket
A candid and inspiring conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the real cost of chasing excellence.
Dr. Tarli Young is a clinical and social psychology researcher from the University of Queensland. In this episode we explore why so many athletes struggle after retirement. From identity loss to mental health challenges, we unpack what really happens when the spotlight fades - and how we can do better to support them.
Step into the mind of a true champion. In this powerful episode, we explore the elite mindset of Vicki Wilson OAM, a trailblazer in international netball and one of the most mentally formidable athletes Australia has ever produced.
With over 100 test caps, four world titles and a Commonwealth Games gold, she has a legacy of leadership, and high performance.
Delve into her mind for a masterclass in staying composed under pressure and leading with intent - on and off the court.
Paralympian gold medalist Jed Altschwager has an incredible story grounded in a profound mindset shift. After losing his leg in a tragic workplace accident, he evolved into a grateful, humble fighter and legend in Para rowing.
Country girl Alicia is a warrior and a grateful champion who faced her fears and came out smiling on the other side.
An integral cog in an all conquering Australia women's national rugby sevens team, she drove the standards and ensured team spirit was at its highest.
Listen to this grounded, confident competitor and learn what was on her mind through it all
This is an honest chat into the mind of an elite footballer. We delve into how Luke deals with the outside noise week to week and leads with integrity.
Enjoy this insight into Luke McDonald - how he handles pressure, stays focused on what truly matters and finds joy in the every day.
Matt Denny is an Australian champion. Three time Olympian and Bronze medalist in Paris 2024. Discus superstar and Australian record holder. Whether you are into sports, self improvement or just love a good story about what goes on inside an athletes mind at the elite level, this is an episode you don't want to miss!
Please enjoy the mind of Matt Denny
A candid and honest John Millman opens up about his incredible 18 years competing on the ATP tour. How did he overcome a fiery temper to emerge as one of the most genuine good guys of tennis? John has been on a journey which has challenged his mental health and brought him immense joy - a career-high ranking of #33 and of course, defeating Roger Federer in a Grand Slam.
Enjoy this insight into John Millman - the man and his mind.
Macy Gardner is a young star who has already achieved so much in the sport of netball. But it hasn't all been one way traffic. In our chat she goes into detail about what it's like growing up with a famous mum and netballing royalty Roselee Jencke. Learn how she forged her own path, and proved she has what it takes.
But what was going on in her mind?
Please enjoy my conversation with Macy Gardner as we unpack it.
Tate McDermott is open and honest and talks in detail about what goes on in his mind before and during a high stakes game for both the Queensland Reds and Australian Wallabies. From his laid back beginnings as a surfer on the Sunshine Coast, Tate experienced a tragedy in his youth that inspired his insatiable drive to get the best out of himself.
Please enjoy Tate's unique perspective on his life and career and find out what is playing on his mind.
Luke Ball has had high highs and low lows, his career lasting more than 10 years and over 200 games in the AFL playing for St.Kilda and Collingwood, winning a premiership and consistently competing in Grand Finals. But beneath all this glory lies a man who once hid in the toilets to avoid the spotlight. Would he have done things differently? Yes.
Listen to Luke's extraordinary life and find out what was playing on his mind through it all.
Playing on your mind is a podcast which aims to explore what is really going on in a sportsperson's head.
Jamie Stanton has lived a life. But with the challenges, forks in the road and setbacks thrown her way, she remains humble and grateful. A soccer star who turned her back on the round game and found her true calling in AFLW.
In this episode Jamie talks us through her strategies to keep moving forward and be the best version of herself.
Experience 'Playing on your mind,' where Richard French chats with Aussie athletes, unveiling their mental secrets, all while exploring vulnerability, authenticity, and personal empowerment in today's fast-paced world, promising a journey of sporting enlightenment and relatability for all.
Coming soon!