Tennis IQ Podcast focuses on the mental side of tennis, based on the idea that a huge part of performance is psychological. Sport psychology professionals Brian Lomax and Josh Burger share insights on mental performance, discuss current events in tennis, and interview guests with unique perspectives on mental toughness. The show is aimed at players, coaches, and fans who want to better understand the mental game. Listeners can send questions by email or via Twitter using #tennisiq.
Episodes
Ep. 267 - John Mollura and Making Good Decisions Repeatable
John Mollura is a keynote speaker, author of Let It Fly, and leadership coach who helps high-performing leaders and organizations create clarity, build trust, take decisive action, and grow confidence. John spent 15 years leading mission-critical field testing supporting NASA and elite U.S. military units, where clear thinking, trusted teams, and decisive action were essential.Website: https://joh
Ep. 266 - Min Hoezoo-Mahmut on Pursuing Tennis and Other Passions
Min Hoezoo-Mahmut is a national and international competitive female player, a writer with experience at national publications, and a university student. The conversation covers Min’s varied background and interests in fashion, music, and the arts paired with her competitive tennis experience at the ITF level. Brian, Josh, and Min also talked about balance within high-performance athletics and wha
Ep. 265 - Motivational Interviewing Part 2 - RULE
In this second episode on Motivational Interviewing (MI), Brian and Josh discuss the acronym RULE which stands for resist the righting reflex, understand the patient’s own motivations, listen with empathy, and empower the person. The co-hosts review how these four guidelines can be helpful for sport psychology practitioners, coaches, parents, and players.To learn more about Josh and Brian's ba
Ep. 264 - The Daily Champions Mind with Dr. Jim Afremow and Phil White
In this episode, Josh and Brian talk to Dr. Jim Afremow and Phil White about their new book, The Daily Champions Mind: 365 Days of Mental Toughness Training with the World's Greatest Athletes.Jim Afremow, PhD, is a sport and performance psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and the bestselling author of The Champion’s Mind, The Champion’s Comeback, The Young Champion’s Mind, The Leade
Ep. 263 - Motivational Interviewing and Behavior Change | Part 1 OARS
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss part one of a three part series on motivational interviewing (MI). In this first episode, they review the acronym OARS (Open ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summarize) as a means of understanding a person's motivation to change. The co-hosts examine how sport psychology practitioners, coaches, parents, and others can use these skills in vario
Ep. 262 - The Focus on Character in Little Mo Tournaments
Cindy Brinker Simmons is a Dallas-based businesswoman, philanthropist, author, and longtime leader in junior tennis. She is the daughter of legendary tennis champion Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly Brinker. Cindy was a nationally ranked junior player, ranked No. 1 in Texas in her age division. She attended the University of Virginia, where she was a four-year varsity tennis letter winner and team cap
Ep. 261 - On Court Exercises For Concentration And Attention
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss four concentration exercises from the book Mindset: A Mental Guide for Sport by Jackie Reardon and Hans Dekkers. The co-hosts described the four exercises: feeling (internal + narrow focus), zooming (external + narrow focus), scanning (external + broad focus), and the serve exercise (switching between focus types), and their benefits for improving attention
Ep. 260 - On Becoming Antifragile
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of fragility, and how tennis players can learn to become antifragile. Various Stoic principles connected to fragility are examined including controlling the controllables, anticipating and expecting difficulties, and not letting events and results become your identity. The co-hosts also review how tennis players can utilize various mental skills,
Ep. 259 - "I'm way better than my rating!"
Whether it's UTR, WTN, NTRP, or some other rating system, it's likely that you believe you're a better player than the rating suggests. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss this common belief and why players think that way. They also review how obsessing over ratings and rankings actually makes you a worse competitor.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psy
Ep. 258 - Dr. Sue Jackson and Flow in Tennis
Dr. Sue Jackson is a performance psychologist and leading expert in the psychology of flow – the state of deep focus and full absorption where people perform at their best and experience their work and life most fully.She works with high performers across sport, business, medicine, and the arts, helping them access flow under pressure and turn stress into focus, clarity, and effective action.Sue c
Ep. 257 - How To Create More Clutch Moments In A Match
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can generate more clutch moments in their matches. The co-hosts review research from multiple sports about the conditions that lead to a greater likelihood of clutch moments, and offer practical suggestions that players can use during pressure moments. Additionally, they describe various mental tools that players can use to help prepare fo
Ep. 256 - "Every time I lose, it's like the end of the world"
"Every time I lose, it's like the end of the world." This is what Mirra Andreeva said after losing the final in Madrid in May of this year. Josh and Brian discuss this quote from a psychological point of view. Although much of the discussion centers on Andreeva, she represents what a lot of players go through when they lose. Her subsequent victory at Roland Garros showed significant
Ep. 255 - A Mental Performance Look at Roland Garros 2026
Roland Garros 2026 has wrapped up with Mirra Andreeva winning the women’s singles title over Maja Chwalińska 6-3, 6-2, and Alexander Zverev winning the men’s singles title over Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the women’s and men’s singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that led to the successes of the champions and finalists.To
Ep. 254 - How to Use Patience in a Match and in Your Career
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the virtue of patience and its importance both within a point and match (micro) as well as throughout a player’s career and tennis journey. Various mental skills are discussed that players can work to help them to develop patience within the micro and the macro.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to Tiebre
Ep. 253 - Lisa Stone of ParentingAces | Helping Families Navigate Junior Tennis
Lisa Stone is the founder and creator of ParentingAces, a podcast and digital platform dedicated to junior and college tennis parents and coaches. Lisa is a lifelong tennis player and UCLA graduate, she grew up in Louisiana and raised three children, one of whom developed into a highly competitive junior and college tennis player. It was that firsthand experience navigating the junior tennis world
Ep. 252 - A Tribute to Jim Loehr | A Pioneer in Sport Psychology for Tennis
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the legacy of Dr. Jim Loehr. The episode is divided into four sections: 1) Dr. Loehr as a pioneer and “the first one out there” in the field of sport/performance psychology within tennis, 2) the legacy and importance of the 16‑Second Cure, 3) his shift in focusing on winning to helping athletes build character, and 4) personal reflections and final thoughts.
Ep. 251 - The Paradox of Outcomes and Cameron Young
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss an article about Cameron Young from the PGA Tour and the paradox of outcomes. They talked about how acceptance of his self-talk, staying present, and taking things one shot at a time ultimately led to his success at The Players Championship. The co-hosts examined how tennis players, coaches, and parents can learn from the successes of professional athletes i
Ep. 250 - Finding Your Natural Style of Play
In this episode, Brian and Josh review an article about Emma Raadacanu losing her “natural” playing style and trying to find it again. They discuss the issues with coaches teaching a ‘one size fits all’ approach to tennis and advocate for players to build their game based on individual strengths and preferences instead. Lastly, they examine which characteristics tennis players can build to help th
Ep. 249 - Understanding First Round/Match Anxiety
The first round of a tournament or the first match of a league/conference championship weekend can lead to more anxious feelings for tennis players. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss research on first match anxiety to help you understand it better, and take practical steps to handle it better.Psychophysiological stress in tennis players during the first single match of a tournament: https://
Ep. 248 - The Benefits of Using Constraints
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can benefit by taking a constraints led approach. They talk about constraints that tennis players can establish in practices and matches, and differentiate between preclude and promote constraints. Although it may seem that constraints take away the freedom to choose, they actually give tennis players far more structure to make high-percen
Ep. 247 - Rethinking The Origins Of Greatness
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the origins of greatness in performance, and whether early specialization increases one's chances of becoming truly elite. They review research that showed 90% of top performers were not the top juniors and, conversely that 90% of the top junior players did not become top pros. The implications of this research is discussed, and Brian and Josh offer prac
Ep. 246 - The Impact of Mental Fatigue on Performance and Accuracy
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impact of mental fatigue on tennis performance. Research on this topic includes a systematic review from 2024 which looked at mental fatigue in various racquet sports, as well as a 2025 Turkish study which showed that mental fatigue impaired precision/accuracy. The co-hosts also examined the impact of junior players using social media before matches, as
Ep. 245 - A Critical Look at AI in Tennis
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications within tennis. The co-hosts discuss certain benefits of using tennis chatbots for training and preparing for matches, while also caution against the over-reliance on this technology. They emphasize that AI should be used as a tool rather than a replacement of critical thinking and decision making skills that
Ep. 244 - Turning Concepts Into Actions - That's Elite
In this episode Brian and Josh discuss the concept of “knowing the nouns and practicing the verbs”. The co-hosts discussed how tennis players ought to prioritize taking action when it comes to their progress as a player and should strive to focus on the process needed to improve rather than focusing on the end result. Additionally, they talk about how having open goals and focusing on learning and
Ep. 243 - Mental Performance Themes at the 2026 Australian Open
The 2026 Australian Open has wrapped up with Elena Rybakina winning the women’s singles title over Aryna Sabalenka 6–4, 4-6, 6-4, and Carlos Alcaraz winning the men’s singles title over Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the women’s and men’s singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that led to the successes of the champions and finalists.To
Ep. 242 - The Long-Term Problem Of Playing With Fear
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can choose to become great or stay within their comfort zone and limit their growth. The co-hosts discussed how focusing on long-term progress by playing the best version of their game and focusing on becoming the best player that they can be long-term is preferable to being too focused on winning a particular match and sacrificing their p
Tribute to Bill Tym - The Evolution of a Champion (Ep. 13)
With the recent passing of Bill Tym, we wanted to re-release our interview with him from 2020 as a tribute to his legacy. Coach Tym was a major influence in the development of some truly excellent competitors in tennis. We hope that you will be inspired by his words and stories. Check out the links in the show notes for some of Coach Tym's wisdom.Coach Bill Tym was an All-American at the Unive
Ep. 241 - Don't Skip Out On Your Habits
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the importance of habit consistency. Based on a chapter from Areté by Brian Johnson, they talked about why just showing up to perform your habit behavior is actually more important than feeling like you need to be great at your habits. The pair also examined why the concept of “beginning again” is a key to long-term consistency.To learn more about Josh and B
Ep. 240 - Emotional Intelligence and Performance
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss emotional intelligence and its impact on tennis performance. They define the term and cover its application to tennis. Additionally, they discuss how building greater emotional intelligence leads tennis players to improve their performance and have more fulfilling tennis careers.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology busine
Ep. 239 - Mental Fortitude and Amanda Anisimova
Based on an interview with The Guardian, Brian and Josh discuss some mental performance themes behind Amanda Anisimova's remarkable 2025 season.Link to interview: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/03/from-burnout-to-brilliance-amanda-anisimova-on-how-honesty-sparked-her-remarkable-revivalTo learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to Tiebre
Ep. 238 - Attribution Theory and How We Explain Results
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss attribution theory and its impact on tennis performance. The co-hosts talk about how the interpretation of results makes a significant difference in how tennis players move on and grow from matches that they play. They reviewed the various factors that are included within attribution theory - whether a person attributes their results as internal/external, st
Ep. 237 - Chris Harwood and the 5Cs
Chris Harwood, PhD is a Professor of Sport Psychology at Nottingham Trent University and an Honorary Professor of Loughborough University in the UK. He is currently the Director of the Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) research centre at NTU where his research interests lie in the integration of psychological principles into youth sport settings and the roles of the coach, parents,
Ep. 236 - The Connection Between Passion and Performance
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the multi-faceted relationship between passion and performance (The Dualistic Model of Passion). The co-hosts review the applications of this research for tennis performance, and cover how athletes can improve performance and foster subjective well-being via harmonious passion.Research article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2007
Ep. 235 - The Value of Precommitments in Tennis
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of precommitments as a means for setting intentions for coping with challenges and adversity. Tennis is tough; can you precommit to enjoying yourself, learning, and embracing the challenge? Precommiting to such behaviors gives you a greater chance of following through.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology busin
Ep. 234 - Do You Get Bored in Your Training?
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the importance of embracing boredom and the mundane in an athlete’s journey towards improvement. They discuss a recent LinkedIn post by Alex Auerbach in which he noted that athletes who embrace boredom during training and competition tend to excel and have longer careers. The co-hosts share their responses to his post and include their own observations about
Ep. 233 - Unwrapping the Gift of Greatness
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how to attain greatness through adaptability and balance. The co-hosts discuss various chapters from Brian Johnson’s book Areté, which emphasize the importance of these two skills. Lastly, they review how tennis players can become more adaptable over time and find better balance in their tennis journeys.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds an
Ep. 232 - Handling the Loss of Skill or Talent Level
In this episode, Brian and Josh talk about a recent article from the Journal of the Philosophy of Sport regarding "talent loss." The co-hosts outline the three central views of talent loss from the article, share personal experiences and discuss various pro tennis players who have navigated life changes and this type of loss. Additionally, they offer suggestions that tennis players can i
Ep. 231 - Reframing Situations to Improve Performance
In this episode, Brian and Josh cover how tennis players can build the skill of reframing situations and shifting perspective. The co-hosts discuss why reframing is an important skill for players, review situations where it’s important to be able to reframe, and offer suggestions for how tennis players can shift their perspective in the moment as well as for the long-term.Sponsored by Geau Sport -
Ep. 230 - Mental Performance Themes from US Open 2025 | Sabalenka, Anisimova, Alcaraz, Sinner
In this episode, Brian and Josh cover the 2025 U.S. Open Championships. They discuss various themes and sport psychology concepts that emerged from the tournament, particularly by champions and finalists Aryna Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and Performance
Ep. 229 - Are Double Faults a Purely Technical Issue?
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss whether double faulting is solely a technical issue, a mental issue, or a combination of the two. Recently Coco Gauff decided to start working with biomechanical expert Gavin MacMillan to help her overcome her increase in double faults. The co-hosts discuss the Gauff's coaching change, review the causes of double faults, and offer suggestions for how ten
Ep. 228 - The Necessity of Commitment and Enthusiasm on Your Tennis Journey
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the connection between commitment and enthusiasm. Using several quotes as inspiration, they review how tennis players can demonstrate commitment to their journey, show commitment to their goals, and how they can pursue their chosen journey and goals with enthusiasm and zest.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - Tenni
Ep. 227 - Building Momentum and Breaking It
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of momentum in tennis. First, they define the term, then they discuss the research about momentum in tennis and question whether momentum objectively exists. They review ways for tennis players to build streaks of points, and also ways to approach things differently when momentum seems to be working against them.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSpor
Ep. 226 - Developing Wisdom As A Competitive Skill
In this episode, Brian and Josh utilize a recent article about Taylor Fritz as inspiration to discuss the path of wisdom for elite competitors. In the discussion, they discuss specific aspects of Fritz's perspectives on success and achievement, and compare those to the perspectives of elite competitors like Kobe Bryant and Rafael Nadal. This episode also discusses a model of stages of wisdom f
Ep. 225 - Handling Difficult Emotions Between Points
In this episode, Brian and Josh respond to a listener's question regarding resetting between points and handling emotions on the court. The co-hosts talk about how tennis players can focus on their competitive and fighting skills in addition to their tennis skills and strokes while playing. Additionally, they highlight the importance of the between-point routine, and discuss how using “green l
Ep. 224 - The Necessity for Rest and Energy Management
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how to handle training and rest leading up to tournaments. They review how players can approach their tournament schedule for the year to ensure that it aligns with their goals and vision for themselves. Additionally, they examine the importance of rest mentally and physically, and share anecdotes of professional and recreational players who chose to priorit
Ep. 223 - Wimbledon 2025 Mental Performance Themes | Sinner, Alcaraz, Swiatek, Anisimova
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. Iga Świątek won the women’s singles title over Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6,0, and Jannik Sinner won the men’s singles title over Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The co-hosts discuss the women’s and men’s singles championship matches and review sport psychology themes that they observed from the tournament.Sponsored by Geau Sp
Ep. 222 - The Benefits of Deep Breathing
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impact of deep breathing for tennis players. They review the benefits of breathing from a scientific perspective, discuss how tennis players can breathe more effectively during points, and cover how specific breathing exercises can be utilized off the court. The conversation was based on a recent article from The Athletic (linked below) which examined ho
Ep. 221 - How to Use Time as a Tool to Benefit Your Game
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the benefit of going backwards or forwards in time to gain perspective and to perform better in the present. They talk about how looking back to one’s past journey can lead people to find perspective, give themselves more credit, and be proud of the path they’ve taken and progress they’ve made. Additionally, they discuss the benefits of being able to envisio
Ep. 220 - Roland Garros 2025 | Gauff, Sabalenka, Alcaraz, and Sinner
Roland Garros 2025 has wrapped up with Coco Gauff winning the women’s singles title over Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, and Carlos Alcaraz winning the men’s singles title over Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2). In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the women’s and men’s singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that the co-hosts observed within the tournament and
Ep. 219 - ADHD in Tennis with Dr Josephine Perry
This episode focuses on ADHD in sport, and features an interview with Dr. Josephine Perry. Dr. Josephine Perry is a Chartered Sport Psychologist who works with record breaking athletes, performers on the stage and screen and senior leaders in business, medicine and law. She helps her clients understand themselves, their purpose and their values and teaches them the skills to overcome their mental
Ep. 218 - The Benefits of Positive Affect on Your Mental Toughness
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the benefits of generating positive affect on and off the court. According to PositivePsychology.com, “positive affectivity refers to positive emotions and expression, including cheerfulness, pride, enthusiasm, energy, and joy. Negative affectivity is negative emotions and expression, which includes sadness, disgust, lethargy, fear, and distress”. Positive a
Ep. 217 - The Necessity of Mental Flexibility
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of mental flexibility. They review how mental flexibility can be a key to improving resilience, and they differentiate this concept from mental toughness. The co-hosts also discuss various ways that tennis players can utilize mental flexibility to help problem-solve and adapt to the circumstances that they’re facing within tennis matches.To learn
Ep. 216 - The Two Words That Spark Anxiety
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss an article from Psychology Today by Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein entitled “The 2 Words That Spark Anxiety—and the 8 Words That Calm It.” The co-hosts review the reasons why “what-if” questions can spiral into feeling more anxiety and fearing an uncertain future. To quell this anxiety and fear, Brian and Josh introduce mental tools to help players take control of th
Ep. 215 - Comparing Self-centeredness and Self-Awareness
Inspired by the book, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, Brian and Josh contrast the concepts of self-centeredness and self-awareness. The co-hosts review the issues of self-centeredness and how it can hold tennis players back in different situations. Self-awareness is discussed as an alternative approach that can be built through reflection, mindfulness, and deliberate practice.Sponsored by Geau Spo
Ep. 214 - The Cardinal Virtue of Courage
This episode's theme is the virtue of courage. Brian and Josh discuss courageous behaviors, why courage is an important virtue for tennis players, and the benefits of playing with courage. Included in the conversation is how courage is critical in pressure moments in matches such as tiebreakers and deuce/break points, as well as the moral courage required to act ethically and do the right thin
Ep. 213 - The Relationship Between Pressure and Errors
In this episode, Brian and Josh review an article from researchers at Exeter University who looked into how pro tennis players responded to high-pressure moments and how well they bounced back from errors in Grand Slam matches. The co-hosts discussed the research findings, and offered practical advice that tennis players can use during high-pressure moments and after mistakes.Article: Psychologica
Ep. 212 - The Dance of the Doomed
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the “Dance of the Doomed." The Dance of the Doomed is a concept that Hall of Fame football coach Bill Walsh wrote about in his book, The Score Takes Care of Itself, in which athletes demonstrate through their body language and attitude that they have given up before an event finishes. The co-hosts discuss how tennis players can avoid doing this dance wh
Ep. 211 - Success Disease
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of Success Disease: a phenomena that can occur after achieving some level of success. Inspiration for this topic came from Hall of Fame football coach Bill Walsh's book, The Score Takes Care of Itself. The conversation focuses on the nature of Success Disease and how to cope with it.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount
Ep. 210 - Tennis Parenting Part 3 | Supporting the Competition Needs of Players
In part three of their series on tennis parenting, Brian and Josh discuss how parents can support the competition needs of players before, during, and after matches. They also reference additional resources that tennis parents can use from Positive Coaching Alliance and The Growth Equation Newsletter. Links for those resources are listed below.The Growth Equation Newsletter - How to Save Youth Spo
Ep. 209 - Tennis Parenting Part 2 | The Educational Needs of Tennis Parents
In this episode, Brian and Josh move on to part two in a three-part series on tennis parenting. They discuss the educational needs of tennis parents including reasons for choosing and playing tennis, the financial and time demands of the sport, knowledge of tennis, and understanding the development system of the sport. The willingness of parents to learn is a critical component of the education pr
Ep. 208 - Tennis Parenting Part 1 | The Difficulties of Tennis Parenting
In this episode, Brian and Josh start a three-part series on tennis parenting. For Part 1, they review the difficulties of tennis parenting, talk about certain positive and negative behaviors of tennis parents, and lastly discuss the preferences that junior players have for how their parents behave. The upcoming two episodes in the series will focus on the educational needs of tennis parents, and
Ep. 207 - The Characteristics of Self-Actualizers
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss specific “Characteristics of the Self-Actualizer” from the work of humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow. The co-hosts focus on five characteristics from Maslow’s list that they feel can help tennis players become the best tennis players they can be, become the best people they can be, and ultimately help them self-actualize.This episode is sponsored by Ge
Ep. 206 - The Effects of Ratings and Rankings on Performance
Thinking too much about ratings and rankings can cloud your focus on the court. It’s difficult to stay in the moment when you are worried about the consequences of winning and losing. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impacts of rating and ranking systems on players, especially in the 21st century. The dynamic nature of these systems can be problematic for many, but there are strategies
Ep. 205 - Australian Open 2025 - Mental Performances Themes | Jannik Sinner, Madison Keys
The 2025 Australian Open has wrapped up with Madison Keys winning the women’s singles title over Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 2-6, 7-5, and Jannik Sinner winning the men’s singles title over Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. In this episode Brian and Josh discuss the women’s and men’s singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that led to the successes of Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner.
A
Ep. 204 - The Weight of Discipline vs. the Weight of Regret
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss a quote from motivational speaker, Jim Rohn (see quote below), on the topic of discipline and regret, and how these concepts apply to tennis players. They describe some thought exercises that players can work through to minimize regret in their careers. Furthermore, the co-hosts stress the importance of ensuring that an athlete’s actions match their stated g
Ep. 203 - Zest and Flourishing
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss zest as a primary virtue for flourishing in tennis and beyond. To begin, they define the virtue of zest and talk about the benefits of incorporating more zest into one’s life and tennis game. Furthermore, they offer practical suggestions for increasing zest in training and competition.
To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology bu
Ep. 202 - The Paradox of the Ego
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss a concept known as "the paradox of the ego." In short, the paradox is that it is necessary to have a strong ego in order to eventually let go of it. The co-hosts address how tennis players can eventually learn to put their own egos about results, rankings, ratings, and comparisons aside for the benefit of their future and development.
To learn more about Jo
Ep. 201 - How to Play With Equanimity (A Balanced Mind)
In this episode, Josh and Brian draw inspiration from a quote by Marcus Aurelius related to recovering one's mental balance after being upset by circumstances. Practical applications of the concept are discussed as is a concept called 'The Equanimity Game.'
How to Play the Equanimity Game: https://youtu.be/eE-gv3uawZA?si=argOrcNZJvR1
To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport p
Ep. 200 - What We Learned from 200 Episodes
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss their most important takeaways from the first 200 episodes of the Tennis IQ Podcast. Let us know what you have learned on this journey!
To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email
Ep. 199 - Using the "4 i Framework" to Design Your Practices
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the “4 i’s” of intentional practice. This is based on a model of intentional practice (article linked below) by Dan Abrahams in which intentional training is divided into four areas: interesting, intense, internalize and integrated. The co-hosts discuss how tennis players, coaches,
and parents can incorporate these key elements into each practice to ensure t
Ep. 198 - Roger Writes a Letter to Rafa | Thoughts on Nadal's Legacy
Prior to Rafael Nadal's last match at the 2024 Davis Cup, Roger Federer penned a letter in tribute to Rafa's legendary career and their shared journey. Josh and Brian discuss Federer's thoughts on Rafa as well as the legacy that Nadal leaves in tennis as one of the sports greatest champions.
To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.co
Ep. 197 - Coaching and Self-Reliance on the Court
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the importance of self-reliance on the tennis court. They talk about how tennis players can take responsibility for themselves and their actions in practice and matches which ultimately can lead to better results long-term. They also referenced a recent Forbes article (link below) that Josh was quoted in regarding this topic and potential changes to coaching
Ep. 196 - Dominik Hrbatý | Developing Your Brain & How to Beat Great Players
In this episode, Brian and Josh interview Dominik Hrbatý. Dominik Hrbatý is a former professional tennis player from Slovakia. He reached the semifinals of the 1999 French Open, and achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 12 in October of 2005. Hrbatý is one of only three players, alongside Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt, to have beaten each member of the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Ro
Ep. 195 - The Benefits of Slowing Down
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the benefits of slowing down. Slowing down begins as a perspective that then translates into action. The process and benefits of slowing down apply in the long-term (your career), as well as in a match, and between points. Players can also benefit from the idea that “slow is smooth, smooth is fast."
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpo
Ep. 194 - Embracing Pain, Uncertainty, and Hard Work
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can embrace pain, uncertainty, and hard work. The inspiration for this topic came from the chapter titled ‘“I LOVE PUH” (YOU?)’ on pages 600 and 601 from the book Areté by Brian Johnson. The co-hosts reviewed how tennis players can embrace the challenges of life and competitive sport including the necessary pain, uncertainty, and hard work
Ep. 193 - Bob Litwin and Living the Best Story of Your Life
In this episode, Brian and Josh talked with Bob Litwin about how to use storytelling and writing to improve your tennis and your life. Bob Litwin is an executive, sports and life performance coach and author of the best selling book, Live the Best Story of Your Life: A World Champion’s Guide to Lasting Change. He was the first non ATP tour, non Division 1 college tennis player inducted into the US
Ep. 192 - Playing Against Weaker Opponents and With Weaker Partners
In this episode, Brian and Josh respond to two questions from a listener. The first question was about how to handle playing against weaker opponents, and the second question was about how to play with a partner that is weaker than you. The co-hosts discuss each question in detail and provide some guidance on both of these common scenarios.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiq
Ep. 191 - Tough Losses
Some losses are tougher to digest than others, and in this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can handle tough losses in the best possible way. They start by defining different types of tough losses such as losses in big events, losses in close matches, losses when it feels personal, losses against weaker players, and losses when a player feels like they let their team down. Next,
Ep. 190 - US Open 2024 | Sinner, Sabalenka, Fritz, and Pegula
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the 2024 US Open through the lens of sport psychology and mental skills. Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 to win the women's singles championship while Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to win the men's singles championship. The hosts talk about the various upsets of the tournament including the losses of Novak Djokovi
Ep. 189 - Commit to Your Game Plan
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the necessity of trust and commitment to a game plan by looking at the concept in three ways: 1) how players can develop their playing style and game plan long-term, 2) committing to a game plan going into a match, and 3) trusting the game plan and committing to it between points.
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