If you‘re interested in the mental side of sport performance, this is the podcast for you. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a sport psychology professional, or even just a sports fan, Dr Pete Olusoga, along with his expert guests, will answer all the questions you could possibly have about the role of the mind in sport performance.
Is there such a thing as a winning mindset and if so, where can I get one? Why do we get nervous, and what should we do about it? What‘s the deal with mindfulness?
In each episode, Dr Pete - with the help of some special guests - will ask and answer questions like these, exploring what the research says, and highlighting lessons from sport psychology that you can use on and off the field.
Pete and Leah speak to Dr. Mitch Abrams, a leading expert with over 25 years of experience in sport psychology and anger management, as he exposes the myths, risks, and hidden benefits of this often misunderstood emotion. We discuss the difference between anger and aggression, practical strategies to detect and manage anger before it spirals, and the links between anger, violence, and masculinity.
Mitch’s new book, I’m Not Fucking Angry, dives deeper into these insights, and is a perfect guide to understanding, managing, and using anger to elevate your life.
Follow Mitch on Twitter: @MitchAbramsPsyD
Follow Mitch on Instagram: IG: @mitchabramspsyd
Connect with Mitch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmitchabrams/
Check out Mitch’s Website: drmitchabrams.com
Get the Audiobook version of I’m Not Fucking Angryhere: https://open.spotify.com/show/0szKD238A01lzk4q5Ugknk?si=d918d9999ffa4bdb
28 Feb 2026
4.19 - EPM Super Special Winter Olympics Review 2026!
In this episode Dr Pete Olusoga and Leah Washington discuss the highlights and controversies of the Winter Olympics, featuring special guest John Evans. They delve into the opening ceremony, dramatic moments in curling, and the performances of athletes like Ilia Malinin and Lindsey Vonn. The conversation explores the psychological pressures athletes face, the importance of autonomy in sports, and the camaraderie among competitors. We talk about decisions to compete while injured, the psychological aspects of athletic identity, and the cultural narratives that shape public perception of these athletes.
Check out John here: https://www.blndhealth.com/team/john-evans
18 Oct 2025
4.18 - How to run an Ultramarathon
In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, host Dr Pete Olusoga talks with endurance runner and Peloton instructor Susie Chan, and psychologist Dr. Julie Johnston to find out “How to Run and Ultramarathon!” They discuss Susie's journey from a non-runner to an accomplished ultra marathoner, the mental challenges faced during extreme races, and the importance of community and self-talk in building resilience. The conversation also touches on personal growth through running, the impact of mental strategies on performance, and reflections on the significance of support networks in sports.
Follow Susie on Instagram: @susie_chan_
Find Susie on Tik-Tok: @susie.chan
Grab Susie’s book here: https://www.waterstones.com/author/susie-chan/7175268
Follow Julie on Instagram: @juliepjohnston
Find Julie on (LinkedIn): Julie Johnston
Check out Julie’s website: informedperformance.co.uk
Who has been a guest on Eighty Percent Mental
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Laura Swettenham
Dr Kristin McGinty
Aren Ulmer
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
28,986
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
18 ratings
Spotify
4.8 / 5
21 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
46
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
51
Contact Eighty Percent Mental
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