Welcome to Unbound Performance, where we explore the intersection of sports, performance mindset, and personal development. Hosted by Jim and Caroline, Unbound brings a unique dual perspective from both coach and player. Our 20+ year mentor + friend relationship that started on the volleyball court has brought us all the way here, to YOU, to discuss and share the strategies and habits that drive athletes to excel. Whether discussing the mental preparation required to handle high-stakes competitions, the power of meditation and breathwork, or the importance of moral values over performance values, each episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your game. Join us as we share expert advice, inspirational stories, and practical tips to help you push past your limits and achieve your highest potential. Unbound is your go-to resource for unlocking success through the power of mindset and performance training. Tune in and start your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
After 18 months of weekly episodes, we’re entering an exciting new chapter at UNBOUND—and in this episode, we’re giving you the inside scoop.
We’re adjusting our weekly podcast release schedule to make room for something big: the development of our on-demand learning platform. This shift allows us to bring UNBOUND’s mental performance training to life in a deeper, more actionable way. The podcast will continue, but we’re turning our focus toward building a digital experience where athletes, coaches, and high performers can actually practice the mental skills we talk about each week—anytime, anywhere.
This isn’t a goodbye—it’s an evolution. We’re still here. We’re just shifting gears so we can give you more than content. We want to give you tools. We're excited about what’s coming and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Thank you to all of our loyal listeners who have supported us along the way - we can't wait to share what's next!!!
20 Nov 2025
You Win With People: Shaka Smart’s Playbook for Life
What happens when a college basketball coach decides that winning isn’t just about talent, but about roots, relationships, and reflection? In this episode, we unpack an extraordinary profile of Marquette head coach Shaka Smart—and what makes him one of the most intentional leaders in sports today. Known for his unique streak of not taking a single transfer in four years, Smart’s decision goes deeper than roster strategy. It’s about building something that lasts, even in a world obsessed with quick wins and constant movement.
We explore how Smart’s morning routine—meditation, morning light, and journaling—has helped him lead with stillness and clarity in an anxious, high-pressure environment. His approach to leadership blends mindfulness, psychology, and deep human connection. From his “Five-Star Leader” framework to his living “Culture Document,” Smart shows us that building culture isn't a buzzword—it’s a discipline. His story challenges all of us to ask two questions daily: Who am I? Who am I not?
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or someone navigating your own leadership journey, this episode will inspire you to slow down, get curious, and connect more deeply—with your people and with yourself. Because the best part of growth? It’s not the start or the finish. It’s the messy, meaningful middle.
13 Nov 2025
The Quiet Work No One Sees (That Wins Games)
What if you could train your mind the same way you train your body? In this episode, we dive into a powerful article about NBA veteran Harrison Barnes and how visualization became one of the most effective tools in his training arsenal. From hiring his own performance team to playing every game for three seasons straight, Barnes’ consistency isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. But the most surprising piece? His game-day mental routine takes less than 10 minutes… and doesn’t involve touching a basketball.
We unpack how mental imagery—used by legends like Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and surgeons alike—is more than a trendy tool; it’s a proven performance strategy backed by neuroscience. From guided audio meditations to full sensory visualizations, we explore how athletes (and everyday high-performers) can rehearse success before it happens. The key isn’t just imagining outcomes—it’s training emotional control, confidence, and focus under pressure.
Whether you're chasing rebounds, giving a high-stakes presentation, or preparing for a difficult conversation, the principle is the same: when your mind and body are on the same page, performance gets sharper. If you're not already doing mental reps, you’re leaving growth on the table. Tune in to learn how to apply this strategy in your own life—and how five minutes of stillness might just change your game.
Who has been a guest on Unbound Performance Pod
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Cal Riley
Bill Cowher
Katie Ledecky
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
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Quality
61
Social presence
0
YouTube
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Engagement
32
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