The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast
Trauma is everywhere, and so is performance pressure. The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast is where those two worlds meet.
I’m Stephanie High, M.A. — trauma-informed educator and performance psychology practitioner — and I created this show to help athletes, professionals, and leaders understand how trauma impacts performance, and more importantly, how to respond in ways that build resilience instead of reinforcing harm.
In each episode, you’ll hear a mix of science, storytelling, and practical tools. From trauma-informed leadership to resilience training and post-traumatic growth, this is a space for learning how to perform at your best without losing yourself in the process.
If you want grounded insights, real talk, and actionable strategies for thriving under pressure, you’re in the right place.
Episodes

Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Mind Matters: Navigating Cognitive Dissonance
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
We dive into the complex world of cognitive dissonance – the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. We explore how cognitive dissonance influences our decisions, behaviors, and belief systems, often without us even realizing it. Our discussion will include real-world examples and psychological theories behind this phenomenon. Plus, we provide practical tips on how to recognize and resolve cognitive dissonance in your daily life, leading to greater mental clarity and well-being.

Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Harnessing the Power of ’Being In The Flow’
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
In this episode of The Kaizen Catalyst Podcast, we dive into the elusive world of 'flow state' – that magical zone where productivity meets peak mental performance. Discover practical tips and strategies to harness this powerful state in your daily life. We'll explore how to create the perfect environment for flow, the importance of mindset, and techniques to maintain this heightened state of focus. Whether you're a creative, an athlete, or a business professional, mastering your flow state can elevate your performance to new heights. Tune in and learn how to seamlessly integrate these techniques into your routine for a transformative impact on your efficiency and success.

Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Building Unstoppable Resilience
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Resilience is not about being invincible or unaffected by hardships; it's about developing the inner strength to persevere and grow stronger through life's ups and downs.
How to build resilience:
Embracing Challenges
More Positive Mindset
Building Supportive Networks
Practicing Self-Care
Perseverance and Grit

Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Being in the Moment: Everyday Mindfulness Techniques
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, with non-judgmental awareness. By practicing mindfulness, we can reduce stress and enhance our overall mental and physical health.
A few mindfulness and stress reduction techniques:
Breathing Exercises
Body Scans
Mindful Eating
Thought Observation
Practice Gratitude

Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Echoes of the Mind: The Power of Self-Talk
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Dive into the world of self-dialogue with "Echoes of the Mind: The Power of Self-Talk." This insightful podcast explores how the conversations we have with ourselves shape our emotions, decisions, and overall life trajectory. Each episode brings you tips and techniques, showcasing how positive self-talk or neutral self-talk can lead to personal transformation and success.

Thursday Nov 16, 2023
The Art of Cultivating Mental Toughness
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Mental toughness is the ability to persevere, remain focused, and bounce back from setbacks and adversity. It's about cultivating resilience and maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges. Mental toughness is not about being invincible; it's about building the strength to navigate through life's ups and downs.
Key Strategies
Positive Self-Talk
Emotional Regulation
Goal Setting
Adaptability
Seek Support

Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Mirror Mirror: Unpacking Self-Awareness
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Self-awareness is objectively observing and understanding our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It involves looking inward, reflecting on our experiences, and gaining insight into our true selves.
Key Strategies:
Mindful Observation
Reflective Practice
Emotional Awareness
Feedback and Self-Evaluation
Authenticity and Values

Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Perfectionism: The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Perfectionism, at first glance, may seem like a desirable quality. However, the truth is that perfectionism can often become a double-edged sword, affecting our mental health and overall happiness.
Strategies for Dealing with Perfectionism:
Practice Self-compassion
Question Unrealistic Standards
Seek Support from Others

Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Overcoming Mental Blocks
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Mental blocks limit beliefs, fears, or self-doubt that hinder our progress and prevent us from taking action. Mental blocks can manifest in various aspects of our lives, from pursuing our passions to achieving professional success.
Key Strategies for Overcoming Mental Blocks:
1. Identify the Block
2. Challenge Your Thoughts
3. Take Small Steps
4. Seek Support
5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Monday Oct 30, 2023
Introduction to Emotional Regulation
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Emotional regulation refers to our capacity to recognize, understand, and effectively manage our emotions. It's about finding balance and responding to our emotions constructively and healthily.
Key strategies for enhancing emotional regulation:
Awareness of Emotions
Mindfulness
Emotion Labeling
Self-Compassion