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 performance psychology coach — 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

Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Attention and Focus Control in Our Fast-Paced World
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Discover the role of the prefrontal cortex, the power of mindfulness meditation, the efficiency of the Pomodoro Technique, and the cognitive benefits of physical exercise. Stephanie also shares strategies for minimizing distractions, all rooted in scientific research. Tune in for a discussion on sharpening your focus, enhancing cognitive functions, and achieving more, all in one concise and impactful episode.

Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Resilience Starts with Mastering the Skill of Reframing
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Tackle the powerful concept of "reframing" — the art of changing perspectives on challenges and setbacks — can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Explore real-life examples of how athletes have shifted their mindset for better outcomes and discuss actionable strategies for applying reframing techniques in sports. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with bite-sized, practical insights to help you turn obstacles into opportunities on and off the field. Tune in for a transformative mini-session!

Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Decoding the Impact of Luck
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Let's open up a conversation about the role of 'luck' in sports and performance psychology. Explore the intriguing interplay between luck, mindset, and athletic performance. In this episode, we'll discuss how the belief in luck affects an athlete's confidence and performance. Is luck merely a superstition, or does it hold psychological significance in sports? Let's unpack these ideas together, offering quick, actionable insights along the way.

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






