Discover how the world’s most elite athletes handle crushing expectations and why the secret to peak performance might be letting go of the results.

In this episode, Josh and Ashley Negron explore the psychological demands of high-stakes performance through the lens of the 2026 Winter Olympics. They provide a powerful contrast between two world-class figure skaters: Ilya Malinin, the heavy favorite who struggled under the "Quad God" mantle, and Alyssa Liu, who secured a historic gold medal after a two-year hiatus. The discussion delves into the "expectation effect" and the "nocebo effect," illustrating how negative internal narratives can cause even the best in the world to crumble. Listeners will learn the importance of "failing forward," building resilience, and guarding their mental environment against negativity. By examining Liu’s joy- ...