In this episode, I’m joined by World Champion curler, mom, and Registered Psychotherapist Sarah Wilkes, who brings a rare and valuable dual perspective to the world of sport — one from the ice, and one from the therapist’s chair.
Currently playing lead on the #1 ranked team in the world and fresh off a World Championship win, Sarah shares her journey through sport, the lessons she’s learned about performance and emotional regulation, and how her work now helps athletes find more balance, confidence, and presence — both on and off the ice.
What We Cover in This Episode:
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Sarah’s evolution as an athlete — from fastball to fitness to reverse-engineering her sweeping technique
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What drew her to psychotherapy, and how she supports athletes through a regulated mental health lens
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The difference between mental toughness and true mental wellness
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How curiosity can shift pressure into presence — and why noticing your attention is one of the most powerful tools in sport
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Balancing elite competition with motherhood, off-season training, and staying connected as a team
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What it means to support your whole self — not just the athlete part
Resources & Links Mentioned:
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Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahwilkes
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Learn more about Empowered Performance: www.empoweredperformance.ca
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Join the Empowered Performance newsletter: Sign up here
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Connect with Steph on Instagram: @empoweredperformance
If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Enjoy:
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Episode 72: Training the Mind Like the Body – Mental Skills for Curlers
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Episode 64: Performance, Identity & Burnout with a Former Elite Athlete
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Episode 40: What Mental Resilience Really Looks Like in Competition
🎧 Listen and Subscribe:
You can listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more curlers and coaches discover the show!
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @empoweredperformance
