Shows / The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
Ready to train your brain like you train your dog? This podcast is for dog handlers who know mindset matters—but don’t always know how to build it. I’m Julie Bacon, The Q Coach, and every week, I’ll bring you real-talk coaching, stories from the ring, and tools you can actually use to build a stronger performance mindset. Whether you’re dealing with ring nerves, inconsistency, fear of leveling up, or just want to feel more confident out there, this podcast is your weekly dose of support…
Episodes
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#232: Why we crave validation (and what to do about it)
Ribbons, titles, compliments from judges — they all feel good, but they can’t be the only thing fueling our confidence. In this episode, I dig into why…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#231: Competing with intention. (Your fall trial mindset reset)
Feeling like you're just going through the motions at trials? In this episode, we're talking about what it means to compete with intention — and why this fall…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#230: Are you waiting to be confident? (You could be waiting a while.)
Confidence isn’t something you achieve once and never worry about again. It shifts with levels, pressure, and even our own expectations. In this episode, I’ll…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#229: When your energy feels “off” (It might be dysregulation.)
You know those days when your timing is off, your focus is fuzzy, and your dog’s picking up on something you can’t quite name? That might not be mindset or…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#228: You’re allowed to get help. (Even when it’s not a crisis.)
In this episode, we're busting open the idea that you have to go it alone. Whether you need help with a training issue or coaching for a “minor” problem, there…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#227: Why you keep repeating the same mistakes (and how to break the loop)
Ever feel like you're stuck making the same mistakes over and over in the ring — no matter how much you train or prepare? In this episode, we’ll talk about the…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#226: Your brain isn’t always right (Why we spiral into disaster mode).
Ever spiral into “what if” after one rough run or vet scare? You’re not alone — and you’re not broken. In this episode, Julie unpacks catastrophic thinking…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#225: The truth about feeling ready (and why it’s not the goal)
Think you need to feel ready before entering that next trial or leveling up? Think again. In this episode, we’re breaking down the myth of readiness, how…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#224: You’re doing better than you think. (A no-fluff pep talk.)
Feeling stuck, behind, or just plain not good enough? This week’s episode is your reminder that you’re doing better than you think. No sugar-coating, no empty…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#223: Still chasing the same goals? (Time for some clarity.)
We’re halfway through the year — and that makes it the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. In this episode, we’ll walk through four mindset-based steps…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#222: Your nerves aren't the problem. (Here's what is.)
Think your nerves are holding you back? Maybe not. In this episode, we're digging into the real reason you're nervous—and how those jitters might actually be…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#221: What's on your invisible index card? (Is it helping you Q?)
You’re not nervous, but you still feel pressure. You’re not spiraling, but you still leave disappointed. Why? In this episode, we’re talking about the…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
220. Your mindset called. It wants a break. (Your dog does, too!)
Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the plan. In this episode, we talk about why recovery time is essential for both you and your dog. From Olympic athletes to…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#219: Ready for a better weekend? (Start Wednesday.)
Want to feel more confident on trial day? It starts earlier than you think. In this episode, we talk about how your weekday mindset habits shape your weekend…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#218: New dog? New level? Who dis? (Leaving the past in the past.)
It’s a fresh start… but your brain didn’t get the memo. In this episode, we talk about the messy emotions that come with starting over — whether with a new dog…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#217: Feelings are messing with your Q rate. (Let's fix that - fast!)
Why do some mistakes stick with us and others roll off our backs? This week, we’re digging into the emotional weight we give our errors - and how that story…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#216: Your self-talk is a command (What are you typing in?)
Your brain is always listening — and whatever you tell it, it runs with. In this episode, we dig into why self talk matters, how it shapes your performance…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#215: Coaching yourself through a spiral (Or, when the coach needs a coach)
Even mindset coaches have mindset spirals. In this episode, I walk you through a real moment of fear and comparison I had before a big event — and how I…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#214: What it means to have a well-rounded mindset (And why you need one)
Building a strong mindset is about more than just setting goals. In this episode, I break down what it takes to develop a well-rounded mindset—covering…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#213: When your brain won’t shut up at trials (How to quiet the noise)
Today, we dive into four powerful focus strategies to help you stay calm and focused in the heat of the moment—whether you're in the ring or dealing with…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#212: Which handler are you? (The real reasons we struggle with process goals)
We all know process goals matter — but actually sticking to them? That’s another story. In this episode, I break down the common mindset traps as “handler…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#211: It’s not just a lucky shirt (It’s a mindset thing)
We all have our “things” — the socks we always wear, the lucky leash, the warm-up routine. But what’s the difference between a superstition and a routine? Or a…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#210: Process a bad trial day with me (Along with the solution)
Bad trial day? We’ve all been there. Instead of letting it ruin my mindset, I used it as a live experiment in bouncing back—fast. In this episode, I break down…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#209: The ‘after-Q slump’ is real (And what to do about it)
Ever feel a little lost after hitting a big milestone? Whether you just earned a title, had an amazing trial weekend, or finally hit a long-time goal, the…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#208: Confidence Isn’t Magic (But It Sure Feels Like It)
Confidence isn’t just something you “have” or “don’t have”—it’s something you build (like reps in the gym, but for your brain). In this episode, we’re diving…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#207: Revise that run before you file it. (Or, how to better deal with mistakes.)
Sure, mistakes are “sticky” because there are emotions attached to them, but they are also sticky because of how we treat them. When we replay a mistake over…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#206: Trusting in process goals. (Even when you don’t yet believe.)
Process goals sound great in theory, but let’s be honest—most handlers struggle to truly embrace them until they experience that aha moment. So how do you…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#205: Why mistakes are tough to get over. (And what we can do about that.)
Mistakes are part of all sports so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we can’t escape them completely. The best handlers are able to alchemize their mistakes…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#204: Your ring nerves are not the problem. (Hot take: they’re actually the result.)
Recently in my 1:1 coaching work, I figured out a better angle when it comes to helping handlers work through their ring nerves. And like all of us who teach…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#203: Why Overwhelm Happens (And Why It’s NOT Your Fault)
Ever felt so overwhelmed by training, competing, or goal-setting that you just… shut down? Or maybe you avoid, overthink, or try to push through but end up…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#202: The dangerous thoughts you're having (and how to tame them.)
If you’ve ever walked into the ring certain of your imminent failure, then you know how powerful a limiting belief can be. Our brains are designed to make what…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#201: Comparison isn’t going anywhere. (So it’s time to get good at dealing.)
We’ve all been there—watching another handler crush it in the ring while we struggle, scrolling through endless Q-ribbons on social media, and suddenly feeling…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#200: Feeling stuck? (You could be burned out or even bored.)
Feeling stuck? You’re not alone. If you’re questioning your goals, your motivation, or even why you’re doing this sport at all, this episode is for you. We’re…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#199: Got creative goals? (Going beyond the outcome.)
Feeling stuck with your 2025 goals? Let’s shake things up! In this episode, we’re talking about how to set creative, exciting goals that go beyond just what…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#198: But do you trust you? (The impact of trust in our ability to perform.)
Trust is the often-overlooked ingredient that can make or break your performance in the ring. In this episode, we explore how to build trust in yourself as a…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#197: Your inner critic lies. (Befriending those negative thoughts.)
Your inner critic is that voice that tries to keep you safe - safe from failing, from embarrassment, from potential disaster. The problem is, our inner critic…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#196: Why you need to get uncomfortable. (Level-up by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.)
While you’re in the mode of setting goals for the year ahead, I have one more for you: push yourself out of your comfort zone. Today, I’ll convince you that…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#195: REMIX: Handlers are just built differently (Even in their fitness journey.)
We kicked off Season FOUR (wow!) and 2024 with a bit of a common resolution: fitness. But as always, we have our own hot take on handler fitness so I brought…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#194: REMIX: Your crate-to-gate needs a refresh. (Cara Armour and I tell you why.)
I talk a LOT about the importance of rituals, and within those are your “crate-to-gate” routines. Who better than Cara Armour of Startline Pod to break down…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#193: REMIX: She’s singing our mindset song! (Interview with Cynthia Horner!)
I knew it would be a great conversation, but I had no idea that multiple-Westminster-winning, and podium-loving Cynthia Horner is such a devotee of the…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#192: REMIX: Grief. It’s a b*tch. (Interview with Cara Armour)
Cara and I both lost dogs this year and it rocked us as grief can. We both believe that as a community we don’t always talk about grief, and if we do, we don’t…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#191: Don’t drag the past into your future. (A clean slate for 2025.)
I’m already in goal-setting mode for 2025, anxious to tackle big things next year with hope and optimism! But before we leave 2024 in the rearview, there are…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#190: Turns out, we need a decompression habit. (Or at least a post-trial ritual.)
A great suggestion from a listener brings this topic of decompressing after a trial. We need to not only process the quality of our runs, but also the emotions…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#189: Must be present to win. (Or Q, or get a title … you get the point)
On one hand, we know that the present moment is the only moment we have any control over. On the other hand, we have a REALLY hard time staying there! Why?…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#188: Confidence is a skill. (It’s also a kick-butt persona that you can adopt!)
We tend to think we need to be confident before we do something, but it’s just the opposite. We become confident as we hone our skills and gain experience. We…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#187: Are you measuring by your outcomes? (Hint: You should be measuring against those process goals.)
Lately, it’s a theme with my coaching clients - they are focused on their process goals when they walk into the ring, but they are measuring their success by…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#186: Switching leashes, switching mindsets. (Resetting for different dogs.)
Many of us run multiple dogs at shows and it’s not the easiest thing to switch our mindsets when we trade-out dogs. Sometimes we carry over what just happened…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#185: Top 5 mindset themes. (Or where to focus your efforts.)
We talk about sooo many topics related to developing a strong mindset, yet most can be sorted into these 5 buckets. A strong mindset is the sum of very…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#184: Your crate-to-gate needs a refresh. (Cara Armour and I tell you why.)
I talk a LOT about the importance of rituals, and within those are your “crate-to-gate” routines. Who better than Cara Armour of Startline Pod to break down…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#183: Pedestal problems. (Are you making yourself feel less-than?)
When we make other things, events, people, dogs … better than ourselves, we make ourselves less-than. Obviously, that’s not good for our confidence, imposter…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#182: I totally ditched my young dog. (Disconnection takes a lot of forms.)
Recently I entered a conformation show which also hosted CGC and Trick evaluations. While we came home with all the right ribbons, my day could not have felt…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#181: Are you using your dog as a shield? (And other weird things we do to protect ourselves.)
As humans we want to feel safe - protected from failure or vulnerable experiences or other scary stuff. Being the creative species we are, we come up with some…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#180: Honeymoon phase is over. (Working through the frustrating times.)
Puppies have their honeymoon phase too - when they are perfect, can do no wrong, and the sky’s the limit! And then it ends, and the frustration begins. No…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#179: Getting the most from a seminar (Yes, there’s mental management involved!)
Seminars are their own type of animal - they can make us feel like superstars or convince us we haven’t done enough. While there is the ever-present comparison…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#178: It’s a stressful world (And we’ve got to get a handle on it!)
Stress is part of everyday life to the point it has become some twisted badge of honor. But taking our stress into the ring will not get us the results we…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#177: Ambition or patience? (Hint: you need both.)
We joke about our personal patience, yet we know we need patience when it comes to dog training and even our own mindset development - it takes time. Contrast…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#176: Are your goals on a pedestal? (You might be losing sight of fun.)
Are your goals driving you forward or holding you back? In our latest episode, we explore the dangers of putting your goals on a pedestal, from the trap of…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#175: Are you getting too much input? (Some signs and what to do about it.)
If you’re hungry to learn and level up your handling, you’re likely seeking out various instructors and experts to learn from. Seminars, online courses, group…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#174: My personal mindset hacks. (5 +1 things I always do.)
While there are a bunch of mindset skills in my proverbial toolbox, some are more often used than others. These are my five (plus one) go-to mindset skills…
- The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon
#173: 5 Ways to become more adaptable. (We all could use to be a little more flexible.)
Let’s face it, things rarely go as we plan them. In these moments we can either have a complete meltdown or shrug it off and move to plan B (or C). While our…