If you have ever wondered:
💭 “Why do I feel so crushed by pressure, even when I am doing well?”
💭 “How do I find perspective when I feel like I have let myself or others down?”
💭 “How do I know when to keep pushing and when it is time to let go?”
this episode is for you.
In this honest and moving conversation, Tess and Layne explore what the Olympics can teach us about greatness, pressure, emotional regulation and identity. Through the stories of athletes like Scotty James, Alana Meyers Taylor and Alysa Liu, they unpack what happens when performance collides with expectation, and how perspective, support and joy can help you find your way back to yourself.
Layne reflects on the emotional weight athletes carry when their goals are public, why having a life outside the arena matters, and how dream teams help people hold steady when the pressure is at its peak. Tess draws out the deeper life lessons in each story, showing how the same patterns appear in work, parenting, leadership and everyday life whenever we tie our worth to one outcome.
The episode then turns deeply personal as Tess invites Layne to reflect on her own recent experience competing for her boardriders club. What follows is a vulnerable and powerful conversation about ageing, identity, acceptance and the courage to stop proving. Together they offer a toolkit for anyone carrying too much pressure or avoiding a truth they already know: ask what basic emotion you are resisting, bring it back to yourself, and choose the version of greatness that lets you breathe.
You will hear about:
How perspective shifts help regulate disappointment and emotional overwhelm
Why support systems matter when you are standing at the edge of growth or burnout
The difference between pressure driven performance and joy fuelled performance
How acceptance can free you from identities you no longer need to carry.
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Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you are experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.