The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon

By Julie Bacon - The Q Coach

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Episodes: 245

Description

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, strategy, and “omg same” moments. No fluff. No hype. Just practical mindset coaching for competitive dog handlers who want to Q more consistently and show up with confidence. Let’s get after it. For show notes and more information visit https://www.theqcoach.com. Consider supporting the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach.

Episode Date
#245: REMIX: Competing with intention. (Your fall trial mindset reset)
Dec 11, 2025
#244: REMIX: Comparison isn’t going anywhere. (So it’s time to get good at dealing.)
Dec 04, 2025
#243: Handler glow-up (the real-world version)
Nov 27, 2025
#242: Surprising ways imposter syndrome creeps in (Even when you’re at the top of your game)
Nov 20, 2025
#241: Attention is trained (and yes, that includes you)
Nov 13, 2025
#240: Finally feel confident in the ring (a blueprint for progress)
Nov 06, 2025
#239: 5 Mental routines you need (Because they work!)
Oct 30, 2025
#238: When your mind won’t stop spinning (and your focus disappears)
Oct 23, 2025
#237: Obsessed (in the best way)
Oct 16, 2025
#236: Confidence is learnable (IF your goals make sense)
Oct 09, 2025
#235: Too much to do and no energy to do it (Let me help)
Oct 02, 2025
#234: Why perfection steals your joy (and how to play the long game)
Sep 25, 2025
#233: Working With Nerves (Instead of Fighting Them)
Sep 18, 2025
#232: Why we crave validation (and what to do about it)
Sep 11, 2025
#231: Competing with intention. (Your fall trial mindset reset)
Sep 04, 2025
#230: Are you waiting to be confident? (You could be waiting a while.)
Aug 28, 2025
#229: When your energy feels “off” (It might be dysregulation.)
Aug 21, 2025
#228: You’re allowed to get help. (Even when it’s not a crisis.)
Aug 14, 2025
#227: Why you keep repeating the same mistakes (and how to break the loop)
Aug 07, 2025
#226: Your brain isn’t always right (Why we spiral into disaster mode).
Jul 31, 2025
#225: The truth about feeling ready (and why it’s not the goal)
Jul 24, 2025
#224: You’re doing better than you think. (A no-fluff pep talk.)
Jul 17, 2025
#223: Still chasing the same goals? (Time for some clarity.)
Jul 10, 2025
#222: Your nerves aren't the problem. (Here's what is.)
Jul 03, 2025
#221: What's on your invisible index card? (Is it helping you Q?)
Jun 26, 2025
220. Your mindset called. It wants a break. (Your dog does, too!)
Jun 19, 2025
#219: Ready for a better weekend? (Start Wednesday.)
Jun 12, 2025
#218: New dog? New level? Who dis? (Leaving the past in the past.)
Jun 05, 2025
#217: Feelings are messing with your Q rate. (Let's fix that - fast!)
May 29, 2025
#216: Your self-talk is a command (What are you typing in?)
May 22, 2025
#215: Coaching yourself through a spiral (Or, when the coach needs a coach)
May 15, 2025
#214: What it means to have a well-rounded mindset (And why you need one)
May 08, 2025
#213: When your brain won’t shut up at trials (How to quiet the noise)
May 01, 2025
#212: Which handler are you? (The real reasons we struggle with process goals)
Apr 24, 2025
#211: It’s not just a lucky shirt (It’s a mindset thing)
Apr 17, 2025
#210: Process a bad trial day with me (Along with the solution)
Apr 10, 2025
#209: The ‘after-Q slump’ is real (And what to do about it)
Apr 03, 2025
#208: Confidence Isn’t Magic (But It Sure Feels Like It)
Mar 27, 2025
#207: Revise that run before you file it. (Or, how to better deal with mistakes.)
Mar 20, 2025
#206: Trusting in process goals. (Even when you don’t yet believe.)
Mar 13, 2025
#205: Why mistakes are tough to get over. (And what we can do about that.)
Mar 06, 2025
#204: Your ring nerves are not the problem. (Hot take: they’re actually the result.)
Feb 27, 2025
#203: Why Overwhelm Happens (And Why It’s NOT Your Fault)
Feb 20, 2025
#202: The dangerous thoughts you're having (and how to tame them.)
Feb 17, 2025
#201: Comparison isn’t going anywhere. (So it’s time to get good at dealing.)
Feb 06, 2025
#200: Feeling stuck? (You could be burned out or even bored.)
Jan 30, 2025
#199: Got creative goals? (Going beyond the outcome.)
Jan 23, 2025
#198: But do you trust you? (The impact of trust in our ability to perform.)
Jan 16, 2025
#197: Your inner critic lies. (Befriending those negative thoughts.)
Jan 09, 2025
#196: Why you need to get uncomfortable. (Level-up by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.)
Jan 02, 2025
#195: REMIX: Handlers are just built differently (Even in their fitness journey.)
Dec 26, 2024
#194: REMIX: Your crate-to-gate needs a refresh. (Cara Armour and I tell you why.)
Dec 19, 2024
#193: REMIX: She’s singing our mindset song! (Interview with Cynthia Horner!)
Dec 12, 2024
#192: REMIX: Grief. It’s a b*tch. (Interview with Cara Armour)
Dec 05, 2024
#191: Don’t drag the past into your future. (A clean slate for 2025.)
Nov 28, 2024
#190: Turns out, we need a decompression habit. (Or at least a post-trial ritual.)
Nov 21, 2024
#189: Must be present to win. (Or Q, or get a title … you get the point)
Nov 14, 2024
#188: Confidence is a skill. (It’s also a kick-butt persona that you can adopt!)
Nov 07, 2024
#187: Are you measuring by your outcomes? (Hint: You should be measuring against those process goals.)
Oct 31, 2024
#186: Switching leashes, switching mindsets. (Resetting for different dogs.)
Oct 24, 2024
#185: Top 5 mindset themes. (Or where to focus your efforts.)
Oct 17, 2024
#184: Your crate-to-gate needs a refresh. (Cara Armour and I tell you why.)
Oct 10, 2024
#183: Pedestal problems. (Are you making yourself feel less-than?)
Oct 03, 2024
#182: I totally ditched my young dog. (Disconnection takes a lot of forms.)
Sep 26, 2024
#181: Are you using your dog as a shield? (And other weird things we do to protect ourselves.)
Sep 19, 2024
#180: Honeymoon phase is over. (Working through the frustrating times.)
Sep 12, 2024
#179: Getting the most from a seminar (Yes, there’s mental management involved!)
Sep 05, 2024
#178: It’s a stressful world (And we’ve got to get a handle on it!)
Aug 29, 2024
#177: Ambition or patience? (Hint: you need both.)
Aug 22, 2024
#176: Are your goals on a pedestal? (You might be losing sight of fun.)
Aug 15, 2024
#175: Are you getting too much input? (Some signs and what to do about it.)
Aug 08, 2024
#174: My personal mindset hacks. (5 +1 things I always do.)
Aug 01, 2024
#173: 5 Ways to become more adaptable. (We all could use to be a little more flexible.)
Jul 25, 2024
#172: Are you proofing your mindset? (Yes! We can set up scenarios to proof!)
Jul 18, 2024
#171: So you think you’re chasing a goal. (Spoiler alert: you’re not.)
Jul 11, 2024
#170: 7 Olympic-level mindset habits. (Yes, I’m fan-girling over the Olympic trials.)
Jul 04, 2024
#169: What’s comparison telling you? (Define success for yourself.)
Jun 27, 2024
#168: Afraid? Do it anyway! (Or don’t - it’s your fear!)
Jun 20, 2024
#167: She’s singing our mindset song! (Interview with Cynthia Horner!)
Jun 13, 2024
#166: Are you mentally tough? Gritty? (Should you be??)
Jun 06, 2024
#165: Do your past mistakes haunt you? (Let’s stop fearing your past.)
May 30, 2024
#164: Seven things you learn from trying. (And how to make it a habit.)
May 23, 2024
#163: When the energy goes off the rails. (Get back on track fast.)
May 16, 2024
#162: Getting your motivation back. (Or not.)
May 09, 2024
#161: Two words: Of Course. (Plus, Moxie does her weaves!)
May 02, 2024
#160: The power of simplifying. (Especially when your energy is in the tank.)
Apr 25, 2024
#159: Nervous? Try this shift. (Taking the long view is powerful.)
Apr 18, 2024
#158: Ever cried in your car? (It could be a stamina thing.)
Apr 11, 2024
#157: Resilience IS a handling skill. (I’m kinda passionate about this one.)
Apr 04, 2024
#156: Getting it up. (Hey! I was talking about your adrenaline - sheesh.)
Mar 28, 2024
#155: What happens after your dream comes true? (Yes, this is a real problem!)
Mar 21, 2024
#154: Time to master your self-talk. (Let’s be honest, we all need some help!)
Mar 14, 2024
#153: Is your attention subverting your goals? (Alignment is everything.)
Mar 07, 2024
#152: Are limiting beliefs getting in your way? (Plus, 5 ways to banish them!)
Feb 29, 2024
#151: Are you pushing through when you shouldn’t be? (How to tell when you need some balance)
Feb 22, 2024
#150: 5 ways to kick the imposter vibe. (Plus 5 sources of those icky thoughts)
Feb 15, 2024
#149: Befriending your triggers. (Reinvent them as handling cues!)
Feb 08, 2024
#148: Everyone needs boundaries. (Mind your sandbox!)
Feb 01, 2024
#147: Grief. It’s a b*tch. (Interview with Cara Armour)
Jan 25, 2024
#146: Finding flow (It doesn’t have to be an accident!)
Jan 18, 2024
#145: Feel like you’re getting passed by? (Letting comparison fuel you.)
Jan 11, 2024
#144: Handlers are just built differently (Even in their fitness journey.)
Jan 04, 2024
#143: REMIX: Running alongside pressure (Because it never goes away.)
Dec 28, 2023
#142: REMIX: How are you showing up for your dog? (How energy affects our performance.)
Dec 21, 2023
#141: REMIX: 5 Ways to strengthen your mindset. (Everyone loves lists!)
Dec 14, 2023
#140: REMIX: The power of “settling in.” (Seriously, a MUST listen!)
Dec 07, 2023
#139: REMIX: Stress travels down the leash (AND it travels up!)
Nov 30, 2023
#138: What’s making you nervous? (A ring nerves refresher.)
Nov 23, 2023
#137: Is pressure the push you need? (Finding reasons to leave your comfort zone)
Nov 16, 2023
#136: The formula for fun (Bringing in a fun expert!)
Nov 09, 2023
#135: Could you even define “fun?” (A LOT of handlers can’t.)
Nov 02, 2023
#134: Can a dog bite incident affect your mindset? (Maybe.)
Oct 26, 2023
#133: What do busy-bee and your energy have in common? (More than you think!)
Oct 19, 2023
#132: Growth is a pain in the butt. (Why deciding to get better is so hard.)
Oct 12, 2023
#131: How expectations trigger us. (and make us frustrated as heck.)
Oct 05, 2023
#130: The baggage of returning to sport. (aka Coming back after injury.)
Sep 28, 2023
#129: You’re probably lying to yourself. (When it comes to your progress.)
Sep 21, 2023
#128: Leaving legs on the table. (When life derails our goals.)
Sep 14, 2023
#127: Why resilience is the most important mindset tool. (And how to get more of it.)
Sep 07, 2023
#126: 5 Ways the ego sneaks in. (And what you can do.)
Aug 31, 2023
#125: Breaking up is hard to do. (Especially in the dog world!)
Aug 24, 2023
#124: The power of “settling in.” (Seriously, a MUST listen!)
Aug 17, 2023
#123: The power of YET (How one little word can shift your mindset.)
Aug 10, 2023
#122: How are you showing up for your dog? (How energy affects our performance.)
Aug 03, 2023
#121: Are we giving our dogs soft skills? (And how that relates to our goals.)
Jul 27, 2023
#120: Two main reasons you might be lost on course. (Also applies to messing up the easy part.)
Jul 20, 2023
#119: How to use others. (Wait, that sounded bad - I mean in a good way!)
Jul 06, 2023
#118: Who needs a pep talk? (Everyone!)
Jun 29, 2023
#117: Running alongside pressure (Because it never goes away.)
Jun 22, 2023
#116: Are you rushing your goals? (Spoiler alert: rushing rarely works.)
Jun 15, 2023
#115: Stress travels down the leash (AND it travels up!)
Jun 08, 2023
#114: Is your self-talk costing you a Q? (We are what we say we are!)
Jun 01, 2023
#113: Comparison is a sneaky b*tch. (Eyes on your own paper.)
May 25, 2023
#112: How would you score your walk-throughs? (Hint: I think we can do better.)
May 18, 2023
#111: Can ring nerves remind you to breathe? (Let’s build better associations.)
May 11, 2023
#110: In defense of superstitions. (And jinxes and lucky shirts.)
May 04, 2023
#109: Trouble bouncing back? (You’re not alone.)
Apr 27, 2023
#108: 5 Ways to strengthen your mindset. (Everyone loves lists!)
Apr 20, 2023
#107: Is your mental stamina affecting your performance? (Did you say, “What mental stamina?”)
Apr 13, 2023
#106: Could you be confusing excitement for nerves? (Hear me out on this.)
Apr 06, 2023
#105: Are you giving rockstar vibes? (Why we all need an alter ego.)
Mar 30, 2023
#104: Need a few hacks for ring nerves? (You’ll still need to practice.)
Mar 23, 2023
#103: Can you get into The Zone in a snap? (Want to?)
Mar 16, 2023
#102: So you say you want “connection,” eh? (What does that mean to you?)
Mar 09, 2023
#101: Ever wonder why some mistakes carry more emotion? (Small-T-triggers are a real thing!)
Mar 02, 2023
#100: Where are my multi-passionate handlers? (Sometimes it’s hard to be us!)
Feb 23, 2023
#99: Are you sabotaging your next run? (Time to tell a new story.)
Feb 16, 2023
#98: Ever been in a slump? (Let’s shift that perspective.)
Feb 09, 2023
#97: Are you hanging on to toxic comments? (It’s not your story.)
Feb 02, 2023
#96: Why everyone needs a mantra. (Yes, all of us.)
Jan 26, 2023
#95: But do you love the hard parts? (Fall in love with the work.)
Jan 19, 2023
#94: Are you a fellow perfectionist? (Yeah, we’re going to fix that.)
Jan 12, 2023
#93: But do you have an energetic goal? (I do now!)
Jan 05, 2023
#92: Remix - The power of the pause (I promise it works!)
Dec 29, 2022
#91: Remix - How do your failures reflect on you? (Good news, you get to decide.)
Dec 22, 2022
#90: Remix - Are you measuring to build confidence? (Well, you will be after this!)
Dec 15, 2022
#89: Remix - Do you even know what success looks like? (It’s about time you did!)
Dec 08, 2022
#88: Remix - Where do ring nerves even come from? (And how you wave goodbye!)
Dec 01, 2022
#87: Do you have a gratitude practice? (Time to start one!)
Nov 24, 2022
#86: Trouble focusing or remembering? (Your stamina is showing!)
Nov 17, 2022
#85: Is every run “precious?” (Hint: maybe not.)
Nov 10, 2022
#84: Are you your cheese? (Seriously, how’s your relationship?)
Nov 03, 2022
#83: Ring nerves have their own lifecycle (And you’re further along than you think!)
Oct 27, 2022
#82: Has “competitive” gotten a bad rap? (Turns out being competitive is personal.)
Oct 20, 2022
#81: Are you making an alternate plan? (Plan on success but prepare just in case!)
Oct 13, 2022
#80: Do you have the right support system? (It could be time to level up.)
Oct 06, 2022
#79: Shutting down in the ring? (Maybe that’s not the right question.)
Sep 29, 2022
#78: Work on your handling without your dog (Yes, it’s possible!)
Sep 22, 2022
#77: Setting goals for confidence (Yes, confidence IS a skill!)
Sep 15, 2022
#76: A self-talk intervention (Stop being the mean girl!)
Sep 08, 2022
#75: Riding the strugglebus? (Here’s your reason to jump off.)
Sep 01, 2022
#74: How do your failures reflect on you? (Good news, you get to decide.)
Aug 25, 2022
#73: Are your beliefs helping or hurting your Q rate? (Both, maybe)
Aug 18, 2022
#72: Want to help your dog’s soft tissue? (Interview with canine massage therapist Kim Bennett!)
Aug 11, 2022
#71: A refresher on rituals (Have yours gotten away from you?)
Aug 04, 2022
#70: Don’t let the bullies win! (Why are we still talking about them?!)
Jul 28, 2022
#69: Why the negative stuff is so darn sticky (And how to get that goo gone!)
Jul 21, 2022
#68: I realized my post-run ritual sucked (But I’m fixing it now!)
Jul 14, 2022
#67: Stress might actually be helping your performance (Yes, that includes your ring nerves!)
Jul 07, 2022
#66: Getting in the zone means staying in the present (I’ve got a practice for ya!)
Jun 30, 2022
#65: Ever need a pep talk? (Don’t we all?!)
Jun 23, 2022
#64: Dealing with unsolicited advice (and how not to be that person!)
Jun 16, 2022
#63: Feeling down? In a funk? (My 2 favorite ways to get back into positivity.)
Jun 09, 2022
#62: Got performance jitters? (I’ll bet one of these 5 sources is to blame.)
Jun 02, 2022
#61: Is your self-worth measured by Qs? (We’re going to look at that.)
May 26, 2022
#60: I’m betting you’re over-valuing your mistakes (And under-valuing your successes.)
May 19, 2022
#59: Are you measuring to build confidence? (Well, you will be after this!)
May 12, 2022
#58: Awareness as a superpower (A totally learnable skill!)
May 05, 2022
#57: The power of settling in (Or, managing successful transitions!)
Apr 28, 2022
#56: But do you have mindset goals? (Because I know you’ve got outcome goals!)
Apr 21, 2022
#55: You need a good Plan B (Even if you plan to be perfect!)
Apr 14, 2022
#54: Think you need to be mentally tough? (Or could soft be the answer?)
Apr 07, 2022
#53: The changing face of good sportsmanship. (Who are you striving to be?)
Mar 31, 2022
#52: Are you defining yourself by your challenges? (You might have a fixed mindset.)
Mar 24, 2022
#51: Did your preparation let you down? (Or was it your expectations?)
Mar 17, 2022
#50: Are your friends distracting you? (Maybe, maybe not.)
Mar 10, 2022
#49: Are you taking your outside world into the ring? (Some tips for life’s stressors.)
Mar 03, 2022
#48: Are you sabotaging your run? (It’s okay, we’ve all done it.)
Feb 24, 2022
#47: Can’t remember your course? (I’ve got you)
Feb 17, 2022
#46: The power of the pause (I promise it works!)
Feb 10, 2022
#45: In pursuit of a feeling (Fun IS a process goal!)
Feb 03, 2022
#44: Where do ring nerves even come from? (And how you wave goodbye!)
Jan 27, 2022
#43: Do you even know what success looks like? (It’s about time you did!)
Jan 20, 2022
#42: Visualization doesn’t work for you? (Time to troubleshoot)
Jan 13, 2022
#41: The power of negative mantras (Yup, negative ones!)
Jan 06, 2022
#40: Let’s get fit (Mentally & physically!)
Dec 09, 2021
#39: Orlando bound? (Getting ready for a major event!)
Dec 02, 2021
#38: Attitude of gratitude (it’s not a cliche)
Nov 25, 2021
#37: Strike a pose (there’s something to it!)
Nov 18, 2021
#36: Singing the seminar blues (but loving every minute!)
Nov 11, 2021
#35: Breathe in with intention (and out with the crap)
Nov 04, 2021
#34: Make mistakes your fuel (and learn to let go)
Oct 28, 2021
#33: Trying to change your self image? (Aren’t we all!)
Oct 21, 2021
#32: How’s your sportsmanship? (Let’s straighten those crowns!)
Oct 14, 2021
#31: Your response is everything (and you control it!)
Oct 07, 2021
#30: Are we having fun yet? (Hint: you should be!)
Sep 30, 2021
#29: Are you sabotaging yourself? (Clean up your language)
Sep 23, 2021
#28: Do we want to be tough? (Or resilient?)
Sep 16, 2021
#27: Back from a hiatus (Or where’d my brain go?)
Sep 09, 2021
#26: Making progress & new habits (Or how to break a bad habit)
Sep 02, 2021
#25: Are you hearing voices? (You’re perfectly sane!)
Aug 26, 2021
#24: Let’s show a little gratitude (get your mind right for the day)
Aug 19, 2021
#23 More NQs than Qs? (Getting to the bottom of your disappointment)
Aug 12, 2021
#22: Your "big event" is no biggie (assuming you're ready - ha)
Aug 05, 2021
#21: Mind your own biscuits (the trap of comparison)
Jul 29, 2021
#20: Stuck in the couch? Been there!
Jul 22, 2021
Can you imagine befriending pressure?
Jul 15, 2021
Squirrel! Err, Taming distractions
Jul 07, 2021
On deck? Get present FAST!
Jul 01, 2021
Hey, “control freaks,” this one’s for you!
Jun 24, 2021
Got Ring Nerves? (or why the Lizard doesn’t get to drive)
Jun 17, 2021
Feel like an imposter? (Spoiler alert: you aren't!)
Jun 10, 2021
Reasons we choke (and how not to!)
Jun 03, 2021
Getting into the coveted "zone" isn't just for Olympians
May 27, 2021
Specialty recap (or take-aways from a BIG event!)
May 19, 2021
Meltdowns happen (and how to come back)
May 13, 2021
An new twist on outcome goals
May 06, 2021
Cord Cutting Visualization
Apr 29, 2021
The role of our emotions & tone in our handling
Apr 22, 2021
The importance of rituals
Apr 14, 2021
Protecting your bubble (and dealing with toxic people!)
Apr 07, 2021
Welcome and About this Podcast
Mar 29, 2021
My favorite subjects: Growth mindset & Process goals
Mar 29, 2021
Quickie Breathing Exercise
Mar 29, 2021
Visualization Exercise for Setting Intentions
Mar 29, 2021