Date: 4/29/25

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: Doing Life After Sports

Episode 12: You’re Not Lazy—You’re Disoriented: Why Former Athletes Struggle with Stillness

In this episode of the Vintage Athlete Podcast, Tara Fortier explores the challenges that former athletes face in transitioning to a life of mindfulness and stillness after sports. She discusses the discomfort associated with stillness, the importance of reconditioning the nervous system, and the role of mindfulness in personal growth and healing. The episode emphasizes that stillness is a strength, not a weakness, and invites listeners to engage in self-reflection and consider the benefits of mindfulness practices.

Curious about addressing your new relationship with stillness, but have no idea where to start? Check out The Mediation Playbook, a self-paced course where I hold your hand and introduce you to meditation and how to build a sustainable practice. Ready to take that first step? Click here!

Chapters

00:00 The Athlete Mindset and Fear of Stillness

04:08 Understanding the Struggle with Stillness

05:10 Nervous System Conditioning

06:19 Self-Reflection

10:07 Learning Stillness Through Mindfulness and Meditation

11:19 Quick Breathing Practice

13:16 Embracing Stillness and Its Benefits

Date: 4/1/25

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: Doing Life After Sports

Episode 11: 5 Meditation Myths Former Athletes Need to Stop Believing

Meditation? For athletes? Yeah, I already know what you're thinking.

If you’re rolling your eyes at the idea of sitting still and "doing nothing," you’re not alone. Most former athletes dismiss meditation before they even give it a shot. But guess what? That mindset is holding you back from some serious mental gains.

In this episode of The Vintage Athlete Podcast, we’re busting the five biggest meditation myths that are keeping former athletes from unlocking better focus, mental resilience, and overall well-being. Spoiler alert: Meditation isn’t just about stress relief, you don’t need to sit still for hours, and no—it’s not a religious practice.

Here’s what we’re covering:
🏆 Why meditation is more than just “relaxation” (it’s mental strength training)
⏳ The truth about time—why 5 minutes is all you need
🎯 How meditation can sharpen your focus just like your old training days
🚫 Why meditation isn’t a quick fix—but why it’s worth sticking with
🙏 And no, you don’t have to be religious to meditate

By the end of this episode, you’ll see meditation in a whole new light—and maybe even give it a try (just saying!).

🔥 Ready to get started? Check out The Meditation Playbook—my course designed specifically for former athletes who want to build a meditation habit without the fluff. Grab it here: The Meditation Playbook

And if you love this episode, share it with a former teammate who needs to hear it!

🎧 Listen now and let’s break these meditation myths for good.

Date: 12/31/24

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: Doing Life After Sports

Episode 10: What’s Next?: Overcoming the Athlete Identity Crisis

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Vintage Athlete Podcast, Tara Fortier explores the concept of the athlete identity crisis, a common experience for retired athletes who struggle with their sense of self after leaving their sport. She discusses the emotional challenges faced during this transition, including feelings of loss, anxiety, and a lack of purpose. Tara provides practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of value-based living, reconnecting with hobbies, and building new routines. The episode encourages listeners to redefine their identity beyond their athletic achievements and to embrace the journey of personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 What’s Next?: Overcoming the Athlete Identity Crisis

02:24 Defining an Athlete Identity Crisis

03:36 Why an Athlete Identity Crisis Happens

06:53 Overcoming the Athlete Identity Crisis

Links from Episode:

FREE Values Tool:

https://www.vintageathlete.org/values

FREE Guided Meditation:

https://www.vintageathlete.org/athlete-identity-meditation

Date 12/3/24

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: Doing Life After Sports

Episode 9: Stop Waiting: Taking Committed Action After Sports Retirement

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Vintage Athlete Podcast discusses the importance of taking committed action rather than waiting for the perfect moment, especially for retired athletes. I emphasize that New Year's resolutions are not the only time for change and encourages listeners to identify their values to guide their actions. The conversation explores the fears associated with change and procrastination, the significance of values in shaping one's life after sports, and practical strategies for taking action. I will also highlight the importance of celebrating progress and staying present in the journey of personal growth.

To access The Vintage Athlete Values Identification Tool, go to https://www.vintageathlete.org/values

Date: 11/5/24

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: How to Do Life After Sports

Episode 8: Body Changes, Self-Love, and the Journey of a Former Athlete

Episode Summary: This episode dives deep into the challenges faced by retired athletes as they navigate the often-difficult terrain of body changes. It's a candid conversation about the pressures to maintain an "athlete body," the emotional and mental toll of these changes, and the importance of self-compassion. We explore practical strategies for managing these transitions, including:

• Redefining Health: Shifting from a performance-based definition to a holistic approach encompassing mental and emotional well-being.

• Intuitive Eating: Learning to listen to your body's cues and nourish it intuitively, rather than adhering to rigid diets.

• Mindfulness and Gratitude: Cultivating practices to manage chronic pain and foster a positive mindset.

Key Topics:

• The psychological impact of body changes on self-worth for former athletes.

• The societal pressures to maintain a certain physique.

• The importance of recognizing that an "athlete body" is not a sustainable norm.

• Practical strategies for managing physical changes, including exercise moderation, intuitive eating, and mindfulness.

• The role of self-compassion and gratitude in navigating these transitions.

Resources:

• 1:1 Nutrition Coaching: Learn more about working with me to develop intuitive eating habits. Click here

What's Next?:

• Share this episode: If you know a former athlete struggling with body image or self-acceptance, share this episode with them.

• Leave a comment: Share your thoughts, experiences, and tips for navigating body changes and fostering self-love.

• Reach out for support: If you're struggling, remember you're not alone. Seek professional help or connect with resources specializing in athlete transitions.

Remember, you are more than your athletic achievements. Embrace your body's journey with kindness, compassion, and gratitude.

Keep Evolving!

Date: 9/21/24

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: How to Do Life After Sports

Episode 7: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable - Retired Athlete Edition

Episode Summary:

"Get comfortable being uncomfortable." Have you heard it before? While this is great advice for many people, the process of doing it can be exceptionally hard for retired athletes.

In this episode I dive into specific challenges former athletes may face leaning into discomfort and the benefits of doing it in your life after sports.

Finally I talk about ways to make it easier for retired athletes to overcome the challenges of getting comfortable being uncomfortable in order to open up new opportunities and possibilities. And who doesn't want that?

Tools that can help in the process are mindfulness and meditation.

I get into more specifics about mindfulness and how to practice it in this blog post here:

https://www.vintageathlete.org/blog/the-benefits-of-mindfulness-for-former-athletes

At the end, I talk about a guided meditation I created specifically for getting uncomfortable being uncomfortable. Access it for FREE here:

https://www.vintageathlete.org/uncomfortable

Give this episode a listen and then go out there and get uncomfortable! The outcome may surprise you...in a good way!

Keep Evolving!

Date: 8/13/24

The Vintage Athlete Podcast: How to Do Life After Sports

Episode 6: What I Learned About Life From Inside Flow Yoga Teacher Training

Episode Summary:

In addition to being a behavior analyst, I'm also a yoga teacher and trained to teach Inside Flow. I enhanced my teaching skills recently with a 50-hour in-person Inside Flow Teacher Training. This amazing experience not only made me a better Inside Flow teacher, but I made incredible connections with others and learned some important life lessons.

In this episode, I am sharing with you what Inside Flow is, how it has taught me to enjoy movement and the important things I learned about connecting with others and being fully present at this training. As a retired athlete, there were so many insights to take away from this experience. I want you to benefit from my experience too!

To see Inside Flow in action, check out my IG @vintage.athlete where you can see clips of flows from my classes and the training. Learn more about this incredible type of yoga practice here:

https://insideyoga.org/inside-flow/about/

And as a former athlete, if you are looking for ways to maintain your fitness without the grind, intensity and stress of your former training and without kicking your own butt, download my FREE Vintage Athlete Fitness Guide now! Learn how to find the movement and exercise that brings you enjoyment and fulfillment.

Keep evolving!

This episode comes with a little bit of tough love, but you need to hear it. Everything in your life after sports does not need to be a PR. You can be motivated and achieve without being at 110% all the time.

I talk about the negative effects of holding on to this mindset and give you strategies to achieve a more balanced and self-compassionate way to achieve what you want it life.

Below are links to the additional information and free resources from this episode:

Letting go of Athlete Identity Meditation Practice https://www.vintageathlete.org/athlete-identity-meditation

The Vintage Athlete Awakening

https://www.vintageathlete.org/vintage-athlete-awakening

The Vintage Athlete Fitness Guide

https://www.vintageathlete.org/fitness-guide

As promised in this episode, I am hard at work on that brand new FREE resource that will be a game-changer for former and retired athletes.

Check out my website or follow me on Instagram at vintage.athlete to find out as soon as it available!