7/28/08 - Dr. Brown on InBetween Swims: The Whitewater podcasts

Jeff McIntyre, creator of the InBetween Swims podcasts, interviewed Dr. Charlie on his work with the US Whitewater Slalom team for the podcast scheduled for release just prior to the beginning of the Olympics. The podcasts are for paddling enthusists of all abilities; check it out at InBetweenSwims.com .

7/25/08 - Overcoming the Fear Factor

This month's issue of SouthPark magazine features Dr. Charlie's work with triathlete and cyclist, Melinda Yelton, as an example on how talented athletes are using sport psychologists to deal with some of the reaistic dangers of elite performance. And no, this SouthPark is not in Colorado they "kill Kenny" on a routine basis; it is an upscale shopping mall in Charlotte, NC.

7/23/08 - New issue of Pressure Points available

A new issue of the FPS Performance newsletter, Pressure Points, is available (click here). This issue was originally written for Olympic athletes, and has been adapted for the broad audience of clients and interests here at FPS Performance:  athletes of all ages, performing artists, business persons and professionals, and people seeking better work-life balance.
If you enjoy the issue, feel free to forward it to friends in colleagues.  If you DON’T enjoy the issue, please let me know how I might improve it.

And remember to make watching the Olympics a family affair!

7/18/08 - Dr. Brown's work highlighted by the Irish Sport Psychology Network

The upcoming issue of PsychWorks, the official newsletter of the Irish Sport Psychology Network, will highlight Dr. Charlie's work with the USA Canoe and Kayak slalom team. Dr. Tadhg MacIntyre, Coordinator of the Irish Sport Psych Network, invited Dr. B to share his holistic approach with colleagues "across the pond." The article, entitled "More Than a Toolbox," has a personal touch that includes grandfather quotes, but suffers from the inability to write with either a soft Southern accent or a delightful Irish lilt. Learn more about the Irish Sport Psychology Network at IrishSportPsych.com.

7/10/08 - Sport psychologists recognized in the APA magazine, Monitor on Psychology

Dr. Charlie Brown is one of 11 psychologists recognized in the July/August issue of the APA Monitor for their work preparing athletes for the Beijing Olympics. So what does our Dr. B say about going to Beijing? He will not be there in person, but will be maintaining an on-site presence through extensive use of audio and video conferencing via computer.

7/6/08 - USA Canoe and Kayak (USACK) Slalom athletes shine at Augsburg World Cup as US Olympic team is selected

The USACK whitewater slalom team had one of it's best showings in years as athletes battled it out in the final leg of determining who will represent the US at the Beijing Olympics. In the qualifying round, all three American K-1 (kayak) men finished in the top 10; all three men's C-1 (canoe) advanced to the semi-finals; two women kayaker's made it to the next round, as did the young two-man canoe of Rick Powell and Casey Eichfeld with a 7th place finish. When the dust settled at the end of the weekend, Scott Parsons secured an Olympic slot after winning the Bronze medal for the K-1 men's competition. Joining Scott on the US Olympic team are Heather Corrie (women's kayak), Benn Fraker (men's single canoe), and the team of Powell and Eichfeld in the two-man canoe. Good luck to all as the games begin on 08/08/08!

5/19/08 - Just as good the second time around: Returning to a Childhood Sport

Karen Hobson's column in this week's issue of US News and World Report discusses adults returning to a sport or activity that one did in their youth appears (similar to the story that ran in the on-line version of the magazine last fall). Ms. Hobson interviewed Dr. Charlie for the story, who recommends being cautious and realistic with expectations if you are returning to a sport, but also to know that "the years of perspective can make you a smarter and wiser athlete, which can mean a surprising rebound in skills."

5/1/08 - Ever wonder what advice Olympic athletes get just prior to a major competition?

Check out the special issue of Pressure Points that went out to the athletes in preparation for the recent Olympic Trials. (Click here)

4/27/08 - Congratulations to the 2008 US National Whitewater Slalom Team!

Record-breaking crowds at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC watched whitewater slalom at its finest during three days of racing in which 135 competitors from 13 countries competed. Athletes from US, Canada, and Ireland were competing for places on their respective national teams, from which the selection for the Beijing Olympics will be made. The Carolina weather showcased the USNWC facility and the competition was a nail-biter to the very end. For complete coverage, check out the USACK web site.

3/25/08 - Dancing with the Dragon

The USOC hosted a gathering of sport psychologists working with US teams as they prepare for the Beijing Olympics. Dr. Brown was part of the two-day program as the US prepares to "go for the Gold" in August. Kudos to Dr. Peter Haberl and the entire USOC Sport Psychology staff for an outstanding program!

3/1/3/08 - Mental Skills Training Camp for USA Canoe & Kayak

Dr. Brown just completed three days of intensive mental skills training with the top whitewater athletes in the US. The training camp was part of a power packed weekend at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC this weekend where elite paddlers from the US, Canada, and Ireland gathered to compete in a series of races. The US team is looking strong as the paddlers prepare for the national team trials in April.

2/15/08 - Dr. Brown tapped for "Best of the Best" panel

Dr. Charlie Brown has been invited to participate as one of the "Best of the Best" panelists at the 2008 Convention of the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. The "Best of the Best" session is a program sponsored by the Performance Enhancement/Intervention Committee where 3-4 experienced sport psychologists are invited to describe and demonstrate their best techniques for students and colleagues. So what is Dr. B's "signature" intervention? The verdict is still out, but it will likely be either rapid relaxation or imagery that incorporate elements of hypnosis.

11/21/07 - Thinking of returning to a sport or activity that you enjoyed in your younger years?

Check out the article by Katherine Hobson in U.S. News and World Report where she interviewed Dr. Brown on tips for the process. The bottom line? Make certain that you have reasonable expectations. (click here)

10/24/07 - Let's build an AASP Expo to showcase sport psychology!

I'm off to Louisville, KY for the Convention of the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) where I have the honor of chairing a star studded symposium where we introduce the concept of creating an AASP Expo. The Expo will be a showcase of services for youth groups, coaches, individuals and families, encompassing the broad spectrum of sport psychology services - performance enhancement, health and wellness, leadership, recovery from injury, and research. Click here for a description of the project; here to sign up for more information; and here for resources for working together on this HUGE and exciting project.

09/29/07 - New edition of Pressure Points available

I've returned from Brazil and a new edition of Pressure Points is being mailed out this week. This newsletter by FPS Performance has articles, tips, pointers and guidelines for people wanting performance excellence and quality of life. Pressure Points is designed for a broad audience that reflects the clients and interests here at FPS Performance: athletes of all ages, performing artists, business persons and professionals, and people seeking better work-life balance. Feel free to share Pressure Points with others, and let us know what you think of the Pressure Points concept; we welcome your feedback, suggestions and story ideas. Check it out: Pressure Points 2(1). If you want to subscribe to Pressure Points, click here.

9/9/07 - Você fala português? Get ready for the whitewater canoe and kayak World Championship in Brazil

Dr. Charlie Brown will be heading to Foz do Iguaco, Brazil this week in his capacity as the sport psychologist for the USA Canoe/Kayak (USACK). USACK is a member of the US Olympic Committee and the national governing body for the Olympic sports of Flatwater Sprint and Whitewater Slalom. Good luck to all the US athletes as as they for the title of being best in the world. Click here for more information on the competition.

8/18/07 - Performance Psychology Symposium at APA in San Francisco

Dr. Brown presented "Walking the Walk: The Consultant As a Performer" as part of the Performance Psychology in Action Symposium at the American Psychological Association's Convention in San Francisco, CA this weekend. For a copy of the paper that was the basis of this presentation click here.

5/4/07 - Lights! Camera! Action! Sport/performance psychology training DVD featuring Dr. Charlie Brown

It was a privilege working with Dr. Jon Carlson and his staff at Governors State University outside of Chicago as we filmed a live sport/performance consultation for APA's DVD/Video series, Specific Treatments for Specific Populations. The DVD will include a full length unedited performance consultation, an interview in which I describe my approach to performance consulting, an analysis of the session where we review and discuss selected portions of the session, and a special option of reviewing the entire session with a running audio commentary as to my thoughts and choices during the process. It should prove to be an excellent resource for anyone wanting to see performance consulting in action.

4/30/07 - Mecklenburg the palindrome mecca?

This is a bit of trivia for those who enjoy quirky observations. At opposite ends of Mecklenburg County surrounding Charlotte, NC, there are two outstanding sport features: the Lowes Motor Speedway and the US National Whitewater Center. At one you will find a racecar and at the other a kayak - both words are palindromes (a word or phrase that reads the same backward as forward).

4/29/07 - USA Canoe & Kayak National Team Trials in Charlotte, NC

Top athletes from both the US and Canada gathered in Charlotte this week to determine who will represent the their respective counties in international Canoe and Kayak competition for 2007. For the US, Benn Fraker dominated the C-1 competition; Ashley Nee and Zuzana Vanha secured two of the K-1 women's slots by the end of day two, as did Scott Parsons and Brett Heyl for the men's K-1, but the 3rd slot was a nail-biter all the way to the final run of three days of competition. Jim Wade rounded out the men's K-1 team with a stellar performance on the third day, and junior Caroline Queen joined the Women's team. For complete results and listing of the new 2007 US team, click here .

3/31/07 - Dr. Brown guest lecturer at UNC-Greensboro

It was a treat presenting to the graduate program in sport psychology at UNC-G on designing contextually intelligent interventions. Kudos to Dr. Renee Newcomer-Appaneal for her efforts in preparing some of the top sport psychologists of the future!

3/7/07 - Find your "Just Right" fitness program

Check out the article by Joe Hart in Experience Life magazine where Dr. Brown offers suggestions in integrating fitness routines into varied and busy lifestyles. Click here to view the article

2/5/07 - Dr. Brown to present at American Psychological Association Convention in August

At this year's APA Convention in San Francisco Dr. Charlie Brown will discuss "The Psychologist as a Performer: Walking the Walk" as part of the symposium Performance Psychology in Action. The program is chaired by Dr. Kate Hays and includes several presentations that are a preview of the book by the same name, edited by Dr. Hays and scheduled for release in late 2007- early 2008.

1/31/07 - Designated sport psychologist for USA Olympic Canoe & Kayak team

In preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Dr. Charlie Brown has been named as the sport psychologist for USA Canoe and Kayak, the national governing body for canoe and kayak racing in the United States. Dr. B will be working with athletes and coaches as athletes compete first to make the national team and then to qualify for the prized slot that competes at the Olympics (only one boat per category can go). Click here to learn more about USA Canoe and Kayaking.

1/22/07 - Panel discussing youth sports: How Much Is Too Much?

Dr. Charlie Brown will be part of a panel discussion sponsored by Providence Day School of Charlotte, NC exploring the role of youth sports in today's culture. The group will look at the challenges of sports participation while maintaining both balance and perspective on nurturing excellence and overall well-being. If you are interested in the topic, you may want to check out these resources: ACSM issues of the Fit Society addressing youth sports and resistance (weight) training for children; and the Parenting Checklist provided by the US Tennis Association.

12/3/06 - Numerous media interviews during the fall

Our schedule has been so busy that we've falling behind in listing media interviews. Over the past eight weeks, interviews have included Alison Wellner of Inc. magazine, Jessie Knadler writing for both Prevention and Fitness, Stacey Baker of Family Circle, and Janet Cromley of the L.A. Times, just to name a new. Topics ranges from applying principles of sport psychology to the world of business to the value of grunting while exercising (obviously a bit on the lighter side).

10/25/06 - Surgical Grand Rounds at the University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA

Dr. Brown's presentation, The Surgeons’ Mental Skills Project:  Understanding the Mental Skills and Interpersonal Styles of Effective Surgeons, was well received. Dr. David Easter and his colleagues at UCSD share interest in including mental skills training as part of their innovative training program.

10/19/06 - Data collection starts for the Surgeons' Mental Skills Project

This morning marked the official launching of the Surgeons' Mental Skills Project as residents and faculty of the Carolinas Medical Center take part in a pilot project studying the mental skills and interpersonal styles of effective surgeons.

9/26-30/06 - The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) is a powerhouse of stimulation

This years' AASP convention in Miami was full of high energy and innovation. Dr. Brown was on the agenda for three programs. In the symposium, The Cutting Edge: Sport Psychology in Medical Settings, Dr. Brown joined with Dr. Linnea Haugue of Rush Hospital in Chicago and Dr. Adam Dubrowski of the University of Toronto to share the diversity of opportunities for individuals with backgrounds in either sport psychology or kinesiology within surgical settings. In Beyond the Toolbox, Brown was part of a panel including Dan Gould and Al Petipas, where each candidly shared his model of consulting. In the symposium, Supervision for Sport Psychology Practitioners: Balancing the Needs and Risks, Brown addressed the risks and benefits of an individual in private practice providing supervision.

9/12/06 - Watch for article on the benefits of weight training in Self magazine

A recent study has questioned whether weight training alone boosts metabolism, but there are still plenty of reasons to regularly hit the weight room. Author Stacey Baker chatted with Dr. Brown on benefits other than increased metabolism as part of her preparation for the story scheduled for December 2006.

9/8/06 - Dr. Charlie Brown featured speaker at the 2006 Optimist Club of
Charlotte Benefit Golf Tournament

Under the guidance of tournament director Mike Watson, this year's "Swing for Youth" Benefit Golf Tournament was both a financial and social success, surpassing last year's fundraising by almost 50%. All proceeds benefit youth in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. The post-tournament dinner included a presentation by Dr. Charlie Brown on "Unleashing the Athlete Within." It was a grand time for a great cause.

9/6/06 - Sport Psychology training DVD to feature Dr. Charlie Brown

Our own Dr. B has been invited by the American Psychological Association to film an educational video on sport psychology consulting. The video includes a "Jay Leno style" interview with Dr. Brown, followed by an actual performance consultation. The DVD is being directed by Jon Carlson, who has made over 200 award-winning professional and commercial videos. The project is anticipated to be filmed in early 2007.

8/26/06 - US Canoe and Kayak National Championships ROCK at the new US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC

Conditions were superb, the crowds were great and the paddlers were awesome for the opening event of the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Congratulations to the Men's National Champions: Brett Heyl (kayak), Austin Crane (C-1) and the team of Casey Eichfield and Rick Powell (C-2); and a special congratulations to the Women's Champion (kayak), Zuzana Vanha, whose final run was could have been scripted straight from an action movie. It was complete with two flips and a spectacular recovery in the "nick of time" to avoid tumbling over the final falls. Check out the USACK web site for photos (click here for USACK photos).

8/22/06 - Upcoming Psychotherapy Finance article on sport psychology

John Nelander interviewed Dr. Charlie Brown for an upcoming report on things that clinicians need to know if they would like to broaden their practice to include sport psychology. CB's bottom line: Most people do not know what they do not know; take time to get good training in performance excellence.

8/10/06 - Laissez les bons temps roulez! APA is in New Orleans

The American Psychological Association holds it's annual convention in the Big Easy this week, where Dr. Charlie Brown will make two presentations. Click here for a copy of his notes from the presentation titled, "The Surgeons' Mental Skills Project: Carving Out New Territory for Sport Psychologists." Click here for a copy of his notes from the symposium, "Sport Psychology Supervision - How Do We Balance Need and Risk?"

7/24/06 - Dr. Brown interviewed by John Hanc of Runners World

Look for Hanc's article on being a life-long marathoner in the November issue that will hit the newstands in early October. Dr. Brown's advice? Train smart, avoid junk miles and take care of your relationships if you want to "run long and prosper..."

7/13/06 - Mental skills program for surgical residents at the Carolinas Medical Center

Dr. Charlie Brown updated the surgical residents at CMC on the upcoming Surgeons" Mental Skills Project and offered tips on managing attention and concentration in pressure situations.

7/5/06 - FPS Performance partners with Carolinas Medical Center to study the mental skills of surgeons

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Health Services Foundation has awarded at $22,500 grant for the Surgeons' Mental Skills Project (SMSP), a collaborative effort between FPS Performance and the Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) to better understand the attention and interpersonal styles of effective surgeons. Dr. Frederick Greene and Dr. Will Miles are the principal investigators of the grant which will initially focus on a pilot study with the CMC surgical residents, and later expand to multiple sites.

6/30/06 - Check out the new issue of Pressure Points

Do you want more balance and productivity in your life? Stop communicating; commit yourself to an institution; eat an elephant; reduce speed in the final descent and celebrate every landing. For clarification, check out the latest issue of Pressure Points.

5/11/06 - Dr. Brown interviewed by Veronica Chambers of Vogue magazine

Check out Veronica Chambers' article in the June issue of Vogue, where she interviewed Dr. Charlie Brown on the benefits and challenges of abstaining from alcohol for a month. Ms. Chambers deserves special credit for under-taking the project while she is living in France and surrounded by some of the world's finest wines!

5/10/06 - Kantrowitz's "Slimming Down for Swimsuit Season" in Newsweek

Barbara Kantrowitz's story on sticking with an exercise program was posted on-line yesterday (Click here for the article). The article integrates extensive quotes and recommendations from her interview with Dr. Charlie Brown, and is an excellent resource for persons struggling to stick with their exercise goals.

5/9/06 - Barb Berggoetz of the Indianapolis Star interviews Dr. Brown on compulsive exercising.

Look for Berggoetz's story scheduled to run in the the Indianapolis Star next Tuesday (May 16) on obligatory exercising that is fueled by fear and guilt rather than positively pursuing a goal.

5/5/06 - Specialty News looks at applying principles of peak performance to sales personnel

Editor-In Chief (and ultra-distance runner) Therese Iknoian interviewed Dr. Charlie Brown for an upcoming story on applying the principles of performance enhancement and thinking in stages as a means of improving the performance of sales persons in the fitness industry.

5/4/06 - Surgical residents from the University of Rochester Medical College (New York) address the mental demands of surgery

Dr. Charlie Brown was featured at the URMC Residents' Retreat, presenting on Lessons from Olympians: Mental Skills for Peak Performance and It Takes Balance to Run a Career.

4/25/06 - Dr. Brown interviewed by Men's Journal

Richard Conniff of Men's Journal interviewed Dr. Charlie Brown for an upcoming article on the psychological benefits of "healthy heart" lifestyle. Watch for the story in the August issue.

4/11/06 - Dr. Charlie Brown interviewed by Barbara Kantrowitz for Newsweek

Barbara Kantrowitz, Senior Editor for Newsweek and author of the bi-weekly column, Her Body, talked with Dr. Brown for tips on helping women stick with their exercise efforts. Look for the column in 2-3 weeks.

4/7/06 - Dr. Charlie Brown in Self magazine

Natalie Gingrich interviewed Dr. Brown as part of her story on getting fit and staying fit, scheduled for the August issue. Check it out.

4/6/06 - Family Circle article on sticking with your exercise plan

Stacey Baker interviewed Dr. Charlie Brown for this article, which is scheduled for the September issue. It should be full of practical tips for the entire family.

4/4/06 - USA Triathlon Newsletter article on the impact of training on relationships

Tom Slear interviewed Dr. Charlie Brown on this topic for the upcoming issue of the USA Triathlon Newsletter. The bottom line: training does not have to be disruptive as long as the athlete still takes care of responsibilities and relationships at home. Keep on the look out for the article.

3/29/06 - Presentation to sport psychology students at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro

At the invitation of Dr. Renee Newcomer-Appaneal, Dr. Charlie Brown shared with these future sport psychologists, "Things I wish I had learned in graduate school," addressing the pragmatics of being a consultant and working in the world of performance psychology.

3/22/06 - Mental skills program for the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS), Tucson, AZ

Interest was high and the presentation room overflowing as Dr. Charlie Brown and Dr. Rick Greene of the Carolinas Medical Center presented two workshops on applying the principles of peak performance and mental skills training to help surgeons prepare for the mental demands of practicing medicine. There was strong interest in the Surgeons' Mental Skills Project being conducted by FPS Performance in conjunction with the Carolinas Medical Center, as several program directors expressed interest in participating in the study.

3/16/06 - Creativity Day at the 2006 Networker Symposium, Washington, DC: Applying principles of peak performance to creativity

Some 50+ participants enjoyed a day-long workshop by Dr. Charlie Brown on applying the principles of peak performance to their own creative efforts. If you would like a DVD of the Creativity Day program, Peak Performance Psychology: Entering the Creativity Zone, click here.

2/22/06 - CNBC's On the Money features sport psychology in business

The CNBC feature mentioned in the 2/17/06 posting airs tonight at 8:00 and again at 11:00. It highlights both Dr. Nate Zinsser of West Point's Center for Enhanced Performance and Dr. Charlie Brown of FPS Performance. The program provides a nice presentation of how the same mental skills and techniques used in sports can be applied in business settings. Dr. Zinsser points out that an athlete needs to focus on peak performance for only a few hours at a time, where most people in business need to be at the top of their game 8 hours a day, five days a week. We hope to secure a copy of the feature for the FPS Performance web site, so check back if you missed the program.

2/22/06 - General Surgery Research Conference, Carolinas Medical Center

Dr. Charlie Brown presented on The Surgeons' Mental Skills Project to the 30+ researchers attending the conference.

2/21/06 - Make watching the Olympics a family affair

Throughout the world families are glued to their televisions watching the very best in the world put everything on the line in quest for Olympic glory. It is a fantastic opportunity for parents to help their children learn about setting goals, working hard, dealing with disappointments, and dealing with pressure. The free study guide provided by the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP) offers step-by-step assistance that makes viewing the Olympics more than mere entertainment; the process becomes a lesson in life.

Please pass along the word of this outstanding resource and encourage families everywhere to take advantage of this opportunity over the next several days. AAASP Olympic Study Guide

2/19/06 - LA Times article on trail running: "A run on the wild side"

Hugo Martin interviewed Dr. Charlie Brown on the benefits of exercising outdoors in this story that ran in Sunday's edition of the LA Times. The conclusion: trail runners tend to relish getting close to nature, experiencing the elements, and enjoying the benefits of sunlight combating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Click here for story

2/17/06 - CNBC feature on applying sport psychology principles in business

Watch for this CNBC feature that is tentatively scheduled to run in conjunction with the Winter Olympics. It features Dr. Charlie Brown's work as an example of how the principles and techniques of sport psychology can help people in business settings improve performance and sustain excellence. The exact air time has yet to be announced, so stay tuned.

2/14/06 - FPS Performance launches Pressure Points. Happy Valentines!

The inaugural issue of Pressure Points, a quarterly newsletter by FPS Performance with articles, tips, pointers and guidelines for people wanting performance excellence and quality of life. Pressure Points is designed for a broad audience that reflects the clients and interests here at FPS Performance: athletes of all ages, performing artists, business persons and professionals, and people seeking better work-life balance. Feel free to share Pressure Points with others, and let us know what you think of the Pressure Points concept; we welcome your feedback, suggestions and story ideas. Check it out: Pressure Points 1(1)

1/30/06 - Program on Supervision of Sport Psychologists at the 2006 APA Convention in New Orleans

Dr. Karen Cogan of North Texas State University will chair a symposium that includes Dr. Charlie Brown and Dr. Rob Fazio (of Hold the Door for Others) as they address issues encountered when providing and receiving supervision. Dr. Eric Harris will serve as the discussant of the program, bringing his expertise as both a psychologist and an attorney. The Exercise and Sport Division of the American Psychological Association (APA) will sponsor the program and offer formal CEU's for those attending. The convention is scheduled for August 10-12; the exact date and time of the program is yet to be announced.

1/30/06 - Austrian Broadcasting Company prepares coverage for the 2006 Olympic Games

Dr. Charlie Brown was among a select number of sport psychologists interviewed as part of the radio station's hour-long program marking the commencement of the Winter Olympics. And that's right - it is Austria not Australia; and no, the program is not in German, but English. The program is scheduled to air on February 11, 2006.