Welcome to Style in the Arena!

In this episode, Julie Anne Quay sits down with elite performance coach Danny Donachie, who works with athletes across sports and disciplines.

Together, they explore the mind–body connection, how psychological barriers impact athletic performance, and the strategies Danny uses to help athletes overcome mental and physical hurdles.

Plus, stick around for a rapid-fire segment focused on how we can best show up in our lives.

This is your playbook. Welcome to the club.

Episode Highlights:

2:00 — Danny shares a lifelong fear
6:00 — What coaching truly entails
6:50 — A professional tennis player experiencing the yips
9:51 — Manchester City F.C. players practicing breathwork
12:45 — Roadblocks to entering a “flow” state
15:40 — Getting to the root of psychological obstacles
17:13 — Hypnosis and entering a deep meditative state
18:40 — Danny’s background as the son of a Premier League footballer
24:35 — Understanding what a mantra is
31:52 — Coping mechanisms for external pressure
39:01 — Performing a role vs. being yourself
47:09 — Routines for consistent performance and presence

51:22 — Defining presence and what it means to stay present

1:05:02 — Danny’s look and fashion

1:06:45 — Rapid-Fire Segment

Hosts: Julie Anne Quay
Guest: Danny Donachie

Style in the Arena is a VFILES Production. Sponsored by FIFA 1904.