Episodes

  • 535: Jared Tendler Gave Me a Mental Game Lesson Pt 2. (The Zone, Focus, & Scar Tissue)

    535: Jared Tendler Gave Me a Mental Game Lesson Pt 2. (The Zone, Focus, & Scar Tissue)
    Oct 8 2026
    >>Read Jared Tendler's book, Everyday Golf Psychology >>Read the Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). In this episode, mental golf coach Jared Tendler joins host Michael Leonard for a second mental coaching session to discuss Michael's recent tournament progress and map out strategies for elevating his mental game. The session dives deep beneath the surface of performance to discuss accessing "the zone," managing energy, and conquering past mental scars. You will gain valuable insights on how to channel optimal focus, align self-image with performance, and navigate unexpected obstacles with poise. We'll cover: Progress Beyond the Scoreboard: The episode highlights how mental resilience and maintaining composure during chaotic days—such as dealing with flat tires, bad weather, or missing cuts—serve as crucial indicators of growth.Intentional Clarity vs. Forcing Outcomes: The conversation distinguishes between beneficial focus (clarity of intent and athletic response) and detrimental intensity (trying too hard to steamroll or force a result).Energy as the Driver of "The Zone": The coach breaks down how entering and sustaining peak performance states requires the right balance and quality of physical, emotional, and motivational energy.Aligning Self-Image with Achievement: Michael explores how off-course reflections, journaling, and owning past accomplishments eliminate self-doubt and prevent performance surprises when shooting low scores.Disconnecting from Past Scar Tissue: A tactical approach is shared for overcoming sudden intrusive memories of past bad shots by explicitly calling them out as outdated and refocusing on the current execution process.Creating Personal Momentum in Suboptimal Settings: Strategies are discussed for staying engaged and finding joy during long or quiet rounds, such as walking instead of driving carts or taking time to process shots without overthinking. And more mental golf tips. Follow Wicked Smart Golf Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
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    1 hr
  • 534: 7 Warm Up Mistakes Winners Avoid At All Costs

    534: 7 Warm Up Mistakes Winners Avoid At All Costs
    Oct 6 2026

    >>Master Mobility & Flexibility with GolfForever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).

    >>Simplify Golf Fitness at Home with Dynamic Golfers: Follow no-equipment, at home routines for pre-round and to improve mobility (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%)

    7-Day FREE Shot Pattern Trial: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link).

    Most golfers think their round starts when they hit their opening tee shot—but your performance is often influenced by what you do in the 60 minutes before you tee off.

    In this episode, I'm breaking down 7 common pre-round mistakes that can cost you shots before the round even begins.

    I'll also share the pre-round strategies I use in tournament golf to activate my body, prepare my mind, build confidence, and make the first tee feel like just another shot.

    In this episode, you'll learn:
    • Why you need to activate your body before hitting balls
    • Why arriving early makes it much easier to prepare without feeling rushed.
    • How to use your car ride to get mentally ready instead of scrolling, stressing, or thinking about your swing.
    • Why most golfers have a pathetic putting warm-up and how to make those final minutes more productive.
    • How planning your opening holes can eliminate unnecessary decisions and uncertainty.
    • Why score goals can create unnecessary pressure before you've even hit a shot

    The goal isn't to find your golf swing 20 minutes before your tee time. It's to get your body activated, mind prepared, and game ready so you can step onto the first tee with confidence.

    LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM

    Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available)

    Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required)

    Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans.

    Recommended Products

    Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)

    Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%).

    Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).

    Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%).

    Wicked Smart Golf Books

    Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.

    Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.

    Follow Wicked Smart Golf

    Follow on TikTok

    Follow on Instagram

    Subscribe on YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • James Berry: Proven Mental Golf Techniques of the Pros (Flashback Friday)

    James Berry: Proven Mental Golf Techniques of the Pros (Flashback Friday)
    Oct 2 2026
    >>Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). >>Get my FREE guide, 10 Course Management Secrets LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). James Berry is a former professional golfer, performance coach, and author of The College Golfer. Drawing from years of competing at an elite level and guiding top players, James breaks down what truly separates great golfers from the pack. In this episode, we explore the habits, mindset, and training principles that fuel consistent performance—including how to practice with purpose, manage pressure, and build the confidence to compete at your best. When you listen to this interview, you will learn: The power of your self-imageWhy you need to develop disciplineHow to simulate driving pressure practice at the rangeHabits of the professional golfers he works with that you can steal Follow James Berry on Instagram and check out his website. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Follow Wicked Smart Golf Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • 533: Jess Lapachinski - Overcoming Bad Shots, Building Routines, External Focus, & On-Course Mindset

    533: Jess Lapachinski - Overcoming Bad Shots, Building Routines, External Focus, & On-Course Mindset
    Oct 1 2026
    >>Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) >>Download my FREE distance guide to add 10+ yards in 60 days LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Recommended Products Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). ABOUT THIS EPISODE Jess Lapachinsky is a sports performance mental coach and strength and conditioning coach with around 20 years of experience working with athletes and coaches. After working extensively in strength conditioning, student-athlete development, and coaching at a private boarding school, she pursued a master's degree in sports and exercise psychology. Today, through her private practice, Victory Lap Mindset, she provides individualized mental coaching to youth, collegiate, and professional golfers. Topics Covered Developing a Flexible Mindset: How successful golfers manage on-course adversity by accepting that rounds rarely go perfectly.Redefining Confidence: Viewing confidence as a forward-thinking mindset and a belief in one's ability to handle mistakes, rather than relying strictly on past success.Managing Negative Self-Talk: Strategies for allowing initial negative thoughts to pass without judgment and using intentional "second thoughts" to refocus on the next shot's process.Body Language and "Eyes Up Always": Utilizing positive posture, inspired by Rory McIlroy, to improve breathing, project confidence, and support teammates.External Focus vs. Swing Mechanics: Why players should prioritize external targets over internal technical swing thoughts to prevent hesitation and stiffness.Pre-Round & Night-Before Routines: Emphasizing the rule of "nothing new on game day," visualizing the first three holes, and staying anchored in a consistent pre-shot routine.Journaling and Off-Course Growth: Why writing down reflections and tracking successes helps athletes retain perspective and process mental growth. And more mental golf tips. Follow Jess Lapahinski on Instagram and check out her website. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Follow Wicked Smart Golf Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
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    55 mins
  • 532: 5 Weeks of Tourney Golf (a 1st, 2nd, MC, Funny Moments, Epic Guests and Major Lessons)

    532: 5 Weeks of Tourney Golf (a 1st, 2nd, MC, Funny Moments, Epic Guests and Major Lessons)
    Sep 29 2026

    >>Download my FREE distance guide to add 10+ yards in 60 days

    LEARN THE WICKED SMART GOLF SYSTEM

    Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available)

    Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required)

    Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans.

    Recommended Products

    Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link).

    Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).

    Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).

    Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%).

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE

    Five straight weeks of tournament golf gave me plenty of wins, mistakes, and lessons to unpack.

    In this episode, I recap some of my biggest takeaways from recent podcast guests, what I learned from competing at Amoia, a 66-68 win at Encanto, and the highs and lows from RVCC and Centennial.

    We'll talk routines, self-talk, sticking to one shot shape, learning from your misses, speed training, course strategy, and why sometimes it's just not your week.

    Plus, the biggest lessons from guests like Jared Tendler, Nik Neal, and Mike Fox from September to help your game.

    Wicked Smart Golf Books

    Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.

    Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.

    Follow Wicked Smart Golf

    Follow on TikTok

    Follow on Instagram

    Subscribe on YouTube

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • 531: Mike Fox - How Clubfitting Can Lead to Lower to Scores

    531: Mike Fox - How Clubfitting Can Lead to Lower to Scores
    Sep 24 2026
    >>Get a FREE PXG fitting with the code "WICKEDSMART" >>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Today I interview Mike Fox, a seasoned fitter from PXG with seven years of experience, to discuss how finding the right golf equipment can instantly improve your game without making a single swing change. From understanding why graphite shafts aren't just for seniors to avoiding common setup mistakes with drivers, irons, and putters, this episode breaks down the science and strategies behind custom golf club fitting. In this episode, you will learn: Why fitting helps every golfer: Discover why off-the-rack clubs and hand-me-downs put a hard ceiling on your potential, no matter your handicap level.The hidden truth about driver setups: Why playing a shorter driver shaft and adding loft often yields longer carry and total distances for the average player.How custom lie angles fix shot dispersion: Learn how simple adjustments to your irons' lie angle can immediately stop your ball from leaking right or pulling left.The rise of combo sets and seven woods: Why traditional long irons are disappearing from player bags and how modern head designs can optimize your launch windows.The #1 club you should actually get fit for: Why putters—not drivers—account for the majority of your score and how new putter head shapes and zero-torque designs offer instant stability. And more golf equipment tips. WICKED SMART GOLF Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Follow Wicked Smart Golf Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
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    31 mins
  • 530: Wicked Smart Game Plan - How Jason Went From 30 to 5 Handicap & Plan to Scratch

    530: Wicked Smart Game Plan - How Jason Went From 30 to 5 Handicap & Plan to Scratch
    Sep 22 2026
    Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Jason is a U.S. Navy veteran living near Cleveland, Ohio, who plays out of Valley of the Eagles. After overcoming severe injuries sustained in Iraq, he discovered PGA HOPE—a foundation providing free golf instruction to veterans—where he went on to become a Northern Ohio ambassador. Over the course of three to four years, Jason remarkably lowered his handicap from 30+ down to a 4.4. In this episode, you will learn: An Unforgettable 5-Day Golf Streak: How Jason served as an honorary starter at a Champions Tour event at Firestone—crushing a 280-yard drive on TV—before shooting his personal-best round of 68 and hitting a hole-in-one at Muirfield Village.The Power of the Wedge Matrix: Why printing a simple chart of wedge swing distances and attaching it to his bag was the single biggest factor in lowering his handicap.Mastering Tempo with Tech: How using Bluetooth hearing aids paired with the Tour Tempo app helped lock in a reliable 2:1 swing ratio during practice.Unlocking 115+ MPH Swing Speed: The training tools and techniques Jason used to transform his cruising driver speed from 95 mph to over 113–115 mph.Fixing Long Iron Hooks: Strategies for adjusting grip pressure and path to prevent long irons and woods from overdrawing or pull-hooking.Conquering Hard & Wet Bunkers: Why staying on your lead side and swinging steep to "create sand" is the key to avoiding thinned or skulled bunker shots.Mental Toughness & Tournament Mindsets: Practical grounding tools and sensory techniques to stay in the present moment when score pressure starts to creep in. Enjoy this inspiring story! WICKED SMART GOLF Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available) Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans. Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link). Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%). Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Follow Wicked Smart Golf Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Justin Kraft - 7 Practice Mistakes Killing Your Scores (Flashback Friday)

    Justin Kraft - 7 Practice Mistakes Killing Your Scores (Flashback Friday)
    Sep 18 2026

    >> Join the Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula (100 printable practice plans) and use "PC20" to save 20% on your investment

    >> Get 5 FREE practice plans now

    Justin Kraft (@kraftygolf on IG) is back for part two. he has been coaching for over six years and has given over 7,000 in-person & online lessons and work with golfers of all skill levels.

    Justin played in college, is the Director of Instructor at Spring Hill GC in MN, rated Best Golf Teacher by Golf Digest, and also TPI Certified.

    When you listen to this episode, you will learn:

    • Why you should blend block and variable practice.
    • The importance of practicing without feedback.
    • How not checking alignment can kill your fundamentals.
    • Why you should stop just doing block practice and how to incorporate others.

    And a lot more practice tips.

    Make sure to follow Justin on Instagram and reach out if you're in MN to check out his new indoor practice facility, Krafty Golf Studios.

    WICKED SMART GOLF

    Apply for 1:1 performance coaching with Michael (limited spots available)

    Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required)

    Join the Wicked Smart Golf Newsletter and get 5 FREE practice plans.

    Recommended Products

    Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%)

    Shot Pattern: The best golf GPS + stat tracking to help you manage your round and make better decisions (20% off w/my link).

    Think Like a Pro with DECADE Golf: The #1 course management system to think like a pro (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%).

    Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%).

    Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment).

    Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%).

    Wicked Smart Golf Books

    Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible.

    Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible.

    Follow Wicked Smart Golf

    Follow on TikTok

    Follow on Instagram

    Subscribe on YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins