SHOW / EPISODE

The Playbook with with Olympian Keith Smart: Pressure Broke Him… Until He Mastered the Mental Game

Season 3 | Episode 10
48m | Mar 26, 2026

Most people quit right before the breakthrough. And the difference between good and great is rarely talent; it’s the mental game.

In this episode of The Playbook with Coach Rod, we sit down with Keith Smart, 3-time Olympian and Olympic Silver Medalist in saber fencing, to unpack what it really takes to stay locked in when the pressure is loud and the stakes are high. Keith takes us behind the curtain of Olympic competition, where expectations are heavy, the spotlight is unforgiving, and one point can separate heartbreak from history.

If you’re a man or woman who’s building something big, a career, a family, a business, or a legacy, this conversation will sharpen your mindset. We talk about resilience after setbacks, the discipline of preparation, handling public criticism, and why confidence isn’t pretending you’re fearless… It’s being willing to be vulnerable, ask for help, and keep showing up anyway.

If this conversation resonated with you, follow the podcast, like this episode, and leave us a 5-star review. It helps more people find these conversations.



New episode every second and fourth Thursday of the Month
Paused
Audio Player Image
Black Dad Unfiltered
Loading...