The Line with Dr Kristen Holmes

1d ago

George Mumford is the mindfulness and meditation coach behind some of the greatest athletes in basketball history: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and so many others. He worked alongside Phil Jackson to build some of the most dominant NBA dynasties in the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. Now, in this revealing conversation with Dr. Kristen Holmes, George unpacks how his personal journey gave him the insight to help the most elite basketball players become legends. In this episode, he shares: What addiction taught George about adversity and struggle Why Phil Jackson thought the Chicago Bulls needed mindfulness The unseen dynamics between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen How elite athletes enter “flow” under extreme pressure What he learned from building championship teams with Phil Jackson The truth about Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s relationship The mindset that allowed Kobe to score 81 points in a single game The 4 traits shared by all NBA legends Simple ways anyone can begin their own mindfulness practice This episode is a rare look inside the mental frameworks that powered some of the greatest teams of all time and a guide for anyone to apply those same principles to live a more mindful, better life. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow George here: https://georgemumford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/george.mumford Learn more about his incredible books here: https://georgemumford.com/books/?kuid=d8cd0d4e-2b78-498f-ac4d-d8e503aa0c91-1765934386&kref=https%3A%2F%2Fgeorgemumford.com%2F (00:00) Intro (02:08) Growing Up with 12 Siblings (04:09) Injuries and George's Battle With Drug Addiction (09:54) Overcoming Hurdles in Life and Sports (13:57) From Functioning Addict to Working in the NBA (16:49) How George Introduced Mindfulness to the Chicago Bulls (20:26) Inside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's Dynamic (26:39 )The Chicago Bulls Without Michael Jordan (31:33) How Coaches Can Help Their Athletes Get Into Flow (36:04) Michael Jordan Under Pressure: How He Entered Flow (41:16) Shopify Ad (42:21) WHOOP Ad (43:22) Phil Jackson’s Coaching Philosophy for Championship Teams (47:03) Building a New Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty (49:54) The Truth About Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's Relationship (53:00) How Athletes Can Use Mindfulness Like Kobe Bryant (55:43) How Kobe Bryant Scored 81 Points in One Game (57:48) The Traits All NBA Legend Shares (01:01:57) How Anyone Can Get Started With Mindfulness (01:06:10) Priming Your Mind for a Positive Outlook (01:08:28) The Importance of a Daily Gratitude Practice (01:12:03) How Anyone Can Step Over Their Own Line (01:18:47) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: Shopify - http://Shopify.com/Kristen WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ SYNC ID: MB01QQWQC5US6A3 MB01N6BQNLWMARP MB01VU3CGQHXQQU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11

Jess Carter is one of the most resilient defenders in women’s football, playing for Chelsea FC Women, the England Lionesses, and now Gotham FC. After making her pro debut at just 16, she rose through the ranks to become a Women’s Euros champion, and continues to dominate at the highest levels of international football. But behind the success lies a deeper story. From navigating racism in front of the world to redefining professionalism in women’s football, Jess shares the moments that nearly broke her and the choices that helped her rise. In this powerful conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, she explains: Why she never saw football as just a job The brutal transition from Birmingham to Chelsea’s elite culture How COVID unexpectedly reshaped her fitness and focus Why she decided to transfer to Gotham FC in the NWSL Her experience with racism during the Euros and why she finally spoke up What it’s really like playing with and against her partner Ann-Katrin Berger Why the past year has been the hardest one yet in her career What is means to win on the world’s biggest stages Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a football fan or looking to improve your own athletic performance, Jess Carter shares the practical steps, mindset shifts, and honest insights she’s learned from being a champion. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Jess here: https://www.instagram.com/_jesslcarter (00:00) Introduction (02:13) Becoming a Pro Footballer for Birmingham City WFC (07:26) The Pressure to be a Professional as a Teen (10:51) Making the Jump to Chelsea FC Women (15:24) Breaking Into the Chelsea First Team (18:23) Emma Hayes' Impact on Player Training at Chelsea (22:45) Jess Carter's Journey with the England Lionesses (23:31) Winning UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Against Spain (25:54) What Makes Jess Carter's Playing Style Unique (27:22) What Winning Means on the Biggest Stages (29:08) Addressing the Racist Abuse During the Women's Euros (33:45) Jess Carter’s Message to Her Online Abusers (36:28) How Elite Teams Build a Winning Culture (40:12) WHOOP Ad (41:13) Hot Spring Spas Ad (42:13) Jess Carter’s Transfer to Gotham FC and the NWSL (48:09) Navigating Her Relationship with Teammate Ann-Katrin Berger (54:09) The Differences of Women’s Football in the UK vs the US (58:00) How Gotham FC Turned a Tough Season Into a Championship Run (01:01:25) Gotham's Championship Game vs Washington Spirit (01:06:14) The Lionesses and Mary Earps' Book Controversy (01:10:18) What's Next for Jess and the English National Team (01:12:14) How Jess Carter Keeps Her Passion for the Game (01:14:26) Advice for Young Athletes and Their Parents (01:18:41) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen SYNCH ID: MB01QWRMKTFIM7I MB01YLGEGDJDX9U MB01BSWKEJRM5TZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4

Jason Stacy is a high performance coach who’s worked with some of the most talented athletes globally. But for the past seven years, he’s focused his career on helping Aryna Sabalenka become the #1 tennis player in the world. Now, Jason joins The Line to share the coaching principles that have fueled Aryna’s success, and how anyone can apply these same strategies to achieve and sustain success in any field. In this candid conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, he breaks down: Why he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be Aryna Sabalenka’s coach The importance of emotional regulation in high-performance sports His non-traditional path to become an elite coach The mindset required to become a champion at the highest level The three areas Aryna Sabalenka needed to improve to become the best Why fun can be one of the most important aspects of training What happened behind the scenes from Aryna’s toughest year Why your biggest strength can also become your biggest weakness Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a seasoned athlete, or anyone on a path to personal growth, this episode delivers actionable insights to master both the mental and physical aspects of high achievement. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes For more from Jason, find him here: https://www.instagram.com/jasonstacy.coach https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstacycoach/ https://www.thepressurecode.com/ And keep an eye out for his upcoming book: The Pressure Code: How Elite Performers Align Energy, Emotions, and Environment. (00:00) Introduction (02:19) Jason's Journey from Homeless to Elite Coach (07:33) Why Jason Became a Tennis Coach (12:30) How He Became Aryna Sabalenka's Coach (19:18) Building the Best Environment for Success (22:31) Jason’s Evolving Coaching Approach with Sabalenka (25:33) The Emotional Side of Aryna's Game (28:50) How to Manage Emotion in High-Pressure Situations (35:39) Bon Charge Ad (36:42) WHOOP Ad (37:56) What Sets Aryna Apart From Other Players (42:08) The Breakthrough Moment for Grand Slam Success (48:17) The Four States Athletes Need for High-Performance (55:13) How They Approach Any and All Opponents (59:55) The Importance of Fun in a Rigorous Schedule (01:07:19) The Emotional Impact of Sabalenka's First Grand Slam Title (01:10:48) Behind the Scenes of Sabalenka's Serve in 2022 (01:18:18) Battle of the Sexes: Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios (01:20:46) The Teams' Goals for 2026 (01:29:27) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: Bon Charge - http://BONCHARGE.COM/KRISTEN use code KRISTEN for 15% off WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ SYNCH ID: MB01Q7LYDW6CO3G MB01QNEKSBAKCEJ MB01LRS9DY8VAEB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27

Dr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and senior lecturer at MIT. She is also the New York Times Best-Selling author of The Source and The Signs , where she explores the science behind intuition, manifestation and personal transformation. Now, she’s joining the Line to share groundbreaking insights that turn neuroscience into practical tools for growth and self-mastery. In this powerful conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, she reveals: The neuroscience behind creativity, mental health, and elite performance Why intuition isn’t mental, but deeply connected to the body How to use microhabits to shift your behavior Why certain people struggle so much with meditation How to use visualization and manifestation backed by real science Ways to make vision boards actually work for you Why modern life is disconnecting you from your body How neuroplasticity gives you the power to reinvent your brain Whether you're a skeptic, a believer or just curious about brain science, this episode will teach you concrete ways to sharpen your mind and change your life. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Dr. Swart here: https://www.taraswart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drtaraswart https://x.com/TaraSwart (00:00) Introduction (02:15) What Does Intuition Mean to You? (05:13) How Intuition and Creativity Work Together (07:05) Everyone Has an Intuition (09:27) Strengthen Your Intuition Using Neuroplasticity (11:33) How Your Senses Influence Intuition (15:00) Dr. Swart’s Neuroplasticity Philosophy Explained (16:16) How Technology and AI Impact Your Brain (20:54) Using Somatic Awareness to Understand Your Body (27:10) What Is Neuroplasticity? (32:34) How Athletes' Brains Work Differently (34:38) Meditation vs. Mindfulness for Athletes (36:08) Unlocking the Brain Through Mindfulness (40:50) The Counterclockwise Aging Study (43:33) Hot Spring Spas Ad (44:34) WHOOP Ad (45:35) How Manifestation and Visualization Really Work (48:35) Using Vision Boards to Manifest Goals (53:15) Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Vision Board (58:40) The Power of Visualization (1:00:45) Exploring the Soul (1:03:57) Receiving Signs from the Universe (1:11:12) Healthy Ways to Process Grief and Loss (1:20:57) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ SYNCH ID: MB01ZGS0INX2XN4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 20

José Bautista is a 6x MLB All-Star, Toronto Blue Jays legend, and one of baseball’s most iconic power hitters. Known for his historic bat flip and fierce competitiveness, he played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball and redefined hitting in the modern game. Now, he opens up about the moments that made him, broke him, and transformed him, both on and off the field. In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, he divulges: The mindset that helped him survive trades, doubt, and rejection in the MLB How the Toronto Blue Jays unlocked his true potential as a hitter The truth behind his iconic bat flip and the brawl that followed Three lessons every young athlete needs to hear The MLB pitchers he hated facing the most Why talent alone didn’t keep him in the league for 18 years How growing up in the Dominican Republic shaped his competitive edge When he finally knew it was time to retire Whether you're a baseball fan or looking to learn from an elite athlete, this episode reveals how José Bautista rewrote the blueprint for success, and, more importantly, how you can apply the same simple principles to achieve your own. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow José here: https://www.instagram.com/joeybats19 https://www.facebook.com/JoeyBats19 https://x.com/JoeyBats19 (00:00) Introduction (01:56) José's Unconventional Journey to Major League Baseball (06:46) Being on Five MLB Teams in One "Crazy" Year (11:18) How Joining the Toronto Blue Jays Changed Everything (16:03) The Piece of Advice that Fixed José's Swing (20:13) The Unique Pressure of Playing for Canada's Only MLB Team (22:13) José's Incredible Home Run Surge (24:13) Favorite Stadiums and Most Hated Pitchers (26:23) How Data and Analytics Changed Baseball (29:45) The Story Behind José Bautista’s Iconic Bat Flip (32:59) Why the Fight with the Texas Rangers Happened (37:39) Bon Charge Ad (38:43) WHOOP Ad (39:43) Representing the Dominican Republic in the 2020 Olympics (40:58) Why Baseball is King in the Dominican Republic (44:55) Knowing When it Was Time to Retire From Baseball (48:22) Being Inducted into the Blue Jays' Level of Excellence (50:06) What Baseball Taught José About Himself (51:16) José’s Top 3 Pieces of Advice for Young Athletes (56:56) How Pro Athletes Should Handle Their Success (1:00:57) Who Had the Best Blue Jays Bat Flip? (1:03:37) The New MLB and its Next Generation of Players (1:10:17) How Anyone Can Take the First Step Toward Excellence (1:13:59) Where to Find José Today (1:15:45) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: Bon Charge - http://BONCHARGE.COM/KRISTEN used code KRISTEN for 15% off WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ SYNCH ID: MB014ZC7TTGJ9RG MB01437AWVJDKLF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13

Dr. Andy Galpin is a world-renowned human performance scientist and coach who’s redefining how we think about strength, longevity, and optimal health. He’s spent years training the world’s more elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, Boxing, and Olympics, while also conducting groundbreaking research on human performance. Now, he joins The Line to share his unique perspective on why strength training isn’t just about fitness - it’s a vital tool to live longer, think clearer, and feel stronger at every stage of life. In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Kristen Holmes, he reveals: Why strength training impacts nearly every system in the body The biggest myths keeping you from real progress How to overcome gym anxiety and start training today Whether soreness really means you're working out right The 3x5 method that builds strength in less time How grip strength predicts your brain health and future If creatine is actually beneficial Exactly how much protein to eat for muscle growth and performance What “performance anchors” are and how they fast-track results If you're ready to stop guessing in the gym, build real strength, and take control of your long-term health, this is the episode you need to hear. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Andy here: https://www.andygalpin.com https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin https://twitter.com/DrAndyGalpin (00:00) Intro (02:48) Strength Training Benefits Nearly Every Aspect of Life (04:45) Debunking Strength Training Myths (07:13) What Counts as Strength Training? (10:58) How to Start Strength Training & Overcome Gym Anxiety (15:29) Should You Train Until You're Sore? (19:11) The 3x5 Program: Best Way to Build Muscle (24:43) How Strength Training Impacts Longevity (27:26) Why Grip Strength Matters & What It Predicts (30:59) The Link Between Strength and Cognition (32:57) Is It Ever Too Late to Start Strength Training? (35:07) How Much Protein Do You Need to Build Strength? (44:26) Andy Galpin’s Creatine Recommendations (47:42) Why Supplement Certification Matters (50:31) What's the Best Creatine to Take? (56:10) WHOOP Ad Read (57:12) Hot Spring Spas Ad Read (58:13) Andy Galpin’s Coaching Background & Philosophy (1:02:34) Find Your Performance Anchors to Drive Progress (1:06:27) Do You Need a Coach to Succeed? (1:09:05) Why You Need to Individualize Your Training Program (1:13:01) The Importance of Tracking Your Training Logs (1:19:05) The Differences in Strength Training for Men and Women (1:23:54) Andy's Career Highlight: Helping People Reach Their Goals (1:28:10) The Trait You Need to Reach Your Full Potential(1:37:18) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen SYNCH ID: MB01NPXTNGR3JOC MB010BD1P0FK9RY MB01VQEBLZYTCDR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6

Senada Greca is a top fitness expert and personal trainer who’s transforming the way women approach fitness and nutrition. From working with Kim Kardashian to overcoming her own personal challenges, Senada shares how strength training and consistency can literally change your body and mind. Whether you're looking to build muscle, improve your nutrition, or simply stay motivated, this episode will inspire you to show up for yourself and make fitness a non-negotiable part of your life. In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Kristen Holmes, she reveals: Why women should rethink the value of strength training What it’s actually like to train Kim Kardashian The most effective way to build muscle How to fit workouts into any busy schedule Why women should ditch diet culture Whether it’s possible to actually reduce belly fat The protein mistake too many women make The best at-home weight lifting exercises If you’re ready to rethink your approach to fitness, commit to your health, and build a better future for yourself, this is the episode you need to watch. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Senada here: https://www.instagram.com/senada.greca https://www.instagram.com/werise Learn more about the We Rise app: https://www.werise.xyz/ (00:00) Introduction (2:28) Consistency vs Motivation: What Really Matters for Fitness (5:47) How to Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule (9:58) The Secret Behind Kim Kardashian’s Strength (12:14) What It's Like to Train Kim Kardashian (13:33) Senada Greca's Approach to Personal Training (17:47) How to Create an Effective At Home Workout (21:19) The Best Exercises for Maximum Results (23:55) Senada Greca's Daily Fitness and Nutrition Routine (28:59) How to Build Confidence to Start Going to the Gym (32:50) Can You Actually Lose Belly Fat with Exercise? (35:22) Bon Charge Ad (36:26) WHOOP Ad (37:26) Senada's Journey to Strength and Health (43:06) Breaking Destructive Cycles and Creating Lasting Change (46:10) The Connection Between Trauma, Fitness, and Health (49:20) How to Grow Into the Person You Aspire to Be (54:24) Talking with People Who Don't Support Your Goals (59:10) Strength Training for Women and the Fear of Getting Bulky (1:02:24) Where Women Go Wrong with Nutrition (1:07:09) Are Supplements and Creatine Worth It? (1:10:08) How to Control Cravings for Sweet Treats (1:12:38) Senada Greca's Advice to Start Your Fitness Journey (1:15:53) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: Bon Charge - http://BONCHARGE.COM/KRISTEN use code KRISTEN for 15% off WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ SYNCH ID: MB01LRATOF7UBKH MB018CZI0BZWHDC MB01GCTQQVI15XO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30

Calum Nicholas has had an inside look at some of the most historic moments of Formula One. The former technician at Red Bull Racing spent over a decade traveling with the team, experiencing some of F1’s most intense seasons and dramatic championships. Now he’s now an ambassador, author of Life in the Pit Lane , and a leading voice in making motorsport more diverse. In this gripping conversation with Dr. Kristen Holmes, he reveals: What it’s like working with Max Verstappen behind the scenes Why F1 pit stops fail and how teams recover The true toll of the 2021 F1 World Championship fight How the 2026 F1 regulations will reshape the grid Red Bull’s strategy for the fastest pit stops in F1 The reality of losing a teammate in Formula One How to handle pressure and perform when everything is on the line When we’ll see the next female Formula One driver If Cadillac made the right driver picks for 2026 Regardless of whether you’re an F1 fan, anyone will be able to appreciate Calum’s wisdom about pressure, purpose, and what it really means to perform at your highest level. Follow us here: https:// www.instagram.com/theline.show https:// www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes Follow Calum Nicholas here: https://www.instagram.com/f1mech Learn more about his recent book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-in-the-pitlane-calum-nicholas/1146330566 (00:00) Introduction (01:31) From F1 Mechanic to Red Bull Ambassador (08:11) Marussia and Jules Bianchi's Tragic Death (12:58) Inside the High-Pressure World of Formula One (17:31) What Happens When a Pit Stop Goes Wrong? (21:30) Handling Mistakes and Overcoming Failure in F1 (25:40) Functional Fitness: Physical and Mental Training for F1 (31:37) Working with F1 Champion Max Verstappen (34:23) Winning the 2021 F1 World Championship (42:39) WHOOP Ad (43:41) Hot Spring Spas Ad (44:41) Mental Health Struggles in Elite Motorsports (50:06) Speaking Up About Diversity in Formula One (55:57) Current F1 Diversity Efforts and Progress (58:04) The Barriers That Still Exist in Formula One (1:08:59) Cadillac Joins the F1 Grid in 2026 (1:12:32) What Fans Should Expect from the 2026 Regulations (1:17:52) What Teams Will Struggle Under the 2026 Rules (1:21:33) Calum's Book and His Next Steps (1:27:11) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation Sponsored by: WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen SYNCH ID: MB01B7AMVAQHGYR MB01WYZHTKQ835G Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices