The Q Coach Pod | Mindset Coaching for Handlers with Julie Bacon

Ready to train your brain like you train your dog?This podcast is for dog handlers who know mindset matters—but don’t always know how to build it. I’m Julie Bacon, The Q Coach, and every week, I’ll bring you real-talk coaching, stories from the ring, and tools you can actually use to build a stronger performance mindset.Whether you’re dealing with ring nerves, inconsistency, fear of leveling up, or just want to feel more confident out there, this podcast is your weekly dose of support, strategy, and “omg same” moments.No fluff. No hype. Just practical mindset coaching for competitive dog handlers who want to Q more consistently and show up with confidence. Let’s get after it.For show notes and more information visit https://www.theqcoach.com. Consider supporting the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theqcoach.

#212: Which handler are you? (The real reasons we struggle with process goals)
Apr 24, 2025 – 16:00
#211: It’s not just a lucky shirt (It’s a mindset thing)
Apr 17, 2025 – 24:55
#210: Process a bad trial day with me (Along with the solution)
Apr 10, 2025 – 38:47
#209: The ‘after-Q slump’ is real (And what to do about it)
Apr 3, 2025 – 20:14
#208: Confidence Isn’t Magic (But It Sure Feels Like It)
Mar 27, 2025 – 34:43
#207: Revise that run before you file it. (Or, how to better deal with mistakes.)
Mar 20, 2025 – 23:43
#206: Trusting in process goals. (Even when you don’t yet believe.)
Mar 13, 2025 – 29:59
#205: Why mistakes are tough to get over. (And what we can do about that.)
Mar 6, 2025 – 28:42
#204: Your ring nerves are not the problem. (Hot take: they’re actually the result.)
Feb 27, 2025 – 24:21
#203: Why Overwhelm Happens (And Why It’s NOT Your Fault)
Feb 20, 2025 – 24:35
#202: The dangerous thoughts you're having (and how to tame them.)
Feb 17, 2025 – 38:05
#201: Comparison isn’t going anywhere. (So it’s time to get good at dealing.)
Feb 6, 2025 – 25:45
#200: Feeling stuck? (You could be burned out or even bored.)
Jan 30, 2025 – 29:03
#199: Got creative goals? (Going beyond the outcome.)
Jan 23, 2025 – 37:28
#198: But do you trust you? (The impact of trust in our ability to perform.)
Jan 16, 2025 – 32:46
#197: Your inner critic lies. (Befriending those negative thoughts.)
Jan 9, 2025 – 23:11
#196: Why you need to get uncomfortable. (Level-up by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.)
Jan 2, 2025 – 28:24
#195: REMIX: Handlers are just built differently (Even in their fitness journey.)
Dec 26, 2024 – 44:37
#194: REMIX: Your crate-to-gate needs a refresh. (Cara Armour and I tell you why.)
Dec 19, 2024 – 01:05:47
#193: REMIX: She’s singing our mindset song! (Interview with Cynthia Horner!)
Dec 12, 2024 – 55:56
#192: REMIX: Grief. It’s a b*tch. (Interview with Cara Armour)
Dec 5, 2024 – 01:11:58
#191: Don’t drag the past into your future. (A clean slate for 2025.)
Nov 28, 2024 – 30:11
#190: Turns out, we need a decompression habit. (Or at least a post-trial ritual.)
Nov 21, 2024 – 29:07
#189: Must be present to win. (Or Q, or get a title … you get the point)
Nov 14, 2024 – 27:03
#188: Confidence is a skill. (It’s also a kick-butt persona that you can adopt!)
Nov 7, 2024 – 31:05
#187: Are you measuring by your outcomes? (Hint: You should be measuring against those process goals.)
Oct 31, 2024 – 25:04
#186: Switching leashes, switching mindsets. (Resetting for different dogs.)
Oct 24, 2024 – 27:31
#185: Top 5 mindset themes. (Or where to focus your efforts.)
Oct 17, 2024 – 27:51
#184: Your crate-to-gate needs a refresh. (Cara Armour and I tell you why.)
Oct 10, 2024 – 01:05:16
#183: Pedestal problems. (Are you making yourself feel less-than?)
Oct 3, 2024 – 25:44
#182: I totally ditched my young dog. (Disconnection takes a lot of forms.)
Sep 26, 2024 – 27:46
#181: Are you using your dog as a shield? (And other weird things we do to protect ourselves.)
Sep 19, 2024 – 27:14
#180: Honeymoon phase is over. (Working through the frustrating times.)
Sep 12, 2024 – 25:20
#179: Getting the most from a seminar (Yes, there’s mental management involved!)
Sep 5, 2024 – 29:29
#178: It’s a stressful world (And we’ve got to get a handle on it!)
Aug 29, 2024 – 27:56
#177: Ambition or patience? (Hint: you need both.)
Aug 22, 2024 – 30:20
#176: Are your goals on a pedestal? (You might be losing sight of fun.)
Aug 15, 2024 – 24:34
#175: Are you getting too much input? (Some signs and what to do about it.)
Aug 8, 2024 – 23:19
#174: My personal mindset hacks. (5 +1 things I always do.)
Aug 1, 2024 – 21:32
#173: 5 Ways to become more adaptable. (We all could use to be a little more flexible.)
Jul 25, 2024 – 24:11
#172: Are you proofing your mindset? (Yes! We can set up scenarios to proof!)
Jul 18, 2024 – 24:56
#171: So you think you’re chasing a goal. (Spoiler alert: you’re not.)
Jul 11, 2024 – 28:26
#170: 7 Olympic-level mindset habits. (Yes, I’m fan-girling over the Olympic trials.)
Jul 4, 2024 – 23:46
#169: What’s comparison telling you? (Define success for yourself.)
Jun 27, 2024 – 23:18
#168: Afraid? Do it anyway! (Or don’t - it’s your fear!)
Jun 20, 2024 – 26:25
#167: She’s singing our mindset song! (Interview with Cynthia Horner!)
Jun 13, 2024 – 55:25
#166: Are you mentally tough? Gritty? (Should you be??)
Jun 6, 2024 – 26:11
#165: Do your past mistakes haunt you? (Let’s stop fearing your past.)
May 30, 2024 – 27:37
#164: Seven things you learn from trying. (And how to make it a habit.)
May 23, 2024 – 28:44
#163: When the energy goes off the rails. (Get back on track fast.)
May 16, 2024 – 23:11

Recent Reviews

TrainingGeek

Julie is fabulous!

Even if you don’t think that this podcast will help you, Julie gives it in bite-size pieces that you really can use. Plus, she has a easy voice to listen to, and a great way to present the information.
Cara - the dog sports addict

Mindset matters a lot!

This podcast considers what we tend to overlook, our mindset. If we are not in the right place mentally, that can affect what we worked so hard to achieve with our dogs. We are half the equation, and our dogs not only need our head in the right place to get us into the right events, but they need us to be strong mentally for them. They know when we’re off and that can make the team suffer. Julie gives insightful, practical, and actionable advice on how to get our heads where they need to be for our team.
Sam12296666

Exactly What I Needed

I discovered this podcast at just the right time. When I listen, it’s as if Julie is speaking right to me. She breaks things down in a very digestible, actionable manner. I walk away with ideas to implement from each episode. I love the humor Julie brings - a little levity to something that I can get a tad too serious about. Thank you Julie!
wiley flat coats

Wiley flat coats

Just love everything Julie talks about. Many people think agility is just about teaching the obstacles but then you get sucked into the game and realize how much mental management is required.
Crossword Challenged

Perfect Timing!

Brilliant podcast topic and perfect timing! Just what I need as I begin my journey in agility together with my boy. I’ve listened, I’m subscribed, and I will be taking notes. Thanks Julie!