Real Development

Surviving Youth Sports

“When does “I want to get better” become “I have to get better or I’m falling behind”?

Mental performance consultant David Durand joins Rhett Parker to talk about the pressure surrounding young athletes and how quickly sports can become tied to identity, expectations, comparison, and fear of failure.

David shares his own experience specializing early, training obsessively, dealing with burnout, and eventually realizing that hard work alone couldn’t guarantee where basketball would take him. They discuss perfectionism, physical and mental development, social media, genetics, the D1 chase, and why what matters at 12 years old might look very different a few years later.

This conversation isn’t about telling kids not to dream big. It’s about recognizing when the pursuit of that dream starts taking something away from them.

How do we help kids chase what they want without making them feel like who they become depends on where sports take them?”

REAL TALK For Sports Parents Podcast

“In this episode, Samantha Livingstone welcomes mental performance coach and author David Durand to discuss adolescent athlete development through a nervous-system and psychology lens. Durand shares his upbringing near New Orleans, early sports obsession, perfectionism, pressure, an autoimmune diagnosis, and injuries that disrupted his athletic path, ultimately leading him into psychology and sports performance work. They explore how internal “demands” (I have to/should) can push athletes into a survival state, why timing matters when talking with frustrated teens, and how parents can ask about an athlete’s internal experience. Durand explains basic brain concepts (upstairs/downstairs brain, “flipping the lid”), emphasizes bottom-up regulation before top-down tools, and outlines his BET framework—Breath (extended exhale and diaphragmatic breathing), Eyes (softening vision and widening peripheral awareness), and Touch (grounding and team connection).”

BETTER COACHING with Luke Gromer

“David Durand shares his journey to becoming a mental performance consultant and outlines practical strategies for coaching Gen Z athletes.

David introduces a nervous system framework to help coaches understand dysregulation, manage athlete anxiety, and improve co-regulation.

The discussion emphasizes how fostering connection, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries with social media helps modern athletes thrive.”

The VolleyPod

“In this episode of The Volley Pod, Coach Davis and Coach Tod welcome David Durand, a sports performance and psychology leader, to discuss his book ‘Bet on It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond.” The conversation explores the importance of mental performance, nervous system regulation, and the impact of social stress on adolescent athletes. David shares insights on how coaches can create supportive environments, utilize the BET system (Breath, Eyes, Touch) for athlete regulation, and the significance of connection in coaching. The episode emphasizes practical strategies for enhancing athlete performance and well-being.”

The Youth Sports Parenting Tribe Podcast

“David Durand is a performance coach who helps people grow beyond the superficial, focusing on real, lasting development. With a background in clinical and sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and athlete skill development, he integrates the mind, body, and environment to drive meaningful transformation. His superpower is connecting these elements to elevate performance from the inside out.”

Performers On The Rise Podcast

“In this rich and insightful episode, Demi welcomes Mental Performance Consultant David Durand, author of Bet On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond. Together, they dive into the modern adolescent athlete’s experience, how identity, perfectionism, and the nervous system intersect, and what coaches, parents, and athletes can do to restore balance and connection under pressure.

David shares the science and story behind his BET Method—Breath, Eyes, Touch—a practical and powerful toolset designed to help athletes regulate their nervous systems, increase self-awareness, and improve performance through precision, not pressure.”

Beyond Coaching: An Impactful Coaching Project Podcast

“In this episode of Beyond Coaching, Rob talks with David Durand about what is actually limiting today’s athletes and why it is rarely talent.

David explains how modern athletes are dealing with more pressure and less preparation, largely driven by social media and unrealistic expectations. That combination shows up in performance when athletes get stuck in their head and struggle to carry practice into games.

The conversation centers on a simple framework. Athletes operate in three modes called connection, action, and shutdown. What often looks like laziness or poor attitude is usually dysregulation. When coaches understand these states, they can respond more effectively instead of making the situation worse.”

The Freshmen Foundation Podcast

“In this episode of The Freshman Foundation® Podcast, Michael Huber sits down with David Durand, a mental performance coach, to dive deep into the unique challenges faced by Generation Z athletes. David shares his experiences as both an athlete and coach, discussing the impact of social media, perfectionism, and mental health on today’s youth. They explore practical strategies for fostering resilience, identity, and emotional regulation among young athletes.”

Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast

“In this Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah speaks with David Durand, sports performance and psychology coach, founder of Real Development LLC, and author of B.E.T. On It. David breaks down his B.E.T. Method (Breath, Eyes, Touch)—a simple yet powerful framework for regulating the nervous system to improve athletic performance and overall well-being. They explore how Gen Z athletes are uniquely impacted by stress, social media, and identity pressures and how small, mindful techniques can restore balance, focus, and confidence—both on and off the field.”

Revelation Life Coaching Podcast

“This episode focuses on coaching Gen Z athletes, how to manage performance and regulate your nervous system through the B.E.T. Method.”

Performance Talk Podcast

“David focuses on helping individuals develop through a holistic perspective that increases their long-term potential rather than over emphasizing short-term success. His new book, B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond, is a guide for coaches looking to make a difference in modern athletes’ lives by understanding their brains and bodies on a deeper level and equipping them with tools to increase their health, well-being, and performance.”