Episode #51 — Winning with Your Nervous System: Insights from David Durand
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.
Timestamps & Key Topics:
- 00:00 – Meet David Durand & the B.E.T. framework
- 02:00 – What nervous system regulation really means
- 04:00 – Gen Z: Living in fight-or-flight mode
- 07:05 – Social media’s toll on young athletes
- 11:11 – Understanding stress, pressure & internal language
- 16:30 – Supporting athletes through mindset & self-talk
- 33:57 – Why PE matters more than ever
- 43:40 – Overprotection, screen time & social withdrawal
- 45:44 – Real experiences vs. digital lives
- 48:14 – Mental health in sports: Still misunderstood
- 49:00 – Burnout in athletes and how to spot it
- 56:14 – The role of parents in athletic development
- 59:06 – Enjoyment vs. pressure in youth sports
- 01:02:00 – Building resilience through family support
- 01:03:25 – Lightning Round: Personal insights from David
- 01:16:00 – Final thoughts & episode wrap-up
🔥 Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode delivers practical tools and a fresh perspective on performance, regulation, and connection.
🔗 Learn more at realdevelopment.org
📕 David’s Book: B.E.T. On It
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it!
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Deezer, TuneIn, Podchaser, & more.
🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message! 🚀