What if the key to becoming a champion isn’t about chasing wins—but knowing when to pause, prioritize the inner work, and trust that the rest will follow?
On today’s episode, we sit down with Caroline Marks — the 2023 World Surf League Women’s Champion and 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist. By 23, Caroline has already reached the pinnacle of her sport, becoming one of the most dominant surfers of her generation. But what makes her story remarkable isn’t just the medals—it’s the emotional and psychological work behind them.
In this conversation, Caroline opens up about rebuilding after the heartbreak of Tokyo, the self-doubt that almost sidelined her, and how therapy, family, and faith in herself helped her rediscover her love for surfing. Dr. Mike and Caroline unpack what it means to train not just the body, but the mind—to develop emotional awareness, to redefine success, and to keep the joy alive in high-stakes environments.
You’ll learn:
- How to rebuild confidence and purpose after a major setback
- Why emotional awareness is the foundation for high performance
- The key to balancing ambition with inner peace
- How to strengthen trust—in yourself and in others
- What it means to find motivation after reaching the top
- Why mastering your emotions is the ultimate competitive advantage
This is a powerful look into the mindset of a young champion who’s rewriting what it means to win—inside and out. Tune in to hear how Caroline Marks is defining mastery on her own terms.
“Almost all good things happen outside of your comfort zone… you almost want your dreams to be scary and if they’re scary, it’s a really good thing.”
Resources + Links
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