High performance isn’t just about output on the bike or the water—it’s about the mental infrastructure required to sustain it. In Episode 3, hosts Peter Swiek and Stephen Schaefer are joined by Dr. Erin Ayala (PhD in Counseling Psychology), founder of Skadi Sport Psychology, licensed psychologist, and elite ultra-endurance cyclist.
Breaking Away from Academia
Dr. Ayala shares her journey from traditional health psychology research and academia to launching her own independent practice. Frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles and traditionally “bro-y” culture of mainstream sport psychology, Erin identified a glaring gap in the market: high-performance mental health support tailored for “everyday athletes,” women, LGBTQ+ individuals, adaptive athletes, and non-traditional competitors.
“I wanted the people that traditional firms didn’t care to serve. I created Skadi to support the anxious achievers, the perfectionists, and the athletes who feel like they aren’t ‘serious enough’ for a sports psychologist.”
— Dr. Erin Ayala
The Business of Skadi: Scaling & Values
Erin breaks down the realities of building a nationwide practice:
- Border-Free Practice: Utilizing PsyPACT credentialing, Erin expanded Skadi’s clinical footprint across 40+ states.
- Mission-Driven ROI: Baking social action into the P&L statement, including pro-bono mental health workshops for grassroots organizations (such as the Minnesota High School Cycling League’s “Chill Zone”).
- Expensive Mistakes: Honest reflections on business growth, including launching a pre-built course that yielded one sale before learning the importance of pre-testing market demand.
The Science of Mental Gains
As a statistics and research enthusiast, Erin highlights the data behind mental performance. While many athletes hunt for fractions of a percent in equipment, research reveals that consistent mindfulness meditation yields an effect size of 1.3 standard deviations in performance outcomes—a massive statistical leap that prevents athletes from spiraling during high-stress race moments.
Where to Catch the Episode
- Listen & Watch: Catch Episode 3 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
- Connect with the Guest: Visit skadisportpsychology.com or follow Skadi on Instagram (
@skadisportpsychology). - Support Spid Werkz: Learn how you can partner with the foundation at spidwerkz.com.