Kyo Conversations

What if the edge you’re searching for isn’t outside of you—but already within? I sit down with Gina Tucci-Karnisovas—mental strength coach and former competitive athlete—to explore the often-overlooked drivers of sustainable performance: breath, presence, visualization, and grounded confidence. Gina shares how embracing both “white belt curiosity” and “black belt strength” helped her navigate intense performance anxiety and how that mindset now shapes her work with elite athletes and high performers. We get into what real confidence looks like, how to stay calm under pressure, and why mental fitness is just as essential as physical training—if not more.   Show Notes 00:00 – The “white belt” mindset: humility, curiosity, and reverence 03:00 – Martial arts, Stoicism, and her evolution into sports psychology 06:00 – Her mom’s legacy: breath, Pac-Man visualization, and mental resilience 10:00 – From performance anxiety to mental strength coaching 12:00 – Discovering breathwork and yoga as transformation