Episode Summary: "Joey D Golf | From Cancer to Golf Success: Joey D's Path to Biomechanical Excellence" on Mick Unplugged
Podcast Information:
- Title: Mick Unplugged
- Host: Mick Hunt
- Guest: Coach Joey D
- Episode Title: Joey D Golf | From Cancer to Golf Success: Joey D's Path to Biomechanical Excellence
Introduction: Welcoming Coach Joey D
In this inspiring episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt welcomes Coach Joey D, a trailblazer in golf fitness and biomechanics. With over two decades of experience, Joey D has transformed the careers of renowned golfers like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka. He is also the author of influential books such as "Fix Your Body, Fix Your Swing" and "Hang the Banner." Mick emphasizes Joey D's dedication not just to athletic excellence but also to human empowerment and resilience.
Overcoming Adversity: Joey D’s Battle with Cancer
The conversation delves deeply into Joey D’s personal journey, marked by a profound battle with cancer at the age of 17. Joey D shares his raw and heartfelt story:
Coach Joey D [03:00]: “I found out that I had testicular cancer and I was only 17 years and 9 months old… It was like I was standing on the train tracks and I got run over by a high-speed train.”
Faced with a dire prognosis, Joey D describes the emotional turmoil and the pivotal moment when the doctor posed a life-altering question:
Coach Joey D [05:00]: “He sends me to a few referrals and find out that I have lymphatic cancer... 'What do you want to do in the next six to eight to 10 months?' And I thought, I want to live every second, no matter how many I have.”
Choosing to fight rather than succumb to fear, Joey D recounts his unwavering determination to live and thrive:
Coach Joey D [07:03]: “...I made a choice right then and there to say to myself, I'm going to stick into the fight mode. I believed in everything that I had in my being that I was gonna be able to get through that.”
This resilience became the cornerstone of his philosophy, inspiring him to leverage every day as an opportunity to live fully and empower others.
Shifting Focus to Biomechanics and Golf Training
Transitioning from personal adversity, the discussion shifts to Joey D’s professional focus on biomechanics in golf. He explains the scientific foundation of his training methods:
Coach Joey D [00:33]: “Forces of gravity, right. Which are the true definition of what does biomechanics mean… When you teach the brain how to move better, right. How to move faster but in control…”
Joey D emphasizes the importance of understanding the body’s movement patterns and neurological connections to enhance athletic performance. By applying biomechanical principles, he helps golfers improve their swings through better control, balance, and awareness of gravitational forces.
Building Joey D Golf: A Training Revolution
Joey D discusses the inception and evolution of Joey D Golf Academy, highlighting its unique approach that caters to both professional and amateur golfers:
Coach Joey D [19:54]: “We built this academy, Joey D Golf, which has now grown up to Hit It Great. We built it specifically for pros, but we realized more and more people... and we opened it up to the general public…”
The academy fosters a symbiotic environment where top-tier professionals and everyday golfers train together, respecting each other’s dedication and commitment. Joey D underscores the system’s accessibility and effectiveness:
Coach Joey D [23:38]: “…if you choose to trust our system, then I think what you'll get out of it is the opportunity to learn and apply what you need as an individual.”
This inclusive approach has revolutionized how golfers approach fitness, making high-level training accessible to all.
Impact on Golf: Transforming Athletic Performance
Joey D elaborates on how his biomechanical training methods have changed the landscape of golf fitness. By focusing on movement efficiency and muscle coordination, athletes gain enhanced control over their swings and overall performance:
Coach Joey D [14:52]: “...we built a simpler system that made sense to people, not for the world in generality, but you as an individual… It was a step-by-step system.”
He compares his system to comprehensive medical evaluations, ensuring that each golfer receives personalized training tailored to their unique physical profile. This meticulous approach has earned the trust of elite golfers, contributing to their success on the global stage.
Authoring Influential Books: Sharing Knowledge and Inspiration
The conversation then turns to Joey D’s literary contributions. He passionately recommends his books, "Fix Your Body, Fix Your Swing" and "Hang the Banner," highlighting their broader impact beyond golf:
Coach Joey D [27:45]: “Fix Your Body, Fix Your Swing... Hang the Banner... it's not essentially about being better at golf. It's about being better as a human being.”
These books offer actionable insights and inspirational stories, making complex biomechanical concepts accessible to both athletes and non-athletes alike. Joey D emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s body and leveraging personal challenges to foster growth and excellence.
Future Endeavors: Embracing Technology and Public Speaking
Looking ahead, Joey D shares exciting plans that aim to expand his reach and impact:
Coach Joey D [31:26]: “We're most excited about our app that should launch in December… It gives you the ability... the information in there is just as is even more so because it's real-time.”
The forthcoming app will provide real-time training and guidance, leveraging technology to make his expertise accessible globally. Additionally, Joey D is embarking on a speaking journey to inspire and empower even more individuals:
Coach Joey D [31:26]: “I want to speak publicly and be able to connect with people… Be a co-speaker or be a keynote…”
Mick Hunt enthusiastically supports these initiatives, hinting at future collaborations and events.
Conclusion: Embracing Resilience and Empowerment
The episode culminates with Joey D’s powerful message on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of living with purpose:
Coach Joey D [34:31]: “Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose and chasing greatness.”
Mick Hunt echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the central theme of the podcast—transforming challenges into opportunities through modern leadership principles.
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience in Adversity: Joey D’s battle with cancer instilled a profound sense of resilience and purpose, shaping his approach to life and business.
- Biomechanical Excellence: Understanding and applying biomechanics can significantly enhance athletic performance, particularly in golf.
- Inclusive Training Systems: Joey D Golf Academy’s inclusive approach bridges the gap between professional and amateur training, making high-level fitness accessible to all.
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: Joey D’s books and upcoming app aim to empower individuals by providing accessible knowledge and actionable insights.
- Future Aspirations: Joey D is committed to expanding his influence through technology and public speaking, with plans to inspire broader audiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Coach Joey D [00:06]: “There are nothing but opportunities.”
- Coach Joey D [03:00]: “I was standing on the train tracks and I got run over by a high-speed train.”
- Coach Joey D [07:03]: “I made a choice right then and there to say to myself, I’m going to stick into the fight mode.”
- Coach Joey D [27:45]: “Fix Your Body, Fix Your Swing… it's about being better as a human being.”
- Coach Joey D [34:31]: “Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose and chasing greatness.”
This episode of "Mick Unplugged" offers a compelling narrative of overcoming personal tragedy, leveraging scientific principles to revolutionize athletic training, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others. Coach Joey D's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, knowledge, and purposeful action.