S9 Ep 3: Couples Therapy

Chasing Scratch: A Golf Podcast47mApril 17, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this candid and introspective episode of Chasing Scratch, hosts Mike and Eli dive into a 'couples therapy' session with mental golf coach Josh Nichols, shifting from traditional podcast interviewing to a structured, client-like coaching session. The episode begins with sponsor highlights for Lagoon Sleep and LMNT, both tied to the hosts' personal experiences with improved sleep and hydration. The core of the episode centers on a deep dive into their golf preparation routines, discipline, and the psychological barriers to consistency. Both hosts reflect on their practice habits—Eli focusing on intentional, short sessions with a clear focus on process over results, while Mike emphasizes drills like the 'five finger' and alignment stick work. A recurring theme is the tension between short-term results and long-term belief in a process, with Josh challenging them to define success not just by outcomes but by consistency and belief. The hosts admit they haven’t maintained a single, unchanging routine for eight months, despite their best efforts, revealing a persistent struggle with discipline and 'shiny object syndrome.' The session ends with a powerful realization: true growth comes from boring, repeatable routines, not flashy new ideas. The episode closes with a reflective moment on the emotional weight of performance and the need for both personal and golfing progress.

Key Takeaways
1

Success in golf is measured not just by handicap, but by consistent execution of a boring, repeatable process.

2

Discipline is not about motivation—it’s about showing up even when results are poor and belief is tested.

3

Belief in a plan erodes quickly without sufficient rep counts; consistency over time is essential.

4

The most effective practice sessions are short, intentional, and focused on one skill at a time.

5

External pressures and the desire for quick results can sabotage long-term progress—simplify and stick to fewer voices.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Sponsor Intro & Episode Premise

The hosts introduce the episode as a 'couples therapy' session with mental golf coach Josh Nichols, setting the stage for a client-style coaching conversation. They highlight new sponsors Lagoon Sleep and LMNT, sharing personal success stories with the products.

5:00
10 min

The Therapy Session Begins

Josh Nichols takes full control of the conversation, asking the hosts to define a 'good week of golf prep' and reflect on their actual habits. The hosts begin to unpack their routines, revealing inconsistencies and self-awareness about their discipline.

15:00
15 min

Practice Habits & Process vs. Results

Eli and Mike detail their current practice routines, emphasizing intentional drills and short sessions. They confront the challenge of measuring improvement—not by feel or score, but by adherence to plan and rep count.

30:00
15 min

The Belief Crisis: Why Discipline Fails

The moment belief starts to get cracks in it, that's when it's like, what's the point?

Highlight
45:00
15 min

Defining Success: Numbers vs. Growth

I'm out. I couldn't give a rat's a about growing personally. I want to get the number lower.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I'm out. I couldn't give a rat's a about growing personally. I want to get the number lower.
Eli41:46
Viral: 90.0
It's not just having a general concept of I need to focus on the process. It's like having a real process that you can say, I did this and it was not exciting.
Josh Nichols43:35
Viral: 88.0
It's better to love and lose than to never love at all—unless you've lost 100 times in a row. Then it's like, no, I think it would have been better just not to love.
Josh Nichols30:51
Viral: 86.0
Speakers

Hosts

MikeEli

Guest

Josh Nichols
Topics Discussed
golf practice discipline92%process over outcome90%belief and consistency88%measuring improvement85%mental golf coaching83%long-term growth80%rep count and skill development75%external pressures and success70%
People & Brands

Mike

person

22xNeutral

Eli

person

20xNeutral

Josh Nichols

person

15xPositive

Chasing Scratch

media

8xPositive

Lagoon Sleep

brand

6xPositive

Robert

person

5xPositive

LMNT

brand

4xPositive

The Mental Golf Show

media

3xPositive

Whitey Fisk

person

3xPositive

Nickel

person

2xPositive

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