Why do we choke under pressure?

Why do we choke under pressure?

Author: ABC Australia February 21, 2026 Duration: 29:32

The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals.

He's right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it.

So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can't handle it?

This episode first aired in July 2024.

Guests:

Caroline AndersonPerformance psychologistLead psychologist for the Paris 2024 Australian Olympic Team

Dr Chris MesagnoSenior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology, Victoria University

Louise PotterFootballer and Darebin Falcons legend

Mary SpillaneClinical psychologist

Credits:

  • Presenter: Sana Qadar
  • Reporter/Producer: Belinda Smith
  • Producer: Rose Kerr, Petria Ladgrove
  • Sound engineer: Russell Stapleton

To view the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.


Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 251

All In The Mind
Podcast Episodes
Dark tourism + selfie sticks = moral outrage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:12
Since the days of gladiator battles and public hangings, dark tourism — our attraction to places linked to death and despair — has been a part of human behaviour.But there's something in the 21st century that's causing d…
How to win the battle for better sleep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Do you wake up each morning refreshed and well-slept? Or are you the kind of person who tosses and turns for ages before falling asleep, ruminating on all of your missteps and stresses from the day?If you chose option tw…
Can music inspire mania? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
Long before Bieber fever and Swifties, there was Lisztomania.Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer who inspired such intense fandom and frenzy that it was dubbed mania.So, was it true mania? What caused fans to respond to…
When doom scrolling leads to actual harm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:44
For 8 months, images and videos of the carnage in Gaza have been flooding social media. They give a powerful view of what's happening to Palestinians on the ground – but they also have the potential to cause vicarious tr…
Gender euphoria and an untold story of joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Trans non-binary performer Dax has spent most of her life not loving who she sees in the mirror. That is, until earlier this year.A few months ago, Dax finally experienced a particular kind of joy — gender euphoria. And…
Inside a female sociopath's mind: "I'm capable of almost anything" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
Patric Gagne is a sociopath, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype.From a violent kid, to now a PhD and author - we track the unusual story of a sociopath who learned to be 'good'.Plus, there's been some controversy and que…
Searching for awe, when you've never felt it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:09
Have you ever experienced the feeling of awe?Maybe it was sparked by an awesome view, a moving artwork or witnessing the birth of a child.Today we follow one person's attempt at finding awe when she's never felt it befor…
Stigma, shame and schizophrenia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
Over the last couple of weeks, schizophrenia has been appearing in headlines across the country as details of the Bondi Junction attack unfold.Coverage of mental health conditions, especially one as complex as schizophre…