The Key to Confidence | Elana Meyers Taylor on Bobsled Journey - CBS Mornings on the Go Recap

Podcast: CBS Mornings on the Go

Published: 2026-02-16

Duration: 40 minutes

Guests: Shadé Zahrai, Tom Emmer, Elana Meyers Taylor

Summary

This episode explores the pressures athletes face at the Olympics and how confidence plays a critical role in overcoming these challenges, as exemplified by Olympic bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and figure skater Ilia Malinin.

What Happened

Ilia Malinin, a favored American figure skater, faced disappointment after finishing eighth in the men's free skate at the Olympics. Despite the setback, he expressed pride in his performance and emphasized that pressure is a privilege when competing on such a grand stage. Olympic bronze medalist Gracie Gold also shared her experiences with pressure, noting how it sometimes felt paralyzing.

Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer discussed the current state of election systems, emphasizing the importance of keeping them state-based despite former President Trump's calls for nationalization. Amidst a partial government shutdown, Emmer placed the blame on Democrats for demanding changes to ICE operations in exchange for their support of a spending bill.

Behavioral researcher Shadé Zahrai spoke about the importance of self-acceptance in building confidence. Zahrai, who has coached leaders from Fortune 500 companies, highlighted how self-worth is integral to overcoming self-doubt, linking these concepts to her new book, 'Big Trust: Rewire Self-Doubt, Find Confidence and Fuel Success.'

Pim Neill, a determined six-year-old Girl Scout, made headlines by selling over 100,000 boxes of cookies in a single season. Her viral social media campaign, initially aiming for just 10,000 boxes, received overwhelming support, showcasing the power of digital platforms in achieving extraordinary goals at a young age.

Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, recounted the spontaneous act of offering her wedding dress to a stranger which led to a unique sisterhood. Over the past decade, 13 brides have worn the same dress, highlighting a story of connection and generosity that Blakely describes as turning weird moments into miracles.

Elana Meyers Taylor, the most decorated female bobsledder, spoke about her journey as she prepares for her fifth Winter Games. Balancing life as an Olympic athlete and a mother of two, Meyers Taylor detailed her unconventional training methods, including pushing an SUV up her driveway, and shared insights into bobsledding's demands and costs.

Key Insights

• Ilia Malinin, despite finishing eighth in the Olympic men's free skate, views pressure as a privilege, a mindset shift that turns high-stakes competition into a source of pride rather than stress. This perspective can transform setbacks into valuable experiences, illustrating that performance is not just about position but personal growth.
• Tom Emmer, a Republican House Majority Whip, argues that keeping election systems state-based preserves their integrity amidst calls for nationalization. This stance highlights a political tension where decentralization is seen as a safeguard against overarching federal influence.
• Shadé Zahrai, a behavioral researcher, connects self-acceptance to confidence, suggesting that recognizing one's self-worth is crucial to overcoming self-doubt. Her approach, detailed in her book 'Big Trust,' implies that internal validation can be more empowering than external approval.
• Elana Meyers Taylor, preparing for her fifth Winter Games, uses unconventional training like pushing an SUV up her driveway to meet the demands of bobsledding. This highlights the intense physical preparation and resourcefulness required in a sport where traditional training facilities may be lacking.

Key Questions Answered

What challenges did Ilia Malinin face during the Olympics?

Ilia Malinin faced significant pressure at the Olympics, resulting in a disappointing eighth-place finish after falling twice in the men's free skate. Despite this, he expressed pride in his ability to compete on such a prestigious stage.

What does Tom Emmer say about election systems?

Tom Emmer emphasizes the importance of maintaining state-based election systems, countering calls for nationalization. He also attributes the partial government shutdown to disagreements over ICE reforms.

How does Shadé Zahrai suggest building confidence?

Shadé Zahrai suggests that self-acceptance is the key to building confidence. By recognizing and valuing one's self-worth, individuals can overcome self-doubt and achieve success.