The Growth Project

"I should be doing more." "I'm so busy." "Am I going to be okay?" These are just a few of the internal messages we tell ourselves, often without question. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Milt Lowder explore the powerful role of self-talk in shaping our mental and emotional state. They unpack how internal dialogue can either sabotage or support us, especially in times of uncertainty, and off...

What if mentorship could change not only individual lives, but also help heal the divides in our country? In this episode, Rick Woolworth, founder of the Telemachus Network and former Wall Street executive, joins Dr. Milt Lowder to explore the power of intergenerational friendship. They discuss how intentional mentorship can foster unity, address racial and social injustice, and shape a purposeful...

Humility is the gateway to growth and learning is a lifelong pursuit. In this episode, Clemson Men's Head Soccer Coach Mike Noonan sits down with Dr. Milt Lowder to reflect on the power of staying curious, coachable, and committed to improvement. They explore what it means to lead with clarity, live out your core values, and have the courage to align your actions with your beliefs, on and off the...

What makes you who you are? Personality is one of the most studied, and misunderstood, constructs in psychology. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore how personality assessments can be both powerful and problematic. While the right tools can accelerate self-awareness and growth, the wrong ones can lead to unhelpful labels and limitations. They discuss how to move beyond ster...

What does it take to stay grounded while competing at the highest level and then guide others to do the same? NCAA champion, LPGA Tour winner, and Solheim Cup team member Heather Bowie Young joins Dr. Katie Nichols to reflect on 17 years of professional golf, the challenges that shaped her, and the deep gratitude that fuels her coaching today. Now Associate Head Coach for Clemson Women's Golf, Hea...

As society begins to reopen after weeks of lockdown, the transition back to daily life brings both opportunity and challenge. In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the psychological effects of re-entry and how it impacts our mindset, relationships, and performance. They share practical strategies for increasing self-awareness, managing stress, and using mental skills to naviga...

How do we define slumps in life? Finding yourself in a slump - whether in work, sport, or life in general - is inevitable, but how do we respond correctly so that as we progress, we are actually catching ourselves from falling into slumps and approaching them with the correct expectations and a growth mindset? In episode 69 of The Growth Project, Dr. Kimberly Shaffer and Dr. Cory Shaffer discuss s...

What happens when you put everything on the line, just to find out how good you really are? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer is joined by Casey Weathers, former first-round MLB draft pick and current coach in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Known for his powerful "How Good Am I?" speech that went viral on YouTube, Casey unpacks the mindset behind that moment. Together, they explore the idea of...

How do you respond when life throws its hardest pitches? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with professional baseball player Mike Freeman, Clemson alum and player for the Cleveland Guardians organization, to explore the mindset required to turn failure into fuel. They dive into what it means to "be your own coach," how to embrace every role with purpose, and the habits that separate thos...

"It's tough to define culture and exactly what it is, but when you are a part of a good culture, you know it." In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Robert John, Division Vice President of Heart Failure at Abbott. Robert shares how his early life experiences shaped his mindset as a leader and why he believes culture is the heartbeat of any successful organization. This conversation explo...

Shane Day is the current quarterbacks coach for the San Fransisco 49ers. In this episode, Coach Day talks with Dr. Drew Brannon about his development, especially as a coach, and all that he's walked through to get to where he is, how he thinks about the concept of mastery, and how important it is that he builds relationships with his players. This conversation was recorded shortly after playing in...

This is a challenging time to be a leader and there is no playbook for how to navigate what we are experiencing or what could lie ahead. There are a long list of factors at play right now that leaders can't do anything about. What can they do? In this episode we'll address three things leaders can be doing right now to help drive well-being and performance within their teams.

In the final installment of our COVID-19 series, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon respond directly to listener questions about the mental and emotional challenges of navigating COVID-19 . From managing anxiety and uncertainty to staying connected and focused, they address five common concerns with honesty and hope. This Q&A-style episode is designed to meet you where you are and help you move for...

Routine can be one of the most powerful stabilizers in uncertain times. In Part 3 of our COVID-19 series, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore how maintaining consistency, especially while working from home, helps protect your mental clarity, performance, and well-being. They offer practical ways to build structure into your day and emphasize how  your pursuit of excellence not only helps yo...

As uncertainty intensifies, so does our brain's stress response, often impacting how we think, feel, and make decisions. In Part 2 of our COVID-19 series, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon discuss how to  shift from survival mode to growth mindset , even amid fear and disruption. With a focus on intentional thinking and daily habits, they encourage listeners to see this season as an opportunity to...

In times of uncertainty, understanding how our brain responds to stress is critical. In this first episode of our four-part COVID-19 series, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the neurological impact of stress , highlighting common psychological and emotional responses to uncommon events. Their insights help normalize what many are feeling and offer perspective on how to stay grounded even...

"If you only focus on the fruit, you forget to nurture the root." In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Jamey Chadwell, Head Football Coach at Coastal Carolina, for a conversation about growth, grit, and the daily discipline behind long-term success. They explore how results are simply the byproduct of consistent effort and how staying rooted in the process, rather than fixated on outco...

"A goal without a plan is just a wish". In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder talks with Jason Cruise, an author, speaker, hunter, and pastor who has accomplished much in his life, to talk about the necessity of "leading from the front" and learning to love the advice and help of others. It's only in having an open ear and humbling ourselves that any of us will ever learn, grow, and get better.

What matters more: how far you go or how you get there? In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Tom Black, Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Georgia and Coach of Canada's National Team, to explore the relationship between process and outcome. Together, they discuss why we're wired to chase results, how pain is often a necessary part of growth, and why short-circuiting the process...

Pressure is a part of life, so the question isn't whether we'll face it, but how we'll respond when it comes. In this episode, New York Mets pitcher Ryley Gilliam shares his story of rising quickly through the ranks of professional baseball, the challenges he's faced along the way, and what he's learned about managing pressure and navigating failure. His honest reflection offers valuable perspecti...

Leadership isn't about being the best at everything; it's about bringing out the best in others. In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Jeff Hull, Head Coach of the Furman University Women's Golf team, for a thoughtful conversation on what true leadership looks like. They explore the deeper layers of coaching and personal development, how to live into your full potential, and how to chal...

"I always kept the end result, the long game, in my mind." – Kobe Bryant In this episode, Drs. Katie Nichols and Cory Shaffer reflect on the legacy of Kobe Bryant and the mindset that defined him: the Mamba Mentality . More than a sports philosophy, Kobe's relentless pursuit of excellence and growth continues to inspire millions across disciplines. This conversation explores the core of that menta...

Why do you think the way you think and how much control do you really have over it? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the inner workings of the mind and how our patterns of thought are shaped over time. They break down how mindset influences everything from performance to perspective, and how intentionally shifting the way we think can lead to lasting change in every area...

How do we keep getting better in our work and in our lives? In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Josh Brooks, Senior Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Georgia, to talk about freedom in our work and how to continue to learn, grow, and develop without short-circuiting the process. Josh's career path includes time working on football staffs headed by Nick Saban, Jimbo Fisher,...

Transitions, whether planned or unexpected, can be challenging, disruptive, and even disorienting. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer unpack the often-overlooked potential that lies within transitional moments. They explore how transitions can serve as powerful catalysts for growth and development, but only if we're willing to meet them with openness, curiosity, and intention . If...