The Growth Project

Courage doesn't just change how you show up, it changes how the people around you show up, too. When you have the courage to live according to your values, pursue your vision, tackle difficult problems, and become who you're meant to be, you give others permission to do the same. But fear, anxiety, and negativity are contagious, too. So ask yourself:  What are you spreading?

As Emerson Lowder prepares to leave home and begin her next chapter at Clemson University, she joins her father, Dr. Milt Lowder, for an honest and deeply personal conversation. Together, they revisit the moments that defined their family, unpack the weight of expectations, and share the lessons they've learned through both success and struggle. From faith and perseverance to parenting and letting...

The stories we tell ourselves shape how we see our abilities, our potential, and our future. A single setback can easily become a limiting belief about who we are. In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Gabby Caviedes explores how to separate outcomes from identity, recognize unhelpful internal narratives, and reframe limiting beliefs into growth-oriented statements that help us move forward and unlock our pot...

What does great coaching really look like? Furman Volleyball Head Coach Michelle Young and student athlete Emily Navarro join the podcast to explore the evolution of leadership, the challenges of college athletics, and the lessons that extend far beyond the court. From overcoming homesickness to embracing accountability, they discuss how the best coaches develop people, not just performers. This c...

Burnout remains one of the biggest challenges facing today's workforce, yet the numbers have barely changed. In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Drew Brannon explores why awareness alone isn't enough and shares a simple framework for creating meaningful change. Discover how the powerful principle, if nothing changes, nothing changes , along with the Start, Stop, Continue exercise, can help you break unhealt...

Pressure has a way of changing how we think, lead, and perform. In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Clemson Men's Soccer Head Coach Mike Noonan unpack leadership lessons from the FIFA World Cup, exploring why great teams stay committed to their identity even in the biggest moments. From emotional discipline and preparation to courage under pressure, they reveal why the best performers don't simpl...

When faced with a difficult decision, it's easy to wait for certainty or search for the "perfect" choice. But what if that's the wrong question? In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Gabriela Caviedes shares a practical mindset for making better decisions by focusing on the tradeoffs each path brings. Learn how evaluating the challenges you're willing and equipped to handle can help you move forward with grea...

Coming back from vacation should leave you refreshed, but often it feels like your motivation never made the trip home. In this episode, Anthony Alibro and Dr. Gabriela Caviedes explore why returning to work can feel overwhelming and disengaging, even after much-needed time away. They discuss the psychology behind post-vacation motivation lag and share practical strategies to regain momentum, reco...

What if one of the more powerful leadership skills is knowing when not to get involved? In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Drew Brannon explores a trait he has consistently observed in elite leaders: the ability to leave things alone. From resisting the urge to prove a point to avoiding unnecessary involvement in every conflict or decision, great leaders know that not every situation requires their input....

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Gabriela Caviedes explore a challenge nearly everyone faces: goal drift. Despite our best intentions, life gets busy, priorities shift, and the goals we set often fade into the background. Drew and Gabby discuss why this happens, common misconceptions about discipline and motivation, and a practical framework for getting back on track. If you've lost momentum...

Physical fitness is often viewed as a way to improve appearance, but its impact goes far beyond how we look. In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Gabriela Caviedes explores the powerful connection between physical fitness, mental performance, and leadership. From improving focus and emotional regulation to increasing stress tolerance and decision-making ability, taking care of your body directly influences h...

In a world filled with constant notifications, endless demands, and the pressure to always be "on," silence can feel uncomfortable. But what if it's exactly what you need? Dr. Gabriela Caviedes and Anthony Alibro explore how intentional moments of silence and solitude fuel recovery, prevent burnout, and improve performance. Learn why the highest performers don't just know how to engage, they know...

We all have goals, conversations, and decisions we plan to get to "soon." But what happens when soon never arrives? In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Drew Brannon explores how the habit of postponing action can quietly lead to missed opportunities and regret. He challenges listeners to conduct a personal "soon audit," identify where they're stuck in waiting mode, and take meaningful steps toward turning i...

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, Dr. Milt Lowder and Anthony Alibro explore the enduring ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through the lens of performance psychology. They discuss the courage of the Founding Fathers, the tension between America's aspirations and realities, and the personal responsibility each of us has to live out our values. This conversation challenge...

In this week's Growth Spurt, Dr. Drew Brannon explores a skill that has become increasingly rare: having healthy disagreements. Drew shares why humility is essential when entering difficult conversations, how listening often matters more than persuading, and why meaningful dialogue doesn't have to end with someone changing their mind. He also explains the value of patience, reminding us that not e...

In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore one of the most challenging transitions in any organization: moving from individual contributor to leader. They discuss why success in a role doesn't always translate to success in leadership, the mindset shifts required to lead others well, and the common mistakes organizations make when promoting talent. Whether you're considering a lead...

In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Milt Lowder explores how stress narrows our focus, pulls us away from what matters most, and can unintentionally disconnect us from others. Drawing on the science of the brain's stress response, Milt explains why stress often makes us more self-focused; he shares how awareness, gratitude, and joy can help us regain perspective and reconnect with our purpose.

Dr. Drew Brannon welcomes the newest AMPLOS team member, Dr. Alissa Zawacki, for a conversation about industrial-organizational psychology and what it takes to help people and organizations thrive. Together, they explore common workplace challenges, including hiring, performance management, employee feedback, and organizational culture. Alissa shares why clarity, structure, and thoughtful systems...

As the World Cup brings together some of the world's most talented athletes, Dr. Milt Lowder explores what makes great teams truly successful. From sacrificing individual roles for a shared mission to navigating adversity together, this Growth Spurt examines the power of pursuing a worthy goal alongside others. What are you building, who is on your team, and how can you contribute to something big...

In this episode, Dr. Gabby Caviedes and Anthony Alibro explore why racing thoughts, worry, and problem-solving often keep us awake, even when we're exhausted. Drawing from sport and performance psychology, they share practical strategies for building a better bedtime routine, including mental imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, worry journaling, and gratitude practices. Learn how to stop trying to f...

In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Milt Lowder reflects on the challenge of accepting our humanity while continuing to grow. Milt explores the importance of focusing on what we can control, giving ourselves permission to experience difficult emotions, and finding meaning in life's challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace both the limits and possibilities of being human and to extend that same grace t...

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Gabby Caviedes unpack Rachel Entrekin's historic Cocodona 250 win as a lens for understanding performance under extreme pressure. From broader-than-self goals to micro-recovery, problem-solving under fatigue, and the power of "delusional belief," they explore what ultramarathon racing can teach us about preparation, resilience, and staying composed when we hi...

In this Growth Spurt, Anthony Alibro explores what burnout really looks like beyond just feeling tired, and explains why recovery requires more than simply pushing through. Anthony shares how experiences of awe, wonder, and perspective can help break the cycle of mental fatigue, restore energy, and reconnect us to something bigger than the endless grind of everyday responsibilities.

In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Anthony Alibro unpack the growing pressure to constantly produce, achieve, and stay busy. Together, they explore "productivity dysmorphia," or the distorted belief that no matter how much you accomplish, it's never enough. Through powerful stories, practical psychology, and honest reflection, they challenge listeners to rethink success and stop allowing product...

In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Gabby Caviedes unpacks the hidden downside of always being "easygoing." While adaptability and flexibility can be strengths, constantly minimizing your needs can lead to resentment, exhaustion, and feeling unseen. Gabby challenges listeners to examine where they may be staying small to keep the peace, and explains why healthy growth sometimes requires speaking up and taki...