The Art Of Coaching

Steven Pressfield is the bestselling author of titles such as Gates of Fire, Tides of War, and The Legend of Bagger Vance. He's also written numerous nonfiction books, such as The War of Art and Turning Pro. Collectively, his books have sold millions of copies and been translated into countless languages; Gates of Fire, in particular, is required reading at West Point and Annapolis and has been on...

Every organization claims it wants initiative, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. So why do so many talented people feel like they’re constantly running into the same walls? In this episode, Brett explores why some organizations unintentionally create conditions that reward avoidance rather than action—and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on a recent conversation with a client, Br...

In this episode, Brett talks about what it means to build a genuine, authentic, no-BS brand. Every single one of us, whether we're gainfully employed or not, has to deal with the fundamental problems: •⁠  ⁠How do I stand out? •⁠  ⁠How do I get my work noticed or the value that I provide noticed? •⁠  ⁠How do I do that with integrity and in a non-scammy or salesy way? Brett provides tips for this an...

The job of scientists is a tough one - to take complex, multifaceted, messy concepts, and do their best to simplify them in a way that is understandable and digestible to the general public. However, today’s guest, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett,  warns that if something is too simple, we probably shouldn’t believe it.  Especially when it comes to human behavior and emotions, there’s nothing simple abou...

In this episode, Brett Bartholomew shares actionable insights on how leaders can foster a high-performing, engaged team by emphasizing authenticity, understanding individual motivations, and recognizing behavioral patterns. Whether you're managing staff in healthcare, sports, or business, this discussion offers practical heuristics for long-term leadership success.   Key Topics Covered: -Why staff...

In this episode, Brett Bartholomew explores the importance of authenticity in leadership, the psychology of human behavior, and practical strategies for communicating more effectively. Whether you're a coach, leader, or communicator, these insights can help you build trust, influence others, and stay true to yourself.   Main Topics Covered: The power of authenticity over seeking validation Underst...

In this episode, we explore the importance of maintaining meaningful connections and breaking the cycle of neglecting relationships during the busy middle months of the year. We dive into practical strategies and mindset shifts to stay connected, productive, and intentional in both personal and professional life. We discuss the significance of midyear reflection and recalibration, and how busy sea...

We've all been in situations in our lives where it seems like there are unwritten rules we didn't know about, or unseen forces that are kind of screwing us over. We did our part, but we didn't get the outcome we wanted. This show talks about some of the most common scenarios where that happens, and some of the lessons and learnings that can help better prepare you so you get taken advantage of les...

In this episode, Brett breaks down why so many driven people feel behind, overwhelmed, or like they’re never doing enough — even when they’re already working hard, carrying responsibility, and trying to do things the right way. He talks about how easy it is to get pulled into the performative bullshit people post online, start comparing your real life to someone else’s curated season, and let your...

In this episode, Brett breaks down some of the most common mistakes speakers and presenters make—and why those mistakes usually have nothing to do with intelligence or expertise. Most people don’t struggle because they’re unprepared or because they don’t know their material. They struggle because communication is more nuanced than that. Human attention is limited. Interpretation is messy. And if y...

It’s one of the most common ways that intelligent, thoughtful people can end up sending mixed signals and unintentionally cause misunderstandings.  And the irony is that the people who do it most often are usually the ones who care a great deal about being thorough, guiding others, teaching, and not being misunderstood.  In this episode, Brett breaks down the root causes of over-explaining and off...

In this episode, Brett fulfills the request of a listener who asked him to go through some of his biggest gold nuggets — some of the one-liners, some of the distilled raw material that has mattered and inspired him the most over the years. Whether that had to do with communication, power dynamics, self-awareness — all the things he’s learned in those kinds of contexts — that’s what you’re going to...

We’ve all had somebody in our life we genuinely wanted to help — but couldn’t seem to get through to. Maybe they’re going through a rough season. Maybe they seem shut down. Maybe they’re stuck in a pattern they can’t see. Sometimes that person’s been us. This episode digs into what’s actually happening when someone won’t let you in, why logic almost never changes behavior, and what to do instead....

Most people have spent years studying feedback — the frameworks, the techniques, the dos and don'ts. But almost nobody has ever been asked one simple question before receiving it: How do you want feedback? That's the focus of today's episode. Brett breaks down why this single question might be the most underrated communication tool in your arsenal — and why it works on a level most people never th...

For myself and a lot of other people, it seems like folks are getting more and more unprofessional. Not just individuals — organizations too.    People hide behind screens. They don’t want to have real conversations, and it chews up time and wastes energy.   You’ve got to find a way to get past that in today’s world.   So today we do a broad ranging Q&A on how to be assertive when you need to...

In this episode, Brett breaks down many of the themes that rarely get addressed in modern leadership conversations. He talks about power dynamics, internal and external conflict, and what it actually looks like to lead when the situation isn’t clean or clear. That includes navigating manipulative behavior, managing seemingly no-win situations, and making decisions that can carry real personal and...

Most people can name a great coach or leader. Far fewer can explain what actually makes one. In this episode, Brett breaks down what separates truly elite coaches and leaders from everyone else—and it's not what most people expect. From the role of self-awareness to the uncomfortable truth about dark triad personalities who win, Brett challenges the romanticized version of coaching and replaces it...

In this episode, I break down the legitimate number one tip you need to understand if you want to present your ideas more effectively — in a way that actually connects with people. There are a lot of folks out there who’ll tell you how to be a better speaker, then hand you something obvious you probably already knew. And to be clear, I’m not here to demean that kind of advice — some of it is helpf...

Ever notice someone’s withdrawn, quiet, or clearly bothered—but when you ask “what’s wrong?” they shut down even more? You’re not alone. Most people approach these moments with good intentions but terrible execution, and it backfires every time.   In this episode, Brett breaks down why the classic “what’s wrong?” or “are you okay?” almost never works—and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to fra...

In this episode, I give a real-time update on a few things I’ve been working on and thinking through lately — including the Non-Superficial Bullshit Conference, progress on my next book, and some hard-earned reminders for anyone building something of their own. I get a bit passionate in this one so be ready! More than anything, it’s a grounded conversation for people who are in the middle of it —...

Let’s just say it: some of you are losing time, sleep, and opportunities because you’re afraid to speak up. Not because you don’t know what you want to say — but because you’re scared of saying it wrong. So you sit on it. You rehearse the conversation 20 times in your head. You rework the email draft. You “wait for the right time.” But the truth is, you’re not waiting for the right time — you’re a...

Most people have a bunch of notes, voice memos, and half-baked thoughts scattered across their phone, laptop, or random legal pads. They tell themselves, “One day I’ll organize this…” but that day rarely comes. In this episode, I break down a skill that’s helped me think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and actually build the stuff I kept talking about. The tips in this episode will hel...

This is a short, personal episode about a few things I’m intentionally doing more of in 2025—not because they sound impressive or productive, but because they’ve genuinely made my life calmer, healthier, and more grounded.   Rather than focusing on goals or systems, I talk through a handful of changes that have come from experience, reflection, and paying attention to what actually drains me versu...

I get asked about books constantly—what I’m reading, what actually stuck, and what shaped the way I think about leadership, communication, and the world over the past year.   In this episode, I walk through some of my favorite books of 2025—a mix of fiction and nonfiction—and talk about why they mattered to me, not just what they were about.   Some influenced how I think about people and power. So...

The holidays are supposed to be relaxing. Instead, they tend to throw you into rooms full of tired people, loaded topics, and conversations that go sideways fast. Everyone’s heard the advice to “just avoid certain people.” That works until you can’t. In this episode, I break down real conversational situations people actually run into during the holidays—family dinners, extended relatives, friends...