Win More, Live Better

A 61-round draw. A 21-round knockout. And a mantra that still contains relevance today well beyond the boxing ring. This episode dives into the story of “Gentleman Jim” Corbett and how his mantra ("Fight one more round" ) offers a timeless lesson in focus and mental strength. We discuss Corbett's story, the science behind endurance and fatigue, and how you can leverage intentional s...

There’s a simple mental shift that separates a performer's ability to react vs. respond. The shift boils down to one word that can be the difference between getting stuck in struggle or uncomfortable emotions and moving forward productively. Today's episode is all about one of the most underrated words and "tools" to help you master the mental game of performance and life. For...

We often talk about “getting over” hard moments, but what if the real growth comes from "getting through" them? In this episode, we explore the process of moving through discomfort in the form of pain, transitions, and uncertainty. It's a reminder that our most difficult seasons in life can be valuable teachers when we are willing to "sit in uncertainty" and not seek to ru...

This episode unpacks the shared psychology behind consumer choices and buying-in to a leader's influence. We examine the psychology of buy-in and why status matters, how trust forms, and what the best coaches do to connect both.  For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/ If you’re a coach or lead...

Inspired by a Naval Ravikant quote that differentiates status games vs. natural games, this episode examines how that distinction shows up on a daily basis in all our lives. In this episode, we explore how to recognize which game you’re playing, why status is so addictive, and how to align actions and choices with the scoreboard that is the most sustainable and fulfilling. For more practical tools...

In Navy SEAL training, there’s a brutal exercise called drownproofing . Your hands and feet are bound, you’re dropped into deep water and told to survive for five minutes. The harder you fight, the faster you sink. The key to surviving is surrendering the urge to swim to the top. In this episode, we explore what drownproofing can teach us about letting go of control and why the instinct to fight t...

One of the most precious gifts you can extend to others is your presence. In this episode, we explore stories of human connection, from an unexpected moment of silence on Theo Von's podcast to a daycare teacher who helped a child breathe and calm down. Backed by neuroscience, these moments reveal how a loved one or friend's presence can soothe pain and reduce our threat responses. For mo...

Today's message is inspired by a quote from the American philosopher and writer, Robert Pirsig, and illustrates why we all need to create more idle space in our lives. We discuss the danger of overconsuming information, a reflection from Los Angeles Lakers' head coach on turning your mind "off and on," and how intentional pauses can help you internalize what you learn. It will...

What happens when you keep doing something long after its purpose is gone? In this episode, we explore the parable of soldiers guarding a concrete slab and how we are all prone to cling to old habits, beliefs, or traditions. You’ll walk away reflecting on the systems, standards, or judgments you've been repeating in your own life and how curiosity and courage can help you break free from them...

We spend countless hours learning how to communicate better, but rarely how to say less. In performance environments overflowing with instruction and feedback, silence might be the most underused coaching tool. The best leaders don’t just know what to say, they know when to stop talking. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://w...

Life constantly presents new opportunities, but most of them don’t look like opportunities at first. In this episode, we explore how reframing frustration and inconveniences can turn everyday setbacks into moments for growth. From a wrong dinner order to an MLB coach's “new opportunity” mindset, this conversation dives into the skill of perspective and how it separates reaction from response....

Nate Shaw has served as the Major League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2006.  As a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus (RSCC*E), Nate has spent over two decades helping elite athletes maximize their potential (physically, mentally, and emotionally)...

In boxing, the knockout punch is the focus for most highlight reels, but the best fighters know the real work happens cut by cut. Drawing inspiration from a recent viral clip and quote from Dan Lanning (University of Oregon Football Coach), this episode explores what it means to “work the cut” in sports and in life. We explore how progress rarely comes from one knockout moment. Instead, it’s the a...

Ken Ravizza is a legend in sport psychology and I was fortunate to learn directly from him as a mentee during grad school. In this episode, I share three timeless reminders from Ken and one unforgettable story about perspective that continues to shape how I see performance and life. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winnin...

Arizona State University women’s basketball head coach Molly Miller has built a reputation as one of the most successful and sought-after coaches in the game today.  Before arriving at ASU in March 2025, she guided Grand Canyon University to a 32–3 record, a 30-game winning streak, and the school’s first NCAA Women’s Tournament berth. Add to that 180 wins at her alma mater Drury University (includ...

Behind every person are stories and feelings we can’t always see. Most of us keep our deepest concerns, fears, and feelings hidden until someone feels safe enough to share with. This episode is about the kind of question that can create that safety. Inspired by a classroom experiment that grew into a global movement, we’ll look at how leaders and coaches can use simple words to help others feel se...

UFC legend Randy Couture had a simple ritual at the start of each training camp: Acknowledge the worst-case scenario. This practice helped him keep things in perspective and helped him cultivate a mindset that freed him up to perform his best. In this episode, we explore how naming fears and accepting what you can’t control free you to compete and lead without fear holding you back.  For more prac...

Most people don’t realize they’re running a marathon every day, but it's not on the road. It's in their mind. Overthinking creates mental marathons that drain energy, stall momentum, and chip away at confidence. In this episode, we explore how overthinking masquerades as preparation and a strategy for how you can stop looping in circles.  For more practical tools and mindset stories like...

Studies suggest that a large portion of fatalities for mountaineers climbing Mount Everest occur on the way down after reaching the summit. Researchers highlight multiple factors that contribute to this including fatigue and the conditions, but there's a mindset variable that plays a role here too. Drawing from a message Coach Nick Saban used to share with his staff, this episode unpacks why...

Brian Smith has spent nearly three decades building the University of Missouri wrestling program into a national powerhouse.  Since taking over in 1998, he has guided the Tigers to 64 individual conference champions, 192 NCAA qualifiers, 69 All-America performances, and six athletes who have claimed 10 national titles. His teams have recorded 23 winning seasons, three undefeated dual campaigns, an...

Harry Houdini could escape chains, rivers, even being buried alive. Unfortunately, what killed him wasn’t a daring stunt, but it was a simple punch he didn’t see coming. In this episode, we unpack a key lesson from his story: It’s not the obstacles you plan for that hurt you most, it’s the ones you don’t expect. We’ll also discuss why preparation (not planning) is the skill that helps athletes, co...

Every athlete carries untapped potential, but talent alone doesn’t guarantee growth. What matters most is the environment you create. In this episode, Zach reflects on some recent personal news, a metaphor from nature on growth, and the essential role of trust in development. You’ll learn how trust shifts a coach from evaluation mode to development mode and why trust is the single greatest catalys...

Alan Bratton has worn nearly every hat in Oklahoma State University's golf program. A former All-American and member of the 1995 national championship team, he later served as an assistant coach on the 2006 national title run before taking over as head coach in 2013.  Since 2013, Bratton has guided the Cowboys to two NCAA championships (2018, 2025), earned National Coach of the Year honors tw...

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald just finished his first season with 10 wins and is already refining his leadership approach and redefining how his team prepares. In this episode, we explore how he balances old-school principles with new-school methods, invites collaboration to chase edges, sharpens clarity by narrowing the focus of his staff, and audits himself with honesty to find grow...

What do you do with the sting of a heartbreaking loss? In this episode, we look at Kobe Bryant’s perspective on the agony of defeat and why your commitment can’t be up for negotiation based on yesterday’s outcome. From Kobe’s reflection to the residue of tough defeats in professional baseball, we highlight why the ability to flush a past performance is a separator in high performance.  For more pr...