In this Growth Spurt, Anthony Alibro breaks down a simple but powerful mental shift: third-person self-talk. By replacing "I am overwhelmed" with "(your name) is overwhelmed," you create psychological distance that reduces emotional intensity and sharpens decision-making. This subtle language tweak can help you regulate stress, think more clearly, and respond like you would for a friend, especially in those high-pressure moments.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon and Anthony Alibro unpack the realities of imposter syndrome and explain why even high achievers feel like frauds despite clear success. They explore how distorted thinking, fear of failure, and relentless comparison fuel the cycle, and why success often goes uninternalized. The conversation offers practical steps to challenge these patterns, redefine failure, and build authentic confidence by focusing on growth, evidence, and self-awareness rather than perfection.

In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Milt Lowder challenges listeners to move beyond awareness and into action. Recognizing the gap between who you are and who you want to be is important, but awareness without action often leads to frustration. Milt encourages you to ask a powerful question: what's one brave step you can take today? Because courage doesn't just change your life; it can inspire others to step forward too.

Join Dr. Milt Lowder and Clemson University PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson as they explore the transformative power of self-talk. In this episode, they discuss how our inner dialogue shapes our actions, well-being, and emotional responses. Learn when your thoughts work for or against you, and how courage is key to processing negative emotions. This conversation is foundational for building resilience and fostering mental strength.

Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they explore the role of conflict in the workplace. While often seen as negative, they reveal how well-managed conflict can strengthen teams. Discover the four main triggers of organizational conflict and learn practical strategies to navigate the spectrum—from conflict-averse to overly aggressive—toward a balanced approach. Don't let artificial harmony hold your team back; embrace conflict to drive success and deeper relationships at work.

Fresh off week 1 of college football, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer, the mental performance experts behind Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon football programs, reflect on the opening games. With Georgia's victory over Clemson and Oregon's win over Idaho, they analyze their teams' performances, discuss how they're navigating early successes and challenges, and share their approach to redefining success and failure. Don't miss their insights as they gear up for Week 2 and the rest of the season.

How far would you go to win? Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the nuanced continuum of competition, from glorifying victory to questioning the value of participation trophies. Drawing on Nike's controversial "Winning Isn't For Everyone" Olympic commercial, they discuss whether top-level success demands an edginess and selfishness that borders on villainy. Tune in as they unpack the risks of this mindset, the intricacies of human nature, and how to find balance in the pursuit of excellence.

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and his daughter, McKee Lowder, engage in what has become a Lowder family tradition: reflecting on McKee's childhood and the lessons learned as she prepares to embark on her journey to Clemson University. They discuss what it means to be your best, always remembering who you are, McKee's goals and dreams for college, and the importance of embracing the unknown. Join them for an emotional conversation filled with wisdom, love, and the excitement of new beginnings.

Fresh from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Jamaican track and field star Danielle Williams about the demanding lifestyle of an elite athlete, exploring the highs and lows of Williams' career, including gold-medal wins at the 2015 and 2023 World Championships. Williams shares her insights on navigating failure, cultivating a resilient mindset, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Tune in to discover the true grit behind her journey.

Are you making it easier or harder for those around you to experience joy and strive for excellence? Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the profound impact of our actions on ourselves and others. They dive deep into the intersection of joy and excellence, revealing how a positive mindset can create a powerful ripple effect. Tune in for insightful discussions and actionable strategies to maximize joy and excellence in every aspect of your life.

Join Dr. Cory Shaffer and Clemson University PhD student and AMPLOS intern, Marlee Johnson, as they discuss her research on team dynamics. Discover how viewing teamwork as a skill rather than shifting blame to individuals can transform performance. Learn strategies for involving all team members, regardless of their role, in creating and sustaining a high-performing, "sticky" culture that retains talent long-term.

Naivety is often seen as a flaw, but in this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon reveal how it can be a superpower, sparking wonder, excitement, and curiosity. They discuss how age often erodes this youthful perspective, sharing cautionary tales about the consequences of losing naivety. Learn practical strategies for preserving elements of naivety while simulatenously growing in wisdom, helping you sustain enthusiasm and a sense of wonder in life. Tune in to discover how to balance wisdom with a childlike spirit.

Using recent sports examples — Rory McIlroy's U.S. Open lead loss and Barbora Krejcikova's comeback win in the Women's Wimbledon Final — Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss not succumbing to pressure when the stakes are high. They explore three categories of pressure — physical, mental, and emotional — and share practical tips to help you reframe stress and perform well under pressure. Discover how to thrive when stakes are high.

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Gabby Caviedes explore how mental and emotional challenges evolve across the lifespan, from childhood to midlife and beyond. They break down the unique pressures at each stage, from building emotional awareness in kids to navigating identity, comparison, and purpose as adults. More importantly, they highlight the skills that matter most at every phase and why developing them early can change everything. Tune in for a powerful guide for growing yourself and supporting others along the way.

Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer as they discuss how embracing fear can fuel action, turning potential paralysis into productive paranoia. Learn to drop doubt and harness fear from a position of strength, converting it into confidence, unlocking your potential and propelling you forward. Don't let fear immobilize you — let it empower you. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on being fearless in the face of fear.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Coach Alaura Sharp, former Presbyterian College Women's Basketball head coach and newly appointed head coach at Appalachian State University. Coach Sharp shares her journey in the coaching profession, including leading Presbyterian College to its first NCAA Tournament appearance and win in March 2024, emphasizing the joy of being part of a team and her mindset on program building. Discover her best practices for helping athletes reach their full potential and the importance of the mental game. Learn how to work hard today to achieve fun and success in the future.

In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder converses with his mentor, Dr. Ron Reece, a seasoned and esteemed psychologist from Greenville, SC. With decades of experience since 1975, Dr. Reece shares insights on maintaining harmony in family businesses and the importance of controlling one's "inner weather"—the thoughts and self-talk in our heads. Tune in for practical advice and wisdom on balancing personal and professional relationships from an expert dedicated to preventing businesses from destroying people and vice versa.

How are you progressing toward your 2024 goals? Nearly midway through the year, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer reflect on the importance of reviewing your progress six months into the year. They discuss the significance of pausing, taking inventory, and creating clarity about who you want to be and how you plan to achieve your goals. Don't be a passive passenger in life; take the wheel and steer towards a clear, purposeful direction.

Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss the gap between awareness and action — the space where many find themselves stuck when attempting to accomplish a goal. They explore why defensiveness and excuses keep us from moving forward. Learn common reasons for falling into this trap and gain practical tips to bridge the gap, turning intention into action. Tune in to discover how to overcome inertia and achieve your goals.

Join Dr. Cory Shaffer as he talks with Brian Burnsed, a seasoned Sports Illustrated writer, to dive into his journey of crafting immersive sports stories. With experience at Business Week, US News, NCAA Magazine, and Turner Sports, Burnsed shares insights into his writing process, the evolution of his purpose, and the mastery behind his acclaimed narratives. Discover the dedication and passion fueling his detailed and impactful work in sports journalism.

Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Trehel CEO Will Huss and President/COO Keith Poole at Trehel headquarters to discuss authentic leadership. They dive into the importance of purpose, honoring God by caring for people, and creating genuine buy-in. The conversation explores the courage to live and work in alignment with one's beliefs, the significance of intentionality over transactional relationships, and the profound impact of understanding why we exist and work.

Building a strong team culture demands deliberate effort and dedication, but it can be threatened by toxic team members. Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon examine five detrimental behaviors that can undermine your team's culture. From chronic complainers to catastrophizers, they highlight negative traits that can erode team dynamics. Learn how to identify and address these issues to cultivate and sustain a resilient, high-performing team culture.

What does it truly mean to be successful? Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer dive deep into this question using Ralph Waldo Emerson's renowned poem "What is Success?" as their guide. In this episode, they dissect Emerson's key markers of success, offering insights and perspectives to help you define success on your own terms. Tune in to explore what success means to you and how you can achieve it in your life.

When we "kind of" do something, we cut ourselves short. We choose the more comfortable way or the short cut, which leaves us shortchanged. Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon dive into the pitfalls of settling for "kind of," emphasizing the importance of striving for greatness instead of merely getting by and playing it safe. Through compelling examples, they explore how this mindset can manifest in feedback conversations, professional performance, and personal pursuits. Break free from the passivity of "kind of" and embrace a mindset of excellence in all aspects of life.

In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Gabby Caviedes reframes a common misconception about confidence. Many people wait to feel confident before they act, but research shows confidence actually grows from experience. Drawing on psychologist Albert Bandura's work on self-efficacy, Gabby explains how confidence is built through small wins, tracking evidence, and repeating under pressure. Confidence isn't given; it's built through action and proof over time.

Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they unveil five indispensable strategies for thriving in "the gap" – that challenging phase where hard work doesn't seem to yield desired results. Learn how to sustain motivation, persevere through setbacks, and cultivate a resilient mindset. Tune in for expert insights on navigating plateaus and staying the course towards success.

Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Chad McGehee, meditation teacher, the first ever director of meditation training in major college sports, and co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation, as they dive into the world of elite performance and meditation. They explore the definition of mindfulness, McGehee's teaching philosophy, training methods, and the practical application and impact of mindfulness in high-performance settings. The episode concludes with valuable suggestions on how to begin your own mindfulness practice.

What does it mean to be a curious person, and why does it matter? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer discuss the essence of curiosity and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. They unravel how curious individuals, driven by an insatiable desire to learn, constantly push boundaries and embrace the unknown. Drawing from their expertise, they illuminate the transformative power of curiosity, highlighting the key characteristics of curious people and urging listeners to cultivate this invaluable trait for a more fulfilling life of exploration and discovery.

Regardless of whether you successfully reach a goal, it's essential that you look deeply at your process. What worked? What didn't? What would you have done differently? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss the importance of reflecting on the process and they provide tangible suggestions to assist in this self-observing exercise. By shifting the focus from just the outcome to the journey, the discussion highlights how this approach can lead to greater introspection and, ultimately, more consistent success in future pursuits.

Join Dr. Cory Shaffer in a conversation with Blake Dubinski, Co-Founder of GenTeal, a successful men's apparel brand, distributed in 200 retail outlets and recognized as one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing companies in 2023. Explore the compelling story of GenTeal's founding and learn valuable strategies for conquering challenges in entrepreneurship. Tune in as they explore overcoming adversity and achieving prosperity in the competitive apparel industry. 

Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they discuss what it means to have an "edge," or the essence of competitiveness and drive, and explore how these qualities define exceptional individuals. They highlight five key factors that can diminish this edge, from the pitfalls of poor planning and ego to the dangers of valuing talent over culture and overcommitting. They offer powerful insights into maintaining your edge in today's fast-paced world.

Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Brian Selman as they discuss the common phenomenon of New Year's resolutions losing steam by February. In this discussion, they explore why this happens and offer practical tips to help listeners reinvigorate their goals and stay on track. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, fitness milestones, or professional success, this episode will inspire you to recommit and make 2024 your best year yet.

Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman as they dive into the essential elements of enhancing your interview process to attract top talent. Together, they explore the crucial steps involved in developing a comprehensive blueprint for bringing on new hires. From defining job roles to creating engaging interview questions, they provide actionable insights to help you cultivate a successful hiring process. Whether you're a seasoned recruiter or new to the hiring game, this episode will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to streamline your interview process and make impactful hiring decisions.

Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman engage in a compelling discussion on recognizing biases in selection processes. They explore the concept that "the map is not the territory," highlighting the importance of understanding that our perceptions are not always accurate representations of reality. With a focus on interview best practices, they underscore the significance of approaching selection with openness and humility. Tune in to enhance your selection process and cultivate stronger, more diverse teams.

Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon in a discussion on the pivotal role failure plays in our lives. In this episode, they share personal anecdotes, revealing how failure has been the catalyst for their own growth. They also provide four compelling reasons why failure is not only essential, but also empowering. Learn how your response to failure can be the fuel that propels you toward success.

In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Gabby Caviedes explore the psychology of luck and challenge the idea that it's purely chance. They unpack how mindset, perception, and preparation shape the opportunities we notice (and the ones we miss). From reframing setbacks to staying open and ready, they share practical ways to create your own "lucky breaks." If you've ever felt stuck or overlooked, this conversation will help you shift your perspective and take back control of your path.

In this compelling episode, John "Redd" Martin opens up to Dr. Milt Lowder about his remarkable journey in triumphing over trauma and addiction. Redd's battle with belonging and the erosion of his faith plunged him into a dark period, marked by bouts of homelessness. However, through the transformative power of love, both from others and towards himself, he discovered newfound purpose. This journey inspired Redd and his wife Cassandra to establish Sunday Dinner with a Twist, a platform dedicated to supporting and humanizing the homeless community. Their conversation dives deeply into the profound impact of faith, hope, and love in navigating life's most challenging moments.

Join Clemson Baseball Head Coach Erik Bakich and Dr. Cory Shaffer, performance coach for the Tigers, as they discuss Bakich's coaching history and his approach in building a successful team. Fresh off of the 2023 ACC Championship win after his first year coaching for Clemson baseball, Bakich discusses his focus on daily actions and behaviors to shape the program, offering insights into his deep-rooted purpose and philosophy as a coach.

What kind of culture are you creating for your team? Does it encourage learning? Drs. Milt Lowder and Brian Selman discuss the pivotal role of workplace environment in fostering continuous learning. In this episode, discover how stretching yourself within your professional realm can ignite action and amplify learning outcomes. From concrete examples to practical strategies like retrieval practice, elaborative interrogation, and space practice, unlock the keys to cultivating a dynamic learning environment within your team. Tune in and revolutionize your approach to learning and growth in the workplace.

In this enlightening episode, join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they share and discuss the scientific underpinnings of the positive impact of reading. They explore the measurable return on investment for your brain and general health – a focused workout for the prefrontal cortex. Backed by studies, they discuss how reading enhances focus, critical thinking, and stress relief while offering protection against cognitive decline. Tune in for practical tips to kickstart your reading habit and unlock the myriad of benefits, from mindset shifts to increased lifespan.

Learn more about the intricacies of college football game preparation as Dr. Cory Shaffer engages in a revealing conversation with standout quarterback, Bo Nix, from University of Oregon football. Nix, with an impressive record-breaking 61 career starts, provides insights into his meticulous preparation. Explore the evolution of leadership, the growth in his relationship with the game, and the exciting journey ahead for Nix. Tune in for a captivating glimpse into the life and promising future of football excellence.

The sports world was recently rocked by the seismic retirement announcements from football coaching legends Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, and Nick Saban. This news inspired Drs. Drew Brannon and Brian Selman to reflect on Selman's firsthand experience as a player under Saban's tenure at Alabama. They explore the profound impact of Saban's coaching style, with Selman expressing gratitude for his unwavering leadership and positive influence. Together, they appreciate Saban's enduring legacy, emphasizing his unrelenting pursuit of sustained success that transcends football and can be applied to every facet of life.

For a powerful, yet straightforward activity yielding maximum positive impact, journaling stands as the ideal choice. Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman as they discuss the transformative power of journaling. Learn how this practice enhances self-reflection and goal setting, complimenting recent podcast episode topics. Uncover why high performers swear by journaling and praise its profound impact on physical and mental well-being. Start your year equipped with strategies backed by science to pave the way for personal growth and success.

Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman in a candid discussion on contemporary goal setting and design. As we kick off the year, January presents the perfect opportunity for practical application in attaining goals. They discuss the pitfalls of setting too many goals and the power of focusing on just one. Together, they debunk myths surrounding effective goal setting, offering invaluable insights to help you start the year with clarity and purpose.

Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon in a reflective conversation about 2023, dissecting why many inspired individuals find themselves either disillusioned by unmet goals or stubbornly optimistic, ignoring reality, and continuously falling short of their desired pursuit. Exploring three defining factors shaping these paths, they offer insightful tips to navigate away from these pitfalls. Tune in to glean wisdom and strategies for a more fulfilling and successful 2024 ahead.

Embark on a thought-provoking conversation with Drs. Drew Brannon and Brian Selman as they defy conventional wisdom, challenging the idea of moderation in goal pursuit. Uncover the secrets of those who excel and are enamored with the process, channeling intense focus and passion to draw energy from their work, steering clear of burnout and achieving extraordinary outcomes. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on unwavering dedication.

In this Growth Spurt, Dr. Drew Brannon challenges the idea that delayed gratification is only a struggle for kids. Many adults expect meaningful goals to happen quickly, overlooking the patience, resilience, and consistency real progress requires. Dr. Brannon encourages listeners to assess their plan, commit to the process, and stay accountable along the way. Because the more worthy the goal, the more patience it usually takes to bring it to life.

Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman in a thought-provoking conversation on skillful self-reflection, perfect for kickstarting your year. Delve into the art of consolidating experiences to forge a fresh perspective. Explore the realms of internal and external self-awareness while steering clear of unproductive rumination. Discover actionable steps to elevate your self-reflection game and embark on a journey towards a more enriched and curious self.

Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Brian Selman in a discussion on navigating the initial steps in the path to success. Emphasizing the fusion of big dreams with small beginnings, they unravel the essence of initiating change. Learn how embracing incremental steps leads to monumental transformations, blending vision with action to embark on the journey towards your aspirations.

Step into an engaging conversation led by Dr. Cory Shaffer with esteemed sports writer Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal, celebrated with two Sports Emmy Awards across his illustrious three-decade career in sports reporting, notably for Fox Sports' MLB coverage, unveils the wealth of wisdom he's cultivated throughout his career. Journey through his writing process within the dynamic realm of sports journalism, unearthing profound insights and revisiting pivotal career junctures. Additionally, they explore their shared link with Atlanta Braves' starting pitcher Spencer Strider, spotlighted in a recent piece by Rosenthal for The Athletic, shedding light on Shaffer's impactful enhancement of Strider's mental performance.