Our group is traditionally trained in sport and performance psychology, and in the spirit of what we do, the purpose of our podcast is to make a positive impact on your life and challenge you to think differently on topics related to growth. Through conversations with coaches, athletes, executives, and leaders of industry, we will explore and highlight the mindset and skillset required for lasting growth. Ultimately, we exist to provide you with the tools to become the best version of you. A ...
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Dr Brian Selman Podcasts
In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the value of a mid-year check-in. With summer in full swing, it’s the ideal time to take inventory, evaluate your progress, and make thoughtful adjustments to ensure you're on track to meet your annual goals. Like halftime in a game, this moment offers a strategic pause to refocus and rese…
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Episode 333: Leading South Carolina’s Largest School District with Dr. Burke Royster
54:45
54:45
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54:45In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Dr. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools—the largest district in South Carolina with 78,000 students. Fresh off a historic graduation rate of 88%, they explore the challenges and strategies behind managing a vast school system. Burke emphasizes the importance of stretching yourse…
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Episode 332: Sack the Stigma with Carly Silverstein and Brett Gray
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40:04In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Carly Silverstein and Brett Gray, co-founders of Sack the Stigma, about the critical need to destigmatize mental health struggles among current and former student-athletes—and beyond. They explore the cultural pressures of sports, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of access to care. Tune …
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Episode 331: Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam Mentality
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30:18Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into the mental game behind Rory McIlroy’s journey to Masters victory this past April. Drawing insights from his post-win press conference at Augusta National, they explore the mindset required for elite performance, the psychological hurdles of chasing a career Grand Slam, and what Rory’s reflections reveal a…
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Episode 330: Culture is the Advantage with Scott Watkins
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53:56In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Scott Watkins, Senior Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing Market Leader at Clayco. Scott shares his path to leadership and how forward-thinking organizations gain a competitive edge by investing in people. He unpacks the critical role of talent development and how fostering a growth-focused cultur…
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Episode 329: Humanizing Business with Sims Key and Alisha Coleman
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45:46In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Sims Key and Alisha Coleman of Equip Studio, a successful, culture-focused architecture firm based in Greenville, SC. They share how their team builds a business that honors both God and people. From prioritizing internal excellence to investing deeply in their people, Sims and Alisha offer a refresh…
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Episode 328: Break the Scroll with Dr. Kimberly Shaffer
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33:54
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33:54The average person spends nearly four hours a day on their phone, adding up to a quarter of their waking life! Given the magnitude of that time, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Kimberly Shaffer, Director of the Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology Program at Barry University, explore the psychological toll of our digital habits. They discuss how exces…
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Episode 327: Sixty Days in the Dark (Part 3)
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41:08In the final installment of the Sixty Days in the Dark series, Dr. Drew Brannon reflects with Dr. Milt Lowder on the realizations that followed his unexpected medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. From the unwavering support of his wife to redefining what’s truly important, Drew shares how slowing down helped him …
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Episode 326: Sixty Days in the Dark (Part 2)
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38:42In Part 2 of this powerful series, Dr. Drew Brannon joins Dr. Milt Lowder to explore what it means to walk through the “dark hallway”—the space between loss and clarity, fear and faith. Drew reflects on the sudden medical issue that left him with severely limited eyesight for 60 days, and how he kept moving forward when the future felt uncertain. T…
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Episode 325: Sixty Days in the Dark (Part 1)
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45:35In this powerful first installment of a three-part series, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Dr. Drew Brannon to unpack the most challenging season of Drew’s life—a sudden medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Drew shares what it was like to navigate the darkness, the emotional tol…
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Episode 324: Find Your Hard with Nolan Lennon
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53:30
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53:30Former Clemson soccer player Nolan Lennon knows pain, perseverance, and purpose. After tearing his ACL four times, he stepped away from the game he loved and into the world of ultramarathons. In this episode, Nolan joins Dr. Cory Shaffer to talk about redefining success, the mindset needed to push past limits, and how embracing suffering helped him…
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Episode 323: "Building Up" with David Wise
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52:03
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52:03What does it take to build trust, foster culture, and create lasting impact? In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with David Wise, President & CEO of Harper General Contractors, who shares how trust serves as the foundation for meaningful growth. With over 34 years of experience, David has played a key role in transforming Greenville, SC into…
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Episode 322: Battle-Tested Leadership with Navy Special Operator Oran Feiner
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40:20What can business leaders learn from Navy special operations? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with retired Navy special operator Oran Feiner, who brings 20 years of leadership experience in the Navy warfare community. They explore the principles of high-stakes performance, building resilient teams, and leading with precision under pressure.…
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Episode 321: Getting Results with Extreme Commitment
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37:17
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37:17How committed are you to the results you want? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down the direct link between commitment and outcomes, using Navy Special Operators as a prime example of extreme dedication. They reveal how purposeful plans, clearly defined roles, and unwavering investment drive consistent, exceptional results…
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Episode 320: Three Keys to Keeping Composure
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39:28Have you ever lost your cool when the pressure was on? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer reveal Three Truths About Composure, the key to staying calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. Composure is a powerful advantage that allows high performers to thrive under pressure. Without it, even the most capable individuals c…
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How do we raise children who embrace challenges, value self-improvement, and develop mental resilience? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer, AMPLOS mental performance coach and father of two, sits down with Connor Huston, AMPLOS Director of Content & Media and new dad, to explore practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in kids. From grati…
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Episode 318: Overcoming Mental Traps to Strengthen Performance
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31:49
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31:49What holds you back from reaching your full potential? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson to explore the psychology of high performance—both individually and within a team. They break down the biggest mental traps that hinder success and tackle compelling questions related to perfor…
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Episode 317: Answering ChatGPT's Top Questions on Leadership & Adaptability
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30:00In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson answer top questions curated by ChatGPT, diving into the overlooked trends in leadership and performance psychology. They explore how to cultivate adaptability in a fast-changing world and share expert insights on navigating challenges in work, sport, and lif…
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Episode 316: Escaping the Mediocrity Trap
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36:58Are you stuck in the mediocrity trap—settling for comfort instead of striving for growth? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down what keeps us stagnant and how to create the escape velocity needed to break free from being “happy enough.” They explore key mindset shifts and actionable strategies to push beyond average and pur…
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Episode 315: Transform Stress to Work for You with Dr. Rebecca Heiss
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36:53
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36:53We all experience stress, but what if you could make it work for you instead of against you? Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Dr. Rebecca Heiss, stress physiologist and author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work For You, to explore how we can reframe our perspective on stress. She breaks down her three-step process to harness stress, turning it int…
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Episode 314: Nike's Principles for Success
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40:07In this special live episode from TPM’s annual kickoff in downtown Greenville, SC, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into five of Nike’s Principles that fuel their iconic success. They explore why having principles is essential as a guiding north star and break down powerful ideas like “our business is change,” “offense all the time,” and “it …
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Episode 313: Final Thoughts on the 2024 College Football Season
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40:56The 2024 college football season was one to remember - filled with dramatic twists and valuable lessons. Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer, sport psychologists for Georgia and Oregon football, reflect on the season's end, unpack key takeaways, and share lessons that resonate far beyond the field. They explore how mindset shapes performance at the …
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Episode 312: Living Audaciously with Anne Marie Anderson
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30:45In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with three-time Emmy-winning EPSN sports broadcaster Anne Marie Anderson to discuss her book, Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win. Anne Marie shares how embracing bold risks and confronting fear transformed her career and personal growth. Discover the four barriers that hold you bac…
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Episode 311: How to Stick with Your 2025 Goals
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36:44Research show that about 30% of Americans set New Year’s resolutions, yet only 9% see them through to the end of the year. As we age, the likelihood of setting goals diminishes even further. Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down why most resolutions fail before February and present a proven framework for success. They share actionable strat…
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Episode 310: Reflections, Resolutions, and Unanswered Questions
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32:02In this special episode, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer close out 2024 and welcome 2025 with thoughtful reflections and fresh insights. Revisiting unanswered audience questions from the 300th episode live event, including the 3 leadership attributes that drive peak performance, practical strategies to recover from and prevent burn…
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Episode 309: Finding Holiday Harmony – Balancing Work and Rest
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35:12
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35:12The holiday season is often filled with joy, but it can also bring unique challenges. How can we find harmony amidst festive celebrations layered onto already busy schedules? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into the delicate balance between work and rest during the holidays. They highlight the essential connection between pr…
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Episode 308: Balancing Legacy and Innovation with Chris Fay
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48:56In this episode, Chris Fay, President and CEO of Greenville-based TPM and Founder and CEO of TrebleHook, an architecture, engineering, and construction CRM platform, shares his journey of honoring his father-in-law's legacy—who founded TPM—while driving TPM’s future growth. Chris reflects on how past experiences and critical inflection points shape…
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Episode 307: The Mental Edge Behind Oregon, Georgia, and Clemson’s Conference Championship Wins
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39:40Fresh off Oregon, Georgia, and Clemson’s college football conference championship victories, Drs. Cory Shaffer, Drew Brannon, and Milt Lowder reflect on the psychological principles that came to life during these defining moments. In this episode, they explore the mental game as an important differentiator and break down the key psychological facto…
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Episode 306: The Heart of a Champion - Five Markers of Courage
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29:29As the Oregon, Georgia, and Clemson football programs gear up for their conference championship games this weekend, AMPLOS sport psychologists Dr. Drew Brannon (Georgia) and Dr. Cory Shaffer (Oregon) share insights on what it truly means to be courageous. Drawing from their experience with championship-caliber teams, they discuss how to turn fear i…
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Episode 305: The Benefits of Gratitude - A Timeless Thanksgiving Reflection
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26:04This Thanksgiving, we’re revisiting last year’s episode on The Benefits of Gratitude. Join Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, Cory Shaffer, and Brian Selman as they dive into the transformative power of gratitude. Discover how practicing gratitude fosters resilience, strengthens relationships, boosts immunity, improves sleep, and enhances well-being i…
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Episode 304: Why Gratitude Changes Everything
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33:18
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33:18Cultivating gratitude is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to transform your life—and science backs it up. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer dispel the myth that gratitude is just a "soft skill" and dive into its substantial, evidence-based benefits. From enhanced mood and heightened awareness to stronger immune systems …
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Episode 303: How to Sustain Success in College Football (and Any Team)
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33:00Join Dr. Drew Brannon, sport psychologist for Georgia football, and Dr. Cory Shaffer, performance coach for Oregon football, as they reflect on the college football season so far and explore the principles of achieving and sustaining peak performance. With the transfer portal and 12-team playoff reshaping the competition, teams have experienced dra…
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Episode 302: Building a Strong Organizational Identity
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40:01What makes your organization unique, enduring, and impactful? In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon and Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson discuss the game-changing role of a well-defined organizational identity. Learn how clarity around your organization’s core values can boost performance, attract top talent, and foster customer loy…
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Episode 301: Reflections & Revelations – Behind AMPLOS’ Impact in College Football and the Vision for The Growth Project
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22:31In this Q&A session following last week’s live 300th episode, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer reflect on pivotal moments from AMPLOS' journey, including their work with college football athletes at Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon. They reveal what brings the most joy in their work—Milt’s passion for curiosity, Drew’s drive for breakth…
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Episode 300: Special Live Recording - Leaders You Might Not Know, But Should
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38:03Join us for a special live recording from the ONE building in downtown Greenville, SC, as we celebrated our 300th episode with a live audience! Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer reflect on their 7-year journey to 300 episodes and highlight three impactful leaders you might not know, but should: Allyson Felix, the most decorated track…
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Episode 299: The Art of Leadership with Dr. Katie Nichols
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23:20In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer welcomes back Dr. Katie Nichols, former AMPLOS performance coach and host of The Growth Project, and current Director of Mental Performance at the University of Louisville. As we approach our 300th episode, it feels fitting to bring back Dr. Nichols, who played a vital role in shaping the podcast, to share what she…
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Episode 298: Navigating the Long Game – College Football Week 5 Breakdown
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39:22Dr. Drew Brannon, sport psychologist for Georgia football, and Dr. Cory Shaffer, performance coach for Oregon football, reflect on the current state of the college football season. With Oregon undefeated and Georgia experiencing one loss, they explore the mental toughness needed for the long game – both on and off the field. They dive into the psyc…
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Episode 297: Special Episode on Hurricane Helene - Weathering the Storm and Uniting Through Uncertainty
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30:54In this special episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon discuss the profound impact of Hurricane Helene, which left a wake of destruction throughout the Southeast, including our home of Greenville, SC, and how it illustrates the "U-Trifecta"—facing events that are unpredictable, undesirable, and leave us feeling unprepared. From the anxiety and …
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Episode 296: The Power of Positive Coaching
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31:44Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore the surprising science behind motivational language and why negative pregame speeches in sports fall flat. Drawing on research, they discuss how coaching from fear or weakness not only undermines performance but also impacts team culture and personal growth. Learn how positive feedback, empathy, and a coach…
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Episode 295: How Self-Talk Shapes Your Reality
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43:39Join 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 …
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Episode 294: Mastering Workplace Conflict
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39:09Join 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…
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Episode 293: College Football Week 1 Breakdown for Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon
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31:56Fresh 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 succ…
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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 bor…
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Episode 291: Cowgirls Don't Cry with McKee Lowder
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38:00In 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 f…
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Episode 290: Learning to Become a Pro with Olympian Danielle Williams
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43:57Fresh 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 …
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Episode 289: The Intersection of Joy and Excellence
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27:09Are 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 insig…
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Episode 288: Nurturing Teamwork as a Core Skill with Marlee Johnson
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30:51Join 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…
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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 n…
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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 re…
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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. Tun…
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