The Art Of Coaching

Ever had a discussion that felt like quicksand? You’re trying to solve one thing, but somehow you end up defending three other things that weren’t even part of the original issue. The topic shifts, the tone changes, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a loop.   In this episode, Brett breaks down why some people constantly derail conversations—whether by changing the subject, twisting words, or moving the goalposts—and how to stop that cycle before it eats away at your time, energy, and credibility.   This isn’t about learning debate tricks or “winning” arguments. It’s about keeping conversations grounded in reality, staying emotionally regulated, and getting back to the real point instead of getting baited into someone else’s chaos.   ⸻   You’ll Learn: •Why arguments loop in the first place — and the psychological drivers behind conversational derailment. •How to identify the real issue beneath the noise so you stop reacting to symptoms and address the actual source. •Three simple tactics to regain contro

At some point, every one of us becomes “the bad guy” — the person who says no, sets a line in the sand, or disappoints someone who wanted a little too much. And truthfully? That’s a good thing. In this episode, Brett breaks down why being willing to let people down is essential if you want to keep your sanity, your focus, and your self-respect. Because saying yes to everything doesn’t make you a better leader, coach, or friend — it just makes you a doormat. We’ve all seen how it happens: someone asks for a small favor here or there, and before you know it, your time, energy, and attention are getting siphoned off in a hundred directions that don’t serve your goals. This conversation is about drawing the line, protecting what actually matters, and remembering that you’re not supposed to serve everyone. Sometimes, being the “bad guy” is what keeps you effective, grounded, and able to keep doing the work that actually helps people long-term. If you found this helpful, check out:   •The Apprenticeship – our liv

People pleasing -  we’ve all seen it before (whether we recognized it or not) - constantly being agreeable, always saying yes, never setting any boundaries - all to the point of self-destruction.  If you haven’t experienced it yourself, it’s likely you’ve witnessed someone else demonstrate these behaviors. And although it may have short-term benefits, we know that these self-destructive tendencies are not sustainable, and can lead to mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and burnout. If this is something you think you might struggle with, or if you know someone who does, today’s episode provides a wide variety of perspectives on what “people pleasing” can look like in the day to day world, a number of root causes, and a handful of different solutions you can use to help you manage these behaviors. More specifically, I dive into: Quotes that hit - some of the most impactful sound bites I’ve heard on the topic What drives you?  How our drives can lead us into unhealthy people pleasing behaviors The downsi

We all get busy. Work piles up, routines take over, and before you know it, years have gone by since you last checked in with people who actually mattered to you. This episode is a reminder — and a bit of a kick in the ass — that it doesn’t take much to change that. You don’t need a reason, a holiday, or the “right time.” Just reach out. Call someone you haven’t talked to in five or ten years. Shoot a text. Reconnect. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, and the truth is, life’s too unpredictable to assume you’ll always get another chance. This one’s short, direct, and human. No fluff. Just a practical reminder to stop overthinking it and make the damn call. The returns—personally and professionally—are worth it.   If you found this helpful, check out:   •The Apprenticeship – our live workshop on communication and influence.   •Speaker School – for anyone who wants to present and persuade more effectively.   •Join our community at ArtofCoaching.com/community for bonus materials and episode breakdowns

Logic rarely wins people over — emotion does.   In this episode, Brett breaks down the timeless principles of persuasion through the lens of a real NIL recruiting scenario, showing why even great offers fall flat when they don’t connect to what truly drives human decision-making.   You’ll learn how to see through the surface — beyond talking points, incentives, or facts — and understand the emotional and psychological levers that make people say “yes.”    Whether you’re trying to recruit an athlete, land a client, lead a team, or communicate more effectively in everyday life, this episode helps you navigate the human side of influence ethically and with purpose.   ⸻   What You’ll Learn   •Why people make emotional decisions first and use logic only to justify them.   •The psychological laws that govern real-world persuasion.   •How to identify the intangibles — what people actually care about beneath the surface (certainty, familiarity, belonging, recognition, identity).   •Why people choose what feels safe o

Everyone talks about “stepping out of your comfort zone,” but few actually do it.   In this episode, Brett breaks down one of the biggest lies in modern leadership and personal development — the illusion that we’re pushing ourselves when in reality, we’re just circling around what we already know.   We love to say we’re doing “hard things” — grinding through workouts, taking on new projects, logging long hours — but most of that still sits inside our comfort zone. It’s controlled, predictable, and familiar. It doesn’t expose us to the kind of uncertainty, ego threat, or vulnerability that actually creates growth.   This episode forces you to get brutally honest about what you’re running from.   You’ll learn how to:   •Spot the difference between real growth and performative discomfort   •Recognize the fears you keep disguising as “preferences” or “boundaries”   •Understand the psychology of avoidance and how it limits your adaptability   •Reframe discomfort so it becomes a tool for progress, not a stunt for y

David Clancy is a world-class sports physio and author who’s taken more than a few sharp turns in his career. He’s had to face the same questions many of us wrestle with: Do I stay in the safe lane or risk starting over? How do I manage different passions without spreading myself too thin? What do I do with that voice in my head telling me I don’t belong?   In this episode, David and I dig into the practical side of career pivots and personal growth, including:   •The real reasons people avoid changing direction—even when they know they’re unhappy.   •How to make a career shift without blowing up everything you’ve built.   •Why imposter phenomenon can be a sign you’re on the right track, and how to keep it from paralyzing you.   •The challenge of chasing multiple passions and what filters help you decide what’s worth pursuing.   •How relationships—not networking, but genuine ones—end up making or breaking your next move.   •The skill of listening, and why it matters more than being the smartest person in the

Most of what you see online right now isn’t designed to help you grow. It’s designed to keep you nodding, scrolling, and agreeing.    Viral soundbites, 30-second reels, celebrities chasing trends—it’s all part of a system that rewards superficiality over substance. And if you’re someone putting real effort into your work, it can feel like you’re shouting into the void while the BS racks up likes and followers.   In this episode, I’m breaking down: •Why the landscape feels so hollow right now (and no, it’s not just you imagining it). •What the human psyche actually craves in times of overload—and how platforms exploit it. •How to filter out the junk so you don’t waste energy on fast-food advice. •Concrete ways to adapt so you can stand out without selling out.   If you’ve ever thought, “Why bother? Real work doesn’t break through anymore,” this one’s for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Ferrazzi — author, speaker, and one of the most recognized voices on leadership and collaboration.   We dig into the future of “teamship,” the traps of popular leadership clichés, and why generosity isn’t just a feel-good concept but a competitive advantage.   We also talk about the new era of AI, how leaders can navigate it with strategy and authenticity, and what separates those who adapt from those who fall behind.   You’ll learn: •How to avoid the subtle pitfalls that quietly erode trust and damage relationships.   •Why leadership today requires a process-driven approach — not empty soundbites or recycled philosophies.   •What “teamship” looks like in practice, and how to foster it inside your own organization.   •How to pair thoughtfulness with boldness in a time where AI and rapid change are reshaping expectations.   •The simple but overlooked practices that will keep you ahead of your peers.   If you want a grounded, no-BS perspective on leading with authenticity

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Adam Wright and Dr. Nick Holton for a wide-ranging conversation on anti-fragility—the ability not just to endure difficulty, but to grow stronger because of it.   We go beyond the philosophical jargon and buzzwords and get into what anti-fragility actually looks like in real life, whether you’re leading athletes, running an organization, or just trying to manage your own day-to-day stress.   We talk about: •What anti-fragility really means (not just resilience or grit). •How exposure to unpleasantness is essential—not optional—for growth. •Ways to practically use setbacks, stressors, and challenges as catalysts. •Why chasing happiness is less effective than learning to thrive amidst discomfort.   If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adversity into an advantage without romanticizing it or oversimplifying it, this episode will cut through the fluff and give you something you can actually apply.

We’ve all met somebody—and been there ourselves—where no matter how much success you’ve had, you still feel like you’re about to get found out. Like it’s not enough. Like eventually the mask slips.   This episode gets to the core of that feeling, builds off our previous episode on imposter phenomenon, and most importantly gives you tools to get out of your own head so you can quit playing small. The goal: to stop letting that internal echo drive you toward self-sabotage, avoidance, or holding back when you know you’ve got more to give.   Inside, you’ll learn: •What’s actually at the root of imposter syndrome (and why success doesn’t cure it). •Practical ways to interrupt the self-doubt loop before it derails you. •How to reframe your achievements so they fuel you instead of haunt you. •Simple strategies to build confidence through action, not overthinking.   If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but stuck in your own head, this one’s for you.

We’ve all been stuck in conversations that feel like hostage situations. This isn’t about passionate people with good stories — it’s about the chronic monologuers, the one-uppers, and the human foghorns who think “conversation” means “your turn to listen to me, and now your soul is mine.”  In this episode, you’ll get five tactical ways to keep your sanity, stay engaged enough to be polite, and maybe even turn things around. Whether you’re dealing with a talker at work, a relative who never comes up for air, or a stranger who traps you at a party, these strategies will help you handle it without burning bridges — or your patience.

There’s a lot of noise out there telling you that if you’re not jumping out of bed every morning with boundless energy, something’s wrong with you.  That’s false. Low-energy days aren’t proof you’re broken — they’re part of being human.  In this episode, we’ll talk about why those days happen, how to stop shaming yourself for them, and simple, low-effort ways to make the day suck less without pretending everything’s perfect.  You’ll learn how to give yourself grace without slipping into complacency, and how to keep moving forward even when you don’t have your best stuff.

When most people think about persuasion, they go straight to education (“if they just understood, they’d agree”), inspiration (“let me tell you an inspiring story”), or force (“do this now”).  But there’s a big difference between persuasion, influence, power, and warmth — and understanding that difference can change how you get things done.  This episode, inspired by a fable I read to my son, breaks down why subtlety often beats force, how warmth can shift behavior faster than pressure, and what that means in real-world situations.  Whether you’re a manager trying to get buy-in, a coach pushing for compliance, or anyone who needs to move people from point A to point B, you’ll get practical takeaways you can use immediately. Don’t forget: You’re never going to get better at dealing with challenging personalities—or improving your own communication—unless you actually come practice it in a hands-on setting. Check out one of our live, immersive workshops at: www.artofcoaching.com/events Upcoming Workshops:

These days, it feels like everyone is calling someone a narcissist. Ex-partner? Narcissist. Difficult boss? Narcissist. Confident stranger on Instagram? Must be a narcissist. The term has been thrown around so loosely that it’s lost its meaning—and worse, it’s become a lazy way to avoid reflection or real understanding. In this episode, we cut through the noise and get to the core of what narcissism really is—and what it isn’t. You’ll learn: Why narcissism exists on a spectrum—and why we all have narcissistic traits The difference between clinical, subclinical, and just human behavior The 4 distinct types of narcissism you’ll likely encounter in life or work How narcissistic traits show up in covert, communal, and even “insecure” ways Tactical ways to respond to each type—without losing your mind Why spotting narcissism in yourself isn’t something to fear—but something to work with If you’ve ever struggled to deal with someone manipulative, overly self-focused, or exhausting to be around… Or if you’ve

Have you ever gotten a negative review on something you've made or your business? Received a one-star rating? Dared to venture into the comment section—or worse—overheard someone trashing your work? It’s a law of the universe: haters are inevitable the moment you take a stance, make yourself visible, or grow in ways that challenge others' comfort or self image. In reality, most hate isn’t really about you. It’s what you represent. You’re the one who took the risk. You’re being seen.  You’re being recognized. And that shakes the stands they’re still sitting in—watching, critiquing, but never stepping foot in the arena themselves. This episode will help you separate noise from feedback, ugliness from something worth reflecting on, and how to tell when criticism should be used as locker room motivation—or ignored entirely. In today’s show, Brett will address this long overdue and fascinating case study in human nature, and cover: The deeper reasons people lash out—and what it has to do with power and control Wh

Wait... when did this become my fault? Why do I feel like I’m being indicted?  That’s not at all what I meant when I said that.  I have no idea how we got to the point where I’m the one feeling guilty. We’ve all been in this situation before. You thought you were having an honest conversation—but somehow, things flipped. Now it’s uncomfortable. You must have said something that offended them… right?  But did you?  How did what you said get twisted into that? And now, out of nowhere, you’re the bad guy. People can be simple, complex, complicated, and convoluted—all at the same time. Sometimes we send a clear input through someone, and because of ego, insecurity, or other unresolved stuff, it comes out the other side as something completely different, leaving them defensive. Now they’re projecting. And now you’re stuck dealing with the fallout. It’s more common than ever in the world we live in today—so let’s break it down. What kinds of tactics can we use to lower the temperature and get back on solid ground?

It can be one of the most frustrating things in the world. That discontent and confusion about your professional life and where it’s headed. The feeling that keeps you up at night, scrolling job postings, revisiting all the “what if’s” from your past, and daydreaming about a complete 180 you’ve always thought about, but never acted on. Staying in this mental space doesn’t just drain your energy, it leaves you lost, confused about your future and what a step forward even looks like. Whether you’re burnt out, fed up with the bureaucracy, or simply craving a new challenge— you need definitive clarity about what you want, along with an honest map of the current landscape so you can make the next right move. This episode will cut through the worry and wishful thinking as Brett lays out: How to identify which passion is worth acting on, even when your head is spinning with options A framework to pressure-test a career move—so you can dip a toe or get your foot in the door without blowing up your life The role of b

Nothing will haunt you like the things you leave unsaid. It’s a bold statement, and a chilling one—but unfortunately, most of us know exactly how true it is. You owe it to them and to yourself to speak the truth about what they mean to you. No matter the regrettable things you’ve said or done to each other... the failures, the absences, the apologies never given, or the love you didn’t express—it needs to get out. We’ve covered a wide range of topics since launching this podcast, but this one stands out as an evergreen. It’s a conversation that will withstand the test of time and deeply resonate with YOU. In this episode, Brett shoots straight from the heart and will explain: Why we often don’t say what needs to be said—how assumptions, pride, and fear keep olive branches from growing The danger of “safe” silence—and how it can quietly grow into full-blown regret How to make sure you’re not leaving yourself out of the conversation by silencing your own positive affirmations A practical strategy to turn that