The Art Of Coaching

“They just won’t listen. No matter how clearly I explain it, they refuse to see my side of things. It’s like talking to a brick wall." Have you ever felt like this, like you're hitting a dead end with someone who just won’t budge? Influencing people is an art, one that often requires more than just logic and facts, especially in today’s world where information has been turned into a kind of religion willing to anoint whoever can wield it more skillfully.  In today’s episode, we’ll revisit several past topics and connect the dots to reveal an alternative way to move the ball forward. Oftentimes, if we try to bull our way straight ahead, we’re met with the most resistance. In reality, an indirect route can be like finding a perfect gap in the defense—avoiding tackles and making the smoothest run toward the end zone. Topics Discussed: The necessity of understanding power dynamics and influence tactics How penetrating someone’s ring of influence can help your cause Coalition building and the true strength in numb

Am I a bad person? Nike’s latest ad asks this question, and the internet erupted in response. But is the real issue the ad, or what it reveals about our relationship with competition and ambition? In this episode, Brett Bartholomew delves into the controversy surrounding Nike's recent ad, featuring Willem Dafoe’s voice and a striking depiction of athletes at their most intense. While some argue the ad promotes toxic values in sports, Brett explores the nuance behind it, offering his insights as a coach, parent, and former athlete. He dissects why the ad has sparked such strong reactions and what it says about our society’s discomfort with the more competitive, driven side of human nature. Topics Discussed: The controversy surrounding the Nike ad and Willem Dafoe's voiceover. The depiction of athletes and the "dark side" of competition. The difference between respecting opponents and being hyper-competitive. The role of parents in shaping their children’s behavior. How societal issues, such as mental health an

We’ve all been there. Our significant other is struggling and we ask “how can I help?”  While this is well-intentioned, is there anything we can do proactively to meet these challenges head on, before things completely unravel? Conversely, how can we express our own needs and clearly address what’s really bothering us, so we’re both on the same page? If you’ve been in this situation—and let’s face it, we all have—then you’ve come to the right place. Today’s episode is packed with practical advice and exercises that you can start doing TODAY with your spouse or partner right away to enhance your relationship. In this show, we’re diving into a no-nonsense, actionable discussion on: “Hot zones” and how to tell your partner you’re in one Defining your role as a helper vs. focusing on specific actions The importance of clearly defining your relationship essentials How to lean on your core values and beliefs when you need a win YOU AREN’T TOO LATE! - This episode is a sneak peek into our 30 Day Relationship Challe

“Before tackling this problem, let me figure out how to make this simple.  It’s really not that complicated…” Have you ever taken this approach when dealing with a difficult issue with your family, friends, staff, or coworkers? While this tactic might work in some situations, most complex problems require solutions that reductive thinking simply can’t provide. Library and bookstore shelves are brimming with management and leadership books packed with "how-to" lists, buckets, quadrants, and countless linear methods that promise to solve problems easily and efficiently, and take your people and business to the next level. From simplifying decision-making to categorizing leadership styles, these books often present a structured, step-by-step approach that appeals to those looking for quick fixes and plug and play templates. Whether it’s procrastination, avoidance, or just the allure of a quick fix, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and confront why we keep dipping into this well of oversimplified solutions—becaus

The quality of our relationships is the #1 determining factor in our overall happiness and well-being. Yet, how often do we hear real people having honest conversations about the challenges, complexities, and joys of solving the puzzle of truly connecting with those who are closest to us?  This week, Scott and Jaime Livingston join us for a candid conversation about the messy realities of relationships. Whether you come from a harmonious family with a white picket fence or one marked by tension and turmoil, there’s something in this episode for you. Scott is an Athletic Therapist, Master Performance Coach and Neuro Reconditioning Professional. He has 35+ years of practice in the human performance industry working in every conceivable performance environment. He is also the host of the groundbreaking life journey podcast, Leave Your Mark found on all streaming services.  Jaime is also an Athletic Therapist and Master Performance Coach and has been working in the field of human performance for twenty-five years

Have you ever thought, "I'd love to do that, but I just don't have the money," or do you have interests or passions outside of your professional life that you've suppressed in order to advance your career?  Maybe you've pushed aside personal goals, believing the myth that true success requires unwavering focus on your career alone. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that anything outside of work is a distraction. But what if those very experiences—those that broaden our perspective, teach us new skills, and enrich our lives—could actually enhance your career as well? This week's guest refuses to be confined to one distinct category. Taylor Evernden is the owner and director of ORKA Performance in Calgary, AB, Canada. Previously, he served as the Head of Sport Science and Strength & Conditioning for the Calgary Foothills Soccer Club, where he oversaw the athletic development of U12-18 teams, as well as the W League and USL PDL. In addition to his extensive experience in athletic performance, Taylo

Do you think mentorship is a straightforward, progressive process? Think again. We envision that ideal student-teacher relationship or the picturesque blacksmith-apprentice image, but in reality, things just don't work that way. People are complex and being an effective mentor requires a playbook that goes far beyond a cookie-cutter list of ideal traits.  In this episode we're turning back the clock and rediscovering the hard truths of what it takes to be a great mentor. We examine: Setting someone up for success vs. hand-holding Reciprocity and the NEED for collaboration Challenging comfort zones through accountability How to say the hard stuff and promote self-reliance  Mentoring - One of our missions as a company was to be a beacon for people who need help becoming a better leader, building more meaningful relationships, and navigating the scary realities of entrepreneurship. Our 1:1 mentoring program was built to fill that gap and give you a clear path to progress. Schedule a free discovery call with our

“How can I do this better?”  Tackling large projects, like writing a book, can be incredibly daunting. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by your own ideas. How can we overcome this and get our thoughts onto paper? What tools or applications can help us stay organized and productive while assembling our project or book? In this episode we discuss: Why your workspace setup NEEDS to reflect your process Tools for capturing thoughts and ideas to convert into content  Integrating word mapping into your creative ecosystem Transitioning from harvester to producer through accountability To stay up to date on release information and bonuses for Brett’s next book, visit artofcoaching.com/book.  Whether you’re a longtime listener or are new to us, this work will speak to you.  More to come! If there are other topics you’d like us to dive into in our podcast, please let us know!  If you have a specific topic you’d like us to cover, reach out at info@artofcoaching.com or submit your questions HERE. Everyone needs a Coach.  W

“What can I do to help?”  Have you ever been asked that question and felt like throwing your hands up in frustration? Maybe it's a question you ask your team at work or your family at home. Whether you have specific needs or genuinely want to help others, how can we express ourselves more clearly and get to the heart of the issue? How can we show up in a way that makes an impact? Some of the key topics covered in this episode are: Essential details for determining our suitability to help Principles of being a good advocate How to hold ourselves and others accountable for lack of reciprocation The damaging effects of inaction and the roles of fear and self-worth 30 Day Relationship Challenge - Today's podcast delved into the importance of expressing ourselves and our needs, and how to better support others. If you’ve ever felt unheard, under-appreciated, disrespected or overlooked - we can help! Email us at info@artofcoaching.com and just say “interested.”  As a loyal podcast listener, you’ll be the first to

We’ve heard it all before. Whether in sports or business, high achievers think differently than we do.  They’ve developed an internal flow chart for solving problems and regulating their emotions, creating a winning machine. Is this really how they do it? What tips can we pull from the ever-expanding mental performance world to improve our performance without falling into gimmicks and wasting time? Today’s guest has not only walked the walk, but has done it at the highest level. Her name is Priscilla Tallman and she’s a Mental Performance Consultant who holds a Masters’ Degree in Clinical Psychology and has authored two nationally published performance journals that feature essential tools for athletes, coaches, and leaders. Priscilla began her journey as an athlete, playing volleyball at the University of Georgia where she earned numerous accolades including SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, and was inducted into UGA’s Circle of Honor.  She was also a member of the USA National Team and the W

That spun out of control.  I don’t think they quite understand.  Would things have turned out different if I had approached it another way? Have you ever felt like that after an interaction?  None of us are perfect communicators, so chances are that you have.  It is extremely frustrating when things go wrong, especially when we have the knowledge and think we are adequately prepared to handle it.  In order to own the moment, you need to understand: Why not all practice is the same and what elements to include to improve transferability The role contextual interference plays and how to account for it  How to lean into constraints and leverage them for growth What to do if you get stuck and how social scrimmaging can save you 30 Day Relationship Challenge - If you’re someone who wants to get better at relationships, we have something in the works for you.  Whether you’re single, married, or just need to deal with some inner conflict, this is for you.  Financial issues, communicating with kids, intimacy - we ca

Everything has turned into a debate.  No matter the topic, everyone seems to have an opinion.  Don’t feel left out…you’re included!  So are your co-workers, friends, neighbors, and ESPECIALLY your family and loved ones.   Getting into an argument with anyone is hard, but it becomes increasingly difficult when they brush off your points, spin the facts, or change the subject altogether.  Imagery of a bull and matador come to mind.  This episode will give you a deeper understanding of why people deflect or misdirect, and how to get rid of the red cape and hidden sword in exchange for improved relationships and personal growth. In today’s show, we discuss: The psychological reasons people resort to using deflective tactics How trying to “save face” can backfire and widen the gap to conflict resolution Accountability and how dealing with our own demons leads to growth Scripts you can use if you’re overwhelmed and need to buy time to process and respond If you’d like to learn more about our 30 Day Relationship Ch

Imagine what it takes to reach the pinnacle of any profession. We’re not just talking about the top 5-10%, but fractions of that. Now add that this business is composed of the largest, fastest, and most explosive athletes on the planet, competing in a collision sport where success and failure are determined in split seconds. Oh, did we mention that millions of dollars are on the line? Today, we are joined by someone who was not just a part of that elite club but reached the highest highs—from the trenches. In the 1st Round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Dontari Poe with the 11th overall pick. Over the next nine seasons, Poe became an All-Pro Defensive Lineman, wreaking havoc on backfields across the league. His journey began long before he became a pro, and today he shares some timeless and invaluable lessons he learned along the way. This show is like our workshops: uncut, uncensored, and 100% real. PARENTAL ADVISORY for a few instances of coarse language. In this episode, we discuss:

Relationships are hard.  Even if you’ve been with your better half for years, it can still be easy to miss the forest for the trees during busy times.  We know that when dealing with people miscommunication is the baseline, but does it have to be this way with those we love the most? Today, we address a real-life situation sent in by one of our listeners and provide focused advice on how to have a difficult conversation with your spouse.  Nothing will haunt you like the spirit of the unsaid and if you or your partner’s needs aren’t being fulfilled, the road WILL become rocky.  How do we go about expressing ourselves without sounding needy?  How can you get what you want while enhancing the relationship for both of you? In this highly practical episode, we discuss: The dangers of assuming someone knows everything about you How to ensure we’re not the problem and how to reverse course if we are Practical ways to start the conversation and the one element that MUST be included Research about unexpressed feelings

It’s time!  You’ve spent YEARS building your skill set and building your reputation as a leader in your field.  You’re ready to convert your knowledge and skill set into a viable business and share your passion with others in the form of a live event or workshop.    Few experiences are as fulfilling as getting together with other people, united by a shared passion and commitment to improving at a specific skill.  Aristotle once said “teaching is the highest form of understanding,” so not only can you start making money by running your own event, but you’ll also gain an even deeper understanding of the subject you are so passionate about.  But how do you even begin to put this together?  As you start moving around the puzzle pieces, it can get overwhelming.  Fast. In today’s episode we’re joined by AOC Director of Operations Liz Bartholomew to discuss: Where to begin in the initial planning stage and how to set realistic expectations  What to look for in a venue and what you need to know about it to prior the

Do you ever feel like people are tuning you out?  It can be EXTREMELY frustrating when you know your message or product isn’t landing with your audience.  What gives?  Why do some brands seem to resonate while others come off as white noise or unimportant? Copywriting is the answer.  Even in this new, digital age writing skills are timeless.  There is both an art and science to delivering words to inspire others to take action and people need to feel something if you want their attention.  Understanding copywriting can completely change the way you approach marketing and turn passive bystanders into active participants.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just want to be a more informed consumer, understanding this form of writing is relevant to everyone. In today’s episode we discuss: What copywriting is and how it’s different from traditional writing Where you use it and how it’s used on you in everyday life Identify the essential characteristics of good copy and their psychological underpinnings How to use

You’ve been brought in to be the difference maker.  You’ve done the market research and have even done some background on your new team, you’re ready to hit the ground running!  BUT, it turns out not everyone is excited about the new direction, and no matter what you do you cannot gain momentum.  Failure to launch.  Making change is hard.  We’ve all read leadership books that lay out the necessary steps to build the ultimate team and business, but we know better.  It’s never what you expect it to be.  In today’s episode we are joined by Art Of Coaching Facilitator Bekah Gold where she shares with us some invaluable lessons learned from her professional journey and keeps it real on what it takes to change workplace culture. In this episode we discuss: What to do when you’re met with resistance and apathy when trying to initiate change The importance of assessing yourself and how others perceive you How to discern the drives of others and the vital role it plays in connecting with them Why setting expectations

You’re on edge.  Heart is pounding.  Mind is racing.  We’ve all been confronted by someone either in-person, over email, or on social media who questioned our personal or professional integrity.  If you haven’t, buckle up. It doesn’t matter what genre of music you like, if you have paid attention to the news at all over the past few months, you’ve heard of the beef between the artists Drake and Kendrick Lamar.  Everyone from the New York Times to the President of the United States have commented on it.  A lot of lessons can be learned from peeling back the layers of societal events like these, and today’s episode is going to challenge you to think critically about things you may have previously just left in the tabloids. In this episode we cover: The economic impact of public disputes and what it can teach us about marketing How to leverage publicity from a conflict to define your brand and rally your followers The tactical considerations when responding to an attack and the importance of timing What to do if

Struggling with your work?  Feel like you’re not hitting the mark?  You’re not alone.  Today’s chat dives deep into what it feels like when nothing seems to work and how to find your way out. In Dr. Seuss’s book “Oh, the Place You’ll Go!”, he writes “And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun.  Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”  We’ve ALL been there and no one or nothing can pull you out.  It’s an inner struggle that we all go through and must conquer, and to be honest we don’t really have a choice. In this episode we cover: Why some common advice just doesn’t help and what to look out for instead Tips on how to step back and see your work differently, gaining new insights that matter Simple strategies to better understand your audience, ensuring your work resonates How to tackle self doubt head-on, paving the way for more authentic and satisfying work It's hard to get out of your own head if you never get a chance to talk out some of the issues or problems you're struggling with.  For th

Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and thought “can we just cut to the chase?”   For some people small talk seems like a complete waste of time, a painful variation of the verbal headlock.  There are other people who seem to naturally flow through these conversations using them to build relationships with a diverse group of people, while simultaneously keeping their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in their communities. In today’s episode, we dive deep on these surface level conversations in a way that no one has before.  We discuss: The ramifications of refusing to engage in them and their evolutionary importance How our drives play a direct role in our approach and goals for these interactions  Tips to manage and mitigate the cognitive load these conversations cost Practical strategies for navigating and reaping the benefits from small talk Today’s episode was made as a result of listener questions and situations attendees at our latest workshop wanted help with.  Reach out to us at