The Art Of Coaching

It’s one of the most common ways that intelligent, thoughtful people can end up sending mixed signals and unintentionally cause misunderstandings.  And the irony is that the people who do it most often are usually the ones who care a great deal about being thorough, guiding others, teaching, and not being misunderstood.  In this episode, Brett breaks down the root causes of over-explaining and offers advice on how to both curb it and leverage it when it’s actually appropriate.  Most importantly, you’re going to get strategies that can help you in the workplace, when presenting to others, or simply to help you clarify and simplify your own thoughts so your credibility is never undermined.   What You’ll Learn   • The most common causes of over-explaining so you can recognize it in yourself   • Tactics you can use both proactively and retroactively — in the moment and after the fact   • Circumstances where over-explaining can actually help you, and how to know the difference   • Strategies for distilling your me

In this episode, Brett fulfills the request of a listener who asked him to go through some of his biggest gold nuggets — some of the one-liners, some of the distilled raw material that has mattered and inspired him the most over the years. Whether that had to do with communication, power dynamics, self-awareness — all the things he’s learned in those kinds of contexts — that’s what you’re going to get in this episode. Brett lists off some of the quotes and one-liners he loves most, that he constantly goes back to, and gives some context around why they still hold up. If you enjoyed this episode or those like it, you’re going to love Brett’s next book. Go to artofcoaching.com/book to preorder your copy of The Antihero Advantage — Brett’s latest work with Portfolio/Penguin Random House.   What You’ll Learn:   ∙ Why certain people rationalize their behavior even when it goes against their own values   ∙ The flaw most people make when trying to get lasting buy-in   ∙ How perception influences credibility and expe

We’ve all had somebody in our life we genuinely wanted to help — but couldn’t seem to get through to. Maybe they’re going through a rough season. Maybe they seem shut down. Maybe they’re stuck in a pattern they can’t see. Sometimes that person’s been us. This episode digs into what’s actually happening when someone won’t let you in, why logic almost never changes behavior, and what to do instead. We cover why most people default to the wrong influence tactics when they’re trying to reach someone, what people are really protecting when they put up walls, and how comparison — even when it comes from a good place — can make the problem worse. If you’ve ever said “they’re just not motivated” about someone you care about, this one’s going to reframe that for you.   “If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, please seek professional help. You can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anytime by calling or texting 988.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​“   What You’ll Learn:   ∙ Strategies for b

Most people have spent years studying feedback — the frameworks, the techniques, the dos and don'ts. But almost nobody has ever been asked one simple question before receiving it: How do you want feedback? That's the focus of today's episode. Brett breaks down why this single question might be the most underrated communication tool in your arsenal — and why it works on a level most people never think about. It's not a hack. It's not a trick. It's old-style values that the noise of modern leadership advice has buried. And once you start using it, you'll wonder why you ever walked into a feedback conversation without it.   What You’ll Learn:   ∙ Why most feedback conversations fail before a single word is spoken.   ∙ How one question disarms defensiveness and gives you useful intel at the same time.   ∙ ⁠The difference between catering to someone's preferences and surrendering to them.   ∙ Why this is power dynamics in action — and why that's a good thing.   ____________________     Follow Us: Website: Arto

For myself and a lot of other people, it seems like folks are getting more and more unprofessional. Not just individuals — organizations too.    People hide behind screens. They don’t want to have real conversations, and it chews up time and wastes energy.   You’ve got to find a way to get past that in today’s world.   So today we do a broad ranging Q&A on how to be assertive when you need to be — whether you’re dealing with a lazy contractor, a business that didn’t deliver, or just trying to get out of your own head.    How to frame conversations whether they’re over email or in person, so you decrease the likelihood of things escalating. How to take the governor off, say what you need to say with a clear, assertive message, and maintain your composure in the process.   What You’ll Learn:   ∙ How to say the hard thing without over-explaining, apologizing for it, or walking it back   ∙ Why most people mistake conflict avoidance for kindness — and what it's actually costing them in their relationships, ca

In this episode, Brett breaks down many of the themes that rarely get addressed in modern leadership conversations. He talks about power dynamics, internal and external conflict, and what it actually looks like to lead when the situation isn’t clean or clear. That includes navigating manipulative behavior, managing seemingly no-win situations, and making decisions that can carry real personal and professional ramifications. The situations faced can tempt you to soften your standards or drift into people-pleasing just to keep external stakeholders satisfied. Brett explores how to avoid that trap, how to read the room more accurately, and how to assess what’s really going on beneath the surface — not just in others, but in yourself. He also shares an update on his upcoming book with Penguin Random House, which releases December 1, and explains why he chose to focus on the morally gray, psychologically demanding side of influence and leadership. Preorders are live at artofcoaching.com/book.   What You’ll Learn:

Most people can name a great coach or leader. Far fewer can explain what actually makes one. In this episode, Brett breaks down what separates truly elite coaches and leaders from everyone else—and it's not what most people expect. From the role of self-awareness to the uncomfortable truth about dark triad personalities who win, Brett challenges the romanticized version of coaching and replaces it with a more honest, battle-tested one. If you work with people in any capacity—athletes, executives, teams—this episode will sharpen how you see the craft and yourself.   What You’ll Learn:   ∙ The specific traits that separate elite coaches from effective ones   ∙ Why measuring success by wins alone misses the full picture   ∙ Common arguments people make to defend toxic coaching—and why they fall short   ∙ How self-awareness directly impacts a coach's ceiling and longevity   ____________________     Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, I break down the legitimate number one tip you need to understand if you want to present your ideas more effectively — in a way that actually connects with people. There are a lot of folks out there who’ll tell you how to be a better speaker, then hand you something obvious you probably already knew. And to be clear, I’m not here to demean that kind of advice — some of it is helpful. But this is different. From a big-picture strategic lens, this is the one thing that, if you get it wrong, puts you in a bad spot immediately. And if you get it right, it upgrades everything: your clarity, your presence, and how well people actually track with what you’re saying. For more tips, techniques, and resources to help you communicate more clearly and connect more effectively, go to artofcoaching.com/speaker.   What You’ll Learn:   ∙ The questions to ask before you present so you actually understand your audience and their real pain points   ∙ How to use this insight in team meetings, tough conversation

Ever notice someone’s withdrawn, quiet, or clearly bothered—but when you ask “what’s wrong?” they shut down even more? You’re not alone. Most people approach these moments with good intentions but terrible execution, and it backfires every time.   In this episode, Brett breaks down why the classic “what’s wrong?” or “are you okay?” almost never works—and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to frame your approach so people actually feel safe opening up, rather than defensive or interrogated.   What You’ll Learn:   ∙ Why asking “what’s wrong?” triggers defensiveness and makes people clam up   ∙ The psychological principle behind why people withdraw when confronted directly   ∙ How to lead with intent so your concern lands as care, not criticism   ∙ Specific language frameworks to use with a spouse, colleague, or team member who seems off   ____________________     Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, I give a real-time update on a few things I’ve been working on and thinking through lately — including the Non-Superficial Bullshit Conference, progress on my next book, and some hard-earned reminders for anyone building something of their own. I get a bit passionate in this one so be ready! More than anything, it’s a grounded conversation for people who are in the middle of it — business owners, leaders, parents, and anyone betting on themselves and trying not to crash and burn in the process. We touch on topics that are relatable for any coach, teacher, leader, entrepreneur and anyone else who puts skin in the game. Please send to a friend and kindly consider giving us a 5-star review in Spotify, Apple Music or wherever you get your podcasts.   ____________________     Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:     •  The strategies I've used when I went through some really rough times over the past five years     •  The critical business questions every entrepreneur needs to ask themselves

Let’s just say it: some of you are losing time, sleep, and opportunities because you’re afraid to speak up. Not because you don’t know what you want to say — but because you’re scared of saying it wrong. So you sit on it. You rehearse the conversation 20 times in your head. You rework the email draft. You “wait for the right time.” But the truth is, you’re not waiting for the right time — you’re avoiding the discomfort of being misunderstood, disagreed with, or making things awkward. This episode is for the person who’s tired of overthinking every sentence. Tired of holding it in, sugarcoating things, or walking away thinking, I should’ve said something. We’re not going to “boost your confidence.” We’re going to dismantle the lie that if you just say it the right way, conflict will magically disappear. I’ll walk you through where this fear actually comes from, what it costs you over time, and how to build real reps in communication that actually works — even if it’s messy, uncomfortable, or imperfect.   _____

Most people have a bunch of notes, voice memos, and half-baked thoughts scattered across their phone, laptop, or random legal pads. They tell themselves, “One day I’ll organize this…” but that day rarely comes. In this episode, I break down a skill that’s helped me think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and actually build the stuff I kept talking about. The tips in this episode will help you stress test your ideas, sharpen your thinking, and turn loose thoughts into something useful—whether that’s a resource for your staff, a framework for your clients, or just a clearer head.   ____________________   Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:   • A simple skill that helps you unload mental clutter and finally do something with all the knowledge and experience you’ve been sitting on   • How to better document what you’ve learned and structure it in a way so the people you lead—or help—can actually benefit from what you know   • Tips that helped me write my previous best-selling book and my upcoming

This is a short, personal episode about a few things I’m intentionally doing more of in 2025—not because they sound impressive or productive, but because they’ve genuinely made my life calmer, healthier, and more grounded.   Rather than focusing on goals or systems, I talk through a handful of changes that have come from experience, reflection, and paying attention to what actually drains me versus what gives something back.   I share why I’m continuing to make my circle smaller without becoming closed off or cynical, why I’m done feeling uncomfortable asking for support, how I’m trying to be more mindful of how my excitement lands with different people, and why I’m working on not giving away my power just because I’m comfortable with conflict or ambiguity.   This episode isn’t about cutting people off or becoming harder. It’s about becoming more honest with myself—and more intentional with my time, energy, and relationships.   My hope is that as you listen, you reflect on where you might need to make similar

I get asked about books constantly—what I’m reading, what actually stuck, and what shaped the way I think about leadership, communication, and the world over the past year.   In this episode, I walk through some of my favorite books of 2025—a mix of fiction and nonfiction—and talk about why they mattered to me, not just what they were about.   Some influenced how I think about people and power. Some sharpened how I see leadership and decision-making. Some didn’t fit neatly into a category but stayed with me long after I finished them.   This isn’t a “you should read these because everyone else is” list. It’s a look at the books that genuinely helped me learn, reflect, and see things differently—and why pulling from a wide range of material (not just leadership or business books) makes you sharper overall.   You can find a full, continually updated reading list at: www.artofcoaching.com/reading-list   And if you want the complete list of books mentioned in this episode, you can get it by subscribing to our new

The holidays are supposed to be relaxing. Instead, they tend to throw you into rooms full of tired people, loaded topics, and conversations that go sideways fast. Everyone’s heard the advice to “just avoid certain people.” That works until you can’t. In this episode, I break down real conversational situations people actually run into during the holidays—family dinners, extended relatives, friends-of-friends, awkward small talk, emotional dumping, political grenades—and give you specific, usable strategies to handle them without blowing things up or walking away drained.   ⸻     What You’ll Learn in This Episode   •How to deal with people who drop strong opinions at the table without turning dinner into a debate club   •What to say when someone starts emotionally unloading on you and you don’t want to fix, argue, or absorb it   •How to interrupt long-winded talkers without being rude or awkward   •What to do when someone makes passive-aggressive comments and you don’t want to take the bait   •How to carry a c

One thing we work with a lot of organizations on is communication issues related to different generations, conflict resolution, and mismatched communication styles.    In this episode, we dive into what actually sits underneath those blowups: the human nature piece most people never address.   We get into why certain leaders lean on directness, why others interpret that same directness as an attack, and how those reactions are rooted in identity, power dynamics, and people’s early experiences with conflict.    We also break down what teams have to understand if they want to stop tip-toeing around each other and actually work well together.   This isn’t a “be nicer” episode. It’s a breakdown of the patterns that quietly screw up trust, clarity, and execution inside organizations—especially when different leadership styles or generations collide.   ⸻   What You’ll Learn (Practical & To the Point)   •How different generations and leadership styles interpret the same message in completely different ways.   •T

Expectations are the backbone of any team that wants to function without drama, drift, or constant hand-holding. Clear expectations create alignment. Maintaining them creates culture. But what happens when standards start slipping, people get complacent, and the gap between “what we said” and “what’s happening” widens? This episode digs into a simple, practical framework leaders in any industry can use to reset standards without defaulting to motivational speeches, generic pep talks, or more carrot-and-stick nonsense. If you’ve ever felt like you’re repeating yourself, wasting time, or dealing with the same issues week after week, this one will save you a lot of headaches. What You’ll Learn 1.⁠ ⁠Why people actually fail to meet expectations Not the clichés—the real psychological and environmental roots. You’ll also learn the first thing you must do the moment you notice standards slipping. Miss this step and everything else becomes noise. 2.⁠ ⁠How to create real accountability that sticks A concrete way to st

Listen, we all have a lot of information coming at us and limited time to process it. Most days it feels like the world is set up to keep you confused, reactive, and chasing your tail. Between research, social media, “thought leaders,” news, and whatever’s happening at work and home, it’s easy to either shut down or grab at the loudest voice in the room.   This episode is about pushing back on that. I walk through a clear framework you can use to make better sense of the information you already have, so you can stay centered, make sharper decisions, and avoid getting bogged down by bullshit. It’s less about hoarding more content and more about training how you think, what you pay attention to, and how you use what you learn.   In this episode, we get into: •How to decide what “job” a piece of information is supposed to do for you before you give it your attention •A simple relevance filter to separate what matters right now from what can wait—or be ignored •How to look at the source and the incentives behind

This episode dives into one of the most personal and difficult conversations Brett’s ever had — not with a client, colleague, or friend, but with his son.   It started when Bronson said he felt lonely — that the kids around him didn’t like to do hard things, didn’t stick with commitments, and quit when things got tough. What followed was a raw conversation about what it really means to live with conviction, pursue mastery, and stay committed even when it feels isolating.   Brett unpacks how this moment with his son connects to leadership, resilience, and the reality that walking your own path often means walking it alone — at least for a while. This isn’t about parenting advice or some polished motivational talk. It’s about what happens when you realize that the same lessons we try to teach others are the ones we have to keep learning ourselves.   ⸻   What You’ll Learn: •Why loneliness isn’t always a bad sign — it’s often proof you’re growing •How to reframe discomfort and isolation as signals of progress •Th

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