Tackling Life

The story you tell yourself dictates how you approach the world. Ray and Dr. Conte talk about how you can write your own story to match your vision and imagination, instead of a story that blocks you from accomplishing your goals. Ray shares some compelling and insightful stories from his own life and experiences both on the field and off.

Ray and Dr. Conte answer a question submitted by Mike about how to release tension under pressure both physically and mentally. They also answer Robbie from the UK about how to teach patience to the young and inexperienced. Ray has unique insights into instilling patience into young football players.

Dr. Conte details seven deadly relationship habits; the habits that destroy relationships. Ray relates them to both intimate relationships and team sports. Plus Ray reveals what all seven have in common.

Ray and Dr. Conte respond to some listener email, including a moving message from Ali, a listener on the tiny Middle Eastern island of Bahrain where American football is non-existent. On this episode, you'll hear Ray's formula for greatness. And Dr. Conte reveals his three core principles that lead to greatness. You can submit messages for future Fan Fridays at TacklingLifePodcast.com. Or leave us a voicemail at (646) 762-4432. We may play your message on the show.

Ray and Dr. Conte talk about how to teach your children humility and why it's so important. They also explain why people are able to trick themselves into believing whatever they want. And they reveal the one thing leaders need to acquire before they lead.

Ray and Dr. Conte begin with some heartwarming thoughts on fatherhood. Ray talks about how he copes when he watches his kids compete, and how he deals with their referees. And we meet Dr. Conte's lovely daughter, Kaia. But then Ray and Kaia take on the impossible task of trying to teach Christian some dance moves. Watch it all go awry on the accompanying video at TacklingLifePodcast.com. It's NOT to be missed!

Ray and Dr. Conte have a passionate and uniquely insightful recap and analysis of the Super Bowl. Ray explains what shifted in the fourth quarter. And he reveals why Tom Brady is the best quarterback to ever play the game. Dr. Conte talks about how connection, brotherhood, physical contact and work ethic can all work together to create champions. And they have the difference between being a star and being great.

Ray describes what it was like to prepare for the Super Bowl as a player, and now as a part of the media coverage. Ray and Dr. Conte have specific tips on how to stay focused and tune out the noise. And Ray describes what it's like to become a Super Bowl champion and to know at that moment that you're a champion forever.

Ray and Dr. Conte talk about young NFL player's influence in the world, and how that parallels your influence on kids. We have to be mindful we are constantly role modeling our behavior for young people and the guys have specific tips on how to impact and shape young people in a positive way. Dr. Conte describes the ultimate learning experience and the power of "intentionality." Ray talks about what wrestling taught him and what it was like coaching in a pro bowl after playing in it.

Ray and Dr. Conte go deep, using the Pro Bowl to exemplify effective communication and leadership. You'll also hear where Ray says confidence comes from, and how fear breeds confidence. Plus Dr. Conte talks about "shadow projection" and how you see in others things you don't want to face in yourself. And hear about some of Ray's "wow" moments, and how to have some of your own.

If you've ever put on a football jersey, you need to hear Ray's key to success in Football. Plus Dr. Conte asks Ray what it's like to get ready to play in the Super Bowl.  Ray reveals where the younger players go wrong. And he talks about whether the average NFL player understands the importance of the game to their city and their fans.

Ray and Dr. Conte offer actionable advice on how to make good decisions. They discuss questioning your beliefs instead of blindly following. They talk about how your environment influences your decisions and how to not become a slave to your environment. They describe how we allow ourselves permission to hurt people and how we can take that option off the table. And they have specific techniques to train your brain to practice self-control and delay gratification. Ray illustrates some of these points through a dramatic story of an eight-year-old boy whose father was killed in combat. 

Ray and Dr. Conte have insight and analysis of last Sunday's NFL playoff games and a preview of the upcoming games. Plus Ray sounds off on Tom Brady, as well as Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New England Patriots. Plus hear Ray's Super Bowl prediction.

Meet the man behind Ray's legendary workouts, Monte Sanders, a highly sought after celebrity fitness trainer and expert. Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Ray's fitness regime. Monte, Ray, and Dr. Conte talk about not just fitness for the body, but also for the mind and spirit; focusing on all parts of your being is the only way to achieve balance. They talk about how to channel your physical self and make it into something spiritual. Find out what "pissed off for greatness" means, how to embrace and push through pain, and hear Ray's insightful definition of "failure."

Ray and Dr. Conte welcome Lewis Howes to today's episode. Howes is a New York Times Bestselling author of the hit book, The School of Greatness. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach, and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American, he is a current USA Men’s National Handball Team athlete. Lewis hosts a top Self Help podcast, The School of Greatness. Lewis, Ray and Dr. Conte talk about how Lewis channeled aggression and anger from being bullied into developing his body and mind into being the best they can be. And how Howes uses mindfulness, meditation and gratitude to overcome his inner suffering that came from being bullied.

Ray and Dr. Conte are joined by the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, John E. Wetzel, who is widely recognized as one of the thought leaders in corrections today. They have a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation on criminal justice reform, the children of incarcerated parents, and the importance of hope.

Your legacy will be defined by your actions, not your talent. Ray and Dr. Conte offer specific advice on how you can create your legacy by adopting true humility, and they reveal the one person you should always represent. They talk about aggression versus assertiveness and they offer effective ways to speak up for yourself. They also explore how personal boundaries have changed in the age of social media and how technology is shaping our young people.

Ray and Dr. Conte talk to Sara McMann, mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler. She is the first American woman in history to receive a silver medal in Olympic wrestling. She reveals how she's learned to use her natural fight or flight adrenaline response to achieve maximum athletic performance. She also tells a powerful story illustrating how to follow what you love and never let anybody tell you what your destiny is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Conte goes inside the mind of Ray Lewis and finds some of the most fun and insightful stuff you'll ever hear about football. Ray talks about how the NFL has changed over the years and what it takes to be in pro football. He reveals the one word that was always in his head whenever he was on the field for all seventeen years of his career. He also divulges how he came back from loss, and how you can, too. You'll hear his surprising answer to the question, "who is the next Ray Lewis?" And you'll find out Ray's most poignant moment of his entire career.

Ray and Dr. Conte welcome a special guest, 2014 ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year -- all-American running back from the University of Pittsburgh, James Conner. He had plans to enter the NFL this year but last November everything changed. Conner endured a season-ending knee injury followed by a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Publicly announcing his cancer in December 2015, he vigorously participated in Pitt's winter workouts while undergoing chemotherapy...declared cancer free in May, Conner emphatically stated his goal was to be running the football again this fall...Conner made good on his promise. Hear how Conner made a heroic journey back to the field.