The Art Of Coaching

Why do we do the things we do? What influences the way we act, the method through which we communicate, the people we surround ourselves with…? We are complex creatures, and to better understand our behavior, we need to better understand what drives us. Through this enhanced understanding, we become more effective as communicators, and ultimately as leaders. We all do the things we do for a reason; some of these reasons may be subconscious, but they are not by accident. Getting to the root of what drives your behavior can be difficult, so we created a resource that can help you take that first step toward understanding. Click here to take our BRAND NEW QUIZ and find out what makes you tick! As I said before, we are complex creatures. So yes, use this quiz to understand your primary drive. But then take it again. Take it when you’re stressed, when you’re excited… After all, drives are fluid and context dependent. And don’t stop there! Once you’ve had enough fun, give it to your colleagues so you can

Imagine being diagnosed with a disorder at a very young age, having doctors write you off, and learning that your parents were advised to put you in a facility and to move on with their lives. This is essentially what today’s guest, Matt Marcinek, went through. After being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 9 months of age, neurologists suggested that his parents admit him to a care facility because he might not be able to walk, talk, or perform daily tasks on his own. His parents chose a different path. Matt has not only proven the neurologists wrong by overcoming many of their doubts, but in the process has become an elite coach and fierce competitor. He is a brown belt in judo and, since the time of this recording, has earned his brown belt in jiu jitsu. In addition to competing, he is the owner of Marcinek Peak Performance Systems and specializes in teaching jiu jitsu to 4-6 year olds. On top of that, he has a master’s degree in psychology and educational counseling. Today’s episode is all about how y

Guess who’s back, back again. Scotty’s back, tell a friend. No, seriously! Today, our first repeat guest is here to talk more about developing the skill of self-reflection (why a dark room and soothing music won’t do it for everyone), long lines at Costco and Mt. Everest, love languages and much, much more. We cover: Practicing self-reflection “in action” How to be more of a human being and less of a “human-doer” Why the need to earn an income prevents us from practicing communication Observation: why you can’t just trust what someone’s saying If you haven’t listened to his first episode, here’s a brief recap: Scott Livingston is a designer of human and organizational performance solutions who has worked in the high-performance sports world for more than thirty years. He has trained and re-built athletes at every level (including multiple Olympic and World Cup medalists). He worked for eleven seasons in the National Hockey League as an athletic therapist and strength and conditioning coa

These days, the concept of feedback is akin to that of a song overplayed on the radio: initially intriguing but ultimately dismissed as cliche. In reality, good feedback is more like a dance; it requires two partners ready to engage in meaningful discourse. So what’s preventing us from participating in the dance and not just listening to the overplayed song? By and large, we don’t know how to properly give it, receive it, or ask for it. Today we are going to unpack what lies at the root of our issues with feedback and offer some practical strategies to overcome these challenges. In particular: Intrinsic feedback, augmented feedback, formative feedback… Where do I even begin? How to maximize FIT between the person, the performance, and the persuasive appeal. Using the SHIP (specific, humble, interval-based, practical) analogy to give better feedback The worst thing you can do when asking for feedback When is it too much? Feedback dependence and clicker training If giving and receiving

Communication never happens by accident, yet so many accidents happen as a result of poor communication. Communication is not a singular act and it’s not something you can merely “pick-up” by watching an eloquent speaker. Communication is a skill. Communication is a strategic enterprise.  Communication is a process. Like any process, communication has many different components: components that span far beyond the simple verbal and non-verbal elements we hear so much about in pop-psychology tomes, textbooks, or leadership clinics. These components are not often recognized or thought of by the average individual because they aren’t taught despite the critical role they play in your ability to become a better communicator.  So join me today as I dive into the things we don’t hear as much about so we can gain a real edge on the past versions of ourselves and any external competition. The communication components we will cover today: Communicators Message Medium Channel Code Noise Fee

Until you stop caring what people think, you’ll never be free. Luckily, John Bartolo reached that point a long time ago. So buckle your seatbelt and let’s dive headfirst into some controversial topics. Even if you disagree with John, I challenge you to stick around because he’s an expert conversationalist and as authentic as they get. Who knows, he might just change your mind... What kind of controversial topics? Glad you asked. We discuss: Cancel culture vs. “Karen” culture Situational narcissism as a prerequisite for leadership The argument for verifying every social media account Guns, germs and steel John is a defense industry executive and former CEO. He has spent a career training and working with the best in the fields of fitness, shooting and defensive tactics. He is also the host of “The John Bartolo Show” podcast which has featured countless well-known guests from the fields of fitness, politics, MMA and action sports. Today, John focuses on consulting with many different brands on

On this podcast, we don’t shy away from controversial topics and we love interviewing people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. In this episode, University of Texas strength & conditioning coach Clint Martin shares how he battles the perpetuation of stereotypes and how non-minority populations can better understand the role that race plays in the modern workplace. We also discuss: How to walk the line between allowing individual expression while holding standards If coaches should alter their communication style based on an athlete’s background What coaches should be doing to provide uncommon value during & after COVID Mistakes to avoid when trying to gain an edge in your career What you can learn from non-traditional sources of education Clint also does a great job thinking on his feet for improv games, Devil’s Advocate, and providing thoughtful answers for who his favorite villains are (that’s right- he has more than one!). He has a ton of gold nuggets to share and the

Do you move or do you maneuver? Before you answer, consider the following: anyone can move; maneuvering involves intent and iteration. Now ask yourself a slightly different question. Do you talk or do you communicate? Same rules apply. Communication, like maneuvering, requires strategy and feedback. On today’s show we are joined by someone seeking to help an elite organization better maneuver AND communicate: Ryan Donahue of the San Francisco 49ers. We also talk about: Evaluating communication in a multi-tiered organization. Is it even possible? Delivering negative news positively Polos and logos: removing the veil of credibility Identifying and correcting asymmetries in your continuing education   Ryan is in his sixth year with the 49ers as the team’s reconditioning coordinator. He is a licensed physical therapist, Board Certified Sports Physical Therapist (SCS) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Before joining the 49ers, Donahue was a physical therapist at the Andr

Some would say when struggle meets adaptability, creativity flourishes. Our guest, Chris Duffin, perfectly embodies that sentiment. So if you think his bio is impressive, just wait till you hear what he battled to get to where he is today… Previously ranked #1 in the world in various powerlifting disciplines, Chris has held numerous world records. Now retired, he is known for his industry-changing innovations and education in the strength and clinical worlds. In addition to Kabuki Strength, Chris co-founded BuildFast Formula for supplementation and nutrition and Bearfoot Athletics to optimize the human to ground interface. He is also a best-selling author and former executive in the automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, and high-tech manufacturing industries. On today’s show we discuss: Transitional moments and “the practice of living in fear” Where Chris goes to be creative and unwind (and other hot tub stories) The role of a "Chief Visionary Officer" Abnormalcy and other traits key histor

Quality resume, solid references, abundant certifications and still can’t find a job in your field? Truth is, it’s probably not a matter of being “good enough” or having the proper letters after your name. So instead of rewriting that cover letter for the 15th time, let’s discuss what will actually help you land the job you want... Join me as I cover: What you’ll need in addition to a great resume… How to find positions that actually fit your experience / skills Living in the age of the “24/7” interview Social media: helpful or hurtful when looking for jobs? Guys, this episode is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want the go-to guide for all things finding, solidifying and maximizing the job, check out our online course - Valued. This resource will teach you the skills you need to become irreplaceable within your organization. Not sure when to look for that next job or feeling undervalued in your current one? You’re in the right place… This free webinar will help you get “un-stuck” in y

It can be an incredibly insightful exercise to look for common threads between the different roles we occupy in our lives. What draws us to those vocations and occupations? Does expertise in one lead to skill in another? Listen as our guest Joel Raether uncovers many interesting parallels between his passion for the outdoors, dog training and coaching. We also cover: What “flat-landers” get wrong about training at altitude High performance in a sedentary population? Credibility and capability - do I still need to be deadlifting at 40? “Stop making heroes out of haters!” Joel is a managing partner of FAST performance in Denver, CO. He’s also the Head of Performance for Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse, the Owner of Hunt Hike Harvest Outdoors, and an Author, Consultant and International Presenter. On today’s show, you’ll hear Joel talk about the importance of researching and tinkering in both outdoor adventuring and coaching. If you want to learn more about how these skills can help you in your

If you’ve followed this show long enough, you know that we don’t pull punches. Well, this one is going to test even our own limits… On today’s episode, Stewart Venable shares unfiltered stories about his time working as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Penitentiary (Leavenworth, KS). We hear how he relied on principles of impression management, non-verbal communication and dark sided leadership to tackle even the most tenuous of situations. In addition to his time as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Stewart is a U.S. Army Veteran, former collegiate S&C Coach, private facility owner and currently the Head S&C Coach and a P.E. Teacher for North Star High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Want to learn more about the communication tactics Stewart utilized in both law enforcement and coaching? Check out our newest resource: 1 on 1 communication training. Whatever your goals, let us help you get to the next level with customized communication coaching plans and assessments. Start by heading to  artofcoaching.com/c

Think about the last goal you set. Does it scare you? Is there a possibility you could fail? Today’s guest Ben Newman challenges us all to stop protecting ourselves with our goals and push past self-imposed limits. Also in this episode: Connecting to your “burn” The 30 day challenge - what are you ACTUALLY capable of? Why we all need a coach Doing “un-required” things to take us to the next level Ben is a highly regarded performance coach, international speaker and best-selling author. His clients include Fortune 500 companies around the world, business executives, sales organizations and professional athletes in the NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, UFC and NCAA. He also serves as a Mental Conditioning Coach for the 17-time National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide football team and has worked with players from the last 3 Super Bowl Champion teams. If your goal is to be a better communicator, add more value to your organization, or secure a financially stable future for you and your family… Take a moment

The brands we wear, the foods we eat, the people we associate with, the way we act in public… These are all ways we consciously (and often subconsciously) control others’ perception of us. But we don’t have just one “authentic self” to portray. We are like actors playing many roles, in a constant state of flux depending on our context. Awareness of this outward expression, or as we like to say, impression management, can help us understand how our public image is tied to our ability to reach desired goals. On today’s episode we’ll discuss: The reasons for our curated self-presentation The 6 types we exhibit most and why they work How to refine our current impression management strategies If you made it to the end of the show you know that we have some EXCITING NEWS! We are now offering virtual communication coaching. From free 30-minute discovery calls to custom coaching plans, we have just what you need to take your communication practices to the next level. So... if you enjoyed this ep

What do index cards, rap names, and velvet pants have in common? I'll let Jessica Hagy tell you. If that’s not enough of a reason to listen, join us as we learn how our guest uses visual storytelling and humor to make complex topics accessible. Today we cover: Finding patterns within seemingly disparate topics “Serial killer walls” and other great ways to find connection / build relationships How trashy tv can help your creativity Why tinkering is an essential and marketable skill “Sniglet” and other words that don’t exist but should... Jessica is an artist and writer best known for her Webby Award-winning blog, “Indexed”.  Her work has been described as “deceptively simple,” “undeniably brilliant,” and “our favorite reason for the Internet to exist.” She’s the author of How to Be Interesting and The Art of War Visualized, among others. As a storyteller, she uses humor and simple visuals to explain and make even the most complex concepts immediately accessible and relevant. Her cartoo

Let’s cut right to the chase... This is one of the most candid episodes we’ve ever released. Not only does Adam Griffin open up about significant personal obstacles, he walks us through his unique method of processing emotion and how a particular pizza order led him to a new perspective on compassion. We also discuss: Adam’s best practices for promoting professionalism in a remote setting Transforming raw candor/emotion into something actionable The Guy at the Bar Why he writes and how to ‘steal like an artist’ Adam is an author, sales leader, and entrepreneur. In addition to leading Enterprise Sales for Automattic (one of the largest remote workforces in the world), Adam writes about how to create the best version of ourselves. His work has been featured on Men’s Journal, INC.com, The Huffington Post, Men’s Fitness, Lifehack, and Entrepreneur On Fire. He is the founder of The Vitruvian Project, Better Than Yesterday Publishing and former founder of Bodeefit, a fitness community of ove

Chances are this global pandemic has made you rethink your strategy and challenged your creativity. But is it your mindset holding you back, your resources, or both? Today we talk with Tex McQuilkin from Power Athlete about how to do more with less. Also on this episode: How Bruce Lee’s “Empty the Cup” can lead to better question asking 3 essential lessons for leadership success Employing a scarcity lifestyle with an abundance attitude How distance learning can prevent over-coaching Tex is the Co-Host of Power Athlete Radio and the Director of Training and Education for Power Athlete. A former collegiate lacrosse player, 4-year letter winner and 3-year team captain at Marymount University (VA), Tex transitioned into coaching following graduation. After working at his alma mater, Tex also served as a strength and conditioning coach at Georgetown University and The University of Texas (Austin). In addition to his work in the collegiate sector, he’s coached and implemented programs for tactic

Does experiencing loss or adversity make you a more effective leader? On today’s show, Alena Luciani and I discuss how trial and tribulation help us forge stronger relationships and facilitate better communication practices. Also on today’s episode: Exposure > vulnerability What to do when you see your biggest strength as a weakness How many training and nutrition certifications do we need? “Motivation is glamorized” A former athlete and collegiate strength coach, Alena is the founder and owner of Training 2XL, a business that offers mentorship masterminds, custom fitness/nutrition programming, small group training and “Cueing & Programming” clinics. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach, and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach. Connect with Alena: Via Instagram: @training2XL Via Twitter: @AlenaLuciani Via her website: https://www.training2xl.com/ You asked, we listened! In addition to our in person communication worksho

Whether your main struggle is getting your point across in a clear and convincing manner, being able to build buy-in/trust more effectively and authentically, or simply being able to get into the minds of your staff so you can get everyone on the same page… It all boils down to how we communicate. Research makes it clear that more effective communicators see faster and longer-lasting progress within their careers. This comes as a byproduct of enhanced clarity, efficiency and ultimately cohesiveness when working with others- as well as being more relatable. But how can we do this if we feel like we have yet to find our “leadership voice?” How can those of us who want to be more helpful and useful to others, find a way to be heard and taken more seriously both within the organization we are a part of, and in our personal life? Today I’m talking about a framework that can not only help you find your leadership voice, but I’m also going to key you in on some research which may help you dictate how you can be

Do you ever feel like you’re being spread too thin? With the constant bombardment of emails, projects and meeting requests, it can be difficult to draw the line between wanting to help others and taking on too much. Today we are joined by Luke Worthington for a conversation about setting boundaries, the best ways to say “no” and protecting our most valuable resource, time. Speaking of time, we don’t want to waste yours. That’s why we created our newsletter. If you want the most up to date information on courses, in person events, discounts, and more, click here! Don’t worry, we promise we won’t blow up your inbox... Also on today’s show: How to move "the sail and the wind" Luke’s journey to find his voice and values in one day How to say “no” and create boundaries without “big timing” people Disagreeing with Yoda Luke has over 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry. A former professional athlete, Luke is currently a Nike Trainer, qualified Sports Scientist and Strength and Condition