Our group is traditionally trained in sport and performance psychology, and in the spirit of what we do, the purpose of our podcast is to make a positive impact on your life and challenge you to think differently on topics related to growth. Through conversations with coaches, athletes, executives, and leaders of industry, we will explore and highlight the mindset and skillset required for lasting growth. Ultimately, we exist to provide you with the tools to become the best version of you. A ...
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Episode 296: The Power of Positive Coaching
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Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore the surprising science behind motivational language and why negative pregame speeches in sports fall flat. Drawing on research, they discuss how coaching from fear or weakness not only undermines performance but also impacts team culture and personal growth. Learn how positive feedback, empathy, and a coach…
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Episode 295: How Self-Talk Shapes Your Reality
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Join Dr. Milt Lowder and Clemson University PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson as they explore the transformative power of self-talk. In this episode, they discuss how our inner dialogue shapes our actions, well-being, and emotional responses. Learn when your thoughts work for or against you, and how courage is key to processing negative …
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Episode 294: Mastering Workplace Conflict - Turning Tension into Team Success
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Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they explore the role of conflict in the workplace. While often seen as negative, they reveal how well-managed conflict can strengthen teams. Discover the four main triggers of organizational conflict and learn practical strategies to navigate the spectrum—from conflict-averse to overly aggressive—toward a…
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Episode 293: College Football Week 1 Breakdown for Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon
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Fresh off week 1 of college football, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer, the mental performance experts behind Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon football programs, reflect on the opening games. With Georgia's victory over Clemson and Oregon's win over Idaho, they analyze their teams' performances, discuss how they're navigating early succ…
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How far would you go to win? Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the nuanced continuum of competition, from glorifying victory to questioning the value of participation trophies. Drawing on Nike's controversial "Winning Isn't For Everyone" Olympic commercial, they discuss whether top-level success demands an edginess and selfishness that bor…
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Episode 291: Cowgirls Don't Cry with McKee Lowder
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In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and his daughter, McKee Lowder, engage in what has become a Lowder family tradition: reflecting on McKee’s childhood and the lessons learned as she prepares to embark on her journey to Clemson University. They discuss what it means to be your best, always remembering who you are, McKee's goals and dreams f…
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Episode 290: Learning to Become a Pro with Olympian Danielle Williams
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43:57
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Fresh from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Jamaican track and field star Danielle Williams about the demanding lifestyle of an elite athlete, exploring the highs and lows of Williams’ career, including gold-medal wins at the 2015 and 2023 World Championships. Williams shares her insights on navigating failure, cultivating a …
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Episode 289: The Intersection of Joy and Excellence
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Are you making it easier or harder for those around you to experience joy and strive for excellence? Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the profound impact of our actions on ourselves and others. They dive deep into the intersection of joy and excellence, revealing how a positive mindset can create a powerful ripple effect. Tune in for insig…
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Episode 288: Nurturing Teamwork as a Core Skill with Marlee Johnson
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Join Dr. Cory Shaffer and Clemson University PhD student and AMPLOS intern, Marlee Johnson, as they discuss her research on team dynamics. Discover how viewing teamwork as a skill rather than shifting blame to individuals can transform performance. Learn strategies for involving all team members, regardless of their role, in creating and sustaining…
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Naivety is often seen as a flaw, but in this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon reveal how it can be a superpower, sparking wonder, excitement, and curiosity. They discuss how age often erodes this youthful perspective, sharing cautionary tales about the consequences of losing naivety. Learn practical strategies for preserving elements of n…
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Using recent sports examples — Rory McIlroy's U.S. Open lead loss and Barbora Krejcikova's comeback win in the Women's Wimbledon Final — Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss not succumbing to pressure when the stakes are high. They explore three categories of pressure — physical, mental, and emotional — and share practical tips to help you re…
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Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer as they discuss how embracing fear can fuel action, turning potential paralysis into productive paranoia. Learn to drop doubt and harness fear from a position of strength, converting it into confidence, unlocking your potential and propelling you forward. Don't let fear immobilize you — let it empower you. Tun…
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Episode 284: Coaching with Joy - Insights from Coach Alaura Sharp
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Coach Alaura Sharp, former Presbyterian College Women's Basketball head coach and newly appointed head coach at Appalachian State University. Coach Sharp shares her journey in the coaching profession, including leading Presbyterian College to its first NCAA Tournament appearance and win in March 2024, emph…
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Episode 283: Navigating Family Business with Dr. Ron Reece
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In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder converses with his mentor, Dr. Ron Reece, a seasoned and esteemed psychologist from Greenville, SC. With decades of experience since 1975, Dr. Reece shares insights on maintaining harmony in family businesses and the importance of controlling one's "inner weather"—the thoughts and self-talk in our heads. Tune in for…
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How are you progressing toward your 2024 goals? Nearly midway through the year, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer reflect on the importance of reviewing your progress six months into the year. They discuss the significance of pausing, taking inventory, and creating clarity about who you want to be and how you plan to achieve your goals. Don't be a …
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Episode 281: Bridging the Gap - Overcoming Inaction and Excuses
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Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss the gap between awareness and action — the space where many find themselves stuck when attempting to accomplish a goal. They explore why defensiveness and excuses keep us from moving forward. Learn common reasons for falling into this trap and gain practical tips to bridge the gap, turning intention into a…
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Episode 280: Mastering Narratives with Sports Illustrated Writer Brian Burnsed
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Join Dr. Cory Shaffer as he talks with Brian Burnsed, a seasoned Sports Illustrated writer, to dive into his journey of crafting immersive sports stories. With experience at Business Week, US News, NCAA Magazine, and Turner Sports, Burnsed shares insights into his writing process, the evolution of his purpose, and the mastery behind his acclaimed n…
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Episode 279: Authenticity is the Foundation for Growth with Trehel's Will Huss and Keith Poole
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Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Trehel CEO Will Huss and President/COO Keith Poole at Trehel headquarters to discuss authentic leadership. They dive into the importance of purpose, honoring God by caring for people, and creating genuine buy-in. The conversation explores the courage to live and work in alignment with one's beliefs, the significance o…
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Episode 278: Behaviors That Kill Your Culture
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Building a strong team culture demands deliberate effort and dedication, but it can be threatened by toxic team members. Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon examine five detrimental behaviors that can undermine your team's culture. From chronic complainers to catastrophizers, they highlight negative traits that can erode team dynamics. Learn how to i…
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What does it truly mean to be successful? Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer dive deep into this question using Ralph Waldo Emerson’s renowned poem “What is Success?” as their guide. In this episode, they dissect Emerson’s key markers of success, offering insights and perspectives to help you define success on your own terms. Tune in to explore wha…
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When we “kind of” do something, we cut ourselves short. We choose the more comfortable way or the short cut, which leaves us shortchanged. Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon dive into the pitfalls of settling for "kind of," emphasizing the importance of striving for greatness instead of merely getting by and playing it safe. Through compelling examp…
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Episode 275: Five Keys to Living in "The Gap"
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Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they unveil five indispensable strategies for thriving in "the gap" – that challenging phase where hard work doesn't seem to yield desired results. Learn how to sustain motivation, persevere through setbacks, and cultivate a resilient mindset. Tune in for expert insights on navigating plateaus and staying …
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Episode 274: Elevating Performance Through Meditation with Chad McGehee
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Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Chad McGehee, meditation teacher, the first ever director of meditation training in major college sports, and co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation, as they dive into the world of elite performance and meditation. They explore the definition of mindfulness, McGehee's teaching philosophy, training methods, and the practical …
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What does it mean to be a curious person, and why does it matter? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer discuss the essence of curiosity and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. They unravel how curious individuals, driven by an insatiable desire to learn, constantly push boundaries and embrace the unknown. Drawing …
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Regardless of whether you successfully reach a goal, it’s essential that you look deeply at your process. What worked? What didn’t? What would you have done differently? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer discuss the importance of reflecting on the process and they provide tangible suggestions to assist in this self-observing exerc…
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Episode 271: Entrepreneurial Insights from GenTeal Co-Founder Blake Dubinski
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Join Dr. Cory Shaffer in a conversation with Blake Dubinski, Co-Founder of GenTeal, a successful men's apparel brand, distributed in 200 retail outlets and recognized as one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing companies in 2023. Explore the compelling story of GenTeal's founding and learn valuable strategies for conquering challenges in entrepreneurship…
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Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they discuss what it means to have an “edge,” or the essence of competitiveness and drive, and explore how these qualities define exceptional individuals. They highlight five key factors that can diminish this edge, from the pitfalls of poor planning and ego to the dangers of valuing talent over culture an…
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Episode 269: Reinvigorate Your Resolutions
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Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Brian Selman as they discuss the common phenomenon of New Year's resolutions losing steam by February. In this discussion, they explore why this happens and offer practical tips to help listeners reinvigorate their goals and stay on track. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, fitness milestones, or professional succ…
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Episode 268: The Blueprint for Enhancing Your Hiring Process
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Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman as they dive into the essential elements of enhancing your interview process to attract top talent. Together, they explore the crucial steps involved in developing a comprehensive blueprint for bringing on new hires. From defining job roles to creating engaging interview questions, they provide actionable ins…
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Episode 267: Removing Bias in Team Selection
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29:25
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Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman engage in a compelling discussion on recognizing biases in selection processes. They explore the concept that "the map is not the territory," highlighting the importance of understanding that our perceptions are not always accurate representations of reality. With a focus on interview best practices, they undersco…
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Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon in a discussion on the pivotal role failure plays in our lives. In this episode, they share personal anecdotes, revealing how failure has been the catalyst for their own growth. They also provide four compelling reasons why failure is not only essential, but also empowering. Learn how your response to failure …
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Episode 265: Turning Pain Into Purpose with John “Redd” Martin
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In this compelling episode, John "Redd" Martin opens up to Dr. Milt Lowder about his remarkable journey in triumphing over trauma and addiction. Redd's battle with belonging and the erosion of his faith plunged him into a dark period, marked by bouts of homelessness. However, through the transformative power of love, both from others and towards hi…
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Episode 264: Unlocking Human Potential with Clemson Baseball Head Coach Erik Bakich
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Join Clemson Baseball Head Coach Erik Bakich and Dr. Cory Shaffer, performance coach for the Tigers, as they discuss Bakich’s coaching history and his approach in building a successful team. Fresh off of the 2023 ACC Championship win after his first year coaching for Clemson baseball, Bakich discusses his focus on daily actions and behaviors to sha…
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Episode 263: Proven Strategies to Strengthen Learning on Your Team
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What kind of culture are you creating for your team? Does it encourage learning? Drs. Milt Lowder and Brian Selman discuss the pivotal role of workplace environment in fostering continuous learning. In this episode, discover how stretching yourself within your professional realm can ignite action and amplify learning outcomes. From concrete example…
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Episode 262: The Powerful Science Behind Reading
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In this enlightening episode, join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer as they share and discuss the scientific underpinnings of the positive impact of reading. They explore the measurable return on investment for your brain and general health – a focused workout for the prefrontal cortex. Backed by studies, they discuss how reading enhances focus, …
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Episode 261: Oregon Football Quarterback Bo Nix' Formula for Success: Preparation and Humility
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Learn more about the intricacies of college football game preparation as Dr. Cory Shaffer engages in a revealing conversation with standout quarterback, Bo Nix, from University of Oregon football. Nix, with an impressive record-breaking 61 career starts, provides insights into his meticulous preparation. Explore the evolution of leadership, the gro…
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Episode 260: Learning from Nick Saban’s Playbook for Sustained Success
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The sports world was recently rocked by the seismic retirement announcements from football coaching legends Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, and Nick Saban. This news inspired Drs. Drew Brannon and Brian Selman to reflect on Selman's firsthand experience as a player under Saban's tenure at Alabama. They explore the profound impact of Saban's coaching …
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Episode 259: Enhance Your Life Through Journaling
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For a powerful, yet straightforward activity yielding maximum positive impact, journaling stands as the ideal choice. Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman as they discuss the transformative power of journaling. Learn how this practice enhances self-reflection and goal setting, complimenting recent podcast episode topics. Uncover why high perform…
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Episode 258: Strategic Goal Setting for the New Year
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Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman in a candid discussion on contemporary goal setting and design. As we kick off the year, January presents the perfect opportunity for practical application in attaining goals. They discuss the pitfalls of setting too many goals and the power of focusing on just one. Together, they debunk myths surrounding eff…
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Episode 257: How to Position Yourself for Success in 2024
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29:48
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Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon in a reflective conversation about 2023, dissecting why many inspired individuals find themselves either disillusioned by unmet goals or stubbornly optimistic, ignoring reality, and continuously falling short of their desired pursuit. Exploring three defining factors shaping these paths, they offer insightful …
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Embark on a thought-provoking conversation with Drs. Drew Brannon and Brian Selman as they defy conventional wisdom, challenging the idea of moderation in goal pursuit. Uncover the secrets of those who excel and are enamored with the process, channeling intense focus and passion to draw energy from their work, steering clear of burnout and achievin…
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Join Drs. Cory Shaffer and Brian Selman in a thought-provoking conversation on skillful self-reflection, perfect for kickstarting your year. Delve into the art of consolidating experiences to forge a fresh perspective. Explore the realms of internal and external self-awareness while steering clear of unproductive rumination. Discover actionable ste…
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Episode 254: Reaching Big Dreams by Starting Small
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Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Brian Selman in a discussion on navigating the initial steps in the path to success. Emphasizing the fusion of big dreams with small beginnings, they unravel the essence of initiating change. Learn how embracing incremental steps leads to monumental transformations, blending vision with action to embark on the journey towa…
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Episode 253: Uncovering the Story - Ken Rosenthal's Journey in Sports Journalism
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25:22
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Step into an engaging conversation led by Dr. Cory Shaffer with esteemed sports writer Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal, celebrated with two Sports Emmy Awards across his illustrious three-decade career in sports reporting, notably for Fox Sports’ MLB coverage, unveils the wealth of wisdom he's cultivated throughout his career. Journey through his writing …
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Join Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, Cory Shaffer, and Brian Selman in a discussion on the life-changing power of gratitude. Delve into the profound effects of acknowledging good fortune, cultivating contentment, and embracing hopefulness. Discover how gratitude fuels resilience, elevates energy levels, enhances relationships, boosts immunity, and …
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Join Drs. Milt Lowder and Brian Selman in a thought-provoking dialogue on ownership. Delve into the dichotomy of personal responsibility versus blame culture, exploring the power of taking ownership and rejecting passivity in problem-solving. Discover the transformative impact of embracing responsibility, fostering growth, and cultivating humility.…
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Episode 250: Embracing Growth - Key Lessons from 250 Episodes
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Join us for a special milestone episode of “The Growth Project” as we celebrate our 250th episode into the world of personal and professional development. Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, Cory Shaffer, and Brian Selman reflect on some of the most impactful and transformative moments from our previous episodes and explore three key themes: the import…
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Episode 249: Almost - The Crossroads of Success and Setback
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Join Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer in a conversation about navigating life's "Almost" moments. Regardless of the field, we've all faced times when we've fallen short of acheiving goals. Discover how these experiences shape our reactions and impact our future pursuits. Is "Almost" a stepping stone to success, or does it dash our hopes? Tune in …
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Episode 248: The Transformative Power of Experiential Learning
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In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Brian Selman explore the profound impact of breaking away from our routines and embracing experiential learning. Discover how venturing off-site, such as at our expansive 355-acre Mill Pine property in Easley, SC, can breathe new life into your team, fostering fresh perspectives and full engagement. Join them i…
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Episode 247: The Myth of Relentless Commitment with Dr. David Eccles
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Why is the idea of relentless commitment as a positive approach to achieving goals so pervasive in society? Dr. Cory Shaffer delves into this topic and the research on relentless commitment and expert performance with Dr. David Eccles, Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology at Florida State University. Dr. Eccles shares three ways to balance…
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