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 301: Reflections & Revelations – Behind AMPLOS’ Impact in College Football and the Vision for The Growth Project
22:31
22:31
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In this Q&A session following last week’s live 300th episode, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer reflect on pivotal moments from AMPLOS' journey, including their work with college football athletes at Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon. They reveal what brings the most joy in their work—Milt’s passion for curiosity, Drew’s drive for breakth…
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Episode 300: Special Live Recording - Leaders You Might Not Know, But Should
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Join us for a special live recording from the ONE building in downtown Greenville, SC, as we celebrated our 300th episode with a live audience! Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer reflect on their 7-year journey to 300 episodes and highlight three impactful leaders you might not know, but should: Allyson Felix, the most decorated track…
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Episode 299: The Art of Leadership with Dr. Katie Nichols
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In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer welcomes back Dr. Katie Nichols, former AMPLOS performance coach and host of The Growth Project, and current Director of Mental Performance at the University of Louisville. As we approach our 300th episode, it feels fitting to bring back Dr. Nichols, who played a vital role in shaping the podcast, to share what she…
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Episode 298: Navigating the Long Game – College Football Week 5 Breakdown
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39:22
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Dr. Drew Brannon, sport psychologist for Georgia football, and Dr. Cory Shaffer, performance coach for Oregon football, reflect on the current state of the college football season. With Oregon undefeated and Georgia experiencing one loss, they explore the mental toughness needed for the long game – both on and off the field. They dive into the psyc…
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Episode 297: Special Episode on Hurricane Helene - Weathering the Storm and Uniting Through Uncertainty
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In this special episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon discuss the profound impact of Hurricane Helene, which left a wake of destruction throughout the Southeast, including our home of Greenville, SC, and how it illustrates the "U-Trifecta"—facing events that are unpredictable, undesirable, and leave us feeling unprepared. From the anxiety and …
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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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38:00
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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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27:09
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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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43:14
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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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35:58
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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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