TOUGH TALKS: Conversations on Mental Toughness

This guy is the best speaker I have ever seen and heard. And he's won numerous awards for it. He's also written about 40 books that have been translated into over 25 languages. --- He is funny as hell. Sneaky funny. You listen to this guy and you laugh as you learn. --- I am so super pumped to bring you THEE Godfather of Coaching! --- Website: www.stevechandler.com Kobe Bryant Inspiration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSceuiPBpxY Gratitude HD Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj2ofrX7jAk --- https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-deliberate-inspiration-with-thee-godfather-of-coaching-with-steve-chandler/ --- If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to signup to my list. Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it. --- https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

I interviewed my dear friend and mentor, Dr. William Maxwell. We delved into EQ (emotional quotient) and its relevance in predicting success. We talked about the power of thinking and its impact on our lives. Dr. Maxwell shared how he initially became fascinated with thinking and the importance of addressing the falling IQ of children. The conversation touched on the potential for humans to evolve beyond racism and the role of travel in broadening perspectives. Dr. Maxwell emphasized the importance of family strength and the impact it has on a child's success, the idea that every child is a potential genius, and we explored ways to strengthen the mind, such as listening to great music and playing games. Dr. Maxwell shared the Inventive Quotient, a series of games he designed to enhance intelligence and problem-solving skills. And we wrapped our conversation with his belief in the evolution of the human race toward universal thinking. Here are some highlights and key takeaways you can expect: - How we use our mind shapes our lives, and by getting our mind right, everything else falls into place. - The falling IQ of children is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. - EQ (emotional quotient) is a better predictor of success than IQ (intelligence quotient). - Humans have the potential to evolve beyond racism and embrace universal thinking. - Family strength is the number one determinant of success, and the love and support from family play a vital role in a child's development. - Every child has the potential to be a genius, and it is important to create an environment that nurtures their talents and interests. - Listening to great music and playing games can strengthen the mind and enhance cognitive abilities. - The human race is evolving toward universal thinking and embracing the interconnectedness of all beings. Key Episode References: • "Thinking" - Edited by William Maxwell: A book on the expanding frontier of human thought • "The Biology of Love" by Humberto Maturana: A book on the biological and emotional basis of love and human relationships • "Culture Against Man" by Jules Henry: A book on the negative effects of American culture on individual and social well-being • "The Geography of Genius" by Eric Weiner: A book on the connection between place and creativity throughout history • "Super Parenting: Child Rearing for the New Millennium" by William Maxwell: A book on the best practices to nurture genius in children • "Physics of the Impossible" by Michio Kaku: A book on the scientific exploration of the world of phasers, force fields, teleportation, and time travel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics_of_the_Impossible • "Beyond Einstein" by Michio Kaku: A book on the cosmic quest for the theory of the universe • Oneness University (India): A center for learning and enlightenment inspired by Sri Amma and Sri Bhagavan • Inventive Quotient Game - Available for purchase through American Creek Academy (under construction): A patented course in logical reasoning for children --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

In our latest installment of Tough Talks, we’re going ALL IN! with our awe-inspiring guest - the inimitable Guru Ganesha. Take a deep dive with us into the realm of business challenges and the critical need for innovative solutions. We talk about the dual commitment necessary in the sales process, compelling us to recognize if potential buyers are truly all-in for finding a solution. We’re also delving into the might of personal presence in achieving professional victory and how nurturing a serene confidence can revolutionize our existence. But hold tight, we’re just warming up. Guru Ganesha escorts us through his own life odyssey, from scrubbing dishes to recording in the Big Apple with a dream band, leading all the way to his spiritual enlightenment. Brace yourself for an enthralling dialogue that will motivate you to confront challenges head-on and discover your own inner sage. So let’s plunge right in and unearth the pearls of wisdom bestowed by Guru Ganesha in this illuminating episode of Tough Talks. More about GuruGanesha: Website: www.consciousselling.com LinkedIn Company or Organization Page: https://lnkd.in/g7BhGA9 LinkedIn Personal Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/guruganesha-khalsa-65987848 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

What's the most important trait/skill of a CEO? Why is it so much more important to hire the RIGHT person vs the "best" person for the job? What does it mean to not let perfection be the enemy of good? How does a corporate culture empower its people to feel safe enough to make mistakes? What does it mean to "execute with extreme prejudice"? These are some of the questions we explore with our guest and CEO of the technical education industry leader Career Certified, Gary Weiss. Gary is a remarkable leader who understands what most leaders do not regarding how to get the most out of your people. "Enable and Empower" is one of his mottos - values, actually. He knows how to build and sustain a culture characterized by trust (can you confirm that, X-Man?). He creates a space where great thinking is nurtured. All of that has a lot to do with why his company is absolutely demolishing it in their industry. And he's got Philly roots! And at the very end of our dialog, we discuss something spectacular that Gary and his wife, Jodi, are doing together to help reduce the amount of unnecessary human suffering in their community. Totally heartwarming! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

I'm so thrilled to be able to introduce you to an absolute Powerhouse (in every way). His name is Siavash Fashi. He's the owner of the enormously successful small gym (very very small, and apparently wonderfully high-vibe and chaotic!) in Culver City, CA named SixPax Gym.Siavash left Iran, where bodybuilding was illegal and where he dealt with cancer, poverty, and political turmoil. After seven years as a refugee in England and a year in a U.S. prison for using a fake passport, he headed to SoCal to achieve his dreams. With nothing to his name except grit and determination, he was able to build one of the most profitable small gyms in the country.In our Tough Talks conversation today, we only get through 1/3 of the originally intended content because his story is SO compelling and chock-full of Mental Toughness GOLD.This guy is a Master Mental Coach and he doesn't even know it!His story is mesmerizing. Prepare to be in rapture and to be mind-blown by this guy who totally gets the power of using your mind intelligently to create excellence from suffering!And he JUST published his first book, Small Gym, Big Results! You can find it here: --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

"We are on a mission to move minds with mushrooms." That's a quote from his website, www.getumbo.com. His name is Jake "The Snake" Plummer and he is a former NFL quarterback turned mushroom farmer. His new chosen assignment in life is to remind us here in the Western cultures about the profound healing qualities of functional (and hopefully soon-to-be-legalized) psychedelic mushrooms. Join us for a deep dive into the magical nature of "The Fungal Queendom"! p.s. Jake even offered The Tough Talks Tribe a discount on any products. I share that discount code at the very end. Watch the episode on: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-moving-minds-with-mushrooms-with-jake-the-snake-plummer/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

His speaking career started at age 8 when his iconic minister father had him speak before a church congregation of thousands in his native Ghana. He himself was ordained a minister at age 14. He didn't ask for any of that. So at age 18 he won a green card in the Ghanaian lottery, followed his intuition, and moved to LA, alone, knowing no one, with $800 in his pocket. He is now one of the world's most recognized leaders in the world of personal development and his name is Kute Blackson. In our remarkable conversation today, Kute blesses the Tough Talks Podcast Tribe with some legit wisdom pearls! When I asked him to tell us what he does, his response was, "I don't do. I undo." And he elaborated beautifully upon that. He also gives us a series of profound questions that we can ask ourselves to help free ourselves from the conditioning of our pasts that governs us. And he makes clear what it means to "surrender" - and it ain't what most think. In fact, he went on to say, "Surrender is the most powerful thing we can ever do!" --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

From Physical Therapist to Co-Owner of the Philadelphia 76ers NBA team to Zen Monk, our guest today is NOT TYPICAL! He IS, however, something very few people ever achieve which you can argue is far less likely than any of the above. He is a Philadelphia LEGEND! His name is Pat Croce and I have known about him for most of my life (having grown up in the Philly area and being a Philly sports fanatic). As a serial entrepreneur, Pat has created many business ventures including my former favorite bar in Key West, Florida (he sold it off and I am not one bit pleased about that!) as well as restaurants and museums in St. Augustine. FL. He's always been fascinated with Pirate Life! He even wrote a kick-ass book on it entitled, The Pirate Handbook. About eight years ago, Pat embarked on a deep inward journey where he unplugged and immersed himself in reading, woodworking, Chinese calligraphy and stillness. A cancer diagnosis inspired his reemergence and we got him back now. And our wildman Philly Boy ain't the same! He's a Zen Master now! He's The Philly Buddha! Imagine THAT! Well, you don't have to imagine. I'm bringing him to you. And you're gonna love him! Tune in as we explore the distinction between pain and suffering, the wisdom of following your enthusiasm, and how to strengthen your "Let It Go Muscle." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

Who has won MVP of The Super Bowl AND had a movie created about his life story? My latest Tough Talks Podcast guest, that's who. Kurt Warner. Kurt's Cinderella story is easily one of the best in NFL history (that's why they made the movie, American Underdog, about it). Through countless trials and tribulations, Kurt and his remarkable wife, Brenda, continuously chose to believe in his passion and his dream until he pulled it off. From food stamps to the Hall of Fame. And according to him, they're just getting started! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

Who says that real personal growth and healing need to be gradual?! Well, not this guest. Today we have World Renowned Therapist and Best Selling Author, Marisa Peer, on the show. Marisa is the founder of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). RTT is a massively disruptive approach to helping people heal and grow. Because it's - well - RAPID! She explains to us how our suffering arises from weak thinking and the terrible stories (that are lies) that we tell ourselves all day long. AND, how to stop doing that by reauthoring profound stories and replaying those over and over to become our truths. She also tells us about a beautiful project she started to help youth create and keep confidence for themselves (this is dear to my heart). I am beyond thrilled to be able to share Marisa and her expertise with you today! About Marisa: Website: https://marisapeer.com Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarisaPeer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisapeertherapy --- Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/rapid-transformational-therapy/ --- If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list. Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it. --- https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

Have you ever met someone who is perpetually driven by both the creation of excellence AND fun?! Well, whether you have or you haven’t, you’re about to. His name is Reggie Marable and he is a big-time Sales Exec with a fan base larger than the Atlanta Braves! (He's from Atlanta, aka the ATL.) Reggie truly gets what Mental Toughness means. He has applied Mental Toughness practices to everything he's done in life. He played professional football. He was recently named to the prestigious 100 Black Men of Atlanta organization which creates educational and economic opportunities for African American youth in the ATL. And after Salesforce (where he has been a sales leader for the last 6 years) acquired Slack for $27B (yes, with a "B") in the summer of 2021, they offered Reggie the enormous responsibility to run one of its largest orgs, CMT (Communications, Media, and Technology). For good reason. In our convo, we discuss some of the practices that he uses to keep himself perpetually inspired and some stellar leadership practices that he relies upon to keep his team inspired as well - especially in challenging times, like now. Reggie is also an inspirational quote dispenser! Which is awesome. And what’s more awesome is he lives by them – he walks his talk. We open up the convo today to explore some of the greatest fears in today’s economic climate, as well as some of the greatest Mental Toughness practices and disciplines you can use to create excellence in some really challenging times. More about Reggie:   Website: https://www.slack.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reggie.marable.3 LinkedIn Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiny-spec-inc/ LinkedIn Personal page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiemarable/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reglove49/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReggieMarable   This is the Amazon link to his book ‘The Blue Print: The Keys to Making BIG Money in Professional Sales’: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Print-Making-Money-Professional/dp/1770974415  Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/attitude-and-effort-the-2-things-we-can-totally-control-with-reggie-marable/  ---  If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list.   Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it.  ---  https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

Attracting and retaining top talent, helping that talent be and stay clear on their "WHY", maintaining a "healthy paranoia", and demonstrating authentic humility are a few of the most important things that the CRO of Black Swan Data, David Delnero, identifies as keys to success in these challenging times.   I have had the privilege of watching David ascend in the ranks over the course of the last decade and it came as no surprise when he was chosen to lead the sales organization at Black Swan. He is as high as they get when it comes to integrity and you don't need to be in the tech sales industry to benefit from the wisdom he drops here.   More about David:   Website: https://blackswan.com/  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-delnero-48b99a/  Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-swan-data/mycompany/  https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-sales-leadership-gold-with-silky-d/  ---   If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list.   Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it.   ---  https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

People in the industry make a pretty convincing argument that the Enterprise Software Industry is the most competitive industry on the planet at the moment. And that means, if you’re interested in creating excellence in that realm, Mental Toughness is mighty handy.   Just canned my latest episode of the Tough Talks Podcast with guest, Larry Shurtz, Chief Revenue Officer at Confluent.   Larry is an icon in the industry known for his firm, predictable and supportive leadership style.   We take a good deep dive into what some of the most important things are these days for sales leaders and salespeople to be practicing these days – both professionally AND personally.   More about Larry:   Website: www.confluent.io/  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/larryshurtz/  ---  Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-mindset-the-1-variable-in-sales-success-with-larry-shurtz/ ---  If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list.   Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it.  ---  https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

Have you ever heard (or said), "There's just not enough time in the day." Or, "I just wish I had more time." Or, "There's a time for work and a time for play."   Our Tough Talks Guest today, Joe Perrone, Time Wizard (as I like to call him), is here to debunk all of that. Joe made the decision several years ago after a medical emergency to reorganize and reprioritize the way he uses time. Now Joe NEVER complains about not having enough time for the things that matter most. In fact, tomorrow he has a 9:30 am appointment on a Tuesday morning to rake and play in leaves with his 3 year old son.   More about Joe:   Website: https://joeperrone.biz/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/joe.perrone.jr  LinkedIn business page:www.linkedin.com/in/joeon34/   Link to 'The 5 Keys To Time Freedom Free Download': joeperrone.biz/5keys   Link to 'Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing Paperback': https://www.amazon.com/Top-Five-Regrets-Dying-Transformed   Link to the full episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-time-wizardry-for-dads-with-joe-perrone/ ---  If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list.   Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it.   ---  https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

"Demolish what you've created!" "Demolition is messy!" "Discover where you suck!" "Settle into the fact that you're not in control!" These are just a few of the wisdom bombs that our repeat guest drops for us today. Welcome back to Jonathan Keyser, Founder of KEYSER Commercial Real Estate. This is JK and CD do Tough Talks 2.0. And in our episode, we discuss how - specifically how - JK reinvented his thriving business in the midst of the pandemic AND how he reinvented himself as well! KEYSER 2.0 and JK 2.0! "We are in constant disruptive innovation. And we are asking ourselves, where do we need to break something?!" More about Jonathan: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankeyser/ LinkedIn business page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keyser/ --- Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-destroy-what-you-have-created-with-jonathan-keyser/ --- If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list. Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it. --- https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

My guest today is Dr. Troy Melendez. Troy and I went to graduate school together and he is easily one of the most intelligent and fascinating people I have ever known. Wizardly intelligent. He is a therapist who helps folks with addiction recovery. Troy, himself, was addicted to painkillers and that addiction escalated to a very serious and long opioid addiction. Troy had a remarkable experience with DMT (a hallucinogenic drug also known as “the Spirit Molecule”) before he got clean. It altered his life and he shares that riveting story with us (I was legitimately in rapture as he told that story). And, we dive deeper into the possibilities that certain psychedelic drugs possess for helping people heal from trauma, depression and addiction. More about Troy: Facebook: www.facebook.com/troy.melendez.3 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/troy-melendez-ph-d-0a2b2b14 Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-psychedelic-healing-with-troy-melendez-ph-d/ --- If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list. Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it. --- https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

The Greatest Athlete in the World! That's the title our guest earned himself when he won the Olympic Gold Medal for the Decathlon in Atlanta in 1996. We have Dan O'Brien in the Tough Talks studio today and we get to pick the brain of one of history's greatest athletes on things like mental preparation and how to convert "failure" (epic failure) into, well, literally, gold. Go search YouTube for Dan and Dave 1992 and you can watch the hilarious Reebok commercials they made to hype up the battle that was to be had in Barcelona between America's top two decathletes. It didn't unfold the way anyone expected. Or wanted. More about Dan: Website: https://www.danobrien.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/DanOBrienUSA LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-sports-usa/ LinkedIn Personal Page: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danobrien10 Link to the full episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-the-worlds-greatest-athlete-with-dan-obrien/ --- If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list. Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it. --- https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

Our very first ever Tough Talks Podcast guest is back for a cameo! But this time he’s different. He’s had quite the transformation in the last 5 years since that first ever episode. Now he’s “Half Monk, Half Assassin.” Before I think he was a bit more of the assassin.   His name is Jon Hunter and he has lived his entire professional career in the world of Enterprise Software Sales and Sales Leadership. He’s a CRO and an advisor. He’s a husband, father, brother, leader, coach, sports enthusiast, movie buff, martial artist, writer and podcaster. And he has spent his entire life committed to his own development, growth, excellence and impact.   Our discussion today is primarily directed and dedicated to the CRO’s and Sales Leaders of the world. We discuss the unique pains that come with those roles and Jon’s insights on how to not just survive the loneliness of it, but how to THRIVE amidst that chaos!   More about Jon:   Website: www.hunterxlife.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jhunter1   Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-hey-cros-you-dont-have-to-be-alone-with-jon-hunter/ ---  If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list.   Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it.   ---  https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

What a blessing it is to have this Angel of a woman as a dear friend and colleague and guest on the Tough Talks Podcast! Her name is Mary Bea Porter-King. Google her if you haven’t heard her name before. She is a true hero – really. That’s not even close to a euphemism. Mary Bea lettered in 4 sports at Arizona State University. Yeah, you read that right. Then she played on the LPGA Tour for 25 years. Then she co-founded the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association where she continues to preside as President. She’s the first ever pro golfer to serve on the Executive Board of The USGA. She’s also currently on the Board of The PGA of America where she runs the Youth player Development Committee. All she does is serve. JUST WAIT until you hear THE story of her "worst shot" that has resulted in profoundly affecting tens of thousands of lives – maybe more! And DEFINITELY stay for the end. I'm pretty sure we were able to touch Mary Bea's soul with a surprise gift. It was moving to say the least. Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-creating-a-safe-place-to-play-with-mary-bea-porter-king/ --- If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list. Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it. --- https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message

According to this guy, Startup Entrepreneurs are CRAZY! In a remarkably impressive way. In this episode of Tough Talks we get to explore the inner workings of the minds of such entrepreneurs and specifically this particular one, Greg Head.   Greg is the Founder of Gregslist.com, a curated up-to-date list of local software companies that is used by thousands of founders, tech execs, investors, job seekers, and community leaders each month which is now available for tech communities in Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Austin, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Toronto.   He is also the founder of PracticalFounders.com, where he helps crazy software entrepreneurs to change the world – and do it THEIR WAY (ie, without huge VC funding)!   This is super cool because I coach SOOO many entrepreneurs in the tech industry but I’ve never interviewed someone like Greg who exists solely in that world on the mindset of attempting to create big things that, as he says, “usually don’t work!”   More about Greg:   Website: https://practicalfounder.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheadaz/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/greghead Greg’s List: https://gregslist.com/  The Book: The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz   The Book: Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin   Link to the episode: https://christopherdorris.com/tough-talks-startup-entrepreneurs-are-crazy-with-greg-head/  ---  If you enjoyed this content and you are not getting notifications of new posts, then I invite you to sign up to my list.  Please also share this with the people in your world that would also dig this post and benefit from it.  ---  https://christopherdorris.com/lists --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mental-toughness-podcasts/message