In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Gabriela Caviedes unpack why stress isn't always the enemy; it's often a signal for growth. They explore how to reframe your relationship with pressure and use it to fuel focus, motivation, and performance readiness. Drawing from both psychology and physiology, they explain what happens in your body under stress and share practical tools to manage it more effectively. Learn how to turn pressure into an advantage rather than a threat.
Confidence isn't something you're born with, it's something you build. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Gabriela Caviedes unpack the truth about confidence as a skill you can sharpen over time. They explore what strengthens and erodes it, the myths that hold people back, and the mindset and tools that help confidence become a steady foundation rather than a fleeting feeling. Tune in to learn how to grow yours from the inside out.
In part two of this series, Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Gabriela Caviedes move from awareness to application, exploring how to incorporate mental rest into your daily life. They discuss the four key types of rest (detachment, relaxation, control, and variety) and share practical strategies for finding balance in a busy world. Discover how intentionally creating space for mental rest can become a competitive advantage, helping you perform, lead, and live with greater clarity and energy.
You can't perform your best if your mind isn't getting the rest it needs. Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Gabriela Caviedes kick off a two-part series on mental rest, exploring how the demands we face each day shape our energy, focus, and well-being. In this episode, they unpack the three primary types of demands, physical, cognitive, and emotional, and share what it takes to truly detach, relax, and regain control in a demanding world.
We're excited to welcome the newest member of the AMPLOS team and co-host of The Growth Project, Dr. Gabriela "Gabby" Caviedes. In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with her to explore the story behind her path into the world of mental performance. Gabby shares formative experiences in sport, pivotal moments of growth, and the philosophy that guides her work today. Join us as we get to know Gabby's journey and the heart behind her mission to help others pursue better.
Six weeks into the college football season, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down the shifting landscape of the game. Referencing Lane Kiffin's recent remark that "dynasties are over," they explore what's fueling the new era of parity and razor-thin margins across college football. With talent and resources more evenly spread than ever, the mental game has become the true differentiator, placing a premium on a team's ability to prepare, focus, and execute at the highest level.
After four appearances, Dr. Kimberly Shaffer officially holds the record as the most frequent guest on The Growth Project, but this time she's switching roles. In a special twist, Kim steps in as host and turns the spotlight on her husband, Dr. Cory Shaffer. From his early influences and career path to the lessons learned along the way, this candid conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at Cory's journey.
What does it take to lead with vision, consistency, and purpose in college basketball? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Clemson Men's Basketball Head Coach Brad Brownell. Together, they dive into Coach Brownell's leadership philosophy and his approach to building and sustaining culture. From the challenges of guiding young athletes to the values that drive success both on and off the court, this conversation offers timeless insights for leaders in every field.
What does it take to step onto the mound with confidence? In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Cory Shaffer dive into the psychology of pitching, exploring mindset, focus, and resilience under pressure. They break down the mental strategies that help pitchers succeed and reveal how these same principles can be applied to everyday challenges. Whether you're an athlete, leader, or parent, discover how the lessons of pitching can strengthen your own performance and mindset.
In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Cory Shaffer break down what it really takes to improve, not just set goals. From uncovering what holds people back to laying out the practical work required to move forward, they share five clear steps you can apply to any area of life. Whether you're an athlete, leader, or someone striving for personal growth, this conversation provides a roadmap to move from intention to real, lasting progress.
What does success really mean? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon take a deep dive into redefining success. Through a thoughtful "audit," they pose key questions that challenge common assumptions about achievement. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, they explore the deeper value found in the pursuit itself. Tune in to reframe your definition of success and uncover what truly makes the journey worthwhile.
In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with legendary Coach Jim Donnan to reflect on his remarkable journey through college football. From his playing days at NC State to a decorated coaching career, including leading the Georgia Bulldogs and earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, Coach Donnan shares stories, lessons, and the mindset that fueled his success. Tune in for an insider's look at leadership, perseverance, and the wisdom gained from a lifetime in the game.
In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Paul Davis, Director of Pitching Development for the Atlanta Braves. They explore Paul's philosophy on developing pitchers, and how he blends the art and science of coaching to help athletes perform at the highest level. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or simply fascinated by peak performance, this conversation offers insights into mastery, mentorship, and the mechanics behind success on the mound.
In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Coach Will Muschamp, defensive analyst for Georgia Football and veteran leader across elite college programs. From his Georgia roots to a storied coaching career, Muschamp shares the people, principles, and mindset that have shaped his journey. Hear candid stories from the sidelines, timeless lessons from decades in the game, and how his relentless drive continues to shape the next generation of athletes.
Change isn't the exception, it's the norm. In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore how to lead yourself and others through change with clarity and resilience. From personal transitions to team transformations, they discuss why change shouldn't be feared, how to communicate it effectively, and how to thrive in uncertainty. Discover how to reframe change, not as a disruption, but as a catalyst for growth.
In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Dr. Nathaniel Thom, Director of the Neuroscience Program at Wheaton College, to explore the powerful connection between mind and body. They discuss the role of exercise in brain health and what it means to flourish under pressure. Drawing from his postdoctoral work with the U.S. Navy, Dr. Thom shares how cognitive flexibility helps individuals thrive in high-stress environments.
In Part 2 of their conversation on psychological safety, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer move from definition to application. Now that the myths are cleared up, how do you actually build psychological safety in your team or organization? They explore actionable ways to bring it to life, like doubling down on meaningful work goals, balancing advocacy with inquiry, and creating space for candid dialogue. Learn how to foster a culture where people feel safe enough to grow and perform at their best.
In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer unpack the growing buzz around "psychological safety" and why many misunderstand what it really means. As the term gains popularity, it's often reduced to "being nice" or mistaken as guaranteed agreement. Drawing on research by Amy Edmondson (Harvard Business Review), they explore the real meaning: the freedom to be constructively candid without fear. Tune in for part one of this deep dive into the art and science of true psychological safety.
In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the powerful role coachability plays in performance and growth. They unpack why this trait is so highly valued by leaders, hiring managers, and coaches alike. Learn what it means to be truly coachable: having a growth mindset, showing humility, taking action, and embracing accountability. Whether you're leading, learning, or leveling up, this conversation will challenge you to become more coachable.
We often talk about the fear of failure, but what about the fear of success? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore both. Why do we hesitate, not only when we might fall short, but also when we're on the brink of rising? They dive into the hidden drivers of this tension, from perfectionism to Tall Poppy Syndrome, and share how to reframe your mindset to fully step into your potential.