Episodios

  • E403 | How to Stop Going in Circles with People Who Twist Conversations

    E403 | How to Stop Going in Circles with People Who Twist Conversations
    Nov 17 2025
    Ever had a discussion that felt like quicksand? You’re trying to solve one thing, but somehow you end up defending three other things that weren’t even part of the original issue. The topic shifts, the tone changes, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a loop. In this episode, Brett breaks down why some people constantly derail conversations—whether by changing the subject, twisting words, or moving the goalposts—and how to stop that cycle before it eats away at your time, energy, and credibility. This isn’t about learning debate tricks or “winning” arguments. It’s about keeping conversations grounded in reality, staying emotionally regulated, and getting back to the real point instead of getting baited into someone else’s chaos. ⸻ You’ll Learn: •Why arguments loop in the first place — and the psychological drivers behind conversational derailment. •How to identify the real issue beneath the noise so you stop reacting to symptoms and address the actual source. •Three simple tactics to regain control mid-conversation without escalating the conflict or looking defensive. •How to spot conversational manipulation early and shut it down before it snowballs. •When to walk away — and how to end a circular argument cleanly, without guilt or drama. ⸻ Who This Is For: •Leaders who keep having the same meetings that go nowhere. •Couples or parents tired of every discussion turning into a blame game. •Coaches, managers, and business owners who deal with emotionally charged people and high-stakes conversations. If you’ve ever left a talk thinking, “We just went in circles again,” this one’s for you.

    ⸻

    Related Resources: •Want help improving your communication, leadership, and decision-making under pressure? Apply for our 1-to-1 or small-group mentoring programs at www.artofcoaching.com/mentoring. •Join us for our next live Apprenticeship Workshop in Phoenix, AZ – May 2026, where we’ll dig into influence, power dynamics, and the practical side of human behavior. Details and registration: www.artofcoaching.com/events.
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    22 m
  • E402 | The Benefits of Being the Bad Guy: Boundaries, Expectations, and Protecting Your Time

    E402 | The Benefits of Being the Bad Guy: Boundaries, Expectations, and Protecting Your Time
    Nov 10 2025

    At some point, every one of us becomes “the bad guy” — the person who says no, sets a line in the sand, or disappoints someone who wanted a little too much. And truthfully? That’s a good thing.

    In this episode, Brett breaks down why being willing to let people down is essential if you want to keep your sanity, your focus, and your self-respect. Because saying yes to everything doesn’t make you a better leader, coach, or friend — it just makes you a doormat.

    We’ve all seen how it happens: someone asks for a small favor here or there, and before you know it, your time, energy, and attention are getting siphoned off in a hundred directions that don’t serve your goals. This conversation is about drawing the line, protecting what actually matters, and remembering that you’re not supposed to serve everyone.

    Sometimes, being the “bad guy” is what keeps you effective, grounded, and able to keep doing the work that actually helps people long-term.

    If you found this helpful, check out: •The Apprenticeship – our live workshop on communication and influence. •Speaker School – for anyone who wants to present and persuade more effectively. •Join our community at ArtofCoaching.com/community for bonus materials and episode breakdowns. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events

    Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

    At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

    Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

    This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

    We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at info@artofcoaching.com and we’ll help make it work for you.

    Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™)

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

    Real Coaching for Real Life

    Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

    That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

    This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

    Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready.

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

    Follow Us:

    Website: ArtofCoaching.com

    Instagram: @coach_brettb

    X: @coach_brettb
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    15 m
  • E401 | Most Listened To E299 | How to Quit Being a People Pleaser

    E401 | Most Listened To E299 | How to Quit Being a People Pleaser
    Nov 3 2025
    People pleasing - we’ve all seen it before (whether we recognized it or not) - constantly being agreeable, always saying yes, never setting any boundaries - all to the point of self-destruction. If you haven’t experienced it yourself, it’s likely you’ve witnessed someone else demonstrate these behaviors. And although it may have short-term benefits, we know that these self-destructive tendencies are not sustainable, and can lead to mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and burnout. If this is something you think you might struggle with, or if you know someone who does, today’s episode provides a wide variety of perspectives on what “people pleasing” can look like in the day to day world, a number of root causes, and a handful of different solutions you can use to help you manage these behaviors. More specifically, I dive into: Quotes that hit - some of the most impactful sound bites I’ve heard on the topicWhat drives you? How our drives can lead us into unhealthy people pleasing behaviorsThe downside to many of the mainstream self-help resources that address the topicThe necessary self-reflection that has to take place before we can make long-lasting behavioral changes Referenced Resources: E210: Assertiveness: How To Ask For What You Want & Get What You Need E207: How Perception Impacts Communication & Relationships E208: Robert Greene: Mastering Human Nature and Facing Your Flaws E200: What To Do When Trying To Help Makes Stuff Worse E176: When Positive Thinking Doesn’t Work E22: The Value of Self-Doubt E130: How Understanding Drives Helps Build Buy-In Quiz: What Drives You? Online Course: Valued - mentioned in today’s episode regarding opportunity cost, this life-time access course help you to identify your values and take control of your career Other AoC Resources: 1:1 Virtual or Group Mentoring/ Staff Development Group Mentoring (The Coalition) Online Courses Live Events Request Us As a Speaker If you found this helpful, check out: •The Apprenticeship – our live workshop on communication and influence. •Speaker School – for anyone who wants to present and persuade more effectively. •Join our community at ArtofCoaching.com/community for bonus materials and episode breakdowns. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different. At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control. Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help. This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler. We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at info@artofcoaching.com and we’ll help make it work for you. Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™) 🔗 artofcoaching.com/events Real Coaching for Real Life Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable.. That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help. This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward. Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready. 🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb
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    51 m
  • E400 | The Lost Art of Reaching Out and Rebuilding Genuine Connections

    E400 | The Lost Art of Reaching Out and Rebuilding Genuine Connections
    Oct 27 2025
    We all get busy. Work piles up, routines take over, and before you know it, years have gone by since you last checked in with people who actually mattered to you. This episode is a reminder — and a bit of a kick in the ass — that it doesn’t take much to change that.

    You don’t need a reason, a holiday, or the “right time.” Just reach out. Call someone you haven’t talked to in five or ten years. Shoot a text. Reconnect. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, and the truth is, life’s too unpredictable to assume you’ll always get another chance.

    This one’s short, direct, and human. No fluff. Just a practical reminder to stop overthinking it and make the damn call. The returns—personally and professionally—are worth it.

    If you found this helpful, check out: •The Apprenticeship – our live workshop on communication and influence. •Speaker School – for anyone who wants to present and persuade more effectively. •Join our community at ArtofCoaching.com/community for bonus materials and episode breakdowns. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events

    Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

    At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

    Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

    This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

    We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at info@artofcoaching.com and we’ll help make it work for you.

    Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™)

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

    Real Coaching for Real Life

    Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

    That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

    This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

    Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready.

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

    Follow Us:

    Website: ArtofCoaching.com

    Instagram: @coach_brettb

    X: @coach_brettb
    Más Menos
    15 m
  • E399 | How to Ethically Persuade People Without Pressure, Tricks or Gimmicks

    E399 | How to Ethically Persuade People Without Pressure, Tricks or Gimmicks
    Oct 20 2025
    Logic rarely wins people over — emotion does. In this episode, Brett breaks down the timeless principles of persuasion through the lens of a real NIL recruiting scenario, showing why even great offers fall flat when they don’t connect to what truly drives human decision-making. You’ll learn how to see through the surface — beyond talking points, incentives, or facts — and understand the emotional and psychological levers that make people say “yes.” Whether you’re trying to recruit an athlete, land a client, lead a team, or communicate more effectively in everyday life, this episode helps you navigate the human side of influence ethically and with purpose. ⸻ What You’ll Learn •Why people make emotional decisions first and use logic only to justify them. •The psychological laws that govern real-world persuasion. •How to identify the intangibles — what people actually care about beneath the surface (certainty, familiarity, belonging, recognition, identity). •Why people choose what feels safe over what’s superior. •How to reduce uncertainty and create emotional clarity in any decision-making environment. •The difference between ethical influence and manipulation — and how to guide choices responsibly. •How to find “the missing variable” in your pitch, presentation, or recruiting approach. If you found this helpful, check out: •The Apprenticeship – our live workshop on communication and influence. •Speaker School – for anyone who wants to present and persuade more effectively. •Join our community at ArtofCoaching.com/community for bonus materials and episode breakdowns. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events

    Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

    At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

    Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

    This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

    We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at info@artofcoaching.com and we’ll help make it work for you.

    Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26 (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™)

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

    Real Coaching for Real Life

    Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

    That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

    This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

    Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready.

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

    Follow Us:

    Website: ArtofCoaching.com

    Instagram: @coach_brettb

    X: @coach_brettb
    Más Menos
    24 m
  • E398 | Holding Yourself Accountable & Auditing Your Comfort Zone

    E398 | Holding Yourself Accountable & Auditing Your Comfort Zone
    Oct 13 2025
    Everyone talks about “stepping out of your comfort zone,” but few actually do it. In this episode, Brett breaks down one of the biggest lies in modern leadership and personal development — the illusion that we’re pushing ourselves when in reality, we’re just circling around what we already know. We love to say we’re doing “hard things” — grinding through workouts, taking on new projects, logging long hours — but most of that still sits inside our comfort zone. It’s controlled, predictable, and familiar. It doesn’t expose us to the kind of uncertainty, ego threat, or vulnerability that actually creates growth. This episode forces you to get brutally honest about what you’re running from. You’ll learn how to: •Spot the difference between real growth and performative discomfort •Recognize the fears you keep disguising as “preferences” or “boundaries” •Understand the psychology of avoidance and how it limits your adaptability •Reframe discomfort so it becomes a tool for progress, not a stunt for your ego The world doesn’t hand out points for pretending to grow. Leadership will drag your weaknesses into the open whether you like it or not — better to confront them before someone else does. If you want to actually evolve — not just look busy doing it — this episode will give you the tools and truth to start that process.
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    23 m
  • E397 | David Clancy | Pivoting in Your Career, Filtering Your Passions & Building Relationships

    E397 | David Clancy | Pivoting in Your Career, Filtering Your Passions & Building Relationships
    Oct 6 2025
    David Clancy is a world-class sports physio and author who’s taken more than a few sharp turns in his career. He’s had to face the same questions many of us wrestle with: Do I stay in the safe lane or risk starting over? How do I manage different passions without spreading myself too thin? What do I do with that voice in my head telling me I don’t belong? In this episode, David and I dig into the practical side of career pivots and personal growth, including: •The real reasons people avoid changing direction—even when they know they’re unhappy. •How to make a career shift without blowing up everything you’ve built. •Why imposter phenomenon can be a sign you’re on the right track, and how to keep it from paralyzing you. •The challenge of chasing multiple passions and what filters help you decide what’s worth pursuing. •How relationships—not networking, but genuine ones—end up making or breaking your next move. •The skill of listening, and why it matters more than being the smartest person in the room. This isn’t theory. It’s a conversation packed with examples you can relate to if you’ve ever thought about pivoting, felt stuck in a role you’ve outgrown, or struggled with the noise of self-doubt. https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmdclancy/

    Instagram - @dclancyphysio

    Company Resource Page: https://thenxtlevelgroup.com/insights-and-resources/

    Event Page: https://www.essentialskills.ie/

    Book - Essential Skills for Physiotherapists: A Personal and Professional Development Framework

    🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events

    Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

    At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

    Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

    This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

    We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at info@artofcoaching.com and we’ll help make it work for you.

    Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12 (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26 (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™)

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

    Real Coaching for Real Life

    Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

    That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

    This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

    Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready.

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

    Follow Us:

    Website: ArtofCoaching.com

    Instagram: @coach_brettb

    X: @coach_brettb
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    1 h y 10 m
  • E396 | How to Stand Out in a World Addicted to Superficial Content and Noise

    E396 | How to Stand Out in a World Addicted to Superficial Content and Noise
    Sep 29 2025
    Most of what you see online right now isn’t designed to help you grow. It’s designed to keep you nodding, scrolling, and agreeing. Viral soundbites, 30-second reels, celebrities chasing trends—it’s all part of a system that rewards superficiality over substance. And if you’re someone putting real effort into your work, it can feel like you’re shouting into the void while the BS racks up likes and followers. In this episode, I’m breaking down: •Why the landscape feels so hollow right now (and no, it’s not just you imagining it). •What the human psyche actually craves in times of overload—and how platforms exploit it. •How to filter out the junk so you don’t waste energy on fast-food advice. •Concrete ways to adapt so you can stand out without selling out. If you’ve ever thought, “Why bother? Real work doesn’t break through anymore,” this one’s for you. 🎤 Art of Coaching Live Events

    Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

    At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

    Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

    This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

    We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at info@artofcoaching.com and we’ll help make it work for you.

    Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12 (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26 (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™)

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

    Real Coaching for Real Life

    Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

    That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

    This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

    Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready.

    🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

    Follow Us:

    Website: ArtofCoaching.com

    Instagram: @coach_brettb

    X: @coach_brettb
    Más Menos
    30 m