Athlete Builder

Shawnee Harle rode the bench at the number one program in the country. Then she got cut — and the coach who cut her is the one who pushed her into coaching. Twenty years a university head coach and two Olympic Games with Canada followed. But the moment that made her a mental toughness coach was a quarterfinal in Rio, against a team they'd already beaten twice in eighteen months, where she felt her team go from playing to win to playing not to lose. Her words: that's not a strategy shift. That's fear, and you can feel it. This one gets practical fast. Her toolkit in three words — chill, change, choose. The voice of fear and how to tell it to shut up. Why we only fear the things we believe we can't handle. Good anger versus bad anger. And the two-step nobody teaches: face the fear, then ask whether you'd actually survive it. CHAPTERS 0:00 Cold open 1:21 What riding the bench teaches you that starters never learn 3:10 You are what the scoreboard says you are 5:23 Atlanta 1996 — coaching through a bombing 8:27 Rio 2016 — higher expectations, higher agony 9:44 The moment it turned from playing to win to playing not to lose 12:59 Getting cut, and the ego that almost stopped her 16:49 You don't change behavior by addressing behavior 19:14 We only fear what we believe we can't handle 21:25 Bill Buckner and speaking it into existence 23:11 The voice of fear steals the microphone 25:45 Chill. Change. Choose. 30:14 Good anger and bad anger 35:18 The yips, the F words, and what sport teaches you to fake 43:16 The 14-year-old, the parents, and how they measure success 46:22 The limiting factor is always fear 50:27 "Shawnee taught me how to save myself" Free Athlete Builder Scorecard — about ten minutes, six blocks, a real assessment: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest The Two Minute Drill: athlete-builder.com/newsletter Find Shawnee: @shawneeharle · shawneeharle.com Win the Day. Stay Relentless.

Jesse Dale was on episode three of this show. This is episode 154. In between he earned his IFBB pro card — and then used it, which most people never do. Two pro shows in about sixty days. He won Masters Bodybuilding and Classic Physique 45+ in Chicago, won Classic Physique 45+ in Tampa, took second in bodybuilding, and cracked the top five in an Olympia qualifying class. He's in his late forties, stepping on stage in the upper 180s against men carrying 220 and 240. But the trophies aren't why he came back. His coaching business used to be about building better bodies. It isn't anymore. Jesse walks through what changed: releasing pride and finally hiring a coach after thirty years of doing it alone, letting go of the clients who take and never give, giving up pieces of a business he built himself, and going back to one-on-one training in a garage studio — which looks like a step backward and isn't. Plus: how he reads a gym's culture in forty-five seconds, why he thinks men have the guilt of training backwards, and what nineteen hundred and eighty-six consecutive days of public logging actually does to a coaching group. CHAPTERS 0:00 Cold open 1:39 A hundred and fifty episodes later: what actually changed 3:59 Two pro shows in sixty days — the real numbers 8:03 Setting a standard, then raising it 11:24 Upper 180s against 240 — where the insecurity comes from 13:26 The price nobody wants to pay in the off-season 15:54 Backstage: spray tans, rice cakes, and zero dignity 18:04 From building bodies to building men 22:08 Setbacks as weight on the bar 25:07 Good, why is this good, and now what 30:34 Choosing what's next without just chasing more 32:45 What separates a real coach from a certification 33:32 Why men feel guilty training — and why they have it backwards 36:20 Reading a gym's culture in forty-five seconds 44:54 Mastering the mundane: day 1,986 of public logs 54:12 The eulogy question 59:21 Rapid fire: the Derby, Derek Lunsford, and the squat song Where is your athlete actually losing ground? Free Athlete Builder Scorecard — six blocks, six minutes: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest The Two Minute Drill — one short read every Thursday: athlete-builder.com/newsletter Find Jesse: @jessethesharkdale on Instagram Questions for the show: [email protected]

Frank Weisser went to the Naval Academy to become a Navy SEAL. He didn't get it. The Navy handed him aviation instead, and he arrived at flight school having spent four years skydiving and rock climbing while everyone around him had spent theirs flying. He was so far behind that instructors wouldn't clear him to take off — he couldn't taxi the airplane properly. Twenty-one years later: three combat deployments, two tours as a Blue Angels demonstration pilot, and a seat in the cockpit as one of the pilots who flew the canyon runs in Top Gun: Maverick. This is a strength and conditioning conversation wearing a flight suit. Frank explains why Blue Angels pilots deadlift and squat heavy, what an hour under G actually costs a body, the centrifuge session where they took the whole team to the point of blacking out on purpose, and the debrief where every pilot names every mistake they made that day out loud — including the ones nobody else saw. EP 153 — CHAPTERS (16) 0:00 Cold open 1:03 Flying the Top Gun: Maverick canyon runs 5:05 Eighteen inches apart at 400 mph 15:03 The centrifuge: taken to blackout on purpose 17:38 The shoulder that ended his football career 24:54 What to say to the kid whose injury took their identity 30:28 The emptiness nobody warned him about after retirement 34:36 "I couldn't taxi the airplane" 38:50 Preparing to the point of diminishing returns 44:01 Push it to failure to find the envelope 54:04 What actually builds trust in a leader 1:00:12 Why the Blue Angels fly without G-suits 1:03:30 The squat rack before the call home 1:09:15 The debrief: every pilot names every failure out loud 1:16:17 LIMFACs — how naval aviation finds limiting factors 1:21:39 Rapid fire: movies, lifts, and Lead Solo Where is your athlete actually losing ground? Take the free Athlete Builder Scorecard — six blocks, six minutes, one honest answer: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest The Two Minute Drill — one short read every Thursday for coaches and parents who want athletes built right: athlete-builder.com/newsletter Guest: Cdr. Frank Weisser — frankweisser.net. His book Lead Solo: Learning Life's Vectors from an F/A-18 Blue Angels Aviator is available on Amazon and through Naval Institute Press. All proceeds go to the Wingman Foundation. Questions for the show: [email protected]

Ten episodes. One system. Turn opinions into a plan. A coach scores his 12-kid roster on Tuesday and rearranges practice by Thursday — because almost nothing was where he thought. The "lazy" kid was under-recovered; the "choker" was under-informed. In the finale of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe runs the full system on a whole team: the mechanics, the four rules for reading results, one inch per kid per quarter, the clipboard method that turns a habit into an identity, and the operating rhythm — score, prescribe, win the days, re-score, forever. Coaches: run your roster this week. Parents: run your kid tonight. ▶️ The scoring tool (free, ~10 min per athlete): https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 🎬 New listener? Start at Episode 1 and run the series in order. 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter · 📘 Book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Ten episodes. One system. Keep stacking wins. Win the day. Stay relentless.

Brian Harper walked on at Weber State as a quarterback and worked his way to number two on the depth chart. Then, two weeks before the season opener, they moved him to tight end. He weighed 215. The next lightest tight end on the roster was 235. He didn't quit and he didn't pout. He said it felt like being back in seventh grade — the game was brand new again. That instinct is the whole episode. Brian is a decathlete, a former D1 football player, a CrossFit coach who made the online semifinals this year, an ocean lifeguard in San Diego, a soon-to-be firefighter, and a bobsled push athlete chasing the next Olympic quad. We get into what a position change actually does to an athlete, how you coach someone who isn't wired to compete, why he thinks the hardest rep anybody does is walking through the door, and how he's structuring four years across a career and two sports without going broke or burning out. IN THIS EPISODE 01:24 — Coaching CrossFit: from an internship credit to running classes 01:51 — Making the online semifinals, and the goal for next year 02:43 — First bobsled run: "get in, hold on" — pure adrenaline and chaos 03:58 — Green Wall: nearly drowning during lifeguard academy, and the four weeks that fixed it 06:31 — Jim's Statue of Liberty swim and the buoy that ripped on impact 15:29 — Narpocalypse: Brian's new show on life after sports 16:20 — Ten events, one nemesis — the decathlon event that humbles him 17:53 — Walk-on to number two: the spring that changed everything 19:20 — The meeting: "Creighton had a better day, we're moving you to tight end" 20:18 — 215 to 225 in two weeks, and why it felt like seventh grade again 21:58 — Head and body: running Brian's story through the six blocks 23:29 — Getting fired from a job you've held your whole life 25:24 — The offer he turned down out of high school, and what he'd tell himself now 26:19 — Too many irons in the fire: how do you plan a four-year quad 29:05 — Olympic champion or CrossFit champion? 31:24 — Coaching competitors and coaching everybody else in the same hour 33:54 — Why trust gets built off the field, and what one selfish player does to a room 35:45 — "If I'm not competing, I don't know what I'm doing" 39:48 — Finding the spark in an athlete who doesn't think they're competitive 43:01 — The hardest rep is walking through the door 45:03 — What a week actually looks like, and why sleep is non-negotiable 49:12 — How Brian finds the limiting factor in a new athlete 52:11 — What he wants people to say about him in thirty years 54:24 — Bobsled metrics: the body weight and squat numbers on the World Cup team 55:59 — Jim on adding size the right way, and why you retest instead of guess 58:11 — Lightning round: Warrior, Brett Favre, Isabel, and a Lombardi quote worth keeping Where's your athlete actually losing ground? Take the free Athlete Builder Scorecard — six blocks, six minutes, one honest answer: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest The Two Minute Drill — one short read every Thursday for coaches and parents who want athletes built right: athlete-builder.com/newsletter Find Brian: @_brianharper on Instagram · his show @narpocalypsepod Connector credit: Sydney Milani, @syd_milani — founder of Peerless, supporting Olympic hopefuls.

Three tenths off the 200m race isn't chased in May — it's built in January, in a thousand invisible reps. In Episode 9 of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe hands over the operating system of the whole series: Win the Day. The cascade from quarter goal to one daily habit, streak over mood, the identity shift ("I don't miss"), killing the two lies, the weekly stick, and the boring wins that separate good from great from elite. Goals are just targets. The system that gets you there — that's for winners. ▶️ Free assessment (finds the inch your habit should attack): https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter · 📘 Book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Win the day. Stay relentless.

Conor Hughes runs the weight room at West Point — ten years at Army, a 635-pound school-record squat, and five former assistants who've become FBS head strength coaches. Every time he loses one, his program gets better. A self-described D3 lineman who wasn't a great athlete, Conor fell in love with coaching on day one and built one of college football's most respected development programs. In this conversation, he and Jim dig into his ten daily non-negotiables, the "hive brain" of a team, radical ownership, telling the truth, and building a culture strong enough to survive losing your best people. 🎧 Full episode everywhere you listen 📊 Free Athlete Builder Scorecard: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 🌐 athlete-builder.com | ✉️ [email protected] Win the Day. Stay Relentless.

A wrestler drills harder than anyone in the room and keeps losing off the same tie-up. He doesn't need more effort — he needs a diagnosis. In Episode 8 of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe delivers the system that ties all six inches together: the SWOT, translated for athletes. Strength becomes your competitive advantage, weakness your limiting factor, opportunity your target, threat the enemy. Run it on all six blocks, find the real weak link (it's almost never where you think), and turn the diagnosis into one daily habit. ▶️ The free assessment runs this exact system on your whole team in ~10 minutes: https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter · 📘 Book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Win the day. Stay relentless.

Matt King walked into Maine as a four-sport kid and left an All-American linebacker. Then he chased the NFL through three leagues — arena, the CFL, and pro camps with the Jets and Steelers — before spending 14 years building college weight rooms at UConn, Michigan State, and Texas. Today he coaches in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. In this conversation, Matt and Jim talk about process over outcome, developing people in the weight room, and what it takes to chase a dream across three leagues and never give up on it. 🎧 Full episode everywhere you listen 📊 Free Athlete Builder Scorecard: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 🌐 athlete-builder.com | ✉️ [email protected] Win the Day. Stay Relentless.

Five matches, one Saturday. Match one she's flying; match four she's a step slow. Same skill — the difference is who recovered. In Episode 7 of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe covers the most neglected inch: Recovery. Sleep as the #1 steroid, recovering on purpose between games, recovery as a system, the 50% rule for wrecked days, the Gift of Injury, and the downshift that prevents burnout. The best ability is availability. Lingering or sharp pain goes to a medical professional — rehab is run by pros. ▶️ Free assessment (10 min): https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter · 📘 Book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Keep stacking wins. Win the day. Stay relentless.

Pedro Arruza was born in Spain, lost his father at seven, and arrived in Miami barely speaking English. He became an English teacher with a master's degree — and then built one of the best sustained runs in Division III football: 22 years as head coach at Randolph-Macon, the longest-tenured coach in Virginia, with a 2025 ODAC title to add to the collection. In this conversation, Pedro and Jim talk about the coaches who shaped his life and faith, the seed one man planted that changed everything, why he's never chased the D1 job, and what it really takes to live your standards out every day instead of just talking about them. 📊 Take the free Athlete Builder Scorecard: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest In this episode: — The unlikeliest origin story you'll hear: Spain, Mexico, Miami, and an English degree — The words a seventh-grade coach said that changed the trajectory of his life — Why he's stayed at Randolph-Macon for 22 years when he could have left for D1 — Living your values vs. printing them on a t-shirt — What he learned from Nick Saban about never stopping the climb — Why he still power cleans once a week Connect with Pedro Arruza 🏈 Randolph-Macon Football — rmcathletics.com 🎧 Full episode everywhere you listen 📊 Free Athlete Builder Scorecard: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 🌐 athlete-builder.com | ✉️ [email protected] Win the Day. Stay Relentless.

A kid flies around the field for twenty minutes and walks by the sixtieth. That's not always conditioning — it's an empty tank. In Episode 6 of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe breaks down Nutrition, the second body block: why it's two-thirds of the result, the four fuels, the Survive-Thrive-Win climb, the bomb shake for hard-gainers, and the Jack story that proves you can't beat the math — and that without a stick, there's no change. Plus the Nutrition Top 10 you can start Monday. Fuel, don't restrict — for weight or body-composition goals, especially with a young athlete, work with a registered dietitian. ▶️ Free assessment (10 min): https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter · 📘 Book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Keep stacking wins. Win the day. Stay relentless.

Taggart Brown traded dirt bikes for a headset — and never lost the mentality that got him down the track. The offensive coordinator and QB coach at Bethel College joins Jim to talk about coaching without hesitation, the Event + Response = Outcome formula he teaches his quarterbacks, the grind of college coaching with a newborn at home, and why he believes most young athletes aren't physically strong enough for what the game asks of them. A walk-on turned conference player of the year turned play-caller, Taggart's story is about competing with no fear of failure — on the bike, on the field, and in life. In this episode: — How a motocross racer's "no fear of failure" mindset transfers to calling plays — Event + Response = Outcome: the one thing you can always control — The walk-on tryout that produced his best man — The real cost of the coaching grind on family — Why he thinks most young athletes aren't strong enough — and how to fix it — The four most powerful words you can tell a young man: "I believe in you" Connect with Taggart Brown 𝕏 Twitter: @taggart_brown 📸 Instagram: @taggart.brown 🎧 Full episode everywhere you listen 📊 How good is your athlete? Take the free Athlete Builder Scorecard: athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📰 Two Minute Drill newsletter: athlete-builder.com/newsletter 🌐 athlete-builder.com | ✉️ [email protected] Win the Day. Stay Relentless.

Same team, same skills, same trainers — so why does one kid win the 50/50 ball and the other doesn't? It's not skill. It's the body. In Episode 5 of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe crosses from the head to the body with Training — the inch that lets an athlete apply everything else. He breaks down the training pyramid (mindset → nutrition → conditioning → movement → strength → speed & power → sport), why "a pyramid is only as big as its base," and how travel sports flipped it upside down and drove repetitive-use injuries through the roof. Plus the Survive → Thrive → Win climb, the plan to build the machine, and why consistency beats intensity every time. Strength cures sins. Speed and power win. Note: This episode covers physical training. Get medically cleared and work with a qualified coach before starting any program. ▶️ Score your team with the free assessment (about 10 minutes): https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter 📘 The book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Keep stacking wins. Win the day. Stay relentless.

Athlete Builder Podcast  ·  Kristin Wodrich  ·  Women's Basketball · Leadership · Youth Sports · Faith · Coaching EPISODE SUMMARY "I had a baby December 11th. I was back on the bench January 3rd. I would never suggest that to anybody — but that's coaching." Kristin Wodrich spent 18 years on the sideline of women's college basketball. She started as a GA at Texas Tech — sleeping on couches, walking dogs for extra money, and losing a kid at camp her first summer. She went on to become a head coach, an assistant AD, and one of the more honest voices on what it actually takes to build leaders, not just players. In this episode, Jim and Kristin cover peer-to-peer accountability, the leadership courage most coaches don't talk about, what's actually broken in youth sports, why specialization is destroying young athletes, when to start lifting, what happens when your sport becomes your identity, and the one line that stopped Jim mid-sentence: "I love you right where you're at — but I love you too much to keep you there." She also talks about practicing hard conversations before you have them, why the transfer portal is the enemy of culture, why women coaching women matters, and what Romans 15:13 has to do with how she coached every team she ever had. LESSONS 1. "I love you right where you're at — but I love you too much to keep you there." 2. The best leaders aren't always liked — but they're always respected 3. Peer-to-peer accountability is the hardest leadership skill — and it has to be practiced 4. Your #1 asset is culture — and the portal is destroying it 5. Youth sports expectations are the problem — not the kids 6. Specialization is behind the injury epidemic — and lifting is the fix 7. Your sport will fail you — don't make it your identity   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro — Kristin Wodrich, 18 years in women's college basketball 1:10 Welcome to D1 — 45-minute defensive workout she almost couldn't walk after 2:00 GA life at Texas Tech — lost a kid at camp, walking dogs, sleeping on couches What GAs think they're signing up for vs. what it actually is 3:50 The support team — why athletes who take care of GAs and interns always get it back 6:55 What separates leaders from equally talented players They say the right thing when it's hard — and don't care about the response 8:15 Peer-to-peer courage — Ryan Day's 5 C's and why captains have it harder than coaches 9:00 "I love you right where you're at — but I love you too much to keep you there." The line that stopped Jim mid-sentence 10:15 Snapchat friends vs. real relationships — surface-level culture and why it kills teams 11:00 Trust building in the portal era — why your non-negotiables cannot waver 13:20 Leadership lesson she wishes she'd learned year one Hard doesn't mean bad — it means necessary 14:00 Practicing hard conversations — writing them out, rehearsing, praying over them 15:20 Confidence only comes from reps — Jim's take on preparation 17:25 Two coaches married — what dinner actually looks like And why parents should think the way her husband did 20:33 Youth sports — what's broken "Play hard" should never be a skill set 22:15 The math on who actually plays college sports 23:10 Burnout, injury rates & early specialization — is single-sport the problem? 24:30 Multi-sport development, neuropathways & the Da Vinci analogy Why swimmers are bad at change-of-direction sports 26:05 Repetitive use injuries and strength training as the competitive advantage nobody uses 29:30 When to start lifting — push heavy things, carry heavy things Farm boy strength is real and any kid can build it 31:50 Women in coaching — why the numbers are declining Had a baby Dec 11th. Back on the bench Jan 3rd. 33:50 Seasons of life — priorities change and that's okay 35:00 Faith — "When Jesus is my identity, things line up" Your sport will fail you. Don't build your identity on it. 37:45 How to find one limiting factor in a new athlete — Jim's SWOT approach 40:00 The full INCHES breakdown — head, body, six habits, one priority 41:25 Training for a half marathon — "I'm a runner again" 43:00 Bucket list — The Masters Less than 5% of a round of golf is actually swinging the club 44:00 Rapid fire — Rudy, basketball, Jackie Stiles, Atomic Habits, Wonder Woman 45:10 Power cleans, Romans 15:13 & where to find Kristin

The most talented team loses to the team that plays for each other. The shortstop with a cannon can't turn the double play because she doesn't trust her second baseman. That's not talent — that's teammates. In Episode 4 of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe breaks down the inch that multiplies every other inch. The three circles every athlete has (squad, leadership team, support team), the "Now what?" lens that turns ideas into action, and the climb from Survive to Thrive to Win — told through softball. Plus how coaches engineer chemistry instead of hoping for it, why allies beat friends, and how to work backwards from elite culture to daily behavior. In this episode: • The three circles: squad, leadership team, support team (and the one everybody neglects) • "Now what?" — the lens that turns every idea into an action item • Survive → Thrive → Win, in softball: do your job → turn the double play → carry the culture • Why you label the play before it happens — trust is built out loud • Tom Ryan: the size of your fight is proportionate to the depth of your love • Chemistry isn't luck — how coaches engineer connection reps • Scott Bird: give respect to get respect; be authentic and consistent • Allies vs. friends — every player needs a mirror • Be worth following: your standard on your worst day sets the team's floor • The Teammate SWOT — and the real threat isn't the loss, it's losing a kid for 12 months • Work backwards: HS gets one connection habit; college defines elite culture first ▶️ SCORE YOUR TEAM — FREE ASSESSMENT (about 10 minutes) 👉 https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 The Two Minute Drill (weekly newsletter): https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter 📘 The book — Athlete Builder: The Blueprint to Build Champion Athletes: https://athlete-builder.com/booka 🔔 Subscribe for the rest of the series. Follow: IG @athlete_builder | TikTok @athlete.builder Keep stacking wins. Win the day. Stay relentless.

Description: Tom Ryan has coached Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder, 80 All-Americans, and a national championship team at Ohio State. None of that is what shaped him. In this conversation, the two-time NCAA Coach of the Year and author of Chosen Suffering goes to the places most coaches won't: the day he walked into Dan Gable's wrestling room and got beaten unmercifully, the loss of his five-year-old son Teague and the question it forced him to answer, and why there's no such thing as a quantum leap — only dogged persistence that ends up looking like one. Jim and Tom get into the non-negotiable standards behind every elite athlete Tom has coached, how to actually know your athletes before the world labels them, why ultra-competitors don't break when fatigue and pressure hit, and what it means to be the landlord of your own mind. Timestamps: 02:30 — Walking on at Iowa: the "Are you warm?" moment 07:30 — Getting cut from basketball and finding wrestling 15:30 — Losing Teague, and the question Tom couldn't answer 21:00 — "Gratitude crushes suffering" 25:45 — No quantum leaps: the unseen work 29:15 — Choosing the hard thing and living in reality 31:30 — The non-negotiable standard (Snyder's 5:28 mile) 37:15 — Landlord of your mind: I love tos, I believes, I ams 46:00 — Why ultra-competitors don't break under pressure 57:00 — What Tom wants his athletes to carry with them 57:50 — Rapid fire Find your athlete's weak link — take The Athlete Builder Scorecard, our free assessment that scores all six blocks (knowledge counts double): link https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest Get the Two Minute Drill — two ideas, two takeaways, two questions, every Thursday. Tom Ryan: @buckeye158 on Instagram and X · Chosen Suffering wherever books are sold.

He sprints every play. Never dogs a rep. And never gets the ball. Why? He doesn't know the routes...or he does, BUT doens't know something else. In Part 3 of the Build Champion Athletes series, Jim Beebe breaks down Knowledge — the second inch in the head, and the quiet limiting factor nobody talks about. Effort without mastery is just fast confusion. Using a wide receiver's route tree, Jim shows the three levels every athlete climbs, and how to move up them. He then applies it to other sports. In this episode: • Why the hardest worker on the team can still be invisible • The playbook — and why knowledge "counts double" • The route tree: Survive → Thrive → Win • Survive: know the routes. Thrive: master the craft. Win: read the game. • Why every sport has a route tree — baseball, basketball, wrestling • Learn faster than anyone: ask questions, film, mentors • Life knowledge — school, sleep, time, money • Diagnosing it with the Knowledge SWOT and one habit ▶️ SCORE YOUR TEAM — FREE ASSESSMENT (about 10 minutes) 👉 https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 The Two Minute Drill (weekly newsletter): https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter 📘 The book — Athlete Builder: The Blueprint to Build Champion Athletes: https://athlete-builder.com/booka 🔔 Subscribe for the rest of the series. Follow: IG @athlete_builder | TikTok @athlete.builder Keep stacking wins. Win the day. Stay relentless. #AthleteBuilder #BuildChampionAthletes #SportsIQ #Coaching #AthleticDevelopment #SportsPerformance #YouthSports

Talent isn't what separates the ones who make it — and Scott Bird has spent 31 years proving it, coaching Max Scherzer, 37 All-Americans, and a room full of future pros across five major programs. In this one he breaks down how he diagnoses what an athlete actually needs (it starts with a conversation, not a test), why he rated a future 3× Cy Young winner's work ethic "average" as a freshman — and what changed — the four-word philosophy behind three decades of results, why patience is the skill young athletes and young coaches botch most, and how "investing in the relationship" builds a culture that holds a room of alphas accountable. Plus the basics that never die, why admitting you're wrong to your team earns more respect, and the gratitude habit that runs his best days. 1. MINDSET — Fix the mind first. Before any physical test, Scott reads mindset and hunger: "It starts with a conversation… I want to see where his mindset's at." The wrong mindset stalls everything; commitment beats a one-time decision. 2. MINDSET / KNOWLEDGE — Growth mindset is the separator. Scherzer wasn't the most gifted freshman — he named his gaps and attacked them with "focused intensity," carrying the weight-room mentality to the mound. The elite aren't afraid of the work or of where they're weak. 3. KNOWLEDGE — "Take roll and pay attention." Diagnosis is observation plus a conversation, not a gadget. You can read what an athlete needs by how they walk in the room — the day after they compete, the first question is simply "How do you feel?" 4. TEAMMATES — Invest in the relationship. Be the same person every day (no eggshells). Understand where each athlete is coming from so you know when to get in a face and when to whisper. Admit when you're wrong to the team — it builds more respect, not less. 5. TRAINING — Basics never die; patience is the missing skill. Bench, squat, clean still work — don't reinvent the wheel. Of consistency, intensity, and patience, patience is the one athletes and young coaches get wrong. Stack small wins ("better than last week = a win"); one step up the stairs at a time. 6. KNOWLEDGE / RECOVERY — Science serves the athlete, not the reverse. Use the tech, but keep your "visual analytics" — believe what you see (à la LaRussa). Don't get so buried in data you forget there are real people performing. •        Welcome to Oklahoma: 1985, Barry Switzer, and the surreal freshman moment •        Scout-team stories and the kicker who lived in the weight room •        The loudest stadiums: Kansas State 2000 and Neyland at night •        Who is Scott Bird — 31 years, Scherzer, 37 All-Americans •        The "why" that keeps him in the weight room for three decades •        Focus forward, not on the mistake — the message a player remembered 25 years later •        From coaching athletes to coaching coaches at Logan University •        What's different between the ears: growth mindset and Scherzer's turn •        How to diagnose what an athlete really needs: take roll and pay attention •        Building culture in a room of alphas: investing in the relationship •        Consistency, intensity, patience — the one everyone gets wrong •        Small wins and the 'month of June' method •        What's changed in S&C — and the basics that never die •        Fix one thing first: mindset before the physical •        What he wants his athletes to say about him •        Rapid fire: Rockies, Larry Bird, Batman, and gratitude over expectations CONNECT WITH SCOTT BIRD Instagram / X: @Birdman8500   ·   LinkedIn: /in/scott-bird-807b6b59 FOLLOW ATHLETE BUILDER Instagram @athlete_builder · TikTok @athlete.builder · YouTube @Athlete-Builder · athlete-builder.com  

Two athletes do the same workout — one gets 10x better. In this episode of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe talks with Matt Wietlispach, strength coach for Syracuse women's basketball and a former pro baseball player who was told he wasn't good enough and outworked everyone anyway. They get into committed vs. compliant, what actually makes a great coach, how to hunt an athlete's limiting factor, and why telling athletes the truth is the fastest way to make them better. ▶️ Score your team with the free assessment (about 10 minutes): https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter 📘 The book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Keep stacking wins. WIN THE DAY. Stay relentless.

You know this athlete: talented and hard-working, but a bad play sets them off and lingers for days. That's not talent — it's the inch above the neck. In Episode 2 of Build Champion Athletes, Jim Beebe breaks down the mindset block — the first of the six inches and the one that drives the rest. The four levels of athlete, anchoring the decision to a Why, the lie every athlete tells themselves, and how to rewire the self-talk. Then he runs the whole system on himself: at 50, a non-swimmer training to cross the Hudson with Navy SEALs, and the "10 and one" mantra that got him across. ▶️ Score your team with the free assessment (about 10 minutes): https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter 📘 The book: https://athlete-builder.com/booka Keep stacking wins. Win the day. Stay relentless.

Every coach has that athlete — talented, works hard, and suddenly stuck. The plateau isn't a talent problem or an effort problem. It's a diagnosis problem. In Part 1 of the Build Champion Athletes series, Jim Beebe breaks down the exact framework he uses to figure out why any athlete plateaus — and how to find the ONE inch to work on next instead of chasing "the one thing" or grinding harder at what they're already good at. In this episode: • The athlete who stalled • Jim's background: finance meets 14 years with athletes • Mistake #1: "What's the one thing?" • Mistake #2: more-is-better grind culture • Why a plateau is a diagnosis problem • The big idea: a game of inches • The 6 Inch Blocks — 3 in the head, 3 in the body • The Head: Mindset, Knowledge, Teammates • The Body: Training, Nutrition, Recovery • The SWOT: find the weak link • Whittling 6 priorities down to the 1 that breaks the plateau • Score your team ▶️ SCORE YOUR TEAM — FREE ASSESSMENT (about 8 minutes) 👉 https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 Get the Two Minute Drill (weekly newsletter): https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter 📘 The book — Athlete Builder: The Blueprint to Build Champion Athletes: https://athlete-builder.com/booka 🔔 Subscribe for the rest of the series. Follow: IG @athlete_builder | TikTok @athlete.builder

Two athletes take the exact same supplement. One gets stronger. The other feels off for days — and nobody knows why. The difference is in their DNA. In this episode of Athlete Builder Jim Beebe sits down with Garrett Hill — Officer with Gene Companion, former University of Missouri tight end, and one-time West Point appointee — to open a brand-new lens on building the athlete's body: genetics. Garrett's company, Gene Companion, runs a simple saliva test that shows how your body actually metabolizes every FDA-approved medication and the top 300 over-the-counter drugs — so you stop guessing whether what you (or your athletes) take is helping, doing nothing, or quietly causing harm. Adverse drug reactions are a leading cause of death, and most of it comes down to genetics nobody checked. For coaches, that's training, supplements, and recovery — getting athletes back on the field faster, without the trial and error. We also get into Garrett's story: a torn retina that cost him a West Point football scholarship, the 5-minute rule he used to bounce back and commit to Missouri, training under Pat Ivey, and the faith that still drives him — "prepare your field." In this episode: • If you could change one gene (the X-Men question) • Tight end at Missouri, training under Pat Ivey • Losing West Point to a torn retina — and bouncing back fast • Why modern medicine is reactive, not proactive • How your DNA changes what you should and shouldn't take • The saliva test, the app, and avoiding adverse drug reactions • Real saves: a fungal-med interaction during COVID, a team's inflammation mystery, Garrett's own migraine injection • Supplements, NSAIDs, and faster recovery for athletes • "Prepare your field" — resilience, faith, and legacy ▶️ SCORE YOUR TEAM — FREE ASSESSMENT (about 10 minutes) 👉 https://athlete-builder.com/assessmenttest 📬 The Two Minute Drill (weekly newsletter): https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter 📘 The book — Athlete Builder: The Blueprint to Build Champion Athletes: https://athlete-builder.com/booka 🧬 Connect with Garrett & Gene Companion: genecompanion.com | [email protected] | LinkedIn: /in/garrett-hill-3aa354b4 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week. Follow: IG @athlete_builder | TikTok @athlete.builder #AthleteBuilder #BuildChampionAthletes #Genetics #GeneCompanion #Recovery #Supplements #AthleticDevelopment #SportsPerformance

This was live on 6/9/26. We do live shows weekly. Hit me up if you want to participate live with our guests! What does it take to not quit when everything in your body is telling you to? Retired Navy SEAL Jeff Gum has the answer — he made it through Hell Week while fighting rhabdo, and he's spent the decades since turning that resilience into a teachable system. In this special edition of Office Hours, Jeff and Jim Beebe go deep on the mindset behind unbreakable performance: making the single decision that removes every other decision, controlling the controllables one evolution at a time, training the "monkey mind," knowing when to persevere versus pivot, and building confidence the only way it's actually built — through reps. If you coach, compete, or lead, this one's a clinic on the mental game. Key takeaways: • "Take away your ability to quit" — make the one decision that settles all the others • Be trained enough to live in thrive mode — but never quit when you're forced into survival • Control your effort, attitude, and the next rep; release everything else • You are not your first thought — the thought about the thought is who you are • Confidence isn't given, it's earned in reps — do the mental work first, then go get it Resources & links: • Mental Edge Academy: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com • Book a call: https://calendly.com/jimbeebe/aea-mea • Free Hell Week guide: 〔link〕 • Watch on YouTube: 〔episode link〕 • Jeff Gum / Sunga Life: 〔link〕 • Gates of Fire (Steven Pressfield): 〔link〕 · Athlete Builder (Jim Beebe): 〔link〕 • Follow: @athletebuilder

Same Genetics. First-Round Pick Brother. Zero Excuses. | Brennan & Jake Thieneman Athlete Builder Podcast  ·  Brennan & Jake Thieneman  ·  All In Performance · Mindset · Football · Walk-On EPISODE SUMMARY   "Jake sat down in the Giants locker room after a decade of maxing out everything he had. Saquon Barkley sat across from him. He watched him run. And he knew — with total peace — that if he had another decade, he still couldn't touch that level." Brennan and Jake Thieneman walked on at Purdue. Nobody handed them anything. They became starters, Big Ten honorees, and team captains. Their younger brother Dylan just got drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears. Same family. Same genetics. One of them is an NFL first-rounder. And their response to that? "We can't use the genetics excuse. He has the same parents we do." Brennan and Jake now run All In Performance, an online coaching operation built around the same principles that got two walk-ons to the top of a Big Ten program. In this episode, Jim, Brennan, and Jake go deep on wasted potential, the walk-on mindset, how to mentally prepare for a physical game, what happens to your identity when football ends, the difference between saying "I'll try" and actually going all in — and why fitness, health, and wealth are infinite games you never stop playing. Plus: Jake signs with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent, sits across the locker room from Saquon Barkley, watches him run, and is completely at peace with where he is. That's what maxing out looks like. KEY LESSONS   1. You can't use the genetics excuse when your brother proves it doesn't matter Dylan Thieneman was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears. Brennan and Jake walked on at Purdue. Same parents, same household, same genetics — and there's an order of magnitude between them athletically. Jake's point: "If Brennan and I had folded, there might be some negative feelings there. But that doesn't come from 'he got more.' It comes from 'I didn't do everything I could with what I was given.'"   2. Nothing is more disappointing than wasted potential Jake and Brennan weren't the most gifted players on their team — not even close. But they saw physically elite players who never touched the field. The gap between your current level and your ceiling is almost always wider than the gap between your ceiling and someone else's. Most people are nowhere near their potential and blaming the wrong thing for it.   3. "Try" is not a strategy Brennan calls out one of the most common performance killers: "I'm going to try to eat better. I'm going to try to get in full workouts this week." His challenge: what would you think of a coach who said "we're going to try to win tonight?" The word "try" is a built-in exit. Replace it with "I'm going to find a way."   4. Fitness, health, and wealth are infinite games Jake breaks down finite vs. infinite games: a football game has an end point, a winner, rules. Fitness doesn't. There's no moment where you've won and you're done. The goalpost always moves. Because it's an infinite game, the goal isn't to win — it's to keep playing. And if you're going to keep playing, you have to play it at a level you won't regret.   5. Maxing out means you can sit across from Saquon Barkley in peace After a decade of intentional training, Jake signs with the Giants as an undrafted free agent. He watches Saquon Barkley run and knows in his bones that if he had another decade, he still couldn't reach that level. And he was completely okay with it — because he'd done everything. That's what a clean conscience looks like when you've genuinely emptied the tank.   6. Mental preparation for a physical game starts Monday — not pregame Going into a Wisconsin-style run-heavy game, Brennan and Jake didn't just flip a switch on Saturday. Mental reps in bed the night before. Film study. Visualizing every play. And a physical week of practice — actually thudding, not just soft wrapping. You always play like you practice. A soft week makes a soft game.   7. Your identity has to survive the jersey coming off Brennan's counter-intuitive take: he was most confident in himself after football ended — not during. Because he knew he'd emptied the tank. He didn't attach his identity to "football player." He attached it to the type of person football made him. When the sport ended, that person remained. The next chapter starts from there. TIMESTAMPS   0:00 Intro — Brennan & Jake Thieneman, All In Performance, Purdue walk-ons 1:45 Favorite away venue — Brennan: Penn State Mid-play, you could feel the roar of 110,000 people 3:10 Favorite away venue — Jake: Nebraska 90,000 people going completely silent when Purdue scored 5:15 Iowa's pink visiting locker room — and why it backfired They wanted you to come out soft. You used it as fuel instead. 8:55 Wisconsin, Jonathan Taylor & Brennan's play of the game Taylor's third fumble of the night — on his senior night 11:45 How to mentally prepare for a physically brutal game It starts Monday, not Saturday 14:00 Backup QB destroys your game plan — and it happened three times 35:15 Walk-on to captain: the math on how rare that is 22% of 2% are starters. You were all-conference. Do the math. 37:10 Dylan gets drafted first round by the Chicago Bears — same genetics, zero excuses The most powerful moment in the episode 41:00 Nothing more disappointing than wasted potential Most gifted guys who never touched the field 42:20 Jake signs with the Giants — sits across from Saquon Barkley After a decade of maxing out, he watched Saquon run and was completely at peace 44:45 Jim's Hudson River swim — 15 months of prep, swim buoy falls off, pulled from the race Raised $700K for the military. Nobody died. He's at peace with it. 51:10 "Try" is not a strategy — find a way What would you think of a coach who said "we're gonna try to win tonight?" 53:25 Finite vs. infinite games — why fitness and health never have a finish line 55:00 Post-football identity — how do you stop putting on pads? Brennan was most confident after football ended, not during 1:01:00 Astronaut alcoholism, win the day & Jim's son Jack at Ball State 1:10:00 Steroids, peptides & the nitrous analogy You can't hit nitrous at the start of the race 1:13:20 Rapid fire: training music, favorite lifts, bucket list adventures 1:15:20 Movies, athletes, book recs & the Bible 1:19:40 Batman, Joker, Henry Ford quote — and the Purdue blacksmith statue Every swing of the hammer forges you closer to who you're becoming 1:25:25 Where to find Brennan, Jake & All In Performance + closing HASHTAGS #AthleteBuilder #AllInPerformance #ThienemanBrothers #WalkOn #PurdueFootball #ChicagoBears #DylanThieneman #WastedPotential #MaxYourPotential #MindsetMatters #WinTheDay #INCHES #FiniteVsInfinite #FootballMindset #BigTen #NFL #PerformanceCoaching #AthleteTransition #FindAWay #MentalToughness #SaquonBarkley #NewYorkGiants

What First Responders, Pro Baseball Players & Busy Athletes All Get Wrong About Food | Megan Lautz Athlete Builder Podcast  ·  Megan Lautz, RD  ·  Nutrition · First Responders · Performance · Lifestyle EPISODE SUMMARY   "You're not gonna run a pediatric code and come back to the station wanting a salad. That's just not how humans work." Most nutrition advice assumes you work nine to five, sleep eight hours, and have twenty minutes to meal prep. Megan Lautz built her career around everyone that doesn't. Megan is a registered dietitian, founder of Rescue RD, and one of the team dietitians for the Baltimore Orioles. She has spent nearly a decade in the trenches with firefighters, police officers, and first responders — the population that nutrition science almost entirely ignores. She was recently at the FDIC in Indianapolis presenting at workshops and live podcasts, and she has a book on the way through Fire Engineering. In this episode, Jim and Megan dig into the real reason willpower fails on shift work, why your pre-workout is a lie, what an applesauce pouch has to do with MLB performance, how to build a go-bag that actually keeps you from destroying the vending machine at 9pm, and why eating a closed-pantry donut and eating an open-counter donut are two very different experiences — according to actual research. This one is practical from start to finish. No perfection required. KEY LESSONS   1. All-or-nothing thinking is the #1 nutrition killer First responders and athletes alike fall into the same trap: either they're perfect or they've completely given up. Megan's entire approach is built around rejecting that binary. The goal isn't perfect eating — it's making a better bad decision every time. Cut three Bangs down to three Monsters and you've already cut caffeine in half. That's the win.   2. Carbs before your workout aren't optional — they're fuel The single biggest mistake Megan sees from first responders to MLB pitchers is showing up to training or game day having skipped carbs. Caffeine kills the feeling of fatigue but provides zero performance energy. Carbs do the actual work. An applesauce pouch 15 minutes before training — and 30–60g of carbs per hour during longer sessions — can dramatically change what your body can push through.   3. Your environment is making your choices for you A study at OSU fire stations found that when treats were put behind a closed door and healthier options were placed in plain sight, firefighters ate an additional pound of produce per shift. Nothing else changed. What you see first, you eat first. Make the good choice obvious. Add friction to the bad one. This is Atomic Habits applied to the kitchen counter.   4. Sleep deprivation rewires what you eat and how much Trauma exposure, interrupted sleep, and chronic stress don't just make people tired — they change the brain's relationship to food. Cravings shift toward salty, fatty, high-calorie foods. Willpower tanks. Portion control disappears. And two measured drinks reduces sleep quality by nearly 40%. Megan's approach accounts for this rather than pretending it doesn't exist.   5. The go-bag solves the 9pm fridge raid A non-perishable snack bag stocked with protein, carbs, and electrolytes (protein bars, jerky, tuna packets, applesauce pouches, dried fruit, Cheerios) keeps you fueled between meals so you don't arrive at dinner having not eaten since noon and eat everything in reach. Works for first responders, athletes, parents running kids to practice, realtors, anyone living in a van on schedule.   6. 40% of first responders have a sleep disorder. 80% don't know it. A lot of the nutrition problems Megan sees — chronic fatigue, energy drink dependency, overeating — have an upstream cause that isn't food. Sleep disorders are radically underdiagnosed in the first responder population. Sometimes the fix isn't a go-bag. It's a sleep test.   7. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care Megan's quote for the episode cuts to the core of why behavior change fails. Rapport isn't soft — it's the mechanism. Whether you're a dietitian, a coach, a parent, or a teammate, the technical advice doesn't land until the relationship is real. Meet people where they're at. Then move them. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro — Megan Lautz, Rescue RD, and the Baltimore Orioles 2:10 FDIC Indianapolis — what happens when you put 40,000 firefighters in one city Scooter injuries included 4:00 Baltimore Colts trauma and why the Colts are last on Megan's list Still too soon, apparently 5:30 Soccer, lacrosse, track — and failing as a group fitness instructor three times Too intense for beginners. First responders were a better fit. 7:30 Why nutrition advice ignores first responders entirely 10:15 All-or-nothing: the mindset that tanks nutrition before it starts 12:30 Shift families, $2-a-head dinners, and why you're eating the donut Social dynamics are nutrition strategy 14:00 Binge eating, trauma, and what happens after a pediatric code 15:30 Friction: introducing the water between drinks concept 16:00 The OSU fire station produce study — closed door, one pound more per shift The most actionable nutrition research in this episode 19:30 Alcohol and sleep: 40% quality reduction at just two drinks And why "day drinking" is the actual medical advice 22:00 Carbs before training — and why pre-workout is lying to you 24:30 The applesauce pouch protocol: timing, amounts, and alternatives Getting MLB pitchers and firefighters off pre-workout with fruit 26:30 Protein during training — when it works and when it backfires The strongwoman Gatorade + vanilla protein creamsicle story 29:50 Why Megan got into nutrition — ADHD, a drill-sergeant gym teacher, and not wanting to touch ankles 31:40 Working with people who don't want to listen — and why Megan specializes in exactly that 33:50 Don't start CrossFit and count macros at the same time Why overwhelming people guarantees failure 35:30 Sleep disorders in first responders: 40% have one, 80% don't know 36:30 The go-bag: what's in it, why it works, who it's for 38:30 Training style, bodybuilding, hypermobility, and nearly competing in bikini before falling on ice 40:15 Keri Strug, broken ankle, 1996 Olympics — Jim's favorite sports moment 44:20 Rapid fire: books, heroes, villains, bucket list, and Simone Biles 47:00 Quote, where to find Megan & closing   CONNECT WITH MEGAN LAUTZ 📸 Instagram: @rescue.rd 🎵 TikTok: @rescue.rd 💼 LinkedIn: Megan Lautz RD 🌐 Rescue RD (firefighter & first responder nutrition)   LISTEN TO ATHLETE BUILDER 🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder 🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj 🍎 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 📻 Amazon Podcasts: music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   ATHLETE BUILDER 🌐 athlete-builder.com  ·  📸 @athlete_builder  ·  ✉️ [email protected] 📘 Buy the Book: a.co/d/9xiGOWQ 🎓 Courses: athlete-builder.com/courses 🧠 Book a Game Plan Session: link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession 🎤 Speaking: athlete-builder.com/speaking 📰 Newsletter: athlete-builder.com/newsletter   AEA MENTAL EDGE ACADEMY — SUMMER BOOTCAMP OPEN NOW 🧠 theaeainstitute.com  ·  ✉️ [email protected]   #AthleteBuilder #NutritionForAthletes #FirstResponderFitness #FirefighterNutrition #RescueRD #PerformanceNutrition #SportsDietitian #MealPrep #NutritionTips #AthleteNutrition #MindsetMatters #WinTheDay #INCHES #MentalEdgeAcademy #BaltimorOrioles #MLBNutrition #ShiftWork #GoNutrition #CarbsAreNotTheEnemy #FuelToPerform #AtomicHabits #BehaviorChange #HighPerformance #FirstResponders #RegisteredDietitian

Athlete Builder Podcast | Episode #140 Midnight Practice, Broken Wrists & All-American: The JB Baker Story He broke a bone in his wrist two weeks before Nationals. Didn't tell a soul. Then competed anyway — and became an All-American. Justin "JB" Baker is an elite hammer thrower, former college football player at Northern Iowa, high school coach in Kansas City, and mental performance coach with the AEA Mental Edge Academy. His story doesn't start with a scholarship or a throws coach — it starts with a belt, an uncle, and a shot put ring where nobody taught him anything. So he listened to every coach on the sideline, stole every cue he could, and built himself piece by piece into one of the best throwers in the country. In this episode, Jim and JB go deep on what actually separates elite athletes from everyone else — and it's not talent. What you'll learn in this episode: — How JB used visualization, kinesthetic rehearsal, and audio cues to train through three simultaneous injuries and still compete at the national level — Why he drove his truck onto campus at midnight, parked in the grass, and used the headlights to practice — and why he kept doing it every year after that — The math behind becoming an All-American: how JB and his coach reverse-engineered exactly what it would take and built the entire training plan backward from that number — Why cracking the national top 10 almost ended his career — and the lesson his coach had to scream at him in front of the whole team — The psychology of pain avoidance vs. reward: why athletes work harder to avoid losing than they do to win, and how to use both levers — What the Blue Angels, Mike Tyson, and Brian Dawkins all have in common when it comes to pre-performance mindset — How to build momentum when everything is going wrong — and why "I'll be right as right" changed JB's relationship with adversity This episode is for athletes, coaches, parents, and competitors who want to understand what mental performance actually looks like when the stakes are real, the body is broken, and quitting would be the easy choice. Timestamps 0:00 — Intro & how JB came to Mental Edge Academy 1:30 — Football or track? JB makes his call 4:00 — The controlled chaos of throwing sports 7:30 — Shot put, discus, hammer — ranked and explained 11:00 — Dr. Zach Riley & the physics of throwing 14:00 — How JB got into throwing: a belt, an uncle, and a ring in Kansas City 18:00 — Career-ending wrist injury — and he still competed 20:30 — From injured to All-American: the math, the method, the mindset 25:00 — Visualization, audio cues & kinesthetic rehearsal 31:00 — The midnight practice story 34:00 — The art of momentum in mindset training 37:00 — Carrot and stick: why people avoid pain harder than they chase wins 43:00 — Stacking wins — from making your bed to breaking records 45:00 — The lesson that cost JB a national championship 50:00 — John Gruden, perfect walkthroughs & building a culture of fundamentals 53:00 — Rapid fire: music, movies, heroes, villains & favorite lifts 56:00 — Rugby, the All Blacks & why the Haka is on Jim's gym wall 58:00 — Book rec, closing quote & where to find JB Connect with JB Baker Instagram: @justinbaker_9010 Facebook: Justin JB Baker TikTok: @justinbaker Connect with Athlete Builder 🌐 athlete-builder.com 📸 Instagram: @athlete_builder 🎵 TikTok: @athlete.builder 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/1athletebuilder ✉️ [email protected] Listen on 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 📻 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Athlete Builder Products 📘 Buy the Book: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ 🎓 Courses: https://athlete-builder.com/courses🧠 Book a Game Plan Session: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession 🎤 Speaking: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking 👕 Apparel: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products 📰 Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter AEA Mental Edge Academy 🌐 https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/ Athlete Builder is brought to you by the AEA Institute — Performance Management. Mental Edge Academy summer boot camps are open now. Contact Jim at [email protected] for team and school programs.

Episode Summary In Episode #139 of the Athlete Builder Podcast, Jim Beebe sits down with Shelton Bynum, Director of Football Strength & Conditioning at Colorado State University and former Division 1 football player at UNC Chapel Hill. Shelton shares powerful insights on what separates average athletes from elite competitors, including the mindset shifts required to move from high school football to Division 1 and ultimately to the NFL. He discusses intentionality, sacrifice, accountability, leadership, and the importance of culture in elite programs. The conversation dives into locker room brotherhood, the psychology of performance, NIL and transfer portal challenges, mental toughness across generations, and what today's athletes must do to stand out in an increasingly distracted world. Shelton also gives a behind-the-scenes look at college football culture, game-day environments, player development, leadership standards, and how championship programs create accountability from the top down. This episode is loaded with practical wisdom for athletes, coaches, parents, strength coaches, and leaders looking to build elite habits and championship culture. Key Lessons & Takeaways 1. Elite Athletes Live With Intentionality At the highest levels, talent alone is never enough. Shelton explains that athletes must become intentional with every rep, recovery session, meal, study session, and practice. Elite performers don't drift through the day — they attack it with purpose. 2. Sacrifice Separates Good From Great The jump from high school to college football requires sacrifice: Better sleep Better nutrition Better preparation More discipline More recovery More consistency Elite athletes willingly give up comfort to pursue greatness. 3. Culture Is Built Through Consistency Shelton emphasizes that culture is created by consistent standards and messaging: Accountability Effort Communication Attention to detail Leadership by example Everything matters — from cleaning up the locker room to moving weights correctly. 4. Leadership Requires Courage True leaders: Hold teammates accountable Communicate directly Stand out from the crowd Do extra work Accept discomfort Leadership is not popularity — it's responsibility. 5. Today's Athletes Struggle With Instant Gratification Shelton and Jim discuss how younger athletes often: Want results too quickly Fear failure Avoid standing out Resist long-term development Elite athletes trust the process and stay committed when progress is slow. 6. Brotherhood Is Still Football's Greatest Gift Beyond wins and losses, Shelton says football's greatest value is the lifelong brotherhood built through shared struggle, adversity, competition, and sacrifice. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Chad Coy Stories 02:15 – What Shelton Loves About Football 06:55 – The Power of the Weight Room 11:05 – Why Game Day Is Different 14:00 – Craziest College Football Environments 19:30 – Mindset Shifts From High School to College to NFL 27:30 – NIL, Money & Financial Literacy 31:00 – Transfer Portal & "Portal Pain" for Coaches 37:30 – Building Culture & Leadership Standards 44:50 – Mental Toughness Across Generations 52:00 – Winning a National Championship as a Coach vs Player 54:45 – Favorite Music, Movies & Athletes 59:45 – Book Recommendations & Leadership Growth 1:04:00 – Favorite Lift: Zercher Squats 1:05:00 – "Grown Man Habits & Behaviors" 1:06:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing   CONNECT WITH ATHLETE BUILDER AEA Institute 🌐 https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/ Listen to Athlete Builder Podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 📻 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Follow Athlete Builder 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder 𝕏 X / Twitter: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder 🌐 Website: https://athlete-builder.com ✉️ Email: [email protected] Athlete Builder Products & Services 📘 Buy the Athlete Builder Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ 📚 Bulk Orders: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 🎓 Athlete Builder Courses: https://athlete-builder.com/courses 🧠 Schedule a Game Plan Session: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession 🎤 Book Jim Beebe for Speaking Engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking 👕 Athlete Builder Apparel & Swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products 📰 Athlete Builder Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter ✍️ Athlete Builder Blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog 🏋️ Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com ❤️ Support Our Charities: https://theufoundation.square.site WIN THE DAY 💪

Episode Summary In Episode #138 of the Athlete Builder Podcast, Jim Beebe sits down with strength coach Pete Remmes to discuss the realities of athlete development from youth sports all the way to the NFL. Pete shares his journey from playing football in Maine to Springfield College, then working at powerhouse programs including Florida State, Texas A&M, Iowa, Indiana, and in the NFL with the Bills and Giants before returning home to help athletes through Schofield Sports Performance. The conversation dives deep into: the difference between talent and long-term development, why discipline beats motivation, how small daily habits compound into elite performance, why modern youth athletes are often underdeveloped physically, and how mindset ultimately determines who survives adversity and who folds under pressure. Pete also discusses the instability and pressure of high-level college athletics, the importance of resilience, and why helping young athletes grow now provides more fulfillment than chasing wins at the college and NFL level. The episode is packed with practical lessons for coaches, parents, athletes, and anyone interested in long-term performance development. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro & Mental Edge Academy 02:00 Pete's Athletic Journey 05:00 Transition to College Football 08:00 NFL & College Coaching Lessons 12:00 Talent vs Work Ethic 16:00 The Slight Edge Philosophy 20:00 Youth Athlete Development 25:00 Confidence Through Training 28:00 Coaching Instability in College Sports 33:00 Big-Time College Football Atmospheres 36:00 Building a Growth Mindset 41:00 Athlete Buy-In & Development 45:00 What Pete Misses About College Football 48:00 Rapid Fire Questions 50:00 Final Thoughts & Contact Info Connect with Pete Remmes Instagram: @petermmes Schofield Sports Performance: https://www.schofieldsports.com AEA Institute https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/ Athlete Builder Podcast Links 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj 🍎 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 📻 Amazon Podcasts https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Athlete Builder Social Media 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder 🐦 X / Twitter https://x.com/AthleteBuilder 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder 🌐 Website https://athlete-builder.com 📩 Email [email protected] Athlete Builder Products & Services 📘 Athlete Builder Book (Amazon) https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ 📘 Athlete Builder Book (Barnes & Noble) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 📚 Bulk Book Orders https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 🎓 Athlete Builder Courses https://athlete-builder.com/courses 📅 Schedule a Game Plan Session https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession 🎤 Speaking Engagements https://athlete-builder.com/speaking 👕 Athlete Builder Apparel https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products 📰 Newsletter https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter ✍️ Blog https://athlete-builder.com/blog 🏋️ Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com ❤️ Support Our Charities https://theufoundation.square.site WIN THE DAY 💥

What separates good golfers from elite performers? In Episode #137 of the Athlete Builder Podcast, I sit down with PGA Professional Greg Towne, Head Coach of Indiana State Women's Golf, to break down the mental, emotional, and performance demands of elite golf. From competing at the highest levels to coaching future pros, Greg shares what it really takes to succeed—not just physically, but mentally. We dive into: Why golf is one of the most mentally demanding sports in the world How to handle pressure, distractions, and emotional swings The importance of routine, journaling, and reflection Why discipline and focus—not motivation—separate pros from amateurs How athletes can create an edge through preparation and attention to detail The truth about goal setting vs. process-driven growth One of the biggest takeaways: "If you know the right path but won't take it because it's hard… that's the difference." ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Greg Towne Background 01:15 – The Masters, Tiger vs Jack & Golf Greatness 02:30 – Best Courses in the World & Unique Experiences 04:00 – Pressure in Golf: Why "Easy Shots" Become Hard 05:50 – Mental Games & Subtle Competitive Edges 07:15 – Coaching Philosophy: Taking Control & Building Confidence 09:30 – Coaching Women vs Men (Emotional Regulation) 11:00 – Mindset: You Can't Control Emotions—Only Regulate Them 12:30 – Golf's Unique Mental Challenge (Time Between Shots) 14:30 – Resetting Your Mind During Competition 16:30 – Coaching on the Course & Real-Time Development 18:00 – Learning from Experience & Journaling for Growth 21:00 – Player vs Coach Success: Impacting Lives 22:30 – Goal Setting vs Process & Staying Curious 26:00 – The Discipline to Change & Improve 28:30 – Playing in the U.S. Open & Visiting the White House 30:30 – Coaching Elite Players vs College Athletes 32:00 – What Separates Pros Mentally 34:30 – Environment, Focus & Eliminating Distractions 37:00 – Extreme Focus & Learning Faster 39:00 – Sacrifice Required for Greatness 40:00 – Nutrition Then vs Now in Golf 42:00 – Training Without Distractions (State-Based Performance) 43:00 – Travel, Bucket List & Experiences 44:30 – Favorite Sports & Athletes (Michael Phelps Insight) 46:30 – Book Recommendations for Athletes 48:30 – Strength Training & Golf Performance 50:30 – Favorite Quote: Discipline & Hard Choices 52:00 – Where to Find Greg Towne 53:00 – Closing Thoughts 🧠 Lessons & Takeaways Golf is a mental marathon – most of the game happens between shots Emotional regulation > emotional control Discipline and focus beat talent alone Journaling accelerates growth and learning Preparation creates confidence under pressure Distractions destroy performance at elite levels Curiosity + work ethic = long-term success The best athletes eliminate noise and simplify their process 🏆 For Coaches & Athletes If you want your athletes to: Stay composed under pressure Build consistent routines Improve focus and discipline Develop a championship mindset Then you need more than physical training… You need a mental performance system. 🚀 Work With Us 👉 Schedule a call to learn about the Mental Edge Academy Summer Bootcamp 👉 Or reply directly to get more info 👉 Join our SKOOL Community: https://www.skool.com/athlete-builder-6593/about 📩 Email: [email protected] 📲 Connect with Greg Towne Indiana State Athletics: https://gosycamores.com Email: [email protected] 🔗 Athlete Builder Links AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/ 🎧 Podcast Platforms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder 📱 Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder 🧩 Products & Services Courses: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Game Plan Session: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Speaking: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Apparel: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products

What does it take to build a champion's mindset? In this episode of Athlete Builder, I sit down with Briggs Pittman—former 82nd Airborne soldier, national-level jiu-jitsu referee, and elite-level competitor—to break down what separates average athletes from those who win at the highest level. This conversation goes way beyond sports. We dive into: How elite performers train their minds under pressure Why discipline beats motivation every time The difference between being a champion… and having a champion mindset How to stay calm when everything is falling apart The role of fun, consistency, and environment in long-term development Why your past can either fuel you… or destroy you One of the most powerful takeaways: "There's nothing bad that can happen… if you learn how to shift it into something positive."   WE ARE BUILDING MORE TO HELP YOU. WE ARE STARTING OUR SKOOL COMMUNITY.  Connect with us here. And I will work with you and upload all lessons discussed the last 5 years. We are holding nothing back. https://www.skool.com/athlete-builder-6593/about ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Guest Background (Briggs Pittman) 01:30 – Winning vs Coaching vs Refereeing at the Highest Level 03:00 – Training Systems: Why Repetition Builds Confidence 07:00 – Military Mindset & Airborne Training Lessons 12:30 – Applying Structure to Fighter Development 16:30 – Coaching Athletes: Balancing Strengths vs Weaknesses 18:30 – Motivation, Discipline & Making Training Fun 21:30 – Using Your Past as Fuel (Not an Excuse) 25:00 – What is a Champion's Mindset? 29:30 – Core Values: Discipline, Leadership & Protection 34:30 – Humor, Team Culture & Building Community 35:30 – Hunting, Endurance & Mental Toughness 41:00 – Handling Pressure & Fatigue in Extreme Situations 49:00 – Marriage, Energy & Channeling Drive 50:30 – Sleep, Recovery & Mental Reset Strategies 56:00 – Music, Training Tempo & Performance 57:30 – Rapid Fire (Movies, Books, Heroes, Quotes) 01:02:00 – Bucket List & Life Philosophy 01:04:00 – Where to Find Briggs + Closing Thoughts 🔥 Key Lessons for Coaches & Athletes: Consistency > intensity Systems remove pressure Discipline builds everything else Mindset determines how far you go   📲 Connect with Briggs: Instagram: Briggs_Pittman YouTube: Briggs Pittman 📩 Contact: [email protected]

Ohio State Football Coaches Clinic Takeaways | Leadership, Culture & Mental Performance (Episode #135) What does it actually take to build an elite program? In this solo episode of the Athlete Builder Podcast, Jim Beebe breaks down his experience at the Ohio State Football Coaches Clinic (4/16/26-4/18/26)—one of the most respected coaching events in the country. From Ryan Day's leadership framework to John Gruden's high-energy coaching insights, this episode is packed with real-world lessons that coaches, athletes, and leaders can apply immediately.  🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why elite programs over-deliver (and why it matters)  Ryan Day's 5 C's of Leadership: Connection Character Competence & Consistency Courage & Resilience Communication How Ohio State maintains culture despite 50% roster turnover Why leadership is behavior—not a title The importance of "Fight" and "Tough Love" in team identity John Gruden's approach to energy, teaching, and attention to detail Why mental performance training is the missing piece for most teams Lessons on professionalism, accountability, and relationships 🧠 Big Takeaways: Culture > Talent Details win games Feedback drives growth Leadership must be seen, felt, and heard Mental performance is essential—not optional  🚀 For Coaches & Athletic Directors If you want to bring these same principles into your program, check out the Mental Edge Academy Summer Bootcamp. 👉 Email: [email protected] 👉 Learn more: Athlete Builder / AEA Institute  🎧 About Athlete Builder We help athletes and teams build: Mental toughness Leadership skills Consistency under pressure Because performance starts in the mind.  👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share if you're serious about building better athletes and stronger teams. 🔗 Train Your Mind. Build Your Edge. AEA Institute (Mental Performance Training): 👉 https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/  🎧 Listen to the Athlete Builder Podcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Apple Podcasts (iTunes): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder 📲 Connect With Us  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder X (Twitter): https://x.com/AthleteBuilder TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Website: https://athlete-builder.com Email: [email protected]  🧠 Programs, Products & Resources  📘 Books Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Bulk Orders: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 📚 Courses & Coaching Athlete Builder Course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Game Plan Session: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession  🎤 Speaking & Training Book Jim for Speaking: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy (Plainfield, IN): https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com  🛒 Gear & Community Apparel & Swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog ❤️ Support Our Mission  We proudly support: Military Breast Cancer Awareness Disadvantaged Youth 👉 https://theufoundation.square.site  💥 WIN THE DAY!

What does it really take to compete at the highest level in college cheer? In this episode, we sit down with Jena Robinson, Head Cheer Coach at Marian University, to break down the physical, mental, and emotional demands of competitive cheer—and why it might be one of the most underrated sports out there. From two-minute routines under pressure to building a culture rooted in trust, resilience, and accountability, Jena shares what it takes to prepare athletes for the big stage—and for life beyond it. We dive into: How competitive cheer is scored (and why execution matters more than you think) Handling pressure, anxiety, and high-stakes performance Building a strong team culture in a high-trust sport Why "pressure is a privilege" The role of strength & conditioning in injury prevention Lessons athletes carry into life after sports Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on mental performance, consistency, and resilience. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Background 03:00 Welcome to College Moment 08:20 Nationals Preview & Team Goals 12:40 How Cheer is Scored 17:00 Pressure & Performance 23:20 Handling Adversity 30:00 Culture & Accountability 36:40 Building Something Bigger Than Yourself 44:30 Failure & Growth Mindset 50:00 Execution vs Difficulty 58:00 Personal Insights & Favorites 01:02:20 Where to Find Jena 💬 Key Quote: "Consistency doesn't guarantee success—but inconsistency guarantees failure." 📚 Book Mentioned: Atomic Habits – James Clear 🔗 Connect with Jena: Instagram: @MarianCompetitiveCheer LinkedIn: Jena Robinson — If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. #AthleteBuilder #Cheerleading #MentalPerformance #Leadership #Resilience #CollegeSports AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!  

🔥 From the Weight Room to Life: Building Elite Athletes with Chris Smith 🔥 In this episode of Athlete Builder, we sit down with Christopher Smith, Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year at Warren Central HS, to break down what it really takes to develop elite athletes — mentally, physically, and spiritually. Chris shares how training becomes therapy, why confidence is built through reps, and how his PVO (Positive Vibes Only) mindset is transforming young athletes every day. 💥 In this episode, we cover: The 5 traits of elite athletes Why process beats instant gratification How to build real confidence through training The power of energy, leadership, and example Chris' 5 A's system for accountability Mental performance tools: visualization, recovery, and resets Why fear is just energy — and how to use it 🧠 This isn't just about lifting weights… it's about building discipline, identity, and purpose. ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Background 02:30 College Mindset & Intentionality 05:00 Welcome to College Football Moment 07:00 Coaching Identity & Values 10:00 Winning vs Development 14:00 Training as Therapy 18:00 Building Confidence 21:00 Coaching Young Athletes 25:00 Elite Mindset Framework 30:00 Physical Performance Framework 34:00 Fear, Faith & Resilience 38:00 Leadership & Energy 41:00 PVO & 5 A's System 46:00 Training Philosophy 52:00 Influences & Favorites 58:00 Ownership & Discipline 01:05:00 Final Takeaways 👇 Connect with Chris: Instagram: @ctaki_44 | @pvo317 📩 Want to level up your mindset? Check out the Mental Edge Academy → Reach out at [email protected] 💪 If you're serious about becoming a better athlete — or building one — this episode is a must-watch. #AthleteBuilder #StrengthAndConditioning #MentalPerformance #Coaching #Mindset #PVO #Discipline #AthleteDevelopment AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!  

Episode Summary This episode features Adam Feit—professor, strength & conditioning coach, and mental performance coach—discussing the intersection of physical training, coaching philosophy, and sports psychology. The conversation moves from his journey as an athlete and coach into deeper territory around mindset, fear, identity, and long-term athlete development. Feit emphasizes that coaching is less about sets and reps and more about developing people. He highlights the importance of self-reflection, managing expectations, and helping athletes understand their own capabilities. The discussion also explores transitions—especially what happens when athletes lose structure after sports—and how identity, motivation, and community must evolve. Ultimately, the episode centers on one key idea: success isn't the destination—it's how you show up daily in the process. Lessons & Takeaways 1. Process Over Outcome "The big time isn't at the end—it's the road itself." Athletes often chase outcomes (teams, titles) but miss daily growth. Focusing on the process reduces fear and increases consistency. 2. Confidence Comes From Reflection Many athletes forget what got them to their current level. Reviewing past success builds belief and reduces fear. Keep a "mental scoreboard" of wins. 3. Thoughts → Feelings → Actions Loop Negative thoughts create negative emotions → poor performance. This becomes a self-reinforcing cycle. Interrupt the loop with awareness and reframing. 4. Fear Is Often Misplaced Fear usually comes from expectations, not reality. Athletes are often afraid of how good they can be. Re-centering and narrowing focus helps overcome it. 5. Use Simple Mental Tools in High-Stress Moments Breathing (parasympathetic reset) Breaking moments into small segments Instructional self-talk (mechanical cues, not hype) 6. Coaching = Relationship + Awareness "High expectations + high support = high success." Emotional intelligence matters as much as programming. One style does NOT fit all athletes. 7. Not Everyone Needs to Be Hyped Up Athletes respond differently to arousal levels. Some need intensity, others need calm. Great coaches adjust, not impose. 8. Identity After Sports Is a Real Problem Athletes lose: Structure Community Identity Transitioning out of sport requires intentional support. 9. The Weight Room Is a Neutral Ground It doesn't care about status or talent. It's a place to build discipline, confidence, and identity. 10. Meet Athletes Where They Are Development matters more than labels (D1, pro, etc.) Impact > status   Concepts & Mentions Mental Performance Concepts Cognitive Triangle (Thoughts → Feelings → Actions) Mental Film / Reflection Practice Process vs Outcome Goals Instructional Self-Talk Arousal Regulation (Goldilocks Principle) Segmenting the Task ("chunking" stress) Mental Scoreboard Motivation & Psychology Intrinsic Motivation Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness Identity & Role Transition Burnout (especially youth sports) Coaching Philosophy High Expectations + High Support Model Development > Labels Relationship-Based Coaching Individualized Coaching Styles Training & Performance Strength & Conditioning Fundamentals Nervous System Fatigue (max effort lifting) Technique vs Effort Environment's Role in Performance Cultural / Practical Mentions Youth sports culture (AAU, specialization) Division 1 vs Division 3 realities NFL and elite-level exposure Weight room as equalizer Books / References Mentioned The Way of Excellence – Brad Stulberg Rethinking Return to Play   Chapters of the Episode (with Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro & Guest Overview Introduction of Adam Feit Background: professor, strength coach, mental performance 02:30 – Athlete vs Coach Mindset Transition from athlete to coach How "winning" changes over time 05:30 – Football Background & Lessons Offensive line mentality What football teaches about discipline and teamwork 09:30 – Coaching Different Athletes Youth vs college vs pro Male vs female athlete differences Development vs performance 14:30 – Building Athletes the Right Way Fundamentals over specialization Long-term development approach 18:30 – Sports Psychology Foundations Thoughts → Feelings → Actions loop How mindset affects performance 23:00 – Fear, Confidence & Identity Where fear comes from Confidence through reflection Remembering "what got you here" 28:30 – Process vs Outcome Mindset "The big time is the road" concept Why chasing outcomes creates pressure 33:30 – Reflection & Mental Tools Mental "film" Reviewing success Slowing the game down mentally 38:30 – Transitioning Out of Sports Loss of identity, structure, and community Why athletes struggle post-career 44:00 – Motivation & Human Needs Autonomy, competence, relatedness Building intrinsic motivation 49:00 – Handling Pressure & Performance Anxiety Breathing techniques Segmenting tasks Instructional self-talk vs hype talk 54:00 – Coaching Philosophy High expectations + high support Emotional intelligence in coaching Meeting athletes where they are 58:30 – Environment & Performance Weight room as equalizer Role of culture and surroundings 01:02:00 – Rapid Fire & Personal Insights Music, books, influences Coaching and parenting perspective 01:06:00 – Closing Thoughts Final advice for athletes and coaches Key takeaway: focus on the process   AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

Athlete Builder Podcast – Building Resilience Through the Grind Host: Jim Beebe Guest: Anton Talamantes – Army Veteran, Wrestler, Coach, MMA Practitioner In this episode of the Athlete Builder Podcast, host Jim Beebe sits down with Anton Talamantes, a former Army Cavalry Scout, elite wrestler, and coach dedicated to helping others build strength—both mentally and physically. Anton shares his journey from two-time state wrestling champion and national contender at Ohio State to serving in the Army and now working in behavioral health and fitness coaching. This episode dives deep into the mindset required to push through adversity, embrace discomfort, and continuously improve through Kaizen (constant improvement). From grueling wrestling practices to military training and intense personal fitness challenges (including Anton's signature 225 lb bench press endurance workouts), the conversation highlights the power of discipline, resilience, and choosing hard things on purpose. Along the way, Jim and Anton mix in humor—calling out gym "belt guys," sharing stories from the Arnold, and reflecting on the grind of wrestling and military life. 🔥 Key Takeaways Mindset is everything – belief unlocks performance Small wins compound into big victories Chosen suffering builds resilience and confidence Consistency beats intensity over time Training is lifelong therapy for both body and mind ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Guest Background Jim introduces Anton Talamantes and his journey through wrestling, the Army, and coaching. 02:00 – Winning vs Coaching: What Matters More? The fulfillment of helping others succeed and watching confidence grow. 04:00 – Why Training Builds Confidence for Life How physical challenges translate to success in all areas. 06:20 – The 225 Bench Press Challenge Anton's evolution to 200–350 reps at 225 lbs and the mindset behind it. 10:00 – Balancing Strength: Push vs Pull Training Avoiding imbalance and building total-body performance. 13:15 – Welcome to Ohio State Wrestling The jump to Big Ten competition and elite-level training environments. 17:30 – Wrestlers Are Built Different Why wrestling creates unmatched mental toughness and resilience. 22:00 – Army Experience & Basic Training Reality Lessons from military life, discipline, and leadership. 28:30 – Quiet Professionals vs Loud Performers Why true elite performers don't need to talk about it. 33:00 – Learning from Losses (The Kerry Funk Story) A childhood loss that shaped Anton's mindset for life. 39:00 – Small Wins & The "Win the Day" Philosophy How incremental progress builds long-term success. 42:00 – Embracing the Grind & Chosen Suffering Why doing hard things on purpose makes you better. 47:00 – Training as Therapy & Longevity Why fitness is essential for mental health and aging well. 50:00 – Music, Motivation & Training Style What Anton listens to during workouts. 51:30 – Bucket List & Travel Goals The pyramids and ancient wonders. 52:30 – Favorites: Movies, Athletes & Influences Rocky, MMA legends, and historical warriors. 55:00 – Batman, Thanos & Philosophy of Power A fun but insightful look at heroes and villains. 58:30 – Favorite Lift & Strength Philosophy Why the bench press represents endurance and grit. 59:30 – Invictus & Living with Purpose Anton shares his favorite poem and life principles. 1:00:20 – Where to Find Anton How to connect and learn more. 📚 Concepts & Mentions Kaizen (continuous improvement) Chosen suffering (Tom Ryan – Ohio State Wrestling) Mental performance training (AEA Institute) Invictus poem – William Ernest Henley 💪 About Athlete Builder The Athlete Builder Podcast explores mental performance, leadership, resilience, and elite human performancethrough conversations with athletes, coaches, and high performers. For mental performance training through the AEA Institute / Mental Edge Academy: 📩 [email protected] 🎧 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations on building elite performance.   AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

Athlete Builder Podcast – The Jim & Jim Show Host: Jim Beebe Guest: Jim Artman – Army Ranger Sniper Veteran, Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Extreme Resilience In this episode of the Athlete Builder Podcast, host Jim Beebe welcomes Army Ranger sniper veteran and entrepreneur Jim Artman for a wide-ranging conversation on resilience, purpose, and personal growth. Known as the "Jim & Jim Show," the two dive into lessons from military service, business, mental performance, and the journey of rebuilding identity after major life transitions. Jim Artman shares his path from the elite Ranger Regiment to building the Extreme Resilience personal development brand and the Hero Transformation Program, which helps high performers—including veterans, first responders, and entrepreneurs—rebuild their lives through a holistic approach to mental, physical, spiritual, and environmental wellness. The conversation explores how adversity can shape leadership, why personal accountability is essential to resilience, and how systems and habits—not just goals—drive real transformation. Along the way, the episode delivers some entertaining moments as well. Jim and Jim joke about military MREs, share workout music preferences ranging from EDM to metal, and laugh about reality-show style business accelerators where entrepreneurs live together while competing to build companies. Artman also opens up about the challenges he faced after leaving the military, including PTSD and panic attacks, and how studying functional medicine, nutrition, and human biology helped him regain control of his health and mindset. Together, the two discuss core values, discipline, vulnerability in leadership, and the importance of asking one powerful question after every major change in life: "Now what?" Key Topics in This Episode Transitioning from military life to entrepreneurship Building resilience through mental, physical, and environmental wellness Lessons from the Ranger Regiment about accountability and discipline Why systems and habits matter more than goals Healing mental health through nutrition, lifestyle, and self-awareness The power of vulnerability in leadership and teamwork Core values that guide high performance Entrepreneurship lessons from building Extreme Resilience Books & Ideas Mentioned Relentless by Tim Grover Atomic Habits by James Clear Grow a New Body by Dr. Alberto Villoldo Concepts from functional medicine and resilience training Connect with Jim Artman LinkedIn: James Artman Website: extremeresilience.net   00:00 Introduction and Jim Artman's Background 01:31 Connecting Military Experience with Personal Development 03:40 The Athlete Builder Model and Community Success 07:21 The Origin of Extreme Resilience and Its Mission 10:25 Defining Resilience Across Cultures and Communities 12:18 Holistic Wellness and Self-Assessment Tools 15:34 The Role of Genetics, Epigenetics, and Self-Reliance 18:32 Permaculture, Nutrition, and Functional Medicine 22:33 Overcoming PTSD and Trauma Recovery 26:27 The Power of Systems and Habit Formation 32:45 Core Values: Kindness, Vulnerability, and Discipline 39:19 Vulnerability as a Leadership and Healing Tool 43:10 Kaizen and Continuous Improvement 45:01 Enjoyment, Sisu, and the Will to Persist 49:17 Leveraging the Dark Side and Inner Strength 53:23 Favorite Lifts and Physical Training 57:39 Recommended Books and Resources 01:00:35 Jim Artman's Favorite Lift and Final Thoughts   AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

In this conversation, Jim Beebe interviews Andrew Knueven, a strength and conditioning coach with a military background. They discuss Andrew's journey from the Marines to coaching, the cultural differences between military and athletics, and the challenges of navigating the NIL landscape in college sports. Andrew shares insights on building a strong team culture, the importance of humility in learning, and the need for a thorough needs analysis in strength and conditioning. The conversation concludes with personal preferences and recommendations for sports and literature. Takeaways Andrew's military background shapes his coaching philosophy. Commitment is essential in both military and athletics. Courage and resilience are key to overcoming adversity. Building a strong team culture requires shared goals. The NIL landscape presents challenges for consistency in athlete development. Learning from others is crucial for personal growth. Needs analysis is vital for effective strength and conditioning programs. Athletes often gravitate towards their strengths, neglecting weaknesses. The importance of pre-deciding responses to challenges in training. Humility is necessary for continuous learning and improvement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Knueven 06:07 Military Background and Lessons Learned 12:27 Transitioning from Military to Strength and Conditioning 20:26 Cultural Differences: Military vs. Athletics 31:17 Navigating the NIL Landscape in College Sports 38:07 Building a Strong Team Culture 39:26 Learning from Others: The Importance of Humility 44:18 Needs Analysis in Strength and Conditioning 49:10 Personal Preferences and Recommendations   AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

Summary In this conversation, Dr. Pam Arnell discusses her work with 22-0, an organization dedicated to reducing veteran suicide rates. She shares insights into the trauma healing process, the importance of reframing negative experiences, and the role of music and storytelling in recovery. The discussion also highlights the significance of understanding Gold Star and Green Star families, as well as practical strategies for managing emotional responses and fostering a supportive community for veterans. Takeaways 22 veterans commit suicide daily, a statistic we aim to reduce to zero. The data on veteran suicides is often inaccurate, not accounting for all cases. Holistic approaches to mental health are often overlooked by the VA. Trauma can be processed and healed through specific techniques. The healing process can take as few as two to four sessions. Reframing negative experiences can lead to better emotional health. Visualization techniques can aid in trauma recovery. Focus on positive outcomes to redirect energy and thoughts. Pre-deciding responses to triggers can improve emotional regulation. Music and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 22-0 and Veteran Suicide Awareness 02:27 Dr. Pam Arnell's Background and Personal Journey 05:21 The Importance of Serving and Protecting 08:21 Understanding Gold Star and Green Star Families 11:15 The Healing Process: Trauma and Emotional Recovery 14:22 Reframing Trauma: Techniques and Strategies 17:11 The Role of Visualization in Healing 20:26 Focus and Energy: The Power of Positive Thinking 23:22 Practical Steps for Managing Reactions 26:17 Future Endeavors: Music and Storytelling for Healing AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

In this conversation, Jim Beebe interviews Alex Rogers, a former Navy SEAL and current professional fighter, about his journey from military service to the world of Jiu-Jitsu and event promotion. Alex shares his experiences during BUD/S training, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned about resilience and confidence. He discusses his transition to Jiu-Jitsu, his passion for the sport, and his efforts to promote events that foster community and support for athletes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of core values such as being hard, humble, and hungry in both personal and professional endeavors. Takeaways Alex's journey to becoming a Navy SEAL began with a childhood dream. BUD/S training is physically and mentally demanding, requiring resilience. Confidence is built through overcoming challenges and fears. Jiu-Jitsu became a passion for Alex after a rough period in his life. Promoting events allows Alex to give back to the community and support athletes. The mantra 'hard, humble, and hungry' guides Alex's coaching philosophy. Resilience is developed through experience and pushing personal limits. Alex emphasizes the importance of having a strong 'why' to endure challenges. Community support is crucial in the world of combat sports. Alex's transition from military to civilian life includes a focus on mental performance and coaching. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex Rogers 01:39 Journey to Becoming a Navy SEAL 07:37 Preparing for BUD/S Training 14:24 Experiences During BUD/S 25:53 Overcoming Doubt and Fear 35:57 Lessons in Resilience from the Teams 38:56 Transitioning to Jiu-Jitsu and Professional Fighting 49:42 Promoting Events in the Jiu-Jitsu Community 56:18 Core Values: Hard, Humble, and Hungry AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links. Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

In this episode of Mental Edge Office Hours, Jim Beebe and Brad Davison discuss the importance of raising standards in athletic performance, focusing on mental fitness, growth mindset, and resilience. They explore how daily habits, embracing challenges, and responding to failure contribute to an athlete's development. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being coachable, controlling responses under pressure, and the value of daily growth wins. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of chasing significance over mere success in sports and life. https://calendly.com/theaeainstitute/mental-edge-office-hours?month=2026-02 Takeaways Raising standards is essential for athlete development. Mental fitness is trainable, just like physical fitness. Growth mindset allows athletes to see failures as learning opportunities. Embracing challenges is crucial for personal and athletic growth. Responding to failure quickly leads to better performance. Being coachable is a skill that accelerates improvement. Daily habits and routines contribute to long-term success. Controlling emotional responses is key to maintaining performance. Chasing significance in sports leads to a more fulfilling experience. Self-reflection and feedback are vital for continuous improvement. Sound bites "Effort is truly a skill." "Being coachable is a skill." "Do you desire to get better?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Edge Office Hours 03:07 The Importance of Raising Standards 06:01 Understanding Growth Mindset 08:55 Embracing Challenges and Adversity 11:47 Responding to Failure 15:04 The Role of Coachability 18:03 Controlling Your Response 20:52 Daily Growth Wins and Habits 24:02 Focusing on Significance Over Success Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!  

In this conversation, Jim Beebe interviews Lexi, a double board-certified nurse practitioner, about her journey in health and fitness, emphasizing the importance of strength training, hormone therapy, and mental fortitude in athletic performance. Lexi shares insights on how muscle health correlates with longevity and discusses the role of wrestling in developing mental resilience. The conversation also covers the misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy and peptides, encouraging listeners to seek informed guidance in their health choices. Takeaways Strength training is crucial for longevity and health. Muscle mass improves glucose control and cognitive function. Wrestling teaches mental fortitude and resilience. Hormone therapy can optimize health and wellness. Peptides can aid in natural hormone production. You must measure health metrics to improve them. Strength training should be prioritized for overall health. Mental challenges in sports build confidence and resilience. Lifestyle changes are essential for effective health interventions. Finding enjoyment in fitness increases adherence to training.  sound bites "You have to be super intentional." "Muscle is the organ of longevity." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lexi and Her Journey 04:24 The Importance of Strength Training 10:26 Longevity and Muscle Health 16:19 Wrestling and Mental Fortitude 22:22 Hormone Therapy and Peptides 30:35 Overcoming Fears in Health Choices AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

In this session, Jim Beebe and Courtney Mayer discuss the essential traits of elite teammates, emphasizing the importance of mental training, energy, body language, encouragement, competition, and self-evaluation. They explore how these traits contribute to team success and individual performance, providing insights and practical advice for athletes to enhance their teamwork and personal development. Takeaways The brain is trainable, just like the body. Energy is a choice that can uplift the team. Positive body language influences team trust. Encouragement must be consistent and genuine. Competing until the end is crucial for success. Focus on what you can control to reduce anxiety. Celebrating team success fosters connection and trust. Effective communication boosts team performance. Self-awareness is vital for personal growth. Daily habits shape the identity of elite teammates. Sound bites "You can't lead with slump shoulders." "Self-awareness is key for athletes." "Elite teammates build elite teams." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elite Teammates 01:45 The Importance of Mental Training 03:05 Bringing Energy and Body Language 06:02 Encouragement and Consistency 08:18 Competing Until the End 11:30 Owning the Controllables 14:05 Celebrating Team Success 16:45 Self-Evaluation and Accountability 18:56 Daily Choices and Habits of Elite Teammates AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/ Office Hours: https://calendly.com/theaeainstitute/mental-edge-office-hours?month=2026-02   Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site WIN THE DAY

In this engaging conversation, Jack Beebe reflects on his journey from a walk-on player to earning a scholarship at Ball State University. He shares insights on the camaraderie of football, memorable game venues, and the challenges faced during his college career. Jack discusses the importance of mentorship, building a faith community, and his entrepreneurial venture with Foot Stompers, a custom rug business. He emphasizes the significance of resilience, personal growth, and the impact of mental performance in sports. Takeaways The locker room camaraderie is irreplaceable. Transitioning from college football to professional life is challenging. Memorable game venues create lasting memories. Overcoming setbacks is part of the journey. Building a faith community can be transformative. Mentorship plays a crucial role in athlete development. Entrepreneurship can be a fulfilling path after sports. The importance of mental performance in athletics. Resilience is key to success in sports and life. The journey to scholarship is a testament to hard work. "I miss the locker room camaraderie." "Mentorship can change a player's life." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:27 Reflections on Football Life 05:16 Memorable Game Venues 08:13 Transitioning from Player to Professional 11:23 The Journey to Scholarship 14:09 Overcoming Setbacks in College Football 19:19 Advice for Incoming Players 24:03 Building a Faith Community 28:53 The Impact of Mentorship 33:50 Starting a Business: Foot Stompers 38:56 Future Aspirations and Goals 43:33 Closing Thoughts and Reflections AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/   Our podcast links. Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected] Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

Summary In this episode, Jim Beebe and Jeff Osaded discuss the intricacies of athletic training and development, particularly in the context of Canadian sports. They delve into the importance of youth development, the impact of the Olympics on local sports culture, and the evolution of training methodologies over the years. Jeff shares his extensive experience working with various athletes, including MLB player Mike Soroka, and emphasizes the significance of building a strong foundation in training, nutrition, and recovery. The conversation also touches on the cultural aspects of sports in Canada, particularly hockey, and how the environment shapes athletes' experiences and performance. Takeaways "One workout doesn't make a season, but one workout can ruin a season." "Doing the basics savagely well is crucial for success." "Attendance is the number one thing we track that tells us whether an athlete is going to be really good." "You can't just pick the most talented; you have to optimize whatever kid walks through the door." "The best athletes are those who can adapt and endure the most." "It's not about how hard you train, it's about how hard you can train, recover, and train hard again." "The environment molds the culture and the athletes that come out of it." "You need to build a habit-forming culture within your training environment." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:43 Personal Experiences and Canadian Sports Culture 07:34 Olympic Sports and Athlete Development 12:52 The Changing Landscape of Hockey in Canada 17:06 Types of Athletes and Their Impact 24:09 The Legacy of the 1988 Olympics in Calgary 27:53 Building a Positive Training Culture 32:50 The Challenge of Size in Water Polo 34:22 Changing Coaching Mindsets 36:42 Basics Done Savagely Well 40:46 Embracing Controlled Chaos in Sports 48:13 The CBC Effect and Talent Identification   AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com/ Our podcast links. Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected] Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

In this episode of the Athlete Builder podcast, host Jim Beebe welcomes Zach Rockford, a dedicated coach and former athlete, to discuss his journey through sports and the importance of mindset in both athletes and coaches. The conversation begins with a light-hearted exchange about life in Montana, where Zach now resides, before diving into his experiences in college sports, including the challenges he faced transitioning from high school to college football and baseball. Zach shares his insights on the grind of being a student-athlete, the importance of hard work, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in sports. As the discussion progresses, Zach emphasizes the significance of resilience and the mindset required to succeed in competitive environments. He reflects on the balance between academics, athletics, and social life, and how young athletes can learn valuable life lessons through sports. The episode also touches on the commercialization of youth sports and the need for coaches to focus on holistic athlete development rather than just winning games. Zach's perspective on the importance of effort, attitude, and self-reliance resonates throughout the conversation, making it a compelling listen for anyone involved in sports or coaching. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:06 Cultural Shift: From Illinois to Montana 05:02 College Sports Journey: Football and Baseball Experiences  11:42 The Reality of Balancing Two Sports 18:45 The Grind of Being a Graduate Assistant 24:52 Lessons Learned Through Hardship 32:32 The Role of Coaches and Winning in Sports 35:48 Lessons Beyond Winning 36:35 Real-World Applications of Sports Lessons 39:00 The Importance of Hustle and Hard Work 42:06 Mindset and Metrics for Success 45:26 Coaching for Holistic Development 48:41 Controlling What You Can 51:12 Avoiding the Hard Truths 54:29 Personal Favorites and Inspirations Our podcast links. Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder WIN THE DAY!

In this episode of the Athlete Builder podcast, Jim Beebe introduces a new collaboration with the AEA Institute, focusing on the mental health and mindset of athletes at all levels. He emphasizes the importance of having a structured system in place to achieve success, arguing that goals without a plan are destined to fail. Beebe outlines the foundational six blocks of the Athlete Builder system, which include mindset, knowledge, relationships, nutrition, training, and recovery. He stresses that understanding and optimizing these components is crucial for athletes to identify and overcome their limiting factors. Throughout the conversation, Beebe shares insights on how to track progress and improve performance by scoring wins in each of the six blocks. He uses examples from sports, including Michael Jordan's career, to illustrate how addressing limiting factors can lead to greater success. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their own systems and prioritize their weaknesses to foster growth and improvement in their athletic pursuits. AEA Institute: https://www.aea-neuro-fitness-academy.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Athlete Builder and AEA Institute Collaboration 01:34 Understanding the Athlete Builder System 02:31 The Importance of Systems Over Goals 05:23 The Six Blocks of the Athlete Builder 07:27 Mindset and Identity in Athletic Performance 11:07 Tools for Mental Training and Mindset Improvement 12:32 Tracking Wins and Measuring Progress 14:30 Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Factors 19:08 Action Steps for Athletes to Advance Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

In this engaging conversation, Riley Tejcek shares her multifaceted journey as an athlete, Marine officer, and author. She discusses her experiences in bobsledding, the military, and the importance of resilience, commitment, and faith in overcoming challenges. Riley emphasizes the significance of building habits, being present, and prioritizing family as she approaches a new chapter in her life. Her insights on leadership, personal growth, and navigating perceptions provide valuable lessons for listeners. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Riley Tejcek 03:11 Riley's Journey in Sports and Military 05:52 The Impact of Deployment 09:04 Overcoming Doubt and Challenges 12:04 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 14:59 Choosing the Marine Corps 18:00 Esprit de Corps and Marine Culture 20:38 Controlled Chaos in Leadership 21:46 The Balance of Stoicism and Motivation 22:49 Insights from Military Partnerships 23:07 Navigating Relationships with Type A Personalities 25:08 The Challenge of Commitment in Different Environments 28:42 Building Discipline and Commitment 35:11 Faith and Resilience in Adversity 41:34 Slowing Down and Reprioritizing Life Goals 49:39 The Importance of Leadership and Responsibility 50:15 Navigating Career Transitions 53:00 From Softball to Bobsled: An Unexpected Journey 56:46 The Importance of Adaptability in Sports 01:01:04 Overcoming Stereotypes and Building Credibility 01:05:07 Finding Passion Beyond the Military 01:08:02 Embracing New Cultures and Experiences 01:09:53 The Joy of Simple Pleasures 01:12:06 Inspiration from Sports and Life Lessons Our podcast links.   Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder   Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected]   Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site   WIN THE DAY!

In this conversation, Tom Cillo shares his unique journey as a college football player at the age of 58, discussing the challenges he faced both on the field and in the classroom. He reflects on his training regimen, the importance of teamwork, and the academic pressures of returning to school after a long hiatus. Tom emphasizes the significance of commitment, discipline, and the support of his teammates and coaches. He also touches on his aspirations for the future, including potential NIL deals and public speaking opportunities, while offering valuable advice to young athletes.   Takeaways Tom's journey to college football began later in life. He faced significant challenges in both football and academics. Training and conditioning were crucial for his success. Learning the playbook was a steep learning curve. Building relationships with teammates was essential. Time management was key to balancing academics and athletics. He emphasizes the importance of rest and study habits. Tom's NIL deals highlight the changing landscape of college sports. He aims to inspire others through his story. Tom's passion for football and fitness drives his journey. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:52College Football Insights 05:39Fan Loyalty and Team Dynamics 08:55Transitioning to College Life 12:07Training and Conditioning for Football 15:08Building Confidence and Team Culture 18:12Academic Challenges and Time Management 20:55Support Roles and Team Contributions 23:56Nutrition and Recovery in Sports 26:50Future Aspirations and Career Goals 30:14Advice for Young Athletes 33:05Closing Thoughts and Reflections   Our podcast links. Athlete Builder on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Athlete-Builder Athlete Builder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34QCcodvAqAgj7iwk3tdrj Athlete Builder on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-builder/id1715521920 Athlete Builder on Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5583cce-62bc-4611-ab54-ff367f41632d/athlete-builder Our social media links. Athlete Builder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athlete_builder/ Athlete Builder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1athletebuilder Athlete Builder on X: https://x.com/AthleteBuilder Athlete Builder on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athlete.builder Athlete Builder web page: https://athlete-builder.com Athlete Builder e-mail: [email protected] Our links to services/products. Buy the Athlete Builder book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9xiGOWQ Buy the Athlete Builder book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/athlete-builder-jim-beebe/1146362511?ean=9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder book in bulk at: https://bookpal.com/athlete-builder-the-blueprint-to-build-champion-athletes-9798218498382 Buy the Athlete Builder planner on Amazon: (COMING SOON!) Take the Athlete Builder course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses Schedule a time for a Game Plan Session for you to get started: https://link.closersoftware.com/widget/bookings/ab-gameplansession Book for speaking engagements: https://athlete-builder.com/speaking Buy Athlete Builder apparel and swag: https://athlete-builder.printify.me/products Register for the Athlete Builder newsletter: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter Read the Athlete Builder blog: https://athlete-builder.com/blog Train at Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, IN: https://unbreakableathleticsacademy.com Support our charities: the military, breast cancer, and disadvantaged youth: https://theufoundation.square.site

The Athlete Builder Challenge is designed for personal evolution in 2026. The challenge is structured into beginner and advanced levels, each lasting three months. Sustainable habits are emphasized over restrictive programs like 75 Hard. Participants can choose to focus on one habit at a time to avoid overwhelm. The challenge encourages continuous improvement and tracking of progress. Mindset, nutrition, training, and recovery are key components of the challenge. Accountability through teammates and mentors is crucial for success. The program promotes a long-term approach to fitness and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to celebrate small wins and learn from losses. The challenge is adaptable, allowing participants to repeat months or focus on specific areas. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Athlete Builder Challenge 02:08 Understanding the Challenge Structure 05:52 The Importance of Sustainable Habits 10:13 Navigating the Six-Month Challenge 21:22 Transitioning to Advanced Levels 30:55 Mastery and Continuous Improvement   RESOURCES EP. 8: BREAKING DOWN ATOMIC HABITS: https://youtu.be/k3Jk3Zhgsuw AB BASIC TRAINING GUIDE: https://athlete-builder.com/guides E-MAIL ME FOR A FREE GAME PLAN SESSION: [email protected] AB BOOK: https://athlete-builder.com/booka AB Planner/Habit Tracker: https://a.co/d/b4n423m Digital Course: https://athlete-builder.com/courses 2 MINUTE DRILL: https://athlete-builder.com/newsletter