The Threshold Lab

This episode explores how old habits, beliefs, and routines “auto-renew” in our lives long after they’ve served their purpose. Zach shares a story about a Major League pitcher "unsubscribing" from a starting point in his delivery and implementing a small adjustment to accelerate his career. Listeners will learn why stagnation carries invisible costs, how leaders accidentally let their environment choose their direction, and how to run a performance “subscription audit” to create intentional growth heading into a new season. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall

Today's guest is two-time Olympian Kibwé Johnson. He joins the show with one of the most decorated careers in U.S. hammer history including being a five-time U.S. Champion, Pan American Games gold medalist and record holder, and a three-time NCAA Champion. He also holds the world record for the combined hammer–discus–weight throw and represented the United States at four World Championships.Kibwé has since built an impressive coaching path through IMG Academy, SPIRE Academy, Southeastern Louisiana, and now the University of Maryland, where he serves as Throws Coach. He was also the USA Track & Field Men’s Team Head Throws Coach for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.In our conversation, we talk about the artistry of throwing, creating the right conditions for athletes to find their individual movement, the Dao of the hammer, and how his own misalignments as an athlete shaped the coach he is today. We also explore the role of patience, curiosity, and fatherhood in his development as a leader.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[5:18] — The Artistry of Throwing [7:23] — "Creating the Conditions" for Athletes[10:36] — Learning to Embrace Individuality as a Thrower[16:54] — How Kibwe Would Coach His Younger Self[18:57] — Solving Movement Riddles [24:15] — The Dao of the Hammer[30:53] — The Yin & Yang for Effort[37:10] — Letting Go of Ego[46:32] — Kibwe's Process for Learning[49:48] — Creating the Conditions for Flow[53:14] — Most Important Mental Skill for Athletes[1:02:05] — Breaking Out of Plateaus[1:05:05] — Creating Something that Didn't Exist When He CompetedLearn More About Kibwe:To learn more about Kibwe's coaching and his work, I'd encourage you to follow his journey here: https://www.instagram.com/martillokibwe/?hl=en Learn More About Zach:For more practical tools and mindset stories, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall

What can you learn from a Navy SEAL's training story? Discover how to stay calm under pressure with practical strategies. You'll explore the concept of focusing on your 'three-foot world' to enhance performance when challenges arise. Learn to navigate distractions by asking key questions about your tasks and what's within your control. Zach emphasizes the importance of short mental resets to maintain focus and execution. Tune in for a refreshing approach to mastering high-pressure situations!

Every day, we find ourselves in a mental courtroom where our thoughts put us on trial. Childhood labels often dictate our adult beliefs, acting as unyielding verdicts. A powerful story reveals how a 'golden child' title turned into a limiting belief. Brandon encourages treating emotional reactions as signals for re-evaluation. He presents a practical three-step method to catch, challenge, and change unhelpful thoughts. Change may be gradual, but it’s possible by redefining our narratives and identities.

This episode explores the famous story of Muhammad Ali’s stolen red bicycle and how one painful childhood moment became an unexpected spark in his journey toward greatness. We break down why adversity often shapes drive, what research shows about performers who turn hardship into fuel, and how purpose evolves as identity evolves. You’ll also hear how athletes like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Simone Biles have channeled their own sources of motivation.For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall

This episode dives into what happens when the role you’ve built no longer matches the life you want. If you’ve ever felt a pull toward a different future, this one’s for you. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Today I’m joined by Cody Royle who spends his days coaching some of the top head coaches in elite sport.Cody is a former head coach of Canada’s men’s AFL national team. He’s the author of three books (Where Others Won’t, The Tough Stuff, and Second Set of Eyes) and previously hosted the leadership podcast Where Others Won’t, where he explored how great teams and leaders actually thrive. In this conversation, Cody pulls back the curtain on the emotional reality of coaching at the highest level. He shares a story of a terrible tragedy that reshaped his understanding of leadership and was the catalyst for him to write The Tough Stuff. We talk about why the real burden on modern coaches isn’t “expectations” but the weight of caring. Cody also walks through his four-part “Coach Craft” model and introduces the idea of “coaching free” as the coach’s version of flow. Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[6:27] — How Tragedy Led to "The Tough Stuff" Book[8:56] — The Emotional Gap in Coaching[11:34] — Asking For Help[16:30] — Becoming a Coach for Head Coaches[20:58] — The Real Weight of Leadership[25:03] — Distributing the Weight of Leadership[27:20] — Reframing Time Away from Kids[30:59] — From Playing Free to "Coaching Free"[35:25] — Three Questions Every Coach Should Answer[39:36] — Short-Term Results and Long-Term Transformation[43:44] — The Four Crafts of Coaching[50:15] — Why Coaching is Still in Third Gear[57:16] — Learning From Other Environments[1:06:51] — Coaching is for Elite Leaders TooMore Resources from Cody:To learn more about Cody's coaching, email newsletter, and books, I'd encourage you to check out his website here: https://www.codyroyle.com/More Resources from Zach:For more practical tools and mindset stories, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

This episode explores how one of the NFL's all-time best wide receivers, Larry Fitzgerald, extended his greatness by inviting some of his top competitors to train with him one offseason. We'll discuss the curiosity that helped him excel and his proactive approach to learning, even while at the top of the NFL. This episode is a guide for anyone who wants to stay hungry after success. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Some teams are overflowing with talent yet never reach their ceiling. S today's episode explores John Maxwell’s “Law of the Lid” principle and how a leader’s personal growth directly shapes the ceiling of their team’s potential. Through stories like Mike Norvell’s developmental approach at Memphis University and coaching trees from legends like Tara VanDerveer and Nick Saban, we break down how leaders either raise or restrict the impact of those around them. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Discover how Sam Brannan became the Gold Rush’s first millionaire by selling supplies instead of mining. Learn about leveraging opportunities instead of just working harder. Explore the power of anticipation as a key to separating elite performers from the rest. Gain insights on creating systems that provide lasting advantages. This insightful discussion provides practical tools for coaches and leaders, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and strategic foresight. Slow down, see what others miss, and find your hidden leverage!