
Breaking Average
A fully lived and understood life can only be achieved by those who choose to break average. If you are too careful, too cautious, or even too comfortable, then you will likely fall short of reaching your potential. In other words, choosing average, which is default living, will keep you from being your best.
This podcast explores a different path -- it explores what it means to break average. Each week we share insights and ideas to help propel you forward, curated from our own experiences, plus some of the top thought leaders in industry today. We share resources, practical tips, and helpful stories and science to give you tools to help you grow and make an impact.
The late/great Jim Rohn once said, "we should be something more than average.” Join us each week for the Breaking Average Podcast, and discover why this is so important.
This show is co-hosted by Paul Gustavson, a leader in the tech industry and the author of Leaders Press On, Speech Blueprint, Breaking Average, and the forthcoming book Imagine. Paul's daily focus is on the idea of Full Spectrum Innovation, which is centered on personal, technical, and corporate growth.
Starting in the 2022 fall season, Paul was joined by Barry Smith, and world-class coach, author, and speaker focused on Building What Matters. Other cohosts - who are still guests of the show include Rick Morris, Mike Harbour and Diane Caine.
Latest episodes

Jan 6, 2025 • 56min
Unleashing Curiosity and Superpowers Through Questions: Part 5
Unlock your potential and elevate your leadership impact in this thought-provoking episode. Hosts Paul and Barry explore the transformative power of questions—questions that challenge conventional thinking, inspire self-reflection, and drive personal growth.
Discover how intentionality, authenticity, and transparency can shape your leadership journey. From uncovering influential moments from your past to debating bold ideas like time travel, this episode will challenge you to think differently and break free from the status quo.
Packed with fresh perspectives and practical strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for visionary leaders ready to leave average behind and embrace excellence.
👉 Subscribe, share, and visit https://www.breakingaverage.com for more inspiring content. Let’s break average together!

Dec 30, 2024 • 54min
Unleashing Curiosity and Superpowers Through Questions: Part 4
Welcome to part 4 of Season 8 of the Breaking Average Podcast focused on Unleashing Curiosity and Superpowers Through Questions. In this fun episode, Hosts Paul Gustavson and Barry Smith hypothetically plan for a zombie apocalypse, selecting team members for business resilience. They also reflect on their worst jobs as well as their future aspirations.
Discover new insights through the power of questions, and the importance of taking action over intention and share advice on growth and decision-making.
🎙 Don’t miss this episode!
👉 Be sure to subscribe, share, and visit https://www.breakingaverage.com for more inspiring content. Let’s break average together!

Dec 23, 2024 • 54min
Unleashing Curiosity and Superpowers Through Questions: Part 3
n this episode, Paul and Barry dive deep into the transformative power of questions. Exploring the importance of a growth mindset, they share how curiosity and continuous learning can unlock new possibilities. Through thought-provoking "would you rather" scenarios and reflections on the pivotal year of 2020, they uncover the value of relationships, legacy, and resilience.
Whether you're seeking to enhance your personal or professional life, this episode of the Breaking Average podcast will equip you with practical strategies to help break free from the default of average. Discover insights as you step out of your comfort zone, embrace curiosity, and take bold action toward excellence.
🎙 Don’t miss this episode!
👉 Be sure to subscribe, share, and visit https://www.breakingaverage.com for more inspiring content. Let’s break average together!

Dec 16, 2024 • 34min
Unleashing Curiosity and Superpowers Through Questions: Part 2
Welcome to Season 8 - episode 2 of the Breaking Average Podcast. Hosts Paul Gustavson and Barry Smith dive deeper into the power of questions. They share the significance of asking meaningful questions. Barry emphasizes the value of open-ended questions in coaching, while Paul highlights how questions can engage people and provide valuable perspectives.
Discover insights on stress relief, the power of exploration, and ways to bridge the gaps. This podcast is your invitation to step out of your comfort zone, embrace curiosity, and take bold action toward excellence.
🎙 Don’t miss this episode—it’s full of wisdom and humor from two passionate leaders.
👉 Be sure to subscribe, share, and visit https://www.breakingaverage.com for more inspiring content. Let’s break average together!

Dec 10, 2024 • 32min
Unleashing Curiosity and Superpowers Through Questions: Season 8 Premiere
Paul and Barry, hosts of The Breaking Average Podcast, discuss the importance of asking powerful questions and share insights from a resource called Building Blocks. They explore various topics, including personal growth, stress relief, and the value of exploration.
Don't miss this great episode where Barry and Paul were able to record it together in Colorado!
Action Items
[ ] Explore using powerful questions with your family, team, and mentors.[ ] Take action on something you haven't done before or stretch outside your comfort zone.

Jun 2, 2024 • 6min
Make the Most of Summer 2024
Three Tips to Make the Most of Your Summer
We are working on brand new episodes for Season 8 to air later this fall. In the meantime, check out our short series for the summer.
Discover more at https://www.breakingaverage.com

Jul 17, 2023 • 43min
Mark Batterson - Your Words Create Worlds
In this episode, Paul and Barry take a break from sharing about great sports that have defined us and instead explore how our words create meaning and shape our worlds. Specifically, we sit down with Mark Batterson, who is a best-selling author, speaker, and pastor. His latest book, "Please. Sorry. Thanks." offers more than just practical advice, it will shape your thinking,. Discover how you can change your world with words.
Discover more at https://www.breakingaverage.com
Also, be sure to grab a copy of Mark's new book "Please. Sorry. Thanks." at book retailers everywhere.

Jul 14, 2023 • 41min
Damar Hamlin - Miracle Moment (2023)
Paul and Barry dive into the greatest sports moments that created an impact in our lives. We call it origin moments not just for the player, team or coach, but for all of us. Sometimes in the midst of tragedy something beautiful emerges. Today's episode is about the day the world of sports suddenly stopped as we witnessed the unthinkable, but through the platform of sports came together as one. This one became a miracle.
Discover more at https://www.breakingaverage.com
Also, be sure to grab a copy of Paul's new book IMAGINE at http://theimaginebook.com

Jul 14, 2023 • 52min
Joe Gibbs - Origin Moment (1983)
Paul and Barry dive into the greatest sports moments that created an impact in our lives. We call it origin moments not just for the player, team or coach, but for all of us. Sometimes in the midst of tragedy something beautiful emerges. Today's episode is about the day the world of sports suddenly stopped as we witnessed the unthinkable, but through the platform of sports came together as one. This one became a miracle.
Discover more at https://www.breakingaverage.com
Also, be sure to grab a copy of Paul's new book IMAGINE at http://theimaginebook.com

Jul 14, 2023 • 50min
Tom Brady - Origin Moment (2001)
Paul and Barry dive into the greatest sports moments that created an impact including the origin moments of the legends of our time. Today's episode is about the legendary Tom Brady, who many consider the G.O.A.T QB in football history.
Discover more at https://www.breakingaverage.com
Also, be sure to grab a copy of Paul's new book IMAGINE at http://theimaginebook.com
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