Intentional Performers

Roman Baca joins Brian Levenson on this week’s episode of the podcast. Roman is a classically trained ballet dancer and choreographer. In 2001, Roman recognized his desire to defend the vulnerable. He took a hiatus from his dance, and enlisted in US Marine Corps during the Iraq War. After the war, he returned back to dance and co-founded Exit 12 which is a dance company which tells veterans stories choreographically to increase cross cultural understanding and heal divisions. He also has a great TedX from TedX San Antonio. He has led choreographic workshops at schools, universities, and veteran centers to inspire military veterans, victims of war, and civilians through the power of dance. He is currently pursuing a MFA in choreography at the Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance in London. In this episode, they discuss what life was like for him as a kid (6:40), what his relationship was like with his dad and mom (9:20), the values his mom passed down to him (11:40), what happened for him after high school (13:20), what felt different for him in dance (17:00), how he handled the search for perfection in dance (18:20), how much perfectionism plays a role in performing in dance (19:30), his mindset in preparation vs. performing (25:30), a time in his career when he learned to perform (30:50), his thoughts on if flow can be transferred (36:20), about his desire to join the military (39:30), how 9/11 played a role in his journey (43:05), the similarities in training in dance and in the military (45:15), the juxtaposition between military and ballet dance (46:50), the reaction of others in the marines when he told them his background (49:20), what he learned about himself when sharing his passion with others in the military (53:00), how has he grown and gotten better as he’s trying to transform others (1:00:40), what he would do differently in the military training process (1:04:20), if his leadership problem was his own fault (1:08:30), if there’s anything he would do differently if he were in charge of military training (1:10:10), the tools, techniques, and mantras that he uses to guide him (1:11:30), what he’s doing in London (1:14:20), what makes a great choreographer (1:18:00), what he feels and where he feels it when he talks about what he wants to accomplish (1:20:05) Thank you to Roman for coming on the show. Roman recently choreographed a piece for the new US embassy in London, and it’s one of the first receptions with that many people. He was able to put it together with some colleagues in London and the US ambassador tweeted it out here. He also premiered a new work in progress that can be found here. We encourage you to check out the Exit 12 Dance Company website and twitter handle at @exit12danceco. Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. -Brian

Derin McMains joins Brian Levenson on this week’s episode of the podcast. Derin works as a mental performance coordinator for the Seattle Mariners. In his role, Derin coordinates the mental performance program for the entire organization. He works with the 40 man roster, and alongside two other colleagues that work primarily with the minor league teams. Almost all of the organizations in the MLB currently utilize a mental performance coach, and Derin is at the forefront of this profession. Derin also played minor league baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization, and he will share what it was like growing up playing baseball and what led him to becoming obsessed with the mental game. In this episode, they discuss what life was like for him as a kid (4:40), his family dynamic (9:10), the values his parents passed down to him (10:10), when baseball came into his life (11:30), what allowed him to take the risk to become a switch-hitter (14:30), what it was like playing baseball with his brother in Junior College (18:00), his thoughts on players playing angry (21:50), his college recruiting process and how he attacks goals (26:20), how he helps athletes discover their vision (30:05), what percentage of pro athletes have a clear vision for themselves and what they want to become (32:50), how he quiets his ego when he tries to work with athletes that aren’t interested (35:30), his thoughts on thinking about what matters and what’s helpful (39:30), what percentage of his work is with people struggling with the yips vs people trying to move from good to great (40:50), his career in professional baseball and what his mindset was like playing baseball (42:00), his reaction to people saying someone is injury prone (45:50), what drew him to sport psychology (48:20), what qualities he’s noticed that people have that make them successful during games (50:10), why baseball has opened its doors to people in the sport psych world (52:30), what his sports psychology team looks like with the Mariners (56:50), what does he do to remain sharp (59:20), his background in music and the story about how he started writing music (1:01:30). Thanks to Derin for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out his twitter @McMainsDmac. Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. -Brian

Malcolm Brogdon joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Malcolm was selected in the 2nd round of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He was named ACC player of the year and ACC defensive player of the year at the University of Virginia. He had an amazing college career and was overlooked by every NBA team when it came to the draft. Malcolm won the rookie of the year, and he was the first player to do this as a 2nd rounder since 1956. His NBA and College accolades are phenomenal, but he’s also an amazing person. He was fortunate enough to be around civil rights activists including his grandfather and he will talk about his upbringing during this conversation. In this episode, they discuss his background growing up in Atlanta (4:40), if there were ever times when he resisted in his upbringing (8:20), who taught him the game of basketball (9:10), his mindset and training program in high school (10:50), some of the stories he heard from his grandfather and his experience in Africa (12:40), how his parents’ divorce impacted his life (16:30), where his confidence came from (19:20), how difficult it was for him to choose UVA over Harvard (22:20), similarities between competing in the classroom and on the court, and the values his mother taught him (23:45), transition from high school to college basketball (26:10), the adversity he faced when he got injured his sophomore year (27:15), why he was able to believe in and play the long game in life/basketball (29:30), his reaction when UF doesn’t offer and when every NBA passes on him (31:30), his mindset in preparation being different than his mindset in performance (33:50), what he does to shift out of perfectionism for his performance (37:40), his yawning before games and visualization techniques (38:30), how he goes from being a 2nd round pick to rookie of the year (41:50), what was going through his mind when he began with Milwaukee (43:50), what he knows now that he didn’t when he entered the league (45:45), what he does to give his mind a rest (47:30), his competitive spirit and how that shows on the basketball court (48:40), how he defines leadership (51:20), his experience in Africa (52:40) Thanks to Malcolm for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out the non-profit he’s involved in with Chris Long called waterboys. He has started his own organization from the Chris Long foundation called Hoops 20 to help make a difference in Tanzania and East Africa. Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. -Brian

Phil Weber joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Phil has spent time with Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, University of Florida, Chaminade University, Iona University, New Orleans Pelicans, and he was the Head Coach of the Sioux Falls team in the D-League. He is a basketball lifer who has coached in a number of different ways. He also worked as a player development coach from 1995-1998 where he worked with over 100 NBA players. Phil is a philosopher at heart, always reading, always writing, always learning, and he is definitely an intentional performer. He doesn’t just focus on basketball, but what concepts and ideas can make his players better on and off the floor. In this episode, they discuss his journey into coaching (5:00), his experience being around Coach Jim Valvano (7:10), the number one value each Coach brought (8:30), one value that explains who he is as a coach (10:00), where he thinks self-belief comes from (12:10) , if persistence has ever hurt him and how it’s helped him (13:45), how he cultivated a growth mindset (21:30), when he started to devour books (25:30), his transition into the NBA (30:10), how he started doing player development (34:00), the story about Kobe walking into his gym (39:40), the coaches he got to be around throughout his professional coaching career that have inspired him (49:30), his experience being around D’Antoni and Spoelstra (56:10), how he set his mind to do the jobs he’s had (1:04:40), his thoughts on the inner circle of influence vs the outer circle (1:11:40), life’s golden nuggets and the mindset for growth (1:114:10), qualities that are common in championship teams (1:17:20), experiences or observations with the Miami Heat (1:21:30), and finally about his poetry and the writings that he has done (1:28:00) Thanks to Phil for coming on the podcast. Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. Brian

Sam joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Sam works as a coach and speaker, and has a company called Zen Warrior Training where he helps people unlock what’s inside of them and get in touch with their feelings. Sam has a deep passion for inspiring and helping others. In this podcast, Sam talks about a number of life events including an accident that took place when he was 24 years old that was life changing. In this episode, they discuss his childhood and how he became who he is today (4:45), the difference in what he learned from his father and mother (11:00), the relation between his childhood and what he does today (14:20), if he sees his mom and dad as Warrior or Zen (20:00), when he got into cycling (24:10), his mindset when cycling across the country (29:10), when he started playing guitar (35:50), his time at Hampshire College (41:00), his major accident in 1999 (46:30), what he remembers from the accident and the immediate feeling he experienced after (48:20), what he feels now as he rehashes the story (52:20), his mindset when in the hospital for an extended period of time (54:00), how he created a mindset to have the state of neutrality as opposed to victimhood (58:00), his thoughts on selfishness and selflessness (1:04:10), what he does to take care of himself and the diet he is currently on (1:05:30), his meditation routines and the power of the breath (1:11:40), and what Zen Warrior Training is about (1:17:50) Thanks to Sam for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out his website at http://zenwarriortraining.com/about/. You can also find Sam on twitter @zwtraining and on facebook at facebook.com/zenwarriortraining.   Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. -Brian

Eric Mangini joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Eric played college football at Wesleyan, and has since spent his entire career working in football where he actually began as a coach in Australia. Eric was an assistant coach with the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, and at the age of 34, he was hired as the NY Jets Head Football Coach. After being the head coach for the NY Jets, Eric was then the head coach for the Cleveland Browns. Today, Eric works in TV and has a wealth of knowledge on culture, leadership, and mental performance. In this episode, they discuss how he started in football, and his time coaching in Australia (4:00), how he started as a ball boy and public relations intern with the Cleveland Browns (10:30), how he began taking on jobs from Bill Belichick (16:00), what advice he would give to someone wanting to get into coaching (18:00), what lessons he learned from coaches and GM’s that he’s seen be successful (23:00), about the group of coaches on the 1995 Cleveland Browns (31:40), his thoughts on the Patriots culture and always playing the best players (35:30), what made Bill Parcells special (40:45), what traits Tom Brady had that made him successful (46:30), what he loves about football (50:05), how losing his Dad impacted his life (54:45), on the leap to becoming a head coach at 34 years old (56:20), what the lifestyle is like as an NFL head coach (1:01:30), how he’d describe his leadership style (1:10:40), on the routines he would do (1:12:10), and what’s similar about performing on TV and coaching (1:15:30). Thanks to Eric for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out his foundation at https://www.cfm-foundation.org/. This is a family foundation in honor of Eric’s father and uncle that creates opportunities for under resourced kids. Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. -Brian

Melissa Agnes joins Brian Levenson on this weeks podcast. Melissa is an author, strategic advisor, and keynote speaker. She is the author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, and a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today's leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. As a strategic advisor and keynote speaker, Agnes has worked with NATO, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, financial firms, technology companies, healthcare organizations, cities and municipalities, law enforcement agencies, global non-profits, and many others, helping them understand risk and build invincible brands that can withstand even the most devastating of events. In 2015, she gave a TEDx talk in Los Angeles where she discussed the secret to successful crisis management in the 21st century. Agnes is the editor of the Crisis Ready Blog, a contributor to Forbes, and a go-to source for the press, with recent coverage including the Wall Street Journal, VIBE Magazine, USA Today, and many others. As a university guest lecturer, Agnes teaches crisis management in university courses around the world, including at NYU and McGill. In this episode, they discuss Melissa’s upbringing and where she grew up (5:00), what helped guide her as a child (8:00), what advice she would give someone living in an environment they don’t believe they should be in (10:00), what her truth is (10:30), what transforming her life meant (11:10), if she’s more of a risk taker or rule follower (12:40), on the values she lives by (13:10), how she works with an organization or CEO on finding their truth (17:20), how she sees herself culturally (19:10), how she can analyze without judgement (24:00), how she ended up where she is today (28:10), how branding led her to a career in crisis management (30:10), how she uses intuition in her life (35:30), what she does daily to go inward (38:00), what she does once she notices emotions (46:00), about the mechanics of roof building, and making sure her companies are crisis ready (47:00), if she facilitates or teaches with an organization (50:40), and her thoughts on preparing with a “why” mindset and performing with a “how” mindset (54:00). Thanks to Melissa for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out her website at https://melissaagnes.com/. Melissa’s website houses everything related to her work, and provides a ton of valuable information she has on crisis management. You can also find Melissa Agnes on twitter @melissa_agnes, and check out her book “Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World.” Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. -Brian

Dr. Mark Goulston joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Dr. Goulston works as a psychiatrist, but also has been a high stakes crisis psychiatrist, FBI hostage negotiation trainer, and he coaches founders to become CEO’s. He has helped traumatized people heal and thrive in addition to surviving and coping. This conversation is deep, and it’s a conversation about suicide and how we can prevent suicide in the future. In this episode, they discuss how he came to be interested in the medical world, and his story about depression in medical school (5:45), how his life changed when he was kicked out of Medical School (11:00), what mentors mean to him (15:00), what drew him to being a suicide specialist (16:00), where his ability to connect with people comes from (19:00), about how people die from despair as opposed to depression (22:30), why he was drawn towards helping people prevent suicide (24:00), what helping people does for him (27:40), his thoughts on mindfulness (34:20), on being a first class “noticer” and two magical tricks to stop any argument (40:30), what he believes about suicide, advise for people who are thinking about suicide, and how we can be helpful to people having suicidal thoughts (49:00), what he thinks depression wise is going on with our society today (58:15), a magical tip that he’s given men when in an argument with their wife (1:02:00), and the best quote he’s ever heard (1:05:30). Thanks to Dr. Goulston for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out his website at http://markgoulston.com/. You can also find Dr. Goulston on twitter @MarkGoulston and we encourage you to check out his pinned tweet where he connects people who have been impacted by suicide. He has also written several top-selling books such as “Talking to Crazy,” and “Get Out of Your Own Way,” which we encourage you to check out. Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. -Brian

Josh Basile joins the podcast this week. Josh is an advocate, lawyer, teacher, and mentor. Josh is amazingly grateful and he leverages gratitude in every part of his life. In this podcast, he talks through his traumatic injury at Bethany Beach and how he views life and interprets events that have happened to him. In this episode we discuss what life was like growing up (4:50), what his mindset was like as a top athlete at Bullis and at Skidmore College (7:05), his memories as soon as the injury happened and how his mom helped him through the injury (11:10), his mindset during rehabilitation (17:00), his biggest transition after the injury and the mentor program he has created (18:20), what gets him from idea to action (24:30), how he views mindset in preparation vs performance (30:30), what he does in the moments that are not glamorous and moments that are special (36:40), what he does in his life to tap into the present (41:20), when gratitude entered his life and his visualization tactics (43:20), who has helped him on is journey and what lessons he has learned (49:10), and they close with what he sees himself doing in 10 years (51:10). Thanks to Josh for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out his non-profit at http://www.determined2heal.org/ or https://spinalpedia.com/ where they help newly injured families transition to a life with paralysis and give them the tools and mindsets they need to be successful and live a healthy and active lifestyle. You can also follow them on Twitter at @SPINALpedia, Facebook @SPINALpedia or his email is Josh.Basile@gmail.com. Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening. --Brian

Ken Harbaugh joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Ken has spent time in the Navy and as President of Team Rubicon Global to name a few of his professions, and is currently running for Congress in Ohio. Ken is a devoted family man that has become a leading advocate for military veterans, and when he sees the need for action, he takes action. In this episode they discuss what led him to the military and becoming a pilot (6:05), how the Navy views leadership and how to train like a Navy pilot (12:15), what is his mindset when in the air, and how to perform when emotion and anxiety rise (18:10), his routine before going up in the air (23:30), what leadership and being part of a team mean for him (25:00), his journey from leaving the Navy to joining Team Rubicon (26:30), why he has shifted from a traditional path to an alternative path throughout his life (32:00), his mindset in preparation/planning, and then mindset in pure action mode (36:00), how his experience in Team Rubicon was different than as a Pilot (41:30), about why he is transitioning toward politics (45:40), and what success would look like if he gets elected, and which job has been the most impactful on his life (46:50). Finally, he concludes by talking about writing his book, Here Be Dragons, with his wife (48:40). Thanks to Ken for coming on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out his book Here Be Dragons: A Parent's Guide to Rediscovering Purpose, Adventure, and the Unfathomable Joy of the Journey. You can also follow him on Twitter: @Team_Harbaugh or Instagram: @kenharbaugh Lastly, if you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @IntentionalPerformers. Thanks for listening. --Brian