
The Elite Performance Podcast
Ex Israeli Special Forces, undercover agent and BJJ black belt, Itamar Marani, shares the actionable tactics to Elite Performance he’s honed from coaching 100+ 7-9 figure entrepreneurs and being mentored by The Mossad’s top performance psychologist.
No motivational rah rah or biohacking nonsense, just clear systems to get clarity, uncover your blindspots and confidently execute at an elite level.
Latest episodes

May 13, 2025 • 31min
Is "Being Comfortable Being Uncomfortable" BS? | Elite Performance Podcast #73
Have you ever found yourself feeling frustrated when you’re taking action but it doesn't flow and feels clunky?In this episode, Itamar breaks down why the belief that you should feel “comfortable being uncomfortable” can drain energy and kill your momentum. He shares a story of a nine-figure client who was struggling to be “comfortable while being uncomfortable” and how they shifted the frame to improve its performance. You’ll learn how to:Stop second-guessing and avoid energy leakagesReclaim your edge Push with clarity*If you’re ready to get unstuck and take both yourself and your business to the next level, apply to The Arena here: https://itamarmarani.com/applyGet the Extreme Clarity Tool To Uncover The #1 Action To Grow Your Business: https://itamarmarani.com/claritySign up for “3 Quick Ideas Tuesday” (weekly 2 minute newsletter around mindset and emotional fortitude): https://itamarmarani.com/3-ideas/

Apr 29, 2025 • 58min
Breaking Through Plateaus with w/ Peter Shallard | Elite Performance Podcast #72
"A lot of people are mistaking intensity for consistency."In this episode, I talk with Peter Shallard, the "Shrink for Entrepreneurs," about why executing on big goals scares entrepreneurs and how to break through plateaus in business. We discuss how burnout for entrepreneurs doesn’t stem from overwork, and why playfulness and creativity are essential for breaking through plateaus.Key Topics:Why burnout for entrepreneurs is rooted in disappointment, not overworkThe principle of "minimum effective dose" for effective productivityHow gamification can help you avoid burnoutConnect with Peter:Website: www.commitaction.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petershallard/*If you’re ready to get unstuck and take both yourself and your business to the next level, apply to The Arena here: https://itamarmarani.com/applyGet the Extreme Clarity Tool To Uncover The #1 Action To Grow Your Business: https://itamarmarani.com/claritySign up for “3 Quick Ideas Tuesday” (weekly 2 minute newsletter around mindset and emotional fortitude): https://itamarmarani.com/3-ideas/

Apr 15, 2025 • 21min
Black Belt Lessons for Business: 8 Lessons from BJJ for Entrepreneurs | Elite Performance Podcast #71
"A black belt is someone who got choked, swept and submitted thousands of times and kept coming back for more. Someone who turned those painful lessons into wisdom."As Itamar gets ready to receive his second stripe on his BJJ black belt, he shares eight crucial lessons from martial arts that have helped him coach successful entrepreneurs. Covering how to apply these principles of high-performance to create breakthrough results in business and avoid ego traps.Key topics:The perspective shift that can eliminate performance blocksThe danger of "blue beltitus" in entrepreneurship and how to avoid itHow to recognize truly high-caliber mentors in any field*Pre-order Military Grade Mindset book: https://militarygrademindset.com/If you’re ready to get unstuck and take both yourself and your business to the next level, apply to The Arena here: https://itamarmarani.com/applyGet the Extreme Clarity Tool To Uncover The #1 Action To Grow Your Business: https://itamarmarani.com/claritySign up for “3 Quick Ideas Tuesday” (weekly 2 minute newsletter around mindset and emotional fortitude): https://itamarmarani.com/3-ideas/

Apr 1, 2025 • 35min
How to Stop Drinking and Step Into A Stronger Identity w/ James Swanwick | Elite Performance Podcast #70
James Swanwick reveals how high performers can break free from alcohol without willpower or AA. He shares why even occasional drinking costs you money, clarity, and connection - and how an empowering mindset shift makes alcohol freedom feel like an unfair advantage rather than deprivation.Key Topics:Why successful people struggle to give up alcohol despite conquering other challengesWhy AA's approach often fails and keeps people stuck in a small lifeWhy alcohol freedom is the new flex that earns respectConnect with James:Book: https://alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clearWebsite: alcoholfreelifestyle.comInstagram: @jamesswanwick*Pre-order Military Grade Mindset book: https://militarygrademindset.com/If you’re ready to get unstuck and take both yourself and your business to the next level, apply to The Arena here: https://itamarmarani.com/applyGet the Extreme Clarity Tool To Uncover The #1 Action To Grow Your Business: https://itamarmarani.com/claritySign up for “3 Quick Ideas Tuesday” (weekly 2 minute newsletter around mindset and emotional fortitude): https://itamarmarani.com/3-ideas/

Mar 18, 2025 • 10min
Don’t Get Left Behind - How to Have An AI First Mindset | Elite Performance Podcast #69
"The pilots who survive aren't the most skilled—they're the ones who adapt fastest."In this episode, I explain why your current identity—the expertise you've built over years—might be your biggest obstacle to adapting at AI speed. I break down the “OODA loop” and how it can determine your success in business.Key Topics:Why a sense of stability could be your downfall in the AI eraThree-step protocol for building an AI-first identityThe uncomfortable truth about letting go of who you've been in order to adapt*Pre-order Military Grade Mindset book: https://militarygrademindset.com/If you’re ready to get unstuck and take both yourself and your business to the next level, apply to The Arena here: https://itamarmarani.com/apply Get the Extreme Clarity Tool To Uncover The #1 Action To Grow Your Business: https://itamarmarani.com/claritySign up for “3 Quick Ideas Tuesday” (weekly 2 minute newsletter around mindset and emotional fortitude): https://itamarmarani.com/3-ideas/

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 3min
The 3 Performance Archetypes: How Your Mindset Holds You Back | Elite Performance Podcast #68
Alex De Fina, a performance strategist, joins Itamar Marani to reveal how entrepreneurs can identify and overcome three sabotaging mindsets: The Go Harder Guy, The Mr. Nice Guy, and The Chip on the Shoulder Guy. They discuss the dangers of relentless drive without recovery, the importance of balancing speed with accuracy, and how unrecognized emotional patterns can hinder success. Listeners will learn practical strategies to break free from their limitations while enhancing their core strengths.

Feb 18, 2025 • 28min
Can Low Expectations Make You A Better Performer? | Elite Performance Podcast #67
"If you're just having all these expectations of things that you can't control, you can't have an agreement about or you can't set a standard about, you’ll just get frustrated all the time." Many think that having high expectations of everyone shows respect and kindness. In reality, unrealistic expectations create frustration and anger, making us treat others worse. This episode breaks down how lowering expectations in specific areas can help us become calmer and more effective leaders.Key Topics:The difference between standards/agreements vs. expectationsFramework for handling frustrationWhy believing that "everyone is amazing" sets us up for constant disappointment*If you’re ready to get unstuck and take both yourself and your business to the next level, apply to The Arena here: https://itamarmarani.com/apply Get the Extreme Clarity Tool To Uncover The #1 Action To Grow Your Business: https://itamarmarani.com/claritySign up for “3 Quick Ideas Tuesday” (weekly 2 minute newsletter around mindset and emotional fortitude): https://itamarmarani.com/3-ideas/

Jan 28, 2025 • 49min
Donald Trump's Mindset: Breakdown by Special Ops Mindset Coach | Elite Performance Podcast #66
"Success isn't about your current competence. It's about your belief in what you can figure out."In this episode, Itamar Marani and Alex De Fina analyze the mindset tools behind Trump's ability to maintain momentum through resistance. No politics—just clear, actionable strategies for entrepreneurs seeking extreme clarity and peak performance.Key Topics:Unshakable Confidence: The power of eliminating self-deprecating humorInternal Narrative: Maintaining momentum through setbacksEnergy Management: Stop wasting focus on others' opinions*If you’re ready to get unstuck and take both yourself and your business to the next level, apply to The Arena here: https://itamarmarani.com/apply Get the Extreme Clarity Tool To Uncover The #1 Action To Grow Your Business: https://itamarmarani.com/claritySign up for “3 Quick Ideas Tuesday” (weekly 2 minute newsletter around mindset and emotional fortitude): https://itamarmarani.com/3-ideas/

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 19min
How Israeli Hostages Survived Hamas Captivity: Exclusive Interview with Chief Mossad Psychologist Glenn Cohen | Elite Performance Podcast #65
Glenn Cohen, the former chief psychologist of the Mossad and an Air Force pilot, shares profound insights from his work with Israeli hostages. He emphasizes that the narrative we create about our trauma shapes our identity. The conversation dives into 'the three circles of resilience' and the importance of celebrating small wins, even in dire situations. Glenn highlights 'strategic vulnerability' as a leadership tool and the vital balance between mission focus and emotional release, revealing powerful lessons in resilience and human potential.

Dec 31, 2024 • 9min
The One Missing Link To Crush Your Goals In 2025 | Elite Performance Podcast #64
This podcast delves into the crucial element often overlooked in goal setting. It highlights why enthusiasm and conventional planning often lead to disappointment. The discussion focuses on the importance of preparing for inevitable challenges and recognizing the sacrifices required for success. It also emphasizes the difference between short-term excitement and long-term resilience, encouraging listeners to approach their ambitions with a balanced perspective.