Game Changers with Molly Fletcher

What drives elite performers to show up and do the work— especially on the days they don’t feel like it? Performance coach Ben Newman calls it “the burn”: the deep, personal fuel that powers discipline, consistency, and next-level results. In this episode, Ben shares lessons from working with some of the biggest names in sports and business—from Nick Saban and Caitlin Clark to Fortune 500 executives. We unpack why the best don’t rely on motivation, the power of choosing standards over feelings, and how to tap into the fire that drives sustained success.

When Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg hit send on the first Daily Skimm email from their couch, they had no funding and no business background—just a clear vision and the courage to build what didn’t exist. That one email grew into TheSkimm, a trusted digital media brand that now reaches over 16 million women and was recently acquired by Everyday Health Group. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build something from the ground up: the late nights, the doubt, and the mindset to keep going when no one else sees the vision. They share the leadership lessons they learned the hard way, the power of partnership, and why betting on themselves was the smartest risk they ever took. More from Molly: Get Molly's latest book, Dynamic Drive Website: mollyfletcher.com

Dawn Staley, a Hall of Famer and the head coach of South Carolina women’s basketball, shares her profound journey from North Philly to coaching excellence. She emphasizes the importance of discipline and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. Dawn sheds light on the emotional aftermath of winning Olympic gold, revealing how achieving dreams can sometimes lead to unexpected emptiness. With insights from her new book, *Uncommon Favor*, she inspires listeners to embrace resilience, faith, and inclusive leadership on their paths to success.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of adults aren’t getting enough sleep and nearly 4 in 10 regularly struggle to fall asleep. If you want to change your life, start by fixing your sleep. In this episode, I sit down with renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, “The Sleep Doctor,” to unpack five habits that will instantly improve your sleep quality. He shares science-backed strategies that are simple, practical, and easy to implement—no gadgets, pills, or gimmicks. We talk about why your wake-up time matters more than your bedtime, what’s really happening when you wake up at 3 a.m., and how dialing in your sleep can elevate your energy, focus, and overall performance. More from Molly: Get Molly's latest book, Dynamic Drive Website: mollyfletcher.com

Admiral William McRaven, a four-star admiral and bestselling author known for leading the mission that took down Osama bin Laden, shares invaluable leadership insights. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, humility, and clarity under pressure. McRaven discusses how to earn trust during uncertainty and the significance of transparent communication in crisis management. Highlighting the qualities that distinguish great leaders, he underscores the vital role of emotional intelligence and teamwork, all while encouraging a mindset of curiosity and boldness.

Shelley Zalis, Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, is a trailblazing entrepreneur dedicated to workplace equality. She discusses her journey from a career setback to leading a global movement for women in business. The conversation delves into the importance of courage in leadership, the necessity of diversity in innovation, and the urgent call to address the gender pay gap. Shelley encourages breaking outdated rules to foster personal growth and advocates for inclusive leadership that combines empathy and ambition.

What if the very thing we celebrate most—talent—is actually holding us back? Patrick Mouratoglou is one of the most respected coaches in tennis, best known for guiding Serena Williams to 10 of her 23 Grand Slam titles and now coaching four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. But his insights go far beyond the court. In this episode, Patrick shares why talent is overrated—and how mindset, resilience, and daily discipline are what really drive success. He opens up about his own journey overcoming crippling anxiety, and shares lessons from his new book, Champion Mindset, which distills a lifetime of coaching into actionable strategies. From building unshakable confidence to leading people with different personalities, this conversation is a masterclass in unlocking potential. More from Molly: Get Molly's latest book, Dynamic Drive Website: mollyfletcher.com

Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and founder of Good Inside, a transformative parenting movement. She shares innovative strategies for raising resilient kids through compassionate boundaries and relationship repair. Dr. Becky emphasizes viewing children as inherently good and discusses the 'Most Generous Interpretation' concept for promoting empathy. By validating emotions and fostering deep connections, she empowers parents to cultivate confidence and emotional resilience in their children, all while staying grounded in challenging moments.

Will Hardy, the youngest head coach in the NBA, shares his inspiring journey from intern to leader of the Utah Jazz. He discusses the importance of mentorship and adaptability in coaching, emphasizing the power of intentional leadership. Hardy reveals his decision-making strategy of 'Hell Yes or No' to prioritize commitments and shares insights on fostering trust and connection within his team. He also touches on personal growth through wellness habits and dives into his passion for supporting families affected by ALS through his foundation.

Rachel Platten, a multi-platinum singer-songwriter known for her anthem "Fight Song," shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery. She candidly discusses the grind leading to her breakthrough and the emotional ups and downs of fame. Stepping away from the spotlight allowed her to rediscover her true essence and redefine success beyond external validation. Rachel also dives into her creative process, coping mechanisms for mental wellness, and the anticipation of reconnecting with fans on her upcoming tour.