The 18STRONG Podcast

Matt Saternus is the founder and editor in chief of Plugged In Golf, an online publication that provides no-nonsense information for the golfer looking to dig into their equipment, instruction, game improvement, and just about anything else under the golf sun. One of their specialties at Plugged In Golf is testing and busting common advice in golf that we’ve all heard and simply take for granted in their “Golf Myths Unplugged” series. Much like the show Mythbusters, Matt and his team at Plugged In find the myths in golf and put them to the test to find out what is real and what is not true or unverifiable. Things like: Should I always hit a driver, or is the 3-wood strategy a safer play?Are after market shafts really better than stock shafts?Is it more effective to lay up or let it rip? Some of these answers really surprised me so I think you’re going to learn quite a few things. Matt is also an expert club-fitter and tackles some of the most frequent questions we’ve all asked ourselves when it comes to the “when should I get fit for clubs?” topic. Matt Saternus’ Background Though he was introduced to golf at a young age, the game didn’t get into Matt’s blood until he was in college.  Matt spent his first 18 years playing basketball and followed that with 4 years at Duke University where he worked for Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Men’s Basketball Team.  Matt learned many lessons about commitment and winning at the highest level which he has applied to his coaching.During his time at Duke, Matt fell in love with the endless challenge that is golf.  He committed himself to practicing and improving his own game as well as learning everything he could about the golf swing.  He has spent countless hours following the latest research on the science of golf.Matt has coached hundreds of golfers of all ability levels, from beginners to aspiring professionals.  In addition to being an accomplished coach, Matt’s knowledge of golf equipment and fitting is second to none. Matt is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Plugged In Golf. He’s worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking.Matt currently lives in the northwest sub  urbs of Chicago with his wife, two daughters, and dog. Highlights from this Episode His background with basketball at Duke and how he found himself in love with the game of golf. He also talks on how he dove headfirst into fitting after working golf retail and how he launched his online publication.He talks on some of the myths they have debunked or found true in their “Golf Myths Unplugged” section they have been doing since the launch of their publication like should you always hit a driver or are you safer hitting a 3 wood off the tee? Should you lay up or should you go for it? Are aftermarket shafts better than stock shafts?His thoughts on the distance debate currently happening with the PGA and a solution he can think of to make everyone happy while keeping the courses from getting longer and larger.When golfers should be getting fit for clubs and the three things all golfers should know about their clubs and their fit. He also touches on up and coming golf tech companies to keep an eye on. Parting Questions Favorite Golf Movie? Caddy Shack What is your walk-up song to the first tee-box? Izzo by Jay-Z Favorite Book? Stories of Your Life and Other by Ted Chiang What’s your dream foursome? Abe Lincoln, LBJ, and Euguene Debs at CyprusBest piece of golf advice? Where to find Matt Saternus and Plugged In Golf: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. Brain.fm: For your Free Trial and 20% discount on the Brain.fm App, go to Brain.fm/18STRONG (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

Today, Evan Singer from The Par Train Podcast and I dig into a lot of different topics surrounding the mental game and how most of us regular golfers think our way through the round. We also talk about Evan’s personal experience winning a long drive competition and learned lessons on managing stress and pressure with the game and managing the mental load. Afterward, we dive into a ton of different topics like confidence vs. skill, the mental attitude you show up to the course with and how all of this relates to your performance, and the mindfulness aspect of golf so if you’re like me and geek out over the self-improvement and the always getting better aspect of the game, this episode is definitely for you. Evan Singer’s Background Evan Singer and Matt Cermak are co-founders of The Par Train Podcast and online community that reaches 4M+ golfers a month. Their mission is to make the mental game more relatable and accessible so golfers can shoot lower scores without changing their swings, become happier, more fulfilled humans, and finally begin to #EnjoyTheRide. Evan played baseball growing up and is now a 6 handicap.Having worked for companies like TaylorMade Golf, the NFL, and Uber, he now has his own consulting company that helps golf brands with their marketing and trains employees on how to manage stress and perform. Highlights from this Episode Evan starts off talking about the Member-Guest competition at Meadowbrook that he played in and won the Long drive competition and the journey and mental work he put into using his driver the following year to getting to that victory.What his five executional keys were that day, how to discover your executional keys when you need to perform under pressure, and how to shake off doubt when your focus on hitting these keys starts to waver. How he met his co-host and the impetus to start The Par Train and have the conversations about using techniques of golf to better your life and vice versa. Evan digs into how the mental goals of golf do not differ much from the mental goals of living a happy and positive life.How he works with his golfers on becoming the observer in themselves and become more mindful of thoughts, actions, and reactions. He also touches on his thoughts on the connection of staying mentally sharp and our nutrition/fitness. Where to find Evan Singer (The Par Train Podcast): Website Instagram Twitter WANT TO GET COACHED BY EVAN? Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. Brain.fm: For your Free Trial and 20% discount on the Brain.fm App, go to Brain.fm/18STRONG (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

Today I am especially excited to bring back our special guests, Garry Nicol and Karl Morris, authors of The Lost Art of the Short Game. Gary and Karl are good friends of us here at the 18Strong podcast and we’re excited to have them back on to talk about their latest book in the Lost Art trilogy. Karl and Gary think differently than most golf instructors and mental coaches that you see or read about in publications or magazines. When writing their “instructional” books, they include very little technical instruction and focus more on who you are as a golfer; your philosophies, how you approach the game mentally and physically, and how you create your experiences out there. In this episode today we really dig deep into many important questions and strategies, such as visualization, the difference between having a positive mind vs. a calm mind, the difference between “playing” the shot and “selecting” the shot, the concept of acceptance, and a specific situation I had with one of my golfers struggling with nerves and anxiety and what Gary and Karl would have told this young golfer. Karl Morris’ Background Karl has worked as a performance coach to some of the world’s best golfers with over 100 PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour players including six major winners such as Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, and Darren Clarke.He is the co-author of the recently released book ‘The Lost Art of Putting’ as well as ‘Attention –the secret to YOU playing great golf’ and ‘Golf –The Mind Factor’ with Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke.He has personally trained over 1000 certified Mind Factor coaches worldwide. Gary Nicol’s Background Born in Scotland, Gary Nicol turned professional in 1988.Since then, he has traveled the world coaching golfers of all standards from weekend players to tour pros including Ryder Cup players, Olympians, and winners of major championships.Gary is a certified TrackMan Master and Mind Factor coach and is based at the stunning Archerfield Links on Scotland’s Golf Coast. Highlights from this Episode What brought them to write their Lost Art Trilogy and both why they titled them the Lost Art and what that has done for them in how they approach the game.The different results they see in their golfers when the focus the attention from externally (form, technique, swing) to internal (focus, attention, asking the right questions and setting the right intentions.)Why it was important to get into a little of the techinal side of golf in this book on the short game and the idea of bouncing.The art of acceptance in both the bad and good shots, Karl talks about why it is so important and why we as golfers are so bad at it.They both talk about the ideas of distance vs. direction and playing the shot vs. selecting the shot, explaining and defining each and picking the proper time to use each.They both give advice to the golfer battling nerves and anxiety before a big match.  Bringing creativity and enjoyment back to your golf game and the importance of visualization; drills and exercises to seeing the golf shot in your head and that will dictate the golf swing you end up making. Where to find Karl & Gary: Lost Art of Golf Website The Lost Art of the Short Game Karl Instagram Gary Instagram Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. Brain.fm: For your Free Trial and 20% discount on the Brain.fm App, go to Brain.fm/18STRONG (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

This week we have Wes Patterson, world long driver, on the show to talk to us about really everything in the world of Long Drive. Wes is one of the top Long Drivers on the planet. Currently ranked #12 in the world, he came in T5 in 2021 and has been a 4-time finalist in the world long drive championship. He has some ties back to St. Louis so we got to catch up on some local golf, his recent long drive competitions, how he trains throughout the year, and a new business that he has brewing that’s going to help golfers with financial backers that also has to do with some of the gambling going on in the world of sports and golf. It was fun to talk to him about the expectation of Bryson going into the long drive competition this year and also the reaction from the current guys that have been doing this for years; is he helping or hurting? I’m really excited for you guys to hear Wes’ opinion and the future for long drive competitors. Wes Patterson’s Background World Rank – 12th World Long DriveT5 2021 PLDA World Championships2018 Global Infinity Series Long Drive World Champion2017 World Long Drive ChampionshipTop 8 Finalist ⁃ Team USA Long Drive 4 Time World Long Drive World Championship Finalist Raised Million+ Dollars for Charity Highlights from this Episode What brought him into the world of golf and more specifically the long drive golf realm and how a series of events from not landing a sales job and trying to withdraw from a Monday qualifier led him to where he is now.We talk about Bryson DeChambeau and what Wes’ expectations of him were at first and how his opinion has changed over time. He also talks about other pros on tour now that could come disrupt the long drive game like Bryson did.He talks about what his training regimen looks like and how he has learned and overcome some of his own limitations with his golf swing.His new business (The Press) in helping golfers find financial backing to help ensure that each golfer gets a fair shot at the game and help to bridge the high costs of travel and entry fees.What skills he has transferred from his baseball background to his long drive game and how most long drive players come from a baseball or hockey background. He also talks about pro golfers vs. long drivers in terms of technique. Parting Questions Favorite Golf Movie? Caddy Shack What is your walk-up song to the first tee-box? What is love by Haddaway Favorite Book? Winning the war in your mind by Craig Groeschel What’s your dream foursome? Kevin Kisner, Boo Weekley, Steve Marino at Tequesta Country Club What’s your bucket list course?Cyprus Point What’s the best piece of golf advice and long drive advice you’ve ever received? Remember, it’s not life or death and you quickly realize who is with you and who is not. Where to find Wes Patterson: Facebook Twitter Instagram The Press Golf website Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

Today we’re talking to, Chris Harder, golf coach for our good buddy and PGA Tour rising star Hayden Buckley. Chris has been working with Hayden since he was a youngster around the age of 12 in Tupelo, MS. He continues to guide and coach Hayden through the ranks from a high school player that really wasn’t on track to play collegiate, to a hopefully soon-to-be PGA winner. We get to catch up talking about Hayden’s rise to the PGA tour, what they continue to work on a regular basis, and what does it look like when they meet up virtually or otherwise before a tournament So if you want an inside look into what it’s like working with a PGA athlete and what that growth is that takes a player from a young high-school athlete, the attitude and work ethic they have, this is the perfect episode for you.  Chris Harder’s Background Chris Harder is currently the Director of Golf at Urbana Country Club in Urbana Illinois. He has been a member of the PGA for over 10 years and loves seeing golfers of all levels strive to reach their potential. Chris played Division I college golf at Austin Peay State University In Clarksville TN where he was part of a team that won 3 conference championships. After college Chris continued his path into the golf business working at facilities in Boca Raton Fl, Huntsville AL, Tupelo MS, Ormond Beach FL, and now Urbana IL. It was while Chris was working in Huntsville AL at the Ledges where his career got a kick start by meeting PGA Tour instructor Mark Blackburn. Mark mentored and guided his path into instruction. With Marks mentorship he learned the body/swing connection, as well as introducing him to technology that changed golf instruction today. Today Chris most well-known client is PGA Tour player Hayden Buckley. Hayden was one of the top 5 ball strikers on the Korn Ferry Tours in 2021, and so far on the 2022 PGA Tour season Hayden has been off to a good start. He is ranked 8th in scoring and 12th in strokes gained Tee to Green. Chris is married to his wife Catherine and has two kids Graham 7 and Grace 3. Highlights from this Episode How he grew up honing his skills and creativity in the game and what his introduction to golf looked like.How kids introduced to golf today in more structured and regimented programs and tracks compare to how he grew up and the pros and cons of each.We talk about the duality of how the average golf watcher would be surprised by how bad of shots pros can hit but also not comprehend just how good some of these pros are in their consistency.He takes us back to what starting to work with Hayden looked like and how they have grown over the years. Chris describes Hayden as a younger player and his strengths to the player he is now.  What it was like working under Mark Blackburn, his major takeaways and how technology is only as good as the coach that knows how to utilize it properly.  Parting Questions Favorite Golf Movie? Caddy Shack What is your walk-up song to the first tee-box? I Stand Alone by Godsmack Favorite Book? It Takes What It Takes by Trevor Moawad What’s your dream foursome?Hayden, My Dad, My Son, at Augusta Best piece of golf advice you’ve been given?It’s not what happens to golfers but how they choose to respond that distinguishes champions. Stay in the present and have fun. Where to find Chris Harder: Twitter Instagram Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

Today we’re tackling an ailment that almost every golfer on the planet has struggled with, or will, at some point in their golfing life … and that is Golfer’s Elbow. Our special guest, Emma Green (known as the “Tennis Elbow Queen”) joins us to explain exactly what the tennis elbow and golfers elbow are (they’re very much the same diagnosis just different spots of the elbow,) and walk us through some of the DO’s and DONT’s of preventing and treating golfer’s elbow. There’s nothing worse than having a nagging injury that lingers and keeps you off the golf course or somehow impacts your game. What I really love about this episode is the practical advice that Emma gives us to do on our own based on her experience working with athletes of all kinds (drummers, golfers, tennis players, etc) and how she dispels a few of the common practices that we have relied on in the past with little results. Emma Green’s Background Emma graduated from Manchester University, England as a Physical Therapist and added a Masters degree in Sports Medicine. She is now dual qualified being both a licensed Physical Therapist (USA) and a State Registered Physiotherapist (UK) along with being certified in Clinical Pilates through the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI).She created her Tennis Elbow Success Method – to make sure that no one has to suffer from a lack of care or being told they have to stop doing what they love like she did as a 13 year-old.​Emma’s early career saw her traveling worldwide with numerous sport’s teams, the highlight of which was working at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Highlights from this Episode As the first physical therapist and phsyio-therapist on the podcast, she touches on the difference between the two and why it was important to have both.How she cornered the market on Tennis Elbow and coined herself the “Tennis Elbow Queen.” She also distinguishes the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.What the differences look like between someone who is just starting to experience some signs of tennis or golfer’s elbow as compared to someone who has experienced and lived with this for years.The common treatments that have gone by the wayside a bit and we can rule out as compared to what will help in the short term and long run combating this.Other areas of the body that can be affected by tennis or golfers elbow and how often it is the result of other systems not moving the way they should.What the average golfer who has never had golfers or tennis elbow can start to implement right away to keep these at bay.  Whether injections are actually a good and long term healthy way to curb and treat tennis elbow and tendon pains. Parting Questions Favorite Golf Movie? Caddy Shack What is your walk-up song to the first tee-box? Wannabee by the Spice Girls Favorite Book? You are a badass by Jen Sincero The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks What’s your dream foursome?Richard Branson, Clint Eastwood, Oprah at Pebble Beach Where to find Emma Green: Website Facebook Twitter Youtube Download Emma’s FREE guide Download the PDF and Videos HERE Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

This week we have Johnny Wunder, the Content Marketing Manager for Callaway Golf on the show. Johnny is the man with the inside scoop when it comes to the tour pros’ equipment. Johnny enlightened me on what goes through the mindset of a golf “gear head” and what he’s looking at when breaking down a WITB (What’s in The Bag?) video. In this episode, we cover Johnny’s path to finding his “unicorn job,” How he had a chance to geek out with Phil Mickelson on his first day and how you can start to learn more about your own equipment to upgrade your game. Johnny Wunder’s Background Johnny Wunder is the Content Marketing Manager of Callaway Golf where he also heads the“Callaway Golf’s World of Wunder” which is described as the “Callaway Golf equipment rabbit hole for the gear heads and eventually the world.”Johnny Wunder is the Director of Original Content, Instagram Manager and Host of “The Gear Dive” Podcast for GolfWRX.com. He was born in Seattle, Wash., and grew up playing at Rainier G&CC. John is also a partner with The Traveling Picture Show Company having most recently produced JOSIE with Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner. In 1997 Johnny had the rare opportunity of being a clubhouse attendant for the Anaheim Angels. He now resides in Toronto, On with his wife and two sons. Highlights from this Episode Johnny’s history with the game of golf and when he discovered his interest in the more technical gear-side of the game. He also talks about his previous work as a film producer and work at GolfWRX and how he got what he calls a “unicorn” job at Callaway golf.He talks about his insane first day working at Callaway getting dropped into the action interview tour pros and the funny story surrounding his interview with his idol Phil Mickelson.We compare different tour pros that are very involved with the setup of their bag like Phil vs those that trust their team and don’t mind as much what they are swinging with like Justin Thomas.He breaks down how Callaway supports their new guys and what young Callaway guys we should be looking at in terms of up and coming talent.Fitness vs. Equipment: With golf tour players focusing more and more on athleticism, Johnny talks about where he puts stock in what is more important and how both are impacting how far these guys can hit the ball.How he would recommend tinkering without going too crazy and spending thousands of dollars. Johnny dives into the little things you can adjust or look at when it comes to your gear to make the biggest difference. Parting Questions Favorite Golf Movie? Dead Solid Perfect What is your walk-up song to the first tee-box? The Theme to Indian Jones by John WilliamsFavorite Book?Sermon on the Mount  What’s your dream foursome? Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, and Bobby Jones at Augusta Where to find Jiohnny Wunder: Instagram Website Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

Today I am especially excited to bring on our special guests, Frank and Mike Fasano from Golficity. Frank and Mike Fasano, two cousins that, nearly a decade ago, decided they wanted to make golf more fun and enjoyable through exciting and entertaining content. Thus, Golficity and The Golf Podcast were born! Today, the guys share their journey from the corporate world to living in the world of golf creating content. We go behind the scenes on what it looks like managing their podcast, shooting videos, and what impact that has had on their own personal games, now that they have branched out to so many different avenues of media. They are exploring how to get better at the game of golf themselves, but invite guys just like yourself to join them on their journey through their podcast episodes, articles, and youtube channel. We talk about everything from golf trips and lessons learned to fitness habits and the virtual golf event they have been doing for the last couple of years that has grown to 2,000 entrants. We’re not professionals, but rather amateurs who are always looking to improve and seek out some of the most epic courses and equipment.Mike Fasano Golficity’s Background Frank and Mike Fasano are two cousins who started Golficity, LLC almost a decade ago.  Their goal was simple, to make golf more fun and enjoyable through exciting and entertaining content.   They are not professionals, but rather amateurs who are always looking to improve and seek out some of the most epic courses and equipment. Their office is located in Bergen County, New Jersey and their podcast, The Golf Podcast has been running for 7 years with almost 400 episodes! Highlights From This Episode How these two cousins started Golficity from a need for golf content that is relatable to the hobby and amateur golfer. They also talk on how it evolved from a blog to a podcast to the multi-faceted platform they have now from articles to podcast episodes and video content.Their virtual tournament and how it brings together 2,000+ golfers together to play rounds of golf around the world. We also dive into the logistics of making an event like this happen like using the Peioria handicap system.They both answer one lesson they’ve learned from their many interviews and shows that has directly impacted their personal games.Their experience playing The Old Course and St. Andrews and how they played 10 rounds in 6 days and also their Jersey Shore Tour playing the great courses around the state of New Jersey.What their fitness routines look like and how they are focusing on fitness as a key to longevity in the game.What team USA is looking like for the Ryder Cup and other PGA hot topics. Parting Questions: Favorite Golf Movie? Mike – Happy Gilmore Frank – Happy Gilmore What’s your walk-up song to the first tee box? Mike – Thunderstruck AC/DC Frank – Anything to keep me relaxed What book would you recommend? Mike – N/A Frank – Zen Golf by Dr. Joseph Parent What’s your dream foursome? Mike – Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Tiger Woods Frank – Tiger, Arnold, and Ben Hogan What’s your bucket list course? Mike- Kapalua Frank- The Ocean Course Where to Find Golficity: Twitter Facebook   Instagram Website Youtube Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

Today I am especially excited to bring on our special guest, Ronnie Doss. It is good to be back! We took a bit of a break here at the 18STRONG Podcast getting our new facility up and operational, but we are back and have some awesome guests and content in the pipeline! I don’t even know how to describe Ronnie Doss. He has been executing leadership training for the last decade in more than 10 countries working with leaders at the highest level, including global organizations like American Express, AT&T, the US Military, and NASA. His mission ultimately is very clear regardless of the organization he is working with, we don’t get what we want, we get what we are committed to. We don’t get what we want, we get what we are COMMITTED to.Ronnie Doss Ronnie has authored two books: Leading Lions and Dig. He is also the host of The Emerge Podcast. We are all on this journey: whether that be your health, fitness, golf, or weight loss. There is something that keeps you up at night and this podcast, this episode, is going to challenge you to get better and to be better (even if it may feel like a punch in the mouth.) Ronnie Doss’ Background Ronnie has trained teams for over 10 years in the realm of human behavior and personal development. His understanding of why people think, feel and behave gives him phenomenal insights into what may be holding an individual back.Ronnie believes the key to building successful organizations begins with building empowered individuals.Over the past decade, Ronnie has led leadership training in countries around the world including Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.Whether for Fortune 100 or Fortune 500 companies, top-universities, the US military, or non-profit organizations, his message rings very clear; Ronnie is author of the books, “Leading Lions”  and “Dig,” as well as host of the EMERGE weekly leadership podcast.He and his wife Jennifer have been married for 13 years and currently live in Scottsdale, AZ with their two daughters, Addison and Kennedy. Highlights From This Episode He gives us a glimpse into how he got into this realm of self-improvement and how he has found himself working with the best of the best from all these different arenas of life for the last decade.How he helps navigate the roads of staying on track with personal goals and not seeing failure as the absolute that we sometimes do. He also goes into how we don’t ever find balance, we just create it.Why he has an emphasis on exercise with all clients he works with and how self betterment has to happen in both the mind and the body. He also touches on “No Mans Land:” the mentality of being between really wanting/needing change but not wanting to sacrifice or change their status quo.The concept of motivation and commitment and how if you don’t make time you don’t find time. We also talk about “competing commitments” and how to assess your time to make sure you are getting done what you actually need to do and what is most important to you. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore? Happy Gilmore If you could play 18 holes with anyone, who would it be? Mom, My Step-dad, and Alan Watts Find Ronnie Doss: Twitter Facebook   Instagram Website Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)

As we continue to finish up construction and moving into our new 18STRONG HQ, we are doing one more “revisited” episode from the archives. This interview is one of my favorites on the short game with one of the top instructors in the world: James Seickman. James not only teaches at Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Omaha, Nebraska, but he is also recognized as one of the top Golf instructors in the world working with PGA tour players, Web.com players, LPGA players and many more. He was named the 2018 Teacher of the Year through the PGA and has authored two books, Your Short-game Solution and  Your Putting Solution. In this episode we cover not only how James came about in his golf career going from playing golf to being an instructor, but how he figured out the intricacies of the golf swing through recording golf swings from tour players. He shares 3 pivotal components about the short game that were completely opposite of what he had initially been taught and breaks down the process that he teaches his players, how they can learn from their mistakes, and how they can become more intelligent to taking the feedback from their practices and using that out on the course. James Sieckmann’s Background Director of Instruction at The Golf Academy at Shadow Ridge Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska.A nine-time recipient of the Nebraska PGA Section Teacher of the year.Recognized by GOLF Magazine as a Top 100 Teacher in AmericaGolf Digest 16th Best Teacher in America, but 1st among all short game coachesAuthor ofYour Short Game Solution: Mastering The Finesse Game from 120 Yards and InYour Putting Solution: A Tour Proven Approach to Mastering the Greens.He is the current Short Game Coach to Tour players including Stewart Cink, I.K. Kim, Smylie Kaufman, Ben Crane and Tom Pernice.2018 PGA Teacher of the Year. Highlights From This Episode He initially talks about how he played professional golf for 5 years and how he worked with improper information to improve his skill.After caddying for his older brother, he started videoing all these great players because he wanted to understand what they were doing.  Some of these players included greats like Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, etc.James shares 3 pivotal components that he learned about the short game that were completely opposite of what he had initially been taught.He breaks down the process that he teaches his players to learn from their mistakes and be more intelligent about taking in the feedback from their practice.Mechanics on how to set up for a finesse shot, which is what propels you how to hit well. He talks about how set-up is critical.Post shot routine and why it’s important.James stresses that you have to “let the ball be your teacher.”  Learn from your failures. Parting Questions: Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore? Caddy Shack. What would be your walk-up song? Low Rider – War If you could play 18 holes with anyone, who would it be and where would you play? Bobby Jones, Seve Ballesteros, and his older brother Tom at Cypress. Do you have any parting advice for the 18 Strong Community? If you’re competitive, go out with a smart approach. If you’re not, go have some fun. Find James Sieckmann: website: www.jsegolfacademy.com Twitter: @jamessieckmann Episode Sponsors: LINKSOUL: For your 20% discount on LINKSOUL gear, go to 18strong.com/linksoul or click the logo above. LivPur: For your 15% discount on LivPur products, go to LivPur.com (or click the logo above) and use the code “18STRONG”. More Cool Stuff to Check Out: To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over to the 18STRONG Movement group on Facebook. 18STRONG Pro Shop (Get your 18STRONG gear!) 18STRONG Resources (All of the cool stuff we recommend: products, books, golf stuff, etc – and discount codes for the 18STRONG Crew)