
What Got You There with Sean DeLaney
What Got You There with Sean DeLaney: Beneath the Surface
A podcast for high performers, deep thinkers, and those who refuse to live on autopilot.
Every week, Sean DeLaney explores the ideas that don’t just make you better at what you do — but more connected to who you are.
Through solo episodes and long-form conversations with world-class performers, thinkers, and creators, we go beneath the surface of success to ask the questions most people avoid:
What if the version of you the world rewards… isn’t the version that makes you feel alive?
Can ambition and inner peace coexist?
How do you perform at your best — without abandoning yourself in the process?
This show is a space to get honest. To let go of old scripts. To reconnect with what actually matters. And to explore how we live, create, lead, and perform — from the inside out.
Not just for more success. But for deeper presence. Greater freedom. And a life that breathes.
🎧 Subscribe to join the journey.
📬 Connect at whatgotyouthere.com
Latest episodes

6 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 36min
The Architecture of Confidence — Beneath The Surface
Dive into the fascinating world of confidence and discover how it's far more than just a bold facade. Learn the transformative power of emotional fluency and how true self-trust serves as the foundation of genuine confidence. Explore the essence of identity and why authentic self-awareness leads to deeper assurance. Uncover the surprising relationship between fear and confidence, embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for growth. This insightful discussion redefines confidence as a grounded strength that arises from knowing yourself.

Jun 24, 2025 • 40min
Becoming The Artist of Your Own Life — Beneath The Surface
Discover how your life can be the most profound art you create. The conversation delves into shifting from being a passive observer to an intentional creator, making choices that reflect your true self. Explore the significance of having a clear life vision and how enthusiasm fuels creative leadership. Learn the courage it takes to pursue your genuine desires and simplify life to focus on what truly matters. Ultimately, it's about living with passion and purpose, crafting a beautiful existence that showcases your authentic self.

Jun 20, 2025 • 33min
The Ripple Effect: You Always Leave a Mark — Beneath The Surface
Discover the unseen ripple effects of our thoughts, words, and actions in daily life. Small, intentional moments can create powerful impacts, shaping not only others but also our own identities. Encouraging words can inspire confidence and change lives, while presence during grief underscores the importance of human connection. Explore how mindfulness and intentionality in your interactions can help you cultivate a legacy of positivity and support in a noisy world.

Jun 17, 2025 • 32min
The Myth of Arrival: Stop Chasing the Ending — Beneath The Surface
This discussion dives into the myth of a final destination in life, challenging the belief that happiness lies in achieving future goals. It highlights how chasing an elusive "someday" can rob us of joy and self-trust. By embracing the present, we unlock the richness of our experiences. Listeners are encouraged to shift from a destination-focused mindset to one rooted in being. The journey of self-discovery and the importance of patience are celebrated, emphasizing that fulfillment comes from savoring life's ongoing experiences.

Jun 13, 2025 • 31min
Where Courage Lives, Life Awakens — Beneath The Surface
Discover the transformative power of courage, especially in moments that often go unnoticed. Explore how true bravery intertwines with vulnerability and fear, pushing you toward genuine connections. Delve into the importance of embracing the unknown as a catalyst for authentic living. Learn how a single moment of truth can redirect your life's path. This engaging discussion encourages you to prioritize courage over comfort—creating a life that feels alive and fulfilled.

8 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 21min
Awareness: The Beginning of Everything — Beneath The Surface
This discussion dives into the crucial role of awareness as the foundation for personal transformation. It contrasts mental recognition with embodied awareness, revealing how unconscious patterns can hijack our lives. Listeners are urged to pause and truly see their experiences, emphasizing that true change comes only when we illuminate hidden emotional loops. By aligning actions with authenticity and practicing mindfulness, individuals can shift from automatic reactions to intentional living, ultimately embracing their true desires.

7 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 22min
How Are You Measuring Your Life? — Beneath The Surface
This thought-provoking discussion begins with a moment of reflection inspired by loss, prompting a deep dive into personal values and measures of success. It questions whether we chase societal scoreboards or align with our true selves. Listeners explore the contrast between achievements and meaningful connections, advocating for love and authenticity. The conversation encourages introspection, guiding us to define our own standards of fulfillment and navigate life’s direction with purpose and intention.

Jun 3, 2025 • 26min
You Can’t Grind Your Way Into Joy — Beneath The Surface
Discover why sacrificing joy for future success is a flawed approach. Explore how chronic stress shapes our nervous system and clouds our sense of fulfillment. Learn to redefine success by integrating joy, playfulness, and authentic self-expression into your life. Embrace the journey of shedding your protective identity armor, and recognize the emotional struggles tied to seeking external validation. Ultimately, break free from fear-based patterns and prioritize emotional connection and joy in your daily experiences.

May 30, 2025 • 28min
The Hidden Cost of Trying to Be Enough — Beneath The Surface
Explore the cost of tying self-worth to achievement and approval. Discover how true freedom lies in being, not just doing. Learn to embrace authenticity and the joy of the present moment. Distinguish between conditional and unconditional love, and understand the power of self-trust. Delve into the importance of genuine connections and the joy of living without the need for external validation. This discussion invites you to reflect on your identity and unlock the possibilities that come when you fully embrace who you are.

May 27, 2025 • 36min
The Unobstructed Way: Why Being Fully Yourself Is Your Greatest Advantage — Beneath The Surface
Explore the concept of The Unobstructed Way, where being true to yourself unlocks peak performance and deep satisfaction. Discover how internal obstacles can hinder your flow and creativity. Learn why authenticity isn't soft but a powerful advantage. Understand the crucial difference between imitation and true self-embodiment. Delve into a three-part framework focusing on your core essence, how to express it in the world, and the environments that nurture your growth. It's time to fully embrace who you are and live more authentically.