

The Growth Project
Dr. Milt Lowder, Dr. Drew Brannon, Dr. Gabriela Caviedes
Our group is traditionally trained in sport and performance psychology, and in the spirit of what we do, the purpose of our podcast is to make a positive impact on your life and challenge you to think differently on topics related to growth. Through conversations with coaches, athletes, executives, and leaders of industry, we will explore and highlight the mindset and skillset required for lasting growth. Ultimately, we exist to provide you with the tools to become the best version of you. At AMPLOS, we're passionate about helping you pursue better.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 31, 2025 • 33min
Episode 362: How to Make Your New Year's Goals Stick
Building on their previous conversation in Episode 361 about closing out the year well, Drs. Drew Brannon and Milt Lowder turn their focus to what comes next: action. While reflection creates awareness, awareness without action can actually increase anxiety. In this episode, they unpack why so many goals and resolutions fade and share what it takes to make real, lasting change. You'll learn practical strategies to move from intention to execution, increase follow-through, and build systems that support sustainable growth throughout the year ahead.

Dec 24, 2025 • 39min
Episode 361: How to Close the Year Well
As the year comes to a close, how you reflect can shape how you move forward. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon, Milt Lowder, and Gabby Caviedes unpack why a simple but intentional year-end process is one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth. They discuss the value of setting aside focused time to review what went well, what didn't, and what you learned along the way. Learn how thoughtful reflection builds clarity, fuels momentum, and positions you to step into the new year with purpose and confidence.

Dec 17, 2025 • 41min
Episode 360: What Athletes Can Teach Executives About Performance
What if the same mental skills that elevate athletes could transform how leaders and teams perform at work? In this conversation, Drs. Milt Lowder and Gabby Caviedes explore how sport psychology seamlessly applies to the corporate world. Sport is a microcosm of life, teaching resilience through adversity, composure in success, accountability, and the power of teamwork. From handling pressure to sustaining performance over time, they unpack how lessons learned in competition translate directly to leadership, culture, and long-term success in business and beyond.

Dec 10, 2025 • 38min
Episode 359: The Power of Visualization
In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Gabby Caviedes unpack The Power of Visualization, a proven mental skill that activates the same neural pathways as physical practice. They walk through how to visualize effectively: setting the right environment, building rich detail, writing your script, choosing your perspective, and even including adversity. They also highlight common mistakes and the core principle that your brain follows the most emotionally charged picture you create. From a place of quiet strength, learn to visualize who you want to be, not who you fear becoming.

Dec 3, 2025 • 51min
Episode 358: Finding Your True North with Michelle Seaver
In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Michelle Seaver, President of Greenville, Spartanburg, and Cherokee Counties for United Community Bank, to explore how true leadership is rooted in community impact. Michelle shares how her approach to banking extends far beyond financial services, focusing on uplifting people, strengthening local institutions, and fostering long-term prosperity across Upstate South Carolina. Her insights reveal what drives United's award-winning customer experience and how meaningful involvement shapes leaders who serve with purpose.

Nov 26, 2025 • 30min
Episode 357: Wanting What You Have (Gratitude Thanksgiving Special)
In this Thanksgiving special episode, Drs. Drew Brannon, Milt Lowder, and Gabby Caviedes explore the transformative power of gratitude. They break down what gratitude truly means, share simple daily practices you can start today, and unpack the science-backed benefits for your mind and body. The trio also invites you to join a 21-day gratitude challenge designed to help rewire your brain toward more positive thinking. Join us for a warm, practical conversation to help you appreciate what you already have.

Nov 19, 2025 • 46min
Episode 356: How to Scale Without Losing Your Why with Kathy Ligon
In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Kathy Ligon, Founder & CEO of HINGE Advisors, to explore how leaders can scale without losing sight of their mission. Drawing on 40+ years in educational operations and more than 400 completed transactions, Kathy shares hard-earned lessons on building value rooted in purpose, people, and community. She unpacks how to grow responsibly, navigate transitions, and stay grounded in what matters most. Tune in for a compelling conversation for anyone committed to meaningful, mission-aligned growth.

Nov 12, 2025 • 34min
Episode 355: Why Stress Isn't Always the Enemy
In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Gabriela Caviedes unpack why stress isn't always the enemy; it's often a signal for growth. They explore how to reframe your relationship with pressure and use it to fuel focus, motivation, and performance readiness. Drawing from both psychology and physiology, they explain what happens in your body under stress and share practical tools to manage it more effectively. Learn how to turn pressure into an advantage rather than a threat.

Nov 5, 2025 • 39min
Episode 354: Confidence Isn't Fixed, It's Forged
Confidence isn't something you're born with, it's something you build. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Gabriela Caviedes unpack the truth about confidence as a skill you can sharpen over time. They explore what strengthens and erodes it, the myths that hold people back, and the mindset and tools that help confidence become a steady foundation rather than a fleeting feeling. Tune in to learn how to grow yours from the inside out.

Oct 29, 2025 • 35min
Episode 353: Understanding Mental Rest and Why It Matters (Part 2)
In part two of this series, Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Gabriela Caviedes move from awareness to application, exploring how to incorporate mental rest into your daily life. They discuss the four key types of rest (detachment, relaxation, control, and variety) and share practical strategies for finding balance in a busy world. Discover how intentionally creating space for mental rest can become a competitive advantage, helping you perform, lead, and live with greater clarity and energy.


