The Growth Project

What happens after you’ve climbed your Everest? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the arrival fallacy—the belief that reaching a long-term goal will bring lasting fulfillment. Using Rory McIlroy’s post-Masters win slump as a case study, they examine the emotional weight that can follow major achievements. From elite sports to everyday life, they discuss how to redefine success and build the resilience needed for the long haul.

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the value of a mid-year check-in. With summer in full swing, it’s the ideal time to take inventory, evaluate your progress, and make thoughtful adjustments to ensure you're on track to meet your annual goals. Like halftime in a game, this moment offers a strategic pause to refocus and reset—giving you the best chance to finish the year strong. Don’t miss this timely conversation on how to be intentional and maximize what’s left of the year.

In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Dr. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools—the largest district in South Carolina with 78,000 students. Fresh off a historic graduation rate of 88%, they explore the challenges and strategies behind managing a vast school system. Burke emphasizes the importance of stretching yourself as a leader for continued growth, and he shares his optimistic outlook on the future, highlighting the potential of today’s youth and the hope they bring to the community. Tune in for insights on leadership and education in action.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Carly Silverstein and Brett Gray, co-founders of Sack the Stigma, about the critical need to destigmatize mental health struggles among current and former student-athletes—and beyond. They explore the cultural pressures of sports, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of access to care. Tune in as they share their mission to transform how mental health is perceived in athletics and inspire others to help sack the stigma for good.

Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer dive into the mental game behind Rory McIlroy’s journey to Masters victory this past April. Drawing insights from his post-win press conference at Augusta National, they explore the mindset required for elite performance, the psychological hurdles of chasing a career Grand Slam, and what Rory’s reflections reveal about his mental approach. This conversation unpacks the championship mentality that separates great athletes and the focused mindset required to rise to the moment on golf’s biggest stage.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Scott Watkins, Senior Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing Market Leader at Clayco. Scott shares his path to leadership and how forward-thinking organizations gain a competitive edge by investing in people. He unpacks the critical role of talent development and how fostering a growth-focused culture drives success—especially on complex projects involving large teams, like those at Clayco.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Sims Key and Alisha Coleman of Equip Studio, a successful, culture-focused architecture firm based in Greenville, SC. They share how their team builds a business that honors both God and people. From prioritizing internal excellence to investing deeply in their people, Sims and Alisha offer a refreshing blueprint for humanizing business. This conversation explores work/life wholeness, purpose-driven culture, and the belief that doing things well—on a human level—creates lasting impact.

The average person spends nearly four hours a day on their phone, adding up to a quarter of their waking life! Given the magnitude of that time, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Kimberly Shaffer, Director of the Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology Program at Barry University, explore the psychological toll of our digital habits. They discuss how excessive phone use can quietly erode our presence, especially in parenting, and share practical strategies for setting healthier boundaries with technology. Whether you’re raising kids, leading a team, or simply striving to be more present, this conversation will help you break the scroll and live with greater intention.

In the final installment of the Sixty Days in the Dark series, Dr. Drew Brannon reflects with Dr. Milt Lowder on the realizations that followed his unexpected medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. From the unwavering support of his wife to redefining what’s truly important, Drew shares how slowing down helped him show up more intentionally. This episode explores how hardship reshapes perspective and the quiet strength we discover in moments of uncertainty.

In Part 2 of this powerful series, Dr. Drew Brannon joins Dr. Milt Lowder to explore what it means to walk through the “dark hallway”—the space between loss and clarity, fear and faith. Drew reflects on the sudden medical issue that left him with severely limited eyesight for 60 days, and how he kept moving forward when the future felt uncertain. This episode is a testament to perseverance, perspective, and the power of choosing growth in the face of hardship.