The Growth Project

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.

In this powerful first installment of a three-part series, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with Dr. Drew Brannon to unpack the most challenging season of Drew’s life—a sudden medical issue that left him with extremely limited eyesight for 60 days. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Drew shares what it was like to navigate the darkness, the emotional toll it took, and how he began to find strength in the struggle. Tune in to learn more about determination, grit, and the inner resolve it takes to overcome hardship.

Former Clemson soccer player Nolan Lennon knows pain, perseverance, and purpose. After tearing his ACL four times, he stepped away from the game he loved and into the world of ultramarathons. In this episode, Nolan joins Dr. Cory Shaffer to talk about redefining success, the mindset needed to push past limits, and how embracing suffering helped him find clarity. It’s a raw, inspiring look at what it means to prepare, endure, and grow.

What does it take to build trust, foster culture, and create lasting impact? In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder sits down with David Wise, President & CEO of Harper General Contractors, who shares how trust serves as the foundation for meaningful growth. With over 34 years of experience, David has played a key role in transforming Greenville, SC into a thriving city. He discusses the power of culture, vocation as a calling, and some of his favorite construction projects. Tune in to discover how "building up" people builds up the world around us.

What can business leaders learn from Navy special operations? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with retired Navy special operator Oran Feiner, who brings 20 years of leadership experience in the Navy warfare community. They explore the principles of high-stakes performance, building resilient teams, and leading with precision under pressure. Oran shares hard-earned insights on decision-making, adaptability, and fostering trust, skills that translate seamlessly from the battlefield to business and beyond.

How committed are you to the results you want? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down the direct link between commitment and outcomes, using Navy Special Operators as a prime example of extreme dedication. They reveal how purposeful plans, clearly defined roles, and unwavering investment drive consistent, exceptional results. Whether in teams or personal pursuits, this episode offers a blueprint for turning ambitious goals into reality through relentless commitment.

Have you ever lost your cool when the pressure was on? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer reveal Three Truths About Composure, the key to staying calm, focused, and in control when it matters most. Composure is a powerful advantage that allows high performers to thrive under pressure. Without it, even the most capable individuals can struggle to reach their full potential. Tune in to discover practical strategies for mastering composure and unlocking your best performance.

How do we raise children who embrace challenges, value self-improvement, and develop mental resilience? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer, AMPLOS mental performance coach and father of two, sits down with Connor Huston, AMPLOS Director of Content & Media and new dad, to explore practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in kids. From gratitude practices to emotional intelligence and handling failure, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for parents looking to raise strong, mentally tough children.