

The Growth Project
Dr. Milt Lowder, Dr. Drew Brannon, Dr. Cory Shaffer
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 8, 2021 • 40min
Episode 150: The Psychology of the Coaching Carousel
This is always an interesting time of year with numerous changes being made to the leadership of some of college football's key programs, and it's been a particularly fascinating end to the 2021 regular season. Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Cory Shaffer explore the psychological, cultural, and emotional components wrapped up in the college football coaching carousel, looking at both the perspectives of the coach and the player.

Dec 1, 2021 • 48min
Episode 149: AMPLOS Team Series - Part 3 with Dr. Drew Brannon
For our 4-part AMPLOS team series, we're shifting the spotlight to our group of psychologists and performance coaches. In the third episode of this series, Dr. Milt Lowder talks with Dr. Drew Brannon about Drew's belief that effort leads to success, accomplishing what you put your mind to, and working as the University of Georgia football team's sports psychologist.

Nov 24, 2021 • 36min
Episode 148: Thanksgiving Special - Gratitude in Action
Like most things in life, practicing gratitude is a skill that can be developed, and it's one worth strengthening - there is no shortage of research underscoring the dramatic positive impact of regularly exercising gratitude. In light of Thanksgiving, the AMPLOS team explores how to develop a genuine sense of gratitude and awareness for what's in your life as part of a special holiday two-part conversation.

Nov 17, 2021 • 51min
Episode 147: AMPLOS Team Series - Part 2 with Dr. Milt Lowder
For this 4-part AMPLOS team series, we're shifting the focus internally to our team of psychologists and performance coaches, who are typically on the other side of the conversation asking questions about our guests' lives. For the second part of this series, we're taking a deeper dive into the life and career of AMPLOS CEO and Founder, Dr. Milt Lowder. Dr. Katie Nichols talks with Milt about growing up on a farm, the challenging life experiences that shaped him, and how becoming a psychologist influenced his role as a father and leader.

Nov 10, 2021 • 49min
Episode 146: When One Door Closes, Another One Opens with Kent Barber
Life doesn't always go according to plan, but when one phase of life unexpectedly comes to an end it often creates space for new and meaningful opportunities to arise. Dr. Milt Lowder uses this concept as a framework to explore the life and career of Kent Barber, founder and CEO of Daybreak. In the conversation, they discuss the importance of relationships, autonomy, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable.

Nov 3, 2021 • 37min
Episode 145: AMPLOS Team Series - Part 1 with Dr. Katie Nichols
We love having our amazing guests on the Growth Project, but for this 4-part AMPLOS team series we're shifting the spotlight to our team of psychologists and performance coaches. Typically, they are the ones asking questions on the podcast, so this series allows you to learn from and learn more about their experiences. In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with Dr. Katie Nichols about being a proud Texan, pursuing her passion of sport psychology, lessons she's learned from mentors along the way, and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone.

Oct 27, 2021 • 37min
Episode 144: Maximizing Human Potential with Dr. Angus Mugford
How do you harness and enhance human potential? Dr. Cory Shaffer explores this topic with Dr. Angus Mugford, VP for High Performance for the Toronto Blue Jays. They discuss Dr. Mugford's vision in developing a strong culture at an MLB organization, his philosophy behind building a high-performance team, and positioning the Blue Jays for success in a highly competitive league.

Oct 20, 2021 • 41min
Episode 143: Why Ted Lasso Is a Leader Worth Following
Ted Lasso, the hit Apple TV+ comedy that has grown to become part of the cultural zeitgeist, features a lead protagonist by the same name who embodies the characteristics of an enthusiastic, empathetic leader. Dr. Katie Nichols and Dr. Cory Shaffer explore the traits that make him a leader worth following, including his unwavering focus on relationships, team culture, and consistency.

Oct 13, 2021 • 31min
Episode 142: Iron Woman with Jackie Faye
Dr. Drew Brannon has a conversation with Jackie Faye, the first woman to complete 6 IRONMAN races on 6 continents in a span of 12 months. Beyond discussing this impressive accomplishment, they also talk about Jackie's apparel company, One January, an ethical activewear brand that makes sustainable clothing from recycled plastics, and She Can Tri, a non-profit organization Jackie launched dedicated to empowering women in need, including supporting and training the first Afghan woman to finish an IRONMAN event in 2020.

Oct 6, 2021 • 41min
Episode 141: Extraordinary Teams Are Made of Extraordinary Teammates with Joan Ryan
What makes an extraordinary teammate? Dr. Cory Shaffer explores this concept with Joan Ryan, an award-winning journalist and author of five books, including an AMPLOS team favorite, Intangibles: Unlocking the Science and Soul of Team Chemistry. They discuss Joan's trail-blazing career as one of the first female sports columnists in the country and how intangibles contribute to higher team performance.