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
Oct 21, 2020 • 33min
Episode 92: What Matters Most with Gail Goestenkors
Leadership might be a popular buzzword, but what does it truly mean and how do you lead in a way that inspires others to follow? In this episode, Hall of Fame coach Gail Goestenkors joins Dr. Katie Nichols to share lessons from decades on the sidelines, defining what real leadership looks like and how to embody it every day. Through stories from her celebrated career, she offers a candid look at leading by example and the impact it can have on teams and individuals alike.
Oct 14, 2020 • 36min
Episode 91: The Power Paradox of Leadership
As a leader, how do you find the balance between setting standards and exerting influence while also listening and adapting to the needs of your team? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer break down the "power paradox" in leadership and share what organizations and leaders can do to find the sweet spot of effective leadership.
Oct 7, 2020 • 38min
Episode 90: Breaking Barriers with Coach Rachel Balkovec
What does it take to break barriers and stay there? Rachel Balkovec just completed her first year as a minor league hitting coach with the New York Yankees, making history as the first woman to hold that role in professional baseball. In this episode with Dr. Cory Shaffer, she shares the bold vision that fueled her journey, the challenges she's overcome along the way, and how adversity has sharpened her into the leader she is today.
Sep 30, 2020 • 57min
Episode 89: Leading with Purpose with Sue Guevara
What does it truly take to lead a team to sustained success? In this episode, Dr. Katie Nichols talks with veteran coach, Sue Guevara, who reflects on four decades of experience at the helm of collegiate programs. She shares her hard-earned insights on building strong relationships, communicating with clarity, and helping teams grow through challenge and change. Now retired, Sue also talks about what it means to live with passion and purpose beyond the game and why leadership never really ends.
Sep 24, 2020 • 40min
Episode 88: Understanding Suicide - A Conversation on Hope and Struggle
Suicide is a deeply complex and difficult topic and one that deserves open, compassionate conversation. In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Drew Brannon address the realities and struggles surrounding suicide with care and honesty. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support: National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or call us at 1-864-241-5444. Our hope is that this episode serves as a resource to deepen understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage connection in the face of this serious challenge.
Sep 16, 2020 • 43min
Episode 87: Attaining Elite Performance with Dr. Erik Korem
Can peak performance be reverse engineered? For over 15 years, Dr. Erik Korem has been at the forefront of High Performance and Exercise Science, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. In this conversation with Dr. Cory Shaffer, he shares how to break down the process of achieving elite results, offering practical steps to bring big visions to life and optimize both ourselves and our performance.
Sep 11, 2020 • 29min
Episode 86: Working With Your Emotions, Not Against Them
What is emotional reasoning and how can we harness our emotions instead of being controlled by them? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Katie Nichols unpack how strong emotions can cloud our thinking and decision-making. They introduce three practical steps to develop emotional strength: learning to understand, manage, and respond to emotions with wisdom and compassion. Discover how working with your emotions, not against them, can transform your leadership and life.
Sep 2, 2020 • 40min
Episode 85: The Mindset of an Olympian with Sage Watson
In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer talks with 2016 Rio Olympian, Sage Watson, who shares what life is really like as a professional track and field athlete, from the daily routines and mental strategies to the years of disciplined preparation behind the scenes. Driven to inspire the next generation of female athletes, Sage opens up about the mindset required to perform under immense pressure and how she stays grounded through it all.
Aug 26, 2020 • 36min
Episode 84: High-Performance Leadership (Part 3)
How do great leaders remain grounded when everything around them shifts? In the final episode of this series, Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Drew Brannon examine the social and behavioral foundations that help leaders stay true to their mission, vision, and values, especially in uncertain times. They offer practical insight on how to stay aligned with what matters most.
Aug 19, 2020 • 33min
Episode 83: High-Performance Leadership (Part 2)
Why is managing emotions so often a challenge for leaders? In part two of this series, Dr. Drew Brannon and Dr. Milt Lowder explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of leadership. They discuss why emotions matter more than ever, how spiritual practices can keep leaders grounded, and what it means to lead with peace and perspective in a world full of noise.
