Episode 3 of Inside The Genesis, where we don’t just break down the game—we decode the mindset behind it. This week, your co-hosts GG Carr and Brian Garland go deep into the conversation most officials avoid but all of us live with: the one happening inside your own head.

Whether you're in the middle of a big camp game, recovering from a controversial whistle, or just trying to stay mentally sharp this offseason—this episode is for every official who’s ever wrestled with doubt, silence, or spiraling thoughts mid-game.

Brian and GG open with a real talk reflection on excellence as a habit, and remind us that offseason is not time off—it’s time invested. From there, they jump into the episode’s core: chatter vs. self-talk, and how the difference between the two can determine everything from your emotional control to your next assignment.

Before you change your shoes or your whistle, change your voice. Because the real game starts before the ball goes up. If you control the conversation inside—you will dominate the game outside.

Interested in getting more information on the training mentioned in this episode?

Getting better by the beach Orange Beach, AL

Focus on the Fundamentals - Dallas, TX

In this raw, passionate, and power-packed episode, GG Carr and Brian Garland peel back the curtain on what they call a “silent epidemic” in the world of officiating — low self-esteem. More than mechanics, more than rules, this conversation exposes how unseen identity issues are quietly shaping — and sabotaging — referees under pressure.

Brian unpacks the difference between posture and performance, how self-esteem shows up on the court, in the locker room, during camp, and most dangerously — in your internal dialogue. They introduce the social feedback system, explain approval-seeking behavior, and give real-world examples of how referees leak insecurity through over-calling, name-dropping, over-explaining, and craving external validation.

From the dangers of equating your worth with your schedule, to the traps of “Nick at Night” (a.k.a. the referee who keeps circling back for praise), this episode holds up a mirror and asks the hard question:

“Do you have solid self-esteem, or are you just polished under no pressure?”

Episode3 Preview:
Stay tuned as Brian and GG tackle “The Chatter” — the war within, and how your inner voice may be hijacking your confidence without you realizing it.

Curious about the book in GiGi's segment "Grounded in Gratitude?" You can find it on Amazon:

The 5 Minute Journal

Inside the Genesis is back with Season 2—and this time, it’s elevated.

In this powerful, raw, and real kickoff episode, host Brian Garland introduces new co-host GG Carr, a former mentee turned colleague whose officiating journey embodies the Genesis mantra: “From grinding to growing.”

Together, they explore the realities of referee development, mental health, mentorship, and what it truly takes to rise through the officiating ranks without skipping steps or chasing shortcuts.

🔑 Key Themes:

• Mental Health Matters: As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Brian shares how Genesis is rooted in 3 John 2 and emphasizes that external success will never outgrow internal stability. Emotional wellness isn’t a sidebar—it’s the main assignment.

In this episode, BG “The Official Life Coach” reflects on the incredible journey of Season 1 of Inside The Genesis. He expresses deep gratitude for the community that has made the podcast a powerful and unforgettable experience. BG highlights how the Genesis mission of H.E.A.L.—Help, Equip, Awareness, Listen—has inspired and empowered officials at every level to grow in officiating and thrive in life.

As the podcast and Instagram page go dark for the upcoming season, BG encourages the community to stay connected through the Substack platform for exclusive content focused on peak performance and personal growth. He shares insights from his book Mentorship Fundamentals for Sports Officials (available on Amazon) and emphasizes how mentorship and emotional intelligence play a key role in navigating life’s storms.

With a strong closing message centered on the 2024–25 Genesis theme of "Show up for yourself N.O.W. (No Opportunity Wasted)," BG challenges listeners to take control of their growth and energy, ensuring they are prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically for the upcoming season—both on and off the basketball court.

To stay engaged and receive exclusive insights, subscribe to the Genesis Insider on Substack at https://theofficiallifecoach.substack.com/

In this episode of Inside The Genesis, Gio and Brian dive deep into the essence of core values and how they shape the journey of a basketball official. From the importance of aligning your actions with personal values rather than external validation to the impact this has on your decision-making on and off the court, they share personal stories highlighting the power of self-awareness and confidence. This episode is about finding your anchor and steering your course with authenticity and purpose.

In this episode of Inside the Genesis, Brian and Gio dive deep into the real reasons why officials step on the court. After polling the audience on why they officiate—whether for passion, competition, financial gain, or fitness—the results surprised us! We explore what it means to have a mission versus a plan, why ego often gets in the way, and how understanding your 'why' can keep you grounded in the face of setbacks. Plus, we share inspiring stories of those who stay true to their purpose, no matter the challenges. Tune in to hear about mission-driven officiating and how it can redefine your journey on and off the court!

In this insightful episode of Inside The Genesis, Gio and Brian Garland, aka “The Official Life Coach,” dive deep into the concept of Role Identity Theory. Brian shares his personal experiences from his time in the U.S. Navy and officiating basketball, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and balancing multiple roles in life. They discuss how over-identification with any one role, whether in officiating or other professions, can lead to a loss of identity when that role fades. This episode explores the dangers of seeking validation solely from work and why internal confirmation of purpose is essential. Tune in as the duo breaks down how to remain grounded, no matter the stage in your career, with practical advice on navigating life beyond the titles and uniforms.

In this episode, Brian Garland dives deep into one of his most talked-about topics: self-awareness. Whether you’ve attended one of his academies, virtual classes, or just followed his work, you’ve likely heard him harp on the importance of self-awareness. But what does it truly mean to be self-aware? Brian and Gio discuss the three levels of self-awareness, from basic understanding to thorough comprehension, and how being self-aware impacts every aspect of your life, both on and off the court.

The duo also shares insights from recent polls where listeners ranked values, emotions, thoughts, and actions in their personal journey toward self-awareness. Spoiler alert: every answer was correct! But did anyone realize that?

Tune in as Brian opens up about how his own self-awareness journey began, recounting a pivotal NCAA tournament moment that changed his outlook on both officiating and life. Plus, don’t miss an exclusive offer to take the Extreme Execution Flight Assessment, helping you uncover your natural behavioral tendencies and elevate your self-awareness game.

In this episode of Inside The Genesis, Gio, and Brian explore the nuances of professionalism and etiquette in basketball officiating. They discuss the fine line between sharing too much personal information and building rapport with your crew. This riveting conversation highlights key strategies to maintain professionalism on and off the court, from locker room dynamics to dealing with intrusive questions. Tune in as they share personal experiences, offering valuable insights for officials as the new season approaches. Available now on Apple and Spotify!

In this episode of Inside the Genesis, hosts Gio and Brian Garland, aka "The Official Life Coach," dive deep into financial literacy for basketball officials. Joined by returning guest Ed Callopy, the official financial coach, the conversation unpacks the real-life challenges of managing finances as a basketball official. From seasonal income management, paying off debts, and avoiding financial stress, to the importance of having a plan for every dollar, this episode is full of valuable insights. Ed shares practical tips on budgeting, setting up dedicated accounts, and making smart financial decisions that keep referees ahead, both on and off the court. Whether you’re just starting your officiating career or looking for better financial strategies, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you balance your passion with financial stability.

Tune in for some great nuggets, financial mindset tips, and much more! Don't forget to subscribe and follow @TheOfficialLifeCoach on Instagram for more content.