Mastering High-Pressure Situations

In this episode of Permission to Evolve, life and performance coach Brandon Thielk and co-host Holly Dechenes delve into the critical topic of navigating high-pressure situations. They discuss techniques for calming the nervous system and maintaining emotional regulation under stress. The conversation covers examples from sports, business, and personal conflicts, offering insights on how to reframe past failures and build confidence. Brandon emphasizes the importance of preparation, self-awareness, and vulnerability in meeting challenges head-on. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for managing their stress response and achieving peak performance.

00:00 Introduction to Permission to Evolve

00:21 The Importance of Experiencing New Things

01:16 Permission to Balance: Emotional Regulation

02:03 Handling High-Pressure Situations

05:05 Internal vs. External Stress Relief

06:55 Navigating Performance Under Pressure

09:50 The Role of Past Experiences in Stress Response

16:24 Building Confidence Through Practice

22:27 Neutralizing Negative Thoughts

25:37 Facing the Fear of Not Knowing

26:20 Imposter Syndrome and Vulnerability

26:37 The Importance of Skill Development

28:47 Navigating Tough Conversations

35:13 Handling Criticism and Feedback

37:53 Pressure in High-Stakes Situations

42:55 Dealing with Uncertainty in Business

47:28 Final Thoughts on Handling Pressure

50:24 Connecting for Further Support

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Navigating Grief and Emotional Healing

In this emotionally insightful episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' host Brandon Thielk, a performance and life coach, along with co-host Holly Deschenes, delve into the complex process of grieving. From the recent loss of Brandon's family dog to broader reflections on grief and emotional processing, they explore how sitting with one's feelings can lead to profound personal growth and healing. Brandon shares personal anecdotes and expert advice on creating the space for emotional reflection, the importance of feeling through pain to unlock wisdom, and the benefits of mindfulness practices such as journaling and meditation. They also discuss the potential pitfalls of unprocessed emotions and provide practical tips for building a life that allows room for emotional needs. Whether you're navigating the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the death of a dream, this episode offers valuable insights into transforming grief into a catalyst for evolving and living a more present and fulfilled life.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:19 Workshop Insights and Systemized Thinking

01:40 Permission to Feel: Grief and Loss

02:21 Personal Reflections on Grief

04:42 Cherishing Memories and Emotional Processing

08:51 The Importance of Emotional Reflection

15:21 Navigating Identity and Purpose

20:54 Evolving Through Past Experiences

29:59 The Importance of Problem-Solving and Passion

31:19 Coaching and Emotional Awareness

32:12 Navigating Grief and Emotional Processing

33:57 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Relationships

36:02 Healing Through Sports and Personal Challenges

39:31 Creating Space for Emotional Health

45:57 The Power of Journaling and Self-Reflection

49:51 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Emotional Work

53:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

56:12 Connecting for Support and Resources

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

Email the Podcast: [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In this episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' hosts Brandon and Holly dive deep into the transformative power of adversity and how it fosters personal growth and resilience. Brandon shares insights from a recent retreat focused on effective communication and making a bigger impact. Holly reminisces about a concert that resonated with her personal journey. The episode explores how facing challenges can build strength, uncover internal triggers, and lead to meaningful personal development. Listeners will learn the importance of self-awareness, reflective practices, and how to reframe adversity as a tool for growth. Stay tuned to discover how to embrace and overcome life's toughest challenges and unlock your true potential. Connect with Brandon for personalized coaching sessions and take your self-improvement journey to the next level.

00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings

00:11 Weekend Recap: Retreats and Concerts

01:58 The Gift of Adversity

06:17 Defining Adversity

13:01 Facing Challenges and Building Resilience

22:35 Self-Imposed Adversity and Personal Growth

26:13 Understanding Internal Triggers

26:20 Navigating Challenging Work Relationships

27:06 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

27:53 The Power of Curiosity and Adaptability

28:20 Transforming Challenges into Skills

36:08 The Role of Self-Talk in Overcoming Struggles

37:28 Addressing Unresolved Past Issues

40:21 Breaking the Cycle of Pain

42:34 The Importance of Self-Awareness

44:28 Concluding Thoughts on Adversity and Resilience

48:29 How to Connect and Work Together

50:04 Exciting Upcoming Episode Teaser

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In the 10th episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' hosts Brandon and Holly celebrate their milestone by discussing the importance of nurturing self-trust. They delve deep into the subtle nuances of self-doubt, the challenges of maintaining consistency, and the role of self-compassion in fostering a resilient mindset. The episode covers common scenarios where self-trust is often lost, such as breaking promises to oneself, overthinking decisions, and ignoring one's intuition. Practical advice is provided on how to rebuild self-trust through small commitments, reframing mistakes as learning opportunities, and developing a strong decision-making framework. Brandon also shares insights into his personal experiences and offers ways for listeners to work with him for deeper guidance.

00:00 Welcome and Milestone Celebration

00:56 The Importance of Self-Trust

01:38 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Childhood Patterns

05:41 Restoring Autonomy and Self-Compassion

13:05 Practical Examples of Building Self-Trust

18:28 Navigating Overthinking and Decision-Making

22:45 The Impact of Follow-Through on Self-Trust

24:44 Understanding Overthinking and Anxiety

25:42 Building Integrity in Relationships

26:25 Developing Self-Compassion

28:13 The Inner Critic and Self-Trust

31:53 Listening to Your Intuition

36:02 Taking Ownership of Decisions

43:55 Practical Steps to Rebuild Self-Trust

49:02 Conclusion and Next Step

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In this episode, Holly and Brandon discuss the importance of shifting away from polarized, survival-oriented thinking to cultivate a healthier mindset. They explore how stress and negative past experiences shape our perceptions and behaviors, often leading to black-and-white thinking and emotional isolation. The conversation delves into practical strategies for developing self-compassion, reframing mistakes as opportunities for growth, and finding balance in life. They emphasize the role of coaching and mentorship in helping individuals see beyond their immediate struggles to embrace a more holistic, nuanced perspective. By expanding our thinking, questioning our internal narratives, and addressing unresolved emotional wounds, we can move from merely reacting to situations to responding thoughtfully, creating a path toward personal empowerment and meaningful growth.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:20 The Importance of Perspective

00:53 Midwest Spring and Sunshine

01:13 Understanding Survival Language

02:36 The Role of Coaching and Mentorship

04:56 Survival Mode Explained

05:57 Emotional Needs and Relationships

08:23 Negative Thinking and Self-Absorption

10:45 The Impact of Polarized Thinking

19:21 Fundamental Attribution Error

26:39 Understanding Mindset and Maturity

27:57 Holistic Perspective and Wisdom

30:36 Addressing Trauma and Anxiety

35:21 Rewiring and Shifting Mindsets

45:08 Reacting vs. Responding

50:24 Conclusion and Further Resources

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In this episode, hosts Holly and Brandon delve into the significance of emotions and their impact on personal growth and clarity. They discuss the importance of feeling emotions genuinely, understanding them, and allowing them to flow naturally to unlock new opportunities and break out of predictable patterns. The conversation builds on the previous week's topic of finding clarity, highlighting how emotional regulation, self-validation, and confronting past traumas are crucial for personal evolution. They explore how suppressed emotions can create limiting beliefs, affect identity, and prevent growth. Practical advice on dealing with intense emotions, the role of external support, and the benefits of intentional practices such as meditation and physical exercise are also covered, aiming to help individuals navigate heavy emotions and achieve a more balanced, happier life.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:05 The Importance of Emotions

00:50 Permission to Evolve

02:23 Understanding Emotional Regulation

05:28 Unlocking Stuck Emotions

08:39 Breaking Limiting Beliefs

17:45 Self-Validation and Emotional Maturity

25:44 The Role of an Objective Person in Emotional Healing

26:18 The Power of Meditation and Self-Reflection

26:39 Emotional Sensitivity and Rapid Processing

27:00 The Gift of Heavy Emotions

27:25 The Importance of Addressing Emotional Needs

27:50 The Consequences of Suppressing Emotions

30:16 The Mind-Body Connection and Emotional Intelligence

31:07 The Impact of Chronic Stress on Health

32:44 The Benefits of Emotional Work

37:33 The Role of Intention in Emotional Processing

37:49 Using Physical Activity to Process Emotions

40:45 The Subtle Art of Emotional Detachment

45:22 The Importance of Feeling Emotions for Personal Growth

47:13 Practical Steps for Emotional Work

48:02 How to Connect for Deeper Emotional Work

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In this episode, Brandon and Holly discuss the ongoing journey of finding clarity in life's many facets, especially when trying new ventures or navigating personal growth. They delve into the reasons people struggle to take action even when the next steps seem logical, and the importance of having truth-tellers around for perspective. Topics include moving past self-sabotage, the discomfort of change, societal influences, and the emotional toll of breaking from conformist thinking. They also cover practical tips for creating space for self-reflection, questioning ingrained beliefs, and making sustainable choices. Brandon emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach to ourselves as we work through limiting beliefs and past traumas. The episode concludes with an introduction to the Lightning Lab, a group coaching program focused on authentic confidence and awareness.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:06 Navigating the Fog: Finding Clarity

00:45 Challenges in Gaining Clarity

01:33 Self-Sabotage and Overcoming Barriers

03:27 The Role of External Influences

04:18 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

06:10 Fear of Making Wrong Decisions

07:02 Progressive Steps Towards Clarity

09:34 Dealing with Emotional Fog and Loyalties

18:47 Reverting and Self-Compassion

24:38 Self-Forgiveness and Vulnerability

25:27 Healing Through Self-Compassion

28:04 Creating Space for Reflection

29:29 Interrupting Negative Patterns

32:01 Overcoming Self-Sabotage

37:31 Seeking Guidance and Humility

40:25 Sustainable Growth and Skill Development

44:30 The Journey to True Clarity

49:16 Lightning Lab and Community Engagement

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In this episode, Brandon delves into the concept of self-sabotage and how it often impedes personal and professional growth. Through engaging conversation with Holly, they explore real-life examples, the underlying psychological mechanisms, and the impact of past experiences. Brandon shares insights from his intense coaching immersions, discussing how self-awareness, determination, and managing one's emotions can help overcome self-sabotaging behaviors. Practical strategies are provided for setting meaningful goals, developing authentic confidence, and regulating the nervous system to support sustainable growth.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:05 Immersions: Deep Dive Coaching

00:41 Client Experiences and Reflections

02:16 Understanding Self-Sabotage

04:51 Strategies to Overcome Self-Sabotage

07:22 The Role of Emotions and Identity

14:26 Breaking Self-Sabotage Patterns

26:07 Avoiding Unfair Comparisons

26:16 Finding Inspiration Without Comparison

26:43 The Reality of Mastery

27:24 Navigating Early Success and Roadblocks

28:44 The Importance of Consistent Effort

32:34 Understanding and Overcoming Self-Sabotage

37:35 Regulating the Nervous System

46:10 Final Thoughts on Self-Sabotage

48:36 Connecting with Brandon for Deeper Work

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Brandon and Holly delve into the journey of personal growth and breaking free from old identities. Brandon discusses the process of integrating new information and confronting past beliefs that hold us back. They explore the concepts of behavior-based and identity-based changes, emphasizing the importance of shedding old identities to embrace new, empowering ones. The conversation covers coping mechanisms, the role of intrinsic motivation, and the necessity of facing discomfort to achieve lasting transformation. The episode concludes with practical steps for shifting identities and developing authentic confidence, alongside an introduction to Brandon's upcoming program focused on building authentic confidence.

00:00 Casual Catch-Up

00:13 Integration and Growth

01:17 Breaking Free from Old Identities

03:53 Behavior vs. Identity-Based Change

06:05 Coping Mechanisms and Root Problems

12:12 Intrinsic Motivation and Settling

21:09 Shifting Identity and Overcoming Insecurities

30:06 Reflecting on Past Phases and Gaining Knowledge

31:04 The Importance of Patience and Ego in Personal Growth

31:57 The Journey of Skill Development and Overcoming Shortcuts

33:19 Embracing Authenticity in Sales and Marketing

35:08 Identity Shifts and Overcoming Negative Judgments

41:27 The Role of Models and Small Steps in Personal Growth

43:05 Neutralizing Negative Experiences and Building Confidence

48:38 Consistency and Mastery Through Fundamentals

50:23 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Opportunities



Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

Questions for the Pod: [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/

In this episode of 'Permission to Evolve,' hosts Brandon and Holly delve into the relationship between discomfort and personal growth. Brandon shares his recent challenging week of workshops with Coach Burt, focusing on communication, team building, and connection skills. The main discussion centers around the theme of discomfort and its crucial role in personal development, challenging long-held beliefs, and overcoming internal barriers. They explore how discomfort can manifest both in taking new actions and revisiting past experiences. They also discuss the concept of the inner critic, identity reformation, and the importance of aligning with one’s true values. Brandon introduces his new group program, the Lightning Lab, designed to build authentic confidence through addressing these themes. They invite listeners to reflect, question their past narratives, and embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates

00:53 The Cost of Avoiding Discomfort

02:43 Understanding Discomfort and Growth

04:46 Challenging Beliefs and Taking Risks

08:42 Identity and Personal Growth

14:14 Phases of Life and Evolving Identities

23:48 Embracing Change and New Opportunities

25:43 Understanding the Ego's Role

26:12 The Impact of Bitterness and Resentment

28:21 The Inner Critic: Whose Voice Is It?

30:34 Overcoming the Inner Critic

34:53 Building Authentic Confidence

42:56 Introducing the Lightning Lab Program

47:20 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Brandon:

https://brandonthielk.com/

https://brandonthielk.com/the-lightning-lab

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-evolve/id1792609620

https://open.spotify.com/show/6HMWcqqroohupXCbf3CxOn

https://www.instagram.com/evolvedathlete/

https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoevolvepodcast/