By Brett Bartholomew
4.9
607607 ratings
The podcast currently has 354 episodes available.
The knot in your stomach. That flush of unease when you know you’ve fallen short of your own standards.
The only way to truly adapt and evolve is through real vulnerability—not the gentle, polished kind from TED talks, but the raw honesty that forces you to confront hard truths about yourself.
This isn’t about stepping out of your comfort zone in a clichéd way; it’s about embracing the discomfort and going to war until you’re fully transformed.
Today’s guest, Kyle Holland, knows a thing or two about facing challenges head-on. As an Exercise Physiologist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, he’s worked in some of the most demanding environments and spent 10 years with the 160th SOAR(A), a Special Operations Unit in the Army. Kyle has also trained professional athletes and MMA fighters at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning and worked with both the University of Iowa and Louisville’s football programs. A devoted husband and father of three, Kyle brings a grounded perspective to every topic he tackles.
In this episode, Brett and Kyle dive into real talk on topics including:
We want to thank Kyle for joining us! Follow him on X at @CoachK_Holland and on Instagram @coachkyleholland. You can also find him across the AOC universe—at our live events and online in our digital community.
AOC WORLDWIDE - If you’d like to host one of our Live Events in the United States or ABROAD, we’d love to bring AOC directly to you. This includes Speaker School, Brand Builder, and our new Writer’s Workshop. We’re hitting the road and would love to partner with you to create an amazing experience for you, your team, and your community. Reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will work on the logistics.
THE APPRENTICESHIP - We’re coming back to the northeast March 22nd-23rd! Join us and our friends from King Strength & Performance in Livingston, NJ for our highly interactive 2-day workshop for those looking to improve their ability to communicate, lead, and build strong relationships. This isn’t a “rah-rah,” motivational, death by powerpoint seminar. Instead, you’ll experience the practice, coaching, and feedback you need to truly grow. And better yet, you’ll get to take home a quantifiable communication evaluation tool, as well as several other tools to help you strategically approach any conversation. Sign up TODAY. We’ll see you there!
THE COALITION - We’re all busy, but we still strive to grow. How do you truly measure progress? It can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s worth remembering: intentions mean nothing without action. If you need help distinguishing between what’s urgent and what truly matters in your brand or business, then this group is for you! Think of it as your personal board of advisors—no BS, just a clear framework to help you start taking action. It's virtual, so it fits easily into your schedule, and includes a retreat to a fun location! If you're tired of the excuses and ready to act on your dreams of more, fill out this form, or reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will be in touch about getting you in our next round..
Related Episodes:
E350 | The End of The Year Goal Audit You Need
E311 | Vulnerability in Leadership
Referenced Resource:
Book: Crystalizing Public Opinion by Edward Bernays
Follow Us:
Website: ArtofCoaching.com
Instagram: @coach_brettb
X: @coach_brettb
Audit. It’s one of the most unsettling words in the English dictionary, carrying a connotation of fear and unease that makes people shy away from even the slightest hint of it
But, like most intimidating things, an audit becomes far less daunting once you look at it more closely. One definition of an audit is simply “a systematic review or assessment of something.” Think of it as a straightforward check-in—a moment to take stock of where you stand and where you want to go.
At the end of the day, an audit is really about something we talk about time and time again: accountability. It’s a chance to be honest with ourselves about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can move forward with intention.
In today’s episode, Brett guides you through practical steps to reflect, recalibrate, and get back on track before the year wraps up. If you wait until January it will be too late. Topics we’ll dive into include:
If you find this episode helpful, check out our most updated FREE Self – Reflection Guide or browse through any of our other free resources!
We’ve also created an amazing virtual course called Blindspot designed to help you tackle the barriers keeping you from achieving your personal and professional goals.
Consider joining our Mighty Networks Digital Community, where you’ll gain access to information, discussion, and a group of professionals (including the AoC Team) who are serious about their development and will help you confront the biggest obstacles keeping you from achieving your goals. For only $19.99/ month (free cancellation at any time) you can take your communication, leadership, and relationship skills to the next level.
If you’d like to host one of our Live Events in the United States or ABROAD, we’d love to bring AOC directly to you. This includes Speaker School, Brand Builder, and our new Writer’s Workshop. We’re hitting the road and would love to partner with you to create an amazing experience for you, your team, and your community. Reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will work on the logistics.
New to our content? Start with the foundational text that inspired it all—grab a copy of Conscious Coaching today! If you’d like to purchase a signed copy, proceeds will go to supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association. Your support of our small business means the world to us, and we’re incredibly grateful to have the chance to personally thank you for being part of our community!
Related Episodes:
E303 | Critical Questions To Ask Yourself Before The Year Ends
Recommended Resource:
Take our Drives Quiz!
Follow Us:
Website: ArtofCoaching.com
Instagram: @coach_brettb
Twitter: @coach_brettb
“I’M DONE.”
It’s one of the most frustrating feelings in the world. You’ve tried everything to fix things but just can’t get through to someone. You keep hitting the wall over and over.
But what if there’s a way to revisit the problem, to approach it from a different angle, and open their minds (and ours) to new possibilities?
In this compact episode, Brett gets straight to the point of navigating these messy situations, helping you zoom out to see the situation for what it truly is, and recognize when it's time to look in the mirror—ultimately leading to a resolution when it feels like all hope is lost.
Key subjects covered:
One of our missions as a company is to be a beacon for people facing challenges like those we discussed in today’s episode—whether you want to become a better leader or navigate the scary realities of entrepreneurship. Our 1:1 mentoring program was built to fill that gap and provide you with a clear path to progress.
Let us know how we can help. Reach out at [email protected].
The Apprenticeship - Join us for a live Leadership Training Workshop that will make you more socially agile. When we say “leadership training,” we’re not talking about cliché trust exercises or bland motivational speeches. This workshop dives into the essential skills that people often wish they'd learned earlier—how to manage tough conversations, navigate power dynamics, negotiate effectively, and drive meaningful change.
If you're tired of people-problems, want to grow as a leader, or aspire to step into a leadership role, this event is for you! Join us on March 22-23, 2025, in Livingston, NJ, and take your leadership abilities to the next level.
Check out our full 2025 live event schedule to find the date and location that work best for you!
New to our content? Start with the foundational text that inspired it all—grab a copy of Conscious Coaching today! If you’d like to purchase a signed copy, proceeds will go to supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association. Your support of our small, family-run business means the world to us, and we’re incredibly grateful to have the chance to personally thank you for being part of our community!
Related Episodes:
E313 | How To Communicate With Someone Who Shuts Down or Stonewalls
E343 | The Power of Indirect Influence: Strategies for Convincing Stubborn People
Referenced Books:
Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
Extra Stuff:
Explore our favorite books across business, leadership, psychology, and more—click here or visit artofcoaching.com/readinglist/ to get our FREE reading list.
Visit our Amazon storefront for our favorite books, home office essentials, gym gear, grooming tools, and even coffee brewing essentials—all personally tested and trusted. Click here or visit amazon.com/shop/coach_brettb for all the goods.
Follow Us:
Website: ArtofCoaching.com
Instagram: @coach_brettb
Twitter: @coach_brettb
Empty Coaching. Words and phrases that lack teeth.
“Good job! You’re getting there! I like that.”
“We’ve got to get better. C’mon, step it up. That’s not what I’m looking for.”
We’ve all been guilty of letting these clichés fly out of our mouths at one point or another. But do they actually help inspire change or simply fill the silence? In today’s episode, we cut through these hollow lines and explore how we, as leaders and coaches, can move beyond surface-level feedback to foster both immediate performance improvements and long-term growth..
Brett and our guest, Tex McQuilkin, get to the heart of what makes feedback impactful—what to say, when to say it, and how to become the kind of leader the world truly needs. Tex, a national-level presenter, coach, and content creator, brings his expertise as a certified strength and conditioning specialist and holds a Master’s in health behavior change. He’s led seminars in 16 countries, working with everyone from professional athletes to Navy SEALs.
Today’s show is a very fun and honest conversation between two friends and colleagues on a range of topics including:
We want to thank Tex for joining us! Follow him on Instagram @mcquilkin, check out his new podcast, Captains & Coaches, and catch him across the Art Of Coaching universe—whether at our live events, in our mastermind group The Coalition, or online in our digital community.
The Apprenticeship - Become more socially agile with our live Leadership Training Workshop. When we say “leadership training,” we are not referring to cheesy corny trust-falls, motivational speak, or anything of the sorts. We are talking about the things that people say they wish they would have known earlier in their career and life - how to navigate difficult people and conversations, power dynamics, negotiations, and implement change.
If you deal with people-problems at all, if you’re in a leadership position or want to be in a leadership role, if you want LESS DRAMA - you need to get to this event! Check out our entire 2025 live event schedule for the best date and location for you!
New to our content? Start with the foundational text that inspired it all—grab a copy of Conscious Coaching today! If you’d like to purchase a signed copy, proceeds will go to supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association. Your support of our small, family-run business means the world to us, and we’re incredibly grateful to have the chance to personally thank you for being part of our community!
Referenced Episodes:
E342 | Unpacking The Controversy of Nike's Latest Ad
Referenced Article:
What Shamu Taught Me About A Happy Marriage
Our lives are not the movies.
When sudden, unpredictable events like family hardships or natural disasters strike, it can feel like we’re living in one. But more often, the changes in our stories are subtle.
The turmoil is internal, and we’re left to wrestle with our challenges quietly, on our own.
Today’s guest is no stranger to this real-life push and pull. She knows what it’s like to juggle the expectations of motherhood, navigate life transitions, and manage the chaos that comes with it all. Dr. Emma Laird, PT, DPT, OCS is a board-certified physical therapist at Pro Kinetix in Oakland, California, specializing in orthopedic care. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from MGH Institute of Health Professions and is a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Emma brings a holistic approach to helping her clients return to their favorite activities while promoting lifelong movement health. A Bay Area native, Emma is passionate about sports and strength training, values she learned early on from her active upbringing. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, their dog, exploring local breweries, and staying active outdoors.
Today’s show is a real-world conversation on topics such as:
We want to thank Emma for joining us! If you’re in the Oakland, CA area and need help recovering from an injury, visit her and her team at Pro Kinetix. You can also find her in our Art Of Coaching universe facilitating one of our live events and online in our digital community.
The Apprenticeship - Bottom line, this is for anyone who coaches, mentors, or helps others in any capacity. It’s for leaders who aren’t just talking about personal growth but are ready for a different type of challenge. Our live leadership training workshop goes beyond the usual clichés. No cheesy trust falls or empty motivational speeches. We dive into the real skills you wish you’d learned earlier in life: navigating tough conversations, handling difficult people, managing power dynamics, and driving real change.
If you deal with people-problems at all, are in a leadership position, or want to step into one—and if you're ready to turn personal growth from lip service into real commitment, THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU! Check out our entire 2025 live event schedule for the best date and location for you!
Related Episodes:
E313 | How to Communicate With Someone Who Shuts Down and Stonewalls
E339 | Scott and Jamie Livingston: Overcoming Challenges In Relationships
We’ve all heard the motivational phrase, “Failure isn’t an option.” It sounds inspiring, but is it really true?
Failure, in reality, is an option—often chosen in the form of inaction, silence, or the unwillingness to engage. How many times have you held back an idea, avoided speaking up, or let a moment pass because of the fear of judgment? Playing it safe is extremely tragic.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the cost of silence and the hidden price we pay by not putting ourselves out there. What’s really stopping us from stepping forward? And what can we do to shift from apprehension to action?
In this tough love episode, Brett takes the gloves off and gets real about:
Referenced Episodes:
E259 | Understanding and Overcoming Perfectionism
E105 | Overcoming Imposter Phenomenon
Recommended Resources:
Imposter Phenomenon Manual: If you struggle with imposter phenomenon, we created a free manual that many people have found to be super-helpful. It’s become one of our most downloaded resources, check it out!
Podcast Reflections: Did you know that we create worksheets to help you apply the lessons for each episode? To receive full access to all the reflections from previous and future episodes, click here.
Mighty Networks Digital Community: If you’d like to test your ideas with Brett and our Facilitators, while connecting with like-minded individuals, consider joining our private digital community! For just $19.99/month (with free cancellation anytime), you’ll enhance your communication, leadership, and relationship skills. Don’t miss out—join us today!
If you’d like to become more confident in front of a group and learn how to deliver a more potent message, Speaker School is the perfect event for you! Whether you’re someone who needs to overcome the debilitating effect of social anxiety, or you’re a well-practiced TED presenter, this is the perfect place to get some heads-down time to focus and improve, no matter where you are in your journey. This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve. Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th! THIS IS OUR LAST CALL. SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES!
Today’s episode is sponsored by our lifelong partner Momentous. You need to pay attention to what you put in your body. For safety and performance, it’s crucial to follow three key principles: stick to what works, choose products that are rigorously tested, and rely on those rooted in science. Momentus products are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning they meet the highest quality control standards—the same required of athletes competing in the Olympics. We particularly love their whey protein, creatine, and fish oil. Visit livemomentus.com and enter the code BRETT15 at checkout to save 15% on anything found on their website. Don’t compromise when it comes to your supplements. Stick to the basics, choose what’s been tested, and trust what’s proven.
Why would someone hold on to a false or inaccurate belief even when you’ve laid out all the facts and logic in front of them? You couldn’t have been more clear in presenting your argument!
Your reasoning is solid, but maybe it’s not the absence of evidence that’s preventing them from changing their perspective—it might be the way the information was delivered...
Today’s show is one of our keystone episodes, unlocking why constructive communication often fails to get off the ground. Brett is joined by Ali Kershner in-studio for a deep dive into the tactics that will help you get your point across more effectively and give you the best chance to change someone’s behavior.
Grab a pen and download the reflection questions because this episode is hands-on and loaded with tactical information and strategies you can implement at work, home and anywhere you deal with people.
You'll learn:
IF YOU’VE BEEN WAITING, THE TIME IS NOW - If you know you aren’t as good as you could be when speaking to an audience, it’s time to step up and make a change. Speaker School is the ideal place to get better in front of people, regardless of the situation. This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve. Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th!. THIS IS OUR LAST CALL, SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES!
THE COALITION - We’re all busy, but we still strive to grow. How do you truly measure progress? It can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s worth remembering: intentions mean nothing without action. If you need help distinguishing between what’s urgent and what truly matters in your brand or business, then THE COALITION is for you. Think of it as your personal board of advisors—no BS, just a clear framework to help you start taking action. It's virtual, so it fits easily into your schedule, and includes a retreat to a fun location! If you're tired of the excuses and ready to act on your dreams of more, fill out this form, or reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will be in touch.
It’s the holy grail of mental health and wellness for many people. Almost all of us, at one point or another, have chased the elusive 'work-life balance,' hoping to find the perfect harmony between our careers and personal lives.
But is 'balance' really the right word? Perhaps it’s a misnomer that oversimplifies the complexity of juggling work and family.
Today’s topic arose from a conversation between Brett and several of our facilitators about the push and pull that occurs between career and family. It’s a concept we all struggle with in some capacity, and in this episode, we’ll share insights from that discussion along with practical strategies for managing the demands of work and family.
Tune in as we get real on a this common struggle, as we explore:
Put Us On Blast: We want to hear your thoughts! Let us know by reaching out to us on social media or shooting us an email at [email protected]. We want to add more value to our audience above everything else. We love feedback and want to know how we can help YOU.
Mighty Networks Digital Community: Want to join conversations like the one we had today and interact directly with Brett and our Facilitators? Join our digital community and connect with like-minded people dedicated to personal growth. For just $19.99/month (with free cancellation anytime), you’ll elevate your communication, leadership, and relationship skills. Don’t miss out— Join us today!
Subscribe & Support: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Art of Coaching Podcast on your favorite platform. Share it with a friend, and leave us a review—it helps the show grow!
Follow Us:
Website: ArtofCoaching.com
Instagram: @coach_brettb
Twitter: @coach_brettb
SPEAKER SCHOOL IS ALMOST HERE - Is there a message stuck in your head that you know needs to get out into the world? Maybe you’d just like to get better in front of your coworkers at weekly staff meetings. Either way, Speaker School is the ideal place to get better in front of people, regardless of the situation. This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve. Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th!. THIS IS OUR LAST CALL, SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES!
Recommended Resource:
Take our Drives Quiz!
“They just won’t listen. No matter how clearly I explain it, they refuse to see my side of things. It’s like talking to a brick wall."
Have you ever felt like this, like you're hitting a dead end with someone who just won’t budge? Influencing people is an art, one that often requires more than just logic and facts, especially in today’s world where information has been turned into a kind of religion willing to anoint whoever can wield it more skillfully.
In today’s episode, we’ll revisit several past topics and connect the dots to reveal an alternative way to move the ball forward. Oftentimes, if we try to bull our way straight ahead, we’re met with the most resistance. In reality, an indirect route can be like finding a perfect gap in the defense—avoiding tackles and making the smoothest run toward the end zone.
Topics Discussed:
I GET IT, NOW HOW DO I GET THIS TO WORK FOR ME? - Communication is something none of us will ever perfect, but how do you expect to get better if you don’t hold yourself accountable and do something to get better at it? We’d love for you to join us at one of our Apprenticeship workshops, where you’ll not only gain the knowledge and understanding you need to navigate the messy realities of relationships and leadership, but more importantly, you’ll get hands on experience working through your specific situation and gain the perspective of the AOC team and other individuals looking to improve themselves. We just solidified two new dates for 2025! We’ll kick off the year on the East Coast in March and keep the ball rolling back in Phoenix in June. Keep an eye on our Live Event Schedule here, and if you have any questions, schedule a free discovery call. We also offer 1-On-1 Mentoring if you prefer a more personalized approach. Either way, THIS IS WHAT WE DO and we want to help! Reach out to us at [email protected] and a member of our team will be in touch.
SPEAKER SCHOOL IS ALMOST HERE - Is there a message stuck in your head that you know needs to get out into the world? Maybe you’d just like to get better in front of your coworkers at weekly staff meetings. Either way, Speaker School is the ideal place to get better in front of people, regardless of the situation. This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve. Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th!. THIS IS OUR LAST CALL, SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES!
Referenced Episodes:
E202 | Why Facts And Logic Don't Change Our Minds - If you’re unfamiliar with influence tactics or need a refresher give this a listen!
E240 | The 4 Styles Of Communication - At a baseline level you should understand the different components of communication.
E178 | Kindra Hall: Choose Your Story, Change Your Life - Storytelling is the oldest form of communication. Learn to harness it for good.
E152 | Michael Tucker: How Storytelling And Self-Awareness Shape Who We Become - Another phenomenal episode on storytelling if you want to deep dive on the subject.
E85 | Why Won't They Listen To Me? Reasons Your Message Isn't Getting Across - If you’ve ever asked yourself this question in frustration, you’ll find answers here.
We are so proud to be sponsored today by our longtime partner Momentous. Whether you’re a corporate executive who wants to feel better, a member of the military who needs to perform in the most extreme environments, or somewhere in between, Momentous has something FOR YOU! We particularly love their unflavored whey protein, magnesium, and fish oil. Visit livemomentus.com and enter the code BRETT15 at checkout to save 15% on your first order and any subscription you sign up for. Control the controllables and take charge of your health.
Am I a bad person? Nike’s latest ad asks this question, and the internet erupted in response. But is the real issue the ad, or what it reveals about our relationship with competition and ambition?
In this episode, Brett Bartholomew delves into the controversy surrounding Nike's recent ad, featuring Willem Dafoe’s voice and a striking depiction of athletes at their most intense. While some argue the ad promotes toxic values in sports, Brett explores the nuance behind it, offering his insights as a coach, parent, and former athlete. He dissects why the ad has sparked such strong reactions and what it says about our society’s discomfort with the more competitive, driven side of human nature.
Topics Discussed:
Resources Mentioned:
Join the Discussion: We want to hear your thoughts! Did the Nike ad strike a chord with you? Do you agree with Brett's take? Let us know by reaching out to us on social media or leaving a comment on our website.
Subscribe & Support: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Art of Coaching Podcast on your favorite platform. Share it with a friend, and leave us a review—it helps the show grow!
Follow Us:
Website: ArtofCoaching.com
Instagram: @coach_brettb
Twitter: @coach_brettb
Speaker School - Warren Buffet has said that Public Speaking is the “single greatest skill to boost your career and self worth, and is an asset that will last for 50 to 60 years.” It also happens to be most people’s biggest fear, which Buffet said if unaddressed “will also last you 50 to 60 years.” At Speaker School we help those who need to slay their inner imposter, who would just like to get better at running staff meetings at work, to those who would like to get paid to deliver keynotes. We’re holding one more Speaker School before the end of the year in Phoenix, AZ October 12-13. Take advantage of our EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AND SAVE UP TO $200! Hurry though, the deal expires September 11th! Click here to reserve your spot. This is one of our most popular live events and fills up fast. We limit the number of participants to make sure you get the practice and feedback you deserve. See you there!
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