There’s nowhere lonelier in the world than rock bottom. 

It’s a place where overwhelm, anxiety, and uncertainty feel relentless, and the total weight of your burden makes moving forward seem impossible. Staying down is a choice, but it’s one that you really can’t afford to make.

Before you pick yourself up, you need to know exactly where you are. When you recognize where the demons holding you down come from, you can see the path you need to take to fight back and regain control. 

It’s not about hacks, quick fixes, or the perfect framework. It’s about facing the hard truth head-on, with squared shoulders, and taking action, even when the easy choice is to stay down.

In this episode we cover:

To get the most out of this episode, and every episode in our library, download our free bonus reflection question sheets. They’re designed to help you think deeper, organize your thoughts, apply what you’ve learned, and TAKE ACTION.

You still have time to take advantage of our HOLIDAY SALE! 

Visit artofcoaching.com/blackfriday to take advantage of these limited-time deals:

30% OFF COURSES – Build your skills in leadership, communication, and more at your own pace.  

20% OFF MENTORING – Get personalized coaching tailored to your specific goals.

10% OFF LIVE EVENTS – Join us for hands-on workshops and connect with like-minded professionals.

These are the largest discounts we offer all year. Treat yourself—or someone else this holiday season—to the gift of more meaningful connections, deeper personal growth, and becoming a more effective leader..

Looking for the perfect holiday gift?

Fill your stockings with a signed copy of Conscious Coaching. It’s a great gift for friends, family, or even your entire staff. Bulk orders are available, and each book will be personally signed!

Your support of our small business means the world to us. We’re incredibly grateful for the chance to personally thank you for being part of our community!

THE APPRENTICESHIP – We’re heading to the Northeast March 22-23 for our ONLY stop in the Northeast next year! Join us at King Strength & Performance in Livingston, NJ, for a hands-on, 2-day workshop designed to transform how you lead, communicate, and connect. Whether you’re looking to develop leadership skills, improve your ability to sell, navigate tough conversations, or gain a deeper understanding of strategic communication and power dynamics, this course is for you.

No fluff—just real practice, coaching, and feedback. You’ll leave with actionable tools, including a communication evaluation framework to handle any conversation with confidence.

Discounts are available for first responders, students, and groups, plus early bird pricing is LIVE NOW until February 22, 2025. Email [email protected] for more information and reserve your spot today!

Related Episodes:

E301 | Time and Energy Management Tips To Keep You Sane

E273 | The Productivity Myth: Tips For Making Sustainable Progress Without Sacraficing Your Sanity

E263 | Putting Yourself First: Why Being Strategically Selfish Will Make You A Better Leader

E49 | Productivity That Matters

Referenced Resources:

Our FREE Drives Quiz

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

This is not a “social media is bad” episode. 

That conversation has been talked to death. The truth is, very few things are inherently good or bad—it’s all in how you use them. But today’s episode is about how they use you. If “they” were writing this, they’d correct me and say, it’s how we allow them to use us.

What makes the algorithm so effective at manipulating our sense of self worth and exploiting our deepest insecurities? Why do we fall into cycles of comparison, inadequacy, and pleasure seeking that keep us hooked? More importantly, how can we recognize these traps and reclaim control before they erode our self identity and damage our relationships?

This episode is raw and unfiltered, straight from the heart and brutally honest. Brett speaks uncomfortable truths, using current cultural trends to challenge how we think and act.

In this episode, Brett unpacks:

There’s so much more covered in this episode than we could ever fit into this description! To get the most out of this episode, and every episode in our library, download our free bonus reflection question sheets. They’re designed to help you think deeper, apply what you’ve learned, and TAKE ACTION.

OUR HOLIDAY/BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS STILL ON! Visit artofcoaching.com/blackfriday to take advantage of these limited-time deals:

30% OFF COURSES – Build your skills in leadership, communication, and more at your own pace.  

20% OFF MENTORING – Get personalized coaching tailored to your specific goals.

10% OFF LIVE EVENTS – Join us for hands-on workshops and connect with like-minded professionals.

These are the largest discounts we offer all year. Treat yourself—or someone else this holiday season—to the gift of more meaningful connections, deeper personal growth, and becoming a more effective leader..

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.

Today’s episode is brought to you by our lifelong partner, Momentous.

For years, Momentous has been a brand we trust, and their loyalty—something rare these days—means the world to us as a small business. Their commitment to quality, backed by science and rigorous testing, sets them apart.

We especially love their protein, creatine, fish oil, and sleep stack—all essentials in our daily routine.

Support a company that stands by its values. Visit livemomentus.com and use code BRETT15 at checkout to save 15% sitewide on your first purchase.

Stick to what’s tested. Trust what’s proven. Choose Momentous.

Related Episodes:

E353 | What To Do If You Feel Like You're Stagnating

Referenced Articles:

Wall Street Journal Article: Lazy Girl Jobs

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Lazy. 

It's one of the most shameful things you can be. And it's largely a title or accusation we make of ourselves. Why do we so frequently feel utterly drained, craving time to unwind and escape reality?

Is there a way to not just reclaim that time, but to structure our days more intentionally to prevent fatigue from building and spiraling into a never-ending cycle? What can we do to finally experience relief and regain control?

In today’s episode, Brett provides a framework to identify the warning signs, uncover the deeper issues at play, and ensure these feelings don’t erode your self-worth.

In this episode, we explore:

Today’s episode comes from a listener request! If you have a topic or question, submit it at artofcoaching.com/question. For deeper discussions and practical advice on this topic and more, join our private community—where you can connect directly with Brett, our Facilitators, and other like-minded individuals.

OUR BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS STILL ON! Visit artofcoaching.com/blackfriday to take advantage of these limited-time deals:

30% OFF COURSES – Build your skills in leadership, communication, and more at your own pace.  

20% OFF MENTORING – Get personalized coaching tailored to your specific goals.

10% OFF LIVE EVENTS – Join us for hands-on workshops and connect with like-minded professionals.

These are the largest discounts we offer all year. This sale won’t last long—check it out now and save big!

Are you an avid listener or consumer of our content but haven’t yet read the foundational book at the heart of what we do? Purchase a signed edition of Conscious Coaching, and proceeds will support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association. We are a small business and your support helps us continue our mission, and we’re grateful to have you in our community.

Related Episodes:

E76 | Getting Out of Your Own Way

E133 | Taking Responsibility For Your Own Growth

E144 | Tips For “Balancing” Work And Family Life

E149 | 5 Big Lies We Tell Ourselves That  Hinder Our Progress

E151 | How To Ask For Help

E259 | Understanding And Overcoming Perfectionism

E331 | Dontari Poe: Mental Toughness Myths And Life TipsFollow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Have you ever felt stuck or stagnant? 

That restless feeling like you’re spinning your wheels, going nowhere fast, yet knowing deep down that you need to break free.

Stagnation isn’t just about a lack of progress; it’s a state of mind that can creep into any part of your life—your career, your relationships, or even your personal growth. But the good news? Feeling stuck is a signal, not a sentence.

If you’re hard on yourself, hold high expectations, and tend to overthink, this episode is for you. Brett shares tips and strategies to help you break free from your own head and get back on track. 

Listen in for insights on these topics and more:

Don’t miss out! Our biggest sale of the year is coming—Black Friday is just around the corner, and you’ll want to be the first to know. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on exclusive updates, event dates, and first access to our best deals. Be ready when the sale drops! Subscribe here.

THE APPRENTICESHIP – We’re heading to the Northeast March 22-23 for our ONLY stop in the region next year! Join us at King Strength & Performance in Livingston, NJ, for a hands-on, 2-day workshop designed to transform how you lead, communicate, and connect. Whether you’re looking to develop leadership skills, improve your ability to sell, navigate tough conversations, or gain a deeper understanding of strategic communication and power dynamics, this course is for you.

No fluff—just real practice, coaching, and feedback. You’ll leave with actionable tools, including a communication evaluation framework to handle any conversation with confidence.

Discounts are available for first responders, students, and groups, plus early bird pricing is LIVE NOW until February 22, 2025. Email [email protected] for more information and reserve your spot today!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Momentous, our trusted partner. When it comes to performance and safety, what you put in your body matters. Momentous products are NSF Certified for Sport, meeting the same rigorous standards required of Olympic athletes. We love their whey protein, creatine, and fish oil for their proven, science-backed results. Visit livemomentus.com and use code BRETT15 at checkout to save 15%. Stick to the basics, choose what’s tested, and trust what’s proven.

Referenced Resource:

Chaos Checklist

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

When they’re your best player or most productive employee, but ALSO the biggest thorn in your side. 

We’ve all been there and had to deal with the type. What do you do?

This episode transcends the specific context of coaching a high school athlete to tackle a broader, universal challenge faced by leaders, managers, and professionals everywhere. Whether you’re navigating a workplace dynamic, coaching a team, or leading a group, this discussion will equip you with strategies to help difficult individuals recognize their behavior, foster deeper connections, and ultimately drive meaningful improvement.

Brett dives into actionable insights to help you set boundaries, uncover root issues, and avoid falling into the trap of enabling destructive patterns.

In this episode, we explore:

• The importance of setting realistic expectations

Today’s episode comes from a listener request! If you have a topic or question, submit it at artofcoaching.com/question. For deeper discussions and practical advice, join our private community—free from social media distractions—where you can connect with facilitators and like-minded individuals. Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Stay in the loop – Sign up for our newsletter to get first access to new courses, event dates, and exclusive updates: Subscribe here.

Attend our live events – Join us for hands-on workshops designed to enhance your leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills: Learn more here.

Book Brett as a speaker – Bring Brett to your organization for a powerful, customized keynote or in-service training: Request Brett here.

One-on-one mentoring – Work directly with our team to receive personalized coaching and actionable advice tailored to your goals: Apply here.

Explore our virtual courses – Timeless lessons on leadership, building buy-in, conquering burnout, and overcoming blindspots to align your career with your personal goals: Enroll now.

THE COALITION – Busy but eager to grow? Progress requires action, not just intentions. This group is your personal board of advisors—offering a no-nonsense framework to help you focus on what truly matters. It’s virtual, fits into your schedule, and includes an exciting retreat! Ready to act on your dreams? Fill out this form, or email us at [email protected] and our team will be in touch about getting you in our next round.

THE APPRENTICESHIP - We’re heading to the northeast March 22-23! Join us at King Strength & Performance in Livingston, NJ for a hands-on, 2-day workshop to sharpen your communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills. No fluff—just real practice, coaching, and feedback. You’ll leave with a communication evaluation tool and other resources to tackle any conversation.  Sign up TODAY, we’ll see you there!

Referenced Resource:

E313 | How To Communicate With Someone Who Shuts Down or Stonewalls 

Book: Conscious Coaching

Free Webinar on Creating Optimal Coaching Environment

Article: The Role of Athlete Narcissism in Moderating the Relationship Between Coaches’ Transformational Leader Behaviors and Athlete Motivation

E202 | Why Facts And Logic Don’t Change Our Minds

Recommended Resource:

Conscious Coaching Field Guide (free download)

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

Twitter/X: @coach_brettb

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:

• Taking accountability for your actions when you’re in the wrong

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:

• Assessing your goals and determining when to pivot

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:

• Diagnosing the REAL issue: the most crucial first step to solving any problem

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:

• Augmented feedback: the different types and how to make each one impactful

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:

• Maintaining a healthy connection with your partner during a season of change

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