The Growth Project

Cultivating gratitude is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to transform your life—and science backs it up. In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer dispel the myth that gratitude is just a "soft skill" and dive into its substantial, evidence-based benefits. From enhanced mood and heightened awareness to stronger immune systems and deeper social connections, they explore how gratitude rewires the brain and contributes to a happier, healthier you. Discover the difference between "benefit-triggered" gratitude and a general gratitude practice, and learn practical ways to integrate this far-reaching habit into your daily life. Tune in to see how this powerful yet accessible practice can elevate your well-being and unlock lasting improvements in your overall quality of life.

Join Dr. Drew Brannon, sport psychologist for Georgia football, and Dr. Cory Shaffer, performance coach for Oregon football, as they reflect on the college football season so far and explore the principles of achieving and sustaining peak performance. With the transfer portal and 12-team playoff reshaping the competition, teams have experienced dramatic rises and falls, making for an especially thrilling season. They share essential strategies for building high-performing teams and maintaining lasting success—insights that apply beyond the field to any team or organization.

What makes your organization unique, enduring, and impactful? In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon and Clemson PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson discuss the game-changing role of a well-defined organizational identity. Learn how clarity around your organization’s core values can boost performance, attract top talent, and foster customer loyalty. Discover five essential elements—leadership, culture, team, structure, and incentives—that are necessary to developing a strong identity, and explore ways to bridge the gap between where you are and where you aspire to be.

In this Q&A session following last week’s live 300th episode, Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer reflect on pivotal moments from AMPLOS' journey, including their work with college football athletes at Clemson, Georgia, and Oregon. They reveal what brings the most joy in their work—Milt’s passion for curiosity, Drew’s drive for breakthroughs, and Cory’s focus on self-awareness. They also offer advice to their younger selves, share lessons from past failures, and discuss their hopes for the future of The Growth Project.

Join us for a special live recording from the ONE building in downtown Greenville, SC, as we celebrated our 300th episode with a live audience! Drs. Milt Lowder, Drew Brannon, and Cory Shaffer reflect on their 7-year journey to 300 episodes and highlight three impactful leaders you might not know, but should: Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete in history, Jim Elliot, American Christian missionary who became a martyr while attempting to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador, and Harvey Gantt, the first African American student to enroll at Clemson University and former mayor of Charlotte, NC. They reference their stories to illustrate timeless leadership lessons relevant across all industries.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer welcomes back Dr. Katie Nichols, former AMPLOS performance coach and host of The Growth Project, and current Director of Mental Performance at the University of Louisville. As we approach our 300th episode, it feels fitting to bring back Dr. Nichols, who played a vital role in shaping the podcast, to share what she’s learned over the past two years—building her team, navigating leadership, and instilling authenticity into the team culture. In addition, they also reflect on their favorite moments from The Growth Project.

Dr. Drew Brannon, sport psychologist for Georgia football, and Dr. Cory Shaffer, performance coach for Oregon football, reflect on the current state of the college football season. With Oregon undefeated and Georgia experiencing one loss, they explore the mental toughness needed for the long game – both on and off the field. They dive into the psychology behind staying focused, handling setbacks, and navigating this year's major shifts, including playoff changes, conference realignments, and the removal of divisions. Learn how to stay resilient and keep moving forward, no matter the challenges.

In this special episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon discuss the profound impact of Hurricane Helene, which left a wake of destruction throughout the Southeast, including our home of Greenville, SC, and how it illustrates the "U-Trifecta"—facing events that are unpredictable, undesirable, and leave us feeling unprepared. From the anxiety and stress of disaster to the importance of being present in pain, they explore how trauma can trigger unity and a charitable response. Tune in as they emphasize the power of community and getting back into the game, even in the face of immense destruction.

For more information on power outages, nearby shelters, road conditions, closings, and ways to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene, please visit:

SCEMD: https://scemd.org/

NCDPS: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management

American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore the surprising science behind motivational language and why negative pregame speeches in sports fall flat. Drawing on research, they discuss how coaching from fear or weakness not only undermines performance but also impacts team culture and personal growth. Learn how positive feedback, empathy, and a coach's positive presence can elevate both athletes and employees alike, fostering lasting improvements in performance and well-being. Tune in for lessons that extend far beyond the game.

Join Dr. Milt Lowder and Clemson University PhD student and AMPLOS intern Marlee Johnson as they explore the transformative power of self-talk. In this episode, they discuss how our inner dialogue shapes our actions, well-being, and emotional responses. Learn when your thoughts work for or against you, and how courage is key to processing negative emotions. This conversation is foundational for building resilience and fostering mental strength.