The Growth Project

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with legendary Coach Jim Donnan to reflect on his remarkable journey through college football. From his playing days at NC State to a decorated coaching career, including leading the Georgia Bulldogs and earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, Coach Donnan shares stories, lessons, and the mindset that fueled his success. Tune in for an insider's look at leadership, perseverance, and the wisdom gained from a lifetime in the game.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Paul Davis, Director of Pitching Development for the Atlanta Braves. They explore Paul's philosophy on developing pitchers, and how he blends the art and science of coaching to help athletes perform at the highest level. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or simply fascinated by peak performance, this conversation offers insights into mastery, mentorship, and the mechanics behind success on the mound.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Coach Will Muschamp, defensive analyst for Georgia Football and veteran leader across elite college programs. From his Georgia roots to a storied coaching career, Muschamp shares the people, principles, and mindset that have shaped his journey. Hear candid stories from the sidelines, timeless lessons from decades in the game, and how his relentless drive continues to shape the next generation of athletes.

Change isn't the exception, it's the norm. In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore how to lead yourself and others through change with clarity and resilience. From personal transitions to team transformations, they discuss why change shouldn't be feared, how to communicate it effectively, and how to thrive in uncertainty. Discover how to reframe change, not as a disruption, but as a catalyst for growth.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Dr. Nathaniel Thom, Director of the Neuroscience Program at Wheaton College, to explore the powerful connection between mind and body. They discuss the role of exercise in brain health and what it means to flourish under pressure. Drawing from his postdoctoral work with the U.S. Navy, Dr. Thom shares how cognitive flexibility helps individuals thrive in high-stress environments.

In Part 2 of their conversation on psychological safety, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer move from definition to application. Now that the myths are cleared up, how do you actually build psychological safety in your team or organization? They explore actionable ways to bring it to life, like doubling down on meaningful work goals, balancing advocacy with inquiry, and creating space for candid dialogue. Learn how to foster a culture where people feel safe enough to grow and perform at their best.

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer unpack the growing buzz around "psychological safety" and why many misunderstand what it really means. As the term gains popularity, it's often reduced to "being nice" or mistaken as guaranteed agreement. Drawing on research by Amy Edmondson (Harvard Business Review), they explore the real meaning: the freedom to be constructively candid without fear. Tune in for part one of this deep dive into the art and science of true psychological safety.

In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Drew Brannon explore the powerful role coachability plays in performance and growth. They unpack why this trait is so highly valued by leaders, hiring managers, and coaches alike. Learn what it means to be truly coachable: having a growth mindset, showing humility, taking action, and embracing accountability. Whether you're leading, learning, or leveling up, this conversation will challenge you to become more coachable.

We often talk about the fear of failure, but what about the fear of success? In this episode, Drs. Milt Lowder and Cory Shaffer explore both. Why do we hesitate, not only when we might fall short, but also when we're on the brink of rising? They dive into the hidden drivers of this tension, from perfectionism to Tall Poppy Syndrome, and share how to reframe your mindset to fully step into your potential.

What happens after you've climbed your Everest? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the arrival fallacy—the belief that reaching a long-term goal will bring lasting fulfillment. Using Rory McIlroy's post-Masters win slump as a case study, they examine the emotional weight that can follow major achievements. From elite sports to everyday life, they discuss how to redefine success and build the resilience needed for the long haul.