The Growth Project

What could a trailblazing golfer like Bryson DeChambeau and a visionary innovator like Steve Jobs possibly have in common? In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer unpack the concept of "blue oceans" — untapped opportunities beyond the crowded waters of conventional thinking. They explore why most people stick to tradition, how to spot game-changing possibilities in your own field, and what it really takes to disrupt the status quo and leave your competition far behind.

Between the global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and constant change, it's no surprise burnout is on the rise. In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Katie Nichols unpack what burnout really is, the warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take to protect your energy and well-being. They also explore why grit matters more than ever in navigating today's challenges.

What happens when a career built on success suddenly unravels into years of failure? Colorado Rockies pitcher Daniel Bard shares his remarkable journey, from MLB star to complete collapse, to earning the 2020 National League Comeback Player of the Year. In this candid conversation with Dr. Cory Shaffer, Bard reveals how self-awareness, mindfulness, and gratitude transformed his perspective, reignited his career, and shaped his approach to life beyond the game.

Leadership might be a popular buzzword, but what does it truly mean and how do you lead in a way that inspires others to follow? In this episode, Hall of Fame coach Gail Goestenkors joins Dr. Katie Nichols to share lessons from decades on the sidelines, defining what real leadership looks like and how to embody it every day. Through stories from her celebrated career, she offers a candid look at leading by example and the impact it can have on teams and individuals alike.

What does it take to break barriers and stay there? Rachel Balkovec just completed her first year as a minor league hitting coach with the New York Yankees, making history as the first woman to hold that role in professional baseball. In this episode with Dr. Cory Shaffer, she shares the bold vision that fueled her journey, the challenges she's overcome along the way, and how adversity has sharpened her into the leader she is today.

What does it truly take to lead a team to sustained success? In this episode, Dr. Katie Nichols talks with veteran coach, Sue Guevara, who reflects on four decades of experience at the helm of collegiate programs. She shares her hard-earned insights on building strong relationships, communicating with clarity, and helping teams grow through challenge and change. Now retired, Sue also talks about what it means to live with passion and purpose beyond the game and why leadership never really ends.

Suicide is a deeply complex and difficult topic and one that deserves open, compassionate conversation. In this episode, Dr. Milt Lowder and Dr. Drew Brannon address the realities and struggles surrounding suicide with care and honesty. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support: National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or call us at 1-864-241-5444. Our hope is that this episode serves as a resource to deepen understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage connection in the face of this serious challenge.

Can peak performance be reverse engineered? For over 15 years, Dr. Erik Korem has been at the forefront of High Performance and Exercise Science, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. In this conversation with Dr. Cory Shaffer, he shares how to break down the process of achieving elite results, offering practical steps to bring big visions to life and optimize both ourselves and our performance.

What is emotional reasoning and how can we harness our emotions instead of being controlled by them? In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Dr. Katie Nichols unpack how strong emotions can cloud our thinking and decision-making. They introduce three practical steps to develop emotional strength: learning to understand, manage, and respond to emotions with wisdom and compassion. Discover how working with your emotions, not against them, can transform your leadership and life.