The Growth Project

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Rick Franzblau, Director of Olympic Sports Strength & Conditioning at Clemson University, for a powerful conversation on mindset and performance. Rick shares the "light bulb moment" that changed how he viewed mental performance training, why collaboration is essential in a high-performance model, and how he works to instill a mastery mindset in his athletes, staff, and himself. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for coaches, leaders, and anyone striving for growth.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Rudy Cox, former Clemson Baseball player and current assistant coach at Furman, to explore his transition from player to coach. Rudy shares how lessons from his playing days inform his approach to coaching, leadership, and developing others. He also offers his personal definition of a growth mindset and how he brings it to life in his work with athletes.

In this episode, Drs. Katie Nichols and Cory Shaffer explore the theme of adversity and failure through the lens of Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way. Drawing on the timeless principles of Stoic philosophy, they break down three essential elements for navigating challenges: perspective, action, and will. With practical insights and real-world examples, this conversation offers a framework for developing resilience and maintaining clarity in the face of difficulty.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Dr. Nicholas Beck to take a fresh look at the concept of mental toughness. Drawing from Dr. Beck's extensive research, they explore why mental toughness is not a fixed trait but a dynamic, context-driven capacity that can be developed in all of us. Their conversation challenges outdated assumptions and highlights practical ways to grow stronger through adversity.

In this episode, Dr. Katie Nichols sits down with Clemson Women's Basketball Head Coach Amanda Butler for a candid and inspiring conversation about adversity, resilience, and leadership. Coach Butler reflects on her coaching journey, including the painful moment of being fired by her alma mater on her birthday, and how that setback ultimately shaped the leader she is today. Now the 2024 ACC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, she shares the lessons she's learned about self-awareness, authentic leadership, and the powerful connection between life off the court and performance on it.

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Katie Nichols break down two essential elements leaders must embrace to build mentally resilient teams, exploring what it takes to foster grit, composure, and confidence in the face of adversity. Whether you're coaching athletes or leading in the workplace, this conversation offers practical strategies for developing toughness that lasts.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with professional golfer Doc Redman for an inside look at his journey through the ranks of competitive golf. Doc shares how his definition of success has shifted over time and how staying grounded in process and routine has helped him navigate the highs and lows of life on tour. This conversation offers valuable perspective on growth, resilience, and what it really means to pursue excellence.

In this episode, we revisit some of the standout moments from our April conversations, all centered around the theme of focus. Highlights include practical takeaways from our team of performance psychologists as well as insights from special guest Art Seaver, CEO of Southern First Bank, on leading with clarity and intention. Whether you're looking to sharpen your own focus or lead others more effectively, this recap pulls together some of the month's most valuable lessons.

In this episode, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer continue their conversation on focus, diving into how and why it shifts in high-pressure moments. They explore what it takes to stay locked in when the stakes are high, highlighting the role of routine, process, and presence. You'll also hear practical techniques for calming the mind and body when stress threatens to take over.