The Mindful Coach

The Mindful Coach

Download on the App Store

The Mindful Coach episodes

  • Finding Connection in a Simple Hello

    How many times a day do we say "Hi, how are you?" This simple greeting is so common that we reply on autopilot. Not really saying what's true. It's "normal" and expected.

    But because it's so common, there is an opportunity here to do something different - and turn this into a profound tool for creating genuine connection in the first three seconds of a conversation.

    In this episode, presence and communications expert Brett Hill shares the two-part journey that transformed his understanding of this everyday moment. First, he recounts how he learned what he now calls "letting the world come to you." He shares how he learned this through a powerful story about being on the receiving end of a truly authentic answer from a somatic therapist and Hakomi trainer - Phil DelPrince. Replying to "how are you" in a thoughtful, mindful way created a more profound connection out of thin air. Amazing.

    Then, he reveals how he evolved that lesson into a "proactive" practice: learning to initiate a present "Hello" by intentionally "speaking to the whole person."

    This simple act is not only a greeting, but an invitation.

    To what? Listen in for details.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • The power of using "How are you?" as a prompt to be mindful in the moment.
    • The difference between a "receptive" and a "proactive" mindfulness practice in daily conversations.
    • How to invite richer connections and better experiences every day, when you say "Hello" in a specific way.


    If you're aligned with the message in The Mindful Coach Podcast, you'll this free Private Podcast

    Get an "unfair advantage" in your next job interview or one-one meeting.

    Text the word UNFAIR to 425-584-5883 to get free, instant access to Brett's private audio training on mindful communication for interviews.

    If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend and be sure to follow the show on your favorite podcast app.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    13 min
  • Go for the Bronze

    Our culture tells a relentless story: to succeed, you must be a superhero. You have to be the champion, the conqueror standing alone at the top of the hill, no matter the cost. But what is the true cost of this superhuman achievement mentality? For two-thirds of workers, it's burnout, shame, and the crushing weight of feeling like you are never enough.

    In this episode, host Brett Hill shares a powerful and transformative moment from a coaching session with Hakomi co-founder Phil delPrince. Deep in the anxiety of striving to have a greater impact, he was offered one piece of advice that changed everything: "Go for the bronze."

    This episode is a powerful invitation to release the impossible standards our culture imposes. It's a guide to reconnecting with your "embodied authority"—the unshakable, internal sense of your own goodness, independent of any external scoreboard. Discover why it's enough to simply be in the race, why your colleagues will benefit more from your grounded presence than your burned-out brilliance, and why your goodness is the real gold.


    In this episode, you will learn:

    • The true human cost of the "superhero" or "win-at-all-costs" mentality that leads to widespread burnout.
    • The concept of "embodied authority" and how to ground your sense of self-worth in something that no one can take from you.
    • The story behind the powerful advice to "Go for the Bronze" and how it can release you from the anxiety of constant striving.
    • Why showing up with your authentic goodness is more valuable and impactful than chasing an impossible ideal.

    Connect & Go Deeper:

    • THE BOOK: Discover the principles behind this episode in Brett's upcoming book.
    • THE LETTERS: If you enjoyed this episode, get a letter like this each week by signing up for The Mindful Coach Letters at themindfulcoach.com.
    • CONNECT: Did the idea of "going for the bronze" resonate with you? Brett would love to hear about it. Email your thoughts to [email protected]


    AND Follow The Mindful Coach Podcast to build your presence and amplify your impact.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    14 min
  • The Unexpected Cost of Silence

    Have you ever been in a meeting you were invited to, but felt more like an uninvited guest? Many professionals adopt a "wait and see" approach, staying quiet until they feel comfortable. They believe their silence is neutral, but the truth is, it's having a tremendous impact.

    In this episode, host Brett Hill reveals the powerful lesson he learned the hard way in a series of intensive group dynamics trainings: when you don't engage, people will invent a story to explain your silence. He shares the direct, surprising feedback he received—"I just thought you were another geeky guy in his head"—and how it taught him the critical importance of "dealing yourself in" early to establish an authentic presence.

    Learn why your silence is so powerful, how to reclaim your agency in group settings, and the simple practice you can use this week to be seen and heard for who you truly are.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • The surprising and often negative impact your silence has on how colleagues and peers perceive you.
    • Why our brains are hardwired to invent stories about people who don't engage—and the kinds of stories they tell.
    • The concept of "agency" and how to take control of your own narrative in professional settings.
    • A simple, low-stakes practice to "deal yourself in" and ensure your presence is felt authentically.

    Explore the Book:

    • Discover the principles behind this episode in Brett's upcoming book. the Language Of Mindfulness


    Follow The Mindful Coach Podcast to build your presence and amplify your impact. If you've found this helpful, you'll enjoy The Mindful Coach Letters. Sign up in the popup at themindfulcoach.com

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    13 min
  • The Body Knows: From Martial arts to Mindful Leadership

    What if your greatest professional asset isn't your intellect, but a hidden intelligence you carry with you every moment? We often hear about the "mind-body connection," but what does it mean to truly live it?

    In this episode, host Brett shares the powerful and vulnerable personal stories that revealed the profound wisdom of the body. He recounts his decision to walk away from martial arts, his early struggles with coordination, and the two life-changing lessons he learned from a world-renowned Aikido master—including the secret of a "foundational practice" that contains the key to mastery.

    These lessons are put to the ultimate test in a split-second, instinctual decision that saved his infant son from serious harm, proving a simple truth: the body knows. This episode will teach you how to move from being reactive under pressure to responding with a clear, embodied authority that can transform your work and your relationships.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    • The profound wisdom of somatic intelligence and how to trust your body's instincts.
    • The power of a "foundational practice" and how mastering one simple thing can change everything.
    • The critical difference between reacting under pressure and responding with an embodied, centered authority.
    • A simple walking exercise you can use immediately to connect to your center and shift your state of being.
    • Learn More & Go Deeper:

      • Explore the Mindful Communication and Presence for Professionals program to learn how to apply these concepts in your work.
      • Visit TheMindfulCoach.com for articles, resources, and more.
      • Follow The Mindful Coach Podcast to build your presence and amplify your impact.

         

        26 min
      • When the Mind Is Still, the Heart Does the Work

        In this episode, Brett reflects on what may be the most important quality we can bring into our relationships — loving presence. Drawing from his own journey and the teachings of Ron Kurtz, founder of the Hakomi Method, Brett explores how presence isn’t something we perform, but something we allow.

        You’ll hear stories and insights about how this subtle yet powerful state can shift the dynamic of a conversation, deepen connection, and open the door to spontaneous healing — without needing to fix or solve anything.

        Whether you're a coach, therapist, leader, or simply someone who longs for more meaningful moments in your day-to-day life, this episode invites you to slow down and reconnect with the quiet force of love that’s already within you.

        Topics include:

        • What loving presence really is — and isn’t
        • How slowing the mind creates space for deeper connection
        • Why being with someone, without agenda, can be profoundly healing
        • The surprising story that led Ron Kurtz to center his work around this practice
        • A powerful question: How much love will you allow?

        This is a gentle yet potent reminder that presence isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

        See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

        25 min
      • The Most Important Thing in the World

        In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, how can we cultivate a sense of deep connection and peace? As a mindful communications coach, I've discovered that the answer lies in practicing loving presence - a state of being that has the power to transform our relationships and our lives.

        The Essence of Loving Presence

        Loving presence is more than just a concept; it's a powerful way of engaging with the world around us. It involves:

        • Being fully present in the moment
        • Connecting with others on a profound level
        • Suspending judgment and embracing compassion

        I share insights from my years of study with Ron Kurtz, creator of the Hakomi Method, and explain how this practice has fundamentally shaped my approach to coaching and personal growth.

        The Transformative Power of Presence

        Through personal anecdotes and wisdom gleaned from my mentors, I illustrate how embodying loving presence can:

        • Create spontaneous healing in relationships
        • Enhance our ability to truly see and hear others
        • Allow us to access deeper levels of wisdom and intuition

        Practical Steps to Cultivate Loving Presence

        This episode offers actionable advice for incorporating loving presence into your daily life:

        • Slowing down: Creating space for mindfulness
        • Letting go: Releasing expectations and judgments
        • Opening the heart: Allowing yourself to feel and express love

        The Ripple Effect of Love

        I explore how practicing loving presence not only enriches our own lives but has the potential to create positive change in the world around us. By embodying this state of being, we can:

        • Influence the energy of any situation
        • Respond more effectively to challenges
        • Create an atmosphere of healing and growth

        This episode serves as an invitation to explore the profound impact of loving presence in your own life. Whether you're a coach, a leader, or simply someone seeking deeper connections, these insights offer a pathway to a more fulfilling and authentic way of being.

        Are you ready to tap into the transformative power of loving presence? Join me in this exploration of what might be the most important skill we can cultivate in today's world.

        24 min
      • Why You Are So Tired of Small Talk

        Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions, tired of superficial interactions and recurring conflicts? Do you yearn for deeper, more authentic connections but feel like you're swimming upstream against a culture of noise and distraction? You're not alone, and it's not a personal failing.

        In this solo episode, host and mindful somatic coach Brett Hill pulls back the curtain on the "Myth of Normal"—the idea that our modern, disconnected way of living is healthy or sustainable for the human nervous system. He explores how our world is often engineered for distraction and reactivity, from media headlines that jangle our nerves to workplace cultures that can lead to burnout.

        But this isn't a message of despair. It's a message of empowerment. This episode offers a practical, powerful, and surprisingly simple way to reconnect with yourself, find the "juice of life" again, and turn ordinary conversations into extraordinary experiences.

        In This Episode, You Will Learn:

        • Why you feel so disconnected and why so many people are "quietly quitting" on a life of meaning.
        • How modern culture and technology can actively work against your capacity for deep connection.
        • The "Postcard vs. The Mountain" metaphor that explains the crucial difference between thinking about your life and truly experiencing it.
        • Why connecting with yourself is the non-negotiable first step to creating more meaningful relationships with others.
        • A powerful "micro-mindfulness" practice that takes only seconds but can change the entire quality of your day.

        • Actionable Practice from This Episode: The 'Notice & Savor' Technique

          This is the core practice discussed in the episode for rebuilding your connection to yourself and the world.

          • 1. Notice What Lights You Up: Throughout your day, identify the small things that automatically make you feel good—the beauty of a flower, the sound of music you love, the feeling of the sun on your skin, the joy of seeing a dog play.
          • 2. Press Pause: Instead of immediately moving on, intentionally pause for just a moment.
          • 3. Savor the Experience: For just 5, 10, or 15 seconds, let yourself fully feel the pleasant sensation. Take a breath and let the experience "inform your senses" without judgment or analysis.

            This simple habit, practiced consistently, builds the neurological capacity for presence, making it easier to navigate stress and connect more deeply in your relationships.

            Take the Next Step: Your Free Mindful Communications Assesesment

            If this episode’s discussion on reactivity and disconnection resonated with you, a powerful next step is to discover precisely how these patterns show up in your own communication style.

            Brett offers a free and insightful Leadership Communications Assessment designed to give you a clear, objective snapshot of your strengths and biggest blind spots as a leader. In just a few minutes, you’ll receive a personalized, score-based report across 8 key areas of professional effectiveness—including Thought Management and Anxiety Tolerance.

            Stop guessing and start building on a tangible foundation. Take the free assessment now to discover your areas for growth and get expert-recommended suggestions.

            Visit https://bretthill.youneedacoach.co/ to get your personalized results.

            See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

            49 min
          • Letting the World Come to You - A New Approach to Improving Your Life

            How can we find peace and fulfillment in a world obsessed with achievement? As a mindful communications coach, I've witnessed countless individuals caught in the relentless pursuit of success, never feeling quite "enough." This episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast challenges the notion that constant striving is the path to happiness.

            Breaking Free from the Achievement Trap
            • Equating self-worth with accomplishments
            • Neglecting present-moment awareness
            • Obsessing about what you could have had or have not yet achieved

            • In this episode, you'll learn about refreshing perspective on how to reclaim your sense of value and contentment, regardless of external measures of success.

              Letting the World Come to You

              Discover the transformative practice of "letting the world come to you." Learn how to:

              • Create space for stillness amidst chaos
              • Appreciate beauty in unexpected places
              • Shift from reactivity to responsiveness

              • Through personal anecdotes and client stories, I illustrate how these simple yet profound techniques can reshape your daily experience.

                Reframing Negative Thought Patterns

                "It's not about ignoring our thoughts, but learning to observe them without judgment."

                We'll explore practical strategies for:

                • Recognizing catastrophic thinking
                • Questioning automatic assumptions
                • Cultivating a more balanced perspective

                • Embracing Authenticity in Communication

                  Learn how to:

                  • Use the question "How are you?" as a resource
                  • Allow yourself to feel appreciated
                  • Connect more deeply with others through honest expression

                  • This episode serves as a gentle reminder that there is great goodness readily available in our lives that is not dependent on what we achieve. We just need to be present for it.

                    Are you ready to challenge the achievement culture and practice a skill that will help you be happier and more successful? Join me in exploring this transformative practice that has made a huge difference in quality of my life and the lives of others.

                    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

                    23 min
                  • The Practice of Presence

                    Have you ever wished you could instantly enhance your presence in any conversation or meeting? As a mindful communications coach, I've spent years refining techniques to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and connection. In this episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, I share a powerful yet simple practice that can dramatically shift your interactions in just five seconds.

                    We explore how being fully present can:

                    • Deepen relationships
                    • Create authentic connections
                    • Enhance the quality of your conversations

                    • I discuss the importance of moving beyond casual interactions to intentional engagement, emphasizing how this shift can lead to more meaningful exchanges.

                      Words Matter: Reclaiming Their Power

                      We delve into the significance of language and how words often become disconnected from their original meanings. I share insights on:

                      • The overuse of psychological terms like "trauma" and "narcissism"
                      • The impact of careless speech
                      • How to use "expensive words" that carry more value and intention

                      • Practical Techniques for Mindful Communication

                        Learn actionable strategies to enhance your presence and communication:

                        • Tracking the connection: Observing how your words land with others
                        • Owning your impact: Taking responsibility for how you show up
                        • Grounding yourself amidst chaos: Techniques for finding clarity in stressful situations

                        • The Art of Being Present

                          I introduce the concept of presence as the manifestation of being, offering a practical approach to invoking this state:

                          • Connecting to your experience in the moment
                          • Witnessing inner chaos without becoming overwhelmed
                          • Bringing kindness to your self-judgment

                          • Expanding Your Awareness

                            Discover how to:

                            • Relate to your experiences without being defined by them
                            • Connect with the depth of your life experiences
                            • Bring your whole self into every interaction

                            • This episode is an invitation to practice presence intentionally, transforming your communication and deepening your connections. By mastering these techniques, you'll be better equipped to navigate challenging conversations, build stronger relationships, and create a more fulfilling personal and professional life.

                              Are you ready to elevate your presence and transform your interactions? Join me in exploring the profound impact of mindful communication.

                              See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

                              31 min
                            • The Anxiety of What's Not Happening

                              Have you ever found yourself feeling miserable about things that aren't even happening? As a mindful communications coach, I've encountered countless individuals who struggle with this peculiar form of unhappiness. In this episode of The Mindful Coach Podcast, we explore the powerful impact of our thoughts on our well-being and discover how to shift our focus to the present moment.

                              The Trap of Imaginary Outcomes

                              We often fall into the habit of worrying about potential future events, allowing our minds to create scenarios that may never materialize. This tendency can lead to:

                              • Unnecessary stress and anxiety
                              • Disconnection from the present moment
                              • Missed opportunities for joy and appreciation

                              • I share insights on how to recognize when you're "living in the gap" between what's happening now and what could happen, and offer strategies to break free from this cycle.

                                Embracing the Beauty of Now

                                "To have a day that is enjoyable is to have a day that has enjoyable moments."

                                Learn how to cultivate an awareness of the "diamonds at your feet" - those everyday moments of beauty and wonder that surround us. We discuss:

                                • Techniques for noticing and appreciating ordinary experiences
                                • The power of presence in transforming our perception
                                • How to balance necessary planning with mindful living

                                • Practical Tools for Staying Present

                                  Discover actionable techniques to anchor yourself in the present moment, including:

                                  • The "name it to tame it" approach for managing difficult thoughts
                                  • Somatic practices for grounding yourself in your body
                                  • Strategies for breaking the spell of negative thought patterns

                                  • Reframing Challenges

                                    Through powerful examples and personal anecdotes, we explore how to maintain presence even in the face of genuine difficulties. Learn how to:

                                    • Distinguish between necessary problem-solving and unproductive worry
                                    • Find moments of peace and clarity amidst challenging circumstances
                                    • Cultivate resilience by focusing on what's within your control

                                    • This episode offers a fresh perspective on happiness and invites you to reconsider the source of your discontent. By learning to navigate the gap between imagination and reality, you can open yourself to a richer, more fulfilling experience of life - right here, right now.

                                      Are you ready to discover the unexpected path to greater happiness? Join me in this exploration of mindful presence and the transformative power of living in the now.

                                      #mindfulness, #presence, #happiness #anxiety #negative outcomes #ordinary beauty #Eckhart Tolle #mental health #coaching #self-awareness

                                      See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

                                      30 min

                                    About The Mindful Coach

                                    From the publisher's feed

                                    In a world of constant disconnection, the ability to deepen your presence is what makes you memorable, powerful, and believable. How you speak, listen, and connect are all transformed, allowing you…