Win More, Live Better

Two people can say the exact same thing, yet only one sticks. Why? Because we’re tuned to certain frequencies. In this episode, we explore The Law of the Frequency and how tone, timing, stories, and trust shape the messages we actually hear. You’ll hear strategies for reinforcing shared language, flexing your delivery to reach different personalities, and learning from voices outside your usual frequency. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

As human beings, we can be busy all day and still make no progress. This episode will show you why and how to fix it. Using the antelope vs. field mice metaphor (inspired from a quote by Newt Gingrich), I’ll share why so many leaders, coaches, and athletes spend their best energy on the wrong things. We'll also discuss the 80/20 rule and share how former NFL star, JJ Watt, used a mental framework for spending more time on what matters most. By the end, you’ll have a simple test to know whether you’re chasing mice or hunting antelope each day.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

When was the last time you thanked someone who helped you rise? In this episode, we explore the quiet strength and impact of Sherpas. Sherpas are those essential "behind-the-scenes" contributors who make high performance and achieving your dreams possible, without asking for credit or recognition in return. You’ll hear insights from the 14 Peaks documentary, reflections from a real-life World Series run, and a challenge to thank those who have guided you on your own journey.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

You can’t make someone want something, but you can build an environment or create conditions where they choose to chase it themselves. This week’s episode features a parenting story from legendary basketball coach, Pat Summitt, that is relevant for parents and coaches. If you’ve ever found yourself pushing harder than the people you lead, this one’s for you.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Success doesn't last forever and neither does failure, but if you let your emotions steer the ship, both can take you off course. Today's episode is inspired by a parable about a king and a gold ring and the wisdom behind four simple words:“This too shall pass.” 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Today's episode explores the question: Are you traveling on the right train or just afraid to get off? From Kodak’s billion-dollar delay to the everyday moments we justify staying stuck, you’ll learn why the longer we wait to pivot, the harder the return trip becomes. This conversation will challenge you to re-evaluate the direction you’re headed and give a few tools to make the next right move if it's time to adjust.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

Today we're joined by one of college football’s most respected leaders, Coach Chris Petersen.

Across 14 seasons as a Division I head football coach, Petersen compiled a remarkable 147-38 career record, including five top-10 national finishes. He was the first-ever two-time recipient of the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year Award and became the fastest active FBS coach to reach 100 career victories, doing so in just 117 games.

During his time at Boise State, he guided the Broncos to two undefeated seasons and a program-defining win in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. At the University of Washington, he led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff and three New Year’s Six Bowl appearances, while also setting a new standard for academic achievement. Under his leadership, UW football posted the highest four-year APR (Academic Progress Rate) score in the history of FBS football.

Beyond the wins and accolades, Petersen was known for his “Built for Life” philosophy: A leadership approach rooted in character development, life skills, and long-term success beyond the game. Since stepping away from coaching in 2019, he has continued to pour into others by advising coaches, athletic departments, and businesses, and serving as a college football analyst for FOX Sports.

Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:

[13:30] — Society vs. Personal Scoreboard

[17:30] — The Illusion of Achievement

[28:19] — Learning How to Lead

[30:02] — The Paradox of Leadership

[35:38] — Gamechanging Leaders

[49:33] — Developing Your Coaching Staff

[53:22] — Coaches Need Coaches Too

More Resources from Zach:

• For more practical tools and mindset stories, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

You can’t grow and stay comfortable at the same time. In this episode, we talk about what it means to let go of the old before the new is ready. Using the metaphor of trapeze bars, we explore why the in-between is actually where enduring transformation takes place. You’ll learn why letting go is the first step to leveling up and why control is an illusion, but commitment is always a choice.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

What if one habit could unlock discipline, energy, and momentum across your entire day? That’s the power of a keystone habit. In this episode, we dig into how identifying your keystone habit can make the rest of your life easier, not harder. From sleep and exercise to connection and stillness, these foundational habits hold everything else together. You'll learn how to identify your own keystone habit and why it might evolve over time.

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/

High performers are wired to get better and improve, but what happens when your drive to optimize starts working against you? We live in a world obsessed with optimization (e.g. morning routines, productivity tools, tracking devices, etc.), but sometimes the pursuit of better becomes the barrier to starting in the first place. This episode challenges the illusion of momentum that comes from endless planning. If you’ve bought the shoes but haven’t run, read the books but haven’t acted, or tracked everything but haven’t produced, then this episode might be your call to action. 

• For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/
• If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/