In this episode of The X Factor: Level Up Your Mental Game, we dive into the incredible story of Porter Ellett—Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach and living proof that resilience knows no limits.

Porter lost the use of his right arm at just four years old and made the life-changing decision to amputate it at sixteen. But instead of letting adversity define him, he defied the odds—becoming an All-State athlete, working his way into the NFL coaching world, and earning a spot alongside Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.

His journey is one of grit, determination, and an unwavering mindset to overcome challenges every single day. In this episode, we break down the lessons from his story that you can apply to your own life—whether you're an athlete, coach, or anyone striving for greatness.

Tune in and learn how to: 

✅ Develop a mindset that thrives under adversity
✅ Stay committed to your goals, no matter the obstacles
✅ Celebrate small wins and keep pushing forward

This is a story of resilience you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of The X Factor: Level Up Your Mental Game, we dive into the power of letting go and how perfectionism can actually sabotage your performance. Host Brian Martin breaks down a powerful lesson from Marquette Men’s Basketball Coach Shaka Smart, who reminded his team in a high-pressure moment to relax, tell a joke, and stop taking themselves so seriously.

When we get caught up in the fear of making mistakes, we tighten up, hesitate, and underperform. But the secret to playing at your highest level? Loosening your grip, embracing the moment, and allowing yourself the freedom to grow.

Tune in to learn how to shift your mindset, release the pressure, and step into any arena with confidence and clarity. 

Every day, every game, every practice—you have a choice. Are you lifting your team up, or dragging them down? In this episode of The X Factor: Level Up Your Mental Game, Brian Martin breaks down the mindset that separates great teammates from energy-draining ones.

Learn how to bring positive energy, lead by example, and make an impact—on and off the field. Are you the fountain, fueling your team with enthusiasm and commitment? Or are you the drain, pulling everyone down with excuses and negativity?

Tune in now and discover how to level up your mental game and become the kind of teammate every team needs! 

Have you ever let the opinions of others hold you back? Maybe fear of judgment has kept you from chasing a goal or stepping outside your comfort zone. In this episode, we break down how to develop an unshakable mindset—one that keeps you focused on your path, no matter what the critics say.

We take a deep dive into Caitlin Clark’s powerful approach to handling scrutiny. Despite breaking records and dominating on the court, she’s faced constant criticism from the media, fans, and social media. Her response? “I just don’t care.”

Tune in to learn how to build self-confidence, surround yourself with the right people, and rise above negativity—so you can stay locked in on your goals and perform at your highest level. It’s time to block out the noise and play your game.

In this episode, we dive into the power of optimism and how it can make the difference between good and great performances. Dr. Bob Rotella shares an incredible story from the 2012 NCAA Tournament, when he worked with Coach John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats. With a national championship on the line, Coach Calipari knew he needed shooting guard Doron Lamb to step up. But instead of pressure and criticism, he planted a seed of optimism—one that helped Lamb lead Kentucky to victory.

We’ll break down why elite performers can’t reach their goals without optimism and how you can use the same mindset shifts to build confidence, reframe negative thoughts, and perform at your best. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or leader, learn how to plant the optimistic seed in others—and in yourself.

Keep getting after it, my friends!

What if losing wasn’t something to fear—but something to get excited about?  Kobe Bryant once said, “Losing is exciting,” and in this episode, we break down exactly why that perspective can transform the way you approach competition, growth, and success.

Losing doesn’t feel good, but it offers something invaluable: feedback and opportunity. Whether in sports, school, or life, setbacks reveal where you need to improve—if you’re willing to learn from them. You’ll discover how to shift your mindset, analyze failure effectively, and turn losses into stepping stones toward greatness.

Are you using your losses to fuel your success? Tune in to find out how you can start winning, even when you lose. Let’s get after it!

In this episode of The X Factor: Level Up Your Mental Game, we dive into the extraordinary story of Matt Hamill, a man who has redefined resilience and determination. Born deaf, Matt faced challenges that many of us can't even imagine, yet he refused to let those obstacles define him. From becoming a three-time NCAA Division III National Champion in wrestling to achieving success as a professional mixed martial artist in the UFC, Matt’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.

Through Matt's story, we explore how inspiration is all around us—if we take the time to look. His refusal to give up, make excuses, or let adversity stop him reminds us that resilience is a choice we can all make. If you’ve ever felt held back by self-doubt or fear of failure, this episode is your reminder to stay strong, keep pushing, and find strength in the stories of others.

Tune in for a motivational conversation that will leave you ready to overcome your own obstacles and level up your mental game.

Listen now and be inspired to keep getting after it!

In this episode of The X Factor: Level Up Your Mental Game we explore the profound impact of what we allow into our minds and spaces. From books and newsletters to conversations and connections, every influence shapes our perspective and potential. Brian shares a powerful excerpt from Zanna Keithley’s This Is How You Find Your Way, offering a refreshing perspective on success, kindness, and self-compassion. Tune in to discover how small acts of authenticity and mindfulness can create extraordinary ripple effects in your life.

What does it take to be a champion? How can a team achieve true greatness? In this episode we dive into the powerful leadership lessons from Notre Dame Fighting Irish Coach Marcus Freeman, inspired by his post-game insights after an unforgettable season.

Learn about three standout principles shared by Coach Freeman—selflessness, putting others first, and the relentless pursuit of hard work. These lessons go beyond sports, offering valuable takeaways for leaders, teammates, and anyone striving for excellence in any arena.

Tune in to explore how these principles can elevate your mental performance, build stronger connections, and help you thrive even in tough moments. 

Tune in to discover the critical question every leader should ask themselves daily: Am I worth following? Packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways, this episode will inspire you to reflect on your own leadership and the impact you have on those around you.