Podcast appearances and mentions of John Smoltz

Chris Holman welcomes Sam Connell, New General Manager, Battle Creek Battle Jacks. Welcome Sam, please share some of your career leading up to being named a baseball GM last September? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Home of Southwest Michigan Baseball, Building the Future From a Historic Home Battle Creek Battle Jacks Announce New Tagline and Tease Alternate Identity for 2026 Battle Creek, Mich. (January 16, 2026). The Battle Creek Battle Jacks today announced a new official tagline that will guide the organization into its next chapter, while also previewing plans for a Southwest Michigan alternate identity to be introduced during the 2026 season. As the Battle Jacks prepare to enter its fifth season since the rebrand from the “Bombers”, the announcement reflects a moment of reflection, pride, and purpose for the organization and the community it serves. Beginning in 2026, the Battle Jacks will officially carry the tagline: Battle Creek Battle Jacks. Home of Southwest Michigan Baseball. The new identity represents more than a branding update. It signals a renewed commitment to Battle Creek, recognition of the city's deep baseball roots, and a long-term vision that positions the ballpark as the gathering place for baseball fans across the entire Southwest Michigan region. “This moment is about clarity,” said Owner and President Scott Miles. “Southwest Michigan is -*the region we serve. Battle Creek is the home that defines it. Our ballpark stands on some of the most historic baseball grounds in the Midwest. Hall of Famers played here in their early years. Generations of families have come through this park. Past teams wore Southwest Michigan across their chests because Battle Creek had earned that identity.” A Home Built on History Baseball in Battle Creek did not begin with the Battle Jacks. For decades, Bailey Park and historic C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek have stood among the Midwest's most important amateur baseball venues. Long before the Battle Jacks took the field, the park hosted professional baseball, championship teams, and a who's who of Michigan baseball royalty. From future Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter and John Smoltz in the earliest stages of their careers to countless unforgettable summer nights, the ballpark helped shape the baseball culture of Michigan. Families traveled from communities across Southwest Michigan to watch the game played here. Players grew up dreaming of stepping onto this field. Teams proudly represented not just a city, but an entire region. Calling Battle Creek the Home of Southwest Michigan Baseball is not a marketing slogan. It is recognition of what has already been true for generations. “This ballpark is sacred ground,” Miles said. “When you walk into Bailey Park, you feel the history. Our responsibility is to protect that legacy while building something that honors it and carries it forward.” A Natural Evolution in Year Five When the Battle Jacks rebranded in 2021, the team's original tagline, Fans Best Friend, captured the warmth, accessibility, and family-first spirit that defined the franchise's early years. That identity will continue to serve a meaningful purpose within the organization. “That foundation mattered,” said General Manager Sam Connell. “As a young organization, that identity helped us build trust and connection. It reflected who we were at that moment.” Now entering the fifth season, the organization has grown, expectations have grown, and the role the team plays in the community and across the region has grown as well.

On the diamond, John Smoltz won 213 Major League games and saved 154 others and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot.On the links, he has impressed the very best in our game, with Tiger Woods saying that he is the best player Tiger has seen outside of the PGA TOUR. He's the lead analyst for Fox Sports coverage of Major League Baseball, and can he ever talk baseball and golf.Step up to the plate, and get ready for Smoltzie, on "Musings on Golf."

This week, we revisit our conversation with Molly Fletcher. Molly made her mark as one of the first female sports agents, and during her nearly two decades as President of CSE she negotiated more than $500 million in contracts. She represented over 300 of sports' biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA Tour golfer Matt Kuchar, broadcaster Erin Andrews, and championship coaches Tom Izzo and Doc Rivers. Today, Molly is recognized as one of the world's top keynote speakers, and her TED Talk, "Secrets of a Champion Mindset," has surpassed one million views. She also hosts the popular podcast Game Changers with Molly Fletcher, where she interviews leaders, experts, and high performers across every field. Molly is the founder of Game Changer Performance Group and the author of five books, including her most recent, The Energy Clock.

Former NFL chaplain Carey Casey shares a message about racial unity and Christian love. He describes the legacy passed on from his father and grandfather, who inspired and challenged him through the lessons they learned while overcoming true hardships. We all love rooting for our favorite sports teams, but the stadium is only part of a larger arena in life: God’s kingdom. What does faith look like both on and off the playing field? In this special collection, you’ll hear powerful testimonies from athletes with memorable track records in sports and an even greater legacy in faith. Featuring guests like John Smoltz, Darrell Waltrip, Scott Hamilton, Benjamin Watson and more! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

As the Seattle Seahawks head into the NFL playoffs as the number one seed in the NFC, Leslie Frazier, Assistant Head Coach, speaks with Jim Daly about modeling a life of integrity and maturity in the NFL while pouring into men's lives. Frazier shares about the people who shaped his life as a young man, player, and coach. He also reveals a longstanding fellowship of coaches in the NFL who are "iron sharpening iron," as they study God's Word and grow spiritually. We all love rooting for our favorite sports teams, but the stadium is only part of a larger arena in life: God’s kingdom. What does faith look like both on and off the playing field? In this special collection, you’ll hear powerful testimonies from athletes with memorable track records in sports and an even greater legacy in faith. Featuring guests like John Smoltz, Darrell Waltrip, Scott Hamilton, Benjamin Watson and more! Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God. Encounter with God is for Bible readers seeking to deepen their understanding of God's Word. Encounter with God leads you through the entire Bible in six years. A weekly podcast, Encounter with God Together, is available each Monday with featured guests who share their insights on upcoming passages from Encounter with God. Tony Dungy's Family, Surviving Suicide SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

On October 28, 1995, the Atlanta Braves brought home the first major professional sports championship to the City of Atlanta.  “FINALLY! The '95 Braves” presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casinos tells the story of that historic season through the memories of 20 players and personnel from the 1995 Atlanta Braves, including Baseball Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Fred McGriff, as well as Braves Hall of Famers David Justice, Javy Lopez and Leo Mazzone.Part 3 takes listeners on a journey through the entire 1995 World Series and the celebration that followed.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 28, 1995, the Atlanta Braves brought home the first major professional sports championship to the City of Atlanta.  “FINALLY! The '95 Braves” presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casinos tells the story of that historic season through the memories of 20 players and personnel from the 1995 Atlanta Braves, including Baseball Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Fred McGriff, as well as Braves Hall of Famers David Justice, Javy Lopez and Leo Mazzone.Part 1 examines the pressure that had been building since the Braves' arrival to Atlanta in 1966 for the team to win a World Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 28, 1995, the Atlanta Braves brought home the first major professional sports championship to the City of Atlanta.  “FINALLY! The '95 Braves” presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casinos tells the story of that historic season through the memories of 20 players and personnel from the 1995 Atlanta Braves, including Baseball Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Fred McGriff, as well as Braves Hall of Famers David Justice, Javy Lopez and Leo Mazzone.Part 2 gives an in-depth look at the key moments and games of the 1995 National League Division Series vs. the Colorado Rockies and the 1995 National League Championship Series vs. the Cincinnati Reds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Braves pitcher John Smoltz joined Buck and Kelly on The Buck Belue Show to give his thoughts on the Walt Weiss hire and what he thought about the World Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Braves pitcher John Smoltz joined Buck and Kelly on The Buck Belue Show to give his thoughts on the Walt Weiss hire and what he thought about the World Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Braves pitcher John Smoltz joined Buck and Kelly on The Buck Belue Show to give his thoughts on the Walt Weiss hire and what he thought about the World Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Verlander and John Smoltz are back once again to talk everything about World Series Game 6 so lock it and get dialed in before the BIG GAME! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOX MLB Analyst John Smoltz joins the show to recap last night's epic Blue Jays vs. Dodgers Game 3.

Nick Kostos opens up the Power Hour reacting to the John Smoltz interview from earlier in the show with Femi Abebefe. Plus, Drew Dinsick joins the show to break down his NFL Week 9 best bets. Nick and Femi give out their best bets for tonight in the NBA & World Series Game 4.

Hour 1 - John Smoltz Talks Blue Jays vs. Dodgers! bonus 2675 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:20:00 +0000 PRV75MV6FBKrMWmVjFSmYDJvkZueldW1 sports You Better You Bet sports Hour 1 - John Smoltz Talks Blue Jays vs. Dodgers! Nick Kostos, the undisputed King of Wagertainment, brings you the best bets, hottest takes, and electric energy. Alongside the sharp and charismatic, Femi Abebefe, Nick covers the biggest matchups, latest line movements, and futures markets like no one else. Expect up-to-the-minute coverage of backdoor covers, bad beats, and the emotional highs and lows that come with every bet. This isn't just sports betting talk—it's an experience.   © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Sports False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed

Nick Kostos and Femi Abebefe are LIVE on this Terrific Tuesday! The guys recap a WILD Game 3 between the Dodgers and Blue Jays last night in the World Series. Nick recaps Monday Night Football and explains why he's worried about the Commanders moving forward. Plus, Nick hits on Saturday's CFB slate, NBA Futures and MUCH MORE! John Smoltz, Mark Schlereth and Drew Dinsick joins the show!

John Smoltz is a World Series champion, former Cy Young award-winner and hall of fame pitcher. He shares his inspiring story about the twists and turns in his career, finding faith in Christ, and rebuilding his life after experiencing hardship. He reveals how God taught him to surrender control and trust Him, while growing in grace in this one-on-one conversation with Jim Daly. Receive a copy of Starting and Closing and an audio download of "John Smoltz: A Story of Triumph and Unexpected Turns" for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

John Smoltz is a World Series champion, former Cy Young award-winner and hall of fame pitcher. He shares his inspiring story about the twists and turns in his career, finding faith in Christ, and rebuilding his life after experiencing hardship. He reveals how God taught him to surrender control and trust Him, while growing in grace in this one-on-one conversation with Jim Daly. Receive a copy of Starting and Closing and an audio download of "John Smoltz: A Story of Triumph and Unexpected Turns" for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz to the show to preview the 2025 MLB World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sports the NEMO Way we bring the best Braves to the table for discussion. This franchise has had a lot of great players especially coming out of the 90's team that was really great. So take a listen this week and hear us choose the Braves Starting 9. Have a great day and we'll see you all next week... Peace.

In the second hour, Matt Spiegel and Anthony Herron were joined by NFL Network analyst and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner to break down Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' struggles in his team's 26-14 win against the Saints on Sunday. After that, Spiegel criticized Fox analyst John Smoltz for his commentary in the Blue Jays' win over the Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday.

The World Series looms, so David Brown returns for a second straight week to talk about the great ALCS, Shohei doing crazy things in the NLCS and whether or not John Smoltz has always sucked this much. Andy brags about nailing his managerial opening predictions of Albert Pujols to the Angels and Nick Hundley to the Giants, and then the guys talk about the people who actually did get those jobs, including the fascinating Giants hire of college coach Tony Vitello (which became official right after they stopped recording, of course). They also talk about Dave Roberts' comments about the Dodgers continuing to ruin baseball, and who actually is ruining it. All that, and more.

Matt Spiegel criticized Fox analyst John Smoltz for his commentary in the Blue Jays' win over the Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday.

We discuss John Smoltz's comments about which team can appply the most pressure in tonight's game 7. Then, M's broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith joins the show to discuss whether Cal or Geno had the bigger home run on Friday, which team has more unique ways to approach tonight's game, what to expect from George Kirby and how Dan Wilson might approach the lineup and rotation decisions tonight.

With Game 7 set for tonight, Brock and Salk talk through how the Mariners could shape up their lineup and pitching staff in the all-or-nothing contest. Later, John Smoltz of FOX Sports joins the show to help preview Game 7, what he'll be watching for in the matchup and what has stood out to him in the series so far.

ESPN’s Brady Henderson joins the show to talk about tonight’s MNF matchup between the Hawks and Texan’s. He highlights Sam Darnold’s hot start to the season, the offensive line stepping up, and much, much more. They talk about the Kraken’s hot start to the season and the Huskies loss to Michigan in Headline Rewrites. They go around the NFL and talk about the top headlines from Week 7. And they listen to what Fox’s John Smoltz had to say about tonight’s game 7.

Baseball Hall of Famer and Commentator John Smoltz shares his testimony of coming to Christ while pitching for the Atlanta Braves. He shares about family, faith, and baseball, unfolding the story of his childhood, his career, experiencing divorce, parenting, and God's restoration and provision in his life. This discussion will inspire you to lean into God and trust Him more deeply in your life. Get a copy of John Smoltz's book, Starting and Closing: Perseverance, Faith, and One More Year, for a gift of any amount. Sign up to hear more inspiring Christian testimonies from professional athletes. There's no place like home, right? Just as home brings a sense of belonging, rest, and security, so does a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don't have one, this article can show you how to find your place in God's eternal family. Good parents aren't perfect. And that's okay. There's no formula to follow, but there are ways you can grow every day. This assessment gives parents an honest look at their unique strengths, plus some areas that could use a little help. SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send Jim a voicemail! Click here. Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

On the latest Sports Media Watch Podcast, Jon Lewis, co-host Armand Broady and producer Derek Futterman look ahead toward next week's return of the NBA on NBC and what to expect -- and why the version of "Roundball Rock" you've been hearing is not the best one. Plus, a look at MLB Postseason ratings and a detailed discussion about the announcers, including Adam Amin, Joe Davis and John Smoltz.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ben Maller talks about the Blue Jays winning Game 3 of the ALCS by routing the Mariners 13-4 and who is to blame for the Seattle's loss, what was different for Toronto star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on his big night, John Smoltz being addicted to the word momentum, and much more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Verlander welcomes back John Smoltz to discuss what he is seeing in the ALCS between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. Will the Mariners and Dodgers sweep the ALCS & NLCS? Ben and Smoltz also discuss who is the greatest postseason rotation of all time & more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander and John Smoltz talk through a WILD ALDS series between the Yankees and Blue Jays and dive into the other LDS series'. How are the Phillies able to keep Shohei Ohtani quiet? Will the Tigers or Mariners win Game 5? Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 03:23 Blue Jays defeat Yankees 08:02 What Went Wrong for NYY 09:45 Tigers vs Mariners Game 5 11:15 Phillies vs Dodgers 14:17 Ohtani quiet against Phillies 15:30 Teams Using An Opener 22:10 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BT and Sal light up the airwaves with their weekly segment! This week, the guys tackle food, fear, and frustration in the baseball world. The three questions under the microscope are: 1. How long would it take you to eat a full bowl of popcorn (in baseball innings)? 2. Could you complete the "9-9-9 Challenge" (9 innings, 9 hot dogs, 9 beers)? 3. Who slept more during last night's game: Jazz Chisholm or John Smoltz?

BT and Sal dive into the Aaron Judge controversy after his game-tying home run, debating the "look" he gave the camera: a clutch alpha move (BT) or a sign of no class (caller Ralph)? Sal is so convinced by the Yankees' momentum that he declares the series locked up, while also lamenting a scheduling conflict for a potential Game 5! Plus, the guys get into their weekly Three Random Questions segment: Question 1: How long would it take to eat a full bowl of unbuttered popcorn (in baseball innings)? Question 2: How far could they get in the 9-9-9 Challenge (9 hot dogs, 9 beers in 9 innings)? Question 3: Who slept more during the game: Jazz Chisholm (yawning) or John Smoltz (monotone commentary)?

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz to the show to recap the Wild Card Series and what was the biggest surprise so far this postseason. Ben and John also talk about the Los Angeles Dodgers Roki Sasaki and their upcoming series with the Philadelphia Phillies & More. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz to the show and this week they discuss what is going on with the Detroit Tigers. Plus, they also talk about the American League MVP Race between New York Yankees Aaron Judge and Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh. Finally, they talk about the news that the ABS System will be coming to MLB in 2026 and what are Smoltz's thoughts on that. Ben also talks about Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani reaching his 100th start on the mound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz back to the show to discuss all the latest news in MLB. This week the guys discuss the Houston Astros and how they will have to survive another injury as Yordan Alvarez goes down with a severe ankle sprain. They also discuss the excellent season that Shohei Ohtani continues to have after an stellar outing on the mound and hitting his 50th home run against the Philadelphia Phillies. Finally, they discuss Justin Verlander reaching 20 years of service time and Smoltz's message to Justin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz to the show and this week they talk about their favorite team to win the American League. Ben and Smoltz also discuss what the Los Angeles Dodgers will do with their postseason rotation & if Smoltz ever had an Ah-ha moment like Aroldis Chapman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brock and Salk discuss the Micah Parsons trade to the Packers and if the Seahawks could have gotten involved in an attempt to trade for him. They then bring on John Smoltz of FOX Sports, who will be broadcasting the Mariners-Guardians game this weekend to discuss what jumps out about the Mariners, pitching at home versus on the road, potential realignment and more.

Ben Verlander is once again joined by MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz. This week they discuss whether or not the National League MVP is Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani's to lose or if Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber has worked his way into the conversation. They also discuss the American League Cy Young race between Detroit Tigers Tarik Skubal and Boston Red Sox Garrett Crochet & so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bump and Stacy react to yesterday’s blockbuster trade that sent All-Pro LB Micah Parsons from Dallas to Green Bay. They talk about what the trade means for the rest of the NFC and the Seahawks in particular. Breaking during the show - Victor Robles’ suspension lowered to seven games, he will begin serving it today. They talk about Kyle Schwarber’s historic night for the Phillies, the start of College Football, and more in Headline Rewrites. They react to yesterday’s Cal Raleigh show and talk about what the MLB HR leader had to say about hitting a flow state, moving up in the lineup, and much more. And they talk about what John Smoltz had to say this morning on Brock and Salk about the Mariners struggles on the road, the starting rotation, and more.

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz back to the show. This week the guys talk about recent news of a possible MLB expansion and realignment. Is Smoltz in favor of this? They also talk what the Zack Wheeler blood clot news means not only for the Phillies, but the National League playoff picture. Finally, John Smoltz comments on Players Weekend and what his Players Weekend gear would look like if they had it during his era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz to the show and this episode they are talking about Smoltz's favorite Ichiro Suzuki story. The story MAY SURPRISE you! They also talk about who Smoltz thinks is going to become the NL West Champion, how many teams from New York are going to make the playoffs and what advice he would give to his younger self. Ben also gives an updates on the lawsuit against Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Locker Room is joined by Braves Legend and Hall of Famer John Smoltz at the John Smoltz Golf Tournament at Atlanta National Golf Club! He talks all things pitching, Bristol Motor Speedway Classic and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Locker Room is joined by Braves Legend and Hall of Famer John Smoltz at the John Smoltz Golf Tournament at Atlanta National Golf Club! He talks all things pitching, Bristol Motor Speedway Classic and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Verlander welcomes back MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz to get his thoughts on the MLB Trade Deadline that just past and who he thinks were the biggest winner and loser of the MLB Trade Deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander is back with another edition of Flippin' Bats and he is joined once again by MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz. This week the guys talk about what the Atlanta Braves should do at the MLB Trade Deadline, whether or not the Los Angeles Dodgers are still the top team in the National League, who the greatest hitter of all time is & more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's a scenario that'll hit close to home: What do you do when you were crushing your numbers just months ago, but now you can't seem to close anything and your confidence is in the gutter? That's exactly what happened to Dhruv, a business development rep from Saint Louis. After figuring out his rhythm in Q1 and hitting strong performance numbers, he found himself in a two-month slump with low attainment and shattered confidence. If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. Every sales professional faces these valleys, and how you respond determines whether you bounce back stronger or spiral further down. The Confidence Crisis: When Success Breeds Complacency Dhruv's story reveals a pattern I see constantly in sales organizations. After a strong Q1, he got comfortable. His dials dropped. He thought he had it all figured out. Sound familiar? Here's the brutal truth: Success without discipline is temporary. The moment you stop following the process that got you there, you're setting yourself up for a fall. When things started going sideways in April, Dhruv did what most salespeople do—he panicked. He started questioning everything, looking for new scripts on LinkedIn, using AI to find the "perfect" approach. Everything except the one thing that would actually help: going back to basics. The Fundamentals Never Go Out of Style I told Dhruv about John Smoltz, the Cy Young Award-winning pitcher who spoke at an event I attended. Smoltz explained that when baseball players get into a slump, they start changing everything—looking for magic pills, new techniques, secret solutions. But here's what champions do differently: They go back to the fundamentals. Take Kobe Bryant. Every morning at 4 AM, he'd spend three to four hours working on the same basic skills he learned as a kid. The fundamentals that made him great in the first place. The same principle applies to fanatical prospecting. When you're in a slump, you don't need new techniques—you need to execute the proven process with precision and discipline. Process Goals vs. Outcome Goals: The Confidence Builder When your confidence is shaken, outcome goals become your enemy. Focusing on "I need to close three deals this week" when you're struggling just adds pressure and anxiety. Instead, shift to process goals: How many calls will you make today? Are you using your five-step framework consistently? Are you delivering your ledge statements with conviction? Are you following up with discipline? I shared with Dhruv my own experience from when I was 24 and going through a terrible quarter. I was so down I didn't want to come to work. Here's how I climbed out: I started with 10-minute call blocks. Call for 10 minutes, then read three pages of an inspirational sales book as a reward. Rinse and repeat. Within 30 days, I was performing well. Within 90 days, I was the number one rep in my region. The key wasn't finding a secret technique. It was trusting the process in shorter, manageable increments. The Economic Reality: When Markets Tighten, Double Down Dhruv's slump coincided with companies pulling back on spending. But here's what most reps get wrong: When markets tighten, you need to make more calls, not fewer. The prospects with budget and urgency are still out there, they're just harder to find. That means more activity, not less. More discipline, not shortcuts. This is exactly what I cover in Selling in a Crisis—when economic conditions get tough, the fundamentals become even more critical. Your Confidence Comeback Action Plan If you're in a confidence slump right now, here's your roadmap back: Stop Looking for Magic Solutions Get off LinkedIn. Stop asking AI for the perfect script. The answer isn't out there—it's in the process you already know works. Break It Down When confidence is low, work in shorter blocks. Fifteen-minute call sessions with quick wins and self-recognition for executing the process correctly. Focus on the Process Track your activities, not just your outcomes. How many dials? How many conversations? How many discovery questions asked? Celebrate the process execution. Get Back to Your Routine Just like my golf recovery story, when things go sideways, don't change everything—get back to your proven routine and rhythm. Double Down on Activity If the market is tighter, you need more activity to find the same opportunities. More calls, more emails, more touchpoints. The Mental Game: Confidence Comes From Within Here's what I told Dhruv, and what I'm telling you: I can't give you confidence. Confidence comes from the inside, not from the outside. Yes, success builds confidence. But when you're not getting external validation, the only place confidence comes from is your commitment to the process. Every time you make that call when you don't feel like it, every time you follow the script when you want to wing it, every time you push through the discomfort—that's where real confidence is built. The Bottom Line Your slump isn't permanent. Your confidence crisis isn't career-ending. But your response determines everything. Stop looking for shortcuts. Stop changing what already worked. Trust the process that got you there in the first place, and execute it with the discipline of a champion. Remember: The fundamentals never fail—we just fail to execute them consistently. Get back to basics. Trust the process. Make the calls. That's how you build lasting confidence. That's how you turn slumps into comebacks. And that's how you develop into an elite sales professional who can weather any storm. Ready to master the fundamentals that build unshakeable confidence? Check out our comprehensive prospecting and pipeline management training to develop the skills and mindset of elite performers.

Here's a scenario that'll hit close to home: What do you do when you were crushing your numbers just months ago, but now you can't seem to close anything and your confidence is in the gutter? That's exactly what happened to Dhruv, a business development rep from Saint Louis. After figuring out his rhythm in Q1 and hitting strong performance numbers, he found himself in a two-month slump with low attainment and shattered confidence. If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. Every sales professional faces these valleys, and how you respond determines whether you bounce back stronger or spiral further down. The Confidence Crisis: When Success Breeds Complacency Dhruv's story reveals a pattern I see constantly in sales organizations. After a strong Q1, he got comfortable. His dials dropped. He thought he had it all figured out. Sound familiar? Here's the brutal truth: Success without discipline is temporary. The moment you stop following the process that got you there, you're setting yourself up for a fall. When things started going sideways in April, Dhruv did what most salespeople do—he panicked. He started questioning everything, looking for new scripts on LinkedIn, using AI to find the "perfect" approach. Everything except the one thing that would actually help: going back to basics. The Fundamentals Never Go Out of Style I told Dhruv about John Smoltz, the Cy Young Award-winning pitcher who spoke at an event I attended. Smoltz explained that when baseball players get into a slump, they start changing everything—looking for magic pills, new techniques, secret solutions. But here's what champions do differently: They go back to the fundamentals. Take Kobe Bryant. Every morning at 4 AM, he'd spend three to four hours working on the same basic skills he learned as a kid. The fundamentals that made him great in the first place. The same principle applies to fanatical prospecting. When you're in a slump, you don't need new techniques—you need to execute the proven process with precision and discipline. Process Goals vs. Outcome Goals: The Confidence Builder When your confidence is shaken, outcome goals become your enemy. Focusing on "I need to close three deals this week" when you're struggling just adds pressure and anxiety. Instead, shift to process goals: How many calls will you make today? Are you using your five-step framework consistently? Are you delivering your ledge statements with conviction? Are you following up with discipline? I shared with Dhruv my own experience from when I was 24 and going through a terrible quarter. I was so down I didn't want to come to work. Here's how I climbed out: I started with 10-minute call blocks. Call for 10 minutes, then read three pages of an inspirational sales book as a reward. Rinse and repeat. Within 30 days, I was performing well. Within 90 days, I was the number one rep in my region. The key wasn't finding a secret technique. It was trusting the process in shorter, manageable increments. The Economic Reality: When Markets Tighten, Double Down Dhruv's slump coincided with companies pulling back on spending. But here's what most reps get wrong: When markets tighten, you need to make more calls, not fewer. The prospects with budget and urgency are still out there, they're just harder to find. That means more activity, not less. More discipline, not shortcuts. This is exactly what I cover in Selling in a Crisis—when economic conditions get tough, the fundamentals become even more critical. Your Confidence Comeback Action Plan If you're in a confidence slump right now, here's your roadmap back: Stop Looking for Magic Solutions Get off LinkedIn. Stop asking AI for the perfect script. The answer isn't out there—it's in the process you already know works. Break It Down When confidence is low, work in shorter blocks. Fifteen-minute call sessions with quick wins and self-recognition for executing the p...

Ben Verlander and MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz recap the 2025 MLB All-Star Weekend, including the thrilling swing-off that ended the All-Star Game. Smoltz shares his favorite young pitcher after watching live during the festivities. Plus, Ben asks the viral question: how many hits would a casual fan get in 100 at-bats against a Major League pitcher? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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