Podcasts about palm tree pod co

A couple of days ago, I finished my first ultra trail running race: the Squamish 50K. This episode is a reflection on what it took to get there, what actually happened out on the course, and what I'm still processing afterward. This wasn't a fairy-tale race story. I came into it after broken ribs, sickness, a short training window, and a lot of uncertainty about whether my body would hold up.I kept coming back to one idea: race to the level of my durability, not the level of my fitness. That was humbling. I had to go against old instincts from 20 years of mountain bike racing, let people pass me, manage pain, and accept that who I am today is not always the same as who I've been in the past. But I finished, my kids ran across the line with me, and I learned a lot about patience, limits, identity, and what it means to show up honestly.This episode is for anyone who has had to meet themselves where they are, not where they wish they were.Key Takeaways- Race to the level of your durability, not just your fitness- Who you are today matters more than who you've been- Finishing can be meaningful without being glamorous- Pain and suffering don't need to be glorified- Identity is allowed to shift--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

This week, I'm bringing back a conversation from the archives with Ethan Kross, one of the world's leading experts on the conscious mind and the author of Chatter and Shift.I wanted to replay this episode because it connects so strongly with what I've been exploring lately on Grow the Good: impatience, rushing, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and the way our inner voice can either help us move through challenges or keep us stuck in loops of overthinking.Ethan's work looks at the conversations we have with ourselves and how those conversations shape our health, performance, decisions, relationships, and well-being. In this episode, we talk about negative self-talk, chatter, emotion, mindfulness, problem-solving, and why creating psychological distance can help us work with our thoughts more effectively.One of the tools Ethan shares is called distant self-talk: coaching yourself through a challenge the way you would coach a friend, even using your own name or the word “you” to create a little more space. That shift can help us move from being consumed by our thoughts to relating to them with more perspective.This conversation is a great reminder that our thoughts are not always facts, and our inner voice does not have to be in charge. We can learn to work with it, redirect it, and use it as a tool for more clarity, resilience, and self-compassion.KEY TAKEAWAYS:The difference between self-control and willpowerWhat emotions are and how they shape our behaviorProblem-solving versus overthinkingNegative self-talk versus chatterWhen mindfulness helps, and when reframing may be more usefulHow distant self-talk can shift perspectiveWhy sleep and chatter are so closely connectedLINKS:- Original conversation with Ethan Kross- Learn more about Ethan's work- Read Ethan's books "Chatter" and newly released, "Shift"- Listen to Self-Talk for Performance: Mental Skills for Athletes--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

What does it actually mean to keep growing as an adult? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Travis Macy for a conversation that is less of an interview and more of a real, honest exploration of adulthood, grief, parenting, identity, intimacy, and mattering.Travis and I have had many podcast conversations over the years. I've been on his podcast, he's been on mine, and we became good friends through this work. In a lot of ways, we've lived these almost parallel lives as professional athletes, parents, podcasters, keynote speakers, authors, and people trying to figure out who we are beyond performance.In this conversation, Travis shares about his father's eight-year journey with Alzheimer's and his recent passing, and how that experience became a major developmental milestone in his own life. We talk about grief, appreciation, gratitude, and the strange way hard things can deepen us when we are willing to stay present with them.We also explore adult development: how our beliefs, identities, relationships, and sense of self change over time. We talk about moving from approval-seeking to mattering, from performance-based identity to something more flexible, and from people-pleasing to more honest communication and deeper intimacy.This episode is for anyone navigating transition, grief, parenting, identity shifts, or the question: who am I becoming now?Top 5 TakeawaysAdult growth is not just personal development: It changes how we understand ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.Grief can become a developmental milestone: Travis shares how his father's Alzheimer's journey and passing reshaped his sense of adulthood, gratitude, and appreciation.Identity has to become more flexible: Many of us are learning who we are beyond performance, achievement, sponsorships, or old versions of success.Mattering is different from approval: Feeling valued and knowing we add value can move us beyond people-pleasing and the need to prove ourselves.Relationships help us grow: Parenting, partnership, friendship, community, and emotional honesty can all become places where adult development happens.LINKSLearn about Travis's workFollow Travis on Instagram A Mile at a Time with Endurance Athletes Travis and Mark “Mace” MacyThe Ultra Mindset with Endurance Athlete and Coach Travis MacyPerformance, Imperfect Preparation, and Flexibility with Travis Macy (Live Podcast)--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

In part two of my conversation with Michaela Barnett, we go straight into some of the most complicated and divisive issues in politics—and somehow manage to have a real conversation about them.We talk about immigration, ICE, border security, homelessness, addiction, affordable housing, artificial intelligence, rural healthcare, abortion, Gaza, vaccines, and the ideological inconsistencies that exist on both sides. Michaela shares how her experience working in Congress and navigating the immigration system with her husband has shaped her views, while I explain why I feel politically homeless and increasingly frustrated with both Republicans and Democrats.I also ask Michaela what she could realistically accomplish in Congress, rather than what simply sounds good on campaign material. She shares why she believes AI regulation and expanding rural healthcare could receive bipartisan support—and why politicians need to start solving the smaller issues Americans agree on instead of constantly using controversial topics to divide us.By the end of the conversation, Michaela asks me directly whether she has earned my vote. My answer is honest, complicated, and probably not what everyone expects.We do not agree on everything, but that is exactly why conversations like this matter. We need to be able to sit across from people who see the world differently, ask hard questions, listen to their answers, and look for the places where we might actually agree.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In this episode of The Mental Training Lab, I sit down with former All-American wrestler, performance coach, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur Jim Harshaw to explore what it takes to unlock sustainable high performance in sport, business, and life.Jim's story starts on the wrestling mat, where early disappointment, self-doubt, and the pressure to prove himself eventually led to one of the most important mindset shifts of his career: moving from outcome obsession to process focus. That shift helped him become an All-American wrestler, and it now shapes the work he does with athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, and high performers who are trying to access the “last 10–20%” of their potential.In this conversation, we unpack why hard work alone is not always enough, how productive pauses create clarity and more effective action, and why sustainable performance requires more than just motivation. On top of all of that, Jim shares his four-part framework for peak performance.We also talk about failure, coaching, journaling, deep work, and the difference between grinding harder and taking inspired action. If you're a high performer who already works hard but still feels inconsistent, stuck, or disconnected from the process, this conversation offers a practical structure for getting aligned and performing more consistently under pressure.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

We all want a little certainty before a big performance. A great warmup. A perfect night of sleep. Some sign that everything is going to go according to plan.The problem is that certainty is never actually available.In this solocast, I explore how our desire to know what will happen next can create fragile confidence, negative predictions, rigid expectations, and a whole lot of wasted energy. That tension can show up as panic practice, distraction, frustration, self-criticism, or even freezing when it is time to take action.I also share three steps for building a healthier relationship with the unknown: noticing how uncertainty shows up in your mind and body, learning to hold the tension between wanting something deeply and not knowing if you will get it, and practicing how to direct your energy and attention back toward the task at hand.The best performers are not certain everything will work out. They have learned how to stay engaged, trust their ability to respond, and perform even when the outcome remains unknown.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this Mindfulness in Action episode, we're practicing patience in real time.If you listened to last week's solo episode, I talked about impatience, rushing, and how so many of us move through life like our self-worth depends on our productivity. This practice is about noticing that urgency in the body and gently turning the dial down.You don't have to cancel everything or suddenly become a completely calm person. This is about slowing down just 2%, enough for your nervous system to notice that you are no longer rushing. You are just moving.I guide you through a simple walking meditation to notice your default pace, where urgency shows up in your body, and what changes when you soften, breathe, and move a little more slowly.This is a practice for anyone who feels like they're living in fast-forward mode and wants to come back to the present moment.--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

In this episode of Being Different, I sit down with Michaela Barnett for one of the most honest political conversations I have had on this podcast.I have voted Republican my entire adult life, but lately, I have felt increasingly frustrated, politically homeless, and ready to question the people and systems I once supported without hesitation. Michaela is a Democrat running against Congressman Tim Burchett, and while we do not agree on everything, I wanted to hear directly from her about why she is running and what she believes needs to change.We talk about what she witnessed while working in Washington, why Congress struggles to accomplish even the things most Americans agree on, and whether leaders can ever put the people they represent ahead of their party. We also get into term limits, corporate PAC money, campaign finance reform, foreign wars, AI regulation, hyperscale data centers, job displacement, and the very broken state of healthcare in America.This conversation did not magically answer every question I have or change every opinion I hold. But it reminded me that it is possible to disagree about the solution while still recognizing the same problems—and that our leaders should have to earn our votes instead of simply assuming they have them.Michaela and I had far more to discuss than we could fit into one conversation, so I have already asked her to come back. For now, this is a candid conversation about political frustration, finding common ground, and whether meaningful change is still possible.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In this solo episode, I'm talking about patience, and really, about rushing.Rather than focus on time management conversation, I'm taking a look at what happens in our bodies and nervous systems when we move through life with constant urgency, and how impatience can show us where we feel out of control, overstimulated, or overly attached to productivity.I share what I've been noticing in my own life, from parenting and waiting in lines to endurance racing, phones, AI, and the scratchy feeling of wanting things to happen faster than they can.The good news is that patience is trainable. It's a skill that helps us stay present with discomfort, delay, uncertainty, and the slow parts of growth.Next week, we'll practice building patience in real time with a Mindfulness in Action episode.--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

In this episode of The Mental Training Lab, I sit down with sport psychologist and three-time national champion Dr. Kate Bennett, founder of Full Send Consulting, to explore one of the most powerful and often misunderstood drivers of performance: genuine human connection.Kate's work sits at the intersection of athlete well-being, mental performance, and transformational coaching. Heavily influenced by Jerry Lynch's Way of Champions and Brené Brown's research on shame, scarcity, and vulnerability, Kate helps athletes, teams, and coaches build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and loved for who they are. We talk about why connection and mattering are more than “soft extras.” They are core performance drivers. We explore how listening without immediately fixing can create real transformation, why psychological safety makes courageous risk-taking possible, and how love in high-performance environments often looks like accountability, honest conversations, and a willingness to go into hard places together.If you're a coach, practitioner, athlete, or leader trying to build a culture where people can perform at a high level without burning out, this episode offers practical “marching orders”: listen more deeply, model vulnerability, create safety, recognize people for how they show up, and build the kind of belonging that helps excellence emerge.Learn about Kate's work at fullsendconsulting.co.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this episode, I sit down with workplace well-being expert and author Jen Fisher to talk about her book, Hope Is the Strategy, and why hope matters so much in a world where so many people are burned out, languishing, and struggling to feel like they matter.Jen shares her own story of severe burnout and how achievement-based identity, constant performance pressure, and external definitions of success can slowly disconnect us from our well-being. This conversation felt especially meaningful to me because so many of us, athletes, high achievers, leaders, parents, professionals, know what it feels like to keep pushing, even when something inside us is saying, “This is not sustainable.”We talk about the difference between hope and optimism, and Jen breaks down hope as an evidence-based framework: having a goal, seeing pathways forward, and believing we have agency. We also explore how hope is connected to mattering, why feeling valued is essential for well-being, and what individuals, teams, and organizations can do to create environments where people can actually thrive.We also get into rest, recovery, human connection, and the role of AI in the future of work. If AI is going to change how we work, how can we use it to make work more human instead of less?This conversation is for anyone who has ever tied their worth to achievement, felt stuck in a system that was eroding their well-being, or wondered how to keep moving forward with more hope, courage, and connection.Top 5 TakeawaysHope is active, not passive: Hope includes a clear goal, pathways to move forward, and the agency to take action.Achievement-based identity can fuel burnout: When our worth depends on performance, success can become unsustainable.Languishing gives language to the in-between: You may not be in crisis, but you may not be flourishing either.Mattering and hope are deeply connected: Feeling valued and knowing your contributions matter can help create the conditions for hope.Work needs to become more human, not less: Rest, recovery, connection, and thoughtful AI use all matter in the future of well-being.LINKSLearn more about Jen FisherRead Jen Fisher's new book Hope is the StrategyFinding Meaning and Mattering at Work with Andrew SorenFinding Meaningful Work with Wes Adams and Tamara Myles--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

Brent spent years competing at the highest levels of cycling, including the Tour de France, the Olympics, and World Championships. Since retiring from professional cycling, Brent has completed graduate training in mental performance and now works as a coach, helping athletes and high performers translate lived experience into tools for growth, resilience, and well-being.This conversation is a case study in how mental skills actually show up in the real world. Brent and Pete explore how concepts like self-determination theory, mindfulness, acceptance, a relationship with pain, motivation, and identity played out across his cycling career. And how formal mental performance training helped him better understand what he had been doing intuitively for years.You'll also learn about the human side of elite endurance sport: the loneliness, suffering, identity pressure, career transitions, and emotional demands that exist behind the glamour of the Tour de France.Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, business leader, or performer in any domain, Brent's story offers a practical and deeply human look at how mental training can raise the ceiling of performance while supporting the person doing the performing.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this episode of Being Different, I'm revisiting the infamous summer packet.Last year, I got a lot of people fired up when I said I threw Mac's kindergarten summer packet in the trash. So today, I'm talking through what I meant, what I still stand by, what I probably could have said better, and how I'm thinking about it now that he's heading into first grade.This isn't about doing nothing all summer. It's about asking what actually matters for our kids. For me, that looks like reading books they're interested in, learning how to help around the house, cooking, gardening, taking care of animals, practicing independence, and giving them space to follow their curiosity.I also talk about what I liked in this year's packet, what I'll probably skip, why I still don't love busywork. Plus, why I think kids need more autonomy, more outdoor play, and more room to be different.And yes, I also share one of my finer parenting fails involving Charlie's eyebrow. So there's that too.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In this solocast, I'm exploring a paradox I've been thinking about a lot lately: the more optimized a system becomes, the more fragile it can get.We start with sleep, but this applies to performance routines, recovery, leadership, training, and the way we prepare for just about anything. When everything has to go exactly right in order for us to feel ready, we end up narrowing the window for success.So I'm breaking down the difference between fragile, resilient, and anti-fragile systems, and how we can build habits that don't just work when conditions are perfect, but can actually hold up when life gets messy.The goal isn't to stop improving your systems, it's to make sure your systems can survive contact with reality.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm exploring what it means to not only add value, but to let ourselves feel valued.So many of us are working hard to matter. We're trying to contribute, perform, improve, achieve, help, and show up for other people. But even when we are adding value, we may not actually let the feeling of mattering land. We move so quickly that we miss the evidence that we are seen, appreciated, and needed.This episode is deeply personal for me. I share a reflection on the loss of Isaac Prilleltensky, whose work on mattering has profoundly shaped my life, my research, and the book I'm writing. Isaac embodied mattering in the way he made people feel seen and valued, and his encouragement helped me keep going when I needed it most.From there, I guide you through a short mindfulness and reflection practice to help you remember a time when someone made you feel valued. We'll practice noticing not just the thought of that moment, but how it felt in the body. The warmth, lightness, relief, energy, or connection that can come when we allow ourselves to receive care, recognition, or support.Because mattering is not only about what we give, it's also about what we are willing to receive.Top 5 TakeawaysMattering has two sides: It includes both adding value and feeling valued.Many of us struggle to let feeling valued land: Compliments, help, encouragement, and recognition can be uncomfortable to receive.Feeling valued is embodied: It can show up as warmth, lightness, relief, energy, or a sense of connection.Accepting help allows others to add value too: Receiving is not a burden; it can deepen connection and mattering on both sides.What we focus on, we begin to notice: Practicing awareness of where we feel valued can help us see more evidence of mattering in everyday life.LINKSWhat It Really Means to MatterHow to Build a Life of Contribution with Tom RathOther Mindfulness in Action episodes--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

What does it actually mean to matter?In this solo episode, I'm diving into a topic that has been occupying my mind for years and has become a central part of my research, workshops, and the book I'm writing: mattering.Mattering is more than belonging. It's more than self-esteem. It's the lived experience of both adding value and feeling valued — to yourself, in your relationships, at work, and in your broader community. And when one of those pieces is missing, achievement can start to feel hollow.This episode is an invitation to look at your own goals, your own striving, and your own relationships with more curiosity. Where do you genuinely feel like you matter? Where does your mattering feel conditional? And where might you be trying to earn recognition from people or places that may never be able to give it?I'm with you on this journey of personal growth, adventure, and our mission to be better every day.Learn more and follow my work:Substack: sonyalooney.substack.comNewsletter: sonyalooney.com/newsletter--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

This week, I sat down with two of my very good friends and two longtime Knoxville real estate agents, Debaran Hughes and Lucas Haun, to talk about how much the real estate business has changed, and what has not changed at all.We talk about the old days of magazine ads, postcards, and cold calls, the rise of social media, the Selling Sunset-ification of real estate, and whether AI is going to change the way people buy and sell homes. Spoiler: it already is. But this conversation is really about something much bigger than marketing.Debaran and Lucas get honest about what actually makes someone good at this job: relationships, experience, availability, hard conversations, knowing the market, and being able to handle the messy stuff before it turns into a disaster. We also talk about pricing homes in a changing market, why not every agent is equipped for this business, and why the human piece still matters more than any drone video, Instagram reel, or AI-generated listing presentation.Plus, we get into work-life balance, motherhood, mentorship, my strong feelings about realtor content, and a few real estate stories that probably explain why I needed to have this conversation in the first place.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

**This conversation is all about psilocybin-assisted therapy, but it is not medical advice. Psilocybin is not appropriate for everyone, laws vary by location, and anyone interested in this work should seek support only from qualified professionals in legal, regulated settings.**In this episode of The Mental Training Lab, I sit down with Adam O'Neil, a Boulder-based licensed psychologist and clinical psilocybin facilitator working at the intersection of mental health, performance psychology, and natural medicine.Adam brings a rare combination of rigor and heart to this conversation. We talk about the importance of comprehensive psychological assessment, the structure of psilocybin-assisted therapy, and why preparation, facilitation, and integration matter just as much as the journey itself. We also explore how plant medicine, when approached responsibly, can help people encounter deeper layers of identity, trauma, shame, avoidance, and pressure that traditional mental skills training may not fully reach.You'll learn about the role of acceptance, surrender, ancestral wisdom, and cultural humility in this work. And why athletes and high performers may be drawn to deeper healing beyond optimization. Whether or not psilocybin is part of your path, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that performance is not separate from wholeness, and that sometimes the next level of growth requires us to stop fixing ourselves and start meeting ourselves more honestly.Learn more about Adam's work and The Clearing healing center here: www.theclearingboulder.comSign up for The Deeper Game of Coaching Summer Cohort - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

What if the real value of achievement isn't what it proves about us, but how it contributes to others? In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author, researcher, and publisher Tom Rath. Tom is known for books like How Full Is Your Bucket?, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Strengths-Based Leadership, and Eat, Move, Sleep. His work has shaped how millions of people think about strengths, well-being, purpose, and the way we spend our days.We talk about the difference between purpose and passion, why strengths only matter when they are used in service of others, how to think about career fit, and why retirement may not be the goal we've been taught it is. We also explore the role of AI in the future of work, and how it might free us to spend more time on the creative, relational, and meaningful parts of our lives.This episode is for anyone who wants to keep striving, but in a way that feels more grounded, sustainable, and connected to what really matters.Top 5 TakeawaysAchievement feels different when it is connected to contributionPurpose is not the same as passionStrengths need directionWell-being and performance are connectedAI may change how we work, but it can also create opportunityLINKS- Learn more about Tom- Read Tom's new book Life's Great Question: Discover How You Contribute To The World- Finding Meaningful Work with Tamara Myles and Wes Adams- Meaning and Mattering at Work with Andrew Soren--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

Your nervous system is the foundation of everything else. It shapes the way you perceive reality, and everything flows from there: what you think, how you decide, what comes out of your mouth, and what your people feel when you walk in the room.You can have the right words, the right plan, and the right tools. But if your state is communicating panic, pressure, or disconnection, that's what lands first and colors everything after it.In this solocast, I dig into why state regulation isn't a sidebar to great coaching and leadership. It's the throughline. I share a story from my own work with a basketball team that illustrates exactly what happens when leaders skip this piece, and what becomes possible when they don't. We get into interoceptive awareness, the science of why calm is contagious, and three practical ways to start building a more regulated nervous system on purpose.Being calm, stoic, or serene isn't the end goal. It's about knowing where you are, being responsible for your experience, shifting when you need to, and creating the conditions for the people around you to access their best when it matters most.Learn more about working with me one-on-one and my new coaching course at drkcoaching.com.Sign up for The Deeper Game of Coaching Summer Cohort - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

This Mindfulness in Action episode is a real-time practice in mental agility: the ability to notice what's happening in your thoughts, emotions, and body, and make small adjustments that help you stay aligned with what matters.In the previous solo episode, I talked about mental agility from a more practical and educational lens: emotional agility, attentional agility, mindfulness, and the internal and external shifters that help us regulate and adapt. In this episode, we take those ideas out of the theoretical space and into real life.I recorded this while moving outside, because movement often helps me feel more embodied and aware of what's happening in my inner world. I talk about resilience, adaptability, psychological flexibility, and the constant adjustments we make as athletes, parents, partners, professionals, and humans trying to do hard things.This episode includes a short mindfulness practice to help you notice where you might feel rigid mentally, emotionally, or behaviorally, and then gently practice shifting. Here's what you'll learn:- Mental agility is resilience in motion- Hard things happen on many scales- Flexibility takes practice- Emotions need space- Small actions build capacityLINKS- Recently solo episode on mental agility- MIA: What It Means to Get Better- MIA: How to Build Human Connection--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

This week I sit down with my friend Taylor Brasel for an honest conversation about dating, marriage, motherhood, careers, and the pressure our generation feels trying to “have it all.” Taylor is getting married in just a couple months, and hearing her talk about planning for the future with intention honestly gave me hope.We talk about the conversations nobody really prepares women for, what happens when you have kids, whether you'll want to keep working, the financial realities of modern life, and why so many couples feel trapped by the lifestyles they've built. We also get into daycare, the loss of community, social media's influence on motherhood, marriage advice we've learned the hard way, and why neighbors used to matter a whole lot more than they do now.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

What does it really mean to be mentally agile?In this solo episode, I'm talking about the emotional and attentional skills that help us notice what's happening inside of us, create space, and choose our next move with more intention. Mental agility is the ability to shift, adapt, and stay connected to what matters, especially when things don't go the way we planned.Today, I'lm talking about emotional agility, mindfulness, emotional granularity, and the internal and external “shifters” that can help us adjust in real time. I also walk you through two practical tools: my REAL framework for emotional agility and the 3R tool for attention: recognize, regroup, and refocus.This episode leads us to the next Mindfulness in Action practice, where we'll take these ideas out of the theoretical space and into real life. Next week, we'll practice mental agility on the move, using mindfulness as a way to notice shifting in real time.Top 5 TakeawaysMental agility is different from resilience: Resilience often shows up after hard things happen, but mental agility is something we can practice every day.Emotions are data, not directives: Your emotions can tell you what you care about, but they don't have to decide how you behave.Mindfulness creates space: When you can notice your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without immediately reacting, you have more choice.Attention is trainable: The 3R tool (recognize, regroup, refocus) can help you come back to the task, the moment, or the next right action.Small shifts matter: Sensation, attention, perspective, physical space, trusted people, and culture can all help us regulate and shift in real time.--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

It's just me this week, and after a complete disaster of a Mother's Day morning, I had a lot to think about. Between Cooper dumping red dye all over the house, Charlie secretly cutting hair, missing church, and me and Luke ending up in a screaming match over a mattress and some rugs….I realized how much of our stress as parents comes from caring way too much about stuff that doesn't actually matter.I talk about the pressure social media puts on moms to have the perfect white house, the perfect kids, the perfect routines, and why I think so much of it is making us miserable. I also share what I've been learning from our chickens, our new bees, and why calmness, not control, is probably the thing I need most as a mom right now.This episode is messy, honest, and probably a little too personal, but if you've ever felt like motherhood is exposing every flaw and attachment you have, welcome to the club.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In this episode of The Mental Training Lab, I sit down with Buddhist teacher, meditation teacher, and author Lodro Rinzler to explore a concept that has powerful implications for athletes, leaders, and high performers: basic goodness.So many of us operate from the quiet assumption that we're not enough. Not successful enough, disciplined enough, accomplished enough, or mentally tough enough. Lodro's work and new book “You Are Good, You Are Enough” challenge that story at the root, offering the possibility that beneath the striving, self-doubt, anxiety, and the insatiable need to achieve, there is something fundamentally whole and worthy already present.Together, we unpack how meditation functions as mental training, why thoughts don't mean you're “bad” at meditating, and how loving-kindness can help us relate differently to ourselves and others. We also explore the tension between achievement and worth and why so many high performers keep chasing external validation only to discover it doesn't deliver the peace they hoped for.If you've ever felt fueled by the belief that you're not enough, or if you coach athletes and performers who live inside that story, this conversation offers a grounded, practical, and deeply human way to begin relating differently to your own mind.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

What if so much of our suffering comes from trying to become who we think we're supposed to be? In this episode, I sit down with meditation teachers Jeff Warren and Tasha Schumann for a wide-ranging, deeply practical conversation about mindfulness, creativity, neurodiversity, and how to let go of the societal “shoulds” that keep us disconnected from ourselves.This conversation felt especially personal to me because so much of it mirrors what I've been exploring in my own life as an athlete, a mom, a coach, and now as a writer. We talk about identity transitions, performance-based striving, how endurance sport became a doorway into self-inquiry for me, and why mindfulness has to move beyond the meditation cushion if it's actually going to change your life.Jeff and Tasha bring warmth, honesty, and a refreshing lack of dogma to this conversation. We explore the tension between external pressure and internal truth, the role of creativity and joy in a meaningful life, and the practical skills of mindfulness: concentration, clarity, and equanimity.If you've ever felt like you're doing all the “right” things but still feel disconnected, if meditation apps feel shallow, or if you're trying to find a more authentic way to strive, this conversation is for you.Top 5 TakeawaysA lot of suffering comes from “shoulds”: External expectations can disconnect us from our actual nature and values.Mindfulness has to move into real life: It's not just about sitting on a cushion, it's about how you return to the present in parenting, work, conflict, and creativity.Neurodiversity can be a doorway, not a deficit: Different ways of thinking can challenge conformity and open new paths to self-acceptance.Meditation builds trainable skills: Jeff and Tasha emphasize three core capacities: concentration, clarity, and equanimity.Thriving is not about becoming perfect: It's about becoming more authentic, more connected, and more able to stay with your experience as it is.LINKSSolo about the problem with shouldMindfulness in Action: Letting Go of ShouldCheck out Jeff and Tasha's podcast Mind Bod PodFollow Tasha's Substack Bodhi Savage--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

I'll be honest. I never paid much attention to school board races until I had kids. Then suddenly it hit me that these decisions actually matter, and I probably needed to stop pretending I had no reason to care.In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Sartelle, who is running for Knox County School Board, to ask the questions I actually wanted answered. What does the school board really do? Why are reading scores still so low? How much power does the board actually have? And why are our kids spending so much time on Chromebooks?We get into reading proficiency, technology in the classroom, teacher burnout, parent accountability, standardized testing, school budgets, and the very weird reality that some kids can just not turn things in until the end of the semester. This conversation made me realize how many pieces of the education system most of us do not understand, and how much we should probably be paying attention.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In this week's solocast, I'm unpacking something I've been seeing a lot lately: the idea of caring less about the outcome and just focusing on the process. That mindset may not seem like that big of a deal to you, but the more I hear it, the more I think it's missing something important.Because the truth is, you do care. You care about the result, and when that starts to feel uncomfortable, pressure, anxiety, fear of what it might mean if you don't get it, we try to solve that by pretending it doesn't matter. What that actually creates is a version of you that's never fully in, never fully committed, and ends up stuck in that half in, half out space. So let's tackle what's really underneath that, why it's happening, and what it takes to move through it. Because if you don't care about the outcome, the process doesn't really work. At some point, you have to be willing to name what you want and accept the risk that comes with it.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm talking about one of the sneakiest forms of distorted thinking: shoulds.You know the ones: I should be doing more. I should have this figured out by now. I should be more disciplined, more patient, more productive. These thoughts can sound helpful on the surface, but often they leave us feeling ashamed, guilty, disconnected, and never quite enough.In this episode, I break down three common types of “shoulds”: the outward-facing shoulds tied to habits and expectations,  the shoulds that come from a lack of self-acceptance,  and the shoulds rooted in unrealistic standards for ourselves or other people. I also share practical mindfulness tools you can use in real time to work with these thoughts instead of getting hooked by them. We explore practices like labeling, cognitive diffusion, acceptance, self-compassion, psychological distancing, and grounding in the present moment.This is not about getting rid of every self-critical thought forever. It's about learning how to notice them, soften their grip, and come back to what's actually here.If you've been feeling pressured by your own inner voice lately, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone. There are skillful, compassionate ways to meet yourself in those moments.Other meditations:- Slowing Down the Rush- How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance- How to Combat Self-Criticism--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

I've never paid much attention to a sheriff's race before…until now.So I sat down with Brent Gibson, who's running for sheriff here in Knox County, and asked him everything I actually wanted to know, not the polished campaign answers, the real ones.What does a sheriff even do day to day?What's actually happening with homelessness?Are we safe?And how much of what we see online about policing is even accurate?We get into all of it.Brent brings over 25 years in law enforcement, from SWAT to training to leadership, and what stood out to me most wasn't just experience, it was how much of this job comes down to people, trust, and showing up in the community. We talk about: Why homelessness isn't something you can “arrest your way out of”  The reality of mental health and why jails are filling that gap  School safety and what's actually being done locally  Immigration, ICE, and how local law enforcement fits into that  Why community trust matters more than people realize  And what policing really looks like vs what social media shows What stood out to me is how much of this job comes down to people, not politics.If you've ever wondered what's actually happening behind the scenes in your community, this is a real conversation about it.Support Brent: https://www.electbrentgibson.com/Facebook | Instagram - - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I should be better than this. I should be doing more. I should have started earlier” and then spiraling? In this solo episode, I'm diving into the world of "should" and how it quietly drives guilt, shame, and burnout, especially for high performers and ambitious, growth-oriented people.Recently, I injured my rib at my son's ninja gym birthday party and being forced to pull back on training actually gave me surprising mental relief. So today, I explore why having more ways to train, work, parent, or “optimize” yourself can actually make you feel worse about whatever you choose.Drawing from my background in applied positive psychology and the science of cognitive behavioral therapy, I break down:- The three main categories of “shoulds”- How thinking traps like catastrophizing, personalizing, and overgeneralizing feed the “should” spiral- The difference between neurotic obligations and values-based aspirations- Practical ways to notice your “shoulds,” question the beliefs underneath them- How to decide when to either turn them into concrete, values-aligned plans, or consciously let them go.If you've ever felt haunted by the feeling that you're not doing enough or not far enough along, this episode will help you build awareness, create kinder inner language, and reclaim your energy from unhelpful “shoulds” so you can focus on what truly matters to you.LINKSEpisode with Ethan Kross on ChatterJames Clear's Atomic HabitsEpisode with Katy Milkman on How to ChangeIs self care stressing you out? Solo reflection--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

Angie Lawless and I go way back. She was my co-host on a previous podcast before life got busy and we both went in completely different directions. But we made time to catch up again to talk about how she's running for office in Nashville!So we sat down and talked through everything. How she got here, what finally pushed her to jump in, and what she's actually seeing behind the scenes. We get into what campaigning actually looks like, what people in her district really care about, and why so much of politics feels disconnected from real life.We do not agree on everything, and we don't try to pretend we do. But the conversation doesn't fall apart because of that, which honestly feels rare nowadays. If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to run for office, or what's happening behind the scenes of a campaign, this is a real look at it.Angie is the democratic candidate for TN State House 59 and Election Day is August 6th. Be sure to follow along with Angie on Instagram @angielawless4tn and support her campaign at angielawless.com. - - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

What does it really take to build trust and psychological safety in teams under pressure? In this episode of The Mental Training Lab, I sit down with Peter Hodgkinson, high-performance consultant and the former Head of Build at Mercedes F1. Peter has spent decades in elite motorsport, including Formula 1, Le Mans, and the America's Cup. He shares how environments with razor-thin margins and constant pressure shaped his philosophy on intent-based leadership, consistency, and human performance.Peter's experience connects directly to what many people are navigating every day: burnout from grinding in “second gear,” leading teams through high-stakes moments, and trying to align values with actual behavior, not just words on a wall. You'll learn practical frameworks like Peter's three-part model of trust (reliability, capability, relationship) and the importance of psychological safety in performance. Plus, get insight into how organizations like Mercedes made culture real by tying behavior, instead of just outcomes, to performance reviews and incentives.If you're a leader, coach, or performer looking to build stronger teams, reduce burnout, and lead more effectively under pressure, this conversation offers both clear models and immediately actionable insights you can start applying today.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

Flow is one of those words that gets used all the time, but what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do we create more of it in real life, not just in elite sport or peak performance moments?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sue Jackson, one of the world's leading experts on flow, to talk about what flow really is, how challenge-skill balance works, and why mindfulness, self-efficacy, and trust in your own abilities matter so much in creating these deeply absorbing and meaningful states. We also get into how risk perception shapes flow, why self-consciousness can pull us out of it, and whether neurodivergent hyperfocus is the same thing as flow, or something different.This conversation felt especially relevant to me because I've been exploring the overlap between flow, self-transcendent experiences, mindfulness in action, and those moments when you're fully immersed in something challenging and alive. We talk about sport, yes—but also parenting, presentations, reading research, fatigue, difficult days, and how to work with your attention when life is messy and real.Top 5 TakeawaysFlow is not just “being in the zone” Mindfulness supports flowSelf-efficacy mattersRisk is partly about perceptionHyperfocus and flow are not the same thing--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

It's just me today, and yes… we're talking about homework again. But this time, I'm not just venting, I'm actually getting to the root of why it bothers me so much.Because I don't think this is about worksheets or math pages. I think it's about how we're trying to force every kid into the same mold, and what happens when they don't fit it. In this episode, I break down the difference between kids who thrive in structured, detail-oriented environments and the ones who are wired completely differently… the ones who need to move, build, explore, and learn in a way that doesn't involve sitting still for eight hours a day.I talk about: Why homework feels like it's cutting into the only real family time we have  The “beaver vs. bower bird” personality types and why that matters more than we think  How traditional school systems reward one type of kid and frustrate the other  My own experience with homeschooling, procrastination, and how I actually work best  Why I think making homework optional could change everything (for kids and teachers)  And what it looks like to actually lean into how your kid is wired instead of fighting it This is me trying to put words to something a lot of kids feel but don't know how to say. They're not “problems.” They're just different.And if we don't start paying attention to that, we're going to keep crushing the very traits that might matter most later in life.If you agree, disagree, or think I'm completely off here… I want to hear it.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

It's just me today, and I'm saying something I know not everyone is going to agree with… kindergarteners should NOT have homework. I've been thinking a lot about how much structure, pressure, and constant direction kids are under now, starting earlier and earlier, and how little space is left for them to just be kids. To play, to be outside, to figure things out on their own without someone telling them what to do every second of the day.This isn't about being anti-school or anti-teacher. It's about asking whether we've pushed things too far, especially for five and six year olds.I also get into the idea that not all kids are wired the same. Some thrive in structured, sit-down environments while others don't. And when we force all of them into the same box, especially after they've already been at school all day, it's no surprise things start to break down at home.So this is me laying out my thoughts childhood, family time, and what we're prioritizing… whether we realize it or not.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In today's solo-cast, I'm digging into something I see all the time with athletes and high performers, the way we misunderstand nerves, pressure, and what it actually takes to access flow.We've been taught that the goal is to calm down, relax, and eliminate anxiety before we perform. But in reality, that approach can pull us further away from our best.I break down why being a little “too activated” is often exactly where you want to be, how to rethink your relationship with nerves, and what it really looks like to find that sweet spot between challenge and skill.I also share a practical tool, the trigger breath, that you can start training right away to create just enough space in your system to let performance happen instead of forcing it.This is about shifting out of control mode and into a place where you can trust your preparation, work with your physiology, and access a higher level of performance more consistently.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm recording on a trail run and thinking out loud about something I've been re-examining in my own life: the pressure to constantly optimize and get better.We hear it everywhere: be more productive, improve every day, maximize your time. And while growth and striving for excellence matter, I've been noticing how easily that mindset turns into pressure, guilt, and a constant feeling of not doing enough.In this episode, I share how I've been unlearning that pattern, what it actually means to “strive well,” and why doing less can sometimes lead to better performance, creativity, and well-being.I also guide you through a simple mindfulness practice you can do while moving to help you notice:Where you're putting pressure on yourselfThe inner voice telling you to do moreHow to reconnect with contentment in the middle of effortThe goal isn't to stop growing, it's to redefine what getting better actually looks like. If you've been feeling stuck in the cycle of always needing to do more, this one's for you.Other meditations:- Slowing Down the Rush- How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance- How to Combat Self-Criticism--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

Chris Woodruff is back, and this is where the conversation gets deeper.In Part 2, we pick up after his comeback from injury and get into what actually made him walk away from pro tennis, what it feels like when your identity is no longer tied to performance, and why the hardest part isn't always the grind… it's what comes after.We talk about burnout, regret, and the question a lot of high performers quietly wrestle with: what could have been if I stayed a little longer? Chris shares how his perspective has shifted over time, and why he's now so focused on helping his players get everything out of themselves while they still can.We also get into parenting, screens, and raising kids in a world that looks nothing like the one he grew up in. From handwritten thank you notes to limiting phone use (for both kids and college athletes), Chris explains what he believes actually builds confident, grounded humans — not just successful ones.And then we go even bigger: faith, identity, and what it means to live a life that's actually your own.This episode is about more than tennis. It's about discipline, purpose, and having the courage to choose your own path, even when it's harder.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Sometimes it's hard to say what you mean. Oren Jay Sofer says, "Communication is a learnable skill and it's one of the most powerful levers for making change in your life and the world." Non-violent communication is about taking responsibility for what we are experiencing using empathy, deep listening, know how to make requests.// This episode is a replay from the Sonya Looney Show. It originally aired October 22, 2020. //Author and renowned meditation instructor Oren Jay Sofer regularly teaches a mindful approach to non-violent communication. spent two and a half years of living as an Anagarika (renunciate) at branch monasteries in the Ajahn Chah Thai Forest lineage. Today, his teaching combines classical Buddhist training with the accessible language of secular mindfulness.  Since the early 2000s, Oren has had a deep interest in the relationship between contemplative practice and communication. A graduate of the BayNVC North American Leadership Training, he has taught classes and workshops in Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication (NVC) nationally since 2006. His innovative retreats and online programs in Mindful Communication offer one of the only opportunities in the U.S today to explore the intersection between formal meditation practice, Right Speech and NVC.  Oren  is the founder and Guiding Teacher of Next Step Dharma, an innovative online course focused on bringing the tools of meditation to daily life, and co-founder of Mindful Healthcare.  Oren has created mindfulness programs for organizations, companies, and apps including Apple, Kaiser Permanente, Lumosity, Calm, 10% Happier, Simple Habit and others.I loved his book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication.  In the book, a main theme is that every thought or feeling is there to try to meet a need.  If you can try to figure out what need your thoughts are tied to, it's easier to articulate what you need to those around you.  It's also useful when listening to someone in a disucssion or conflict to tease out what need they are trying to have met.  I also enjoyed learning about conflict and viewing it as a way to deepen relationships. I also learned that non-violent communication and conflict resolution isn't necessarily to try to get someone to do things your way, it's about deepening understanding of one another because sometimes we simply can't agree to have the same viewpoint.   Non-violent communication has a framework of observation, the feeling, the needs and values to be met, and the request.Three questions you can ask yourself are what happened, how do I feel about it, and why?I also loved learning about how to use mindfulness in listening and communication as well as how to ground yourself in your own body when tensions rise.Topics Discussed in the Podcast from childhood actor to meditation instructor4 types of conflict avoidanceself-empathytools for internal pressureNo mud, no lotusaddressing the voiceless and gender constructshow to make requests of othersResourcesOren Jay Sofer's websiteGet Oren's book: Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

On this episode of The Mental Training Lab we are sharing an episode of The Transformational Leader featuring a conversation with Pete Kadushin. "On this week's mid-week episode of The Transformational Leader, Adam Quiney welcomes friend of the show Pete Kadushin for a live coaching conversation that pulls back the curtain on what transformational leadership work actually looks like in practice. Pete brings a client, Chris McAdoo, into the session and invites Adam to observe and offer real-time feedback as the coaching unfolds.What follows is a candid, unscripted exploration of leadership, coaching, and the subtle dynamics that emerge in live developmental work. Adam steps in throughout the conversation with interruptions, reflections, and questions—supporting Pete while also highlighting the deeper patterns at play beneath the surface of the coaching moment.The episode offers listeners a rare look into the craft of leadership coaching: how coaches listen, where they intervene, and how transformational insights can arise in the middle of a conversation. Adam's intention is to demystify the process—revealing not just the visible techniques of coaching, but the underlying "being" and awareness that make meaningful breakthroughs possible.If you've ever wondered what transformational coaching actually looks like in real time—or how leaders support one another in developing their craft—this episode offers a thoughtful and illuminating window into that work."Check out The Transformational Leader podcast Website | Apple | Spotify - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | SpotifyThis show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.  

For decades, athletes and high performers have been taught to grind harder, push through pain, and silence weakness at all costs. I'm your host Pete Kadushin, and in this episode of The Mental Training Lab, I sit down with clinical sport psychologist and author Dr. Hillary Cauthen to talk about one of the most romanticized ideas in sport and performance: mental toughness.Hillary explains why that traditional narrative gives her the “ick” and why many performers are quietly paying the price through burnout, injury, harsh self-talk, and unsustainable pressure. We discuss a more holistic model of mental strength that still honors resilience and perseverance but adds essential capacities like self-awareness, vulnerability, emotional regulation, and values-based motivation.Hillary steps up to the plate to coach me on my own “wrestler mindset” and the fear-based motivation that many high achievers rely on. You'll learn about identity, performance culture, and how expanding our tool set can help us sustain excellence without losing our competitive edge.If you're an athlete, coach, or leader who grew up in grind culture, this conversation offers a powerful reframe and a glimpse of what real cultural change can look like in action.Learn more about Hillary's book Hello Trauma: Our Invisible Teammate on her website: www.hillarycauthen.com.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

What if the version of “success” you've been chasing is actually keeping you stuck in survival mode?In this episode, I sit down with author and coach Jon Rosemberg to talk about what it really means to move from high-functioning survival into genuine thriving. Jon shares his deeply personal story of growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, living in chronic vigilance, and eventually discovering that achievement and productivity were not the same thing as peace, agency, or well-being.This conversation hit me on a very personal level. So much of what Jon shares mirrors my own journey of questioning performance-based definitions of success, asking whether external accomplishments actually create the feeling I'm looking for, and realizing that thriving often has much more to do with connection, meaning, and agency than with metrics.We talk about the body's role in helping us recognize survival mode, how to challenge the beliefs that keep us trapped in proving and performing, and Jon's practical AIR framework: Awareness, Inquiry, and Reframing.If you've ever felt like you're doing all the “right” things but still feel off, disconnected, or chronically on edge, this conversation is for you.Here's what you'll learn:Thriving is not the same as successSurvival mode can look high-functioningSomatic awareness mattersAgency can be practicedConnection is essential to thrivingLINKSFollow Jon on InstagramVisit Jon's website to learn more about his bookMeaningful Work with Tamara Myles and Wes AdamsDefining and Feeling Success --------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

I sat down with my friend Chris Woodruff (“Woody” if you know my husband), Tennessee's men's tennis coach, former top U.S. junior, and a guy who went pro, lived out of dark hotel rooms in places you can't pronounce, and clawed his way up the rankings the hard way.We talk about what childhood looked like before screens and everything being scheduled out for kids. Chris breaks down why playing one sport too early can backfire, why the youth tournament hamster wheel messes with kids' heads, and what he thinks actually builds durable confidence.Then we get into the pro years: starting from zero with no ranking, the brutal loneliness of tennis, why “success” doesn't feel like success when you've got 24 hours to do it again, and what it's like to represent your country when your stomach is in your throat.And then we ran out of time... so yes, he's coming back for Part 2. And we're picking up right where we left off: injuries, comeback, the mental health side of being “the athlete,” and what happens when the whole thing ends and real life starts.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In this solo episode, I'm exploring something I see all the time in the performance world: the illusion of progress. From the outside, it can look like we're doing everything right. We're building mental skills, trying new strategies, putting in the reps, and staying disciplined. And yet, despite all that effort, we often find ourselves circling back to the same patterns and frustrations.In this conversation, I unpack why that happens. We look at the deeper structure underneath behavior — how our beliefs quietly shape our actions, and how those actions reinforce the very reality we're trying to change. When we only focus on adding new tools without examining that underlying layer, we can end up getting better at running the same loop.As always, I'll leave you with a few practical questions you can use to reflect on your own patterns and begin creating real movement, not just the appearance of it. If you've been working hard but feel like you're not actually getting anywhere, this episode will give you a different lens to look through.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about The Mental Training LabConnect with Pete on Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe to the podcast on Apple | Spotify This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

I've known Jenny Smith since the early 2000s, back when I was a brand-new pro mountain biker watching her absolutely dominate at Nationals. She's been a mentor, a competitor, a mom who kept racing when that wasn't common, and someone I've always admired for her longevity in sport.In this episode, Jenny and I talk honestly about aging as female endurance athletes, especially navigating perimenopause, hormone changes, recovery shifts, strength training, anxiety, inflammation, and evolving expectations.We discuss how training needs to change as estrogen fluctuates and why strength training becomes even more important for bone health, metabolic health, and performance. Jenny shares the reality of needing more recovery, setting goals that reflect your life stage and responsibilities, and how to embrace aging with flexibility, wisdom, and self-compassion instead of fear. Plus, we cover hormone replacement therapy and getting medical support.This conversation is for women who love endurance sport and want to keep performing, not by pretending nothing is changing, but by adapting. Aging doesn't mean decline, it can mean agency.Here's what you'll learn:Perimenopause changes training needsStrength training is non-negotiable for aging athletesRecovery matters more than everGoal setting must evolve with life stageAging brings wisdom and agencyLINKSFollow Jenny Smith CoachingLearn more about Aim High PerformanceAuthenticity and managing pressure with Sarah SturmAging athletes with Joel FrielHow women should train differently with Dr. Stacy Simms--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

The most valuable skill I've ever learned isn't about performance, mindset, or even resilience. It's communication.In this solo episode, I'm teaching you one of the most powerful tools I use as a coach, mentor, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, keynote speaker, parent, and partner. It comes from motivational interviewing and it's called OARS: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing.These skills have completely changed how I show up in conversations. They've made me a better coach, teacher, partner, mom, and human.Motivational interviewing is a client-centered communication approach designed to guide people toward what matters most to them. Instead of telling someone what to do (which often undermines autonomy and competence), this framework helps people feel heard, understood, and empowered to make their own decisions.In this episode, I walk you through what active listening really means (and why most of us aren't actually doing it) and how to ask open-ended questions that deepen conversations. I discuss how affirmations and reflective listening builds trust and shared understanding. I also give real-life examples you can use immediately with your partner, your kids, your team at work, or your friends.And yes, we talk about AI. Because as AI handles more intellectual tasks, our human communication skills will matter even more.If you want stronger relationships, better conflict management, and deeper connection in your personal and professional life, this episode gives you one skill to practice today. Top 5 Takeaways:Communication is a partnership, not a directiveOpen-ended questions deepen conversationsReflective listening builds trustAffirmations reinforce strengths and valuesIn an AI-driven world, human communication skills are a competitive advantageLINKS- Learn about meditation from Oren Jay Sofer- Episode on how to be a better communicator--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Many of us know what burnout looks like: exhaustion, cynicism, and the feeling that we simply can't keep going. But there's another state that shows up far more often and it's easier to miss. It's called brownout.In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Reese, leadership and executive development specialist and positive psychology practitioner, to unpack the critical difference between brownout and burnout, and why so many high-achieving people, especially women, are quietly living in that in-between space.Jess shares her environmental alignment model, a practical framework that helps you see how all parts of your life (work, caregiving, relationships, health, identity, and invisible labor) draw from the same energy reservoir. Together, we explore why adding more self-improvement often backfires, and why the most powerful move is often asking a different question: “What is the most impactful thing I can do to relieve pressure right now?”We also talk about the cultural pressure to “do it all,” why trying to make everything a top priority leads to depletion, and how real alignment requires honest reflection on your values, not an external definition of success or a past version of yourself.If you're feeling stretched thin, quietly overwhelmed, or wondering why rest doesn't seem to work anymore, this conversation will help you name what's happening and give you a clearer path forward.My Top 5 TakeawaysBrownout often comes before burnout and it's easier to miss because you're still functioning.Your energy reservoir is shared across your whole life, not just work.Relieving pressure is more effective than adding habits when you're depleted.You can't make everything the #1 priority and trying to do so leads to misalignment.True fulfillment requires redefining “having it all” based on your current values, constraints, and season of life.Jessie's Links and Work:Connect with Jessie on LinkedIn  Read Jessie's MAPP Capstone The Tipping Point: Executive Burnout, Brownout, and Realignment MAPP Magazine Article - Running on Half Power: Why Women Burnout and How to Reclaim Alignment by Jessie Reese --------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this Mindfulness in Action episode, I'm sharing a spontaneous trail-side reflection on something that's been very present for me lately: how we manage drive without burning out and how we stay truly connected in a world that keeps telling us to “go bigger.”I talk about rethinking social media impact, why I'm increasingly prioritizing local and real-time connection, and how and asking better questions can completely change the quality of our relationships. I also share some simple practices I've been using, like voice memos and short phone calls, to stay meaningfully connected without adding more pressure or noise.Synchronous, human connection matters so much for feeling valued. That's why I wanted to explore how curiosity helps us move beyond surface-level interaction, and why small, intentional shifts can have a bigger impact than trying to reach everyone, everywhere.I close with a short mindfulness practice you can do anywhere to help you reconnect with your body, reflect on when you feel most connected to others, and take one small step toward more meaningful connection in your everyday life.You'll learn to:Ground into your body, even while in motionReflect on when you feel most connected to othersIdentify one small step you can take to create deeper, more meaningful connection offlineOther meditations:– Slowing Down the Rush– How to Regulate Your Emotions for Resilience and Performance– How to Combat Self-Criticism--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

One of the things I love most about podcasting is getting to have the conversations I wish more people could hear, especially the ones that normalize what so many of us quietly struggle with.I sit down with my friend and fellow MAPP grad Corinne Kneis, a psychotherapist and wellness educator whose work beautifully bridges empathy, mindfulness, ADHD, and anxiety.Corinne and I first met during the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania, and I've long admired how she brings both science and humanity into her work. In this conversation, we explore what empathy really looks like in therapy and everyday life, why so many women mask ADHD with anxiety and perfectionism, and how mindfulness can help create space between emotional overwhelm and thoughtful response.We also talk openly about sensitivity, burnout, overfunctioning, and the strengths that often come with ADHD—like curiosity, passion, and love of learning. Corinne shares practical tools therapists use (and that anyone can apply) to regulate the nervous system, manage anxiety, and build healthier relationships with their emotions.Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, burnout, or simply want more emotional clarity and self-compassion, this episode offers grounded insight and actionable strategies you can start using right away.Top 5 TakeawaysEmpathy has two forms. Understanding the difference between affective (emotional) and cognitive empathy can reduce burnout and increase compassion.Many women mask ADHD with anxiety. Perfectionism and overfunctioning are often coping strategies, not character flaws.Mindfulness creates space. Simple practices can help separate emotional reactions from cognitive responses.ADHD is not a deficit. Differences often come with powerful strengths like curiosity, passion, and creativity.Structure + play matter. Routines, humor, and nervous system regulation are essential tools for emotional well-being.Learn More about Corinne Below:Flourish Psychotherapy by Corinne KneisFollow Along with Corinne on InstagramConnect with Corinne on LinkedIn--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.