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We hear from truck drivers and other road users about a recent auditor general's report that found big gaps in the way commercial truck drivers are trained in Ontario. OUr guest is Shelley Walker, a long-time truck driver and CEO of the Women's Trucking Federation of Canada.
Send us Fan MailIt's Drew Take Over Week! Drew Brannon welcomes performance coach Javier (Javi) Fraga for a candid conversation on building smarter training systems, evolving from youth athletes to elite physiques, and the assessment-first approach propelling FitBody Fusion's results. Javi shares his Miami roots, USF cohort experience, and the pandemic-era pivot that took him from internship to leadership at Push. Together they unpack how humility, delegation, and culture transform both athletes and teams—while balancing stage demands with long-term health.What You'll Learn:How early track and field, family, and Miami roots shaped a service-first coaching mindsetWhy Javi moved from pre-PT to exercise science and how the USF cohort accelerated growthLessons from Gorilla Bench and a post-COVID rebuild: effort, systems, and trustThe assessment process used with Fit Body Fusion athletes and how it individualizes trainingBalancing posterior-chain-heavy routines with joint health for bikini and wellness divisionsHow humility, delegation, and tough conversations build a resilient coaching cultureWhy working across demographics (youth, gen pop, physique) sharpens coaching skillHow family and purpose keep results aligned with real life beyond the stageSubscribe for more athlete-first conversations and practical training insights that elevate performance and people.#FitBodyLifestyle #FitBodyFusion #ContestPrep #StrengthTraining #Coaching Drew Brannon, an Exercise Science graduate from USF, owns Pinellas Ultimate Strength House, a premier 7,000 sq. ft. training facility in Largo, FL. A former physique researcher, athlete, and coach, he helps clients—from NCAA athletes to bodybuilders—achieve peak performance.https://www.instagram.com/drewbrannon08Javier Fraga is the General Manager of Pinellas Ultimate Strength House and a key leader within the FBF Training Department. With a strong background in performance training and experience working with everyone from elite athletes to everyday clients, Javier brings a results-driven, no-nonsense approach to fitness. He is passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential through disciplined training, education, and a commitment to long-term growth.http://www.pinellasultimate.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jfragatrainingWelcome to FitBody Lifestyle the podcast hosted by Jami and Greg DeBernard! Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of fitness, health, business, relationships, and the art of leading a well-rounded life. Whether you're pumping iron at the gym, grinding in your entrepreneurial endeavors, or simply striving for balance in your daily routine, you've landed in the right spot.In each episode, we'll embark on enlightening discussions, provide you with actionable tips, and share inspiring stories that touch on every aspect of your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. We'll cover everything from fitness tips to expert guidance on nutrition, and effective weight loss strategies. Dive deep with us into topics like strength training for both body and mind, fostering cardiovascular health, and discovering the harmony between your daily lifestyle and your personal well-being. We're here to help you unlock your full potential, empowering you to transform your mind, body, and overall life. Connect With Us:https://www.fitbodylifestylepodcast.com/https://www.fitbodyfusion.com/https://www.instagram.com/jamidebernard/https://www.instagram.com/fbf_papa_bear/https:/...
Send us a text!One of the best ways to develop efficient and effective shooting mechanics is through at-home dry fire training. In this episode we walk through a series of systems designed to maximize your dry fire training.Checkout the BA Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/brutalamericanThis episode's Headline Sponsor is: Keep Wise Partners; Visit KeepwisePartners.com or call Derrick Taylor at 781-680-8000 to schedule a free consultation. https://keepwise.partners/Be prepared. Be armored. Get your American-made body armor from Armored Republic at ArmoredRepublic.comTalk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial. https://www.backwardsplanningfinancial.comDefiant Machine Works provides expert firearm customization to deliver reliable, personalized, high-performance firearms. https://defiantmachineworks.com/Our new books are now in stock and shipping. https://www.newchristendompress.com/bonifaceoption-revilingwives-15-off Support the show
Wayne Mays is the Executive Vice President of Training & Development and Revenue at Basketball Training Systems, a full-service platform that provides everything that is needed to own and operate a successful youth basketball business. In his role at BTS Wayne leads the creation and execution of scalable basketball training systems across all academies nationwide. His focus is on standardizing operations, strengthening sales processes, and building structured training platforms that ensure consistency and growth across every location. Wayne is committed to using basketball to develop confidence, discipline, and life skills in young athletes.On this episode Mike & Wayne discuss the operational intricacies of establishing successful youth basketball academies, underscoring the imperative that basketball should be accessible to all, irrespective of financial resources. Mays shares his commitment to empowering passionate coaches and trainers, providing them with the requisite tools to initiate and cultivate their own programs. Additionally, we explore the importance of structured curriculums and the implementation of standardized operations that facilitate the growth of basketball training initiatives across the nation. Mays and BTS serve those seeking to contribute positively to the basketball community, emphasizing that the pursuit of passion and purpose can produce immense impact on young athletes' lives.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you're subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you're there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you're hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Grab your notebook before you listen to this episode with Wayne Mays, Executive Vice President of Training & Development and Revenue at Basketball Training Systems.Website - https://www.basketballtrainingsystems.com/Email - wmays@basketballtrainingsystems.comTwitter/X - @BTS_usa2016Visit our Sponsors!Give With HoopsGive With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game.D3 Direct Recruiting PlaybookHoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off!Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing.The Coaching PortfolioYour first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.Wealth4CoachesEmpowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/supportTwitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspodMike - @hdstarthoopsJason - @jsunkleInstagram@hoopheadspodFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ
Today's podcast guest is Ryan Banta. Ryan is a leading sprint coach at Parkway Central High School, known for blending sport science with practical training. He has guided athletes to multiple state championships and national-level success, and is the author of The Sprinter's Compendium. In this episode, Ryan shares his unconventional path from politics to coaching, and how early success, and failure, shaped his evolution. He reflects on moving from ego-driven outcomes to athlete-centered development, emphasizing joy, community, and long-term retention. Banta dives into the growth of his “critical mass” system, blending speed, rest, and adaptability, while highlighting the importance of mentorship, self-reflection, and continual learning in building both performance and meaningful athlete experiences. Today's episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and Lila Exogen. Use the code “LILAJUSTFLY10” for 10% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer https://youtu.be/yXnbTF3YYfM?si=isRwRn6EWvNuu2A6 View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Topics 0:00 – The Journey to Coaching 14:15 – Evolution of Coaching Philosophy 23:02 – Shifting Perspectives on Coaching 31:18 – Training Methodology Revolution 43:55 – The Art of Coaching Techniques 48:10 – Evolution of the Speed Program 50:40 – Adapting to Athlete Needs 53:30 – Balancing Training Cycles 56:18 – Personality and Coaching Styles 1:03:25 – Active Recovery vs. Complete Rest 1:11:16 – Warriors vs. Worriers in Performance 1:17:39 – Inquisitive Coaching Techniques 1:23:55 – Lightning Round About Ryan Banta Ryan Banta is a highly respected track and field coach and educator known for his innovative approach to sprint training and athlete development. He has coached at Parkway Central High School in Missouri, guiding athletes to multiple state championships and national-level performances. Banta blends sport science with practical coaching, particularly in speed development, timing systems, and program design. He is also the author of The Sprinter's Compendium and a frequent speaker and podcast guest, sharing insights on modern sprint methodology.
Civil rights group, Safe Citizen, has launched an urgent campaign to interrupt plans for drastic changes to South Africa's firearms training system that could make obtaining a competency certificate so expensive and time-consuming that people are likely to resort to buying fake certificates. In this interview, Nikki Pretorius, the spokesperson for the Lead Service Provider Forum, says: “... previously… training would take place over a day, day and a half at maximum and would cost the person about 1800 to 2000 Rand… now…. for the purposes of competency…a five day minimum period in a classroom and on a shooting range…and you're looking at four thousand, six thousand rand... And over and above the expense, you're looking at five days away from work…And even worse for the security officers…before they could get their competencies done within three, four, five days, they're now looking at three weeks.” Pretorius warns that it could lead to otherwise law-abiding citizens turning to corruption: “... it's simply going to drive that need (for firearms licences) underground. And then we have a situation where the proliferation of illegal firearms expands, whereas proper law abiding citizen firearm usage and ownership declines.”
A powerful story of resilience and strategy as Chris Watters reveals how he went from broke and uncertain to building a multi-million dollar business through execution, mentorship, and relentless focus on high-value opportunities.See article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/from-broke-to-building-millions-the-relentless-rise-of-a-real-estate-titan-with-chris-watters/(00:00) - Introduction to The REI Agent Podcast(00:30) - Meet Chris Watters and His Business Scale(01:30) - Early Entrepreneurial Mindset and College Experiences(03:30) - First Hustles and Learning Through Trial and Error(05:30) - Getting Started in Real Estate Sales(07:30) - Transition From Lawn Business to Real Estate Career(09:30) - First Steps Into Investing and Market Timing(12:00) - Building Early Success as a Real Estate Agent(14:30) - Launching a Team and Writing a Book(17:00) - Discovering Wholesaling and Mentorship Power(19:00) - The Failed Bar Investment and Financial Reset(21:30) - Starting a Brokerage From Scratch(24:00) - First Failure in Team Building and Lessons Learned(26:30) - Rebuilding and Scaling to Hundreds of Closings(29:00) - Key Differences Between Failure and Success Phases(31:00) - Lead Quality vs Lead Quantity Breakthrough(33:00) - Hiring, Training, and Fast Agent Development(35:00) - Expanding Into Multiple Cities and Franchising(37:00) - High-Level Investment Deals and Value Creation(39:00) - Transition From Small Deals to Large-Scale Profits(41:00) - Brokerage Models Explained and Enterprise Strategy(42:30) - Golden Nugget One: High-Intent Seller Leads(43:30) - Golden Nugget Two: Conversion and Training Systems(44:30) - Golden Nugget Three: Mentorship and Humility(45:30) - Book Recommendation and Final Insights(46:00) - Closing Thoughts and Where to ConnectContact Chris Wattershttps://christopherwatters.com/https://www.facebook.com/ChrisWattersHQ/https://www.instagram.com/christopherwatters/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswatters/https://www.youtube.com/c/WattersInternationalRealty If there is one lesson to take from Chris Watters, it is this. Your current situation does not matter nearly as much as your willingness to act, learn, and improve. The moment you decide to take ownership, seek guidance, and execute daily is the moment your life begins to change. Keep pushing forward, keep learning, and keep building the future you know you deserve. Visit https://reiagent.comIs success destroying your peace? Most pros grind until they break. Download The Investor's Life Balance Sheet: A Holistic Wealth Audit to see if you are building a legacy or heading for burnout. Presented by The REI Agent Podcast & United States Real Estate Investor® https://sendfox.com/lp/m4jrl
The first round table talk where I invited on fellow coaches of the Underdog Training System to talk about recent changes in the DEKA equipment, how to best navigate those as a coach/athlete, and how you should be training at this point in the season if you are an athlete that does both HYROX & DEKA. To work with me via online personal training click here.To get access to my DEKA workshops, click here. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
If you want to know how to think on your feet, you need to understand something most advice on this topic gets wrong: Thinking on your feet is not a talent. It's a trained response. And the training required goes far deeper than memorizing a few “power phrases” or practicing small talk at networking events. Real mental agility, by which I mean the kind that serves you in a boardroom, on a stage, in a heated conversation, and even in physical danger, is something you earn. And to earn it requires systematic preparation across multiple domains. I know this because I've spent decades training for exactly these moments. As a university professor, I've lectured in multiple languages to rooms of students who didn't always want to be there. And to get my PhD, I had to sit for a dissertation defense in a room where some of the examiners delighted in throwing hardball questions. As a performing musician, I've improvised solos on stages where the set list changed mid-show. While performing card magic, I've recovered from botched tricks in front of audiences who were actively trying to catch me out. And as a martial arts practitioner, I've used my training to escape three real-world physical confrontations without throwing a single punch. Then there was my TEDx Talk where I had to make real time adjustments when the audience failed to even smile at my scripted laugh lines, but chuckled substantially during parts I had not planned to be funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqtDy68-gkY How to Think on Your Feet: The Complete Training System for Mental Agility Under Pressure What I've learned across all of these experiences is that every domain of “thinking on your feet” shares one foundational requirement. It's not intelligence. It's not quick wit. It's often not even confidence. Rather, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that thinking quickly and responding in the best possible way comes down to the systematic reduction of ego. That might sound philosophical, but it's intensely practical. And it will become the thread that connects everything in this guide. From how to recall information instantly in a conversation to how to physically escape a threatening situation without freezing. Here's what we'll cover today: Part 1: Why “Thinking on Your Feet” Is a Trained Skill, Not a Personality Trait Part 2: The Ego Problem (Why Your Self-Image Is Your Biggest Obstacle) Part 3: Mental Recall Under Pressure (How to Access What You Know When It Matters) Part 4: Verbal Agility (How to Sound Smart, Pivot, and Recover in Conversation) Part 5: Performance Under Pressure (Lessons from Music, Magic, and the Stage) Part 6: Physical Composure (How to React When Your Safety Is at Stake) Part 7: Daily Training Exercises for Mental Agility Part 8: Loading Your Mind (Why What You Memorize Determines How Well You Think) Part 9: The Paradox of Mental Silence Let’s dive in with why most people struggle with the skill of spontaneously responding in optimal ways in the first place. Why “Thinking On Your Feet” Is a Trained Skill, Not a Personality Trait As Freud pointed out, civilization is not our natural state. In Das Unbehagen in der Kultur, which is usually translated as Civilization and Its Discontents, he argues that much of our inner tension comes from how our social training represses our instincts. “Discontents” is not really a great translation for the title of this book. “Unbehagen” means something more like “unease” or “discomfort.” And since languages and skills are something we learn, we literally have to undergo a process of discomfort to learn most things. That's not a political statement. It's a neurological one. Your brain's implicit memory system, the part that handles automatic behaviors, gut reactions, and how you repeat social patterns on autopilot, was shaped by millennia of environments that looked nothing like a conference room or a dinner party. It was shaped by physical survival, tribal dynamics, and the need to read danger before it arrives. This means that when you're put on the spot in a modern context, your brain defaults to patterns it learned through observation, not through deliberate training. And those patterns were modelled on the people around you growing up. Especially in contexts like: Being asked a question you weren't expecting Getting challenged during a meeting Having someone force you to improvise a presentation at school or work In such situations, you might find yourself freezing under pressure and not realizing that you’re actually repeating how you saw a parent go cold when you were young. Or you might find yourself getting defensive in arguments the way a sibling did, or going blank during presentations based on someone else’s blip you observed. When you repeat this behavior yourself, it’s not a character flaw. That's implicit memory doing exactly what it was designed to do: replicate observed behavior. And if you’re reading this and don’t have problems thinking on your feet, chances are that you were a lucky observer of someone who could when you were young. Combatting Implicit Memory’s Hold with Reconsolidation The problem is that your default patterns are not optimized for the situations modern life throws at you. They're survival patterns, not performance patterns. Since you’ve learned to react like those you’ve observed instead of how you’d prefer to act as a fully realized being in this world, what can you do? Fortunately, quite a bit. Neuroscientists call the mechanism behind how you can shift the hold of implicit memory on your behavior memory reconsolidation. Here’s how memory reconsolidation works in brief: Every time you recall a memory, it temporarily destabilizes. Researchers call this destabilization a “labile state.” And while the memory is transitioning, the memory can be modified before your brain stores it again. This includes modifying behavioral patterns, not just facts. So when you clam up after being put on the spot and then reflect on what happened, that freezing response is briefly open to revision. This process was first demonstrated in landmark research by Karim Nader and Joseph LeDoux at NYU, which you can read about in Memory Reconsolidation. As part of their investigation, Nader and LeDoux demonstrated that even deeply encoded fear memories could be altered during reconsolidation. Unlocking Transformation Bruce Ecker and colleagues later applied this principle therapeutically. I recommend their discussion in Unlocking the Emotional Brain: Memory Reconsolidation and the Psychotherapy of Transformational Change. As you’ll read, they discovered how long-held emotional patterns can be rewritten. Not through willpower, but through a specific process of activating the old pattern, introducing a contradictory experience, and allowing the brain to re-encode. Monica Khosla explores a parallel idea in The First and Last Belief. This fascinating book is written by someone who experiences non-dual states similar to those I shared in The Victorious Mind: How to Master Memory, Meditation and Mental Well-Being. Khosla discusses how our earliest family-formed beliefs become the templates for how we respond under pressure as adults. Her work in family therapy suggests that these templates aren’t permanent fixtures. Rather, they’re “reconsolidatable,” provided you understand how they were formed and deliberately create new experiences that contradict them. This is precisely what the training in the guide you’re reading now is designed to do. Every exercise, every practice, every discipline I’ll share works by activating your default pattern (the freeze, the defensive reaction, the blank stare) and replacing it with a trained alternative in the moment it’s most labile. The Catch But there’s a catch. There’s always a catch, isn’t there? The pattern that most resists reconsolidation is your self-image. It’s also your self-image that most aggressively defends itself against change. People literally argue for hours with therapists that they cannot change. I know because I made this argument myself for years in front of my own therapists. This is precisely why thinking on your feet requires training. You cannot simply decide to be quicker, calmer, or more articulate under pressure. You have to deliberately replace your default patterns with trained responses. And use deliberate practice to ensure those responses become the new default. The training looks different depending on the context: In conversation and debate, it means learning frameworks for organizing thoughts rapidly and practicing with real people. In professional settings, it means memorizing key information so thoroughly that recall becomes effortless, freeing your mind to think rather than search. On stage or in front of an audience, it means thousands of hours of performance practice that builds a reservoir of recoveries and pivots you can draw on automatically. In physical danger, it means martial arts or self-defense training that bypasses conscious thought entirely and produces trained physical reactions. Each of these contexts has its own training methods. But they all share the same underlying principle: the trained response must be so deeply encoded that it fires before your conscious mind has time to interfere. The single biggest source of that interference? Your ego. But never fear. As big of a problem as the ego can be, you’re going to learn how to solve and resolve it. Part 2: The Ego Problem (Why Your Self-Image Is Your Biggest Obstacle) Here's the uncomfortable truth that almost no “how to think on your feet” article will tell you: The reason most people freeze, fumble, or fail under pressure is not that they lack information or intelligence. It's that they're managing their self-image at the same time as they're trying to perform. They experience serious cognitive drain as a result. Why? Well, when you're in a meeting and someone asks you a question you don't know the answer to, your mind doesn't just process the question. If your ego is not well-managed, your mind simultaneously processes: “What will they think of me if I don't know? Will I look incompetent? How do I maintain my status?” That parallel processing consumes the very cognitive resources you need for actual thinking. The Additional Cognitive Drain of Fantasizing Your Own Wit The psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan made an observation that I've found profoundly useful in this context. He once pointed out that our fantasies are almost always better than the reality. For example, when we fantasize about being the quick-witted person everyone admires, we're constructing an idealized self-image that the real moment can never live up to. At least not all the time. You’ve probably heard the phrase “the gods have clay feet.” Well, spend enough time with accomplished performers, and you’ll start to see why. No one always has: the perfect response the devastating comeback the elegant pivot But we fantasize that some people do. And then when we don't perform like our fantasy, we experience not just the failure of the moment, but also a painful collapse of our self-image. That's why a stumble in a presentation can feel catastrophic even when the audience barely notices. The ego is experiencing a much larger injury than the situation warrants. How to Reduce Ego Before It Costs You There’s no quick fix for the ego. And ego reduction exercises so you can respond with greater self-satisfaction in the moment require: Practice in advance Consistent application in a variety of situations And in a variety of ways until responding off the top of your head from a clear mind becomes your default orientation. Then you maintain the practices that get you the spontaneous mastery you want over time. Here is a powerful place to start. Practice Stoic Premeditation The Stoics called it premeditatio malorum or negative visualization. Basically, you deliberately imagine everything that could go wrong related to the situations that regularly require your response. If you regularly visualize yourself going blank in a meeting, stumbling through a presentation, or being publicly corrected, the actual event loses its power to destabilize you. You've already experienced the worst in your imagination. The real version is almost always milder. It’s the flipside of the point from Lacan we discussed above. You’ve now made the reality much better than the fantasy. Modify the Classic Stoic Exercise You can modify premeditatio malorum in two key ways. I suggest you experiment with both techniques I’m about to describe. One: Transform Old Memories of a Disastrous Performance First, you can excavate through your memory to find situations you recall where things have already been bad for you. Then, you can “cleanse” those memories by placing them in a “Happy Memory Palace.” The scientific basis for this process comes from research showing promise in therapy for trauma, such as this study of memory reconsolidation specific to declarative memory. And there is the now classic Tim Dalgleish-headed research on using Memory Palaces or the method of loci for successfully reducing depression. For more on this kind of research, the following livestream replay gives you an exact exercise and more about the memory science behind the positive outcomes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs9UHz4pVuM In terms of how I’ve used this approach personally, I sometimes wince at one particular memory from when I sang a song during show-and-tell one morning when I was in grade two. I don’t know why I used to feel embarrassed when the memory would arise as an adult, but I could feel the sting in my cheeks. And later when I first started sharing the Sanskrit phrases I’ve memorized, that little flush of shame would arise again. So to forgive that kid whatever my memory was holding against him for his squeaky little voice, I turned the classroom into a Memory Palace and used it to memorize a delightful poem. From the point that I finished learning the poem (you can learn the process from this poetry memorization guide), I can think of that episode without that old embarrassment reviving any of its sting. And I’ve used this approach to transform other lingering memories I don’t like as well, something I’ll share more in-depth in a forthcoming book. Releasing old negative memories that involve shame makes me feel more spontaneous. And I’m confident you’ll enjoy a similar benefit too. Two: Memorize Stoic Quotes Memorizing poetry is one thing, but it takes time. You can commit quotes to memory a lot faster. I share one of my favorite quotes from Seneca in this YouTube short, one that took only a few minutes to memorize, even though it’s in Latin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISvX0-CfRkk I found this quote in Kevin Vost’s Memorize the Stoics! Although it’s not on my list of best Memory Palace Books, it provides a great look at memory training through a Stoic lens. And Vost is right: The value of having ancient wisdom on tap cannot be exaggerated. Not just for correcting your ego. You’ll also find that you have more things to say when pressed to speak on the spot. Things that have stood the test of time. Meditate Specifically for Ego Reduction Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now, often says in his talks that if you are empty of thought, you don’t have to worry about what to say next during a conversation. You’ll spontaneously produce the best possible reply. I often wondered how it was possible to empty my mind of thoughts until I encountered Gary Weber’s Happiness Beyond Thought and Evolving Beyond Thought amongst other works. Although Weber’s full program requires a fair amount of time, it’s worth it for the mental space and spontaneity you’ll enjoy. Two Other Tactics for Detaching From Your Ego for Greater Spontaneity While you’re experimenting with Stoicism, here are two other tactics to explore. They’re both counterintuitive, but powerful. Embrace ignorance as a position of strength Saying “I don't know, but I'll find out” is not a failure. It's a demonstration of intellectual honesty that most people find more impressive than an imaginary answer. If your ego tells you that not knowing something is a form of weakness, push back. Admitting when you don’t know something and then doing some research and following up, builds trust at the same time as it builds your knowledge base. Detach from Needing Any Particular Outcome Your job in any high-pressure moment is not to be brilliant. It's to be present and responsive. Almost as if there is no “you” longing to be perceived in any particular way. Or desiring things to play out for or against you. When you stop trying to produce the perfect response and instead focus on actually hearing the question, understanding the situation, and responding honestly, the quality of your thinking improves dramatically. And it happens largely because you've freed up the cognitive resources consumed by your egotistical needs. You’ll also enjoy your perception of the present moment much more. Part 3: Mental Recall Under Pressure (How to Access What You Know When It Matters) One of the most common experiences of “not thinking on your feet” is this: You know the information, but you can't access it in the moment. You know your mind possesses the answer. But the pressure of the situation has locked the door. There's a neurological explanation for this. Researcher Amy Arnsten has documented how stress signalling pathways in the prefrontal cortex effectively shut down under acute stress. As we know from studies in anxiety-induced memory loss, during stress, the amygdala takes prominence over the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for working memory, reasoning, and flexible thinking. As a result, your brain redirects resources toward fight-or-flight responses that are useful for physical survival but terrible for articulate speech. This is a major reason why you can know something perfectly in a calm environment and go completely blank when asked about it in front of an audience or in a heated discussion. The information hasn't disappeared. Your brain has simply redirected resources away from the systems that retrieve it. The Alphabet Retrieval Technique When I suddenly can't recall something (a name, a fact, a point I wanted to make), I have a technique that works more often than I'd expect: I mentally run through the alphabet from A to Z. It doesn’t always bring back the information. But the technique works often enough to make it a reliable first move, hitting the correct first letter while scanning through the alphabet triggers the retrieval. When it works, it’s because the first letter acts as a cue that unlocks the rest of the word or thought. It’s also the basis of how associative memory operates. As Dr. Gary Small has explained, your brain stores information in networks that somewhat resemble neighborhoods. And the first letter of a word is often enough of a “key” to unlock the door on a full node of information. It's the same principle behind why a song's opening notes can bring back the entire melody. Or how just a word or two of a lyric can bring back an entire verse. The “Let It Go” Retrieval Technique If scanning the alphabet doesn't work, the next best strategy is counterintuitive: Stop trying. In other words, deliberately release any attempt to search your mind for the content. Instead, move on to the next point, the next topic, the next question. Often, within 5–10 minutes, the information you were grasping for will come racing back to mind. This form of recall happens because your subconscious continues processing the retrieval request even after your conscious mind has moved on. Releasing the conscious effort actually accelerates the process, because you've removed the stress that was blocking retrieval in the first place. The Anti-Digital Amnesia Discipline You Need In order to ensure your memory gets stronger over time, you need to break the habit of immediately reaching for your phone or a search engine when you fail to recall something. Every time you outsource mental retrieval to a computer, you weaken the neural pathways that perform recall. You're training your brain that it doesn't need to do the work — and over time, it stops trying. This is the phenomenon I've written about as digital amnesia, and it's one of the most insidious threats to mental agility in the modern world. Preloading: The Real Solution to In-the-Moment Recall Both alphabetical retrieval and simply letting go are recovery strategies. They're useful when recall fails. But the real solution to thinking on your feet is to ensure that recall rarely fails in the first place. This is where a variety of memory training techniques enter the picture. Not as gimmicks, but as the foundational infrastructure for mental agility. The Memory Palace Technique Using Memory Palaces provides a core means of preloading information into your mind. Because this technique allows you to encode very large amounts of information, retrieval under pressure becomes qualitatively different from trying to recall something you passively read or heard. You literally own that information, forwards and backwards. It works because the spatial structure of the Memory Palace gives your brain a retrieval path that works even when the prefrontal cortex is under stress, because spatial memory is processed partly by the hippocampus. This is a different system than the one stress shuts down. In practical terms: If you've memorized the key points of a presentation using a Memory Palace, you don't need to “remember” them under pressure. You just mentally walk to the next room. The information is there, waiting. But it’s not merely attached to a place you know as well as your own home. It has also entered long-term memory. To learn this approach, check out The Memory Palace Technique: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide. Memory Wheels and the Art of Combination Retrieving facts, quotes, even entire passages under pressure is one thing. But what about those moments when you need to synthesize information on the spot? Such as when someone poses a complex question and the right answer isn’t a single piece of information but a combination of ideas you need to assemble in real time? This is where most people’s recall fails them entirely. They might remember one relevant point, but they can’t pull together the three or four ideas needed to construct a substantive response on the spot. I use a technique for this that dates back to the 13th-century philosopher Ramon Llull, later refined by the Renaissance memory master Giordano Bruno. It’s called ars combinatoria or the art of combination. It works by pre-organizing your knowledge onto mental structures called memory wheels so that you can rotate through ideas rapidly and recombine them in novel ways during live situations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opmb-mU-KPI Here’s the simplest version of how it works in practice: Imagine a circle in your mind with the letters A through Z arranged around it. For each letter, you’ve pre-assigned a thinker, a framework, or a principle you know well. A might be Aristotle. B might be a breathing technique. C might be a core value you hold. M might be Marcus Aurelius. S might be the Stoic concept of premeditatio malorum. When a difficult question hits you in conversation, instead of grasping for one perfect answer, you mentally spin the wheel. Instead of searching randomly for something to say, you approach the task of coming up with something to say by scanning an organized inventory of your best thinking. Because you’ve pre-loaded and spatially arranged all of it, your mind can traverse what you’ve already learned quickly. Memory Wheel Example One of my favorite Memory Wheels is populated with philosophers (one for each letter of the alphabet). When I’m confronted with a complex topic, I rotate through and consider what Aristotle would say and then move on through as many philosophers as I like, all the way to Zizek for Z. I know this technique sounds elaborate and it requires having read the best philosophy books, but once you have a Memory Wheel built and practiced, the rotation takes seconds. Here’s a rapid fire discussion with a few more examples from one of my YouTube shorts from the road in Brisbane: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/29nOib2ZS_4 Please don’t overlook this technique. It produces responses that are genuinely multi-perspectival, not just whatever my default opinion happens to be. The deeper history of this technique and detailed instructions for building your own memory wheels are covered in my full guide to Ramon Llull’s memory wheel method. But the principle you can apply immediately upon developing your own memory wheels is this: If you pre-organize your knowledge into a spatial structure rather than leaving it scattered across your memory, you gain the ability to not just recall individual facts under pressure but to combine and recombine ideas on the fly. That is the difference between someone who can answer a question and someone who can think through a problem in real time. It’s not speed without purpose. It’s architecture with a sense of direction based on the shoulders of giants. Part 4: Verbal Agility (How to Sound Smart, Pivot, and Recover in Conversation) Verbal agility isn't about having a quick tongue. It's about having a calm mind with a deep well of material to draw from. The people who seem effortlessly articulate in conversation are rarely making it up on the spot. They're drawing on vast reserves of pre-loaded knowledge, practiced frameworks, and rehearsed transitions. What looks like spontaneous brilliance is actually the visible tip of an enormous iceberg of preparation. Frameworks for Organizing Your Thoughts Rapidly When someone throws a topic at you and you need to respond coherently, having a mental framework prevents the rambling that makes people sound unprepared. Here are several that work, provided you practice using them before they’re required in real-life situations: The PREP Framework PREP stands for: Point Reason Example Point It’s a very powerful formula to practice during debates as well as in conversation. When using PREP, you state your position, give one reason, illustrate with one example, then restate your position. This takes 30–60 seconds and helps keep your replies structured without sounding rehearsed. The WRAP Technique I learned this one from Chip and Dan Heath's Decisive. WRAP stands for: Widen your options Reality-test your assumptions Attain distance before deciding Prepare to fail I placed WRAP on a memory wheel and demonstrate how to run through it mentally in this ars combinatoria video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cYDmaBXvJg What to Do When You're Stumped Even with the frameworks we just discussed or tactics like running through the alphabet, you will experience situations where you simply don't have a response. Here are more strategies you can try. Pause Peacefully Although falling silent can feel painful when you first start practicing it, rest assured that it barely registers to the person listening. And in many cases, a two or three-second pause before responding signals thoughtfulness, not ignorance. Most people rush to fill silence because their ego can't tolerate appearing slow. But a measured pause followed by a substantive response is always more impressive than a rushed response followed by backtracking. Seek Clarification There’s nothing wrong with asking people: “Can you say more about what you mean by that?” or “Are you asking about X or Y specifically?” Such questions will not stall the conversation. It's genuine intellectual engagement, and it often reveals avenues for further conversation that would not be revealed any other way. Use the Truth You might not know this, but many people find it refreshing when someone admits that something is outside of their area. Nir Eyal did that on my podcast a few years ago and I’ve never forgotten his willingness to “stay in his lane,” as he put it. The best part? Nobody penalizes honest uncertainty and a request to move on if you really don’t have a settled opinion on some matter or any expertise. Practice Physical Awareness Sometimes when we’re stumped, our body tenses up. Shoulders rise, the jaw clenches and breathing shallows. This physical tension feeds back into your mental state and makes mental freezing worse. But deliberately dropping your shoulders and taking one slow breath can help break the cycle. More on this kind of physical solution is coming up in Part 6. Practice Steelmanning One of the most powerful exercises for verbal agility is practicing steelmanning. Related to the principle of charity in rhetoric, steelmanning is the practice of arguing for positions with which you disagree. But not half-heartedly. No, you make the argument in the strongest possible terms. One simple way to practice steelmanning involves getting a friend to throw topics at you randomly. Your job is not to argue your own position, but to construct the best possible argument for the opposite side. This practice accomplishes three things simultaneously: It forces you to think through ideas from perspectives you wouldn't naturally adopt, which builds cognitive flexibility. It trains you to separate your ego from your position, because you're explicitly not defending your own views. It prepares you for actual debates, because you've already rehearsed the strongest version of your opponent's argument. For more tips that will help you in this department, check out my guide to preparing for debates. The Improv Principle If you take one thing from this section and act on it, let it be this: Take an improvisation class. Why? Improv comedy training provides you with the single most transferable skill for verbal agility in any context. The core principle of improv is quite easy. You simply answer everything with either “yes, and…” or “no, but…” This simple structure teaches you to accept whatever is thrown at you and build on it rather than blocking or deflecting. This is the exact skill you need in meetings, conversations, presentations, and debates. Improv also provides the one thing you can't get from reading articles: Real-time practice under social pressure while receiving immediate feedback. No amount of theory replaces the experience of standing in front of a group with nothing planned and having to produce something. It’s been a long time since I took an improv class, or any class. But you really only need one round to create a permanent transformation. Part 5: Performance Under Pressure (Lessons from Music, Magic, and the Stage) If you've never performed music, theatre, magic, public speaking, or any other form of real-time presentation, you may not realize how much of “thinking on your feet” is simply having enough trained material that you can recover from anything. The principle applies far beyond the stage. But the stage is where the principle is most visible, so let me share what I've learned from three performance disciplines. Music: Improvisation Is Built on Structure & Self-Awareness When I studied music, I learned something that most non-musicians find surprising: improvisational soloing requires more preparation than playing a written piece. A written piece has every note specified. You practice it, you perform it, you're done. An improvised solo, on the other hand, requires you to internalize the underlying structure so thoroughly that you can navigate it in real time without conscious planning. You need to know the modes, the chord changes, the rhythmic patterns, the phrasing conventions. And you need to know them so well that they're available to your fingers before your conscious mind has time to think about which note comes next. I know this from decades of musical experience. But my life in music almost never happened at all. In grade five, I failed a recorder test. It was given as a prerequisite for joining band class in grade six. The reason, though I didn’t have the language for it at the time, was a condition then called image-deficit disorder, now known as aphantasia. I couldn’t visualize what my teachers were asking me to see on the recorder or the sheet music. And the boring mnemonic sentences they gave us for remembering the notes made no sense to me. The school’s verdict in the face of my supposed failure? No band class. My dad changed that. He rolled up to the school on his Harley Davidson and had a conversation with the administration that I wasn’t privy to. Whatever he said, it worked. I was in. So long as I played the trombone instead of my dream bass guitar. They thought trombone would be easiest for me with its one simple slide. The Art of Coping By Copying But getting into band class didn’t mean I could play. In fact, for the entire first year, I sat beside another trombonist who picked up every note like it was nothing. I survived by watching his slide positions and copying them. I wasn’t reading music. I was reading him. The next year, in grade seven, the teacher gave us separate parts, and my copying lifeline was over. I remember sitting alone in a room with that trombone, sweat rolling down my face, sheet music on the stand turning my brain into wet sawdust. It felt like staring at an explosive I didn’t know how to defuse. But something shifted as my juvenile brain worked to solve the problem. Once I was forced to actually engage with the notation instead of mimicking someone else, I started seeing patterns. The theory behind the notes began to click. My teacher noticed the transformation quickly, both in performance and on my written tests. Later that year, she encouraged me to enter a sight-reading competition. Even though I didn’t win, I remember the thrill of performing music I’d never seen before. And because my teacher saw how deeply I’d started engaging with music, she helped me secure a spot at the local summer school of music before high school. That summer changed my trajectory. I studied with a celebrated trombonist from Canadian Brass. My skills went up substantially, and after a solo I played during the final concert, I was asked to audition for the Kamloops Rube Band. I turned that invitation down and finally retired the trombone for a bass and joined a heavy metal band instead. Over the years that followed, I played in multiple bands, learned increasingly complex music, and eventually realized a lifelong dream: going on tour with an established band. Memory expert Anthony Metivier performing at a concert in Germany. The Lesson That Changed How I Perform And it was during that tour, playing with a sophisticated band called The Outside, that I received perhaps the most important lesson about thinking on your feet that music ever gave me. After a show, our drummer Tito told me I’d missed a few notes. I braced for a critical lecture, but he said something I’ve never forgotten. It was an important tip that has everything to do with the practice of thinking on your feet: “The real problem isn’t missing the notes. It’s looking like you made a mistake. If you look like you made a mistake, it is a mistake.” From that moment on, I trained myself to improvise how I looked just as much as how I sounded. A missed note played with confidence reads as a creative choice. A perfect note played with visible anxiety reads as a near-miss. The audience often doesn’t hear your mistakes, but they do see your reaction to them. This principle extends far beyond music. It shows up in meetings, presentations and conversations. Your stumbles themselves are almost never what people remember. They remember whether or not you flinched. And to tie this all back to the beginning, flinching is an ego response. It’s the visible evidence of caring more about how you appear than about what you’re communicating. Tito didn’t know he was teaching me about ego reduction back during that tour in 2013. But that’s exactly what his lesson was. Card Magic: Multiple Outs and Recovery In card magic, which is especially useful in memorized deck magic, there's a concept called “multiple outs.” I think about it constantly in non-magic contexts. A multiple out is a tactic you might never use, but always have something prepared so that no matter what the spectator does, you conclude the trick successfully. In other words, no matter which card they choose, which pile they point to, which decision they make, you have a prepared path to a successful conclusion. The spectator thinks they're making free choices. In reality, every choice leads to the same place, or to one of several equally impressive endings. This is exactly how preparation works for thinking on your feet. If you've prepared thoroughly for a meeting, you don't just have one argument. You have multiple arguments, multiple examples, multiple pivot points. If someone challenges your position, you have an “out.” If someone asks an unexpected question, you have another “out.” The more preparation you've done, the more outs you have. Magician in Trouble There's also a sub-genre in magic called “magician in trouble” where the performer intentionally appears to make a mistake, building tension before a surprising recovery. What the audience doesn't realize is that the “mistake” was planned and the recovery was rehearsed. But it only works because the performer has done thousands of hours of practice behind the scenes. If you’re having trouble acting spontaneously, learning a few magic tricks is one of the best things you can do. The more tricks you know, the more you can make mistakes and recover. If one trick goes wrong, you transition to another. If a spectator does something unexpected, you have a different trick that accommodates their choice. The depth of your repertoire is directly proportional to your ability to handle anything. Translate this to your professional life: The more tools, frameworks, examples, and stories you have memorized, the more “tricks” you can draw from when a conversation or presentation goes sideways. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvtYjdriSpM Two Levels of TEDx Improvisation Where Preparation Met Reality Minutes before I was due on stage for my TEDx Talk, a long-time fan showed up without a ticket. From what I gathered, he’d traveled to attend the event in Melbourne. And I could tell he was genuinely excited. But he didn’t have a ticket. And when the venue staff told him he couldn’t come in, due to fire capacity rules, we were both frustrated. Anyone with two eyes could see that the room wasn’t actually full. But there was no time to argue the bureaucracy. I was about to deliver the most important presentation of my career, after all. This is exactly the kind of moment that derails people. Not the talk itself, but the things that happen right before you hit the stage. I’m talking about the unexpected disruptions that flood your system with cortisol at the worst possible time. My ego wanted to fight for this person’s entry. It wanted to make a scene about the absurdity of empty seats and fire codes. It wanted to be the hero who fixes things. Instead, thinking on my feet, I suggested we meet for dinner after the talk. He understood. We shook hands. And then I had approximately four minutes to completely reset my mental state before walking on stage. Here’s what I did, standing backstage where nobody could see: I placed my hands behind my back and began Kirtan Kriya. This is a four-syllable meditation (Sa, Ta, Na, Ma) combined with a sequential mudra where your fingers tap. Gary Weber teaches it in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehvokeZnXMM By using the technique with both hands behind my back so no one would see, I simultaneously slowed my breathing and brought myself back to center. Between breath cycles, I also ran a quick body scan from my feet to my scalp, deliberately releasing tension wherever I found it. Jaw, shoulders, hands, the major muscle groups. By the time they called my name, I was calm. Not confident in the way people usually mean. I wasn’t puffed up or “psyched” to give my speech. Just calm in the way that comes from having emptied the bowl. The fan situation was gone from my mind. The ego’s need to intervene was gone. What remained was a mind with nothing in it except a memorized talk and the willingness to deliver it to whoever was in that room. What To Do When the Room Doesn’t Follow Your Script Shortly after my talk began, the room did something I hadn’t planned for. A scripted joke that had worked perfectly to create laughter during the dress rehearsal the day before landed in silence. Not awkward silence. Just… nothing. The audience looked at me with interest but no laughter. A few minutes later, during a section I hadn’t intended to be funny at all, they laughed. Genuinely. A speaker working from notes would have been buried in their script at that moment, unable to read the room because their eyes were on the page. But my entire talk was encoded in Memory Palaces using the technique I teach in my guide, How to Memorize a Speech. I didn’t need to look at any notes. I could look at everyone and connect with them directly. So I did and leaned into their laughter. I let it breathe. I adjusted my pacing to ride the energy they were giving me rather than forcing the energy I’d planned. Going with the flow, I made an unscripted joke and it landed. And when the moment passed, I stepped to the next station in my Memory Palace and continued on with the talk. What the Audience Saw vs. What Actually Happened The audience experienced this as spontaneity. They saw a speaker who was loose, present, reading the room. What actually happened was decades of training expressing itself through a four-second decision. The musical performance training that taught me to keep playing through mistakes without flinching. The card magic training that taught me to have multiple outs when a planned effect doesn’t land. The teaching experience that taught me to read a room full of people who may not be responding the way I expected. And underneath all of it, my ego-reduction efforts shone through, including the willingness to let go of the talk I’d planned and deliver the talk the audience needed. After the event, several people told me how natural and relaxed I seemed. One person said it felt like I was just talking to them, not giving a speech. That’s the highest compliment a speaker can receive. And it was entirely the product of preparation. But nothing about that talk was spontaneous other than the joke I made up on the fly. Otherwise, every word of that talk was memorized verbatim. The audience saw someone thinking on their feet. What they were actually seeing was someone falling back on their training. That, and they witnessed someone with enough training to fall back on. That is the difference. And it’s available to anyone willing to put in the work before the moment arrives. Part 6: Physical Composure (How to React When Your Safety Is at Stake) There are situations where “thinking on your feet” has nothing to do with being articulate or quick-witted. Quite the opposite. There are many moments in life when thinking itself is the problem, especially during situations where what you need is a trained physical response that fires before your conscious mind has time to interfere. I've been in three of these situations. Each time, it was my years-long Systema training that kept me safe. In case you don’t know it, Systema is a martial art focused on breathing, relaxation, and fluid movement under stress. To be clear, it didn’t help me fight. It helped me because it stopped fights from erupting in the first place. Let me explain. Incident One: The Attempted Mugging While writing my dissertation, I was living in Washington Heights, a district north of Harlem in New York City. I was walking south, down to the 170s from the corner of 187th and Cabrini, where I’d stopped to use a bank machine. On my way out, a man stood in front of me with something resembling a gun in his pocket. Exactly as it happens in the movies, he gestured in quick spurts of energy so that my eyes dropped and looked at his pocket. “Give me your wallet and all your money,” he demanded. My Systema training kicked in. Instead of having my shoulders shoot up with anxious tension — the default I’d seen in almost every new student Emmanuel Manolakakis worked with, including me during my first lessons — my mind automatically followed the training I’d received. Without willing it, my shoulders dropped and my mind and body synced with my breath. In a way that still completely bewilders me, a smile came across my face. I don’t know what I looked like, but my expression unnerved the mugger. It created the stress in him that should have been in my body. After what seemed like an eternity, the mugger said, “Wipe that smile off your face or I’ll shoot you.” At this point, my smile grew wider and I started to laugh. An instant later, it felt right to move. I took one step forward into his space and angled to the left with the second and third steps. I didn’t break his gaze and watched as his eyes and entire head tracked me as I moved past him. Then, still operating completely on autopilot, I started to run and found myself in a cleaning supplies store filled with mops and buckets. No confrontation. No escalation. No ego. Just a trained body responding faster than a thinking mind would have. My Systema training, from breath coordination to deep muscle relaxation and long hours of practice with dropping into calm during situations of simulated threat, delivered exactly what it was designed for: bypassing the conscious mind that would have frozen me and let the body handle the situation. Incident Two: The Dark Path in Toronto Some time later, walking in Toronto, I approached a path at the end of a high school field. It was too late to be taking this popular shortcut, but there I was during a night that was far darker than I would have liked. There was just one street lamp hanging over that path, and its bulb was barely working. Before I stepped onto the path, I put a dime on my thumb. I didn’t think about why. There was no conscious strategy at work. My body simply did what training had taught it to do: prepare for the possibility of contact without committing to a plan. Sure enough, someone stepped into my path. I flicked the dime. The coin caught his gaze and seized his attention, producing a few seconds of involuntary visual tracking. This is the same reflex that makes every human eye follow sudden movement. Thanks to the distraction created by the spinning dime, I moved past him easily and paced off into the distance before his focus returned. The entire encounter lasted maybe three seconds. There was no conversation, no confrontation, no mental calculation. Just a trained response that created a tiny window of distraction and an immediate exit through it. I still think about the fact that I put the dime on my thumb before anything happened. It wasn’t a decision so much as it was a product of procedural memory — the same memory system that helps a musician’s fingers find the right fret before their conscious mind has named the note. Systema trains you to read environments the way musicians read chord changes. Not by analyzing, but by responding to patterns your body has trained to respond to inside the dojo. Incident Three: Outside the Post Office The third incident was the strangest. Outside a post office, someone with a grievance I didn’t fully understand began yelling at me aggressively. His body language was escalating and the situation felt like it could turn physical. My response was immediate: I raised my hands into a prayer gesture. With my palms together and fingers standing straight up, I found myself saying “thank you” over and over. I wasn’t being clever. I wasn’t trying to defuse the situation with wit. The gesture came from training, and it served two purposes simultaneously that I was only partially aware of in the moment. First, it put my hands in a position to quickly block any incoming strike. The prayer position is a natural guard because your hands are high, elbows close and forearms ready to redirect. I mean, it’s not going to make you bulletproof, but it’s just as disarming as the smile I delivered back during the mugging I survived in New York. Second, my response psychologically short-circuited the man’s aggression. Being thanked while you’re on the offensive is so dissonant that the brain doesn’t know how to process it. This person’s rhythm broke. His volume dropped. The escalation stalled because the script he was running had been interrupted by a response that didn’t fit. He didn’t thank me back. But at least he stopped. And I walked away unscathed. The Common Thread: No Ego, No Thinking, Just the Fruits of Training In all three incidents, the pattern is identical: Because the ego was out of the way, I wasn't trying to prove anything or “win” the encounters. There was also no conscious thinking. The responses were physical, automatic, and executed faster than mental deliberation would have allowed. Plus, there was relaxation under threat. The counterintuitive act of relaxing when threatened, which Systema specifically trains, prevented the freeze response that ego and fear typically produce. Finally, the strategy in each case was oriented toward getting away, not engaging. For anyone who wants to develop this dimension of thinking on their feet, I strongly recommend studying a martial art that emphasizes relaxation, awareness, and movement rather than aggression and force. Finding Your Own Physical Practice If personal experiences make you want to sign up for Systema, I’d encourage it. But I’d also encourage any martial art that emphasizes awareness, breathing, and relaxation over aggression and force. The point is not to become a fighter. The point is to develop a body that responds to threat with trained composure rather than untrained panic. Beyond martial arts, I practice Qigong daily and have for years. It’s not a combat discipline, but it trains the same foundational skills experienced in a gentler format: Breath coordination Bodily awareness Relaxation under tension For someone who has no interest in martial training, Qigong offers many of the same benefits for composure and physical presence without ever throwing or receiving a strike. Whatever physical practice you choose, I’d offer one caution: Don’t romanticize these practices or turn them into a glamorous fantasy. Remember the lesson from Lacan and the Stoic lessons that make sure reality is better than fantasy if and when real situations of trouble land. The three incidents I described above weren’t action sequences. They were awkward, brief, and slightly absurd. I didn’t defeat anyone. I smiled, flicked a coin, and said thank you. The training didn’t make me dangerous. It made me calm enough to exit each situation without a scratch. And that brings me to what I consider the most important physical skill of all, one that doesn’t require any formal training: situational awareness. Train for Situational Awareness In each of the three incidents, there was a moment before contact where my body registered something my conscious mind hadn’t articulated yet. In Washington Heights, I noticed the man’s posture before he spoke. In Toronto, something made me put a dime on my thumb before I entered the dark path. Outside the post office, I registered the escalation in body language before any words were exchanged. To train for greater situational awareness, walk with your phone in your pocket instead of your hand. Move around the world with your ears empty instead of listening to music or podcasts. When you enter a room, notice the exits. When you’re in an unfamiliar environment, pay attention to who is around you and how they’re moving. These aren’t paranoid habits. They’re the same environmental reading skills your ancestors used every day. Modern life has simply given us the luxury of ignoring them. There is almost no better way to think on your feet than the thinking that steers you clear of sticky situations in the first place. When it comes to physical confrontation, the best-trained response is the one you never have to use. Part 7: Daily Training Exercises for Mental Agility Everything discussed so far requires ongoing practice. Here are the specific daily exercises I use and recommend, organized from quick (2 minutes) to involved (30+ minutes). Breathing Techniques (2–5 minutes) Before any high-pressure situation, be it a presentation, a meeting or a difficult conversation, controlled breathing is the fastest way to shift your nervous system from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (calm and focused). The simplest technique: Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out for 6 counts. The extended exhale activates the vagus nerve and physically slows your heart rate. Do this for 2 minutes and you'll enter any situation calmer and more mentally available. For more advanced breathing techniques, check out this video tutorial I made for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeO06_uZZcg Progressive Muscle Relaxation (5–10 minutes) Systematically tensing and releasing muscle groups, from your feet to your face, trains your body to release the physical tension that accumulates under stress. Over time, you develop the ability to detect and release tension in real time — during a conversation, during a presentation, during a confrontation. This is the body scan component that I used before my TEDx Talk, and it's a core element of Systema training as well. The ability to scan your body for tension and deliberately release it is a physical skill that directly supports mental agility. Steelmanning Practice (15–20 minutes) Get a partner. Have them throw random topics at you. Your job: argue the strongest possible case for the position you naturally oppose. Switch roles. Do this twice a week and within a month you'll notice a dramatic improvement in your ability to think through problems from multiple angles under time pressure. Now, you might think about going to Chat-GPT or some other LLM. You can certainly give this a try. However, beware of context-dependent memory and state-dependence issues. If you only train in digital environments with a bot, you will likely find that you perform fine when sparring with a computer, but flounder with a human. As this study found, training in certain environments creates less cognitive fatigue than others. So if you come to develop certain beliefs about the difficulty of discussing things based on experiences with chatbots, you will probably not like the energy-drain you encounter when dealing with humans. Remember: we tend to fight the way we train, so practice all rhetorical argumentation in a variety of environments, never just one. Random Topic Riffing (10–15 minutes) Have someone give you a topic and speak about it for 2 minutes without stopping. What you say doesn't need to be brilliant, but work at speaking continuously. The exercise trains your brain to keep producing output even when it doesn't feel ready, which is exactly the skill you need when put on the spot. Increase difficulty by having the topic-giver interrupt you with new topics mid-stream. This trains your ability to pivot and shift directions without losing composure. Memory Palace Practice (15–30 minutes) Every time you encode information using a Memory Palace, you're doing more than memorizing. You're building the retrieval infrastructure that makes recall under pressure possible. Regular Memory Palace practice is the single most important investment you can make in your ability to access information when you need it. The more you memorize, the more you should seek to incorporate memorized material into your steelmanning and random riffing practice routines. Alphabet Drills and Multiple Mentality (5–15 minutes) One of the most unusual training systems I’ve encountered comes from Harry Kahne, a performer from the 1920s who could write with both hands simultaneously while reciting poetry from memory. He called his approach “Multiple Mentality” because it’s the deliberate practice of running several mental operations at once. His exercises sound deceptively simple. The foundational one: write out the alphabet backwards from memory. Not from Z-A printed on a card. From memory, cold. Most people find reciting the alphabet backwards surprisingly difficult the first time. But once you can do it? That’s when the real training begins. Kahne then asks you to pair the alphabet’s extreme ends mentally: A-Z, B-Y, C-X, working inward. Then start from the center and pair outward in reverse. These are pure concentration drills because they force your brain to hold a structure in working memory while performing various forms of recall. I go deeper into the full Multiple Mentality system and all of Kahne’s exercises in my detailed review of his course, including the parts I think are brilliant and the parts where I respectfully disagree with him. Part 8: Prepping Your Mind (Why What You Memorize Determines How Well You Think) Most of us know that the quality of your thinking is directly proportional to the quality of what you've committed to memory. A mind loaded with poetry, philosophy, scientific principles, historical examples, memorable quotes, and well-understood frameworks will produce richer, more nuanced, more creative responses under pressure than a mind that relies on whatever it happens to recall from last week's reading. This is not about showing off. It's about having raw material that makes you mentally dexterous. And gives you information you can use in an instant. What to Memorize for Maximum Mental Agility As you’ve seen, I strongly recommend memorizing quotes and poems. Because memorized poetry gives you access to compressed wisdom, beautiful language, and emotional resonance that you can draw on in conversation, writing, and thinking. Likewise, you can learn how to remember a story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM4TxD6ez1Y When you've memorized a poem or story, you own the content in a way that reading on its own never provides. The lines and structures become part of your mental vocabulary. I've memorized dozens of poems and passages of verse, and they surface constantly in conversation, in my writing, in my thinking about problems that have nothing to do with literature. Memorize Speeches for Mental Dexterity Likewise, you can seek out speeches from people like Churchill, Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and Marcus Aurelius. The words of leaders who were themselves masters of thinking on their feet make for excellent training material. When you've memorized their words, you internalize their patterns of thought. You don't just quote them. You begin to think in the structures they used. Learn to Tell Jokes Like improv, humor provides you with one of the ultimate forms of thinking on your feet. And telling jokes is far more learnable than people assume. To get started, commit a few jokes to memory and study their structure. You’ll soon notice that a good joke is a tiny argument: The setup establishes expectations The twist violates the expectations The punchline resolves the violation in a surprising or ironic way This simple structure is not so different from the PREP framework we discussed above. Practice Parroting and Accent Imitation Imitating a famous actor might sound like a party trick, but it's actually a profound exercise in sharing another person’s perspective and behavioral patterns. To imitate someone convincingly, you have to at least try and understand how they think, how they move and how they use language. As a result, the understanding you develop translates directly to the ability to read and respond to different people in different contexts. I’m not particularly good with foreign accents or imitating people. But merely by putting time into practicing a few people, I’ve learned a lot and become more spontaneous on my feet. Reflective Thinking Practice Memorization alone isn't enough. The material you memorize needs to be processed through reflective thinking. This is the practice of deliberately considering what you've learned, connecting it to other things you know, and forming your own positions. I do a lot of my reflective thinking through journaling, through conversation with carefully chosen friends, and through a practice I've maintained for years: regularly re-reading books I've already read, looking for things I missed the first time. All of these practices transform static knowledge into dynamic intellectual resources you’ll draw upon with great ease when you find yourself put on the spot. Part 9: The Paradox of Mental Silence We've covered a great deal of ground today: ego reduction, memory techniques, verbal frameworks, performance training, martial arts, daily exercises, and the art of loading your mind with quality material. And now I want to end with something that sounds like a contradiction but is, in fact, the deepest truth about thinking on your feet: The goal is not to think faster. Rather, it’s to create the conditions where you don't need to think at all. I know this sounds paradoxical. How can “thinking on your feet” require not thinking? It’s because the highest level of performance in any domain doesn’t just look like effortlessness. It actually is, if only in the present moment. I’m talking about the musician who plays a transcendent solo. That performer isn't thinking about which notes to play. Nor does the martial artist who evades a strike sit there thinking about which direction to move. And the speaker who delivers a perfect response to an unexpected question isn't thinking about what to say. They’re drawing upon deep preparation. In each case, the performer has trained so deeply that the right response emerges from a place beneath conscious thought. The preparation started long ago. Practice has quieted your fantasies, both positive and negative. And what remains is a mind so well-prepared that it can be still during the demands and in that stillness, the right response simply appears. This outcome is common in the world of mindfulness and meditation, where practitioners describe the experience of being “full by being empty.” In order to receive the moment as it actually is (not as your ego wants it to be, nor as your anxiety fears things might go wrong), you just have to empty your mind of the noise that normally fills it. Your Next Step If this article has shown you anything, I hope it's this: thinking on your feet is not a gift. It's the product of deliberate, ongoing training across multiple domains — mental, verbal, physical, and philosophical. The foundation of all of it is memory. Not “good memory” as a vague trait, but trained memory — the ability to encode, store, and retrieve information on demand, under pressure, in any context. If you want to start building that foundation, I've created a free course that teaches you the core Memory Palace technique in four video lessons. It's the same starting point my Masterclass students use, and it will give you your first experience of what trained recall feels like. For even deeper training that includes the Memory Wheel technique, ars combinatoria, advanced Memory Palace strategies, and the Recall Rehearsal patterns that make long-term retention predictable, my Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass takes you through the complete learning system. And if you want to explore the meditation, breathing, and muscle relaxation routines I've combined with memory training for maximum mental composure, I go into all of that in The Victorious Mind. So what do you say? Are you ready to stop worrying about what you’ll say next and start training so deeply that the right response arrives on its own? Remember: the secret every performer, martial artist, and memory expert discovers is ultimately the same. You don’t rise to the level of the mome
Most recruitment agencies believe in training. Very few build a structured system that consistently produces top billers. Larissa Gerlach experienced the hard version first. In year one, she earned $40,000 and questioned whether she would make it in recruitment at all. By year three, she had reached President's Club. Soon after, the CFO of a private equity-backed recruiting firm asked her to replicate her results across 25 offices. That request became the foundation of a national recruiter training programme. In this episode, Mark Whitby and Larissa unpack what actually drives recruiter performance, why activity metrics alone don't create top billers, and how recruitment business owners can build scalable training systems that reduce ramp-up time and increase recruiter billings. If you are serious about recruitment agency growth, search firm leadership, and building consistent performance inside your team, this conversation goes beyond theory. It's about systems. What You'll Discover • Why 200+ calls per week worked — and why most recruiters still fail at high activity • The difference between knowledge and live desk performance • How to turn individual billing success into a national training framework • Why daily role plays accelerate recruiter revenue • The three structural reasons founders struggle to implement training • Why cohort-based onboarding produces stronger long-term performance • How to build recruitment agency systems that scale beyond one top performer Episode Highlights [03:56] From fashion sales to recruitment after the 2009 recession [08:37] The $40,000 first year and the meeting where she nearly quit [12:35] Why most recruiters struggle in year one — and what actually starts to click [22:15] The 200-calls-per-week discipline that changed her trajectory [26:07] The CFO email that led to building a national sales training programme [28:17] What the training playbook looked like — from binder to LMS [35:51] Why daily role plays create elite performers [1:05:49] The three reasons most founders struggle to train their teams [1:10:29] Why group cohorts outperform one-to-one onboarding About Larissa Gerlach Larissa Gerlach is the founder of Vibrant Talent Group, an executive search firm specialising in marketing, product, and design roles across New York and San Francisco. She has over 15 years of experience across billing, business development, national learning and development, and agency leadership. At a private equity-backed recruiting firm, she became the fastest-growing salesperson in company history before leading national recruiter training initiatives. Resources Mentioned Recruiter Training Programme https://recruitmentcoach.com/training Seven Figure Freedom Scorecard https://recruitmentcoach.com/scorecard Recruiterflow https://recruitmentcoach.com/recruiterflow Trusted Voice Video https://recruitmentcoach.com/video Book a free strategy session with Mark Whitby https://recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session If you want weekly conversations with recruitment business owners, executive search leaders, and top billers focused on recruitment agency revenue, recruiter performance, and long-term business resilience, follow The Resilient Recruiter on Apple Podcasts. The difference between average billers and elite teams is rarely motivation. It's structure.
In this episode, Brian Icenhower breaks down a proven real estate recruiting training system designed to attract, coach, and retain top producing agents. You'll learn: Why most recruiting conversations fail How to recruit without pressure The doctor–pharmacy coaching model How to use training prescriptions to build trust Why recruiting and retention should use the same system This episode is essential for: Team leaders Brokerage owners Sales managers Recruiters Book a FREE coaching call: http://CoachCallFree.com Enroll in our online courses: http://www.IcenhowerInstitute.com Sign up for coaching: http://www.IcenhowerCoaching.com Sign up for an Agent Management Portal: http://AgentManagementPortal.com Join the fastest growing Facebook Group for Top Producers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/REagentRoundTable
Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Strength and Conditioning
What You'll Learn In This Episode:Why volume doesn't cause burnout—friction doesHow Five Star clinics onboard patients like new employeesThe “purple card” system that instantly improves room readinessScripts that stop chatterbox patients without being rudeHow to reset untrained patients using the “Day 3 recode” methodWhy patient training improves clinical outcomes, not just efficiencyThe mindset shift that separates chaotic offices from elite practicesNext Steps:Book a FREE Practice Strategy Call with Dr. George Birnbach: https://myfivestar.com/work-with-us/Attend Our Live Event: Too Many New Patients — Chicago, IL (March 21-22): https://myfivestar.com/in-person-seminar/ Note: This podcast episode was created using AI-generated voices based on the teachings and training of Dr. Noel Lloyd.
Heatrick Heavy Hitters – Muay Thai Strength and Conditioning
Watch the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaY9Xltis9E Thinking about partnering with the Align Group at eXp Realty and looking for a team that truly supports agent growth? In this video, we break down the 13 benefits real estate agents receive when joining the Align Group, including coaching, accountability, and proven systems designed for today's market. This is built for agents who want to increase production, improve consistency, and build a scalable real estate business. If you are exploring eXp Realty or evaluating the right partnership, this video gives you a clear overview. You will learn how the Align Group supports agents at every stage, from new agents to high-producing professionals. We cover mentorship, collaboration, training resources, AI tools, lead generation systems, and revenue share support. If you are looking for a community focused on culture, accountability, and real results, this video explains what it is like to partner with the Align Group at eXp Realty.
Send us a text,What if simulation felt less like a gadget showcase and more like a mission built around patient safety? We sit down with EMS CEO Lou Faustini to explore how engineered learning environments, clear data, and a people-first culture can transform clinical training from first exposure to real practice. Lou's journey—from systems integration and Six Sigma to the helm of a simulation company—shapes a pragmatic approach to innovation: empower teams, listen to educators, and ship improvements that reduce friction in busy centers.We dig into what EMS actually builds: integrated software and hardware that turn sim centers into reliable, high-impact training spaces. Lou connects the dots between flight simulators and clinical readiness, reminding us that safety is the ultimate outcome. Instead of chasing trends, he breaks down how AI can enhance scheduling, assessment, and debriefing by making performance data more usable for faculty and learners. The human remains in charge; AI simply accelerates insight and consistency.The conversation maps the broader learning journey, where AR and VR have earned a real slice of training, and where interoperability matters as much as any single tool. Lou shares why small, practical wins—like lowering power consumption and simplifying interfaces—can deliver outsized value when educators are stretched thin. His growth priorities are refreshingly direct: meet programs where they are, be honest about capabilities, design for scale, and prove impact through data. That clarity fosters trust across institutions, partners, and the wider public safety mission.If you care about simulation that actually changes outcomes, this episode offers a grounded playbook: empower people, harness data, and engineer for reliability. Subscribe, share with a colleague who runs a sim center, and leave a review with your biggest simulation challenge so we can tackle it next.Innovative SimSolutions.Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.
Представяме Ви Иван Иванов - създателят на световноизвестния спортен уред - Bulgarian Bag и методиката Suples Training Systems. Човек, който прославя страната ни и със спортната си кариера, и като треньор, и като създател на уреди и спортна тренировъчна система, с които тренират най-добрите, най-известните спортисти и треньори по света. През 2009 г. Иван Иванов е избран за най-добрият треньор по борба в САЩ. В момента Bulgarian Bag е наличен в почти всички по-големи спортни комплекси и фитнеси по света, а през 2012 г. уредът е присъствал във всички олимпийски спортни зали на олимпийското село, на игрите в Лондон през 2012-та. През същата година Иван Иванов е приет в „Залата на славата“ на борбата в САЩ. Той е и бивш старши треньор на олимпийския отбор на САЩ по класическа борба В момента е в България за тренировки с националния ни отбор по класическа борба. С него говорихме за всичко около процеса по създаването на Bulgarian Bag и методиката му Suples Training Systems, както и другите уреди в нея като Suples Ball, Gladiator Wall, H.I.R.T.S. и още. Разкрихме и голяма част от бъдещите му идеи, както и трудностите по пътя му към успехите в световен мащаб. Дадохме и редица съвети към спортистите и любителите, които искат функционално развитие на своето тяло. Suples Training Systems & Ivan Ivanov: https://suples.com/page/19/About-Ivan-Ivanov.html https://www.facebook.com/SuplesTrainingSystems/ https://www.youtube.com/@suplestraining/videos Приятно гледане и слушане! Последвай ни и в: Facebook: https://bit.ly/2FJlMHl https://www.youtube.com/@LegendiBG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legends__podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendiLegends Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hTic33jhXgBh31GM6AEYL Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bg/podcast/legendi-legends/id1538275381 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/cfcjgwgp3shy Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/2067872?deferredFl=1 - Георги Харизанов Веселин Вълчев Легенди / Legends Българският подкаст
Summary In this episode, Ryan Bucciantini and Jason Leydon discuss the importance of structured programming in training, contrasting systems versus chaos. They explore the role of variance in exercise selection and the need for individualized program design. The conversation highlights the significance of having a game plan, understanding the timeline of training seasons, and the pitfalls of constantly varied programming without purpose. They emphasize the value of mentorship and the challenges of online programming in the fitness industry. Takeaways Structured programming is crucial for effective training. Variance in exercise selection can enhance athlete development. Individualized program design is essential for progress. Constantly varied programming should have a purpose. Mentorship is valuable for developing programming skills. Online programming presents unique challenges. Understanding training season timelines is important. A game plan is necessary for successful training. Exercise variation should target specific athlete needs. Communication with athletes is key to program success. Topics Mastering Training Systems: From Chaos to Structure The Art of Exercise Variance in Programming Why Individualized Program Design Matters Avoiding the Pitfalls of Randomized Training Mentorship: A Key to Programming Success Navigating the Challenges of Online Programming Training Timelines: Planning for Success The Importance of a Game Plan in Training Targeted Exercise Variation for Athletes Effective Communication in Program Design Sound bites "Structured programming is crucial for effective training." "Variance in exercise selection enhances athlete development." "Individualized program design is essential for progress." "Constantly varied programming should have a purpose." "Mentorship is valuable for developing programming skills." "Online programming presents unique challenges." "Understanding training season timelines is important." "A game plan is necessary for successful training." "Exercise variation should target specific athlete needs." "Communication with athletes is key to program success." Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Training Systems 00:00:00 The Role of Variance in Exercise 00:00:00 Importance of Individualized Program Design 00:00:00 Challenges of Online Programming 00:00:00 Mentorship and Skill Development 00:00:00 Planning Training Timelines
Today we're joined by Isaac Lewis from ANCORE Training Systems, a company that grew from a grad school project in a Swampscott garage to supplying pro teams in the NHL, NBA G League, and PGA Tour, with products now shipped to over 65 countries. Isaac shares the origin story of ANCORE, including how he and co-founder Nathaniel got started, their first prototypes, and the lessons learned from early product development. We dive into the company's growth milestones, breaking into professional sports, and expanding internationally, as well as business strategy insights on scaling, partnerships, and keeping ownership in-house. Isaac also shares marketing tips for startups, advice for founders navigating competition, and the skills he's had to learn personally while growing ANCORE. Enjoy! ANCORE: https://ancoretraining.com/You can follow us on Instagram @businessmusclepodcast, @elisecaira and @dr.ariel.dpt. Get your FREE Business Starter Checklist: https://www.businessmusclepodcast.com/freechecklistFIXXED: https://www.fixxedstudios.com/Sweat Fixx: https://www.sweatfixx.com/
This episode was recorded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, during the 2025 Tri-State Dairy Conference.Dr. Fessenden gives an overview of his presentation which covered both research and field information on automated milking systems. He recommends going back to basics and formulating a rumen-friendly PMR with a complementary palatable feed that encourages the cows into the robot system. (5:57)The panel discusses ideas for driving cows to the robot on different types of PMRs, management of transition and late lactation cows in automated milking systems, and the use of custom pellets versus other supplemental feeds in the robot. (9:04)Dr. Fessenden talks about some of his experiences visiting automated milking systems in Europe and some of the differences between European and North American approaches to diet formulations in automated systems. The group goes on to talk about different options for supplemental feed formulations in the robot. (18:38)Dr. Fessenden and Dr. Tylutki share ideas for how feeding technology could help both traditional and automated milking farms in the future. They discuss more precise grouping of cows and targeted feeding of those groups to better match requirements, as well as how movement to different pens and diet changes can impact milk production. (23:45) Dr. Tylutki updates the group on advancements in the AMTS balancing tools for multiple robot feeds. He and Dr. Fessenden describe the challenges of developing new tools that are streamlined and user-friendly for nutritionists. They also delve into the role artificial intelligence and machine learning might play in ration balancing in the future. (29:32)Dr. Fessenden encourages nutritionists to think outside the box when working with automated milking herds to make decisions that are right for that particular farm. Dr. Tylutki chimes in with advice to spend time actually watching the cows on the farm, and Dr. Van Soest echoes this sentiment when it comes to troubleshooting issues with the robots themselves. Don't just assume it's an issue with the ration - ask or observe for yourself what may have changed on the farm that could contribute to the issue the farm is facing. (40:02)Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (45:20)Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table. If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.
Why This Episode Will Transform How You Think About Leadership and Systems The Hidden Crisis: What happens when your growing company's ego-driven managers clash with process improvements? How do you balance rapid growth with team comfort when every system change feels like criticism to your employees? The Breakthrough: Derek Crager, founder and CEO of Practical AI, discovered something revolutionary after being diagnosed as neurodivergent at age 50 - his "different" brain became his secret weapon for creating training systems that actually stick. What You'll Discover in This Game-Changing Conversation The Leadership Plot Twist That Changes Everything Derek's late-life neurodiversity diagnosis (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic) became his competitive advantage in building empathetic, effective teams. Instead of seeing his different thinking patterns as limitations, he developed systematic "subroutines" to navigate complex social and professional situations. This methodical approach to human interaction became the foundation for creating training systems that actually resonate with diverse learning styles. The AI Training Revolution (That's Not What You Think) Here's where Derek's approach gets counterintuitive. While most companies chase the latest AI technology, Practical AI deliberately uses old-school telephone systems for their training delivery. This isn't about being behind the times - it's about solving real accessibility problems that fancy platforms create. When you remove IT security concerns, app downloads, and complex interfaces, more people actually engage with the training. The Feedback System That Actually Gets Used Most feedback systems fail because they're designed for the company's convenience, not the user's reality. Derek discovered that creating multiple, barrier-free feedback mechanisms transforms how teams engage with improvement processes. His approach includes daily micro-surveys that take seconds to complete, weekly group feedback sessions that feel like conversations rather than evaluations, and Customer Feedback Mechanisms that capture insights in real-time. The SOP Nightmare Every Growing Business Faces Every service-based business with 10+ employees faces the same universal struggle: how to implement and change Standard Operating Procedures without triggering resistance, overwhelm, or the dreaded feeling that "nothing we do is ever good enough." Derek's framework addresses this head-on by reframing process changes as experiments rather than mandates. Perfect For Service-Based Business Owners Who Are: This conversation is essential listening if you're struggling with team resistance to new processes and SOPs, feeling like your best intentions are being interpreted as criticism of current performance. It's particularly valuable if you're exploring AI integration without losing the human element that makes your service special, or if you're managing 10+ employees and feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of training needs that seem to multiply faster than you can address them. Derek's insights are game-changing for leaders who are ready to turn feedback into a competitive advantage but are tired of systems that look impressive on paper yet fail spectacularly in practice. If you've ever felt frustrated by the gap between your vision for smooth operations and the messy reality of human-centered implementation, this episode provides the bridge you've been looking for. Listen now and discover how one CEO's "different" brain created training systems that scale, stick, and actually improve your bottom line. You can learn more about Derek Crager over at Practical AI. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. This episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement immediately - no PhD in neuroscience required. More episodes like this one: Automate Your Business with Jason Bryll The System That Will Keep Your Business—and ADHD Brain—on Track
STRONG Life Podcast ep 521 QnA: Sleep "Hygiene", Soviet Training System Lessons, Edison Underground Strength Gym Savages, Mindset for Changing Your LIFE Brought to you by: The STRONG Life Insider - BEST FREE Strength Training Courses The SSPC Certification (Strength & Sports Performance Coach) DFND USA - BEST Recovery & Compression Gear Zach => 20% OFF Code Recommended Resources from Zach Even - Esh: http://ZachStrength.com - BEST FREE STRENGTH TRAINING COURSES https://GetDadStrong.com - (7 Day FREE Trial) 30 Minute Workouts for the Busy Dad / Busy Man https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/workout-plan/team/garagegymgladiators?attrib=1266-web - Gladiator STRONG 7 Days FREE ======= http://ZachStrength.com - BEST FREE STRENGTH TRAINING COURSES Get The FARM Bar - Zach & INTEK Strength Collab on a 2” Thick Barbell with Revolving Sleeves, Knurling and Cerakote Finish More Details HERE - https://zacheven-esh.com/ep-507/ http://SSPCoach.com - SSPC (Strength & Sports Performance Coach) CERTIFICATION with Business Bonus Seminar https://GetDadStrong.com - (7 Day FREE Trial) 30 Minute Workouts for the Busy Dad / Busy Man https://ZachEven-Esh.com - STORE / PRODUCTS / RESOURCES CONSULT with Zach - https://zacheven-esh.com/coach/ https://UndergroundStrengthCoach.com - The Underground Strength Academy for Strength Athletes & ALL Coaches. Business & Training Seminar Bonuses. RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS: https://www.thorne.com/u/Underground ========== Compression Gear for Recovery & Improved Performance: https://dfndusa.com/ - 20% DISCOUNT CODE = ZACH ===== ZACH'S BOOKS:
The U.S. has a lot to learn when it comes to systematizing apprenticeship. Thankfully, there are successful international models, like Switzerland's, that we can study. Katie Caves, the Director at Switzerland's Center on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems, joins the podcast to discuss the Swiss model and what can be gleaned from it. They discuss its permeability between academic and vocational tracks, proving its value to employers, the prestige of Swiss apprenticeships, and the principles that hold across borders. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education GroupPublications Mentioned:Return on investment of apprenticeship systems for enterprises: Evidence from cost-benefit analysesby Samuel Muehlemann & Stefan C WolterChapters0:00 - Intro3:35 - Swiss Apprenticeship 1016:56 - Path Selection and Funding13:46 - The Status of Apprenticeship in Switzerland18:58 - Borrowing Across Borders25:15 - The ROI to Employers29:47 - Evaluating Indiana's Apprenticeship Model33:45 - Imbuing Prestige in American Apprenticeship38:49 - Striking the Balance43:01 - The Influence of AccountabilityConnect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Sexier Than A Squirrel: Dog Training That Gets Real Life Results
Send us a textWhether you're a seasoned dog trainer or a passionate dog owner, this episode will change how you approach training — forever.Join expert trainers Lauren Langman and Dave Hibbert as they unpack the Small Incremental Learning System (SILS) — the step-by-step method behind reliable, long-lasting behaviour change in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds.For trainers, SILS may feel familiar — a structure you've used instinctively. For dog owners, it's a practical roadmap to transform your dog's behaviour without overwhelm, frustration, or gimmicks.
Core Training Categories - ClearSky Training System | John Hallett Podcast #84
In this podcast episode, David Chaviano discusses the SAP Learning Hub Student Edition, which offers students and faculty the opportunity to earn their first SAP certification for free. Registrants can also gain access to live training systems and can attend live sessions at no cost.
What if your kids didn't just earn money—but actually learned how to budget, save, tithe, and pay their own bills? In this episode, I'm walking you through the 3-part system we use in our home to teach real financial responsibility—starting as early as age five. From our original 3-cup method to a monthly “kid bill” system (and even transitioning to teen bank accounts!), this is the exact framework we've used to raise money-smart kids—without making it overwhelming or boring. If you're ready to ditch the allowance model and raise kids who actually understand money—you'll love this episode. xoxo, Chelsi Jo . . . Get my full home management system for routines, time blocking, keeping up with house work and more! Systemize Your Life → chelsijo.co/syl Juggling home AND business? Join my 12 month group coaching program to consistently grow your business without sacrificing your family. Apply now Systemize to Scale → chelsijo.co/systemizetoscale
I'm joined by HR expert Jackie Koch, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her extensive background in high-growth startups and HR consulting. We dive into one of the most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship: hiring. Whether you're debating whether to buy talent or build it within your organization, this conversation has invaluable insights for you. Jackie and I explore the pros and cons of both approaches, discuss the importance of aligning your expectations with your hiring decisions, and share practical advice on interviewing, onboarding, and creating a workplace culture that nurtures growth. We also touch on the significance of investing in tools and processes that set your hires up for success from day one. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to refine your hiring strategy and avoid costly mistakes. Tune in now and take the first step towards smarter hiring practices! What You'll hear in this episode: [00:50] Meet Jackie Koch: HR Expert and Business Bestie [01:40] The Importance of Hiring the Right People [02:55] Jackie's Background and Expertise [04:05] Challenges of Transitioning from Corporate to Startup [07:00] The Build vs. Buy Talent Dilemma [16:25] Benefits and Drawbacks of Buying Talent [22:15] Benefits and Drawbacks of Building Talent [24:40] The Challenge of Hiring the Right Talent [25:35] Building Talent: The Complexities and Importance [26:30] Mentoring and Coaching: A Foundational Component [26:45] Implementing AI and Training Systems [28:45] The Cost and Benefits of Building Talent [30:05] Transparency and Honesty in Hiring [35:30] Learning from Past Experiences [42:05] The Importance of Clear Job Descriptions [46:05] Resources for Improving Hiring Processes If you like this episode, check out: My 3 Favorite Interview Questions Authentic Hiring: Showcase Your Values How to Keep Employees Loyal Connect with Jackie: Check out the World's Greatest Boss Podcast https://www.peopleprinciples.co/podcast Learn more about hiring and HR templates peopleprinciples.co Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiemkoch/ Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.
Today's CHROs face a dynamic business environment, and must make difficult, strategic decisions despite uncertainty. Justin “Hasard” Lee, former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and author of “The Art of Clear Thinking: A Stealth Fighter Pilot's Timeless Rules for Making Tough Decisions,” joins the Talent Angle to share a decision making framework for leaders to use so assess the problems in front of them, choose the best course of action, and execute decisively. Justin “Hasard” Lee is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, bestselling author, and expert in high-stakes decision-making. He empowers HR leaders and organizations to build decisive cultures, boost agility, and optimize team performance, partnering with Meta, Microsoft, and other Fortune 500s. A decorated pilot, Justin flew more than 80 combat missions, led teams under pressure, and piloted the F-35. As Chief of Training Systems, he spearheaded AI initiatives to enhance decision-making. His book, “The Art of Clear Thinking,” a No. 2 Wall Street Journal Bestseller, offers HR professionals a practical framework for navigating complexity and driving innovation. Jessie Knight is a vice president of research in the Gartner HR practice. She leads research teams to identify best practices and new opportunities to address HR executives' most urgent challenges. Her areas of focus include employee experience, organizational culture, change management and the future of work.
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What if you could turn your gym's underused space into a profit machine without franchise fees, rebranding, or crazy overhead?In this episode, we sit down with Jeff and Jacqueline from Tribe Team Training, the powerhouse duo leading the charge in small group training solutions. Unlike F45, OrangeTheory, or other high-cost franchise models, Tribe offers a plug-and-play program that gym owners can seamlessly integrate into their existing setup, boosting revenue, retention, and community without sacrificing control.
OVERVIEWSo many athletes are focused on training in Zone 2, but they don't realize "Zone 2" means different things depending on which training system you use. There is a 3-Zone system, a 5-Zone system, a 7-Zone system, and even more! Two of the most popular are 3-Zones, championed by researcher Dr. Stephen Seiler, and a 7-Zone system used by CTS and many other coaching groups. In Episode 241 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford answers a listener question about how an athlete can compare or use more than one training zone methodology, and what "Zone 2" means in a 3-Zone system compared to a 7-Zone system.TOPICS COVEREDWhy training zones were created7-Zone system compared to a 3-Zone systemUsing aerobic decoupling to evaluate aerobic conditioningPractical advice for athletes trying to use training zonesASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTLINKS/RESOURCESComplete Guide to Polarized Training with Dr. Stephen SeilerZones Calculator Overview – TrainingPeaks Help CenterCalculator Compare: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aptCiqhjm6Fn7vG6P50AX54pW1P7XdVWx-lCARzNA5U/edit?gid=965771708#gid=965771708Episode #170 “Leveraging Lab and Field Testing to Create a Bigger Aerobic Engine” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000634902218Aerobic Decoupling: https://help.trainingpeaks.com/hc/en-us/articles/204071724-Aerobic-Decoupling-Pw-Hr-and-Pa-HR-and-Efficiency-Factor-EFAre You Fit? All About Aerobic Endurance and DecouplingEpisode #169 Metabolic Testing:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000634127336Tim Cusick:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000468063825HOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter:
The U.S. has a lot to learn when it comes to systematizing apprenticeship. Thankfully, there are successful international models, like Switzerland's, that we can study. Katie Caves, the Director at Switzerland's Center on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems, joins the podcast to discuss the Swiss model and what can be gleaned from it. They discuss its permeability between academic and vocational tracks, proving its value to employers, the prestige of Swiss apprenticeships, and the principles that hold across borders. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group. Publications Mentioned: Return on investment of apprenticeship systems for enterprises: Evidence from cost-benefit analyses by Samuel Muehlemann & Stefan C Wolter Time Topic3:35 Swiss Apprenticeship 1016:56Path Selection and Funding13:46The Status of Apprenticeship in Switzerland18:58Borrowing Across Borders25:15The ROI to Employers29:47Evaluating Indiana's Apprenticeship Model33:45Imbuing Prestige in American Apprenticeship38:49Striking the Balance43:01 The Influence of Accountability
Here I explain why my mind has changed on this topic.
In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of 5 different training systems. Learn exactly how to write great programs for your clients and athletes with Program Design 101: https://www.themovementsystem.com/programdesigncourse
The craziness of the holiday season is here... But running your shop doesn't have to be crazy. Not with Shop Boss, anyway. Learn more about how they can help your ARO increase by 20%! Cecil Bullard is the CEO of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Cecil discusses the challenges of dealing with driven individuals in group settings and the risks impatience can pose in business decisions. He also shares his experiences with vetting marketing companies, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation to avoid issues. 00:00 Coaching programs tailored to client business levels.05:23 The M&A program offers growth and consolidation opportunities.10:43 The Industry must modernize marketing and pricing strategies.17:52 Vision: Professional, prosperous industry with work-life balance.22:56 Persistence leads to achieving goals and connections.27:40 Expect mistakes, solve them, and earn client trust.35:43 Evaluating high performers sometimes includes misplacements.36:56 Desire for others' success exceeds their own.43:15 A Realistic view improved the father-child relationship significantly.50:12 Guy's hype led to mixed results and discontent.57:27 Challenges in accountability despite offering help.01:00:28 Clients left for another caring coaching company.01:04:52 Seeking agreement on decision-making and preparedness.01:10:19 Business is always personal, despite claims otherwise.
A discussion with Mel O'Connor and Jack Woodburn from Okkulo Ltd. Links:https://www.okkulo.com/ My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Subscribe in iOS/Apple Subscribe in Anroid/Google Support the podcast and receive bonus content Credits: The Flamin' Groovies – ShakeSome Action Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com
In this episode, National Defense discusses the Marine Corps' future training program using 5G, the T-7A trainer jet's ground-based simulators, and the Naval Air Warfare Center using live, virtual, and constructive training at sea.
Today we explore Jack Daniels' training formula, the Norwegian approach, the Five Pace training theory, and the MAF method. We break down the main premise of each program and discuss what type of athlete would (or wouldn't) be a good fit for each!
Ursula Renold is a Professor of Education Systems at ETH Zürich and chairs the Centre on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems. She also serves on the University Board of Northwestern Switzerland and holds advisory roles with institutions such as the German Economic Institute and Swisscontact. Pankaj Parajuli is the National Program Officer for TVET at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, focusing on enhancing education and training in Nepal. Tune in to this episode of On Air as we chat with Ursula Renold and Pankaj Parajuli about the QualiTY project in Nepal. Over the past four years, this initiative has transformed education and job opportunities for disadvantaged Nepali youth. Discover how the project is making a real impact in underserved communities and changing lives for the better. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on the QualiTY project's remarkable achievements!
Send us a Text Message.Coach Hayes owns and operates Hayes Training System in Prestonburg, Kentucky. They Specialize in Strength and Conditioning, Powerlifting and Student athlete training. Hayes has a 10,000 sq. ft training facility where its not uncommon to work with 150 athletes a day.Before opening his gym, Coach Hayes was an accomplished powerlifter whose best lifts are a 725 squat a 425 bench press and a 680 deadlift with an 1825 total at 220https://www.instagram.com/hayestrainingsystems?igsh=MW56M2x4NXczcmw3bA==https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes discussed a recent report in The Athletic that the Cubs' injury issues may lead to the club to closely examine its training system and its programs and ramp-up process in the offseason.
Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes opened their show by discussing a recent report in The Athletic that the Cubs' injury issues may lead to the club to closely examine its training system and its programs and ramp-up process in the offseason. The guys then listened and reacted to former Bears coach and current football analyst Dave Wannstedt discuss the importance of communication between Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the coaching staff at OTAs. Later, they listened and reacted to White Sox manager Pedro Grifol voice his belief that struggling outfielder Andrew Benintendi will show improvement.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Adam Menner, a seasoned gym owner and consultant with a wealth of experience in fitness and business. In this episode, Adam unveils the secrets to scaling a fitness business using the principles of servant leadership. From his humble beginnings as an intern at DeFranco's Training Systems to becoming a partner in multiple successful gym locations across the Northeast, Adam's journey is a testament to the power of dedication and growth. Discover how Adam has mastered the art of managing smaller, efficient gym locations, with a strong focus on core service offerings like small group personal training. He shares invaluable insights into the role of technology in streamlining operations and enhancing business growth. Learn about the significance of consistent quality control, effective recruiting, and providing meaningful career opportunities in the fitness industry. Adam also explores the importance of complementarity in fitness modalities, targeting the right client demographics, and delivering a holistic client experience. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the value of humble beginnings and continual learning. Tune in to gain practical tips and strategies from Adam's rich experience and get a sneak peek into his work on the Business of Strength podcast. LINKS: https://www.wodify.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/
Cameron Josse is an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for football at Auburn University. Before joining the Auburn Tigers, Cameron served as an Athletic Performance Coach for football at Indiana University. And his journey in sports performance began with a 7-year stint at DeFranco's Training Systems, where he held the position of Director of Sports […] The post Cameron Josse on Sprint Training, Neural Outputs, and Football Specific-Speed appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.
Joe kicks off this week's show with a special "MuscleUp" supplement sale announcement [that includes a FREE DeFranco's Training Systems gym bag giveaway!!] He then spends the remainder of the show covering the following topics: 1) The Optimal Amount of Cardio When Fat Loss is Your #1 Priority 2) How Do You Know When It's Time To Change Exercises 3) BONUS: The new "fitness trend" that's pissing Joe off 4) Identifying Good vs Bad Soreness... And MORE! *For a full list of Show Notes w/ Timestamps visit www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com. IMPORTANT LINKS DeFranco's Nutritional Supplements [Use code: MuscleUpMay] Marketing Your Gym Workshop @ Varsity House [Use code: JOED100] Joe D's Instagram (@defrancosgym) Team Forever Strong
Today's podcast features Cameron Josse, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Auburn University. With experience at Indiana University Football and DeFranco's Training Systems, Cameron has worked with athletes from various levels and sports like NFL, NHL, UFC, and WWE. A former football player at the University of Rhode Island and current PhD candidate at Jean Monnet University, Cameron's approach to performance training is both practical and comprehensive. As we move forward in sports performance training, there is more data around speed training for athletes than ever, as well as corresponding logistics and systems. We are understanding that physical preparation is not a one-sized fits all approach, not only between sports, as well as within positions in a single sport. By better understanding key aspects of speed development on an individual level, as well as in knowing the evolving role of strength training over time, we can better serve the needs of the individual athlete. On today's episode, Cameron will cover the process of optimizing resisted sprint protocols in college football athletes, as well as important individual differences he sees between positions and maximal speed ability. We will cover strength training in light of long term athlete speed and power development, sprint biomechanics and injury prevention, as well as concepts of integration between strength and sport skill staffs. Cameron is a brilliant coach with an expansive view of the training process. This conversation is a valuable addition for anyone interested in long term development of speed and athleticism. Today's episode is brought to you by TeamBuildr, the Plyomat, and LILA Exogen. Use the code “justfly25” for 25% off of any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer head to Lilateam.com TeamBuildr is an online software for coaches and trainers. Use the code “JUSTFLY” for a free 30 day trial of the TeamBuildr software at https://teambuildr.com. The Plyomat is a functional, intuitive, and affordable contact mat for jump and plyometric training and testing. Check out the Plyomat at www.plyomat.net View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. Main Points 4:08- Optimizing Power Output Through Velocity Variation 11:27- Position-Specific Biomechanics in American Football Players 19:31- Position-Specific Force-Velocity Profiles in Sprint Performance 27:50- Enhancing Sprint Training in Team Sport 31:08- Neural Efficiency in Skill Player Performance 36:20- Neural Processes in Sports Performance Optimization 42:30- Optimal Pelvic Alignment for Efficient Running 47:53- Enhancing Movement Quality Through Motor Techniques 57:47- Optimizing Performance by Removing Physical Constraints 1:07:06- Optimizing Training Programs for Athlete Profiles 1:15:02- Explosive Velocity Training for Muscle Hypertrophy 1:17:14- Optimizing Athlete Performance through Strategic Training 1:20:52- Sprinting's Impact on Weight Room Training Integration 1:25:49- Collaborative Communication for Athletic Development Success Cameron Josse Quotes "It's like you're not going to get a ton of return on it if you just keep chasing (gym strength) forever and ever and ever. It seems like there's a certain point where enough is enough, right?" - Cameron Josse" What we're finding is that the, like, the step velocity itself, like how fast the leg moves through the push phase, is really, really important for the bigs. It seems like it. There's a big correlation to performance for those guys, but it's not really. It doesn't seem to be as big of an important factor for the skill guys. Cameron Josse The bigs are so big, they have less opportunity to compensate to a certain degree. Yeah, like, they. It's like, I got to get this big body moving, and, like, we all kind of need to self organize to do this better or else we're not going to move, you know.
Hasard Lee is a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the international bestselling author of “The Art of Clear Thinking,” a Wall Street Journal Bestseller that was the #2 bestselling business book in the country. It has since been translated into nearly a dozen languages. As a flight commander, Hasard led pilots into combat during one of the most intense periods of War in Afghanistan. There, he flew over eighty combat missions and became one of the only fighter pilots to fly two different types of jets into combat on the same day while supporting troops under fire. Hasard was then hand-picked to fly the F-35―the most advanced and expensive weapons system in history―which was still in development at the time. During his last role on active duty, Hasard became the Chief of Training Systems for the largest training base in the world, leading the development of new technology and teaching methods to train future fighter pilots. In his book, "The Art of Clear Thinking," Hasard distills what he's learned during his career flying some of the Air Force's most advanced aircraft. With gripping firsthand accounts from his time as a fighter pilot and fascinating turning points throughout history, he reveals decision-making principles that can be used in business and in life. Hasard's keynote presentations have been called “a gripping display of visual storytelling” where audiences need to “strap in and hold on to as he lights the afterburner on leadership and risk management under extreme pressure.” His videos have been viewed over 130 million times on YouTube, and he has reached over 290 million people globally.
elitefts Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html Support and help the Podcast grow by Joining The Crew: https://whop.com/tabletalkcrew/ In this 269th podcast episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk, Mark Ehnis takes a seat. Mark Ehnis is the founder, owner, and CEO of PowerStrength Training Systems located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. PowerStrength is a premium sports performance and personal training company specializing in youth, high school, college athletes, and adults ages 40-65. Mark has successfully scaled his unique business model from humble beginnings without selling out on his core beliefs. Over the last 12+ years, PowerStrength has become one of the most successful fitness businesses in the country. Mark leads a team of 30+ staff members across four state-of-the-art facilities in the West Michigan area. Mark is an expert when it comes to scaling multiple facilities, creating a centralized operating system to deliver a consistent experience, building career opportunities for staff, and developing stronger leaders. In addition to leading PowerStrength, Mark enjoys helping gym owners who are serious about taking their business to the next level through business coaching and private consulting. Contact Mark - www.MarkEhnis.com PowerStrength Training Systems - www.powerstrengthpro.com Instagram - @Meatheadmark, @PowerStrengthTS ABOUT THE HOST Dave Tate is the founder and co-owner of elitefts.com. He is the author of twenty books and has logged more than 40,000 hours of training and consulting. Dave is married to elitefts co-owner Traci Arnold-Tate, and they reside in London, Ohio, with their two sons. Personal Credo: Live, Learn, Pass on™. Dave's IG: https://www.instagram.com/underthebar/?hl=en SPONSORS LMNT A tasty electrolyte drink mix. https://DrinkLMNT.com/TABLETALK for a FREE 8-flavor sample pack with any purchase! elitefts If you can put it in a gym bag or load weight on it, we have you covered. https://www.elitefts.com/ Use Code TABLE TALK for 10% off your first elitefts order. SUPPORT THE SHOW All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. Shop these elitefts items: https://www.elitefts.com/content/table-talk/ Support Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast by joining the crew. https://whop.com/tabletalkcrew/ elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/ elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/ #DDTTTP #DTTTP #ddttp
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