The Inspired Athlete

Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In today's episode, we're breaking down why some athletes are absolute "gamers" while others struggle to bring their practice-room energy to the big stage. Drawing on Stoic wisdom and the fascinating concept of the "Quiet Eye," we explore the idea that we don't actually rise to the level of our competition—we fail to the level of our preparation. I'm sharing stories from my coaching days about athletes who thrived under pressure and discussing how mental fatigue can shift your focus from being the predator to becoming the prey. If you've ever felt the weight of a "big moment," this one is for you; we're looking at how to normalize anxiety and train your mind to stay calm so your muscle memory can do the work when the lights get bright.

Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In this episode, I share how a late-night TikTok scroll led me to the band Tucked In, who quickly became the soundtrack for my son and me while he navigated a long, difficult recovery from a freak baseball injury. Beyond just the music, the kindness and personal interest the band members showed my son really hit home for me as a dad. We're diving into the concept of being a "time traveler"—the way athletes constantly replay missed shots and past failures in their minds. Using insights from Dr. Nate Zinser's The Confident Mind, I explain how our brains act as gatekeepers and why we must filter for evidence of our growth and success instead of just our shortcomings. Stick around to hear the full track of "Time Traveler" by Tucked In at the end of the show, and make sure to visit inspiredathletemp.com to sign up for my newsletter and grab your free parent discussion guide.

Welcome to the Inspired Athlete Podcast! In this episode, I reflect on a powerful moment during the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and a message from Ed Mylett in a conversation with Jay Shetty that completely reframed a tough setback for one of my wrestlers. After falling short of his goal of becoming an All-American—even while several guys he had beaten ended up on the podium—we talk about the critical choice athletes face after disappointment: adopting limiting beliefs or choosing a perspective that keeps possibility alive. I also explore how the brain constantly looks for evidence to confirm what we believe and why the idea of doing "one more"—one more rep, one more adjustment, one more effort—can change the trajectory of an athlete's career.

Welcome to The Inspired Athlete Podcast! In this episode, we dig into a powerful idea about performance: while thoughts matter, they don't get the final say—identity does. Drawing on an insight from Mike Travisano's Refuge in Small Things, we explore the loop between belief, thoughts, emotions, actions, and results, and how the story we carry about who we are shapes everything that follows. I share some reflections from a weekend coaching at the state tournament—van rides, lobby checkers, and honest conversations with athletes—and what stood out about the mindset of two champions. It wasn't that they never had doubts. They did. But their identity was stronger than the doubt, and they knew how to return to the beliefs they'd built through preparation and hard work. This episode is a reminder that champions don't necessarily have better thoughts—they have stronger identities—and it's those identities that guide their actions when it matters most.

Welcome to the Inspired Athlete Podcast! This episode is a reflection on one unforgettable weekend filled with highs, heartbreaks, growth, and powerful reminders about what sport is really teaching us. From watching my son compete at his state tournament, to coaching athletes chasing championships and state qualifications, to supporting a college wrestler fighting for one last shot at nationals, I was reminded that competition is never about guarantees — it's about the what if. We talk about success that doesn't arrive on our timeline, the lessons hidden inside losses, and why struggle is actually the proving ground where confidence, resilience, and character are built. Drawing on insights from wrestling, coaching, parenting, Stoic wisdom, and great thinkers like Emerson and Tolstoy, this episode challenges athletes, parents, and coaches to rethink what greatness really means — not medals or outcomes, but who we become through effort, persistence, and the courage to keep showing up when things don't go our way.

Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! Today we're diving into a powerful truth that can completely change the way you compete: your thoughts and feelings are real—but they don't get the final say in your performance. Identity does. We've all been told to "just think positive," but what happens when nerves show up anyway? What do you do when doubt creeps in before a big match or game? In this episode, we're talking about why you're not responsible for the first thought that pops into your head—but you are responsible for what comes next—and how building a strong sense of who you are as an athlete becomes your greatest competitive advantage. Let's get into it.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, Just Stop Worrying, I lean on the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius in Meditations to remind us of something we all need to hear—far more of our mental energy is spent on things that are completely outside our control. Whether it's the opinions of others, the outcomes we can't predict, or the "what ifs" that keep looping in our minds, worry quietly steals our focus and presence. This episode is a simple but powerful invitation to pause, reset, and recommit to what actually belongs to us: our thoughts, our actions, and how we show up each day.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this very personal episode, I look back on nearly four years and 273 episodes of hitting "record," sharing ideas, and growing alongside educators across the U.S. and Canada. I talk about why I started the show back in 2022, what I'm most proud of, and why I'm now making a big pivot out of the education podcast space. This isn't goodbye to teaching—it's an expansion into mental performance work with wrestlers, athletes, and their parents. Drawing on my own wrestling regrets, years of coaching since 2004, and what I've learned through training with Lindsay Wilson and Positive Performance, I explain why this moment feels right and why understanding how the brain works changed everything for me. It's a reflective, honest, and hopeful episode about leaving the familiar, getting "in the mud," and stepping into what's next. If you'd like to learn more about what I'm offering, please sign up for a free 30-minute discovery call with this link.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! It's been a while, and in this episode, I talk about why I'm back behind the mic and how this podcast still fits into my life right now. I share my love for that quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year's—a rare bit of downtime to slow down, read, and reflect—and how a short piece called "Float" from Mike Travisano's Refuge and Small Things really hit home as I was preparing to head back to school. January can feel heavy for a lot of educators and students, when the break is over and the finish line feels far away. Today's message is a simple reminder: when life feels overwhelming, and you can't see the shore, sometimes the best thing you can do is lean back, breathe, and remember—you float.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I think we all wrestle with—our tendency to chase comfort and try to avoid anything that feels tough or unpredictable. The truth is, life’s never going to be smooth sailing, and as Marcus Aurelius reminds us, what stands in the way can actually become the way. As teachers, we see this every day in those lessons that go sideways or those students who surprise us in the best possible ways. So let’s dive into why leaning into challenges, instead of running from them, is where the real growth and joy happen.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! This week, I’m coming to you from Cary, North Carolina, just a few days before the school year kicks off. I’m here with my two sons for a big baseball tournament—one competing on the field, the other supporting from the stands while still rehabbing an injury from months back. Watching one play and the other choose to show up for his brother—even though it wasn’t easy—filled me with pride in ways I can’t fully describe. Later that weekend, a conversation with my son reminded me of a powerful truth I’ve been reading in Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy: real strength and fulfillment come not from clinging to our own wants, but from serving and celebrating others. In this episode, I share that story, the lessons it sparked, and a reminder for all of us as teachers, parents, and leaders—that life gets richer when we step outside ourselves and pour into others.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In today’s episode, I talk about starting restorative practices at our school and the powerful reminder that it’s not the big, flashy events that build relationships—it’s the small, intentional moments we share with our students, our colleagues, and even ourselves. I connect this to the Stoic wisdom of Zeno, who taught that well-being is built little by little, and how that truth applies as I begin a new school year. From recovery and mobility, to better eating habits, to simply taking a few minutes each night to reflect, I share how focusing on the small, daily choices can shape us into the teachers, parents, and people we aspire to be.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, I reflect on a question my son Gray asked me about what separates the most successful wrestlers I’ve coached from the rest. After more than 20 years in the wrestling room, I’ve had the privilege of coaching some incredible athletes—state medalists, champions, and even guys who went on to compete at the highest levels. At first, I thought the answer was simply about controlling the controllables, but the more I reflected, the more I realized it goes deeper. The best wrestlers weren’t just obsessed with winning—they were driven by the love of competing, by becoming the best versions of themselves, and by bringing others along for the ride. And while that’s easy for me to see in coaching, it’s just as true in teaching: greatness doesn’t come from the short-term wins, but from the dedication, consistency, and purpose we bring to the process every day.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, I talk with Bryon Carpenter—a fellow educator, podcaster and lifelong learner who’s all about showing up, reflecting, and growing a little bit every day. We dive into why paying attention to your experiences matters, how consistency (even in small ways) can lead to big change, and how podcasting helps him process and share what he’s learning. Bryon’s not doing it for likes or followers—he’s doing it to make a difference, and it’s a message that’ll definitely resonate.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode comes to you from the beach—one of the few places where I consistently feel calm and grounded. But wouldn’t it be great if we could find that kind of peace everywhere? Inspired by a powerful reply from Dr. Nate Fulton to a quote from Yung Pueblo, we’re digging into what it means to truly “protect your peace.” As teachers, parents, and people, it’s so easy to let the energy of those around us dictate how we feel. But calm isn’t something that just happens—it’s a skill we have to develop and practice, especially in a world that constantly pulls at our energy. So today, let’s talk about learning to stay grounded, owning our emotional space, and giving ourselves grace when we get it wrong—because we will, and that’s okay.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today’s episode is a special one—an honest, heartfelt, and wide-ranging conversation with Chris Nesi, the "EduPodfather" himself. Chris opens up about his journey in education and podcasting, the importance of showing up with integrity, and how being a great educator—or parent—is about letting others catch you in the act of doing good. We talk coaching, content creation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply take the next step. If you’ve ever been hesitant to start something new or wondered if you’re doing enough, this episode will speak directly to you.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, we look at the story of General Dan Sickles at Gettysburg—a leader who made a bold move that helped slow down the enemy, but came at a huge cost to his own men. Was it brave or reckless? We dig into that question and connect it to a powerful message from Admiral William McRaven’s book The Wisdom of the Bullfrog. As teachers, we know we can’t just play it safe all the time. We need to try new things and take smart risks—but always with care, knowing our students are counting on us. Let’s talk about what it means to be bold, thoughtful, and growing right alongside our students.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! I’m beyond excited to share this episode with you—it’s the first-ever interview on the show! After over a year of planning, I finally sat down with none other than Jake Miller of Educational Duct Tape. We talk about everything from shared friendships and classroom strategies to cellphones and what keeps us inspired. Fair warning: I accidentally recorded with my laptop mic—but hey, you’re really here for Jake anyway!

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Last week, we talked about Admiral William McRaven’s advice to take things one step at a time—and this week, we’re building on that by asking an important question: what are we actually growing toward? Growth without direction isn’t just unproductive—it can be harmful. In this episode, I break down Dr. Joe Dispenza’s three components to excellence that he shared on an episode of Tom Bilyeau’s Impact Theory Podcast—confidence, accountability, and vision—and explore how each one can help us move forward with purpose. Whether you're in the classroom or just trying to be a little better every day, this episode will give you simple, powerful steps to grow in the right direction.

Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, I share a powerful lesson from Admiral William McRaven's Navy SEAL training that can transform how we handle the tough days in teaching. When my son faced a challenging injury, I found myself caught up in the anxiety of "what if" thinking - something we've all experienced as educators when facing difficult students, overwhelming workloads, or career challenges. Drawing from McRaven's story about surviving Hell Week by focusing on "one evolution at a time," I explore how we can apply this mindset both in helping our struggling students break down big challenges into manageable pieces, and in our own teaching lives when everything feels impossible. Whether you're dealing with a rough class period or questioning your entire career, this episode reminds us that we don't have to solve everything at once - just focus on what's right in front of you and keep moving forward, one step at a time.