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by Todd Smith
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- Apr 8, 20261h 37m
Chasing Dreams: How Jared Gahm Turned Passion into a Successful Gym
Jared Gahm’s journey from a struggling fighter to the owner of Pedigo Submission Fighting in Bloomington is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we delve into the trials and tribulations he faced while pursuing his dreams, including risking everything to open a 9,000 sq. ft. gym during the chaos of COVID. Jared shares candid stories about the many sacrifices he made—leaving his comfort zone, investing all his savings, and even dealing with skepticism from those around him. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and the undeniable impact of a supportive community in the world of fighting. Tune in as we explore how Jared's resilience and unwavering passion for coaching have shaped his path and the lives of his students.Takeaways:Jared's journey from a struggling fighter to a successful gym owner exemplifies resilience and dedication to his dreams.He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals to achieve personal and professional growth.The evolution of his gym during challenging times shows that hard work and risk-taking can lead to fulfilling dreams.Jared believes that a coach's primary role is to provide support and encouragement, fostering a positive environment for growth.He highlights the necessity of adapting coaching styles to meet the unique needs of each athlete for effective training.Jared's story illustrates that pursuing one's passion, despite obstacles, can lead to a rewarding and impactful career.Companies mentioned in this episode:UFCWBCEastern Illinois UniversityGold's GymBellatorStrike ForcePSF Bloomington
- Mar 2, 20261h 33m
Why Champions Adapt Faster Than Their Competition
Todd Smith sits down with Aren Ulmer, a certified mental performance coach and former college basketball player, to dive into the crucial role of psychological flexibility in athletics. Aren emphasizes that the mental game is as vital as physical training, highlighting how self-awareness and adaptability can significantly enhance performance. Throughout the conversation, we explore practical strategies for improving mental resilience, such as focusing on core values and reframing self-talk. Aren shares insights from his work with athletes across various levels, including high school and the pros, illustrating the universal nature of mental performance techniques. Join us as we unpack how understanding and cultivating mental strength can empower athletes to thrive both on and off the court. Mental performance coaching is an evolving field that focuses on the psychological aspects of athletic performance. In this insightful discussion, Todd Smith engages with Aren Ulmer, a certified mental performance coach, to explore the intricacies of mental performance and its impact on athletes across various sports, including basketball, soccer, and more. Aren emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with clients, which he believes is crucial for long-term retention and success in coaching. He shares his philosophy that mental performance coaching should be seen as a form of strength and conditioning from the neck up, highlighting that confidence, focus, and clarity are essential components of peak performance. The conversation delves into the concept of psychological flexibility, a key topic in Aren’s research and practice. He explains how being psychologically flexible allows athletes to adapt to challenges and maintain their focus during competitions. He discusses a study he conducted with collegiate basketball players, examining the relationship between psychological flexibility and performance metrics like player efficiency ratings. Aren's findings suggest that increased psychological flexibility can lead to better performance outcomes, making it a vital area of focus for coaches and athletes alike. Throughout the episode, Aren shares practical strategies for enhancing psychological flexibility, such as pre-planning for adversity, practicing next-play speed, and utilizing reframing techniques to manage self-talk. The discussion also touches on the significance of understanding core values and setting process-oriented goals rather than solely outcome-focused goals. Ultimately, Aren’s insights offer valuable guidance for athletes, coaches, and mental performance professionals seeking to optimize performance through a deeper understanding of the mental game.Takeaways:Mental performance is about everything that happens between the ears for athletes, focusing on mental strength and conditioning.Building trust-based relationships with athletes is crucial for maintaining long-term engagement and effective performance coaching.Psychological flexibility is a key predictor of athletic performance, helping athletes manage adversity and maintain focus during competitions.The difference between process goals and outcome goals is essential; focusing on process goals can help mitigate feelings of failure and promote resilience.Utilizing core values and mindfulness can significantly enhance focus and performance in athletes across various sports.The role of spirituality and personal beliefs can play a pivotal role in an athlete's identity and mental performance, though it should be approached sensitively.
- Feb 24, 20261h 56m
The Mindset Shift That Took Him from Trainer to CEO
Isaac Ho joins me, Todd Smith, for a deep dive into the world of high-ticket sales and transformative coaching. We kick things off by exploring how sales isn't just about transactions—it's the first step in a healing journey for clients. Isaac shares his remarkable transition from personal trainer to business owner, revealing how he consistently generated significant revenue while maintaining a focus on serving his clients' deeper needs. We discuss the importance of mentoring and the value of building systems that support not just business growth, but personal evolution as well. Throughout the conversation, we highlight the intersection of mindset, sales, and healing, emphasizing how embracing one's unique journey can lead to profound changes in both life and business. Join us as we unpack these concepts and share insights that can help you navigate your own path to success.Takeaways:Sales is not just about transactions; it's the first coaching conversation that can lead to healing.Building a successful coaching business requires understanding that effective systems and mentorship are more critical than acquiring endless certifications.The journey of personal growth often involves navigating emotional pain, which can be transformed into powerful motivation for change.True personal transformation comes from aligning your business with your values and serving clients who resonate with your mission.Companies mentioned in this episode:LA FitnessResults FitnessBally Total FitnessOrange Theory FitnessDomino'sOnnit
- Feb 16, 20261h 52m
What Working at the White House Taught Him about Success
Atlas Altman shares his incredible journey from the military to becoming a recognized leader, author, and podcaster in this episode. He reflects on his time working at the White House, revealing how he learned the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people to make better decisions. Atlas emphasizes that while many focus on complex frameworks, the essence of leadership boils down to one critical question: who do you have in your life supporting you? Through engaging anecdotes and insights gained from decades of experience, he discusses the importance of community and understanding one's purpose. We also dive into the power of storytelling and how it can transform our lives and those around us, leaving listeners with actionable takeaways to elevate their own journeys. Join us as we explore leadership, resilience, and the art of connection in this enlightening conversation!Takeaways:Working at the White House was surreal, being surrounded by influential figures made me realize the importance of connections.Creating a podcast can be approached like a business, focusing on building relationships and providing value to listeners.When making decisions, it's essential to prioritize who you have in your life over the typical three questions people ask.The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but embracing change and finding purpose is key for success.Links referenced in this episode:hbrharvardbusinessreviewpodcastawardsinternationalCompanies mentioned in this episode:Harvard Business ReviewTEDBlack Rifle Coffee
- Feb 9, 20261h 24m
Challenge Alone Won't Change You Without This
This podcast episode explains that real learning doesn’t just come from what happens to us. It comes from stopping and thinking about what happened and what we can learn from it. Mark Cheney talks about how people grow best when they are challenged to do better and also supported by others who care about them.Mark explains that good performance is not just about using skills when things get hard. It’s about figuring out problems when things go wrong and staying calm enough to adapt. The conversation also points out a common mistake in mental performance, where people think they have a special “secret” that no one else knows. Mark believes real progress happens when people share what they know and help each other get better.Overall, the episode encourages listeners to reflect on their experiences, work together, and remember that growth comes from caring about both the person and the performer inside each of us.Takeaways:The paramount importance of reflection over mere experience in the learning process cannot be overstated, as it significantly enhances one's capacity to derive meaningful insights from past encounters.In the realm of mental performance coaching, fostering a supportive environment alongside rigorous challenges is essential in cultivating both human and athletic potential.The interdependence of success behaviors, learning strategies, and performance assets forms a triad that is crucial for achieving excellence in both academic and athletic pursuits.The digital age has profoundly affected attention spans, necessitating a renewed focus on teaching students how to manage their attention and develop self-awareness in order to thrive in various performance contexts.
- Sep 7, 20251h 26m
From the Cage to Coaching: Insights from UFC Veteran Clifford Starks
In this episode, Clifford Starks opens up about his journey from the UFC cage to the world of executive coaching and personal development. He shares how the lessons learned in high-stakes competition translate into leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Clifford emphasizes the importance of aligning the mind, heart, and skills, while also reflecting on self-awareness, parenting, and the value of simple joys. His story is a reminder that transformation comes through courage, adaptability, and the willingness to grow.Key TakeawaysClifford Starks’ shift from fighter to coach shows how identity can evolve while staying true to core valuesFocusing on what you can control reduces stress and builds claritySelf-awareness and honest communication are essential for stronger relationships, especially with familyPeak performance under pressure comes from aligning the mind and heart, not just refining skillsGrowth is a lifelong process built on reflection and consistent improvementReal joy often comes from small, shared experiences rather than big achievements
- Apr 21, 20251h 28m
The Art of Being Unfuckwithable: How to Cultivate Resilience and Self-Acceptance
The exploration of the concept "unfuckwithable" serves as the cornerstone of this enlightening podcast episode, as the speakers delve into the intricate relationship between self-perception and performance. They elucidate that feelings of stagnation are frequently rooted in limiting beliefs and subconscious doubts, which, unbeknownst to individuals, might be inhibiting their potential. The conversation features Jen Graffice, an esteemed performance mindset coach, who shares her wealth of experience coaching elite athletes and teams, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance irrespective of external validation. Listeners are invited to contemplate their own journeys toward becoming "unfuckwithable," as they discover that true peace and confidence arise from within. The episode concludes with a compelling reminder that personal evolution is an ongoing process, and that every individual possesses the agency to redefine their aspirations and achieve their highest potential.Takeaways: The term 'unfuckwithable' encapsulates a profound state of self-acceptance and inner peace, transcending external validation. Individuals often discover that their perceived limitations arise from subconscious beliefs, highlighting the complexity of self-awareness and personal growth. The concept of Q Life emphasizes the integration of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, illustrating the interconnectedness of various life aspects. Supportive communication, particularly between parents and children, is vital for fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. Engaging in creative visualization techniques, such as imagining a magic carpet, can enhance team cohesion and individual focus during competitive events. Embracing failure as a necessary component of success allows individuals to cultivate resilience and maintain motivation, facilitating personal and professional growth.
- Feb 3, 20252h 8m
The Hidden Power of Hypnosis: Healing Through the Mind with Peter McLaughlin
The episode prominently features Peter McLaughlin, a certified hypnotherapist and life coach, who delves into the profound connections between the subconscious mind and personal healing, particularly through the lens of his own harrowing experiences with chronic illness. Following a diagnosis of both Lyme disease and chronic leukemia, McLaughlin embarked on a transformative journey that led him to embrace the power of hypnosis as a means to confront and alleviate his emotional and physical afflictions. Throughout the discourse, he articulates the striking notion that a staggering 93 to 97% of our cognitive processing occurs subconsciously, suggesting that many individuals remain blissfully unaware of the underlying beliefs and emotions driving their behaviors. With a deft blend of wit and wisdom, he elucidates how the subconscious, often perceived as an adversary, is instead a protective entity, operating under the guise of self-sabotage. Ultimately, this thought-provoking dialogue invites listeners to reconsider their relationship with their subconscious and explore the potential for profound personal transformation through understanding and integrating these hidden facets of their psyche.Takeaways: The subconscious mind wields an astonishing 93 to 97% of our brain's processing power, significantly influencing our thoughts and actions without our conscious awareness. In the quest for self-improvement, one must recognize that habits such as smoking or gambling are often mere symptoms of deeper emotional pain or unresolved trauma. Peter McLaughlin's journey to hypnosis was profoundly shaped by his leukemia diagnosis, leading him to explore the intricate connections between mind, spirit, and healing. Building rapport with clients is essential for effective communication, as most human interactions are governed by non-verbal cues rather than mere spoken words. The process of healing often requires confronting uncomfortable truths, akin to the demolition phase in home renovation before new and improved structures can be built. Utilizing techniques like pendulums and Havening can provide individuals with practical tools for self-exploration and emotional healing, enhancing their ability to navigate life's challenges. Links referenced in this episode:blueskyhypnosis.competer mclaughlin.comyoutube.com/c/BlueSkyHypnosisCompanies mentioned in this episode: Blue Sky Hypnosis YouTube
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About Evolving Potential
The Evolving Potential Podcast is for people who are hungry for growth, striving for excellence, and committed to reaching their highest potential. Each week we will interview an expert, professional athlete, renowned coach, entrepreneur, or thought leader to discuss human potential. Guests are or are working with high performers and are able to share their habits, practices, and mindset for personal development and performance enhancement. The host, Todd Smith, is a former fat kid turned personal trainer, nutrition coach, and bodybuilder who has spent years diving deep into the world of behavior change and peak performance. He has obtained certifications in NLP, hypnosis, timeline therapy, precision nutrition, NASM, mental performance mastery, and training for warriors. In addition, Todd has obtained a bachelor's in sports and performance psychology and is currently working towards a master's degree in sociology and education. This podcast serves as a platform to share ideas about w
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