Shows
Intentional PerformersBrian Levenson, Grace Aduroja Kolker, and Miranda Holder on CollaborationToday’s episode is going to be a little bit different than our past episodes: I’m actually going to interview two friends of mine, two colleagues, that are going to share their perspective on collaboration.
Miranda Holder is an Executive Coach (and my own personal coach) that has a background in sport. She was a three-sport athlete in High School and then she found Rowing in College where she competed at an elite, high level. She then became a Rowing Coach and ended up becoming the Head Rowing Coach at Georgetown University. That journey of becoming a Ro...
2023-11-221h 24Intentional PerformersBrian Levenson’s Reflections from the Aspen Ideas FestivalToday’s episode is going to be a little bit different than a lot of our past episodes because it’s just going to be me on here. I’m going to share a lot of my observations, a lot of my notes, from a festival I recently attended called The Aspen Ideas Festival. It’s really a conference, but it’s much more than a conference. It’s where some of the best thought leaders gather to share what’s on their mind, to discuss, they have all kinds of experiences, they have debates, they have panels, they have interacti...
2023-07-261h 20Intentional PerformersBrian Murphy on Incorporating Mental Skills into a CompanyBrian Murphy is a founder, CEO, entrepreneur and investor -- constantly learning and chasing possible. He founded and leads ReliaQuest, the force multiplier of security operations and one of the largest and fastest growing companies in the global cybersecurity market. Murphy has grown ReliaQuest from a boot-strapped startup to high-growth unicorn with a valuation of over $1 billion, over 1,000 team members and over $350 million in growth equity with firms such as FTV Capital and KKR Growth. The company is headquartered in Tampa, FL, with operations centers in Tampa, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Dublin, London, Amsterdam and Pune, India.
2023-07-121h 11Intentional PerformersBrian Levenson Reflecting on Grandma Irene and IdentityToday’s episode is going to be a little bit different than the ones we’ve done in the past. I just had an inspiring experience that I thought would hopefully make all of us think a little bit more about our own identity, our own values, our ancestors, and how those experiences and the experiences of our family members impact us and how we see the world today. I wrote a little bit and I’m going to share what I wrote, and this is the best medium I know to share important, interesting, unique information. I really hope t...
2023-03-2928 minIntentional PerformersJoe Ferraro Interviews Brian Levenson on A Variety of Topics!Today’s episode of the podcast is a little bit different. Today, I’m going to be interviewed by Joe Ferraro. If you’re unfamiliar with Joe, he has an incredible podcast called One Percent Better, he is someone who practices what he preaches, and he has had over 200 episodes where he’s interviewed best-selling authors, CEO’s, and all kinds of different people and leaders, to try and figure out how they’re getting one percent better every single day. Joe is way more than simply a host, though. He’s a high school teacher, he has a history coachi...
2022-12-211h 11Intentional PerformersBruce Levenson (AKA My Dad) on Leveraging OptimismToday’s episode, episode #277, is a little bit different. I have interviewed 276 different people, and over that span I’ve often contemplated and though, “You know who I would love to have on here? My dad.” He’s one of the most interesting people I’ve ever been around, and I’ve had a front row seat to witness, to him questions, to observe, to notice. I was hesitant to have my dad on as a guest because I like to ask questions that other people don’t necessarily ask. And certainly, I’ve had friends on the podcast, people I care deep...
2022-05-181h 33Intentional PerformersJoe Ferraro and Brian Levenson Host vs. Guest--Whose Responsibility is it Anyway?Typically, I don’t like to have guests back on the podcast for a 2nd time. But today is a little different. Joe and I decided to create a podcast that is interesting, unique, and something that I got a ton of excitement out of. We get into the weeds of if being a guest on a podcast is different than being a host on a podcast, which led to further conversations about being a host vs. being a guest in life, since there are so many facets of society in which we play host and in which we pl...
2022-04-271h 01
The Intentional Encourager PodcastEpisode 206 with Mental Performance and Executive Coach and Author Brian LevensonMental Performance and Executive Coach and Author Brian Levenson and talks about:
Creating new behaviors.
The importance of working for yourself.
The power and focus of agility.
What gives me energy?
The science of happiness.
What causes diminished decision making.
The essence of defining personal values.
His Dad being a dreamer and instilling it in him.
The lunch that changed his life.
Learning in the reflection of adversity.
Staying curious a little longer.
Connect with Brian on Linkedin and Twitter @BrianLevenson and at www.strongskills.co
Get a copy of Brian's book, Shift Your Mind on Amazon...
2022-03-091h 07Intentional PerformersReturn to Curiosity with Brian LevensonThis episode of the podcast is a little bit different. This is the 250th podcast episode! We’re going to celebrate that milestone by talking about curiosity. Curiosity is what got me here, got me in front of this microphone, and forced me to hit the record button.
I wrote a book called “Shift Your Mind” that was released in October of 2020, and you can order it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, I have launched a company called Strong Skills, and I encourage you to check out our new website https://www.strongskills.co/. If you li...
2021-10-2041 minIntentional PerformersBrian Levenson's Pandemic ReflectionsThis week Brian shares his reflections on the past year. He shares his struggles, how he's experimenting, and what he's been grateful for during the pandemic.
As we move forward, in a post-pandemic world, how can we better support ourselves and each other?
If you want to connect and chat more and share your experience feel free to reach out via Twitter or Linkedin @Brianlevenson or email Brian at Brian@strongskills.co.
2021-03-3141 minIntentional PerformersRae Ringel on The Art of FacilitationRae Ringel is a certified executive coach and founding President of The Ringel Group. She is a faculty member at the Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership and founding director of their certificate program in the Art of Facilitation and Design. She is also adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Rae is in high demand as an innovator in the areas of coaching, facilitation and training across sectors. She enables a growing list of executives in some of the most successful Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and government agencies to become more...
2021-01-131h 07Intentional PerformersBrian Levenson on his new book Shift Your MindThis episode is a little different. For the first time, Brian has someone interviewing him about his new book, Shift Your Mind, which was released today!
Chick Hernandez, a DC sports media professional, asked Brian all about the writing process, the different shifts, and what he learned along the way.
You can follow Chick on Twitter: @MrChickSports
Brian's new book is available everywhere books are sold including the following places:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2I6YFaB
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/2SwYk2J
IndieBound: https://bit...
2020-10-061h 11Intentional PerformersImprove your Sleep with Physician Meeta SinghDr. Meeta Singh joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Dr. Meeta Singh is a board-certified physician focused on the applied science of sleep. Her approach concentrates on improving sleep health with the aim of enhancing physical and mental performance, health, and quality of life. She has a clinical practice where she is a service chief of sleep medicine and section head and medical director at the Henry Ford Sleep Center in Michigan. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She also serves as a Consultant for multiple NFL, NBA, NHL, an...
2020-08-261h 17Intentional PerformersWhat Makes an Effective Leader with Former CIA Clandestine Service, John SipherJohn Sipher joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. John is the Co-Founder of Spy Craft Entertainment which is a production firm providing content and talent to the entertainment industry. John is also a foreign policy and intelligence expert and social media influencer. His articles have been published in the NY Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Politico, and pretty much everywhere you get your news. He retired in 2014 after a 28-year career in the CIA, and served many overseas tours. He also served as a lead instructor in the CIA’s Training School and was a re...
2020-08-191h 35Intentional PerformersAn Underdog Story with Former NFL Wide Receiver Andrew HawkinsAndrew Hawkins joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Andrew, who goes by Hawk, is a former NFL Wide Receiver, sports executive, Emmy award winner, Oscar award winner, and he’s somebody who is a life long learner. He’s a former NFL team captain, he got his master’s degree from Columbia University, and he has become synonymous with creating cultural content and digital media that goes well beyond the playing field. After his playing career, he began his media career with ESPN and is incredibly thoughtful and bright when it comes technology. He is currentl...
2020-08-121h 08Intentional PerformersCultivating Curiosity and Range with NY Times Best Selling Author David EpsteinDavid Epstein joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. He is the author of 2 books: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, a #1 NY Times best seller, and The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athlete Performance, another NY Times best seller. He was previously a science and investigative reporter at ProPublica, and prior to that, he was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated. He has done amazing work, and has a TedTalk that has been viewed over 8.5 million times.
In this episode, we discuss where his curiosity comes from (5:40), his...
2020-08-051h 12Intentional PerformersThe Power of Relationships with University of Texas Men’s Basketball Coach Shaka SmartShaka Smart joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Shaka is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Texas. He was previously the Head Coach at VCU where he helped get them to a Final Four. He is an amazing guy and incredible coach, but this conversation is about his life. He will talk about spirituality, culture, leadership, and we go deep in this conversation. He brings an energy to every conversation he is in, and he’s genuine, curious, and a life-long learner.
In this episode, we discuss why he’...
2020-07-291h 14Intentional PerformersCrisis Leadership with Army Veteran Rob LivelyRob Lively joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Rob recently retired after 28 years of military service as the Command Sergeants Major of a Special Missions Unit within the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC. Rob has been at some of the most tense situations that somebody can be at in our military. He is an experienced and proven leader that has operated and led teams and organizations in all kinds of diverse and challenging environments. He was able to lead and influence from the tactical to the strategic, and do so ac...
2020-07-221h 21Intentional PerformersBuilding Culture with Furman University Men’s Basketball Coach Bob RicheyBob Richey joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Bob is the head men’s basketball coach at Furman University and you will learn quickly that he is sharp, with it, and extremely intentional as he thinks about culture. He recently completed his third season as the head coach at Furman and it’s his ninth overall as he served as an assistant for his first six years. Coach Richey has had a lot of success during his time at Furman and his overall record is 73-26 with a record of 41-13 in the Southern Conference. He is...
2020-07-161h 43Intentional PerformersPlayer and Human Development with Toronto Blue Jays President/CEO Mark ShapiroMark Shapiro joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Mark has really been at the forefront when it comes to player development, human development, and baseball. He has been at it for over 25 years, and he worked for the Cleveland Indians organization for 24 years and has been with the Toronto Blue Jays for the last 5 years as the President and CEO. He has worked at the highest level with both the Indians and the Blue Jays, and Marks thinks about and studies leadership development and human development unlike many other people in this world. He understands th...
2020-07-081h 12Intentional PerformersThe Power of Little Moments with Congressman Max RoseMax Rose joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Max is a Congressman and Army Veteran where he has won all kinds of awards – Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and a Combat Infantry Badge. Max has done a lot in his 33 years and continues to try to leave a legacy and make an impact on this country. He represents South Brooklyn, Staten Island, and is a proud US Army Veteran that serves on the House Committee of Veteran Affairs as well as the House Committee of Homeland Security. He is in the weeds as someone that is maki...
2020-07-011h 27Intentional PerformersCulture and Connection with Louis JosephLouis Joseph joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Louis is the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Alps & Meters which expresses a deep appreciation for the rich, memorable mountain experiences through the design of first-class performance outerwear that is tailored, technical and timely. Lou has been at the clothing brand game for quite a while as he has worked at Puma, New Balance, and K-Swiss. He is a value-driven human that cares deeply about culture and connection.
In this episode, we discuss his upbringing (4:20), twins in his family (7:40), his parents (14:40), being a creator (20:20), wh...
2020-06-241h 00Intentional PerformersBringing Together Investment Opportunities and Athletes with Rudy Cline-ThomasRudy Cline Thomas joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Rudy is the Founder and Managing Partner of a company called Mastery, Inc. which brings together world class athletes, leading technology, media and consumer product companies as well as entrepreneurs and investors to create top tier platform building companies. When we say top tier platform building companies, we are talking about companies like Zoom which was used to put together this podcast. Most recently Rudy was an Executive Producer in the documentary The Scheme which was on HBO and was about College Basketball. In 2007, Rudy founded th...
2020-06-1744 minIntentional PerformersTeam Coaching and State of Mind Research with Alexander CailletAlexander Caillet joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Alexander is an organizational psychologist, consultant, and a coach that is internationally known for his pioneering approach to team coaching and state of mind research with organizational leaders. He is also an active professor at the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching Certificate Program, guest lecturer at American University, and a frequent international speaker on the subjects of change, teams, coaching, and leadership.
In this episode, we discuss his upbringing (5:20), his family (10:50), the benefits of moving around a lot (12:20), the values his parents passed down to him (14:20), st...
2020-06-101h 06Intentional PerformersDeveloping Leaders that People want to Follow with Halelly AzulayHalelly Azulay joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Halelly is an author, speaker, facilitator, and leadership development strategist and an expert in communication skills and emotional intelligence. In 2006, Halelly founded TalentGrow LLC, a consulting company focused on developing leaders and teams, especially for enterprises experiencing explosive growth or expansion. Halelly is the author of two books, Employee Development on a Shoestring (ASTD Press) and Strength to Strength: How Working from Your Strengths Can Help You Lead a More Fulfilling Life. Her books and workshops build on her 20+ years of professional experience in communication and leadership de...
2020-06-031h 10Intentional PerformersDangerous Love and the NBA Draft with Chad FordChad Ford joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Chad has really been living five lives simultaneously for 20 years. He has been an international conflict mediator, a college professor, a senior consultant and facilitator for the Arbinger Institute, executive board member of PeacePlayers, and is probably best known as a writer/analyst/entrepreneur covering the NBA and NBA draft for ESPN. Being a basketball analyst has really just been a side gig for most of the last two decades for Chad. He is really passionate about peace building and it is what he feels he was me...
2020-05-271h 36Intentional PerformersFinding Clarity in the Shadows with Marc PolymeropoulosMarc Polymeropoulos joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Marc worked in the CIA for 26 years and retired in 2019 after working as an analyst to start his career, and then he moved into operations. He is one of their most decorated field officers and has honed a unique leadership style based on his decision making under pressure, inclusivity, comradery, and competition. He terms this “finding clarity in the shadows.” Marc’s goal is to pass on this knowledge he learned in the CIA to the private sector.
In this episode, we discuss his upbringing (6:10), if he ha...
2020-05-201h 16Intentional PerformersExperimenting Without Limits with Chris SparksChris Sparks joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Chris is the founder of The Forcing Function which is a company empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs by transforming the way they think about work. Chris was once ranked in the top 20 in online poker and we’ll talk about his experience playing online and in-person. Now he trains executives on some of the tactics he used to develop a competitive edge so they can reach their highest limits. Chris is a journeyman who has experienced the world, but he is also grounded having done a lot...
2020-05-131h 06Intentional PerformersDan Pink on the Power of WhenDan Pink joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Dan is a very well-known author that has six provocative books about business and human behavior. His books include the longtime New York Times best-seller “When,” “A Whole New Mind,” “Drive,” and “To Sell is Human.” Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 39 languages, and have sold more than 3 million copies. Dan currently lives in the Washington, DC area.
In this episode, we discuss when he knew he was passionate about writing (3:10), what he was into as a kid (7:40), why he went off on his own...
2020-05-0642 minIntentional PerformersJordan Steffy on the Power of ConnectionJordan Steffy joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Jordan played Quarterback for the University of Maryland. Jordan is a mentor at his core and he is a leader. He founded two non-profits called Children Deserve a Chance Foundation and Attollo Prep. At his organizations, they help lead young men and women to college. He is a community leader based on Lancaster, PA and Jordan is somebody who cares deeply about making this world a better place.
In this episode, we discuss what life was like for him growing up (4:30), the mentor he got in...
2020-04-291h 15Intentional PerformersBetsy Butterick on the Power of CommunicationBetsy Butterick joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Betsy is articulate with her words, passionate about the work that she does, and very thoughtful about where she’s been and where she wants to go. She works as a coach and a communications specialist, and her work is right at the intersection of coaching sports coaches and how they are delivering messages to their organizations and teams. She is a thoughtful person that has been in the trenches as a basketball coach and is living her purpose and desire to have an impact with organizations and...
2020-04-221h 21Intentional PerformersFormer NFL Wide Receiver, Torrey Smith, on Learning from AdversityTorrey Smith joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Torrey went to the University of Maryland and played football, and then went up the street to play professional football for the Baltimore Ravens after being selected in the 2nd round of the NFL draft. He ended up playing in the NFL for 8 years where he spent the majority of his career on the Ravens, but he also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and then he finished his career with the Carolina Panthers. He won a super bowl with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Ba...
2020-04-151h 21Intentional PerformersDavid Shapiro on the Power of MentoringDavid Shapiro joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. David is the CEO of a non-profit called Mentor which does incredible work. They are the unifying national champion for outstanding quality mentor relationships for young people. For more than 25 years, Mentor has helped build and serve the mentor field by providing a public voice, and developing and delivering resources for mentoring programs nationwide. Mentors fantastic work with David at the helm has been mentioned in the Social Impact Exchange, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and Grant Makers for Effective Organizations.
In this episode, we discuss hi...
2020-03-181h 09Intentional PerformersRiley Cote on the Importance of Self-LoveRiley Cote joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Riley played in the NHL for 4 years and was mainly known as an enforcer. We will talk about his experience as an enforcer, what it was like for him and the toll it took on him. Upon retiring from the NHL, he founded the Hemp Heals Foundation which is a non-profit organization that provides cannabis as a viable resource that can help increase the quality of lives of people. Riley is also a founder of Athletes For Care which is a non-profit organization created to help athletes fi...
2020-03-111h 08Intentional PerformersThe Founder of Mizzen + Main, Kevin Lavelle, on EntrepreneurshipKevin Lavelle joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Kevin has done a lot in a short amount of time, and he is a young guy trying to make an impact and a dent on the world. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Mizzen + Main, and he was the CEO before stepping down to take on the Chairman role. Mizzen + Main is an innovative company transforming the apparel industry by making the world’s most comfortable dress shirt. Kevin has been innovative and creative with how they market the product, and has used...
2020-03-041h 26Intentional PerformersNever Giving Up with Dr. Rob BellDr. Rob Bell joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Rob is a mental coach that works with athletes in the sports arena and individuals in the corporate space. Rob has written six books on mental toughness. He is also an ultra-marathon runner and this year he is running a 100-mile race. He will talk about spirituality, what makes him emotionally and mentally strong and why physical fitness is such a priority for him.
In this episode, we discuss what life was like for him as a kid (4:20), what it felt like to be arr...
2020-02-2656 minIntentional PerformersHow to Create your Master Plan with Chris WilsonChris Wilson joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Chris is a serial social entrepreneur, a story-teller, an artist, a social justice advocate, and an author. He wrote the book, “The Masterplan,” which is a fantastic read. He was incarcerated for murder at the age of 17 and had a life sentence so this conversation is less about the murder and more about what he did after it. He will talk about his life in prison where he was for 16 years before somehow miraculously getting out.
In this episode, we discuss when he decided he wanted...
2020-02-191h 07Intentional PerformersPaul James on Dealing with Adversity & ActingPaul James, also known as PJ, joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. After college at Syracuse University, PJ moved out to LA and started his acting career. PJ was in the hit TV show Greek, and he was in a movie right off the bat called Cry Wolf. Today he is on a Netflix show called Soundtrack. You’ll enjoy that PJ is open, honest, and talks about the ups and downs that come with acting as a career.
In this episode, we discuss when acting came into his life (5:20), why his dad was...
2020-02-121h 14Intentional PerformersJamy Bechler on the Power of InfluenceJamy Bechler joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Jamy is a professional speaker, leadership trainer, and executive business coach who has worked with teams ranging from major corporations to teams in the NBA. Before going into full-time leadership work, Jamy served for 20 years as a college basketball coach, a professor, and administrator. When he hung up his whistle, he didn’t stop coaching, he just moved from the locker room to the boardroom. Now he travels the country motivating people and motivating organizations. We will talk about what leadership is, what it might not be, and...
2020-02-051h 06Intentional PerformersHow to Define Success with Gary GreenGary Green joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Gary helped find Cameron Carmichael which is an executive search firm based in Charlotte, NC. They build a successful relationship with their clients that is built on a mutual trust and commitment to outstanding results. In this conversation, we will talk about what Gary looks for when he’s placing executives with companies and what makes a successful partnership when he’s doing that. He will also spend time talking about his journey through swimming at Duke, serving in the Navy, and receiving his MBA from Harvard. Gary h...
2020-01-221h 13Intentional PerformersThe Power of Mentorship and How to Be Your Best Self with Terry KnickerbockerTerry Knickerbocker joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Terry is the studio director and founder of Terry Knickerbocker’s Studio in Brooklyn, NY. For the past 30 years, Terry has acted, directed, coached, and produced art with all kinds of incredible people. After he graduated from NYU, Terry trained as an actor with Bill Esper and worked with Bill for 25 years. Terry has been mentored and values mentoring others immensely. He is a past recipient of the Drama League of New York’s Directing Award Fellowship for Emerging Directors. This conversation is about what he does and wh...
2020-01-151h 27Intentional PerformersRyan Holiday on the Power of StoicismRyan Holiday joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Ryan wrote the books, “The Obstacle is the Way,” “Ego is the Enemy,” “The Daily Stoic,” “Conspiracy” and “Stillness is the Key,” to name a few. He’s written ten books and he is continuing to write. At his core, he is a writer and a media strategist. He’s worked in marketing, and he’s worked with prominent best-selling authors such as Neil Strass, Tony Robbins, and Tim Ferris. Before becoming a writer, he had a successful marketing career at American Apparel, and he went on to create an agency called B...
2020-01-081h 06Intentional PerformersHow to Prepare for Big Moments and Adapt with Matt StoverMatt Stover joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Matt Stover played in the NFL for 20 years where he played 13 years for the Baltimore Ravens. When he retired in 2009, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the NFL. Matt played at the highest level and did his craft as well as anybody that’s ever done it. Matt will talk about the routines and habits that helped him have so much success in the NFL. You will also hear from Matt about how he thinks about strength, mental fitness, emotional fitness, and spir...
2019-12-181h 07Intentional PerformersMark Groves on the Power of Human ConnectionMark Groves joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Mark is a human connection specialist but putting a title on his work doesn’t do him justice. Mark is an emotional translator, writer, speaker, coach, and his clients range from businesses and leaders to couples and individuals. Mark really cares about the deepest of emotional connections that we have with ourselves and other people, and he loves studying love. He studies relationships and communications and is very thoughtful about how we are showing up for ourselves and for the people that we love.
In this...
2019-12-111h 09Intentional PerformersHamish Brewer on Leaving a Legacy and Creating a Culture of FamilyHamish Brewer joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Hamish is a Principal and is somebody who is relentless, tattooed, and a skateboarding Principal. He is a high-octane guy constantly calling on his students to be relentless. He has become known as an educational disruptor that challenges the status quo and is constantly looking to innovate and help his students however he can. Hamish does things differently and he is known for working with some of the most at-risk students in America, and he flat out gets results. He is real, authentic, genuine, and what you se...
2019-12-041h 11Intentional PerformersAsking Great Questions and Being Grateful with Brian LevensonIn this episode, I discuss gratitude and Thanksgiving (2:30), becoming a better communicator (4:00), three levels of listening (4:50), assumptions, assessments, and assertions (8:40), examples of great questions (11:30), and takeaways (21:30).
If you liked this episode and/or any others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers.
Thanks for listening.
-Brian
2019-11-2723 minIntentional PerformersScott O’Neil on Sports Business and Creating a CultureScott O’Neil is the Chief Executive Officer of Harris Blitzer Spots & Entertainment, an organization with the ambition to become the most impactful sports and entertainment company in the world through the pursuit of innovation and performance. You will hear about Scott and his involvement with innovation and how much he values high, elite performance for himself and the teams that he’s involved with. Scott is responsible for the organization’s leadership, strategic vision, operations, and growth including the pursuit and acquisition of sports teams and organizations, entertainment, and consumer-facing properties. Scott wears many different hats and is involv...
2019-11-2044 minIntentional PerformersBrain Coding and Mental Health with Kip WatsonKip Watson joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Kip is a former professional football player that was also an elite gymnast when she was a kid. She works in the world of sports psychology and I think you will find her to be a very thoughtful and intentional human-being who lives with spirit, emotion, and thinks about her mindset on a daily mindset. Kip will be vulnerable in this conversation, and she will share what she’s learned and is continuing to work on with herself and why she is so passionate about making an impa...
2019-11-131h 04Intentional PerformersHow to Build Resilience with Van BrooksVan Brooks joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Van played football growing up and today he works in the non-profit world in inner city Baltimore where he helps to mentor and develop a lot of our youth. Van is incredibly thoughtful, intentional, and resilient.
In this episode, we discuss why he was interested in sports at a young age (4:50), his relationship with his family (5:50), what it was like playing lacrosse (8:40), the values his parents passed down to him (10:30), what his experience at Loyola Blakefield was like (11:30), how he balances humility and confidence (15:40), the va...
2019-11-061h 11Intentional PerformersHow to Create Success through Failure with Jim Harshaw Jr.Jim Harshaw Jr. joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Jim is an educator by trade and coach by passion. He is a former Division 1 all-American Wrestler and we will talk about his experiences wrestling. Jim has also failed; he’s been broke, out of shape, and out of balance with his family at times in his career. He knows what it feels like to do 100 things in a day at 100 mph and still get nothing accomplished. Jim has set out to help others create clarity, focus, and consistency as an executive coach.
In this...
2019-10-301h 14Intentional PerformersDerek Fitzgerald on Overcoming Incredibly Difficult SituationsDerek Fitzgerald joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Derek is a survivor of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, heart failure, and ultimately a heart transplant. After receiving his life saving transplant in 2011, Derek entered the world of endurance sports and became dedicated to helping others going through their own healthcare journeys. He’s an advocate for cancer research, heart, health and organ donation. He founded the Recycled Man Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to improve life for those affected by significant health changes. Since 2011, Derek has upheld his life mission to honor his donor’s gift and has comp...
2019-10-231h 27Intentional PerformersHow to Network and Build Relationships with Rob McClanaghanRob McClanaghan joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Rob is regarded as the premier NBA skill development trainer in the game today. Rob has over 15 years of experience helping elite athletes hone their skills and realize their full potential. His cliental and his client list is insanely impressive with players such as Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Stephon Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Al Horford, John Wall, and Candace Parker. We talk about what makes those athletes special and what he’s witnessed since he has an up close and personal seat into who they are as p...
2019-10-161h 04Intentional PerformersMatthew Del Negro on How to Overcome AdversityMatthew Del Negro joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Matthew is an actor that has played a wide range of roles in features both on tv and in theater. He has worked on tv shows such as Scandal, Sopranos, West Wing, Showtimes United States of Tara, MTV’s Teen Wolf, and now he’s on a show called Goliath on Amazon Prime. He is a philosopher at heart, a deep thinker, and he will talk about how he’s been reflective throughout his life and how that’s led him to this journey of acting. He’s also...
2019-10-091h 05Intentional PerformersMotivational Interviewing and Mental Performance with Dr. Jonathan FaderDr. Jonathan Fader joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. He is a licensed clinical and performance psychologist that is best known for working with professional athletes in the MLB and the NFL. He has worked with the New York Mets and the New York Giants. He is also the co-founder of Union Square Practice which is a mental health center. He will talk today about Sports Strata which he has helped build and they are a performance coaching group. He is regularly working with athletes, entrepreneurs, businesspeople, schools, physicians, and first responder groups such as th...
2019-10-031h 08Intentional PerformersServant Leadership with Ken TylerKen Tyler joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Today, Ken works as the Director of Advancement at the St. James and he came on as the Athletic Director to run that facility. Before working at the St. James, he was the Director of Athletics at Mary Washington University in Virginia. Ken has really spent his career working in sports; he has spent time as a basketball coach, athletic director, and at his core, he is a servant leader that is trying to put others in position to be successful. He is a coach, athletic director, an...
2019-09-251h 35Intentional PerformersHow to Build Confidence and Empower Underdogs with Susannah WellfordSusannah Wellford joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Over the last two decades, Susannah has founded two organizations designed to raise the political voice of young women in America. The one that she will really talk about today is “Running Start” which she started to encourage young woman and girls to pursue political leadership. Susannah will talk about her relationship with politics starting from a young age, and how she came up with this idea of “Running Start” which to date has trained over 15,000 young women to run for elected office. Susannah is a big believer in...
2019-09-181h 09Intentional PerformersHow To Train Leadership with Seb LittleSeb Little joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Seb currently works at the McChrystal Group, and before that he was a football player at Yale University. Seb is somebody that is obsessed with humans and elite performance. As mentioned, Seb is currently with the McChrystal Group which is a firm that takes military strategy and philosophy and applies that to the corporate world. Seb is at the forefront of human development and teaches, trains, and coaches’ elite athletes and elite performers.
In this episode, they discuss what life was like for him as a ki...
2019-09-111h 19Intentional PerformersBasketball Coach Brandon ChambersBrandon Chambers joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Brandon is an Assistant Coach with the Men’s Basketball Team at Texas Southern University. Previously to Texas Southern, Brandon was at the University of Nevada where he helped them succeed in the NCAA basketball tournament and before that, he was at Paul VI, and VCU. Brandon has played in a lot of different sandboxes in the coaching world over the last 10 years or so, and he is someone that is a sponge, a lifelong learner, and always trying to become more. At Brandon’s core he is jus...
2019-09-0453 minIntentional PerformersSefu Bernard on Developing Basketball PlayersSefu Bernard joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Sefu is in charge of player development for the Washington Mystics where he works with them on their skill development and pretty much everything involved in basketball. Sefu really values people, he really looks at players from a holistic level, and is obsessed with trying to get them to a whole new level. Sefu will share his journey and will be vulnerable sharing things that he often doesn’t talk about with people.
In this episode, they discuss what life was like for him as a ch...
2019-08-281h 14Intentional PerformersCharlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman on Lifelong LearningCharlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Charlie was a fighter in mixed martial arts MMA where he got up to the #7 ranked fighter in his weight class. He also won a contest in the reality TV show, “Pros vs. Joes.” Charlie has become obsessed with this idea of being a lifelong learner and learning how he can show up in his career, for his family, and what his mindsets should be for those scenarios. Today, Charlie is a thought-leader who focuses on giving talks, workshops, he has a podcast, he has written a...
2019-08-141h 06Intentional PerformersJamion Christian on Love, Connection, and CompetitionJamion Christian joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Jamion is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at George Washington University. He coached last year at Siena and then the year before that he was at Mount St. Mary’s. At the age of 29, he was a Division 1 Men’s Head Basketball Coach. From an early age, Jamion was looked at as somebody who could lead men, and this also was the case when he was a 3-year captain at Mount St. Mary’s. He is somebody who has always been curious and is always learning. Today he wi...
2019-08-071h 07Intentional PerformersJake Thompson on Competing Every DayJake Thompson joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Jake has lived an intentional life. He was very into sports growing up and he will talk about points in his life that led to different changes. He is very open in this conversation about his past struggles, challenges, and failures, and how that has led him to become a combination of a teacher and entrepreneur. He is somebody who is trying to pour what he’s learned, and what he continues to learn, into others. He’s a speaker, podcast-host, brand and marketing expert that has launch...
2019-07-311h 07Intentional PerformersYoga Instructor Jesse CassadyJesse Cassady joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Jesse is a yoga-instructor, a deep thinker, and he’s philosophical. He thinks about how he wants to show up in the world and he’s extremely intentional. Jesse is extremely vulnerable and willing to share his story even if it can help just one person. Jesse is a giver and a teacher, and he loves sharing his knowledge in both the body and the mind. In his yoga practice, he brings together the body and the mind in an incredible way. In his business, he’s about to...
2019-07-241h 08Intentional PerformersDr. Travis Heath on Narrative TherapyDr. Travis Heath joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Dr. Travis Heath is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Metropolitan State University of Denver which is also where he attended. He is a licensed psychologist working in private practice in Denver, Colorado, and is the Co-Founder of Rocky Mountain Narrative Therapy Center. He will talk about narrative therapy which focuses on shifting from multi-cultural approach counseling to one of cultural democracy. He really believes in the power of writing and how writing can help people shift their narrative and story, as well as elicit emotions. He...
2019-07-171h 04Intentional PerformersTicha Penicheiro on Fearless BasketballTicha Penicheiro joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Tina is a Portuguese sports agent and retired basketball player. She was just recently nominated to get inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She is in the Old Dominion University hall of fame where she played her college ball. She was also a four-time WNBA all-star, and three-time all WNBA selection. When she finished her career, she was considered one of the all-time greatest point guards in the history of women’s basketball and led the WNBA in all-time assists and is now currently second...
2019-07-1058 minIntentional PerformersMatt Bodnar on the Science of SuccessMatt Bodnar joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Matt wears many hats; he has been named to “Forbes 30 Under 30” and he’s a partner in multiple “Inc Fastest Growing Companies.” He is a deal maker, strategy expert, and he has scaled businesses across multiple industries. He has done over $100 million in deal volume across 25+ transactions. He is Chairman of Fresh Technology, CoFounder and Managing Partner of Fresh Capital, and Managing Partner of Fresh Holdings. Matt will share with you some of his work in real estate, restaurants, and technology. He is always looking to invest and become a...
2019-06-2655 minIntentional PerformersHeideh Shahmoradi on Being KindHeideh Shahmoradi joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Heideh has her own firm that some would call a lobbying firm, but she calls it an educating firm. She really has become a big player in Washington, DC and on Capitol Hill and has made a tremendous impact on the homeless community and transportation industry all over the country. Heideh has worked with some of the most influential people in our government and she will share how she came to get to that point, and also some of the challenges that she’s faced along the way...
2019-06-191h 12Intentional PerformersStu Singer on Mindfulness and Sport PsychologyStu Singer joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Stu has worked as a Director of Performance Psychology for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and as a Performance Psychologist for the University of Maryland Women’s Basketball team, Fordham University, Rice University, and the Connecticut Sun among other teams. Stu has served an integral role in helping the University of Maryland Women’s Basketball reach back to back Final Fours, and Fordham University win their first A10 Championship. Stu’s approach focuses on teaching and providing mental performance skills for athletes that have the pressures of competing...
2019-06-121h 11Intentional PerformersTom Penn on Creating his Career in SportsTom Penn joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Tom has had quite an illustrious career in the sports industry. He started out his relationship with sports playing basketball in high school, and then he went on to become a captain of the swim team at the University of Notre Dame. From there, he went on to law school, and after law school he decided to get into the NBA where he became an elite executive for the Portland Trail Blazers. He also served as a high-ranking executive in the basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies wh...
2019-06-051h 32Intentional PerformersESPN's Paul Biancardi on Coaching and ScoutingPaul Biancardi joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Paul is somebody who has spent his entire life analyzing people, trying to figure out how to bring out the best in people as a coach and now as a scout for ESPN. Paul has spent a lot of his career as a Division 1 basketball coach. He’s served as an assistant coach for Boston College and Ohio State, and then went on to become the head coach at Wright State University. Today, Paul works for ESPN doing all of their basketball recruiting at the high school leve...
2019-05-291h 05Intentional PerformersHenry Abbott on Building Writing TeamsHenry Abbott joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Henry started a blog in 2005 called True Hoop and that blog ended up gaining a ton of interest. It was so popular that he brought that content to espn.com and he started True Hoop at ESPN. Henry has since left ESPN after a 10-year run and started his own thing called True Hoop which sends newsletter format emails with all kinds of gems and quality content you can’t get anywhere else. If you are an NBA fan you have probably ready some of Henry’s work...
2019-05-151h 42Intentional PerformersSpike Mendelsohn on a Chef's MindSpike Mendelsohn is a world-renowned chef and he has worked with some of the top chefs in the world including Thomas Keller, Sirio Maccioni, and Drew Nieporent. After making his television debut on Bravo TV’s Top Chef, Spike went on to appear on several other cooking shows including Life After Top Chef, Iron Chef of America, Late Night Chef Fight, and Beat Bobby Flay. He also hosted Midnight Feast and Food Network’s Kitchen Sink. He has made a presence in the DC area where he opened up Good Stuff Eatery, and his since opened up a number of o...
2019-05-091h 17Intentional PerformersMegan Gebbia on Searching for ExcellenceMegan Gebbia joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Coach Megan Gebbia is Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball team at American University. They have had amazing success since Coach Gebbia has been there, having gone to the NCAA tournament twice. Megan has helped the team to two conference championships, and they have been a very competitive team every year since she’s been there. They have created a culture that is selfless and specific in what they are trying to do and is system oriented. They are a talented, smart, gritty group that I am luck...
2019-05-011h 10Intentional PerformersSportscaster Bram WeinsteinBram Weinstein joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Bram covered the Washington Redskins for a number of years, worked on sports talk radio, and eventually became an anchor on ESPN’s SportsCenter. When he finished up at ESPN, he came back to the DC area in sports talk radio, and now he has decided that he wants to go into the world of podcast production. He brings a great perspective on performing under the pressure. He also shares his thoughts on media, and specifically sports talk media in this conversation.
In this episode, they...
2019-03-061h 20Intentional PerformersNFL Legend Brian Mitchell on Football LoveBrian Mitchell joins us on this week’s episode of the podcast. Brian was a longtime Washington Redskins that started his career as a 5th round draft pick in 1990, and he went on to become a kickoff and punt return specialist. Brian is the all-time leader in kickoff and punt return yards and is the NFL all-time leader with 13 total special teams’ touchdowns. Brian is somebody who has done it as well as anybody, and there’s certainly an argument to be made that he’s the greatest of all time when it comes to kickoff and punt returns. Brian is...
2019-01-231h 25Intentional PerformersBrian Levenson on Setting Your MindToday is a bit of a different episode as it will be just me sharing thoughts on setting your mind for performance. I work as a mental performance coach, and executive coach. I am fortunate to have worked with top performers in sports, and today I also work with CEO’s and Executives to help them unlock their potential. I am integrating some of the work I do in sport and bringing it over to the corporate world. If you are in the corporate world, and interested in the work that I do, please do reach out. I am ob...
2018-11-0730 minIntentional PerformersRoman Baca on Dance and WarRoman Baca joins Brian Levenson on this week’s episode of the podcast. Roman is a classically trained ballet dancer and choreographer. In 2001, Roman recognized his desire to defend the vulnerable. He took a hiatus from his dance, and enlisted in US Marine Corps during the Iraq War. After the war, he returned back to dance and co-founded Exit 12 which is a dance company which tells veterans stories choreographically to increase cross cultural understanding and heal divisions. He also has a great TedX from TedX San Antonio. He has led choreographic workshops at schools, universities, and veteran centers to in...
2018-09-191h 27Intentional PerformersDerin McMains on the Psychology of BaseballDerin McMains joins Brian Levenson on this week’s episode of the podcast. Derin works as a mental performance coordinator for the Seattle Mariners. In his role, Derin coordinates the mental performance program for the entire organization. He works with the 40 man roster, and alongside two other colleagues that work primarily with the minor league teams. Almost all of the organizations in the MLB currently utilize a mental performance coach, and Derin is at the forefront of this profession. Derin also played minor league baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization, and he will share what it was like gr...
2018-09-121h 07Intentional PerformersMalcolm Brogdon on Believing in MyselfMalcolm Brogdon joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Malcolm was selected in the 2nd round of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He was named ACC player of the year and ACC defensive player of the year at the University of Virginia. He had an amazing college career and was overlooked by every NBA team when it came to the draft. Malcolm won the rookie of the year, and he was the first player to do this as a 2nd rounder since 1956. His NBA and College accolades are phenomenal, but he’s also an amazing person. He w...
2018-09-0559 minIntentional PerformersPhil Weber on Growing from MomentsPhil Weber joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Phil has spent time with Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, University of Florida, Chaminade University, Iona University, New Orleans Pelicans, and he was the Head Coach of the Sioux Falls team in the D-League. He is a basketball lifer who has coached in a number of different ways. He also worked as a player development coach from 1995-1998 where he worked with over 100 NBA players. Phil is a philosopher at heart, always reading, always writing, always learning, and he is definitely an intentional performer. He doesn’t just...
2018-08-291h 32Intentional PerformersSam Morris on the Power of BreathingSam joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Sam works as a coach and speaker, and has a company called Zen Warrior Training where he helps people unlock what’s inside of them and get in touch with their feelings. Sam has a deep passion for inspiring and helping others. In this podcast, Sam talks about a number of life events including an accident that took place when he was 24 years old that was life changing.
In this episode, they discuss his childhood and how he became who he is today (4:45), the difference in what he lear...
2018-08-221h 25Intentional PerformersEric Mangini on Football LessonsEric Mangini joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Eric played college football at Wesleyan, and has since spent his entire career working in football where he actually began as a coach in Australia. Eric was an assistant coach with the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, and at the age of 34, he was hired as the NY Jets Head Football Coach. After being the head coach for the NY Jets, Eric was then the head coach for the Cleveland Browns. Today, Eric works in TV and has a wealth of knowledge on culture, leadership, and mental pe...
2018-08-151h 24Intentional PerformersMelissa Agnes on Being Crisis ReadyMelissa Agnes joins Brian Levenson on this weeks podcast. Melissa is an author, strategic advisor, and keynote speaker. She is the author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, and a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today's leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. As a strategic advisor and keynote speaker, Agnes has worked with NATO, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, financial firms, technology companies, healthcare organizations, cities and municipalities, law enforcement agencies, global non-profits, and many others...
2018-08-0857 minIntentional PerformersDr. Mark Goulston on Suicide PreventionDr. Mark Goulston joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Dr. Goulston works as a psychiatrist, but also has been a high stakes crisis psychiatrist, FBI hostage negotiation trainer, and he coaches founders to become CEO’s. He has helped traumatized people heal and thrive in addition to surviving and coping. This conversation is deep, and it’s a conversation about suicide and how we can prevent suicide in the future.
In this episode, they discuss how he came to be interested in the medical world, and his story about depression in medical school (5:45), how his life c...
2018-08-011h 12Intentional PerformersKen Harbaugh on Taking ActionKen Harbaugh joins Brian Levenson on this week’s podcast. Ken has spent time in the Navy and as President of Team Rubicon Global to name a few of his professions, and is currently running for Congress in Ohio. Ken is a devoted family man that has become a leading advocate for military veterans, and when he sees the need for action, he takes action.
In this episode they discuss what led him to the military and becoming a pilot (6:05), how the Navy views leadership and how to train like a Navy pilot (12:15), what is his mindset wh...
2018-07-1854 minIntentional PerformersKeith Mitchell from the NFL to Mindful LivingFormer all-pro NFL football player turned internationally renowned celebrity yogi Keith Mitchell joins Brian Levenson on the podcast this week. Keith is a motivational mindfulness coach, holistic health and wellness advocate, community activist and humanitarian, and he is committed to providing holistic tools that help others achieve optimal health, harmony and aliveness to the fullest degree. A life-changing football injury left Keith partially paralyzed, and he utilized Yoga and Meditation to fully recover, and he now shares his inspirational transformation with others as a highly sought after spiritual lifestyle/wellness coach, teacher and motivational speaker. Keith’s mission is to...
2018-07-111h 34Intentional PerformersMike Signer on Leading in ChaosMike Signer is a former mayor who successfully promoted innovation and pluralism in one of America's most well-known cities; a corporate attorney and executive at a major Virginia technology firm; and a public scholar who writes and teaches about constitutionalism, statesmanship, and the rule of law. His leadership against extremism, intolerance, and demagoguery has been recognized around the nation.
Mike served as Mayor of Charlottesville from 2016 to 2018, a AAA-bond-rated city of nearly 50,000 that is frequently ranked among America's best places to live and that has Virginia's lowest unemployment rate. He continues to serve on the City Council.
2018-06-201h 41Intentional PerformersAlex Banayan on The Third DoorThis week's podcast is with Alex Banyan. I was fortunate to be introduced to Alex from previous guest, Cal Fussman. I recently finished reading Alex's (in 5 days) and I highly recommend it.
The day before his freshman year final exams, ALEX BANAYAN hacked The Price Is Right, won a sailboat, sold it, and used the prize money to fund his quest to learn from the world’s most successful people.
Since then, Banayan has been named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list and Business Insider’s “Most Powerful People Under 30.” He has contributed to Fast Company, the Washington Post, Entre...
2018-06-061h 26Intentional PerformersBrian Grant on Beating the OddsI grew up watching Brian Grant compete during his 12-year career in the NBA. And I intentionally used the word "compete" because Brian played his tail off. He went up against bigger players like Shaq, and seemed to never blink an eye. He had a ferocity about him that I loved. He played with a chip on his shoulder.
In this episode, you will hear Brian discuss his unique and surprising journey to the NBA, his mindset when practicing and performing, and his battle with Parkinson's Disease which started at the young age of 36.
Today, Br...
2018-05-231h 33Intentional PerformersEditing Story with George SolomonFormer Washington Post assistant managing editor George Solomon joins Brian Levenson to discuss the challenges of editing. During his tenure, he got to work with sports journalism legends including Michael Wilbon Tony Korhnheiser, and Sally Jenkins. George also served as the 1st ombudsman for ESPN. He now works at the University of Maryland as a sports journalism professor and was inducted into the Washington Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
In this episode they discuss how he developed an interest in journalism as a kid (5:15), how important feedback from others and reading can be to improving writing skills a...
2018-05-021h 05Intentional PerformersPreparing, Probing, and Proposing with Ron ShapiroSports Agent and expert negotiator Ron Shapiro joined Brian Levenson to talk about how he got into the industry. He has had quite a journey as an author, attorney (after attending Harvard Law school) and he became Maryland State Securities Commissioner in his late 20's. He has worked as a consultant with NBA teams including the Spurs, Nets, and Thunder and an agent for stars such as Cal Ripken and Kirby Puckett and is also an advisor to the owner of the Baltimore Ravens.
In this episode they discuss how his family inspired him in his youth...
2018-04-251h 12Intentional PerformersCoaching Camps with Mano WatsaMano Watsa, presently serves as the President of PGC Basketball. He joins Brian Levenson to discuss coaching and PGC basketball. If you don’t know about PGC, they provide intense, no-nonsense basketball training for players and coaches. Their basketball camps are designed to teach players of all positions to think the game and to be leaders on and off the court. They have served thousands of basketball players and coaches all over the country. He was selected as a two-time All-Canadian and earned Academic All-Canadian honors at the University of Waterloo.
In this episode they discuss the be...
2018-04-1855 minIntentional PerformersAdvocating for the Dream with Tolu OlubunmiRespected immigrants’ activist Tolu Olubunmi joins Brian Levenson to discuss her unexpected journey searching for the American Dream, which started as an unemployed and undocumented chemical engineer. Her innovative thinking and desire for change have led to her becoming the founder and CEO of Lion’s Write which gives voices to the voiceless. Additionally, she was named one of 15 Women Changing the World in 2015 by the World Economic Forum and has given speeches at NYU, the World Bank, and the White House as she advocates for equality.
In this episode they discuss how she got interested in word...
2018-04-111h 15Intentional PerformersStory Telling with Cal FussmanInterviewer extraordinaire Cal Fussman joins Brian Levenson to talk about how essential curiosity is in the realm of interviewing. Cal has interviewed some of the most famous people in the world ranging from Kobe Bryant to Al Pacino to Dr. Oz. He is also a best selling author and not surprisingly the host of a very popular Podcast called Big Questions.
In this free flowing episode they discuss how Brian should introduce himself and the power of motivation and inspiration (5:30), why he loves Podcasts (16:30), the use of opening interview questions to get a better sense of a...
2018-04-041h 31Intentional PerformersDr. Michael Gervais on Finding Sport PsychologyHigh Performance Psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais joins Brian Levenson on this weeks podcast. Dr. Gervais is the co-founder of the company Compete to Create with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and has worked with the Seahawks, NBA players, and Microsoft. He is a renowned public speaker with a deep understanding of how to find clarity and thrive under pressure.
In this episode they discuss his introduction into sport psychology as a kid through surfing (4:30), the way he is able to visualize a path to a goal and find a way to best articulate his thoughts (12:00), his...
2018-03-281h 22Intentional PerformersPaul Rabil on Developing MindsetOne of the most recognizable and successful lacrosse players and former MVP Paul Rabil joins Brian Levenson to discuss his time as a lacrosse player. Additionally, Paul is a great marketer through social media, which he has leveraged to enhance his brand. Paul is also very open about his work with a Sport Psychologist and remains fascinated by the psychology of performance.
In this episode, they discuss his work with sport psychology (4:00). What triggered his competitive nature and the importance of loyalty (9:00). How playing a variety of other sports as a kid helped him develop his mindset (18:00). What d...
2018-03-211h 23Intentional PerformersMario Romero on Finding a WayMario Romero joins Brian Levenson to share his thoughts and inspirations from humble beginnings leading to the process of him becoming a Navy SEAL and now his time as attempting to become an astronaut as he finishes graduate school at Columbia University. He shares wisdom from his past and how he is able to think against the grain to achieve his goals.
The conversation touches on his difficult childhood raised by his mother and feeling like an outcast as a Jehovah’s Witness (4:00). His current views on religion, faith, and spirituality (12:00). The vision of becoming a Navy SE...
2018-03-141h 50Intentional PerformersSean Pendergast on Changing CourseHouston sports radio host and freelance writer Sean Pendergast joins Brian Levenson to discuss his journey starting in sales before becoming a radio host (4:45), the value of money in relationship to happiness and the serendipitous moment that led to working in sports radio (12:00), and advice for college students on choosing a career (27:00). Then they talk about his transition to sports radio and the value of enthusiasm in the workplace (37:30), the importance his time in sales has had in his success in radio (52:00), how has mindset changed for maximizing the impact of the show after the 1st couple of years...
2018-03-071h 35Intentional PerformersBrian Levenson Thanksgiving SpecialHi All,
Excited to share this bonus episode with you on this special holiday!
As you chow down on some delicious food and hopefully watch some great football, we are all reminded to ask the question; what are you grateful for?
As we wind down the podcast in 2017, I want to sincerely thank each of you for taking the time to listen!
More to come in 2018!
With Love,
Brian
2017-11-2219 minIntentional PerformersPodcast Update: Intentional ChangeHi Everyone,
This episode is a little different. It’s shorter and it’s just with Brian. The purpose is to give a “State of the Union” in order to update you on the podcast. The first update is that we are changing the name of the podcast to "Intentional Performers with Brian Levenson". We have discussed this for some time now and think it's time to make an intentional shift. We are really excited about the change and think it will serve you, the listener.
We also are going to consciously sift each episode for grea...
2017-09-2014 min