Before the Panic: What You Do in the First 90 Seconds
Shark Theory
When life punches you in the gut—a lost wallet, bad news, a broken relationship—it’s not the event that defines you, it’s what you do in the next 90 seconds. Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… In this episode, Baylor shares a recent “gut punch” moment: realizing his wallet was gone and feeling that instant wave of panic and what-if scenarios. Instead of spiraling, he walks through how he used praxis—moving from theory to action—to keep his mind from running wild and to take back control of the situation. Drawing on a Marcus Aurelius quote, “This...
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Positioning, Packaging, and the Power of Being You
Shark Theory
Sometimes the best blueprint for your life comes from watching how someone else wins by simply being themselves. Show Notes In today’s Shark Theory, Baylor shares an unexpected encounter on South Congress in Austin—a young author selling books outside a coffee shop whose authenticity, positioning, and presentation ended up teaching a masterclass in personal branding. What starts as curiosity turns into lessons on how to position yourself where your audience naturally gathers, why authenticity is your most valuable marketing asset, and how the way you “package” yourself determines how...
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You Already Have What You’re Envying
Shark Theory
Sometimes the thing you’re chasing is already sitting in your own driveway. Show Notes: In this reflective Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee shares an eye-opening story about admiring a car at a stoplight—only to realize it was the exact same car he already owned. The experience becomes a metaphor for how often we overlook what we already have while chasing what we think we need next. Baylor breaks down the power of finding your “mirror”—a mental reflection of who you are, what you have, and who you want to be. Through honest self-inventory, gratitude, and growth, he explains how...
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The Minimum Line: Defining What You’ll Never Fall Below
Shark Theory
The people who criticize your drive usually aren’t doing enough themselves. In this episode, Baylor explains why your real growth starts when you set—and protect—your standards. Show Notes: In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee dives into the importance of separating goals from standards—and why the people who say you’re “doing too much” are often the ones doing too little. Using real-life insight from his own routines and habits, Baylor challenges you to stop chasing goals that fade and start building standards that last. You’ll learn how to define your personal...
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You Can’t Expect Pro Results with Amateur Effort
Shark Theory
When you stop expecting championship results from casual effort, you start enjoying the game — in golf, business, and life. Show Notes: In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee takes lessons from a round of golf to explain one of life’s most freeing principles: knowing what you actually want from what you do. Whether it’s business, fitness, or hobbies, we often frustrate ourselves by holding “pro” expectations while putting in “part-time” effort. Baylor shares how setting realistic expectations, defining your purpose, and learning to enjoy your current level can restore...
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Stop Hiding Your Flaws — They’re What Make You Stand Out
Shark Theory
Sometimes the only thing holding you back isn’t what you’re missing — it’s thinking that what you’re missing matters. Show Notes: In this powerful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee shares a lesson learned at the dog park from a joyful three-legged dog who didn’t seem to know — or care — that he was missing a leg. What starts as a simple observation turns into a deep reminder that perceived flaws and missing pieces can actually become your greatest strengths. Baylor breaks down how to stop overvaluing perfection, quit worrying about others’ opinions, and start embracing...
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The Other Side of the Cold: Finding Perspective in Any Situation
Shark Theory
The weather didn’t change — your perspective did. In this episode, Baylor shares how learning to see both sides of the coin can turn discomfort into opportunity. Show Notes: In this insightful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee uses a cold Dallas morning and a warm infrared sauna session to illustrate a powerful truth: your circumstances might not change, but your perspective can — and that changes everything. What begins as a story about hating cold weather turns into a masterclass on reframing life’s frustrations. Baylor shares how shifting your point of view, asking others how...
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Patiently Progressive: The Real Mindset of a Shark
Shark Theory
After 1,400 episodes, Baylor finally answers the question: What does Shark Theory really mean? The answer might change how you approach your goals, your pace, and your purpose. Show Notes: In this milestone episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee reflects on seven years and 1,400 episodes of growth — and breaks down the true meaning behind the name Shark Theory. Contrary to the popular image of the “shark” as an aggressive go-getter, Baylor reveals that real sharks — and truly successful people — move differently. True sharks aren’t frantic. They’re focused. They move forward...
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The Truth About Humility: Stop Letting People Walk on You
Shark Theory
Being humble doesn’t mean being a doormat. It’s time to clean your circle, reclaim your confidence, and stop mistaking self-respect for arrogance. Show Notes: In this fiery Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee challenges the modern misunderstanding of humility. Too often, good-hearted people overextend themselves in the name of being “team players,” only to end up drained, overlooked, and underappreciated. Baylor shares a raw message about the fine line between being helpful and being used — and how to take your power back without losing your compassion. He reminds you that humility...
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Step Back from the Moon: Seeing Life in a New Light
Shark Theory
Like the moon, your life shines brightest when you’re close to the right things. Perspective, proximity, and patience determine what you reflect to the world. Show Notes: In this reflective Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee draws inspiration from a stunning supermoon — known as the Beaver Moon — to unpack lessons about perspective, patience, and personal growth. He explains how life, much like the moon’s orbit, doesn’t move in perfect circles but in ellipses — with seasons when everything feels close, bright, and in flow, and others when you feel distant or lost. Baylor reminds...
info_outlineSometimes the right question reveals more than a thousand answers.
Show Notes:
In this insightful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee reflects on a Q&A session with students from the University of North Texas’ Professional Selling class—where powerful questions led to powerful realizations. From redefining risk to finding purpose in the moment, Baylor unpacks the wisdom that surfaced during an open conversation about growth, mindset, and meaning.
He also introduces a simple but transformative question—“What was your favorite part of today?”—that can shift your focus, strengthen your relationships, and bring gratitude back into your routine.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
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Why asking better questions is the key to personal and professional growth
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How to find micro purpose in your daily actions
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Why “risk” is just another word for opportunity
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A powerful mindset shift to minimize the weight of your problems
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The one question that helps you find gratitude every single day
Featured Quote:
"Don’t chase a big purpose—pour yourself into small ones. When you give your all to every moment, you’ll look up and realize you’re already living in purpose."