The Inspired Athlete
Welcome to The Inspired Athlete Podcast—quick, powerful inspiration for athletes and parents, rooted in modern performance insights and ancient wisdom.
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Consistency is Key to Growth
05/18/2026
Consistency is Key to Growth
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In this episode, we are diving deep into what it truly takes to sustain greatness when adversity strikes, stripping away the talent and leaving behind the pure grit required to overcome major setbacks. Inspired by a powerful message from the legendary Inky Johnson, I break down why one bad chapter doesn't define your entire book and how your brain's natural self-defense mechanism might actually be self-sabotaging your progress. Pulling insights from James Clear’s Atomic Habits and Jake Thompson’s concept of "can’t-see choices," we explore why you need to stop playing the scoreboard's game and start unlearning the old identities holding you back. Plus, I share a simple, actionable strategy from Bobby Maximus—the "Green Dot" method—to help you flip the switch on negative red-light thoughts and force your mind to optimize for the things you can 100% control.
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It's About Your Focus
05/11/2026
It's About Your Focus
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! Today, I’m getting real about my own fitness journey—from the frustrating yo-yo dieting days to chasing heavy lifting goals at 44 years old. We’re diving deep into the power of focus and why Epictetus was right when he said you become what you set your mind to. I’ll break down how your brain’s Reticular Activating System acts like a "proof-seeking machine" that often defaults to keeping you safe and stuck in yesterday’s habits. But don't worry, I’m giving you the manual override tools—meditation and visualization—to help you stop waiting for the scoreboard to tell you you're good enough and start "preloading" the evidence of the athlete you are working to become.
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The Car Ride Home
05/04/2026
The Car Ride Home
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In this episode, I’m diving deep into the "sacred" space of the car ride home and why we need to stop letting "monsters" of future anxiety take up a seat in our vehicles . As sports parents, it’s so easy to slip into coaching mode or let our own frustrations leak out after a tough loss, but our athletes’ brains are wired for survival and often see those critiques as a reason to quit . Drawing on wisdom from Paulo Coelho and Marcus Aurelius, I discuss how extraordinary parenting is found in the simple things—like knowing when a kid just needs a quiet ride or a Chick-fil-A milkshake instead of a lecture on footwork . Let’s commit to making our cars a safe place to fail so our kids can build the genuine confidence they need to succeed .
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Confidence Isn't Only Built by Winning
04/27/2026
Confidence Isn't Only Built by Winning
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In today's episode, we’re tackling the "biggest misconception" in sports: the idea that confidence comes from winning. I open up about the "hardest part" of being a coach and parent—watching an athlete struggle when you know they have the talent, but something in their head is "blocking them". We dive into 2,000-year-old Stoic wisdom, specifically the "dichotomy of control," to explain why anchoring your self-belief to results like victories or rankings makes your confidence "fragile". Instead, we talk about building a "stable foundation" based on things you actually own: your preparation, your effort, and your response to adversity. Whether you're an athlete wrestling with doubt or a parent trying to help, it's time to shift your focus from the scoreboard to the choices you make every single day.
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Explore Your Quiet Mind
04/20/2026
Explore Your Quiet Mind
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.
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We are All Time Travelers
04/13/2026
We are All Time Travelers
Welcome to the Inspired Athlete podcast! In this episode, I share how a late-night TikTok scroll led me to the band , 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 to sign up for my newsletter and grab your free parent discussion guide .
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Life's Great Lie
04/06/2026
Life's Great Lie
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. Be sure to check out for some free resources, to sign up for our email list and to schedule a discovery call to see what the program can do for you.
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Your Thoughts Do Matter
03/09/2026
Your Thoughts Do Matter
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.
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Embrace Struggle
03/02/2026
Embrace Struggle
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.
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It's About Identity
02/23/2026
It's About Identity
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.
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Just Stop Worrying
01/21/2026
Just Stop Worrying
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.
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A Change is Coming
01/18/2026
A Change is Coming
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
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Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
01/12/2026
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! It’s been a little while, and in this episode, I share a quick update on what I’ve been up to and reflect on a message that really hit home for me lately. After listening to Jay Shetty on the On Purpose podcast, one line stuck with me: “Comparison makes you chase timelines that weren’t meant for you.” I talk about why that resonated so deeply right now—especially as I step into something new—and how easy it is to feel scattered or unsure when we focus on where others seem to be. I also connect this idea directly to teaching, where comparison can show up no matter where you are in your career. This episode is a reminder that teaching, like life, moves in seasons—and when we stop chasing someone else’s timeline, we give ourselves permission to fully commit to our own.
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Remember, You Float
01/05/2026
Remember, You Float
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.
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Stop Seeking Comfort
09/03/2025
Stop Seeking Comfort
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.
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Dont Be Self-Centered
08/28/2025
Dont Be Self-Centered
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 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.
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It's the Small Things
08/26/2025
It's the Small Things
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.
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The Real Medals
08/20/2025
The Real Medals
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.
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A Conversation with Bryon Carpenter
08/07/2025
A Conversation with Bryon Carpenter
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.
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Calm is a Skill
07/30/2025
Calm is a Skill
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.
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The EduPodfather: Chris Nesi is Here!
07/16/2025
The EduPodfather: Chris Nesi is Here!
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.
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Be Like Dan...Ish
07/11/2025
Be Like Dan...Ish
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.
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Jake is Here!
07/02/2025
Jake is Here!
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!
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Components of Excellence
06/26/2025
Components of Excellence
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 —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.
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One at a Time
06/14/2025
One at a Time
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher podcast! In this episode, I share a powerful lesson from 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.
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Words are Important
06/03/2025
Words are Important
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! I’m so glad you’re here. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the power of language in a conversation I’m calling “Words Are Important.” This topic was sparked by a recent training I attended on Restorative Practices, where we spent a lot of time reflecting on how the words we choose can either build connection or create distance. Around the same time, I started reading Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen, and it really drove the point home—our inner dialogue and the language we use with ourselves matters just as much as what we say to others. So today, we’re exploring how intentional language can transform not just our classrooms, but our everyday lives. Let’s get into it!
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It's About Awareness
05/19/2025
It's About Awareness
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! This week’s episode is a real-life reflection on those long, draining May days when exhaustion runs deeper than just being tired—it comes from how we react to the daily challenges of teaching. I share a recent moment when I found myself overwhelmed by student behavior and how a simple line from a meditation—“respond, rather than react”—helped reframe my thinking. It’s easy to fall into old patterns and respond out of habit, but taking a pause to check in with how we really feel can lead to more thoughtful, compassionate responses. With a little help from the poet and a conversation with a wise colleague, I was reminded of what truly matters. Tune in for a candid look at the inner work that helps us grow as educators—and humans.
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Don't Be a Know It All
05/14/2025
Don't Be a Know It All
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! You know that person who always has the best story, knows the best restaurant, and never misses a chance to prove they know more than you? Yeah... don’t be that person. In this episode, we’re digging into the power of intellectual humility—why admitting “I don’t know” can be one of the smartest things you do as an educator. Inspired by a sharp quote from Charlie Munger and grounded in the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, we’ll explore how curiosity, not certainty, leads to growth. Whether you're a new teacher still trying to find your footing or a veteran who's been around the block, this is your reminder that the best educators are lifelong learners. So today, let’s talk less, listen more, and make room for growth—because the smartest person in the room might just be the room itself.
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A Few Minutes for a Possible Big Change
05/12/2025
A Few Minutes for a Possible Big Change
Welcome to The Inspired Teacher Podcast! In this episode, I’m diving into my winding journey with journaling—from Ryan Holiday’s to blank Moleskines and even a couple rounds with . While I’ve loved parts of each, I often find myself craving something new. That’s when I stumbled upon a simple, effective journaling protocol Originally designed to support recovery, it’s actually perfect for anyone looking to build positive habits and find a little more balance. I’ll walk you through how it works, what I’ve learned from using it, and how it’s helped me stay grounded—even on chaotic mornings when the squirrels are out in full force. If you’ve ever felt stuck with your journaling or just want a new way to reflect, this one’s for you.
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Just Be
05/09/2025
Just Be
Welcome to the Inspired Teacher Podcast! Today, I want to be honest about something I think a lot of us struggle with—this constant drive to grow, improve, and be “better.” It sounds noble, right? But if you’re anything like me, that mindset can sometimes become exhausting. I’ve always been an all-in kind of person—wrestling taught me to push hard, and teaching just reinforced it. But recently, a conversation with a psychologist friend reminded me of something important: “Try to be better, don’t try to be perfect… and sometimes, just be.” That hit me. In this episode, I’ll share reflections from that chat, plus insights from Laird Hamilton’s story in and Srikumar Rao’s book . It’s a reminder that maybe we don’t always need to chase the next level—maybe we just need to show up, be present, and appreciate the amazing people we already are.
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