Win More, Live Better

This episode explores why excellence often comes not from adding more, but from deliberately subtracting what no longer strengthens your craft. Borrowing from the film industry, we discuss how great editors shape award-winning films not by cramming in more scenes, but by cutting the ones that are not essential. You’ll discover why deliberate subtraction is one of the most overlooked tools for improving performance and sharpening your communication as a coach.If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

Most athletes treat the offseason as a technical laboratory to refine their mechanics and strengthen their physical skills, but sometimes this creates challenges in-season when competition arrives. In this episode, Zach shares a couple of personal stories from his work with Major League Baseball players and a valuable proverb on the importance of building trust in your identity as an adaptable competitor. Listeners will learn practical strategies for improving adaptability and competing when their mechanics and physical skills breakdown in-season.If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

Billy Allen brings a rare blend of experience to today's conversation: Elite performer, coach, author, and longtime podcast host. Entering his third season as an assistant coach and player development coordinator for Stanford’s beach volleyball program in 2026, Billy has already helped guide the Cardinal to a historic success on The Farm.Outside of coaching, Billy continues to compete on the AVP professional beach volleyball tour. A three-time AVP champion and former member of the USA Beach Volleyball National Team, he represented Team USA for six years on the world stage. Billy is also the co-host of the long-running “Coach Your Brains Out” podcast, where he has interviewed some of the most respected coaches and thought leaders in sport and he is the author of multiple books spanning from coaching to fiction fantasy.In this conversation, we explore Billy’s perspective on the mental game through both the lens of an athlete and a coach. We discuss what he’s learned from talking with top coaches around the world, how those lessons have shaped his own coaching philosophy, and why ecological dynamics and skill acquisition sit at the center of his approach to athlete development. Billy also shares how his long competitive career continues to influence the way he coaches today.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[6:20] — The Inspiration for The Inner Knight[9:40] — Parallels Between Writing and Competing[12:05] — Diving Into Mindfulness Practices[13:57] — Benefits from Meditation[15:58] — Mindful Minutes at Stanford[22:44] — What He Wishes Coaches Understood Earlier[25:38] — The Trap of Overcoaching[30:20] — Own Your 3-Foot World[32:43] — Lessons Learn from Athletes He's Coached[35:34] — Learning is a Maze, Not a Ladder[44:49] — Knowledge Of vs. Knowledge About [47:31] — Curiosity is a Superpower[51:58] — Starting the Coach Your Brains Out Podcast [56:55] — Common Patterns Amongst Great Coaches[1:07:16] — Improv and Partner Exercises for Training Presence[1:11:05] — Finding Balance Across Different Roles and Disciplines[1:14:23] — His Resilience and JourneyLearn More About Billy:https://www.instagram.com/billyketchallen/?hl=enTo learn more about the Coach Your Brains Out Podcast, listen to the show using this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coach-your-brains-out/id1060183650To purchase and read Billy's books, check out this link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Billy-Ketch-Allen/author/B07JCJ9Z9T?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=2479b4fb-c143-46fb-b942-0bbcb19c386e Learn More About Zach:If you’re a collegiate or professional coach striving to win more and live better, I'm offering free discovery calls in December to share resources and offer support for your journey. You can sign up for a call here: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

We all love the good days, but our commitments are defined by how we handle the hard ones. This episode reflects on the importance of embracing not only the joyful parts of life, but the difficult ones too. If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

Most performers spend the majority of their lives in repetition in the form of practice, meetings, workouts, conversations, and responsibilities that cycle over and over every day. Today, we’re discussing how to bring more intentionality to these activities through one of my favorite lessons from the Greek mythology of Sisyphus.  For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall

This episode explores how old habits, beliefs, and routines “auto-renew” in our lives long after they’ve served their purpose. Zach shares a story about a Major League pitcher "unsubscribing" from a starting point in his delivery and implementing a small adjustment to accelerate his career. Listeners will learn why stagnation carries invisible costs, how leaders accidentally let their environment choose their direction, and how to run a performance “subscription audit” to create intentional growth heading into a new season. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall

Today's guest is two-time Olympian Kibwé Johnson. He joins the show with one of the most decorated careers in U.S. hammer history including being a five-time U.S. Champion, Pan American Games gold medalist and record holder, and a three-time NCAA Champion. He also holds the world record for the combined hammer–discus–weight throw and represented the United States at four World Championships.Kibwé has since built an impressive coaching path through IMG Academy, SPIRE Academy, Southeastern Louisiana, and now the University of Maryland, where he serves as Throws Coach. He was also the USA Track & Field Men’s Team Head Throws Coach for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.In our conversation, we talk about the artistry of throwing, creating the right conditions for athletes to find their individual movement, the Dao of the hammer, and how his own misalignments as an athlete shaped the coach he is today. We also explore the role of patience, curiosity, and fatherhood in his development as a leader.Here's some notable highlights from our conversation:[5:18] — The Artistry of Throwing [7:23] — "Creating the Conditions" for Athletes[10:36] — Learning to Embrace Individuality as a Thrower[16:54] — How Kibwe Would Coach His Younger Self[18:57] — Solving Movement Riddles [24:15] — The Dao of the Hammer[30:53] — The Yin & Yang for Effort[37:10] — Letting Go of Ego[46:32] — Kibwe's Process for Learning[49:48] — Creating the Conditions for Flow[53:14] — Most Important Mental Skill for Athletes[1:02:05] — Breaking Out of Plateaus[1:05:05] — Creating Something that Didn't Exist When He CompetedLearn More About Kibwe:To learn more about Kibwe's coaching and his work, I'd encourage you to follow his journey here: https://www.instagram.com/martillokibwe/?hl=en Learn More About Zach:For more practical tools and mindset stories, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall

What can you learn from a Navy SEAL's training story? Discover how to stay calm under pressure with practical strategies. You'll explore the concept of focusing on your 'three-foot world' to enhance performance when challenges arise. Learn to navigate distractions by asking key questions about your tasks and what's within your control. Zach emphasizes the importance of short mental resets to maintain focus and execution. Tune in for a refreshing approach to mastering high-pressure situations!

Every day, we find ourselves in a mental courtroom where our thoughts put us on trial. Childhood labels often dictate our adult beliefs, acting as unyielding verdicts. A powerful story reveals how a 'golden child' title turned into a limiting belief. Brandon encourages treating emotional reactions as signals for re-evaluation. He presents a practical three-step method to catch, challenge, and change unhelpful thoughts. Change may be gradual, but it’s possible by redefining our narratives and identities.

This episode explores the famous story of Muhammad Ali’s stolen red bicycle and how one painful childhood moment became an unexpected spark in his journey toward greatness. We break down why adversity often shapes drive, what research shows about performers who turn hardship into fuel, and how purpose evolves as identity evolves. You’ll also hear how athletes like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Simone Biles have channeled their own sources of motivation.For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall