Rehearse the Resistance: Why Elite Performers Prepare for Adversity, Not Just Success

Is Your Life Out of Tune?: Eric Church's Message to the Class of 2026

Country music star Eric Church recently delivered a commencement speech that resonated with millions. In it, he used the six strings of a guitar to explain what creates a meaningful life. In this episode, we unpack that metaphor and explore what it can teach us about ambition, identity, fulfillment, and the different parts of life that make us whole. Learn More About Zach: * Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here [https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall?back=1] * Subscribe to my free newsletter here [https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/]

No Brown M&M's: How Tiny Details Reveal Standards and the Health of Your Culture

In the 1980s, Van Halen became famous for an unusual backstage request: No brown M&M’s in the dressing room. This request was actually a hidden test designed to reveal whether venues had carefully followed the band’s detailed production and safety requirements. In this episode, we explore what that story teaches us about standards and why tiny details are important to protect as a leader. Learn More About Zach: * Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here [https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall?back=1] * Subscribe to my free newsletter here [https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/]

The Power of Five Minutes: How Tiny Commitments Create Lasting Momentum

A lot of people struggle to build momentum because they make the starting line feel overwhelming. In this episode, I share the story of my wife’s “five-minute rule” that helped her run every single day for an entire year and why momentum is something we create. We discuss the psychology behind consistency, Greg McKeown’s concept of “Minimal Viable Progress,” and how stacking small wins helps us produce massive breakthroughs. Learn More About Zach: * Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here [https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall?back=1] * Subscribe to my free newsletter here [https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/]

John Wooden's 9 Promises for a Successful Life

Today we're exploring John Wooden’s famous “Nine Promises” and why they still matter today. We explore themes like emotional steadiness, relationships, self-talk, personal growth, leadership, comparison, peace of mind, and sustainable success. More than achievement, this conversation is about the internal commitments that shape the quality of our lives and help us win more without losing ourselves in the process. Learn More About Zach: * Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here [https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall?back=1] * Subscribe to my free newsletter here [https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/]

After the Whistle: Never Waste a Failure

How do great performers respond to failure without becoming defined by it? In this After the Whistle segment, Zach expands on a powerful lesson shared by Louisville volleyball head coach Dan Meske: “You have to take more from failure than it takes from you.” With references to Nick Saban and another former guest on the podcast, Amy Morin, this episode is designed to help you learn from and respond more effectively to failure. Learn More About Zach: * Explore 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule a free call here [https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycall?back=1] * Subscribe to my free newsletter here [https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/]