Tag Archives: Success

Season 2, Ep 12 – Jake Kelfer



Jake Kelfer, Founder of Professional Basketball Combine and Bestselling Author

Is “no” better than “maybe”? Kevin and Lauren chat with Jake Kelfer about his path to creating a secondary combine for the NBA and becoming a bestselling author. He shares what it was like using his own money to fund his startup, the pitfalls of trying to please everyone, and the art of asking the right questions. His episode is full of great advice for everyone.

Learn more about Jake: Twitter, Instagram

Learn more about Professional Basketball Combine: Twitter


Season 2, Ep 11 – Gentry Estes



Gentry Estes, Sports Columnist

Do you want it enough to withstand the challenges? Kevin and Lauren chat with Gentry Estes about his path from a 16 year-old sports reporter to well-known sports columnist. He discusses the challenges he has faced, how work ethic separates performers at the highest levels, and the need to honor the opportunities one is given. Gentry also discusses his philosophy of digging deeper into a story with the goal of giving the audience something they don’t already know.

Learn more about Gentry: Twitter


Season 2, Ep 10 – Emily Teti



Emily Teti, Ph.D. Candidate, Researcher, and Woman in STEM

How will you challenge yourself? Kevin and Lauren chat with Emily Teti about her path from a small school in North Carolina to finding her place in STEM. She discusses her father giving her scientific experiments to conduct at six years of age, the importance of learning with no fear of being wrong, and the lessons her parents taught her about not quitting in the middle of things. Emily also shares how she was able to combine her love of mathematics with psychological science, and her experiences with impostor syndrome as a woman in STEM.

Learn more about Emily: Instagram


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Blaine Sumner



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with World Champion Powerlifter, Blaine Sumner. Highlights include their discussion of the importance of a combination of good planning and mental strength, the different varieties of intrinsic motivation, and the pros and cons of basing your identity on your pursuits. They also discuss how some guests have achieved success doing it “by the book” while others have pulled only what they need from different approaches, and the risks of putting yourself out there either too early or too late.


Season 2, Ep 9 – Blaine Sumner



Blaine Sumner, World Powerlifting Champion

Do observers recognize the grind or just see the glory? Kevin and Lauren chat with Blaine Sumner about his path from a very lean kid to becoming the World Powerlifting Champion. He discusses the importance of reaching incremental goals, overcoming injuries, and being incorrectly viewed as a “genetic freak.” Blaine also shares his view on the importance of a systemic approach to tackling goals, the mental aspect of reaching the top, and what it is like to lift over 1000 lbs. Check this one out to hear how the self-described “skinny kid” became a world champion powerlifter.

Learn more about Blaine: Instagram, Twitter  


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Dr. Adam Naylor and Joe Jacobi Discuss Goals



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with a sport and performance psychology expert (Dr. Adam Naylor) and an Olympic Gold Medalist (Joe Jacobi). Highlights include their discussion of  how goals can be counterproductive, how everything that gets popularized is at risk of being oversimplified, and the importance of contextual intelligence. They also discuss the approaches of focusing on what you have to lose versus have to gain, and assessing whether a goal is helping or hindering you.


Season 2, Ep 8 – Dr. Adam Naylor & Joe Jacobi Discuss Goals



Dr. Adam Naylor and Joe Jacobi  – Discussion on Goals 

What is your relationship with goals? In this episode, Kevin and Lauren chat with a sport and performance psychology expert (Dr. Adam Naylor) and an Olympic Gold Medalist (Joe Jacobi), about goals and goal setting. Highlights include a discussion of what makes goals truly helpful, the problem with rigidity in pursuing goals, and whether the easy access to analytical tools has pushed us to collectively overemphasize goal setting. The panel also discusses the difficulty many have with being in the moment and the addictive nature of having goals provide structure for our lives. Anyone who has ever set, or is pursuing a goal will want to tune in to this one. 


Season 2, Ep 7 – Lauren Regula



Lauren Regula, Olympian; Founder of the Strong Mom Movement, and Trak Athletics

What would your goals be if there were no limitations? Kevin and Lauren chat with Lauren Regula about her path from a very small town to becoming an Olympian and professional athlete. She discusses the need to personalize training for what works for you, having conversations with coaches while being coachable, and her struggles with mental health. Her journey of founding the Strong Mom Movement and returning to the mound is full of great advice about handling success, picking yourself up, and not placing limits on yourself.

Learn more about Lauren: Instagram

Learn more about the Strong Mom Method: Instagram


Season 2, Ep 6 – AB Eastwood



AB Eastwood, Music Producer

Does a “no” mean you should stop pursuing your goals? Kevin and Lauren chat with AB Eastwood about his path in music production from meeting music legends after being invited to the White House to being an in demand producer. AB shares what it was like producing for well known artists before he owned his own laptop, the importance of learning one’s craft, and the reality of the music industry. He also discusses some of the lessons he learned along the way and how he felt when the national attention started coming his way.

Learn more about AB: Instagram, Twitter


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Mike Squires



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Mike Squires, Musician and Host, Couch Riffs Podcast. Highlights include their discussion of Mike’s approach of looking  through the cracked door to see opportunity, the different definitions of success, and making a living off your passion. They also ponder musicians’ early inspiration in the post album digital age, and the addictive nature of being in a “flow” state with the inevitable experience of coming down after performing


Season 2, Ep 3 – Mike Squires



Mike Squires, Musician and Host, Couch Riffs Podcast

If you care a lot about something, do you prove it? In this episode, Kevin and Lauren chat with Mike Squires, veteran rock guitarist, about his path from humble beginnings to touring the world with music legends. He shares what it was like feeling like a fish out of water after arriving in Seattle, the importance of practicing with musicians better than you, and getting a call from Duff McKagan about auditioning. He also discusses his drive to make music, the pitfall of having goals but not putting in the work, and his habit of inviting himself into bands. 

Learn more about Mike: Instagram, Twitter

Learn more about Couch Riffs: Website, Instagram, Twitter


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Elise Holtzman



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Elise Holtzman, President, The Lawyer’s Edge. Highlights include their discussion about how pressure can be a matter of perspective, the emotionally driven nature of sections of the human brain, and where the feeling of belongingness originates. They also discuss the importance of focusing more on what you are doing than what others are doing, and continue their discussions on the importance of rest.


Season 2, Ep 2 – Elise Holtzman



Elise Holtzman, President, The Lawyer’s Edge

Have you found your sweet spot? In this episode, Kevin and Lauren speak with Elise Holtzman, a former attorney, and now a coach and consultant for lawyers. Elise shares her path to becoming a lawyer and how becoming a parent of a child with special needs led to her becoming a coach. She discusses the impact of environment on one’s path, how impostor syndrome might be a common shared experience that doesn’t often get discussed, and that having a baby really shifted her experience with gender differences in the workplace. Elise shares how she’s learning to be a human being not just a human doing, that it’s okay for your life to be how you want it to be, and the value of self-acceptance. 

Learn more about Elise and The Lawyer’s Edge: LinkedIn, The Lawyer’s Edge


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: The BlackSon



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with The BlackSon, Hip Hop Artist and Director. Highlights include their discussion about the benefit of healthy conflict, being happy with the self we are, and the benefits of The BlackSon’s mantra of treating every day as day 1. They also discuss the power of framing techniques such as seeing what you have to gain versus what you have to lose.


Season 2, Ep 1 – The BlackSon



The BlackSon, Hip Hop Recording Artist, Artist, and Director

Do you treat every day as Day 1? In this episode,The BlackSon shares his path from poet to being a rising star in the national hip hop scene. He shares what the transition was like moving from poetry slams to the hip hop stage, his goal of activating all of our senses with his art, and working with legendary producers. He also shares the importance of constantly creating, channeling nervous energy for a great performance, and specifying where you want to be in 30 days. This episode is full of great advice for anyone looking to better themselves or break their goals into manageable parts.

Learn more about The BlackSon: LinkTree  Instagram  Twitter  Facebook 


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Iris and Felicia Zimmermann



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Iris and Felicia Zimmermann, US Olympic Fencers. Highlights include their discussion about the personalized needs of an activity serving to allow one to be seen or remain unseen, the need to customize lessons from others to one’s own needs, and the unpleasant components of all goal attainment pursuits. Kevin and Lauren also discuss the various interpretations of grit, the importance of self-compassion, and building confidence by how you have dealt with past adversity. 


Ep. 035 – Iris and Felicia Zimmermann



Iris and Felicia Zimmermann, US Olympic Fencers 

Is your success yours, or are you chasing someone else’s? In this episode, we speak with Iris Zimmerman and Felicia Zimmerman, sisters who grew up participating and competing in the sport of fencing including a chance to compete with each other at the Olympics. Following their transition out of the sport, they decided to take over and co-own the Rochester Fencing Club where they spent years training for excellence. They discuss their individual and collective paths and experiences as high performing athletes, the realities of being entrepreneurs and owning a business together, managing expectations, and their definitions of success. Iris, now a performance coach with Valor Performance, and Felicia, who splits her time between business consulting in Egypt and owning a business in New York, share many perspectives and takeaways useful for listeners pursuing excellence in sport, business, or any performance domain. 

Learn more about Iris and Felicia: Iris LinkedIn, Felicia Twitter, Valor Performance, Rochester Fencing Club


Ep. 034 – Dr. Mark Williams (TPD Developing High Performers)



Dr. Mark Williams, Professor, Author – The Best – How Elite Athletes are Made

Do you keep moving forward every day toward your goals? In this episode, Dr. Mark Williams shares his path from international youth footballer to world-renowned expert on human performance. He discusses the tremendous growth in the use of science applied to sport, touches on many of the current debates in the world of coaching, and provides his take on the role of genetics versus environment in the development of elite level performance. Dr. Williams also discusses his newest book on elite athletes for which he and his co-author interviewed dozens of elite athletes including Steph Curry, Marcus Rashford, and Pete Sampras to name a few.

To learn more about Dr. Williams: https://www.markwilliamssportsscience.com

To learn more about The Best – How Elite Athletes are Made: https://www.amazon.com/Best-How-Champions-Are-Made/dp/1529304350  


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Abe Kamarck



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Abe Kamarck, CEO and Founder of True Made Foods. Highlights include their discussion about the role of serendipity in success, capitalizing on opportunities when they are presented, and making sure that one really wants the outcome being pursued. Kevin and Lauren also discuss the difference between routine- versus adaptive- expertise,


Ep. 033 – Abe Kamarck



Abe Kamarck, CEO & Founder of True Made Foods

Do you get stuck on the emotional rollercoaster, too high with successes or too low with failures? In this episode Abe Kamarck shares his path from growing up on his family’s Italian cooking, to military officer, to founder and CEO of a successful startup company. He shares what he learned in flight school about preparing for the worst-case scenario, navigating the pressure of starting and growing a business, and how success is a moving target. This episode is full of great information for anyone pursuing their goals, from students to entrepreneurs. 

Learn more about Abe: Instagram, Twitter

Learn more about True Made Foods: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook


Ep. 032 – Lockwood Barr



Lockwood Barr, Country Music Recording Artist

Is pushing yourself outside your comfort zone a theme in your life? In this episode Lockwood Barr shares her path from her first writing sessions after arriving in Nashville to becoming a successful artist. She discusses consistently pushing out of her comfort zone, fighting impostor syndrome, her first CMA festival as a performer, and touring for a living. Lockwood also shares the importance of addressing mental health needs and her efforts to bring awareness to, and advocate  for,  suicide prevention. Her story is inspiring and reminds us not to be deterred by rejections along our path.

Learn more about Lockwood: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook 


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Brandon Barnett



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Brandon Barnett, Songwriter and Founder of the Left of Nashville Podcast Network. Highlights include their discussion of how burnout can happen even when you love what you do, and that being extremely passionate about something possibly can lead to an even greater chance of it. Kevin and Lauren also discuss how draining the true-crime genre can be, how an idea without an investment goes nowhere, and the alliteration of Kevin’s self-designated nickname – bald Brad Pitt.


Ep. 031 – Brandon Barnett



Brandon Barnett, Songwriter and Founder of the Left of Nashville Podcast Network

Would you walk away from a good living to take a shot at your dreams? In this episode, Kevin and Lauren speak with Brandon Barnett, whose path includes collaborating with one of Nashville’s best known songwriters to his true crime podcast that led to an arrest in a decades old missing person cold-case. Brandon shares his experience of not giving up, the joy and stress of podcasting about cold cases, and the importance of having fun no matter what you pursue. He also talks about the realization that he had hundreds of thousands of listeners, and his mantra of not putting out garbage just to release something.

Learn more about Brandon: Instagram, Facebook

Learn more about Left of Nashville: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Amie Wells



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Amie Wells, Broadcasting Manager for the Tennessee Titans and cohost of Titans All Access. Highlights include their discussion of the importance of sharing your goals with others, how a lot of people are willing to help you along the way, and the reason for not being shy when touting your accomplishments. Kevin and Lauren also discuss what modern networking looks like. 


Ep. 030 – Amie Wells



Amie Wells, Broadcasting Manager for the Tennessee Titans; Cohost of Titans All Access

Are you coachable? In this episode, Kevin and Lauren speak with Amie Wells about her path from political science major to one of the media faces of an NFL team. Amie shares the lessons she learned as an intern for the Baltimore Ravens sharpening pencils for the offensive line, the importance of being coachable, and what it is like working around household names on a daily basis. In addition to an insider’s look at an NFL team, Amie’s episode is full of great advice for anyone looking to reach their goals and possibly land their dream job.

Learn more about Amie: Instagram, Twitter


Ep. 029 – Jonathan Avalos (TPD Developing High Performers)



Jonathan Avalos, Founder of Athletic Golf Fitness 

Do you show people that you are invested in them? In this episode Kevin and Lauren speak with Jonathan Avalos about his path from using his background as an athlete to become a trainer to founding his own business specializing in physical fitness training for golfers. Listen to hear Jonathan’s advice on ignoring your thoughts telling you that you can’t do something, the importance of knowing the intent behind every movement, and how easy it is to fall into the trap of getting better at being average. He also shares the importance of leading when no one is watching and the important lesson he learned from his young sons about happiness.

Learn more about Jonathan: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

Learn more about Athletic Golf Fitness: Facebook, Instagram


Ep. 028 – Dr. Lea Ann Parsley



Dr. Lea Ann Parsley, Olympic Silver Medalist, Former Firefighter and EMT, Registered Nurse and Health Educator, Valor Performance Coach

When you encounter something new, particularly something a little scary or risky, do you think “that looks awesome, I’ve got to try that?” In this episode, Dr. Lea Ann Parsley shares with us the life, sport, academic, and work experiences that led her to competing and earning a medal at the 2002 Olympic Games despite starting the sport just a few years prior in her 30s. She discusses being a multi-sport athlete, the influence of her upbringing and family, and how her work as a firefighter, a nurse, and an EMT helped her navigate the mental and physical aspects of skeleton. She also shares how a teammate earned her the second spot on the Olympic roster which, among other experiences, helped her learn the value of surrounding yourself with good people. Lea Ann shares many great takeaways including the value of keeping things in perspective and exploring lots of interests until you find what you’re good at and are passionate about, so you can push that as far as it goes to benefit not only yourself but others.

To learn more about Lea Ann: Bio, Twitter


Ep. 027 – Tracy Tutor



Tracy Tutor, Author, Fear is Just a Four Letter Word, and Star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing LA 

Are you able to embrace fear, put it aside, and nail that big opportunity or performance? In this episode, Kevin and Lauren speak with bestselling author and television star, Tracy Tutor. Tracy shares her path of entering the L.A. luxury home real estate market at a young age, and the drive and determination that it required. She also shares what she has learned about what it takes to be successful, how to get into the proper mindset during stressful situations, and the important lessons from failures along the way. This episode is full of great advice including resisting being silenced, being true to yourself, and not striving for perfection. 

Learn more about Tracy: Instagram, Twitter


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Justin Causey



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Nashville entrepreneur and artist manager, Justin Causey. The highlight is a conversation about the give and take of saying “yes” versus “no,” from the risk of taking on too much to the risk of missing an opportunity. Kevin and Lauren also touch on the power of a like-minded collective and ponder the relationship between participation in high-risk sports and the willingness to take chances in the artistic space.


Ep. 026 – Justin Causey



Justin Causey, Entrepreneur and Music Artist Manager 

Are you willing to take the Ls in order to get to the Ws? In this episode we speak with Justin Causey about his experiences as an entrepreneur and artist manager in Nashville’s rising hip-hop music scene. Justin discusses his path in the music business, designing a shoe for Nike, and being named one of Tennessee State University’s 40 under 40. Listen to hear him share how a serious injury solidified his entrepreneurial approach, the rarity of finding a collective of artists moving forward together, and the importance of learning from failure. This episode is packed with motivational advice for anyone striving to live their dreams.

Learn more about Justin: Instagram, Twitter


Ep. 025, Part 2 – Dr. David Eccles (TPD Science of High Performance Series)



Dr. David Eccles, Professor of Sport Psychology at Florida State University (Parts 1 & 2; Science of High Performance)

Do you have the patience to temporarily slow down enough in the midst of a high stakes situation to cultivate the best next move? Across two episodes we speak with Dr. Dave Eccles about his 20+ years of research on expert performance in a variety of domains. He describes research findings on how athletes plan ahead and simulate the competitive environment, his fascinating work on team coordination, and the impressive amounts of knowledge that orienteering athletes possess about navigating terrain. In Part 2, we get into his latest research exploring the role of rest in optimal performance, and discuss how not getting enough rest has been glamorized. This first installment of the Science of High Performance series is packed with useful tips for everyone.

Learn more about Dr. Eccles: Twitter


Ep. 025, Part 1 – Dr. David Eccles (TPD Science of High Performance Series)



Dr. David Eccles, Professor of Sport Psychology at Florida State University (Parts 1 & 2; Science of High Performance)

Do you have the patience to temporarily slow down enough in the midst of a high stakes situation to cultivate the best next move? Across two episodes we speak with Dr. Dave Eccles about his 20+ years of research on expert performance in a variety of domains. He describes research findings on how athletes plan ahead and simulate the competitive environment, his fascinating work on team coordination, and the impressive amounts of knowledge that orienteering athletes possess about navigating terrain. In Part 2, we get into his latest research exploring the role of rest in optimal performance, and discuss how not getting enough rest has been glamorized. This first installment of the Science of High Performance series is packed with useful tips for everyone.

Learn more about Dr. Eccles: Twitter


Bonus Episode – Debrief & Analysis: Joe Jacobi



BONUS: Hosts Drs. Kevin Harris and Lauren S. Tashman discuss their conversation with Olympic Gold Medalist, Former CEO of USA Canoe/Kayak, and Performance Coach with the mic hot. Highlights include the idea of holding competing emotions (excited and nervous), being in the right place at the right time, and a discussion about the purpose of the pre-performance routine. Keep listening to The Path Distilled Podcast to catch future discussions about the pros and cons of goal setting.


Ep. 024 – Joe Jacobi



Joe Jacobi, Olympic Gold Medalist, Former CEO of USA Canoe/Kayak, and Performance Coach

Do you focus on and remember more about your start lines or finish lines? In this episode, we speak with Lauren’s Valor Performance colleague, Joe Jacobi, about his sport career, as well as his experiences with leading a national governing body which led him to becoming a performance coach. Joe joins us from Catalonia, Spain, and shares his “outlier” story of getting involved in the sport, his case for a good routine, and how he and his doubles canoe partner implemented deliberate practice, simulation, and visualization leading up to the 1992 Games where they won the first American Gold Medal in whitewater canoe slalom. Joe also tells us about his philosophy on goals, what he views as the real difference maker in high performance, and how he thinks the river is an excellent analogy for life. Whether you are in sport, business, or any other performance domain, Joe shares many applicable stories, takeaways, practices, and lessons. 

Learn more about Joe: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram

Learn more about Valor Performance: Website


Ep. 022 – Dr. Emily Pica



Dr. Emily Pica, Forensic Psychology Researcher and Advocate for Wrongfully Convicted

Would a major life detour derail you or would you defy expectations? In this episode, Dr. Emily Pica discusses her path from having a child at 14, to all of her initial PhD applications being rejected, to becoming a well known researcher and advocate. She also discusses her battles with impostor syndrome, the value of criticism, and how much she loves mentoring students. Her story will inspire students, budding researchers, and anyone who ever has been determined to persevere.

Learn more about Dr. Pica: Instagram


Ep. 021 – Jeremy Tubbs



Jeremy Tubbs, Director of Music Entertainment, University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus, Music Recording and Touring Artist

How would your friends and family react to learning that you decided to pursue music as a career instead of continuing the 3rd year of your pre-med track? In this episode of The Path Distilled, Jeremy Tubbs shares his path, from hating his first guitar lessons to touring the world. Listen to hear him discuss the encouragement he received to make music his profession, his ultimate decision to become a full-time musician, learning to play multiple instruments, and touring nonstop for almost a decade. You will also want to hear what Carl Perkins shared with Jeremy about Elvis Presley’s pre-performance jitters.

Learn more about Jeremy: Instagram, Twitter

Learn more about Lambuth’s Music Entertainment Program


Ep. 011 – Garrett Jacobs



Garrett Jacobs, Country Recording Artist

If a door opened would you walk through it? In this episode we speak with Garrett Jacobs, who ended up writing his first single the first time he visited Nashville. Garrett’s approach to his songs is to create a connection with the listener, allowing the song to be whatever is needed in their own life.  Listen to Garrett’s story to discover how hearing Chris Stapleton for the first time changed his life, how he has matured as a songwriter since arriving in Nashville, and to hear him share his father’s four keys to success that has guided him along his own path.

Learn more about Garrett: Instagram Ep.