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Hosted by best-selling author, speaker and performance coach Brett Bartholomew, the Art of Coaching Podcast is a weekly show aimed at getting to the core of what it takes to change attitudes & behaviors in the weight-room, boardroom and everywhere in between.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
19 min
We’ve all done it.
There’s a conversation we need to have—whether it’s making a request, delivering difficult news, sharing information, repairing a relationship, or even giving a speech or presentation. Yet before we ever say a word, we convince ourselves it’s going to go far worse than it probably will. We think we’re going to annoy somebody, bother somebody, ruin a relationship, lose an opportunity, or otherwise be viewed in a negative light.
In this episode, we’ll explore some of the scientific principles behind why we do this. We’ll discuss why we have a negativity bias, why we tend to keep things to ourselves, why we avoid conflict, and why we’re so quick to assume people are going to disrespect us, deny us opportunities, misread our intentions, or see us differently than they actually do.
We’ll also talk about first principles and practical strategies you can use to continue showing up in a way that’s genuine to you—without getting caught in a doom loop of overthinking that ultimately costs you opportunities or makes situations worse than they ever needed to be.
For more on these topics, check out my new book, The Anti-Hero Advantage. It’s literally written to help people navigate hard conversations, conflict, self-doubt, and learn how to channel these challenges into strengths so they can become more effective and adaptable in any relationship—personal or professional.
Published by Portfolio/Penguin Random House, it’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.
Pre-order your copy today at TheAntiHeroAdvantage.com or on Amazon.
And yes, I’ll be narrating the audiobook myself.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
• Why your brain creates worst-case scenarios
• How to better manage the narrative in our minds
• How to avoid catastrophizing
• Why we avoid difficult conversations
• A simple framework to stop making monsters out of moments
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Aug 3, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
14 min
In this episode, Brett talks about the importance of taking a first step — and not in some kind of cheesy way, but in a way that applies regardless of whether you're trying to write a book, whether you want to start a new job, whether you're beginning a new relationship. Whatever road you're taking, and no matter how daunting it seems before you, you've got to take that first step. This dives into why we often overthink, why we often overprepare, and how that can actually keep us stuck; and why it's important to just get the metaphorical shitty rough draft out there.
By taking action and being willing to take the risk, look foolish, fail a little bit, yet tweak it as we go — that is always when we're going to be able to make the most progress. So many motivational episodes are going to give you some kind of framework or something else. This just tells you what you already know, but perhaps in a clear way: you need to get started now, in the simplest way possible, because the sooner you do that, the more you're going to be able to tweak and refine and adapt as you go. And progress always favors the bold and those who don't procrastinate.
For more tips on how to overcome your own internal doubts and demons — whether that's perfectionism, overthinking, or imposter phenomenon — check out Brett's latest book, The Antihero Advantage, now available for preorder at theantiheroadvantage.com.
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Jul 27, 2026
Jul 27, 2026
15 min
After years of research, writing, rewriting, and countless conversations with leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, and professionals across industries, The Antihero Advantage is finally here.
In this special episode, I share why I felt compelled to write this book, the ideas that shaped it, and what you can expect if you decide to read it. We talk about the limitations of the traditional “hero” narrative, why adaptability and social agility matter more than ever, and how understanding human behavior can help you lead, communicate, and navigate complexity more effectively.
Whether you’ve been following this project from the beginning or are just hearing about it for the first time, I hope this episode provides a helpful introduction to the thinking behind The Antihero Advantage.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Why I wrote The Antihero Advantage
• The core ideas and themes behind the book
• Who this book is for—and who it isn’t
• Using your dark side for good
• What I hope readers take away from it
If The Antihero Advantage resonates with you, I’d be grateful if you’d consider picking up a copy and leaving a review. Your support helps more than you know, and it helps these ideas reach more people.
Learn More At: https://theantiheroadvantage.com
Thank you, as always, for listening and for being part of this community.
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Jul 20, 2026
Jul 20, 2026
21 min
We're all going to navigate a great deal throughout our careers, and it can be really hard to know whether you’re on the right track or doing the right things.
Nobody is going to have a surefire guide that will guarantee you're gonna succeed, but there are certain principles that can make your road a lot less turbulent and potentially a lot more fruitful.
This is why I laid out the 10 Career Commandments, not because I've had it figured out from day one, not because I have the perfect career. This actually came from a slide or a presentation that I gave in New Orleans. I was asked, "Hey, what advice do you have for young coaches or old coaches alike in your career? Hell, what do you have for people in general in their career?"
What I wanted to come up with was 10 timeless truths: things that aren't mind-blowing, but I think are critical if you want to maintain great relationships, avoid getting lost in the weeds, and not start letting different things distract you. I wanted to give it to you in this snappy, quick episode that I think will provide value for years to come.
This is that list.
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Jul 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
29 min
Many of us have had moments where we feel like we should want more, when really we want something simple and straightforward. It creates a kind of cognitive dissonance. We want to make an impact. We want to do something people remember us for. And at the same time, the idea of a steady paycheck and not a lot to worry about sounds really nice.
We don't want to lose sleep staring at the fan all night, wondering if we're going to be able to pay the bills, wondering if we're ever going to get out of debt. But we keep wrestling with the other side of us — the one that says you have to make a bigger difference, you can't leave anything on the table, you only get one shot at this.
This episode is a case study that unpacks exactly that. We get into an individual who was wrestling with himself, stuck in a shame loop he felt like he was never going to get out of. You're going to love this one.
For more on this:
Pick up more on the ideas behind this episode at theantiheroadvantage.com.
For other resources, or for one-to-one mentoring on how to work through the things you feel are holding you back, go to artofcoaching.com/mentoring or email us at info@artofcoaching.com.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
-How to understand if it's shame, overthinking, or fear that's holding you back
-Why wanting security can sometimes feel like you're failing
-How to stop chasing what seems like the perfect option and find one you can actually live with
-The questions to ask yourself to see if you're playing it safe for the wrong reasons
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Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
59 min
Steven Pressfield is the bestselling author of titles such as Gates of Fire, Tides of War, and The Legend of Bagger Vance. He's also written numerous nonfiction books, such as The War of Art and Turning Pro. Collectively, his books have sold millions of copies and been translated into countless languages; Gates of Fire, in particular, is required reading at West Point and Annapolis and has been on the U.S. Marine Corps Commandant's Reading List for all ranks since 2002.
But what I love about him is that he's incredibly open. He wrote for 27 years before he got his first novel published, and during that time, he worked 21 different jobs in 11 states. He taught school, drove tractor-trailers, worked in advertising and as a screenwriter in Hollywood, worked on offshore oil rigs, picked fruit as a migrant worker — you name it.
His newest book is a novel called The Arcadian, and that's what we're getting into today. We're discussing the genesis of the book and how it maps onto many of the personal struggles we all overcome in our day-to-day lives, both as leaders and individuals. We also touch on a few topics that he's never really been asked before, as it pertains to his writing and why he can sometimes bounce in and out of writing both fiction and non-fiction.
Regardless of your profession, you'll find something relatable here. He has a wonderful perspective and is a tremendous writer.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
-Why fiction can be more effective at exploring deeper human truths than nonfiction when it comes to psychology, conflict, and motivation.
-How great stories are effective because they keep the reader moving by planting breadcrumbs, small hints, and bits of information along the way.
-How to improve your writing by honing your voice, finding the right voice for the project, and using a clear structure with recurring symbols and threads.
-The things that still keep Steven curious and learning including the creative process, the Muse, and the idea that stories come from another dimension.
-How he balances research with storytelling by grounding the reader in real details while still keeping the ideas organized and understandable
Follow Steven:
https://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/?hl=en
https://stevenpressfield.com/
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Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
20 min
Every organization claims it wants initiative, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
So why do so many talented people feel like they’re constantly running into the same walls?
In this episode, Brett explores why some organizations unintentionally create conditions that reward avoidance rather than action—and what leaders can do about it.
Drawing on a recent conversation with a client, Brett breaks down why good people often struggle to create change inside systems that seem resistant to it, the difference between an organization’s “fantasy culture” and its real culture, and why people adapt to consequences faster than they adapt to values.
You’ll learn:
• Why organizations often reward the exact behaviors they claim to dislike
• The difference between a stated culture and an experienced culture
• Why communication problems are often symptoms of deeper issues
• How incentives, power dynamics, and competing interests shape behavior
• The questions you should ask if you’re trying to understand what’s really happening inside your organization
• Why adaptable leaders learn to observe before they act
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why does nothing seem to change around here?” this episode will help you better understand the environment you’re operating in—and how to navigate it more effectively.
Resources & Links:
Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring
My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs
Connect with Brett Bartholomew:
LinkedIn
Twitter
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Jun 15, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
28 min
In this episode, Brett talks about what it means to build a genuine, authentic, no-BS brand.
Every single one of us, whether we're gainfully employed or not, has to deal with the fundamental problems:
• How do I stand out?
• How do I get my work noticed or the value that I provide noticed?
• How do I do that with integrity and in a non-scammy or salesy way?
Brett provides tips for this and so much more, wrapped in a package that is practical and easily implementable.
Resources & Links:
Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring
My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs
Connect with Brett Bartholomew:
LinkedIn
Twitter
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Jun 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
1hr 17 min
The job of scientists is a tough one - to take complex, multifaceted, messy concepts, and do their best to simplify them in a way that is understandable and digestible to the general public.
However, today’s guest, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, warns that if something is too simple, we probably shouldn’t believe it. Especially when it comes to human behavior and emotions, there’s nothing simple about it - because variation is the norm - not averages. And in today’s episode, Dr. Barrett explains exactly why that is and how it should change the way we view and approach our interactions.
Dr. Barrett is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and she holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she serves as Chief Science Officer for the Center of Law, Brain and Behavior. In addition to the books 7 ½ Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions Are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer reviewed scientific papers.
Not only do we dive into the scientific research that disproves the way many of us have been led to view emotions, Dr. Barrett also does a phenomenal job of speaking to these concepts in a way that helps us apply it to our daily lives. Specifically, we address
- “The Great Man Theory” - why there is no one-size fits all approach to emotions and what they mean
- How understanding emotional constructs on a deeper level can make people more adept at navigating social situations
- The physiological and psychological processes of how we give meaning to our emotions
- Specific instances where knowing this information can directly influence life outcomes for you and those you impact daily
Referenced Resources:
Website: Lisafeldmanbarrett.com
Book: How Emotions Are Made
Book: 7 ½ Lessons About the Brain
TED Talk: You Aren’t At the Mercy of Your Emotions
Research Article: Knowing what you’re feeling and knowing what to do about it
Resources & Links:
Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring
My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs
Connect with Brett Bartholomew:
LinkedIn
Twitter
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Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
21 min
In this episode, Brett Bartholomew shares actionable insights on how leaders can foster a high-performing, engaged team by emphasizing authenticity, understanding individual motivations, and recognizing behavioral patterns. Whether you're managing staff in healthcare, sports, or business, this discussion offers practical heuristics for long-term leadership success.
Key Topics Covered:
-Why staff generally won't care as much as leaders do and how to address this reality
-The role of unique incentives, motivation, and how to effectively utilize them
-How authenticity in leadership attracts the right people
-Importance of self-awareness, humor, and accountability in team management
-Recognizing patterns in team behavior to make better hiring and development decisions
-How to avoid overcomplicating leadership with unnecessary tactics
-The significance of aligning staff growth with organizational needs
-The value of coaching, mentorship, and continuous personal development
Resources & Links:
Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring
My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs
Connect with Brett Bartholomew:
LinkedIn
Twitter
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