Episodes

Monday Jun 28, 2021
E175 | Nikita Emtsov: The Hero's Journey
Monday Jun 28, 2021
Monday Jun 28, 2021
“Where there’s a journey, there’s sacrifice” - Nikita Emtsov
It has always been our goal that listeners hear themselves in the guests we interview on this podcast because it’s only when you relate to a person that their story and message resonates and moves you to action.
Nikita Emtsov is a perfect representation of the professionals in the Art of Coaching community and in this episode you’ll hear his raw depiction of the challenges (from self-acceptance and mental health struggles to finding a unique niche and vocation) we all go through in pursuit of our own hero’s journey.
Nikita is a Russian-born, Toronto-based strength coach and certified personal trainer. Having pursued a plethora of creative vocations over the last 15 years—some of which have included stage acting, filmmaking, songwriting, and graphic design—he has faced plenty of challenges finding his place in the world before developing a passion for weightlifting and- ultimately- coaching.
After finding a multitude of unexpected mental health and creativity-related benefits in his pursuit of strength, Nikita has made it his mission to help other creative storytellers get physically and mentally stronger and make training part of their own Hero's Journey.
We discuss:
- Ways to balance perfectionism and creativity - are they truly at odds?
- Why we should use storytelling to script our own “hero’s journey”
- How to listen to and utilize our internal voice for good
- Methods for relinquishing control and embracing uncertainty
Connect with Nikita:
Via Instagram: @nickemstov
The clock is ticking on 2021 Apprenticeship dates. We only have a few spots left at each location. Don’t delay, book your spot today! (Rhyming unintentional)
Upcoming Apprenticeships:

Monday Jun 21, 2021
E174 | Christina Myers: Rethinking How We Approach Coaching Female Athletes
Monday Jun 21, 2021
Monday Jun 21, 2021
It’s time to rethink how we approach coaching female athletes. Understanding and appreciating nuances in their physiology and psychology is one thing, treating them as a “special population” is another. So which differences should we attend to and which just aren’t true?
Today we’re joined by Christina Myers, a strength and conditioning & gymnastics coach who’s changing the game when it comes to the training of female athletes and redefining coaching styles traditionally expected of women.
Christina owns a private sector strength & conditioning company and serves as both head strength and conditioning coach and head coach of a high-level competitive gymnastics program in Birmingham, Alabama. She took a non-traditional route to the strength & conditioning profession and uses this experience to mentor undergraduates and young coaches in the field. Christina holds a masters degree in Strength & Conditioning (MS Applied Exercise Science, S&C Concentration) and regularly guest lectures for undergraduate and graduate programs catering to potential strength coaches.
We cover:
- Considerations for training female athletes
- Strategies for working with highly intellectual & perfectionist individuals
- How to identify and eradicate psychological abuse in sport
- Why we should lean into non-traditional coaching styles
Connect with Christina:
Via her website: https://www.liftheavyprincess.com/
Via her Instagram: @lift_heavy_princess
We discussed some heavy stuff on this episode. Remember, if you need someone to talk to or want to report any type of abuse - please go to https://uscenterforsafesport.org/.
Also, give some love to our sponsor: SAGA Fitness, makers of the first wireless automated training BFR cuffs of their kind. Fancy science aside, this tool reduces the time and intensity required to build muscle, gain strength and/or come back from injury. They’re a way to workout more efficiently and calibrate to individual needs without having to buy really expensive equipment. Use code BRETT20 for 20% off your order!

Friday Jun 18, 2021
E173 | Q&A Friday: Addressing Hot Topics & Sticky Conversations
Friday Jun 18, 2021
Friday Jun 18, 2021
We’re coming at you with a special BONUS episode! On today’s show, Brett is joined by Ali for a casual Friday conversation in which they answer your most difficult questions, talk about what they’re nerding out on and share their take on current events.
On today’s episode:
- How to approach conversations about race, gender, & politics as a leader
- Programming essentials for youth athletes
- Strategies for working with someone you just can’t stand
- Ways to create passive income
- NFT’s and Cryptocurrency
If you want your question answered on our next casual conversation Friday, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter - artofcoaching.com/begin and be on the lookout for our next Video Ask request!
Other resources mentioned today:
- The Art of Coaching Reading List
- Our Digital Course For Building A Values Based Brand
- What Drives You Quiz
Connect with us @aoccoaching on Instagram!

Monday Jun 14, 2021
E172 | Mark Fisher: How to Approach Conflict, Chaos & Conversations Remotely
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
We’ve heard the leadership cliches, read the business books and tried the various morning routines but something’s still not clicking...
We can try to work harder and hope our efforts don’t go unnoticed... or we can flip the script, become a unicorn and work with ninjas.
No seriously, just ask Mark Fisher.
Mark is an international speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur. He and his “non-sexual life partner” Michael Keeler founded Business for Unicorns in 2016 and have since worked with many of the leading fitness studios across the US, the UK, and Australia. Past non-fitness clients include Sony Music, Sylvan Learning, Novus Surgical, and Security Scorecard. He is also a proud alumni speaker of TEDxBroadway.
In addition to consulting through BFU, Mark is the co-founder of Mark Fisher Fitness, one of the most unusual gyms in the fitness industry. MFF operates a physical location in midtown Manhattan and a fast-growing online “virtual” location. MFF was recognized as #312 on the 2015 Inc. 500 fastest growing companies in America, as well as one of Men's Health's "Top 20 Gyms in America."
Obviously, Mark has made it his mission to approach both business and fitness in a unique way meaning this episode is anything but ordinary. Today we cover:
- Why you should welcome and foster healthy conflict in your organization
- When and why you should give away power as a leader
- Managing by metrics when the important things aren't easily measured
- How to effectively bring emotion into the workplace
Connect with Mark:
Via his various websites:
Mark Fisher Fitness: https://markfisherfitness.com/
Business for Unicorns: https://www.businessforunicorns.com/
Personal Page: https://www.markfisherhumanbeing.com/
Or Via Instagram:
Mark Fisher Fitness @mffclubhouse
Mark Fisher (Personal) @markfisherhumanbeing
Today’s episode is brought to you by: a hard truth.
No matter how good you are at what you do, how hard you work or much you want to help others, none of it will make an impact if you don’t know how to reach your audience or communicate your message in a way that resonates with the people that need you and the work you provide the most.
The cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of making a mistake or hearing someone grumble. We all have skills and value we can provide and though I know it doesn't feel that way to those of you who are perfectionists- there are people out there who need what you do.
That’s why we created our online course, Blindspot. It will help you build your brand and business the right way by turning what you know into what you do. It will help you identify your core strengths and how you can provide the most value to others, then systematize that in a way that allows you to get it to your audience so you can stand out without selling out.
Go to artofcoaching.com/blindspot. Returning soon 👀

Monday Jun 07, 2021
E171 | Gabe Polsky: In Search Of Greatness
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
The greatest athletes, inventors, artists and minds have something in common…
Of course they all have incredible work ethics, support systems and above average talent and luck- but those qualities don’t differentiate the great from the very best.
In truth- there is no template for world class performance. So what is it that separates them?
According to our guest, Gabe Polsky- an award-winning Writer, Director, Producer and one of the top documentary filmmakers in the world of sports and beyond- the one attribute that separates the elite from the great is their creativity, improvisation and ability to turn disadvantage into strength.
How does he know? In 2018 Gabe wrote, directed, and produced In Search of Greatness— a cinematic journey into the secrets of genius, as told through the greatest athletes of all time. It was released theatrically to critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including a WGA Award.
He also Executive Produced Genius, the 10 time Emmy® nominated TV show on National Geographic about Albert Einstein in 2017. Most recently, Gabe wrote, directed, and produced the feature documentary Red Penguins which premiered to acclaim at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
In this episode, we learn what it’s like to interview and direct the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Jerry Rice and Pelé and why he’d go so far as to compare their dedication to the craft as neurosis.
Connect with Gabe:
Via Twitter: @gabepolsky
Via IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2126907/
Interested in learning about the film? https://www.insearchofgreatness.com
Watch here: https://www.amazon.com/Search-Greatness-Wayne-Gretzky/dp/B07P5X99P5
If you enjoyed this episode, we’d greatly appreciate it if you left us a review. Like any mom and pop shop, we rely on word of mouth and our online reviews. If you have even just an extra minute- tell us what you think!
Guys, one last thing. If you’re in search of truly superior nutrition supplements- from the very basics to elite performance products- check out our sponsor Momentous. They’ve been with us since the beginning and they are the ONLY nutritional supplement product I work with. Code BRETT25 gets you 25% off your first order and 15% off any future orders!

Monday May 31, 2021
Monday May 31, 2021
Why is it that regardless of major, minor or specialty our education system remains obsessed with teaching students the “what” but not the “how”?
If we’re lucky, students leave school prepared with tools of their trade but still missing the skill set to put those tools into action, adapt for changing circumstances and/or convince someone they need that tool in the first place.
Fortunately, some professors (today’s guest included) have recognized this disparity and dedicated their career to correcting it. Dr. Katie Heinrich is a Professor of Exercise Behavioral Science and Director of the Functional Intensity Training Lab in the Department of Kinesiology at Kansas State University. With over 20 years in academia, she’s devoted her time and research to the study of community, mentorship, and people skills - all which she believes are required for making science actionable.
In this episode we cover:
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How am I coming across? A guide to metacommunication in 2021
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What NOT to do when building a community
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Pro’s and con’s of the term “soft skills”
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Tips for writing a great email and finding a mentor
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How and when to say no without burning bridges
If you’re looking for more resources on how to find and/or to optimize your approach when reaching out to a mentor, check out artofcoaching.com/findamentor. Here you’ll find everything from email templates to strategies for finding the right person for you.
Connect with Dr. Heinrich:
Via Twitter: @kmhphd
Via Email: kmhphd@k-state.edu
Via her website: https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/kines/labs/fit.html
There’s a difference between working hard and working smart... for me that means using SAGA’s BFR Cuffs to optimize my training. User friendly and linked directly to my phone, SAGA makes it so I don’t have to waste any time trying to figure out the nuances of pressure and calibration- I just get to work. Quit wasting time and try them for yourself- code BRETT20 gets you 20% off your order!
Upcoming Apprenticeships:
- Dallas, TX - June 26-27: Available!
- Chicago, IL - August 7-8: Available!
- Seattle, WA - August 28-29: Available!
- Boston, MA - September 11-12: Available!
- Nashville, TN - September 25-26: Available
Remember, we offer 1.8 CEUs to all attendees as well as $180 OFF for people who have taken an online course (Bought In or Valued)… that’s IN ADDITION to the $200 OFF we give to those who sign up early.

Monday May 24, 2021
E169 | Be A Human - Tips For Not Screwing Up Key Relationships
Monday May 24, 2021
Monday May 24, 2021
Time is an invaluable commodity and yet we waste it beating around the bush with convoluted communication and messages wrapped in peripheral fluff and unnecessary noise.
Have you ever wondered how much time would we save if we acted like humans and said what we meant?
In this solo episode, we’ll break down several case studies and discuss how to effectively read a situation, manage paraverbals (pacing, pitch, tone, inflection) and have direct, efficient conversations. We’ll also discuss strategies for preventing misinterpretation and being assertive without being aggressive.
Also in this episode:
- Identify what’s keeping you from getting your message across clearly
- Understand why humans are comfort and peace seeking survivors
- Mokusatsu & Elon Musk: it’s not just about the words
- Take Home Tactics: 24 Hour Recall and Half-Life Your Message
It’s one thing to talk about being human, it’s another to actually practice it. In addition to the tactics and strategies mentioned in this episode, join our All-Access Digital Community and interact face to face with other professionals dedicated to improving communication skills!
Also- you’ll hear it in the intro, but make sure you go back and listen again for a special deal that VersaClimber is offering listeners of this episode. That’s all we’ll say for now…
UPCOMING APPRENTICESHIPS:
Find your city then click to join the movement...
- Dallas, TX - June 26-27: Available!
- Chicago, IL - August 7-8: Available!
- Seattle, WA - August 28-29: Available!
- Boston, MA - September 11-12: Available!
- Nashville, TN - September 25-26: Available
Follow me on social media:
Via Instagram: @coach_BrettB
Via Twitter: @coach_BrettB
Subscribe to my YouTube channel here
Learn More About My Courses, Clinics, and Live Events At: www.ArtofCoaching.com

Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
What would managers and leaders learn if they had access to raw feedback from their team? What truths would be unearthed and what leadership styles would rise to the top?
As the “Undercover Millennial”, today’s guest Clint Pulver gives managers a peek behind the curtain in their own organization while gathering data and proposing solutions in order to close the gap between leaders and the lead.
Having experienced literally hundreds of working environments across every domain, Clint is uniquely qualified to help us understand the nuance between leadership and mentorship and discern the pros and cons of multiple managerial archetypes.
We also discuss:
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Why managers don’t get quality feedback
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How to gain respect as a young professional
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What to do when empathy is used against you
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Are all employees inherently selfish?
Clint is a professional keynote speaker, author, musician, pilot, and workforce expert. Known as the leading authority on employee retention, Clint has transformed how corporations like Keller Williams, AT&T, and Hewlett Packard create lasting loyalty through his work and research as the Undercover Millennial. He has been featured by Business Q Magazine as a “Top 40 Under 40,” and, as a professional drummer, he has appeared in feature films and on America’s Got Talent. In 2020, Clint won an Emmy Award for his short film Be a Mr. Jensen, which tells the story of how a single moment in time—and one particular mentor— can change the course of a life.
Connect with Clint:
Check out his book: I Love It Here
Via Instagram: @clintpulver
Via Twitter: @ClintPulver
Via his website: clintpulver.com
While you’re here, check out our amazing sponsors:

Monday May 10, 2021
E167 | Why Humility Can Be Harmful
Monday May 10, 2021
Monday May 10, 2021
These days it can feel like we’re being beaten over the head with leadership cliches like “grind in silence,” “be seen not heard” and other preachy rhetoric about servitude...
We’ve been told that good work will speak for itself and that self-promoters aren’t in it for the “right reasons”…
But how do we reconcile these “leadership laws” with the understanding that in order to adapt and evolve we have to be vulnerable and put ourselves (and our work) out there?
In truth- like anything, excessive modesty can be a hindrance. Today’s episode is all about what happens when humility goes too far. Specifically- why not speaking or standing up for yourself can lead to lower self-esteem, career/personal stagnation and poor quality work.
If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out these other episodes:
- E93: The Sin of Self-Promotion
- E56: The Weaponization of Guilt & Not Being a Sucker
- E137: Greg Adamson: Downfalls of Servant-Based Leadership
We’d also like to take a moment to thank our sponsors: Momentous, SAGA and VersaClimber.
- Momentous offers the best supplement line-up out there. Just like our podcast is for all leaders, their products (which range from grass fed whey to natural brain/sleep aids) are for everyone. Get 25% off your first purchase with code Brett25
- SAGA offers affordable and state of the art BFR (blood flow restriction) cuffs to keep you healthy and strong no matter your lifestyle. Brett20 gets you 20% off your order!
- VersaClimber is still one of my favorite tools for fitness. Simply put, their equipment will always be a staple in my home gym and in my programming.
Finally, if you’re looking for a complete toolkit on how to:
- Overcome self-limiting behaviors and beliefs
- Identify and clarity your unique offering
- Connect with and cultivate your audience
- Turn superpowers into tangible value
- Test and tweak your live product
- Build a values-based brand
Check out our newest online course Blindspot. It’s not open right now, but make sure to get on the list so you’re the first to know when it is!

Monday May 03, 2021
Monday May 03, 2021
We all know people who don’t enroll in the 401k program at work despite understanding the power of investing or those who won’t stop smoking even though there’s a history of lung cancer in their family. But while incredibly frustrating to the outside observer, we are all resistant to change in some aspect of our lives.
Understanding where and why we resist change is important because modifying the behavior of those we lead is often central to our mission. And what do we do when information and rational persuasion don’t work? Today we have the pleasure of talking to a world renowned behavioral scientist, Dr. Katy Milkman about what makes change so hard, strategies to tackle these barriers and how to harness the power of a fresh start.
Dr. Milkman is the James G. Dinan Professor at the Wharton School, author of How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, co-founder and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative, and host of the Choiceology podcast from Charles Schwab.
We discuss:
- Why information and logic alone doesn’t change behavior
- “Fresh starts” and the science of timing
- Planning for disruption and the power of expectations
- What’s the “price for the vice”?
- Barriers to change and how to overcome them
Connect with Dr. Milkman:
Via her website: www.katymilkman.com/book
Via her podcast: Choiceology
Via Twitter: @katy_milkman
We’re starting to travel again for our Apprenticeships (if you haven’t joined us for one yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!) and it’s been difficult to make sure we're managing both nutrition and exercise on the road. Luckily, we have two partners who are perfectly aligned to help us through this transition. Momentous has the cleanest protein and supplements I’ve ever tried (truly the only ones that don’t make me feel like crap afterward), and Saga’s BFR cuffs allow me to get an incredible workout in my hotel room or AirBnB. Whether or not you’re traveling right now, be sure to give them some love for supporting your favorite podcast!
https://www.livemomentous.com/pages/partner-brett (BRETT25 gets you 25% off)
https://saga.fitness (BRETT20 gets you 20% off)