In this episode of the Limitless Minds Podcast (Success Leaves Clues Summer Series), hosts Travis Thomas and Josh Lifrak sit down with Steve Johnson—Olympic medalist, four-time ATP champion, and former top-ranked U.S. men’s tennis player.
In this lively installment of Success Leaves Clues , Travis Thomas and Josh Lifrak welcome their longtime friend and creative powerhouse Frank Licari. Known for his roles in Blue Man Group, his award-winning TV and film work, and a career that spans acting, music, directing, and producing, Frank pulls back the curtain on his path from sports scholarships to the stages of New York. The conversation blends hilarious behind-the-scenes stories with actionable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and...
In this powerful episode of the Limitless Minds podcast, Travis and Josh sit down with Holly former CIA case officer and leadership coach—to unpack the transferable lessons of elite intelligence work. Holly reflects on the foundational mindset tools that helped her thrive in the CIA, including her three Cs: curiosity , candor , and courage . She discusses the mindset behind building trust-based relationships, mentoring future leaders, and transitioning from high performer to leader. Key takeaway...
In this special edition of Success Leaves Clues from Limitless Minds, Travis Thomas and Joshua Lifrak sit down with longtime friend and visionary filmmaker DJ Viola. With stories spanning Eminem tours, intimate moments with Kiss, and uncovering unexpected truth in a small-town Elvis conspiracy, DJ opens up about his creative process, leadership philosophy, and how soccer—not film school—prepared him for a decades-long career in Hollywood.
Welcome to the Success Leaves Clues series takeover by Travis Thomas and Josh Lifrak Why “success is boring” and the importance of repetition in high performance The internal ad campaign: how self-talk impacts outcomes in sports and leadership Neutral thinking and emotional awareness as tools for consistent behavior Lessons from Naomi Osaka, the Georgia Bulldogs, and San Diego airport tantrums Cultivating culture in dynamic teams, from national soccer squads to corporate offices The power of cla...
Reflections on conversations with standout guests including Bernie Kosar, Anna Wilson, Corey Close, and more The role of neutral thinking and pre-deciding healthy responses to adversity Insights on identity formation , especially in high-pressure environments like sports and leadership Tools for building strong team culture, including defining shared values Why humility and high anxiety coexist in elite performers Mental health and masculinity: how conversations are evolving for men and athletes...
Reflections on conversations with standout guests including Bernie Kosar, Anna Wilson, Corey Close, and more The role of neutral thinking and pre-deciding healthy responses to adversity Insights on identity formation , especially in high-pressure environments like sports and leadership Tools for building strong team culture, including defining shared values Why humility and high anxiety coexist in elite performers Mental health and masculinity: how conversations are evolving for men and athletes...
Reflections on the Indiana Pacers' historic playoff comeback The psychology and strategy behind trash talk in sports Personal stories from DJ and Harry’s athletic careers The distinction between courage and confidence—and why one might matter more How leaders can “put people in courage” to drive innovation The role of quiet confidence vs. overt bravado NBA legends and the art of mental toughness A shoutout to Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson and five-star basketball camp memories Quote of the...
In this episode, DJ Eidson and Harry Wilson tackle the cult of the early riser, examining the pressure to "own the morning" and how to redefine success on your own terms. They reflect on how life seasons—like parenting—shift what's possible in the mornings, and why routines matter more than clocks. Highlights include: Is 5AM wake-up culture helpful or harmful? Why consistent sleep is a core pillar of performance The power of a morning mindset check-in to reduce stress DJ’s cold showers, gratitud...
In this episode of Limitless Minds , DJ Eidson and Harry Wilson sit down with Nikki Lang, founder of Mindset and Sales and a former top-performing enterprise seller. Nikki brings a raw and refreshing perspective to the sales world—one rooted not in hustle culture or rigid frameworks, but in emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience. They explore: Why emotional resilience beats product knowledge every time How sales culture drives burnout—and how to rewire your mindset to avoid it Th...
Justin’s evolution from mental performance to leadership development The myth of balance and the power of intentional blending (family + work) How psychological safety enables better decision-making “The dog that didn’t bark” – a powerful mental model for leaders Why empathy without standards can backfire Tools for spotting blind spots in elite teams Moving from teaching concepts to solving real leadership problems Avoiding empathy blockers as a leader The importance of regular debriefing and sy...
In this episode, DJ and Harry go deep on a topic many wear as a badge of honor: multitasking. Drawing from neurological research and their experiences coaching high performers, they explore how multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40% and why only 2.5% of people can do it effectively.
Introduction to Charly Martin: NFL alum turned startup executive (Wheels Up, West to East, Real) Going from Division II football to the NFL: hard work, strategy, and finding the right agent Early NFL culture shock and the vow to lead differently by making new players feel seen The emotional transition from professional athlete to business professional Emphasis on passion, preparation, and people as foundational elements for success Real talk on social media’s impact on mental health and connecti...
In this episode, former NFL wide receiver Charly Martin takes listeners on a journey through his life, from his humble beginnings in Walla Walla, Washington, to playing professional football. Charly reflects on his childhood in a region known for its agriculture and wine, where his family's roots run deep. He shares how his grandfather, once the fastest man in the world, inspired his passion for sports. As Charly moved from Walla Walla to Spokane and eventually to Farmington, New Mexico, his lov...
In this episode of Limitless Minds , hosts DJ and Harry welcome back Dr. Christine Porath—professor, speaker, and author of Mastering Civility and Mastering Community . Together, they dive into the powerful ripple effects of civility in the workplace, how negative behavior impacts brain function and creativity, and why small gestures like eye contact and a simple "hello" can transform team dynamics. Christine reflects on her early experiences with toxic cultures, the influence of her late friend...
In this powerful episode of Limitless Minds , co-hosts DJ Eitzen and Harry Wilson sit down with Jim Kaveny to explore his remarkable life journey—from growing up the youngest of nine in Erie, PA, to building a multi-million dollar business, navigating a life-changing AFib diagnosis, and ultimately founding Unlimited Heart. Jim shares lessons on resilience, the role of faith, and the mindset shifts that shaped his path through setbacks, entrepreneurship, health challenges, and personal reinventio...
Elle’s personal transformation after a life-changing accident in her teens Choosing Warner Pacific and navigating self-doubt as a collegiate athlete Playing professional soccer in France and England: cultural contrasts and challenges in women’s sports Transition to mental performance coaching and earning a master’s in sports and exercise psychology Insights from working at IMG Academy and Columbus Crew on mental resilience, mindset, and culture Supporting athletes across age groups—how psycholog...
DJ and Harry open up about how weird and uncertain everything feels these days. They share personal stories and tips on dealing with all the chaos, from how to avoid burning out when life gets overwhelming to how to figure out what's true and what's not in the media. The conversation also hits on the importance of staying connected with people – because having a solid support system and a sense of community makes a huge difference when things get tough. Despite some heavy topics, the vibe stays ...
In this episode, we cover: Maggie’s personal journey from nursing to pioneering functional sports medicine How her mother’s battle with cancer sparked a lifelong mission to explore holistic healing Why the gut microbiome is the secret weapon for elite and corporate athletes alike The vagus nerve and its critical role in regulating performance, digestion, and stress Key biomarkers Maggie tracks for recovery, hormonal health, and injury prevention The impact of epigenetics , trauma, and emotional ...
DJ and Harry have a candid discussion about life transitions, focusing on DJ’s experience taking his daughter on college visits. They explore the emotions tied to change, why it often feels overwhelming, and how it can bring up regrets about time lost. The conversation expands to the psychological side of transitions, the impact on family dynamics, and parallels with other major life milestones, like retiring athletes. They wrap up by teasing Part 2, where they’ll dive into practical strategies ...
DJ and Harry have a candid discussion about life transitions, focusing on DJ’s experience taking his daughter on college visits. They explore the emotions tied to change, why it often feels overwhelming, and how it can bring up regrets about time lost. The conversation expands to the psychological side of transitions, the impact on family dynamics, and parallels with other major life milestones, like retiring athletes. They wrap up by teasing Part 2, where they’ll dive into practical strategies ...
Guest: Iris Zimmerman – Olympian, US Fencing Hall of Fame Inductee, Performance Psychology Specialist at Deloitte, and Co-Host of Untrained Podcast Topics Covered: Iris’s Journey to Excellence – From winning a world championship at 14 to making the Olympic team in 2000 The Role of Mindset in Success – How mental training and performance psychology shaped her athletic career Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – The struggles of feeling like a fraud, even at the highest levels of achievement Lessons fro...
Show Notes: Guest: Jack Green – Double Olympian, Mental Health Advocate, Speaker, and Founder of TASER Topics Covered: The pressures of elite athletics and the mental toll of chasing Olympic success How Jack navigated depression, identity struggles, and stepping away from competition Lessons from working with world-class coaches and athletes on peak performance Shifting from results-driven thinking to an effort-based mindset for sustainable success The intersection of mental health and performan...
ntroduction to Jack Green (00:00) Double Olympian in the 400m hurdles (2012, 2016) Mental health advocate and well-being leader Work with organizations like MIND, Young Minds, and UK Parliament Early Beginnings & Athletic Journey (05:10) Discovering a passion for track at age 7 Transitioning from high jump and cross country to hurdles Breaking a British record at 15 despite technical struggles The Road to the Olympics & Mental Struggles (15:45) Rapid rise from 106th in the world to 6th w...
Meet Austin Love: Former WKYC-TV anchor, now a commercial real estate professional and host of Love in the Land podcast. Early Career Journey: How a last-minute internship at a local TV station changed his career trajectory. Facing Fear and Embracing Change: From live reporting struggles to making a bold career move into real estate. The Role of Mindset & Visualization: How mental conditioning and visualization helped him transition from media to business. Lessons from Interviews: Insights f...
Episode Highlights: Anna’s journey from Stanford basketball to life beyond the game How she handled injuries, setbacks, and the mental challenges of elite competition The importance of reinvention and finding identity outside of sports Lessons learned from playing for legendary coach Tara VanDerveer Insights on NIL, the evolving landscape of college athletics, and brand-building for student-athletes Anna’s transition into a business career and new ventures in sports technology Quotes from Anna: ...
In this episode of The Limitless Minds Podcast, we sit down with Manuel Valdivieso, a former pro basketball player turned world-class performance and recovery specialist. From playing alongside NBA legends like the Gasol brothers to becoming a trusted expert for elite athletes such as Kristaps Porzingis and Russell Wilson, Manuel shares his incredible journey of resilience, adaptation, and mastery in the world of sports science. He reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of working with top-tier a...
Charlie Smith is a keynote speaker and mental performance consultant. Formerly successful in commercial development for 30 years, he now helps individuals and organizations build mental resilience. His My Life, My Pen framework empowers people to rewrite their own stories. Key Themes Discussed: Overcoming Addiction and Self-Image Transformation Celebrates 16 years of sobriety and credits consistent habits for personal growth. Discusses how childhood trauma and external influences shaped his earl...
In this episode of Limitless Minds , keynote speaker and mental performance consultant Charlie Smith shares his journey of resilience, overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and self-doubt to reclaim his life. Growing up in Scarborough, Maine, Charlie endured years of abuse at the hands of his father, which led him to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, including dishonesty and alcohol use starting at the age of 12. Despite his struggles, he built a successful career in commercial real estate,...
This podcast episode is all about fitness and mindset coach David Freeman, who shares his journey from college football to leading the Alpha program at Lifetime Fitness. David's known for his super motivational style, and he dives deep into how fitness, mindset, and community can help people unlock their potential. He talks about the mental toughness of training, and how messing up can actually help you grow. David also talks about how being open and vulnerable and leading by serving others is s...
