What unexpected lessons can NFL players teach us about podcasting, entrepreneurship, and life's ups and downs?

In this season finale of Gridiron and Growth Podcast, hosts Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler reflect on their journey through Season 1. They talk about the art of hosting, the power of storytelling, and the surprising parallels between football and entrepreneurship. The duo shares insights from their diverse guests, highlighting stories of perseverance, pivots, and personal growth. As they look ahead to Season 2, Ryan and Bennie express gratitude for their supporters and tease exciting plans for the future.

[00:00 - 03:14] From Gridiron to Microphone: Unexpected Skills Transfer

• NFL teamwork translates to podcast co-hosting
• Discovering hidden talents in a new arena
• The art of creating space for guest stories

[32:15 - 05:23] The Power of Storytelling: Making Room for Vulnerability

• Prioritizing guest narratives over host commentary
• Creating an environment for openness and authenticity
• The impact of active listening in podcasting

[05:24 - 06:49] Universal Playbook: Athletes, Entrepreneurs, and Life

• Parallels between sports careers and entrepreneurship
• The crucial role of mentors in personal growth
• Transforming setbacks into stepping stones for success

[06:50 - 08:24] Halftime Huddle: Gratitude and Game Plan for Season 2

• Appreciating fan support and constructive feedback
• Strategizing for growth and content diversification
• Teasing upcoming guests and expanded topics

Key Quotes:

"Being an athlete is no different than being an entrepreneur or a parent.” - Bennie Fowler

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What cardinal sins in football can teach us about life and leadership?

In episode 47, former NFL players Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler dive deep into the lessons learned from their football careers and how those translate into life after the game. From the importance of anticipation to the power of overcoming failure, Ryan and Bennie reveal the human side of professional football, touching on topics like effective communication, time management, and personal growth.

[00:00 - 05:07] The Locker Room Mindset: Honesty, Communication, and Respect

• NFL vs. College: The shift in player-coach dynamics
• Football as a teacher of life's diverse perspectives
• Embracing the seasons of life through sports

[05:08 - 08:07] Cardinal Sins and Coping Strategies in the NFL

• Punctuality: The unforgivable offense in professional football
• The critical role of communication in team success
• Managing emotions: From walking to changing scenery

[08:08 - 14:31] The Art of Play Calling and Trash Talk

• The four-pass cardinal sin: A strategic blunder
• Building bridges: Player-coach communication on the field
• Mastering the craft of lighthearted trash talk

[14:32 - 17:48] From Player to Broadcaster: A New Perspective on the Game

• Transitioning from the field to the broadcast booth
• The devil in the details: Quarterback signals and their impact
• Anticipation: The skill that transcends football

[17:49 - 21:53] The Art of Studying: From Football Playbooks to Law School

• The power of note-taking and review in learning
• Discovering and leveraging personal learning styles
• Applying football practice principles to academic success

Key Quotes:

"Everything can be fixed with communication." - Bennie Fowler

"I think football teaches you to respect all walks of life." - Ryan Harris

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How can one woman's journey from self-doubt to self-belief inspire a generation and change the course of history through the lens of a camera?

Patricia Duncan, an award-winning photographer and author, shares her remarkable journey from a 55-year-old event planner to the official photographer for the Obamas. Patricia's story is a proof to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the impact of mentorship. From capturing iconic moments of Barack Obama's presidency to having her work enshrined in the Library of Congress, Duncan's experiences offer valuable insights on personal growth, the importance of representation, and the behind-the-scenes realities of political campaigns. Her passion for empowering others, especially black women and girls who have faced trauma, shines through as she discusses her non-profit work and her message to the younger generation.

[00:00 - 07:16] The Unexpected Shutterbug

• Discovering photography at 55: A new chapter begins
• The power of mentorship in pursuing passions
• Capturing history: From first assignment to presidential photographer

[07:17 - 10:06] From Pixels to Pages: The Birth of "A Defining Moment"

• Navigating the emotional journey of documenting a presidency
• The decision to self-publish: Protecting one's vision
• Balancing passion with accessibility in book pricing

[10:07 - 13:25] Framing Success: Overcoming Self-Doubt

• The struggle to finish projects and believe in oneself
• Achieving recognition: From quitter to Library of Congress
• The impact of personal growth on professional success

[13:26 - 21:34] The Art of Human Connection

• Never meeting a stranger: Duncan's philosophy on relationships
• Dealing with criticism and disbelief from close circles
• The ripple effect of genuine interactions

[21:35 - 26:38] Empowering the Next Generation

• Lessons for the younger self: Faith, perseverance, and self-belief
• The importance of giving back and enhancing others' dreams
• Launching a non-profit to empower black women and girls

[26:37 - 35:28] Behind the Political Curtain

• The 'dirty game' of political campaigns: Insider insights
• A surreal White House holiday: From photographer to guest
• Unexpected moments with the President: The power of authenticity
• A powerful message: It's never too late to pursue your passion

Key Quotes:

"Your life doesn't stop because you got older." - Patricia Duncan

“Be comfortable in an uncomfortable space." - Patricia Duncan

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What secret techniques do top communicators use to effortlessly captivate any audience, leaving them hanging on every word?

In episode 45, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris welcome Jeff Davenport, a speaking coach and communication expert. Jeff shares invaluable insights on the power of empathy in communication, the importance of storytelling, and how to structure impactful presentations. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by professional athletes transitioning out of their careers, the significance of continuous learning, and the role of humility in leadership. Packed with practical tips and inspiring anecdotes, this episode offers a masterclass in effective communication for leaders, salespeople, and anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal skills.

[00:00 - 06:16] From Shy Guy to Speaking Coach: Jeff Davenport's Journey

• The unexpected path from screenwriting to public speaking
• Overcoming self-doubt and embracing personal growth
• The power of practice and continual improvement in communication

[06:17 - 13:50] The Power of Empathy in Communication

• Empathy as the foundation for effective connection
• Structuring openings with empathy, authority, and agenda
• The impact of storytelling on neural coupling

[13:51 - 19:53] Navigating Sales and Tough Conversations

• Articulating customer struggles more clearly than they can
• Using relatable customer stories to build rapport
• Addressing sensitive topics through empathetic understanding

[19:54 - 28:53] Leadership Insights: Listening and Humility

• The value of leaders who listen more than they speak
• Balancing confidence with humility in leadership roles
• Identifying trustworthy advisors through earned respect

[28:54 - 41:48] The Heart of Effective Communication: Empathy, Structure, and Storytelling

• The crucial role of empathy in connecting with your audience
• The importance of a well-structured opening and closing
• The power of storytelling in engaging and persuading listeners

[41:49 - 57:21] The Unique Challenges of Professional Athletes

• Maintaining relationships amidst intense career demands
• Redefining identity during the transition out of sports
• The importance of intentional communication in life changes

[57:22 - 01:00:12] Building Lasting Professional Relationships

• The role of genuine curiosity in networking
• Balancing professional goals with personal connections
• The long-term benefits of nurturing business relationships

Key Quotes:

"Great communicators are great connectors. They find that spot where they can connect." - Jeff Davenport

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Instagram: @hijeffdav
Website: https://www.jeffdav.com/

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How can entrepreneurs maintain their identity and avoid burnout while building successful businesses?

In episode 44, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with Keith Roberts, a serial entrepreneur and executive coach. Keith shares his journey from struggling photographer to successful agency owner, and his transition to public speaking and high-performance coaching. This conversation is about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of intentional transitions, and the power of mindfulness practices. Keith's insights on hiring, client acquisition, and maintaining work-life balance will give you valuable lessons to pursue your goals. This is a must listen for anyone in their entrepreneurial journey.

[00:00 - 06:31] The Entrepreneurial Odyssey

• Embracing uncertainty in the pursuit of dreams
• The importance of adapting to market demands
• Overcoming early setbacks and learning from failures

[06:32 - 15:41] Mastering the Art of Client Acquisition

• Delivering to clients and managing contractors
• Balancing creativity with methodical processes
• The 10-10-10 Method

[15:42 - 21:28] Building a Thriving Company Culture

• Implementing effective hiring strategies
• The role of core values in shaping company identity
• Fostering a positive work environment that attracts talent

[21:29 - 26:40] Navigating Life Transitions

• The importance of intentional ceremonies during major life changes
• Balancing personal growth with professional success
• Adapting to new roles and responsibilities

[26:41 - 29:09] The Kobe Bryant Mentality

• Embracing hard work and dedication in pursuit of excellence
• Learning from mistakes and owning up to failures
• The power of resilience and continuous improvement

[29:10 - 34:31] From Journal to Journey: The Oak Method

• Creating products that solve real-world problems
• The impact of structured journaling on personal growth
• Balancing entrepreneurship with authorship

[34:32 - 36:42] The Buddhist Approach to Business

• Applying Eastern wisdom to modern entrepreneurship
• The importance of community and giving back
• Elevating global consciousness through shared practices

Key Quotes:

"Life is a gift. The statistical probability that you're sitting in that chair is one in 400 trillion." - Keith Roberts

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Instagram: @theoakjournalmethod
Website: https://keithrobertsiii.com/

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How can financial awareness lead to a more fulfilling career?

In episode 43, Michelle Trail, Account Executive at Oracle and founder of the Traillionaires Foundation, shares her journey of breaking barriers in the tech world and creating opportunities for others. From paying off $186,000 in student loan debt to becoming a top producer at Oracle, Michelle offers invaluable insights on sales strategies, financial literacy, and the importance of mentorship. Her story is a proof to the power of persistence, self-advocacy, and giving back to the community.

[00:00 - 05:23] Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Michelle's Oracle Odyssey

• Michelle's 14-year journey at Oracle, starting in business management
• A mentor's advice to focus on sales for bottom-line impact
• Transitioning from ADP success to Oracle opportunity

[05:24 - 16:42] The Art of the Deal: Michelle's Sales Secrets Unveiled

• Building deep customer relationships as a cornerstone of success
• Emphasizing solutions and processes over product pitches
• Strategies for turning "no" into opportunities in sales

[16:43 - 19:12] Traillionaire Vision: Founding a Legacy of Empowerment

• The Traillionaire Foundation's focus on financial literacy and career readiness
• How personal debt struggles inspired Michelle's mission
• The meaning behind the "Traillionaires" name and legacy mindset

[19:13 - 23:28] Money Matters: A Financial Awakening

• Michelle's journey to paying off $186,000 in student loan debt
• The eye-opening realization about compound interest
• How diverse backgrounds shape our relationships with money

[23:29 - 29:02] Collaboration Over Competition: Dreaming Big for the Future

• Michelle's philosophy on collaboration in business
• A 20-year vision of a self-sustaining foundation and billion-dollar business
• Incorporating watches into investment portfolio strategies

[29:03 - 35:31] Breaking Barriers: Navigating Tech as a Black Woman

• Facing and overcoming discrimination in professional settings
• Using expertise to establish credibility in challenging situations
• The power of consistency and authenticity in overcoming obstacles

[35:32 - 40:59] Love and Success: The Balancing Act

• Prioritizing quality time and shared experiences in relationships
• Creating new traditions and mutual support systems
• The importance of consistently choosing each other for relationship success

Key Quotes:

"I'm a big proponent of mentor-mentees relationship. I feel like there's enough space for us all and the collaboration I feel like we can get more get further working together." - Michell Trail

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What does it take to transition from NFL cheerleader to award-winning sports broadcaster?

In episode 42, Romi Bean, former Denver Broncos cheerleader turned Colorado Broadcaster of the Year, shares her remarkable journey from the sidelines to the anchor desk. Romi shares her insights into the challenges of the cheerleading world, her past struggle with body image, and how she built a successful broadcasting career. From intimate moments with Coach Prime to navigating the competitive world of sports media, Romi’s story is one of perseverance, authenticity, and the power of storytelling.

[00:00 - 10:14] From Sideline Dreams to Spotlight Realities

• Romi’s journey to becoming an NFL cheerleader
• The intensity and pressure of professional cheerleading
• Overcoming an eating disorder and finding self-validation

[10:15 - 18:50] Breaking the Mold: Cheerleader to Broadcaster

• Transitioning from cheerleading to broadcasting
• Challenges of shedding the "cheerleader" stereotype
• The importance of authenticity in career development

[18:51 - 27:33] The Art of the Interview

• Developing interview skills and earning trust
• Memorable moments with celebrities and athletes
• The challenge of asking unique questions

[27:34 - 31:59] Behind the Scenes with Coach Prime

• Building a relationship with Deion Sanders
• Challenges of producing a high-profile coach's show
• Lessons learned from working with a sports icon

[32:00 - 37:16] The Evolution of a Sports Broadcaster

• Overcoming imposter syndrome
• Learning to ask effective questions
• The importance of listening in interviews

[37:17 - 46:16] Looking to the Future: Dreams and Broncos Predictions

• Romi’s aspirations for the next decade
• Insights on the Denver Broncos' upcoming season
• Thoughts on the Denver Nuggets' off-season moves

Key Quotes:

"Let your work speak for itself." - Romi Bean

“Sports is the one thing that connects people from every age, race, religion.” - Romi Bean

"I look at myself as a conduit between the team, between the players that fans love and adore, and those fans." - Romi Bean

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How does a linebacker's strategic thinking on the field translate to strategic investments off the field?

In episode 41, former Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis shares his journey from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion, and now successful real estate developer. Davis discusses the challenges of transitioning out of professional football, his approach to building a thriving real estate business, and his recent foray into coaching. He offers valuable insights on maintaining a championship mindset, the importance of mentorship, and balancing family life with entrepreneurial pursuits.

[00:00 - 07:16] Todd Davis' NFL Journey

• Davis' first day as a Denver Bronco and his unwavering work ethic
• The importance of faith and self-belief in overcoming obstacles
• How Davis' tenacity impressed his teammates and coaches

[07:17 - 10:34] Super Bowl Success: The Power of Selflessness

• The unique chemistry of the Broncos' Super Bowl-winning team
• Davis' commitment to excelling in his role on special teams
• The intensity and attention to detail during Super Bowl preparation

[10:35 - 11:51] Securing the Bag: Todd's Contract Negotiations

• Davis' experience negotiating his first major NFL contract
• The importance of financial planning and stewardship
• Teaching children about money management and building generational wealth

[11:52 - 17:00] Building a Real Estate Empire: Todd's Post-NFL Career

• Davis' approach to learning new skills in real estate development
• The value of mentorship in navigating a new industry
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and "faking it till you make it"

[17:01 - 19:37] The Davis Fund: A Vision for Community Development

• The three-pronged approach of Davis' real estate fund
• Davis' long-term goals for his development projects
• The importance of multi-sport participation for youth athletes

[19:38 - 22:19] Coaching Aspirations: Todd's Return to Football

• Davis' upcoming internship with the Denver Broncos
• Insights on working with Deion Sanders at the University of Colorado
• The importance of setting high expectations and attention to detail in coaching

[22:20 - 26:54] Championship Mindset: Todd's Keys to Success

• Embracing opportunities, even in less glamorous roles
• The value of hard work and perseverance in achieving goals
• Davis' three key pieces of advice for navigating life transitions

Key Quotes:

"Everything I try to do is intentional with my preparation for the next step and not just letting the hour go here." - Todd Davis

"Hard work beats talent. And I think hard work, you know, will mend a lot of mistakes." - Todd Davis

“Being a champion is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, it takes work, it takes preparation, it takes dedication.” - Todd Davis

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Instagram: @bambamdavis51

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