The 2nd place finisher for this week's episode title was:

Getting Cut 26 Times: How Ryan Lavarnway Refused to Quit on His MLB Dream 

That should give you an idea of how powerful this episode is. Imagine what you can learn about Mindset, Language, & Behavior from today's Damn Good Conversation

I would hit play right now if I were you, but if you are the kind of person who craves details, here is a ton more:

Email me [email protected] if I can be of help

Former MLB player Ryan Lavarnway joins me to share powerful lessons on chasing big dreams, overcoming obstacles, and finding success through relentless perseverance. Ryan's journey holds wisdom for anyone looking to achieve more in sports, business and life.

Don't Miss: • Ryan's experience of playing in the Big Leagues and how it exceeded even his highest expectations • The power of setting audacious goals and not being afraid to lean into "delusion" • Why you need to get really good at not quitting on the things you believe in • The key difference between "great" and "elite" is ________________.  • How leaders like Terry Francona and Buck Showalter get the best out of their people • Ryan's mission to make an impact by encouraging others to pursue their dreams

Ryan encourages all of us to:  • Share your dreams with everyone - you never know what opportunities will arise • Realize the best leaders support their people no matter what • Use failure and obstacles as opportunities to learn and get better

Ready to dare greatly and pursue your dreams with no excuses? Follow Ryan's journey on his website (ryanlavarnway.com), LinkedIn and Instagram (@rlavarnway). And if this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend or teammate who could use some inspiration to aim higher.  

As always, thanks for listening to Episode 295!

--Joe

PS: Here's the best link to share your secret dream with me SHARE HERE

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Josh Spector's Spectacular Newsletter

Buy the Macho Man Book

Seth Godin's 1st Appearance on One Percent Better

Josh Spector's Episode

On this episode, I share:

- A personal story of cobbling together a powerful poetry podcast for my high school seniors in under 3 hours - Reflections on how to measure the impact of creative work, even if audience reactions are unclear - Liberating mindset shifts around ideal audience size from guests like Seth Godin, Josh Spector and Jon Finkel - Practical tips on building an audience that truly looks forward to your work

Key Takeaways: - You don't need a huge audience to make an impact. Focus on delighting a small group first. - Reframe creative projects as worthwhile even if no one sees them, for the value they provide you. - Aim for 10 people who would "cross the street" for your work as a starting point. - Pick one "keyboard" - newsletter, podcast, blog - and consistently create value for a specific audience.

I also mention a special offer to review your work and provide feedback. Hit reply to any email to take me up on it.

If you've been holding back on a creative project because you don't have an audience yet, this episode will inspire you to start anyway. Remember, it's a privilege to share your gifts with the world, regardless of audience size.

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Thanks for listening to Episode 294!

--Joe

P.S. This LINK is the best way to share the podcast with a new listener

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My guest today is Topaz Adizes, founder of The Skin Deep. Together we dive into the art of making space, asking deep questions and creating intimate conversations. Drawing from Topaz's experience facilitating question-based games and my background in education, we explore the power of well-constructed questions and mutual respect in fostering deeper connections.

Key Takeaways: Creating Space for Connection: Topaz emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and open space for meaningful conversations to unfold. He highlights how simple games or structured question sets, like those found in his book 12 Questions for Love can provide the necessary framework for people to open up and share authentically.    Sequence and Timing: The sequence and timing of questions play a crucial role in the depth of conversation. We discuss the architecture behind the sequence of questions in his book, designed to gradually build trust, explore conflicts, express gratitude, and reflect on deeper emotions.

Navigating Discomfort: Topaz and I acknowledge the discomfort that may arise from asking and answering probing questions. We get into the value of leaning into discomfort as a means of growth and strengthening relationships.

Crafting Questions: You know my love of asking questions. Topaz shares his insights into the process of crafting them, drawing from his experience in facilitating thousands of intimate conversations. He highlights the importance of intentionality and sometimes making grammatically incorrect questions to encourage authentic responses.

Creating Synergy: I reflect on my own experience with creating question-based games in my Public Speaking class, highlighting how such activities can build trust and break patterns, leading to unexpected moments of connection.

1% Better Takeawy: Asking meaningful questions and creating space for authentic dialogue can lead to deeper connections and insights. By understanding the art of asking questions and navigating discomfort, individuals can foster stronger relationships and personal growth.

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As always, thanks for listening to Episode 293!

--Joe 

MY OFFER

Since July 1, 2017 I've promised you actionable ways for all of us to get 1% better in our: Mindset | Language | Behavior 

I've shared inspiring stories, practical advice, and damn good conversations with some of the most successful people in the world. 

Today is no exception. 

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Episode: Don't Confuse Price & Value

Onto today's episode:  

We've all felt that fear of "being too salesy" when trying to promote our products or services. But what if the key to confident, authentic selling was right under our noses the whole time...in the form of neighborhood Girl Scout cookie sellers? 

On this episode, I share stupefying stories of watching colleagues casually sell Girl Scout cookies for their daughters in shockingly effective yet refreshingly simple ways. From group text threads to order forms on the break room table, their straightforward "Here's an awesome product, who wants it?" approach opened my eyes to sales without desperation.

Listen in & you'll learn powerful mindset shifts like:

Proudly Offering Value When you truly believe your offering helps people, you shouldn't hesitate to share it. 

Simplicity Trumps Complexity Part of the genius was making it stupidly easy to purchase with low-pressure tactics .

Detaching from Outcomes The sellers never begged, guilt-tripped, or took the "no's" personally because they had zero attachment to any single sale. 

By the end, you'll be inspired to confidently sell like a Scout - authentic enthusiasm, smooth simplicity, and a liberated, resentment-free attitude towards anyone who passes. It's not pushiness, it's serving people value you believe in.

I also share a special offer tailored just for you on mastering question-asking skills and 1-on-1 coaching to help you communicate at your highest level.

If you've been holding back on selling your gifts to the world, this fun, analogous episode will have you selling with unshakable Girl Scout cookie confidence!

Don't forget to check out these links: 

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Thanks for listening to Episode 292...8 away from 300!

--Joe 

PS: If you've made it this far, you'll love the best two sales profesionals I know: Colin & Garrett

Since July 1, 2017 I've promised you actionable ways for all of us to get 1% better in our: Mindset | Language | Behavior 

I've shared inspiring stories, practical advice, and damn good conversations with some of the most successful people in the world. 

Today is no exception. 

Quick Links: 

Join the Mailing List

Coaching Opportunities

Start Here: Organized Back Episodes

Onto today's conversation. 

In case you've missed it . . .The Savannah Bananas emerged in October 2015 with a mission to inject fun back into baseball and inspire fans everywhere. 

Following the departure of minor league baseball after a 90-year stint in the city, the challenge of generating excitement for a collegiate summer team proved daunting. Everything transformed on February 25, 2016, with the announcement of the team's quirky moniker, the Savannah Bananas. Despite local skepticism and criticism, the name garnered widespread attention, earning accolades as logo of the year from national media outlets. Since their inaugural season, the Bananas have consistently sold out every game, exceeding 200 consecutive sellouts. Transitioning from the Coastal Plain League to playing Banana Ball year-round in 2022, the Bananas now field two independent professional teams, the Savannah Bananas and The Party Animals. With a focus on fast-paced, entertaining play, the Bananas have attracted former MLB stars like Jonny Gomes and Bill Lee, as well as local standout Josh Reddick, cementing their status as a beloved and innovative force in baseball entertainment.

Today's guest is the manager of The Savannah Bananas, Tyler Gillum.

He shares actionable ways to improve, including . . .

Mindset Telescope Goals and Microscope Habits. Tyler discusses the team's ambitious goal of reaching one billion fans, emphasizing the importance of setting massive goals while focusing on daily habits to achieve them, showcasing the Savannah Bananas' relentless pursuit of growth.

Language Authenticity. Tyler emphasizes the importance of authenticity and fun in the Savannah Bananas' approach to engaging fans, sharing stories of unconventional promotional ideas and community impact initiatives.

He also says "Boom, Baby!" often : ) 

Behavior Crazy Ideas and Promotional Stunts. We discuss stories of the Savannah Bananas' unconventional promotional ideas, including potential parachuting stunts, playing shirts against skins, and creating memorable experiences for fans.

Banana Land at Sea. Tyler unveils the ambitious plan of hosting 3000 Banana fans on a cruise to the Bahamas, demonstrating the team's commitment to pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences for supporters.

Community Engagement. Tyler reflects on the team's impact on fans, sharing heartwarming stories of children aspiring to be Savannah Bananas players and the team's efforts to give back to the community through initiatives like donating baseball gloves.

Practical Advice Relentless Pursuit of Growth. Tyler provides practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders, highlighting the importance of setting ambitious goals, staying true to oneself, and focusing on daily habits to achieve long-term success.

Inspiring Stories  Impact and Community Engagement. Tyler shares heartwarming stories of children aspiring to be Savannah Bananas players and the team's efforts to give back to the community through initiatives like donating baseball gloves, showcasing the team's commitment to making a positive impact beyond the baseball field.

This episode offers an inspiring look into the world of the Savannah Bananas and their fearless pursuit of unconventional ideas and ambitious goals. Tyler's passion for creating memorable experiences for fans shines through, leaving listeners inspired to dream big and challenge the status quo.

Thank you so much for being a part of this community for 291 episodes!

Don't forget to check out these links: 

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Start Here: Organized Back Episodes

Thanks for listening!

--Joe 

You are not Wayne Newton. I am not Wayne Newton. Your conversation partner is not Wayne Newton. Today on the podcast, I tell you why all that matters.

After you listen, if you find yourself craving more, head HERE to inquire about limited 1:1 coaching opportunites. 

TL/DR

Ask questions like a journalist hunting for pull quotes. At 81 years young, Wayne has more media training than a politician embroiled in an international scandal. That's why when he got two horrendous questions lobbed at him this week, he took the questions and turned them from coal to gold.  Most people don't do this automatically. Most people accept mediocre questions and give boring, mediocre answers. When we are locked in conversations that matter, our questions need to do more. Listen as Wayne takes close-ended, clunky questions and tells a micro story, adds depth and emotion, and leaves us with a lasting feeling.  Larry in your department won't do that when faced with a dud of a question. Unless you use this short cut: Ask questions like a journalist hunting for pull quotes. You can't print: "there's no question about that." --Wayne Newton You can't print: "Yes." You CAN print provocative, fun, emotional, high-energy quotes that you only got because you asked a damn good question. The next time you are in a conversation, think like a journalist. Instead of: "Do you feel like you've kinda become, to some degree, the institutional memory of Las Vegas?" Ask: "You've become the institutional memory of Las Vegas. What's your reaction when you hear that?" Instead of: "Do you feel like Las Vegas is being treated like a real American city in a way that maybe it wasn't always in people's minds?" Ask: "How has Las Vegas changed since 1957 when you arrived?" I promise you will find gold, even when it's not Wayne Newton you are talking to.

Remember to connect HERE if you are on the hunt for damn good conversations.

In the meantime, thanks for listening to Episode 290!

--Joe 

I would love to get to know you better. Please click on the link below to answer a few short questions that will help me make the show even better? 

Help Me Make the Show 1% Better 🙏

Today I present my conversation with Justin Moore.

Justin is a Sponsorship Coach & the founder of Creator Wizard, a community that teaches you how to find & negotiate your dream brand partnerships. 

Today we discuss:

• The number 1 mistake creators make while hoping to land sponsors
• An easy-to-follow script to approach your dream brand partner
• The myth of download numbers holding back sponsorships 
• What to do if you are just getting started as a creator 

and much more. 

One more thing . . . If you are a founder, entrepreneur, author, or presenter looking to crush your next opportunity in front of a microphone, Let's Have a Conversation.

As always, thank you for listening to Episode 289!

--Joe 

My Rao's Story

Today I want to share a new idea.

Overdeliverance

In a world where the mantra "under promise, over deliver" has become commonplace, let's challenge the status quo and introduce a new concept: Overdeliverance.

Overdeliverance is not about modest commitments and barely exceeding them; it's about setting bold expectations and still surpassing them with confidence and flair. 

Imagine a realm where promises are not mere assurances, but declarations. A world where commitment is not a cautious whisper, but a resounding proclamation. One Percent Better celebrates the philosophy that excellence is not found in playing it safe but in daring to push boundaries day after day. 

This episode shares four stories showcasing the magic of Overdeliverance.

I invite you to share real-life stories from businesses and your personal life where you have experienced or embraced an audacious, over-promised and over-delivered experience. 

Email me [email protected] 

Overdeliverance can be a catalyst for personal growth, professional success, and the elevation of standards. Challenge conventional wisdom and strive for that extra mile.

I would love to hear what you think. 

Don't forget to visit some of my favorite past episodes all in one organized place HERE in The Vault

As always, thanks for listening to Episode 288!

--Joe 

Would you be willing to answer a few short questions to help the show get even better? Head HERE to help me get 1% better! 

Agressive wins. 

So says today's guest Jon VanderWal. 

VanderWal has coached his way to the top ranks of D3 basketball, and according to someone I trust, "Jon is the best coach I have ever seen operate." 

Learn more about Jon HERE

In our conversation, Jon and I break down:

• His blueprint for building a championship program & culture
• Why recruiting comes down to sales
• The daily intensity that fuels his team’s aggression
• How confidence is a cornerstone of his philosophy
• Walking the line between connection and competition

Jon provides a masterclass in leadership, motivation, and perseverance. His conviction and authenticity jump through the microphone.

As always, thanks for listening to Episode 287!

--Joe

PS: Don't forget to visit some of my favorite past episodes all in one organized place HERE in The Vault

The One Percent Better Vault

1. Click & browse 
2. Text the link to a friend or family member

Thank you so much for being a valuable part of the One Percent Better Community!

--Joe 

Here's that link again: The Best of One Percent Better

Would you be willing to answer a few short questions to help the show get even better?

Head HERE to help me get 1% better! 

Change happens. Growth is optional.

Today's guest, Brad Stulberg has thought more about mastering change than anyone I know. His new book is Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing Including You.

In our conversation, Brad and I get tactical on:

• How to build rugged resilience when change strikes
• Responding flexibly when plans or expectations shift
• The power of living aligned to your core values
• Why accepting struggle builds confidence
• The key to being stable through periods of instability
• Why the shoulder might be the best metaphor for navigating change

Brad brings science, coaching experience, and personal wisdom together. His insights will transform how you navigate change in life and work.

This is a masterclass in staying grounded when facing tests. You'll learn mindset shifts and practices to become a change master.

Interested in 1:1 coaching to take your communciation to the next level? Want to nail your next job interview or save years of frustration on your podcast launch?

Let's connect: [email protected]

As always, thanks for listening to Episode 285! 

--Joe