Show Notes:

1. Introduction to Travis Thomas:
   • Background in sports, improv comedy, and leadership coaching.
   • Author of Three Words for Getting Unstuck and creator of "Live Yes And."
2. From Flint, Michigan, to Elite Coaching:
   • Growing up in Flint during challenging economic times and the impact on his mindset.
   • Transition from playing and coaching soccer to improvisation and leadership training.
3. The Power of Improvisation in Leadership:
   • How improv principles helped him build relationships and lead in high-stakes environments.
   • Applications of improvisation in sports, business, and personal growth.
4. Key Stories and Turning Points:
   • The serendipity of sending his book to Greg Berhalter and its transformative outcome.
   • Meeting the U.S. Men’s National Team and fostering culture through vulnerability and connection.
5. Insights from the World Cup Journey:
   • Working with emerging stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
   • Lessons from building intentional culture and dealing with uncertainty.
6. Practical Takeaways for Listeners:
   • The importance of purpose over plans.
   • Embracing the "raffle ticket" analogy for consistent effort and patience.
   • Staying grounded and impactful in a world of uncertainty.

• Early Influences: Growing up in Manhattan during the vibrant 90s, Michael’s early exposure to hip-hop culture, the restaurant industry, and his drive to work hard from a young age.
• The Birth of The Meatball Shop: How Michael and his partner turned a simple concept into a beloved New York City institution with lines out the door.
• Resilience and Recovery: Michael’s candid account of overcoming addiction, finding his footing, and how these experiences shaped his approach to life and business.
• Core Philosophy: The power of endurance, grit, and a “no matter what” mindset in achieving success.

• Introduction to Michael Chernow: Co-founder of The Meatball Shop and Seymour's, fitness enthusiast, and founder of Creatures of Habit.
• Michael’s Journey: From early challenges in New York City to culinary school and launching multiple restaurant brands.
• Resilience and Recovery: How Michael overcame personal struggles and developed a "no matter what" mindset.
• Lessons in Business: The importance of endurance, emotional intelligence, and staying committed to your vision.
• Looking Ahead: Michael's new venture, Creatures of Habit, and his passion for health and personal growth.

In this episode, Joanna Lohman, a former professional soccer player and current advocate for equal pay and gender equality, discusses her career, the challenges faced by female athletes, and her transition into her second career as an author, coach, and speaker. Joanna reflects on her career milestones, including her time with the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and the transformative 1999 Women's World Cup, which inspired her to pursue her dreams. She shares the profound impact of playing in a recent championship tournament, where her team, despite fierce competition, won a significant prize, symbolizing the growth of women’s sports. Passionate about mental fitness and the importance of self-reflection, Joanna emphasizes the need to focus on internal growth as a foundation for high performance, both in sports and in life. She also addresses her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, discussing the courage it takes to live authentically and the responsibility she feels to help pave the way for others. Finally, she talks about the challenges youth athletes face in today's over-scheduled world and the importance of fostering mental fitness alongside physical training.

In this episode, Andrew Goldner, co-founder of GrowthX, takes listeners through his entrepreneurial journey, from working as a corporate lawyer to leading a venture capital firm focused on supporting B2B startups. He reveals the reality behind the glamorous perception of being a founder and discusses the importance of adopting a "learn-it-all" mentality for both founders and investors. Goldner stresses the significance of being intentional, methodical, and grounded in building a business, highlighting how learning from failures and refining strategies can help entrepreneurs succeed. He also shares his thoughts on the future of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and the need for entrepreneurs to stay ahead of trends. With a personal passion for endurance running, Goldner links his approach to mental resilience with his long-distance running practice, offering a unique perspective on the importance of mental fitness in leadership and decision-making.

• Grief and Loss: Grief is not limited to the loss of loved ones; it can stem from changes in identity, job loss, or personal setbacks.
• Support Systems: Having a therapist, coach, and community is crucial to manage grief and avoid isolation.
• Energy and Mindset: Leadership and personal resilience depend on consciously managing energy, setting intentions, and choosing how to show up, especially when facing adversity.
• Micro Griefs: Small, everyday changes or challenges can accumulate and affect overall well-being. It's important to address them with the right mindset.
• Legacy: The conversation closes with a reflection on the legacy left by loved ones, particularly the lessons and wisdom passed down that continue to shape one's life and impact others.

In the latest Limitless Minds podcast, Collin Henderson joins hosts DJ and Harry to discuss the profound impact of mental conditioning on both personal and professional growth. A former top-performing biotech sales leader, Collin shares how he transitioned into mindset coaching after discovering the importance of aligning identity and self-worth with intrinsic values rather than external results. Drawing from his experiences as an athlete, husband, and father, Collin explores the philosophy of "doing versus being" and provides practical tools like the "truth triangle" to help listeners cultivate self-awareness, purpose, and resilience. This episode offers a mix of storytelling, philosophy, and actionable insights designed to empower individuals to overcome mental barriers, reframe failure, and achieve sustained success in life and work.

In this episode of Limitless Minds, Monica Livingston, a former Hall of Fame athlete with the DC Divas, discusses how her experiences in sports shaped her approach to leadership and problem-solving. She emphasizes the powerful parallels between the dynamics of a locker room and strategies for success in business, highlighting the value of teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Monica shares how her journey as an educator and entrepreneur stems from her passion for creating spaces where individuals, particularly those marginalized, can thrive. Her stories range from her personal adversities, including a career-ending injury, to her advocacy for women's sports and empowering youth through education and mentorship. Monica leaves listeners inspired to embrace challenges and leverage their unique skills to create meaningful impact.

Jeff Walz, head coach of Louisville Women's Basketball, discusses his leadership philosophies, innovative strategies for fostering confidence, and the importance of mental fitness in achieving sustained success both on and off the court.

Henna Pryor, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Good Awkward, joins the Limitless Minds podcast to share how embracing awkward moments can fuel personal and professional growth. She discusses overcoming self-doubt, fostering resilience, and building "social fitness" to tackle workplace disconnection. With actionable insights from her groundbreaking research and book, Henna inspires listeners to see challenges as opportunities to unlock their full potential.

In this episode, former Olympic sprinter and current Team USA coach Mechelle Freeman shares her journey from collegiate athlete to leading world-class relay teams. She reflects on the importance of preparation, mindset, and teamwork in high-performance settings and discusses her mission to empower young athletes through her organization, Track Girls. Mechelle also highlights the evolving landscape of sports, the role of social media, and her vision for inspiring the next generation.