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What happens when the skills that made you successful start getting in the way of your leadership?  In this episode, Jimmy Burroughes, Founder of JBL High Performance, explores the identity shift from expert to leader, why great leaders must empower other to make mistakes, and how coaching can replace control.  Jimmy shares his Simplify to Amplify framework, practical strategies for identifying leadership friction, and insights on maximizing your time and impact. The conversation with the former British Army Officer also looks ahead at how AI is reshaping the workforce -- and what leaders must do now to adapt, develop talent, and lead through change. Get your pen and paper ready -- here, is Jimmy Burroughes. To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected] To learn more about Jimmy and get his assessments: Fix Firefighting Managers in 90 Days

What if the biggest game-changing skill isn't controlling your emotions -- but learning how to respond to them?  In this powerful conversation, Alan Stein Jr. explores the "Next Play" mentality and how emotional regulation, self-awareness, and intentional responses can transform the way we lead, coach, parent, compete and navigate life's setbacks.  Drawing from his experiences with elite athletes, Coach K, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant, Alan shares practical strategies for turning frustration into practice, identifying blind spots through honest feedback, using comparison as fuel rather than poison, and defining success on your own terms.  Whether you're facing a tough loss, a career transition, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this episode offers a compelling reminder: you can't always control what happens, but you can always choose your next play. So, get your pen and paper ready -- here is Alan Stein, Jr. To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]  Alan Stein Jr.'s website: www.alansteinjr.com

The MAP boys sit down with Ricky Scruggs, the founder of Centerfield Coaching and Consulting and the author of the book, "The Champion Within: Overcome Approval Addiction and Compete with Greatness."    Some of the topics discussed in this episode include: what led Ricky to become fascinated with the mental side of the game; why people tie identity to results and how to overcome it; where real confidence comes from; competing free instead of tight and many others. So, get your pen and paper ready -- here is Ricky Scruggs. To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

The MAP boys are joined by Collin Henderson, Founder of Master Your Mindset and a Limitless Minds Mental Conditioning Coach.  In this episode, Collin explains how he learned to train his mind through techniques like Trevor Moawad's concept of neutral thinking to help manage negativity.  The conversation covers the difference between confidence and courage, with Collin emphasizing that high performers can execute without confidence when needed. He also discusses his upcoming book, "The Oz Method" which explores behavior change psychology through a parable about Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.  Finally, we discuss the importance of mental performance training in leadership and business settings.   So, get your pen and paper ready -- here is Collin Henderson. To follow him on LinkedIn: Collin Henderson, MEd | LinkedIn To pre-order his book, "The Oz Method": The Oz Method: Psychological Secrets of Influence for Sales, Leadership, and Life: Henderson, Collin: 9781646872510: Amazon.com: Books To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

After nearly a year away, the MAP boys are back -- and a lot has changed. In this episode, we break down how AI is reshaping performance, why over-automation can weaken decision-making, and what it really takes to lead in a world where certainty is gone.  This is a real conversation about the human edge -- judgment, focus, adaptability -- and how to use AI without losing it. To reach the Mental Advantage Podcast: [email protected] To reach John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

The MAP boys sit down with Barry Davis. The longtime college baseball coach discusses his new book, "Old Dog, New Tricks -- the Power of Leading with Emotional Intelligence."  Coach Davis spent 20 years as head coach at Rider University and a total of 35 years of coaching at different levels. His previous appearance on the Mental Advantage Podcast was to discuss "Five Pillars of Leadership" a project designed to look at how to turn struggling programs into perennial winners.   "Old Dogs" can be found on Amazon and other locations where books are sold.   Twitter: @BarryDavis42 Instagram: BarryDavis_phd To reach the Mental Advantage Podcast: [email protected] To reach John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

The MAP boys sit down for a fascinating conversation with Holly Stofa, a smalltown girl who went on to become a Covert CIA Operator, author, coach, mom, collegiate athlete and mental performance coach.  After her career in the CIA, she has now set her agenda on helping people like yourself to become their best and truest self.   A few of the topics we discuss are the importance of placing an emphasis on self-awareness in personal and professional relationships; teamwork; maintaining relationships in high-pressure careers and how staying connected to one's identity is so critical in all-consuming roles; importance of self-belief and how a belief in the possible can help someone be more resilient. So, get your pen and paper ready, you won't want to miss this one -- here is Holly Stofa. To read Holly's newsletter (Sp)identity, follow her on LinkedIn.  To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

The MAP boys caught up with Dr. Bijoy John, a board-certified sleep specialist with over 25 years of experience in treating various sleep disorders across all age groups.  In addition to his book, "Nobody's Sleeping: 7 Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health and Happiness," Dr. John also runs the Sleep Fix Academy.  The book emphasizes a holistic approach to sleep, moving away from temporary solutions like sleeping pills.  In this episode, Dr. John discusses the importance of getting quality sleep and provides practical, step-by-step strategies to help readers fall asleep quickly, maintain deep sleep and wake up rejuvenated. Link for the book: Amazon.com: Nobody’s Sleeping: 7 Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health and Happiness: 9781636983554: John MD, Bijoy E.: Books Get your pen and paper ready -- here is Dr. Bijoy John. To find out more about Dr. John and his projects, you can visit his website www.sleepfixacademy.com  To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

In today's episode, the MAP boys sit down with second-time guest, Travis Thomas, to discuss such topics as confidence and courage. Travis is a speaker, author, coach and creator of "Live Yes, And."  He has dedicated his life to helping individuals, teams and organizations with mindset, team dynamics and culture.  He spent three years with U.S. Men's National Soccer team working with team dynamics, culture and mental performance.  He is a speaker and coach for Limitless Minds and the author of "3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And"; as well as his latest book, "Confidence is Overrated."  Finally, Travis has been performing as an improvisational comedian for over 25 years. Would you rather be courageous or fearless?  We discuss neutral thinking and validation in responses, embracing vulnerability in leadership and the importance of nurturing courage over confidence.   Get your pen and paper ready -- here is Travis Thomas. To find out more about Travis and his projects, you can visit his website www.liveyesand.com  To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

After a longer than expected holiday break, the MAP boys are back.  On this episode, they discussed their experiences with wellness, mental health and meditation.  They also explored the importance of focus, mental preparation, and control in in sports and life; the role of gratitude and discipline in achieving personal goals.  Lastly, they shared their experiences with prayer and meditation, emphasizing the need for presence and connection. John discussed his "Full 90" program that he started on January 1 that focuses on physical fitness, nutrition and spiritual development.  He also talked about the "Let Them" theory from Mel Robbins.  Brandon discussed using the Amuse 2 brain wave monitor and said he will report back about it on future episodes.  John and Brandon are excite d about next week's guest, Travis Thomas, who will be discussing his new book, "Confidence is Overrated." To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

The MAP boys welcome Tim Neiman, head baseball coach at DeSales University, to the program.  Coach Neiman is also the author of "What is Your Legacy? A Blueprint for Your Personal and Professional Journey".  Coach Neiman has over 35+ years of experience as a college baseball coach and he shares some of the insights he has gained over his years in developing great baseball players into great pillars of their communities.  His thoughts on team building, culture building and how by putting the focus on Love, Empowerment, Giving, Accountability, Commitment and Yearning you can also build a lasting LEGACY.  You won't want to miss this episode -- so, get your pen and paper ready, here is Tim Neiman. To order the book, go to What is Your Legacy?: Leadership, Life Lessons, Business and Baseball: Neiman, Tim: 9798337578194: Amazon.com: Books   To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

The MAP boys welcome back to the show, Dr. Bhrett McCabe.  Bhrett is a clinical and sport psychologist known by top performers, teams, organizations and companies as a true catalyst for excellence.  He works with those on the razor's edge of human performance, striving to illuminate pathways to find strength and stability in a world of chaos and competition.  Author of the books, "Mindside Manifesto", "Breakfree from Suckville" and his most recent book, "Kick Anxiety's Ass."  In addition to the work he does with athletes at the University of Alabama, he works with countless PGA Tour players as well as many other professional athletes and teams in all sports. Bhrett shares some great insights into dealing with "The Beast" of anxiety and how the impact of worrying and the traps of perfectionism can impact performance.  He shares some great anecdotes and teachings for our listeners.  Considered one of the leading minds in sports psychology today, this is a can't miss episode.  Get your pen and paper ready....here is Bhrett McCabe. You can find him on social media @drbhrettmccabe  To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

The MAP boys sit down with longtime friend and former college teammate, Shawn Lopez.  "Pez" has been the Head Softball Coach at Olathe Northwest in Olathe, KS since 2019.  In 2024, his team went 23-4 and won the 6A State Championship and he was named the 6A Coach of the Year.  Shawn shares his learnings from each of his stops in over 20 years of coaching.  He talks about the coach/player relationship with his daughter, Claire, what it was like coaching through COVID, what it was like to transition from coaching baseball to softball, etc. Get your pen and paper ready, here is Shawn Lopez. To contact the show: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

On this week's episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with Monte Lee, the Associate Head Baseball Coach at the University of South Carolina.  He talks about the various stops he has made in his coaching journey from being an assistant coach for Tim Wallace (Spartanburg Methodist) and Ray Tanner (South Carolina) to being the head coach at Clemson and the College of Charleston.  He shares the lessons he learned at each stop and also talks about his thoughts on toughness, the mental side of the game, the importance of process (stacking days) and other great information that you won't want to miss.  So, get your pen and paper ready....here is Monte Lee. To contact the show with questions or comments: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]

On this week's episode of the Mental Advantage Podcast, the MAP boys sit down with Joanna Lohman.  Joanna is a former professional soccer player and member of the United States Women's National Team. She is the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired, honoring her 16-year playing career where she built a platform for social impact.  Along with Paul Tukey, she co-authored, "Raising Tomorrow's Champions".  She is currently a global keynote speaker and authenticity activator.  She continues her influence as a Sport Diplomat and will be your new favorite celesbian.  Joanna is also a Limitless Minds Coach and currently working on a leadership project with former MAP guest, Travis Thomas. On many social media apps, she can be found @joannalohman15 For more information about her and how to book her for a speaking engagement or purchase the book, you can visit: www.joannalohman.com  To contact the show with questions or comments: [email protected] To work with John Cullen: [email protected] To reach Brandon Allen: [email protected]