Episodes

  • The Leadership Lessons from the Batter's Box | Brandon Eaton

    The Leadership Lessons from the Batter's Box | Brandon Eaton
    Nov 12 2025
    What if our deepest-held beliefs about "failure" are all wrong? And what if the flaw we see in ourselves isn't a weakness, but the very engine of our success? My guest today is Brandon Eaton, the CEO and co-founder of the 10-year sporting goods brand, Stinger Sports. But this conversation isn't about business, it's about the "why" behind it. Brandon's entire company was built from a painful childhood observation: watching talented kids get "priced out" of the game they loved . He built his life's work on a promise to fight for them. This is one of the most honest conversations I've ever had about the true meaning of leadership and the stories we tell ourselves. Brandon shares the powerful moment he finally redefined "failure" not as the act of striking out, but as the refusal to grow from it . He also makes a raw admission about a personal flaw he calls "helpnesia": the high-performer's inability to ask for help . This led us to a deep exploration of the difference between "reacting" and "responding" , the power of leading by a "standard, not by your feelings" , and the simple test to find out if your internal monologue is destroying your potential . This episode is a blueprint for anyone who has ever felt like a victim but is determined to take their power back. It left me asking one question: What could you achieve if you truly believed that you only fail when you quit? 🔑 Key Takeaways Redefine Your Relationship with Failure: The episode's central theme is reframing failure. Brandon defines true failure not as striking out, but as "when you don't take something positive from it... you're not growing" . Coach Kav adds that "you don't fail unless you quit". Lead by a Standard, Not Your Feelings: As a leader, you don't have the luxury of leading by your emotions. Coach Kav provides a powerful framework: "You have to lead by how do you set a standard? ...So you have to lead by the standard, not by your feelings". Victimhood is a Surrender of Power: When discussing losing, Brandon offers a profound insight: "As soon as you're a victim, you take all your power away because it's external. It's not internal... If you take ownership of it... That's your power" . A "Real Team" Shares in the Success: Brandon shares his company's high-level compensation philosophy. He has built a pay structure where "on a team you benefit from the success of your teammates," arguing that "You can't say we're a team and then you do something well and I don't benefit from it" . Audit Your Self-Talk: Your internal monologue dictates your performance. Brandon provides a simple test: "How are you talking to yourself? Would you talk to somebody else that you're trying to uplift in that way? And if the answer is no, it's probably not productive" . Leadership is What You Do When No One is Watching: Brandon shares a story of picking up a piece of trash. He doesn't know or care if his employees saw him. The lesson is that leadership is about "setting that tone" and solving minor problems as part of your DNA, not as a performance. Identify and Name Your Flaws: In a moment of vulnerability, Brandon admits his biggest flaw is being a "doer" to the point that he forgets to delegate. He gives it a name: "Helpnesia"—"I forget to ask for help" . Timestamp: (00:00) Introduction: The "Girl Dad" & 10 Years of Stinger Sports (02:49) The "Why": Why Stinger Was Born to Fight the "Country Club Sport" (06:05) The "Junker Car" Parable: A Grandfather's Entrepreneurial Spirit (07:35) "Baseball is Life": Learning to Compete and Overcome Adversity (09:12) The Litmus Test for Your Self-Talk (10:39) Coaches: Stop Using the "S-Word" (Slump) (12:45) Brandon's New Definition of Failure: "You're Not Growing" (14:32) Coach Kav's Framework: The Difference Between "Reacting" and "Responding" (15:58) The "Useful Mentality" Test (17:01) Why Pro-Grade Gear Matters for Young Athletes (20:30) The "Look Good, Play Good" Philosophy (25:31) The "Game on the Line" Mindset: Do You Want the Ball? (27:18) How to Show Up: Don't Take a "Rough At Bat" to the Field (27:57) Coach Kav's Framework: Lead by Standard, Not by Feelings (30:35) The "Picking Up the Trash" Parable of Leadership (33:23) The CEO as Engineer: "I Love the Act of Trying to Break It" (35:58) Finding Your "Therapy": The Flow State of Hitting a Baseball (39:31) How to Build a Real Team: "If It Isn't Measured, It Can't Be Improved" (42:33) Our Pay Structure: "On a Team You Benefit From Your Teammates' Success" (44:03) Coach Kav's Parable of the "Monkey Trap" (49:28) Why "Losing is Contagious" and Creates Victims (50:24) "As Soon As You're a Victim, You Take All Your Power Away" (53:27) The Stinger Sports "Superhero" Mission: VALUE (54:48) The Villain We Fight: Declining Quality and Rising Prices (57:42) The Leader's Flaw: My "Helpnesia"
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Simplicity Is the Highest Form of Mastery | Junaid Ahmed

    Simplicity Is the Highest Form of Mastery | Junaid Ahmed
    Nov 4 2025

    This conversation explores the critical importance of first impressions in communication, particularly in video content. It emphasizes how quickly audiences make decisions about their engagement and the role of brand presence in capturing attention.

    Takeaways:

    • The average person takes three seconds to make a decision.

    • First impressions are crucial in retaining audience attention.

    • Brand presence significantly influences viewer engagement.

    • Clarity in communication enhances audience connection.

    • Video content must be engaging from the start.

    • Understanding audience behavior is key to effective communication.

    • Effective branding can lead to better audience retention.

    • The initial moments of a video are critical for success.

    • Engagement strategies should focus on immediate impact.

    • Creating a strong presence can differentiate your content.


    Timestamp:

    00:00 – 04:22 | The Origin of Simplicity

    04:23 – 08:47 | From Hobby to Purpose

    08:48 – 13:29 | The Power of Visibility

    13:30 – 18:54 | Building Confidence Through Clarity

    18:55 – 23:38 | Simplicity Protects Creativity

    23:39 – 27:41 | Technology Meets Human Connection

    27:42 – 32:55 | Leadership in the Light

    32:56 – 37:18 | Designing Environments for Flow

    37:19 – 41:10 | The Discipline of Showing Up

    41:11 – END | Final Reflections
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    57 mins
  • Pressure Reveals Who You Really Are | Ari Meisel

    Pressure Reveals Who You Really Are | Ari Meisel
    Oct 30 2025

    In this episode Ari Meisel sits down with Coach Kav for a wide-ranging conversation about how high performance actually gets made not in moments of comfort, but under pressure and constraint. They trace the practical architecture of effectiveness (optimize → automate → outsource), the difference between productivity and true effectiveness, and why asynchronous communication and disciplined boundaries create space for real impact. Personal stories from building a house with limited resources to EMS leadership and the muscle of saying "no" puncture the theory with lived, actionable examples.

    The tone is intimate and direct: lessons arrive as short, hard truths that invite the listener to rethink how they work, lead, and pass on what they know.

    Takeaways:

    1. Pressure reveals truth. The moments of chaos expose who's truly built for leadership.

    2. Optimize before you automate. Systems fail when speed outpaces clarity.

    3. Say no to create space. Boundaries are what make focus sustainable.

    4. Courage comes before comfort. Action breaks fear — hesitation feeds it.

    5. Legacy is generosity. Sharing what's easy for you changes someone else's world.


    Chapters:

    00:00 – 04:20 | The Power of Restriction — How limitations breed innovation
    04:21 – 07:30 | Expansion and Contraction — Why recovery is part of growth
    07:31 – 22:00 | Systems, Focus, and Saying No — Creating space for what truly matters
    22:01 – 27:56 | Communication and Trust — Solving the real 80% of business problems
    27:57 – 38:14 | The Future of Coaching — Asynchronous communication and leadership evolution
    38:15 – 44:07 | Productivity vs Effectiveness — Rethinking the meaning of "work"
    44:08 – 45:21 | Courage and Action — Why hesitation is the real suffering
    45:22 – 46:48 | Legacy — Sharing what comes easy to you to create impact


    Follow Ari:
    X: https://x.com/arimeisel
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arimeisel/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productivity-coach-entrepreneur?utm_source=chatgpt.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arimeisel/?utm_source=chatgpt.com


    Follow Coach Kav:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kavanaugh-80629682/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkav/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkav/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCoachesRoomWithCoachKav
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • How One Man's Relentless Drive Built the World's Fastest-Growing Productivity Company | Chris Cunningham

    How One Man's Relentless Drive Built the World's Fastest-Growing Productivity Company | Chris Cunningham
    Oct 22 2025

    Chris Cunningham's journey reads like a startup fairytale but lived like a war story.

    From a small town in Martinsville, Virginia, Chris went from managing his father's tire shop to living in a Palo Alto house full of dreamers building a platform that would redefine how the world works.

    This episode is a masterclass in grit, reinvention, and relationship capital. Chris opens up about risking it all to build ClickUp, how he helped create one of the most viral tech marketing campaigns ("Cut the Slack"), and why being a "super-connector" is his real superpower.

    It's a story of obsession not with fame or money but with excellence, speed, and doing right by people.

    In a world where social media is saturated with noise, Chris reveals how authenticity, raw storytelling, and community still win.

    This isn't just about building software.
    It's about building something that lasts.

    Takeaways

    Speed is the new superpower — in tech and communication, slow systems kill innovation.
    Obsession beats motivation — you must trick your mind into loving the grind.
    Relationships are your real equity — every connection expands your world.
    The new marketing isn't perfection — it's rawness. Authentic, imperfect stories connect deeper.
    Celebrate solving problems, not raising money. Real success is earned, not announced.
    You are the brand. Whether in B2B or B2C, personality drives growth more than products.


    Timestamp:

    00:00 — From Small Town to Silicon Valley: The Early Hustle
    06:30 — Losing It All to Build Something Bigger
    10:15 — The Power of Environments That Challenge You
    13:00 — The Art of Connection: Why Relationships Are the Real ROI
    17:45 — The Power of Proximity and the Miami Network
    24:00 — Building ClickUp: Obsession, Failure, and the Underdog Mindset
    27:30 — Innovation, AI, and the Next Chapter of Work
    31:15 — The New Era of B2B Storytelling
    35:00 — Superpowers, Flaws, and the Psychology of Obsession
    38:00 — Final Reflections: What It Means to Build Something That Lasts


    Follow Chris:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisclickup?utm_source=chatgpt.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cunningham/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHAMMMMER/


    Follow Coach Kav:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kavanaugh-80629682/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkav/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkav/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCoachesRoomWithCoachKav
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    41 mins
  • The Death of Competition: How Modern Work Lost Its Edge (and How to Get It Back) | Sam Caucci

    The Death of Competition: How Modern Work Lost Its Edge (and How to Get It Back) | Sam Caucci
    Oct 16 2025

    In this episode, Coach Kav sits down with Sam Caucci, the founder and CEO of 1Huddle, to dismantle one of the most uncomfortable truths in business today we've made competition a dirty word.

    From the locker room to the boardroom, they uncover how elite performance isn't built on talent or luck, but on trust, accountability, and relentless competition. Sam reveals the philosophy behind turning work into a competitive sport, and why most companies fail to train their people the way great coaches train their athletes.

    This isn't just a conversation about business. It's about the psychology of winning, the ethics of selling, and why every leader must learn to coach not manage.

    Because somewhere along the way, we stopped keeping score. And when that happened, we stopped growing.

    Takeaways

    Competition isn't toxic it's the oxygen of progress.
    We've sanitized ambition, but true growth comes from friction and challenge.

    Great teams are built on trust, not talent.
    "Would they throw down for you in a bar fight?" That's the real test of loyalty.

    Selling is service, not manipulation.
    The best salespeople don't convince they clarify. They help people see what's right for them.

    Businesses don't fail from lack of talent. They fail from lack of standards.
    Elite organizations operate in performance mode, not protection mode.

    Coaching is leadership at its highest level.
    Managers tell you what to do. Leaders show you how. Coaches make you want to do it.


    Timestamp

    00:00 – 05:30 | The Lost Art of Being a Teammate
    Why loyalty, trust, and accountability are disappearing from modern culture.

    05:30 – 12:00 | How Competition Builds Character
    Why internal and external competition are essential to mastery.

    12:00 – 18:00 | Sales as Service
    How the best salespeople lead with empathy, not pressure.

    18:00 – 25:00 | Protection. Preparation. Performance.
    The three stages every organization lives in — and why most never reach the third.

    25:00 – 32:00 | The Cost of Wasted Talent
    Why quiet quitting and job hugging aren't the problem — leadership is.

    32:00 – 38:00 | Turning Work Into a Game
    The science of gamification and how it rewires motivation.

    38:00 – 45:00 | Manager. Leader. Coach.
    The three personas inside every organization — and how to evolve between them.

    45:00 – 53:00 | Autonomy. Belonging. Competence.
    The ABCs of building culture, performance, and purpose.

    53:00 – 56:00 | The Hidden Tax of Leadership Neglect
    Why not investing in people costs more than you think.

    56:00 – End | The Return of the Competitor
    A final reflection on reclaiming the will to win — in sport, business, and life.
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • The Role of Integrity in Coaching Success | Ben Mayfield-Smith Part 2

    The Role of Integrity in Coaching Success | Ben Mayfield-Smith Part 2
    Oct 7 2025

    In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intersection of integrity in business and sports, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and the psychological readiness of athletes. They explore the role of coaching in body composition and lifestyle management, highlighting motivational strategies and the significance of community support. The discussion also touches on the power of language, self-awareness, and the journey of hardship and growth in both personal and professional contexts. Ultimately, they reflect on the importance of embracing flaws and building a legacy that stands against mediocrity.


    Takeaways

    • Integrity in business and sports is crucial for reputation.
    • Coaching should prioritize the athlete's mental readiness.
    • Building a strong community enhances motivation and accountability.
    • Words and self-talk significantly impact performance and mindset.
    • Self-awareness is key for athletes to articulate their needs.
    • Experiencing hardship can lead to personal growth and resilience.
    • The journey of coaching is about simplifying complex processes.
    • Motivational strategies should be tailored to individual clients.
    • Embracing flaws can lead to a more authentic identity.
    • Defining what you stand for and against is essential for personal branding.


    Timestamp

    00:00 - Integrity in Business and Sport
    01:53 - The Role of Integrity in Coaching
    06:08 - Understanding Body Composition and Lifestyle Management
    12:00 - The Art and Science of Coaching
    17:49 - Motivational Strategies for Clients
    23:58 - Building Relationships and Trust in Coaching
    29:43 - The Importance of Simplifying the Process
    36:11 - The Power of Words in Self-Talk
    39:04 - Understanding Hunger and Starvation
    41:55 - Pain, Soreness, and Growth
    44:42 - The Importance of Self-Awareness in Athletes
    48:47 - Building Experience for Success
    52:11 - Choosing Hardship and Embracing Suffering
    55:21 - Defining Your Superhero Identity


    Follow Ben:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_mayfieldsmith_/?hl=en
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@matterathletica
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.smith.77128/

    Follow Coach Kav:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kavanaugh-80629682/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkav/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkav/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCoachesRoomWithCoachKav
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Why Most People Never Reach Their True Potential | Ben Mayfield-Smith Part 1

    Why Most People Never Reach Their True Potential | Ben Mayfield-Smith Part 1
    Sep 30 2025

    In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intersection of integrity in business and sports, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and the psychological readiness of athletes. They explore the role of coaching in body composition and lifestyle management, highlighting motivational strategies and the significance of community support. The discussion also touches on the power of language, self-awareness, and the journey of hardship and growth in both personal and professional contexts. Ultimately, they reflect on the importance of embracing flaws and building a legacy that stands against mediocrity.

    takeaways

    • Integrity in business and sports is crucial for reputation.
    • Coaching should prioritize the athlete's mental readiness.
    • Building a strong community enhances motivation and accountability.
    • Words and self-talk significantly impact performance and mindset.
    • Self-awareness is key for athletes to articulate their needs.
    • Experiencing hardship can lead to personal growth and resilience.
    • The journey of coaching is about simplifying complex processes.
    • Motivational strategies should be tailored to individual clients.
    • Embracing flaws can lead to a more authentic identity.
    • Defining what you stand for and against is essential for personal branding.

    Timestamp

    00:00 Integrity in Business and Sport
    01:53 The Role of Integrity in Coaching
    06:08 Understanding Body Composition and Lifestyle Management
    12:00 The Art and Science of Coaching
    17:49 Motivational Strategies for Clients
    23:58 Building Relationships and Trust in Coaching
    29:43 The Importance of Simplifying the Process
    36:11 The Power of Words in Self-Talk
    39:04 Understanding Hunger and Starvation
    41:55 Pain, Soreness, and Growth
    44:42 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Athletes
    48:47 Building Experience for Success
    52:11 Choosing Hardship and Embracing Suffering
    55:21 Defining Your Superhero Identity

    Follow Ben:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_mayfieldsmith_/?hl=en
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@matterathletica
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.smith.77128/

    Follow Coach Kav:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kavanaugh-80629682/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkav/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkav/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCoachesRoomWithCoachKav
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Secrets Behind Content That Never Stops Growing | Ryan Magin

    The Secrets Behind Content That Never Stops Growing | Ryan Magin
    Sep 23 2025

    This is the story of a man who was never supposed to win.

    Ryan Magin went from selling doors at Lowe's, to being hated in the BMX world for giving away training advice, to becoming the editor behind some of the most viral videos on the internet. Along the way, he faced failure, rejection, and the brutal truth of being told: "You know more than anyone… and look at you."

    But it was these moments that forced Ryan to act. To bet on himself. To learn that virality isn't luck, it's strategy, hard work, and the courage to do what others won't.

    In this conversation with Coach Kav, Ryan shares how he built an agency that has shaped hundreds of millions of views, why he believes "everyone takes a sh*t" is the secret to relatability, and what it really costs to reinvent yourself.

    This is not just about going viral. It's about resilience, humility, and the uncomfortable lessons that create lasting success.


    Takeaways

    • Ryan McGinn is a pioneer in short-form content creation.
    • Authenticity in content often leads to better engagement.
    • Building relationships is key to success in business and content creation.
    • The importance of storytelling in video editing.
    • Spotting trends is crucial for content creators.
    • Organic growth can be more valuable than paid advertising.
    • Creating relatable content helps connect with audiences.
    • The brand-business gap can hinder growth.
    • Investing in relationships can lead to better business opportunities.
    • The evolution of video content requires adaptability.

    Timestamp:

    00:00 - The Journey of a Content Creator
    05:42 - Spotting Trends and Building Relationships
    11:43 - The Evolution of Video Content and Editing
    17:50 - The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation
    23:40 - Connecting with Audiences: The Human Element
    29:40 - The Role of Organic Growth in Business Success
    35:48 - Closing the Brand-Business Gap
    41:47 - The Value of Relationships in Marketing


    Follow Ryan:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanmagin/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RyanMagin?utm_source=chatgpt.com
    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryan.magin?lang=en
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-magin?utm_source=chatgpt.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanmagin/?utm_source=chatgpt.com


    Follow Coach Kav:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kavanaugh-80629682/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkav/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkav/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCoachesRoomWithCoachKav
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    1 hr and 1 min