On this episode of the Whatever It Takes Podcast Brandon James and Jon Paramore dive deep into the power of self-awareness and why it's one of the most important traits a person can develop in leadership, business, and life.

The conversation starts with reflecting on a recent event that put a lot of things into perspective and quickly moves into a powerful discussion about radical honesty with yourself.

Brandon shares how ego, victimhood, and blame can keep people stuck in the same patterns, and how learning to take ownership of your part in every situation can completely change the direction of your life.

They talk about the difference between being self-aware and being self-critical, how to process your past without letting it define your future, and why humility is required if you truly want to grow. Brandon also shares personal experiences from recovery and the process that helped him identify fears, resentments, and character defects — and how that process ultimately set him free.

Jon and Brandon also break down why many people know what they need to change but still struggle to actually do it, and why asking for help is often the turning point that allows real transformation to begin.

If you've ever struggled with letting go of the past, breaking old habits, or figuring out how to become the person you know you're capable of being, this episode will challenge you to take an honest look in the mirror and start moving forward with clarity and purpose.

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On this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore discuss complacency, pressure and staying ready with a special guest today: MLB World Series Champion + former St. Louis Cardinal Matt Adams — aka "Big City."

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Big City" nickname
• • How it started in spring training
  • Why it stuck for 10+ years
• Where it all began
• • Starting baseball at 3–4 years old
  • Small-town Pennsylvania upbringing + early love for the game
• The setback that fueled him
• • Losing the University of Pittsburgh opportunity
  • Going D2 at Slippery Rock with a chip on his shoulder
• The money + travel ball reality
• • Not having the resources for all the "prep / travel circuit" stuff
  • Betting on: "If I'm good enough, they'll find me"
• Manifestation before it was "cool"
• • Practicing his autograph in class
  • Visualizing success as a teenager without even realizing it
• Minor leagues → fast track to the show
• • Rookie ball → A-ball → Double-A → Triple-A → debut
  • Getting drafted 23rd round and being told he was a "roster fill"… then proving everyone wrong
  • What it takes to climb when you're NOT the top prospect
• Why most guys don't make it
• • Complacency after getting drafted
  • Taking the foot off the gas
  • Expecting things to be given instead of earned
• The "Cardinal Way" culture
• • The obsession with doing the little things right
  • Practicing fundamentals daily (even bunting when you're a big bat)
  • Low tolerance for ego / selfishness
  • How leaders are built, not bought
• Playing with legends + learning the standard
• • Being around Pujols / Yadi / Tony La Russa
  • Mentors like Jon Jay & Daniel Descalso
  • How winning environments feel different
• World Series moments you can't script
• • Fenway Park as a rookie (pinch-me stuff)
  • The emotional chaos of a Game 7 moment
  • Winning a championship and realizing: "We're grown men celebrating a kid's game"
• St. Louis as a baseball city
• • Why Cardinals fans are different
  • Respecting great baseball… even from visiting players
  • Getting love on the road because Cardinals fans travel
• The hard truth: keeping your spot is harder than earning it
• • The pressure of always having someone coming for your job
  • Why role players have to stay ready at all times
• Life after the league
• • Independent ball grind + still chasing the dream
  • Coaching, media, and what his next chapter could look like
  • What he wishes he told his younger self: don't take a day for granted

Quick notes:

• If you've got little ears in the car, heads up: we drop a little salty language sometimes.

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In this episode, Brandon James and Jon Paramore talk about a major gap in sales and entrepreneurship:

Too many leaders teach people how to make money…
Almost nobody teaches them how to keep it.

We break down:

• The "Joe" effect — tripling income and still ending up broke
• Why quick success can destroy undisciplined people
• The importance of financial literacy in leadership
• Building emergency funds and reverse engineering goals
• Creating real freedom instead of seasonal success

We also discuss:

• Social media outrage culture
• Protecting your focus
• Choosing how you show up daily
• Not sacrificing integrity for clicks or conflict

If you want sustainable success — personally and professionally — this episode hits.