Win More, Live Better

Zach Brandon
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Win More, Live Better is a podcast for sport coaches and high-performing leaders who care deeply about results, but refuse to compromise their well-being, joy, or relationships in the process. This show explores what it really means to win more and live better on your terms. Through stories, conversations, and practical frameworks, each episode helps you sharpen your leadership, strengthen your inner game, and build systems that support sustainable performance for you and those you lead. Hosted by Zach Brandon, a nationally recognized performance and leadership advisor who partners with elite sport coaches, executives, and high performers to help them thrive using practical tools, systems, and mindset frameworks.

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Bobby Muuss | Head Men's Soccer Coach, Wake Forest Univ. | "Coaching is lonely."

    Bobby Muuss is the head men’s soccer coach at Wake Forest University and one of the most successful coaches in NCAA Division I soccer over the past decade.  Since taking over the program in 2015, he has led Wake Forest to the most wins in the country during that span, along with multiple ACC Championships, eight Sweet Sixteen appearances, six Elite Eights, and two College Cup runs. Prior to Wake Forest, Muuss served as the head coach at the University of Denver, where he led the program to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and conference championships, while earning conference Coach of the Year honors. Before that, he spent time as an assistant coach at Wake Forest under Jay Vidovich, contributing to one of the most successful stretches in program history, including a national championship. Muuss has also developed dozens of professional players, including MLS draft picks and national team talent, while earning multiple ACC Coach of the Year honors at Wake Forest. Here's some notable highlights from our conversation: [6:13] — Inheriting a Powerhouse Program [11:27] — Finding Your Coaching Identity [17:00] — Leadership Starts with Self-Work [21:29] — The Accountability Gap Today [27:34] — Confidants in the Locker Room  [29:32] — Making Meetings Matter [32:52] — "Earn the Jersey" Culture [36:15] — Patience in Development [40:46] — Building Your Coaching Staff [44:58] — Accountability Starts at the Top [47:08] — Coaching Is Lonely [52:24] — Advice for Future Head Coaches [55:56] — Stocks Analogy [1:00:15] — The Impact Beyond the Game and Wins Learn More About Zach: Get 1:1 coaching with Zach -- Schedule free call hereSubscribe to my free newsletter hereYou can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

    1hr 7min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    Use the Difficulty: A Simple Rule for Challenging Moments

    None of us get to choose when difficulty shows up in our lives, but we do get to choose if (and how) we use it. In this episode, we break down why most people waste difficult moments and Zach shares a story from the actor Michael Caine that can shift how we respond to and view the inevitable adversity we confront. Learn More About Zach: If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

    6 min

  3. 4 DAYS AGO

    Here Be Dragons: Why the Unknown Feels Dangerous

    In the 1500s, mapmakers would sometimes stamp “Here be dragons” on the edges of their maps, which marked places no one had yet explored. In this episode, we explore how that same instinct shows up in modern life when you’re facing risk or uncertainty and why your brain is quick to assume the worst. You’ll learn how to recognize when fear is shaping your decisions and why the ability to navigate uncertainty (not predict it) is a valuable skill anyone should develop. Learn More About Zach: If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

    9 min

  4. 5 DAYS AGO

    After the Whistle: How Great Coaches Build Their Staff

    Hiring is one of the most important decisions a coach makes, but it's rarely discussed in a public setting. In this After the Whistle segment, we build on insights from Arizona State head coaches JJ Van Niel and Molly Miller, both of whom emphasize that being intentional about who you hire and finding staff who complement you as a leader. This episode explores why "fit" matters more than resumes, how great leaders build complementary staffs, and why your hiring process is a direct reflection of your culture. Learn More About Zach: If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

    13 min
  5. JJ Van Niel | Head Volleyball Coach, Arizona State Univ. | "Coach Like a CEO"

    23 MAR

    JJ Van Niel | Head Volleyball Coach, Arizona State Univ. | "Coach Like a CEO"

    JJ Van Niel’s path to becoming one of the top coaches in college volleyball is anything, but conventional. After spending more than a decade in the financial world (including investment banking and hedge funds), Van Niel made the leap into coaching, bringing with him a unique lens on leadership, systems, and performance. Today, he is the head coach at Arizona State University, where he has quickly transformed the program into a national contender. In his first three seasons, Van Niel has led the Sun Devils to back-to-back Big 12 Championships (which are the only conference titles in program history), while earning Conference Coach of the Year honors each year. His teams have set program records for winning percentage, produced multiple All-Americans, and made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, including regional semifinal appearances. Before Arizona State, Van Niel was an associate head coach at USC, helping guide the Trojans to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and previously served at Utah during one of the most successful stretches in program history. He has also contributed to the U.S. Women’s National Team, supporting Olympic and World Championship preparation through scouting and analytics.  This conversation explores the journey behind his success and how JJ’s unconventional background continues to shape the way he leads, builds teams, and develops people. Here's some notable highlights from our conversation: [5:21] — Transition from Finance to Coaching [11:03] — Coaching Like A CEO [16:30] — Building a Complementary Staff [27:15] — Learning From Hiring Mistakes [31:13] — Intentionally Building Relationships [38:10] — Weekly Performance Check-Ins [40:52] — The Core 4 Pillars for ASU's Program [48:32] — Growing as a Coach [55:37] — The Courage to Pivot to Coaching Learn More About Zach: If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/You can watch the video recordings of the podcast on YouTube here.

    1 hr

  6. 22 MAR

    How to Use Nerves to Perform Your Best

    Most of us have been taught that nerves are a problem we have to solve. The vast majority of advice that gets recommended to manage nerves centers on trying to calm down, but what if I told you that this advice is counterproductive? After winning The Players Championship, PGA Tour golfer Cameron Young described his nerves as useful and how they help him become capable of better performance. In this episode, we break down why your body’s response to pressure is actually designed to help you perform. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety in big moments, this episode will give you a new way to understand it and a better way to use it. Learn More About Zach: If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

    7 min

  7. 20 MAR

    The Cost of Pursuing Excellence as a Parent AND the Gift Within It

    Some of the most difficult conversations I have with athletes, coaches, and high-achieving leaders aren’t about performance. They’re about the sacrifices they make in this pursuit, especially as it relates to their families. They’re conversations about missed birthdays, missed weddings, time spent physically absent, and the guilt of missing everyday moments that can't be replaced. If you're a high-achiever pursuing your own dreams and ambitions, but struggling with the cost of this in your personal life, then this episode is an invitation for you to remind yourself of what they also gain from your pursuit. Learn More About Zach: If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

    8 min

  8. 17 MAR

    After the Whistle: Thoughts Are Not Laws

    In this After the Whistle segment, we unpack how self-doubt and the inner critic can shape our performances and the way in which we lead others. Drawing on insights from Cleveland Guardians' Major League Manager, Stephen Vogt, and research from Ethan Kross, you’ll learn how to challenge unhelpful thoughts, interrupt mental spirals, and take control of the most important conversation you have each day. Learn More About Zach: If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to sign up for a free discovery call to see how I can best support you: https://calendly.com/zachbrandon/discoverycallFor more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/

    12 min
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Trailers

About

Win More, Live Better is a podcast for sport coaches and high-performing leaders who care deeply about results, but refuse to compromise their well-being, joy, or relationships in the process. This show explores what it really means to win more and live better on your terms. Through stories, conversations, and practical frameworks, each episode helps you sharpen your leadership, strengthen your inner game, and build systems that support sustainable performance for you and those you lead. Hosted by Zach Brandon, a nationally recognized performance and leadership advisor who partners with elite sport coaches, executives, and high performers to help them thrive using practical tools, systems, and mindset frameworks.

Information

  • Creator
    Zach Brandon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Win More, Live Better
  • Show Website
    Win More, Live Better

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