The Real Shift Show

The Real Shift Show

The Real Shift Show is a storytelling-driven podcast about the moments that quietly - or suddenly - change everything. Co-hosted by Anna Crowe, global entrepreneur, author, and TEDx speaker, and Katy Temple, Emmy Award-winning sportscaster and media trainer, the show explores the internal and external shifts that redefine how we live, lead, and connect. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel, featuring entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and cultural icons who open up about the pivotal moments that shaped them - identity shifts, career pivots, mindset breakthroughs, and personal reckonings that fueled real growth. These are the stories rarely told publicly, but often felt privately. With honest conversations, thoughtful questions, and practical takeaways, The Real Shift Show is designed to inspire clarity, courage, and momentum. Whether you’re navigating change, questioning what’s next, or simply craving deeper conversations, this show is your reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident - it happens through bold, intentional shifts.

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 18, Kristen McNabb: How To Win When Talent Isn’t Enough

    What if talent isn’t what determines how far you go? Kristen McNabb has spent 10 years competing at the highest level of professional soccer - but she’ll be the first to tell you she wasn’t always the most talented player in the room. She wasn’t drafted at the top of her class. Instead, she built her career on something else: consistency, adaptability, hard work and doing the little things that other people may never see. On this episode of The Real Shift Show, Kristen joins Katy Temple and Anna Crowe for a candid conversation about what it really takes to stay in the game - in sports, business and life. Kristen shares what a decade at the professional level has taught her about staying power, navigating change, avoiding burnout, authentic leadership and continuing to get better - even when you’re already successful. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why talent alone isn’t enough for long-term success • How “controlling the controllables” can change the way you approach challenges • Why adaptability can become a competitive advantage • How consistency and the work no one sees contribute to longevity • Why focusing too intensely on one thing can lead to burnout • Why Kristen believes you never truly reach your ceiling • Why the most powerful leadership is authentic • How mastering the basics can take you further than chasing the flashy stuff TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Kristen McNabb: 10 years at the professional level 00:45 What 10 years taught her about perspective and balance 01:17 Learning to ride the highs and lows 01:31 Building something new and succeeding through change 02:16 Why adaptability has shaped Kristen’s career 03:10 Starting from the ground up with a new team 03:54 Handling pressure when the stakes get higher 04:47 Advice for parents and young athletes 05:09 Control the controllables 06:03 The risk of burnout 06:56 What creates longevity? 07:14 Outlasting people who may have more talent 08:04 The unseen work behind success 08:31 Why you never reach your ceiling 08:53 Why Kristen doesn’t rely on a strict routine 09:42 What golf taught her about practice 10:33 Can dedication be learned? 11:43 Why authentic leadership is powerful 12:33 Connecting with the San Diego Wave 13:28 The growth of women’s sports 14:11 Master the basics Kristen’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: work hard, stay adaptable, control what you can control and keep getting better. Whether you’re building a career, leading a team, raising kids or simply trying to improve at something that matters to you, there’s something in this conversation for you. Find Kristen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kristenmcnabb_/, https://www.instagram.com/sandiegowavefc/?hl=en What’s one “basic” you could do better consistently? Tell us in the comments. And remember to keep making Real Shift Happen. #TheRealShiftShow #KristenMcNabb #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Resilience #Success #Mindset #Growth

  2. Sep 15

    Ep. 17, Dr. Heather Sandison: The Alzheimer's Conversation that Can Change Your Life

    In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with Dr. Heather Sandison - naturopathic doctor, New York Times bestselling author of Reversing Alzheimer’s, and a leading voice in brain health and cognitive decline. Heather shares the moment that completely changed the direction of her career: watching one of her earliest patients with severe cognitive decline make improvements she had been taught were impossible. That experience led her to dedicate her career to helping people protect and improve their cognitive health. She breaks down the everyday factors she believes can make a difference - including sleep, stress, exercise, diet, blood sugar and challenging your brain - and explains why the biggest myth surrounding cognitive decline may be the belief that there’s nothing you can do. Heather also opens up about her own real shift: building Marama, an innovative senior living community she felt called to create, and then making the heartbreaking decision years later to let it go. This episode is for anyone thinking about their own brain health, worried about a parent or loved one experiencing cognitive decline, caring for someone with dementia, or simply wanting to age as well as possible. In this episode, we talk about: How one patient changed the direction of Heather’s career Why she believes implementation is the most important part of improving brain health The connection between sleep, stress and cognitive health Why combining physical exercise with cognitive challenges may be especially powerful What a brain-supportive ketogenic diet actually looks like Why understanding your blood sugar can provide valuable insights into your health The results Heather saw in a six-month clinical trial with patients experiencing cognitive decline Why she believes “there’s nothing you can do” is one of the biggest myths about Alzheimer’s Why caregivers need to protect their own health, too Why Alzheimer’s may require a more individualized approach Building Marama - and the difficult decision to eventually let it go Why Heather recommends creatine for women over 40 What talking with people later in life has taught her about relationships and joy Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:40 – Why Heather dedicated her career to cognitive decline 01:53 – The conference that challenged everything she had learned about Alzheimer’s 02:57 – The patient who changed the direction of Heather’s career 04:09 – Why implementation matters — and the foundations of brain health 04:30 – Stress, cortisol and the brain 04:49 – Why deep sleep matters for brain health 05:23 – The best exercise for your brain: challenging your body and mind together 06:55 – Why learning and exercise should also be fun 07:40 – What a brain-supportive ketogenic diet actually looks like 09:14 – The one thing Heather says to take away: understand your blood sugar 10:19 – Heather’s clinical trial and what happened with patients experiencing cognitive decline 12:17 – The biggest myth about Alzheimer’s: “There’s nothing you can do” 12:37 – Why earlier intervention matters 13:06 – Why Heather believes there is always room for hope 13:49 – The overlooked impact of dementia on caregivers 15:35 – Why has finding a cure for Alzheimer’s taken so long? 16:00 – Why Alzheimer’s may be more complex than we’ve treated it 17:23 – The dying houseplant analogy that changes how Heather thinks about disease 18:06 – Heather’s own Real Shift: letting go of what no longer served her 18:27 – How three conversations in one day led to creating Marama 19:29 – The heartbreaking decision to shut Marama down 20:10 – Why Heather recommends creatine for women over 40 21:09 – What talking with people later in life has taught Heather about relationships 21:35 – Rapid fire: joy, advice, her younger self and her brain-health routine 22:06 – Final thoughts: leaving the conversation with hope About Dr. Heather Sandison: Dr. Heather Sandison is a naturopathic doctor and the New York Times bestselling author of Reversing Alzheimer’s. Her work focuses on brain health, cognitive decline and helping people understand the lifestyle and health factors that may influence how they age. She has also conducted clinical research involving patients experiencing cognitive decline and founded Marama, a residential care community designed around her approach to cognitive health. Follow Dr. Heather Sandison: Website: drheathersandison.com If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to take better care of their brain - or who needs to hear that there may be room for hope. What was your biggest takeaway from Heather’s approach to brain health? Let us know in the comments. #TheRealShiftShow #HeatherSandison #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #CognitiveHealth #HealthyAging #Longevity #Dementia #WomensHealth #MindsetShift

  3. Sep 1

    Ep. 16, James Blake: The Next Point Mentality - How to Move Forward through Anything

    In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with James Blake — former professional tennis player, ESPN and Tennis Channel analyst, and two-time author, who rose to No. 4 in the world less than two years after fracturing his neck. James opens up about the obstacle that hit hardest — losing his father and mentor to cancer at just 24 years old — and how that grief triggered a shingles diagnosis that paralyzed half his face. He shares how writing his New York Times bestseller Breaking Back forced him to finally start processing his emotions, how a case of mistaken identity with the NYPD turned him into an advocate, and the self-talk and short-term-goal mindset that carried him from barely being able to walk a block to competing in front of 20,000 fans. This episode is for athletes, entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone rebuilding after a setback that felt impossible to come back from. In this episode, we talk about: How James went from fearing he'd never walk normally again to being ranked No. 4 in the world Why losing his father hit harder than any physical injury he faced The shingles diagnosis that paralyzed his face after his father's death Why writing Breaking Back helped him start opening up emotionally The 2015 NYPD incident that turned him into an advocate Building the James Blake Foundation and funding cancer research in his father's name The power of positive self-talk and resetting after a bad point What's changed in tennis training and player longevity since he retired How becoming a father changed the way he processes emotion The Arthur Ashe quote he lives by: "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can" Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:24 – Meet James Blake, ESPN and Tennis Channel analyst 00:35 – The obstacles: a broken neck, losing his father, and an undiagnosable illness 00:47 – The one obstacle James didn't think he'd come back from 01:01 – Losing his father and mentor 01:25 – How grief turned into a shingles diagnosis that paralyzed his face 02:38 – From walking to the corner deli to No. 4 in the world 03:41 – Getting 1% better every day 04:09 – Why short-term goals beat big dreams 05:14 – Writing Breaking Back, his New York Times bestseller 07:23 – Writing his second book, Ways of Grace 07:43 – The 2015 NYPD incident and mistaken identity 09:23 – Choosing advocacy over a lawsuit 10:08 – The James Blake Foundation and cancer research 10:36 – Andy Roddick, John Mayer, and Andre Agassi showing up for the cause 11:09 – The self-talk that got him through matches 12:14 – What's different in tennis today, from an analyst's seat 13:23 – Life after retirement and almost going into finance 13:48 – Parenting two daughters and learning to emote 14:47 – Crying over his kids in ways he never expected 16:05 – Choosing to be present for his kids over everything else 16:24 – The zucchini lunch story his daughters won't let him live down 17:01 – The advice he repeats to his daughters 17:16 – The Arthur Ashe quote he lives by 17:53 – Final thoughts and where to find James   About James Blake: James Blake is a former professional tennis player who reached No. 4 in the world and was named ATP Comeback Player of the Year in 2005. He now works as a tennis analyst for ESPN and the Tennis Channel, is the author of two books — including the New York Times bestseller Breaking Back — and founded the James Blake Foundation, which funds cancer research in honor of his father. Follow James: X: @JRBlake Website: jamesblaketennis.com   If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone working their way back from a setback. What was your biggest takeaway from James's story? Let us know in the comments. #TheRealShiftShow #JamesBlake #Tennis #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #MentalHealth #Parenting #Comeback #MindsetShift #SportsBusiness #OvercomingAdversity

  4. May 27

    Ep. 15, Francesc Miralles: This Secret to Longevity May Surprise You

    In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with internationally renowned author, journalist, and speaker Francesc Miralles — best known as the co-author of the global phenomenon Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Joining the show from Barcelona, Francesc shares the deeper meaning behind ikigai, the Japanese philosophy centered around purpose, fulfillment, longevity, and living a meaningful life. From discovering unexpected global success to helping millions rethink happiness, discipline, flow, and human connection, this conversation is both grounding and deeply inspiring. Together, Katy, Anna, and Francesc explore what it really means to live with purpose in a distracted, fast-moving world — and how small daily shifts can radically transform the way we live. This episode is for entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, seekers, and anyone feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or searching for greater meaning in life and work. In this episode, we talk about: The true meaning of ikigai and why it matters Why purpose is connected to longevity and happiness The unexpected story behind the global success of Ikigai What the people of Okinawa do differently than the rest of the world The power of community, relationships, and belonging The concept of “flow” and how to create more of it in your life Why multitasking destroys focus and fulfillment • The four circles exercise to help uncover your purpose Creating time and stillness in a distracted world Why discipline matters for creativity, spirituality, and personal growth How to train attention in the age of constant distraction Why it’s never too late to discover your purpose The rise of “late bloomers” and finding meaning later in life Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:34 – Meet Francesc Miralles and the meaning of ikigai 01:13 – What is ikigai?  01:52 – Francesc’s unexpected journey to global success 02:34 – The Okinawa trip that changed everything 03:32 – How Ikigai transformed Francesc’s career 04:04 – When Francesc realized the book was impacting the world 05:02 – What Okinawa teaches us about longevity and happiness 06:01 – Why relationships and community matter so much 06:41 – The importance of daily meaning and purpose 07:24 – What is “flow” and why does it matter? 08:31 – Why multitasking destroys flow 09:25 – How to find your purpose using the four circles exercise 11:24 – What the world needs and how to align with it 12:28 – Practical ways to begin finding your purpose 13:20 – Making time for reflection and creativity 14:28 – Why discipline matters beyond work 15:15 – Training your attention in a distracted world 16:29 – What Francesc says to people who feel “it’s too late” 17:02 – Why many people discover purpose after retirement 17:42 – The beauty of becoming a “late bloomer” 18:23 – Lessons we can learn from the Japanese and Blue Zones 18:38 – Final thoughts and book giveaway announcement If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone searching for more meaning, balance, or purpose in their life. Follow Francesc Miralles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francesc_miralles/ Website: https://www.francescmiralles.com/ Books: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life What was your biggest takeaway from this conversation? Let us know in the comments. #TheRealShiftShow #Ikigai #FrancescMiralles #Purpose #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Longevity #BlueZones #Happiness #SelfDevelopment #FlowState #MeaningfulLife #Leadership #MentalWellness

  5. May 13

    Ep. 14, Julie Uhrman: From 100 No's To A $335 Million Global Movement

    In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with Julie Uhrman — the visionary entrepreneur and co-founder behind Angel City FC, now valued at $335 million and considered the most valuable women’s soccer club in the world. Julie opens up about building Angel City FC alongside Natalie Portman and Kara Nortman during a time when most people doubted women’s sports could succeed at scale. From hearing over 100 “no’s” while fundraising to redefining what impact and profitability can look like together, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, mission-driven business, and trusting your vision when nobody else sees it yet. This episode is for entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, athletes, and anyone navigating growth, reinvention, or the pressure of building something bigger than themselves. In this episode, we talk about: How Angel City FC grew to a $335 million valuation in just six years Why women’s sports was treated like a “charity” — and how they changed the model The 100 “no’s” that almost stopped the business before it started The mindset shift that changed Julie’s fundraising strategy forever Building a business around impact AND profitability Why Angel City gives 10% of sponsorship revenue back to the community Leadership lessons from building with Natalie Portman and Kara Nortman Letting go of identity and stepping away as CEO The importance of understanding your strengths Why women’s sports is not a moment — it’s a movement Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:28 – Meet Julie Uhrman and the Angel City FC story 01:14 – Why starting a women’s soccer team in 2019 felt “crazy” 02:22 – The Women’s World Cup moment that changed everything 03:06 – The groundbreaking 10% sponsorship model 04:23 – Supporting players after retirement through the Player 22 Fund 05:29 – Growing Angel City FC to a $335 million valuation 06:15 – Investing in players, community, and fan experience 07:19 – Expanding women’s sports beyond “girl dads” and families 08:00 – Hearing 100 “no’s” while fundraising 08:50 – The Eva Longoria conversation that changed everything 10:11 – Why impact became Angel City’s biggest business differentiator 10:46 – Building trust and leadership with co-founders 12:21 – Creating a legacy that changed women’s sports forever 13:19 – The belief Julie had to overcome to scale the business 13:59 – Reframing rejection and the meaning of “no” 15:49 – Why Julie stepped down as CEO 17:02 – Identity shifts after leaving a major role 17:41 – The “secret sauce” behind Angel City’s success 18:05 – How to better understand your strengths 18:57 – Advice Julie would give her younger self 19:30 – Why women’s sports is a movement, not a moment 19:47 – Final advice on overcoming other people’s opinions If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone building something bold. Follow Julie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/juhrman/, https://www.instagram.com/weareangelcity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieuhrman/ What was your biggest takeaway from Julie’s story? Let us know in the comments. #TheRealShiftShow #JulieUhrman #AngelCityFC #WomensSports #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #FounderStory #NWSL #SportsBusiness #MindsetShift

  6. May 6

    Ep. 13, Dr. Tyler Forbes: This Will Change How You Handle Stress

    Most people spend their lives avoiding discomfort. They avoid the hard conversation. The cold plunge. The risk. The thing that might change them. But what if discomfort is actually the doorway? In this episode, Tyler Forbes, founder of Breathe Degrees, explains why doing hard things is the key to resilience, growth and becoming who you’re actually capable of being. From cold plunges and breathwork to mindset, fear, confidence and community, Tyler shares the philosophy behind building one of San Diego’s most talked-about wellness communities—and why staying calm under pressure is a skill anyone can train. This is a conversation about nervous system regulation, mental toughness, human connection and the stories we tell ourselves that keep us playing small. You will learn: How cold plunges train your nervous system and resilience Why discomfort is necessary for growth and transformation How breathwork helps you stay calm under pressure The science behind stress, fear and emotional regulation Why community and connection are critical for happiness How limiting beliefs and insecurity shape our lives The three rules Tyler teaches his kids (and himself) Why “going first” changes everything How to stop playing life safe and start taking action ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:05 – Why discomfort creates growth 4:10 – The problem with modern comfort 7:15 – Breathwork, cold plunges and resilience 11:40 – Choices, chances and changes 15:20 – The power of community and connection 19:30 – Why success doesn’t create fulfillment 23:10 – Tyler’s upbringing and mindset shifts 28:00 – Fear, insecurity and human potential 34:15 – The three rules for life 41:20 – Why there are “no rules” 46:00 – Staying calm under pressure 50:25 – Breathwork and nervous system regulation 56:10 – Final thoughts and takeaways About Tyler Forbes: Tyler Forbes is the founder of Breathe Degrees, a wellness and recovery community focused on breathwork, cold plunges, sauna, movement and human connection. Through science-backed practices and community experiences, Breathe Degrees helps people build resilience, regulate stress and reconnect with themselves and others. Follow Tyler Forbes + Breathe Degrees: Website: https://breathedegrees.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathedegrees Subscribe for more: Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, resilience, leadership, personal growth and the shifts that change how we live and lead.

  7. Apr 29

    Ep. 12, Shelley Zalis: Why Ambitious Women Still Get Stuck

    Most people wait to be chosen. They wait for permission. For confidence. For the “right time.” But what if that moment never comes? In this episode, Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient and founder of #SeeHer, explains why waiting is the biggest mistake holding you back—and how to build confidence, speak up in meetings, and step into leadership before you feel ready. After disrupting the research industry and building a global platform for gender equality, Shelley shares the mindset, communication skills, and leadership strategies that helped her succeed in high-stakes environments. This is a conversation about confidence, executive presence, and what it really takes to lead—especially when you’re the only one in the room. You will learn: How to build confidence at work (even if you don’t feel ready) How to speak up in meetings and high-pressure situations The truth about executive presence and leadership Why women in leadership need to stop waiting for permission How to grow your career and take control of your path The mindset shift required to lead in business today Why gender equality is a business advantage—not a limitation ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 0:35 – Who is Shelley Zalis 1:20 – Early career and leadership journey 3:10 – The moment everything changed 5:45 – Building The Female Quotient 8:30 – Women in leadership and business strategy 11:15 – Speaking up in meetings 14:40 – Confidence vs readiness 17:20 – Community and advocacy 20:10 – Gender equality in business 23:30 – Career advice and leadership growth 26:00 – Final thoughts About Shelley Zalis: Shelley Zalis is the CEO of The Female Quotient and founder of #SeeHer, a global movement focused on advancing gender equality in the workplace and media. She is a recognized leader in business, leadership, and inclusion. Follow Shelley Zalis: Website: https://www.thefemalequotient.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyzalis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefemalequotient Subscribe for more: Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, communication, confidence, and career growth.

  8. Apr 23

    Ep. 11, Robin Toft: The Hidden Cost of Success (No One Talks About This)

    In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with Robin Toft, CEO of Curebound, cancer survivor, and purpose-driven leader. Robin shares the moment everything changed — walking into an ER thinking she had food poisoning… and being told she had cancer and needed emergency surgery. No time to prepare. No time to process.  Just a decision — and a complete life reset. What followed wasn’t just recovery. It was a radical shift in how she lives, works, and defines success. 💡The shift: The life you’ve built — the one that looks successful on the outside — might be the very thing pulling you away from who you really are. Robin followed that realization immediately. She walked away from her career, rebuilt her life from the inside out, and chose a path rooted in purpose — not pressure. In this episode, we talk about: What it feels like to have your life change in an instant The wake-up call behind “pushing through” and ignoring your body Breaking the addiction to work and external validation The identity shift from achievement → alignment Learning to trust intuition over logic The difference between ego-driven success and soul-led purpose How to create work that feels meaningful, not draining What it looks like to live “passionately on purpose” Her mission to accelerate cancer research through Curebound Why authenticity and personal alignment matter more than ever 🧠 A line you’ll remember: “If you would quit your job after a life-defining moment… you should probably quit your job now.” Robin’s story isn’t just about cancer. It’s about the moments in life that force you to stop… re-evaluate… and decide if the path you’re on is actually the one you want. Because the real shift isn’t just surviving something hard… it’s having the courage to change everything after it. Learn more about Robin Toft: 🌐 Curebound: https://www.curebound.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cureboundofficial/, https://www.instagram.com/robintoft2/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robintoft/ 👇 Join the conversation: What part of Robin’s story resonated with you most? Have you ever had a moment that made you completely re-evaluate your life? What would you change if you actually listened to that voice?

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Real Shift Show is a storytelling-driven podcast about the moments that quietly - or suddenly - change everything. Co-hosted by Anna Crowe, global entrepreneur, author, and TEDx speaker, and Katy Temple, Emmy Award-winning sportscaster and media trainer, the show explores the internal and external shifts that redefine how we live, lead, and connect. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel, featuring entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and cultural icons who open up about the pivotal moments that shaped them - identity shifts, career pivots, mindset breakthroughs, and personal reckonings that fueled real growth. These are the stories rarely told publicly, but often felt privately. With honest conversations, thoughtful questions, and practical takeaways, The Real Shift Show is designed to inspire clarity, courage, and momentum. Whether you’re navigating change, questioning what’s next, or simply craving deeper conversations, this show is your reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident - it happens through bold, intentional shifts.

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