Win More, Live Better

Zach Brandon
  • 4.8 (23)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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. 2D AGO

    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
  2. Stephen Vogt | Major League Manager, Cleveland Guardians | "Leaders don't get bad days."

    3D AGO

    Stephen Vogt | Major League Manager, Cleveland Guardians | "Leaders don't get bad days."

    In this episode of the Win More, Live Better Podcast, Zach sits down with Stephen Vogt, manager of the Cleveland Guardians and a former 10-year Major League Baseball veteran and two-time MLB All-Star. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007, Vogt spent years grinding through the minor leagues before making his big league debut in 2012. Over the next decade, he built a reputation as one of the most respected catchers in the game known not only for his performance, but for his leadership inside the clubhouse. During his playing career, Vogt suited up for several organizations including the Rays, Athletics, Brewers, Giants, Diamondbacks, and Braves. Not long after hanging up his cleats, Vogt transitioned into coaching, joining the Seattle Mariners staff in 2023 as a bullpen and quality control coach. In November of 2023, he was named the 45th manager in Cleveland Guardians franchise history, becoming one of the youngest managers in Major League Baseball. Here's some notable highlights from our conversation: [5:53] — When Stephen Knew He'd Coach [8:51] — Leadership Behind the Plate [12:03] — Failure, Empathy, and Perspective [16:49] — Transition from Player to Manager [21:00] — The Emotional Weight of Coaching [23:36] — Building Your Own Leadership Style [26:14] — Self-Doubt and The Inner Critic [30:30] — Three Non-Negotiables for the Team Culture [35:06] — Warning Signs for Culture Drift [39:29] — Creating Space for Truth-Telling [44:01] — Building the Right Staff [47:36] — The Power of Curiosity [52:17] — Deleting Social Media to Protect Your Mind [54:08] — Win Today [55:48] — Learn the Lesson, Leave the Event [58:29] — Support Behind the Scenes [59:40] — Being Present as a Father 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.

    1h 3m

  3. 6D AGO

    The Bounce-Back Stat: How the Best Golfer in the World Responds to Mistakes

    Mistakes are inevitable in sport, but too often performers get derailed when they allow those mistakes to snowball. In this episode, we explore a key statistic from the best golfer in the world, Scottie Scheffler, called the bounce-back stat. We break down what causes mistakes to spiral and how athletes and leaders can develop the skill of bouncing back quickly. 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

  4. MAR 11

    Let Go or Be Dragged: The Cost of Carrying the Past

    How often do you carry something long after the moment has passed? In this episode, Zach shares a powerful parable about two monks that reveals how easily we hold onto unhelpful thoughts. You’ll learn how to separate the event from the story, why release is a skill high performers develop, and how one simple idea ("The Invisible Backpack") can help lighten the load. 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

  5. MAR 10

    After the Whistle: The 8 Building Blocks for High-Trust Teams

    After his conversation with Dr. Paul Zak, Zach dives deeper into the science of trust and what it means for coaches and leaders. Drawing from Zak’s research on oxytocin and high-trust organizations, this After the Whistle episode explores eight leadership behaviors that strengthen connection and performance inside teams. If you want to build a culture where people feel trusted, valued, and motivated to give their best, this episode offers a practical framework to start. 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/

    19 min
  6. Dr. Paul Zak | Professor, Author, and Speaker | “Social connection is the macronutrient for emotional fitness.”

    MAR 8

    Dr. Paul Zak | Professor, Author, and Speaker | “Social connection is the macronutrient for emotional fitness.”

    Today I'm joined by Dr. Paul Zak, a distinguished university professor at Claremont Graduate University, a pioneer in the science of trust, and one of the world’s leading researchers on the neurobiology of human connection.  He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is ranked in the top 0.3% of the most cited scientists globally. Over the course of his career, Dr. Zak has published groundbreaking research on trust, oxytocin, and the biological foundations of cooperation, leadership, and human flourishing. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, he has delivered talks in more than 30 countries and is a six-time TED speaker. His work has been leveraged by globally recognized organizations and audiences including Google, Facebook, Microsoft, the Association for Talent Development, ING Bank, and HSM. Through his research, writing, and speaking, Dr. Zak helps leaders better understand how trust, connection, and emotional fitness shape performance and strengthen organizations. In this conversation, we explore the science behind trust and relationships in high-performing teams, the role of psychological safety and challenge in leadership, and why social connection may be one of the most powerful drivers of both performance and thriving. Dr. Zak also shares insights from his research on emotional fitness, why humans are biologically wired for connection, and practical ways leaders can design environments where people can perform at their best, while also living well. Here's some notable highlights from our conversation: [4:44] — Research Into the Neurobiology of Human Connection [8:46] — Trust Is the Lubricant of Team Performance [15:15] — Emotional Awareness for Leaders [20:58] — Pushing Performers to Failure [29:09] — Two Key Building Blocks for Trust [34:33] — Emotional Fitness [42:50] — Connection Is Essential to Winning [48:50] — Invest in Human Beings, Not Human Capital [52:34] — Lead From Love [58:24] — Social Connection Is Key for Recovery [1:05:26] — Kids and People Need "Time Ins" (Not Timeouts) Learn More About Dr. Paul Zak: You can learn more about Dr. Zak and his work on his website here.You can check out his Six Emotional Wellness app here.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.

    1h 9m

  7. MAR 6

    The Tonnage Principle: Jerry Seinfeld's Two-Word Advice for Mastery

    In a world obsessed with shortcuts and hacks, the reality is the path to mastery is often much simpler (and much harder) than we'd like to believe. Regardless of your industry or chosen craft, a universal and timeless principle is that greatness is usually built through an accumulation of a lot of purposeful reps and effort. Inspired by a story with comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld, this episode offers a reminder to all of us to keep working so the results eventually compound for us. 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

  8. MAR 5

    Know their Normal: The Leadership Skill of Noticing What’s Off

    Have you ever had a moment with someone you know where something just felt off? Maybe their tone was different, their energy seemed lower, or they reacted in a way that didn’t quite match who they normally are. In this episode, Zach explores why understanding someone’s “normal” is a valuable skill for coaches and how great leaders become pattern recognizers. 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
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Trailers

4.8
out of 5
23 Ratings

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
    221
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Win More, Live Better
  • Show Website
    Win More, Live Better

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