Under Pressure

Cody Laughlin & Brian Alfaro
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

Under Pressure is a podcast about business, family, and the pressure that comes with trying to do both well. Cody Laughlin and Brian Alfaro have honest conversations about entrepreneurship, responsibility, fatherhood, and the realities of modern manhood. Through real stories and candid discussions, they explore what it looks like to navigate work, leadership, and life without pretending to have it all figured out. If you’re carrying a lot and trying to get it right more often than you get it wrong, you’re in the right place.

  1. 5d ago

    How To Stop Caring What People Think

    How much of your life is being shaped by people who do not have to live with your decisions? In this episode, Brian Alfaro and Cody Laughlin break down how fear of judgment, people-pleasing, social media, and the need for approval can stop you from speaking honestly, changing careers, starting a business, taking risks, and building the life you actually want. They explore why imagined criticism feels so powerful, why public failure can feel like an attack on your identity, and why other people’s judgment is often a projection of their own fears. You’ll also learn a practical four-part framework for deciding whose opinion deserves influence, separating conviction from stubbornness, handling criticism without reacting emotionally, and making confident decisions without ignoring valuable advice. If you struggle with caring what people think, seeking external validation, overthinking decisions, or fearing what others might say if you fail, this conversation will help you stop asking an imaginary audience for permission and start living according to your own values.

  2. Jul 15

    How To Stop Quitting On Yourself

    Why do we keep breaking promises to ourselves? In this episode, Brian Alfaro and Cody Laughlin explore why so many people struggle to stay consistent, why motivation always fades, and how your identity shapes the habits you keep. They discuss the psychology behind self-discipline, why people quit on themselves, and practical ways to build lasting habits without relying on motivation. If you've ever wondered why you can't stay consistent with the gym, healthy eating, your goals, or personal growth, this conversation will help you understand the real problem and give you a better way forward.   Keywords habit formation, discipline, motivation, identity, systems, behavior change, long-term success, mental models Key Topics The role of identity in sustaining habits Why motivation alone is insufficient for long-term change The importance of systems and environment in habit formation The concept of the habit loop and decision fatigue Strategies for lowering standards to build consistency The psychological impact of failure on self-identity The importance of small wins and milestones Creating identity-based habits for lasting change Takeaways Motivation gets you started, but discipline keeps you going. Your identity shapes your habits and long-term success. Systems and environment are crucial for habit consistency. Breaking the trust with yourself leads to failure and self-doubt. Small, manageable goals are more effective than big leaps. Reframe your story and words to program your subconscious. Discipline is built on boring, consistent days. Focus on the framework and identity, not just habits. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Psychology of Habits and Identity 02:01 Why Motivation Fails Over Time 03:55 The Role of Identity in Behavior Change 05:53 Personal Examples of Fading Habits 07:47 The Psychological Impact of Failure 09:59 Discipline vs Motivation: Which Is More Important? 11:47 Creating Identity-Based Habits 15:02 The Habit Loop and Decision Fatigue 18:08 Designing Environment for Success 20:54 The Power of Small Wins and Milestones 24:08 Lowering Standards to Build Consistency 26:51 Balancing Big Goals with Small Steps 30:00 The Role of Words and Self-Talk 33:05 Discipline Built on Boring Days 36:00 Actionable Steps for Habit Formation 38:51 The Final Thought: Believing in Your Words   Resources The Forge - https://www.forgingbettermen.com/

  3. Jul 8

    How To Keep Dating Your Wife After Kids

    Having kids changes everything, including your marriage. Cody Laughlin and Brian Alfaro discuss how to keep dating your wife after kids, strengthen your marriage, improve communication, and avoid the "roommate syndrome" that so many couples experience during parenthood. They share practical strategies for staying connected, making time for each other, protecting your relationship, and building a stronger family without waiting for life to slow down. If you're a husband, father, or new parent trying to balance marriage, kids, work, and family life, this episode will give you practical ways to reconnect with your spouse and build a marriage that lasts. Keywords marriage, parenthood, relationship tips, communication, date night, family life, emotional connection, intentionality, relationship growth Key Topics Impact of children on marriage and communication Strategies for intentional connection and date nights Signs of relationship strain and how to address them The importance of vulnerability and honest conversations Practical tips for scheduling quality time The role of communication in maintaining intimacy The danger of complacency and how to prevent it Long-term benefits of nurturing your relationship Chapters 00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Relationship Dynamics 02:11 The Impact of Children on Communication 04:39 Recognizing Roommate Syndrome 08:39 Prioritizing Spousal Relationships 10:59 Warning Signs of Relationship Strain 14:48 Balancing Family and Marriage 17:13 Simple Ways to Date Your Spouse 21:31 Understanding the Emotional Dynamics in Relationships 24:12 The Dangers of Complacency in Marriage 27:22 Actionable Steps to Nurture Your Relationship 36:33 Intentional Moments: The Key to Connection Resources The Forge - https://www.forgingbettermen.com/

  4. Jul 1

    How To Find The Right Mentor

    Finding the right mentor can change the trajectory of your business, career, and life. Brian sits down with Josh Roosen to discuss how to find the right mentor, why mentorship accelerates success, and what separates great mentors from everyone else. They also dive into entrepreneurship, sales, real estate investing, networking, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Whether you're starting a business, investing in real estate, or looking to level up your career, this episode will help you choose the right mentor, avoid common mistakes, and accelerate your path to success.   Keywords Real estate, mentorship, entrepreneurship, sales, multifamily Key Topics Josh's background and early influences The impact of mentorship and community Transition from employment to entrepreneurship Sales skills and their role in real estate The importance of taking action and learning by doing Building a real estate portfolio starting with a single property The value of mentorship and vetting mentors Creating a culture of care and community in business Lessons learned from failures and pivots The importance of discipline and long-term vision   Resources Multifamily Wealth Nation - https://multifamilywealthnation.com The Forge - https://www.forgingbettermen.com/

  5. Jun 24

    How To Stop Feeling Behind

    Why do so many men in their 30s and 40s feel like they're falling behind? Cody Laughlin and Brian Alfaro explore the pressure to keep up with career goals, financial success, marriage, fatherhood, health, and personal growth. They discuss how comparison, social media, and unrealistic expectations can leave even successful men feeling stuck. If you've ever thought, "I thought I'd be further along by now," this conversation will help you stop comparing yourself to others, redefine success, and focus on the progress you've already made. Key Topics The impact of social media on self-perception How to stop feeling behind The importance of defining personal success The role of gratitude in mental health Strategies for self-reflection and progress tracking The dangers of comparison and social influence Balancing ambition with well-being The concept of progress over perfection Actionable steps to manage feelings of inadequacy Chapters 00:00 Feeling Behind As A Man 02:21 Personal Reflections: Financial and Parenting Expectations 03:07 Societal Pressures: The Impact of Social Media 05:59 The Cost of Feeling Behind: Mental and Emotional Toll 08:42 Defining Success: Personal vs. Societal Expectations 11:34 Strategies to Overcome Feelings of Inadequacy 13:18 Actionable Steps: Moving Forward with Purpose 28:30 Closing   Resources The Forge - https://www.forgingbettermen.com/

  6. Jun 17

    The Labels Holding You Back

    Anthony Vicino joins Brian for a powerful conversation about the invisible labels that shape our lives—and how they can quietly become the very thing holding us back. From being told ADHD was a limitation, to building a $100 million real estate business, to navigating the fallout of a devastating business failure and bankruptcy, Anthony shares hard-earned lessons on identity, responsibility, resilience, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Together, they discuss why victim mentality is so dangerous, how successful people navigate failure, the importance of vulnerability, and why the labels we accept often become the limits we live within. If you've ever felt stuck, underestimated, or defined by your past, this conversation will challenge the way you see yourself.   Key Topics Turning ADHD into a superpower The importance of self-awareness and ownership Overcoming failure and building resilience The impact of labels and mindset shifts The role of vulnerability in personal growth Chapters 01:10 Anthony's Background 05:13 Transforming ADHD into a Superpower 11:04 The Impact of Labels on Identity 14:35 Leveraging ADHD for Business Success 17:40 Self-Awareness and Responsibility 21:03 Navigating Challenges and Accountability 26:20 Lessons from Failure and Vulnerability 34:09 The Power of Sharing Your Story and Building Community 39:09 Final - Outro   Resources The Forge - https://www.forgingbettermen.com/ Anthony's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theanthonyvicino/ Anthony's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/AnthonyVicino

  7. Jun 10

    The Conversation You're Avoiding

    Cody and Brian tackle one of the most uncomfortable, but important, skills every man needs to develop: having difficult conversations. Whether it's with your spouse, your kids, an employee, a friend, or a business partner, avoiding hard conversations often creates bigger problems down the road. In this episode, they share personal stories, discuss the fear and discomfort that keep us silent, and break down practical ways to approach tough conversations with clarity, confidence, and respect. If there's a conversation you've been putting off, this episode is for you. Keywords difficult conversations, leadership, relationships, emotional intelligence, trust, communication, conflict resolution, personal growth Key Topics The true challenge of difficult conversations is often what happens after the talk Strategies for initiating and managing tough discussions in personal and professional settings The role of trust, character, and behavior in effective communication Mental models like SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) for constructive feedback The emotional and relational costs of avoiding important conversations Chapters 00:00 The Challenge Of Difficult Conversations 02:48 Understanding the Costs of Avoidance 03:00 Personal Stories of Avoidance 06:30 Leadership and Tough Conversations 08:37 Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations 13:25 Consequences of Avoiding Conversations 17:54 Parenting in a Changing Culture 19:40 The Importance of Tough Conversations 21:15 Strategies for Effective Communication 23:27 Focusing on Behavior, Not Character 26:59 Being Direct and Clear in Conversations 29:29 Challenging Listeners to Engage 34:37 Confronting Conversations to Relieve Stress 35:02 Final - Outro - Cody.wav   Resources The Forge - https://www.forgingbettermen.com/

  8. Jun 3

    Stop Settling For Average

    Mike Taravella joins Brian for a candid conversation about the hidden cost of settling. From business partnerships and career decisions to relationships and personal growth, they explore what happens when you ignore the feeling that something isn’t right—and the courage it takes to choose a more authentic path. If you’ve ever felt stuck between comfort and fulfillment, this episode will resonate.  Keywords personal development, authenticity, mental health, real estate, partnerships, vulnerability, fulfillment, entrepreneurship Key Topics Authenticity and personal fulfillment Overcoming relationship and business challenges The importance of mental health and vulnerability Building honest partnerships and support networks Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mikey T and His Journey 03:21 The Struggle for Authenticity 06:01 Navigating Partnerships and Personal Growth 08:57 The Importance of Personal Fulfillment 11:32 Vulnerability and Mental Health 14:22 Building a Supportive Network 17:19 Finding Clarity Through Challenges 20:17 The Role of Authenticity in Business 23:05 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 35:59 Final - Outro Resources The Forge - https://www.forgingbettermen.com/ RentRoleAI.com - https://rentrollai.com/ Ask Sammy.AI - https://asksammy.ai Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/valueaddmike/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-taravella-80b8143b/

See All (20)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Under Pressure is a podcast about business, family, and the pressure that comes with trying to do both well. Cody Laughlin and Brian Alfaro have honest conversations about entrepreneurship, responsibility, fatherhood, and the realities of modern manhood. Through real stories and candid discussions, they explore what it looks like to navigate work, leadership, and life without pretending to have it all figured out. If you’re carrying a lot and trying to get it right more often than you get it wrong, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Cody Laughlin & Brian Alfaro
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Under Pressure

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