The Confident Podcast

What if you could chase big goals without burning out your brain, your team, or your life? I sit down with Julius Thomas, former NFL Pro Bowler turned Health Psychologist and founder of Optimal Performance Systems, to map a science-backed path to sustainable high performance. His story starts with a leap: walking away from the NFL at 30 to pursue a doctorate and build evidence-based systems that help people win without losing themselves. We unpack some amazing things such as The 4 R's, the 5 keys of performance and striving for 100. Each framework is amazing and easy to adapt into your life. If you’re tired of the false choice between hustle and health, this conversation gives you a third way: align goals with behaviors, build environments that protect focus, and let performance and well-being rise together. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review with the one habit you’ll change this week. Chapters: More than just a podcast: YouTube Channel Newsletter Applyclick to order

Ever feel like you’re performing your life instead of actually living it? I sit down with best-selling author and keynote speaker, Judi Holler to unpack the courage it takes to stop pleasing, start trusting yourself, and make space for a truer version of success. From her decade-by-decade journey, Judi shows how small brave experiments compound into identity shifts. We dig into why “make it till you make it” beats “fake it till you make it,” and how to jump with a parachute: savings, skills, support, and a plan. Judi opens up about the cave season that stripped away applause and forced her to find worth without a stage, ultimately birthing her new book, Holler At Your Dreams (which is a must read). We talk about going from hustle and stress to hustle and flow, click bait, protecting your peace, and choosing delayed gratification. Ready to step out of performance and into a braver, truer life? Hit follow, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the one belief you’re dropping this week. Your future self will thank you. Chapters: More than just a podcast: YouTube Channel Newsletter Applyclick to order

Confidence doesn’t show up on command...it is the training that goes on behind the scenes through preparation, risk, and relentless attention to detail. In this episode, I sit down with Cathy George, head coach and Mike Gawlik, associate head coach of the Grand Rapids Rise, a women's professional indoor volleyball team to unpack how pros build confidence, why team energy can swing matches, and what it takes to grow a startup franchise into a contender. We explore mental versus physical demands at the elite level, what separates consistent pros from talented prospects, and the staff chemistry that matters. If you lead teams, on the court or in the office, you’ll walk away with practical mantras, smarter practice ideas, and a renewed respect for the small actions that compound into big wins. Chapters 7:039:1813:3918:4921:2024:0627:0529:06 More than just a podcast: YouTube Channel Newsletter Applyclick to order

What if growth finally clicked the moment you stopped gripping the wheel? I sit down with Sarah Fechter, owner of Sarah Fechter Fitness, a global online coaching and premium in-person training business to unpack how real change happens. Throughout this episode, we get honest about the parts of leadership most folks skip: learning to lead humans, not tasks; investing in mentors earlier; and helping teammates see their vision inside yours. We share practical tools you can use today like always measure backwards to see progress, ask curious questions instead of assuming, and set boundaries that are real, not avoidance in disguise. We also dig into delayed gratification, why multitasking steals presence, and how your body signals misalignment with tightness, racing thoughts, and a quickening pulse. Hit play, then tell us the pivot you’re making this year. If this conversation helped, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. Chapters: 9:4010:0514:0518:1522:3526:0529:1533:0538:2041:1045:08 More than just a podcast: YouTube Channel Newsletter Applyclick to order

Ready to trade performative hustle for focused power? We kick off 2026 by unpacking six hard-won leadership lessons drawn from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—then translating them into simple moves you can use this week. From truly operating in your zone of genius to leading with emotional clarity, this conversation is a practical blueprint for confidence that compounds. We start with alignment: why the Year of the Horse energy—boldness, flow, freedom—matters, and how a short holiday reset changed my eyes-under-bags reality. Then we get tactical. You’ll hear how staying in your lane elevates the whole team, why EQ beats emotional suppression, and how the real magic happens in rehearsal, not the spotlight. We dive into culture design too: setting clear goals, sharing the upside with meaningful bonuses, and building rituals that recognize people who rarely touch the mic. Pressure will come, so we map out calm responses: scenario planning, clear roles, and the “respond, don’t react” first five minutes. Finally, we talk about being fully yourself without using authenticity as an excuse to stop growing. Expect reflection questions you can use with your team, your calendar, and your next big decision, plus a peek at what’s new: a fresh set, logo, website, and a lineup of guests we can’t wait to share. If you’re aiming for higher performance with less friction—more clarity, cleaner systems, deeper confidence—this is your start line. Hit play, save your favorite takeaway, and send it to a friend who’s ready to lead with courage. And if this resonated, subscribe, leave a quick review, and join the newsletter at podcast.lisatarkington.com so you don’t miss what’s next. Chapters: 0:00: 1:07: 3:15: 6:38: 7:50: 13:21: 16:35: 19:02: 24:06: 26:40: More than just a podcast: YouTube Channel Newsletter Applyclick to order

Most people talk about coaching like it’s a luxury or a nice-to-have. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually changes when you work with a coach. The before-and-after that happens internally, strategically, and professionally. If you’ve ever wondered: “Why do successful people have coaches?” “Is coaching really worth the investment?” “Will it actually help me grow?” …this is the episode you needed. I’m sharing: You’ll walk away understanding exactly why coaching works when books, podcasts, and conferences don’t create lasting change — and how coaching helps you think, lead, and operate at a level you’ve never hit on your own. If you are tired of reacting, overwhelmed by constant pivots, or craving clarity, confidence, and strategic direction… this episode will show you the path forward. Ready to lead differently? Apply for coaching at lisatarkington.com/coaching. More than just a podcast: YouTube Channel Newsletter Applyclick to order

In this episode, Lisa Tarkington breaks down one of the most underrated skills: perspective. She shares a personal story that reveals how quickly our minds create narratives, why perspective influences everything—from our reactions to our relationships—and what happens when we don’t have it. You’ll learn how perspective impacts problem-solving, emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and growth, plus the frustration of having perspective when others around you don’t. If you’ve ever spiraled, assumed the worst, or reacted from emotion instead of clarity, this episode will help you shift the story, stay grounded, and lead with intention. Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

Let’s be honest, everyone says they want feedback until they actually get it. In this episode, I’m diving into why feedback feels so personal, how to take it without getting defensive, and how to give it in a way that builds trust instead of tension. We’ll talk about: If you’ve ever struggled with giving or receiving feedback or you’ve worked with someone who can dish it but not take it, this one’s for you. Because real leadership isn’t about who talks the loudest about accountability… it’s about who actually lives it. Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

Lisa dives into one of her favorite topics, growth through learning. From the books that have shaped her leadership to the insights that have stretched her mindset, she shares her personal takeaways from some of today’s most powerful reads. Lisa opens up about her own evolution from post-college burnout to becoming a lifelong learner and how reading, coaching, and continuous development have fueled both her personal and professional success. You’ll hear about the titles that shifted her thinking on time, visibility, leadership, confidence, and even faith. Featured Books & Insights: TractionBuy Back Your TimeBe SeenThe 5 Types of WealthThe 4 Disciplines of ExecutionThe Genius ZoneJesus, CEOThe Confidence CodeLisa also shares what’s next on her reading list from The Let Them Theory to The Energy Bus and challenges listeners to take one step toward growth this week: read, reflect, apply, and share what you learn. Because as Lisa reminds us, the best leaders never stop learning and when you stop learning, you stop leading. Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

Have you ever been at the edge, heart pounding, palms sweaty, knowing you have to go first? In this episode of The Confident Podcast, host Lisa Tarkington takes you on a journey through some of her most defining adventures from bungee jumping in New Zealand, skydiving at 14,000 feet, hiking solo, and even navigating life’s quieter challenges like tough conversations and major life changes. Through each story, Lisa reveals what these moments taught her about leadership, courage, and confidence, the kind that isn’t built by having the map, but by trusting the rope and taking the leap. If you’ve ever stood on the edge of something new—personally or professionally—this episode will remind you that the leap may be scary, but it’s also where transformation begins. Tune in to learn: Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take the next step even when you can’t see the whole trail. Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

What if the reason you’re tired, overworked, or stuck has nothing to do with how hard you’re working and everything to do with where you’re working from? In this episode, Lisa introduces a brand-new method she created to help leaders and high achievers find clarity, protect their energy, and finally move forward with purpose. It’s the framework that changed how she works, coaches, and leads and it might just do the same for you. You’ll walk away with fresh insights, honest reflection, and a tool that can realign the way you show up every single day. Click here to take the Zone of Genius Quiz. Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

After a season away from the mic to welcome their son into the world, Lisa returns to The Confident Podcast with a very special guest her husband, Marc. Together, they open up about one of life’s biggest transitions: becoming parents for the first time. In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and Marc share the highs and lows of pregnancy, birth, and navigating those first months of parenthood while juggling careers, emotions, and a brand-new rhythm of life. From private choices during pregnancy to walks that kept them grounded, they talk candidly about what confidence looked like in a season full of unknowns. You’ll hear: Whether you’re a parent, hope to be one someday, or just want a behind-the-scenes glimpse into real life change, this episode is a reminder that confidence isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about being willing to grow, together. If this resonates, share it with a new parent or anyone stepping into a new season of life. And if you’re ready for support in your own journey, you’ll also hear how to connect with Lisa for coaching and resources. Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

Have you ever felt the pressure to keep going when everything in your body is telling you to pause? You're not alone. In a letter to future herself, our host Lisa Tarkington, talks how she plans to prepare for maternity leave and a temporary podcast hiatus. This isn't a goodbye – it's a transformation in progress. Whether you're navigating parenthood, career transitions, or simply feeling burnout creeping in, this episode offers a gentle reminder that your identity isn't tied to what you produce. The letter unpacks how we can lead powerfully from the background, reconnect with playfulness, and stay grounded in core values during major life shifts. What pause might you need right now? How might stepping back actually propel your leadership forward? This episode might be the permission slip you've been waiting for. Chapters: 0:00: 2:09: 6:29: 11:38: Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

Have you ever felt exhausted from constantly trying to impress people? That heavy feeling where your worth becomes tied to your impact, your confidence dependent on applause, and your authenticity lost in the performance? You're not alone. In this episode, our host, Lisa Tarkington, pulls back the curtain on what true confidence really looks like - and why it might be the opposite of what we've been taught. She shares the story of her summer of 2021, when she experienced a profound sense of freedom by simply being myself without apology. Dancing on stage during keynotes, traveling solo, wearing what made her feel good rather than what was expected - she was living from a place of quiet, unshakable confidence that didn't need external validation. Tune in to hear how she slipped back into perfectionism, trying to impress others, and more. She talks about her solutions and finding her back to herself. Chapters: 0:191:375:229:3414:0419:54 Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

What if the clarity you're desperately seeking only comes after you take the leap? In this deeply personal episode, Lisa Tarkington reflects on seven years of podcast evolution while unpacking the complex emotions surrounding change and transition. Lisa identifies the subtle signs your professional life might be calling for transformation: dreading tasks that once energized you, feeling persistent heaviness, or catching yourself daydreaming about different paths. She also explores personal indicators like feeling drained in environments that used to inspire you, no longer relating to the same people, or experiencing physical manifestations of stress that won't subside. The heart of this episode addresses why change feels so terrifying despite knowing it's necessary. Lisa unpacks how fear of disappointing others, fear of failure, and the comfort of familiarity keep us trapped in situations we've outgrown. She vulnerably shares her own "what if" stories that once held her back, revealing the powerful truth that "clarity often comes after the leap, not before it." You will walk away with a practical framework for embracing change: listen to your internal cues, name your fears without letting them control you, and take small, aligned actions toward your evolving vision. Most importantly, you'll be reminded that you're allowed to outgrow things, evolve, and pivot—but first, you must give yourself permission. Chapters: 0:008:4010:3214:2019:3423:1927:3129:12 Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

What if the biggest obstacle to your dream career isn't your skills or experience, but the limiting beliefs you've carried for years without realizing it? Stacey Gorin, an executive coach at Ernst & Young, spent 20 years climbing the corporate ladder at IBM before discovering her true calling, then another decade actively pursuing it. Her journey reveals a truth many of us face: we often follow paths that don't align with our core values, strengths, or passions. The breakthrough moment came when someone finally asked her the right questions, helping her recognize the disconnect between her technical role and her natural talents for connecting with and supporting others. This conversation dives deep into the PowerUp framework Stacey developed– a practical approach to overcoming the limiting behaviors that hold professionals back. Chapters: 0:00: 3:42: 9:00: 17:51: 22:13: 31:22: Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

"I lost myself this year. I let everybody else's opinions dictate how I lived my life." Those tearful words from a friend struck me deeply because we've all felt that painful disconnect between who we are and who others expect us to be. In this episode, I dive into the struggle of maintaining your integrity when the world is shouting its opinions at you. Drawing from my own recent battles with self-doubt and the pressure to conform, I share how even as a confidence coach, I've lost sleep wondering if I'm on the right path when faced with criticism and conflicting advice. The journey to staying true to yourself isn't about perfection—it's about intention. I explore the warning signs of losing yourself (feeling anxious about others' thoughts, saying yes to draining commitments, playing a role instead of living authentically) and offer practical tools to reclaim your center. From the powerful three-person rule (only three people's opinions should truly matter to you) to the perspective-shifting 10-year test ("Will I regret changing myself for this person in 10 years?"), these strategies help filter the overwhelming noise that can drown out your inner voice. Chapters: 0:006:2715:2324:0927:4631:13 Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

What if your biggest what-if wasn't about failure, but about success? This transformational question lies at the heart of confidence-building, as we explore the fundamental truth that confidence isn't innate—it's a skill carefully crafted through daily habits and mindset shifts. Perhaps most powerful is the mindset shift from "what if I fail?" to "what if it works?"—a simple yet profound reframing that transforms energy, creativity, and possibility thinking. Through personal stories and practical examples, I share how these nine habits have transformed not only my confidence journey but those of countless clients who've implemented them. Whether you're navigating early career uncertainty, stepping into new leadership responsibilities, or simply seeking to amplify your voice in daily interactions, these actionable habits provide a roadmap for sustainable confidence growth. Rather than searching for a dramatic overnight transformation, you'll learn how small, consistent actions compound into unshakeable self-trust over time. Chapters: 0:08: 4:31: 9:33: 10:33: 20:36: 31:02: Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

Have you ever found yourself sobbing, wondering how you ended up so far from the life you actually want? That's exactly where Dr. Nona found herself—a successful business owner with 13 employees, a new baby, and a marriage that wasn't working. Despite checking all the boxes of conventional success, she was deeply unhappy. In this raw and transformative conversation, Dr. Nona shares her journey from that rock-bottom moment to completely rebuilding her life around an authentic vision. After immigrating from Iran at 16 without speaking English, she built businesses driven by fear and a need for validation. It wasn't until her emotional breaking point that she finally embraced the vision she'd been dismissing as unreasonable. Ready to start saying "yes" to your own vision? Listen now and discover how trusting your gut and making aligned daily choices can gradually bridge the gap between where you are and where you truly want to be. Chapters: 0:4610:3016:3522:3030:1037:40Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid: Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok

We all have them—relationships, jobs, habits, or beliefs that once served us well but now hold us back. Yet something keeps us hanging on, trapped in a comfortable prison of our own making. Why is letting go so difficult, even when we know it's time? This episode dives deep into our reluctance to release what no longer serves us. I explore how fear of loss often outweighs potential gain, how our identities become entangled with roles we've outgrown, and how emotional attachments keep us tethered to the familiar even when it's harming us. Through personal stories and practical insights, I share how holding onto these outdated parts of our lives affects everything from our mental wellbeing to our physical health and stunts our personal growth in ways we don't always recognize. I've been there—clinging to corporate roles that burned me out, relationships that drained my energy, and limiting beliefs about who I could become. Let's get into it! Chapters: 0:001:086:5610:4517:5521:3524:4129:20 Receive a free coaching session with Lisa: Click here. Sponsor Athletic Greens, click to order and receive a free gift! Follow our host, Lisa Tarkington: Click here Follow The Confident Podcast on: InstagramTikTok