One Percent Better

Today's conversation is with a living legend in the world of coaching and teaching. Sue Enquist is an 11-time National Champion and a six-time Hall of Famer. Along that journey, she has empowered thousands of women first hand, and inspired millions of young men and women from a distance. Implementing a portion of the mindset, language, and behavior that Sue lives on a daily basis will change your life 1% at a time. Sue: Was close friends with John Wooden Developed a station in practice dedicated to failure recovery Worries our kids' best skill sometimes is being careful Opens up about the lowest moment in her career Describes her relationship with being 1% better Preaches the value of strong voice and weak voice This one is special. Email me at [email protected] As always, thank you for listening! --JF

This week I call upon teachers everywhere to keep at it. Keep making a difference in the lives of young people. We can do this. We are doing this. Today's episode is about how upgrading our mindset and out language in these unprecedented times will help so many get 1% better. Email [email protected] to tell me your thoughts. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today's conversation is with one of the best businessmen in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He's a National Champion, a restaurateur, and my best friend. He also happens to be my father. It's a milestone episode, and one that will help you get 1% better. We talk about: Work ethic Our mutual love of food What it's like to coach your own kids The realities of owning a restaurant The importance of family And much more. Email me and let me know what you think [email protected] As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Email me with your theory [email protected] Stay tuned for a very special Episode 150 next week. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today's conversation is with one of the best interviewers of all-time. Roy Firestone has interviewed over 5,000 people. He has appeared in films, hosted multiple television shows, and has recently released his brand new podcast. Roy shares stories, impersonations, and lessons learned, including: The importance of conversation in 2020 The trait most of the celebrities he has interviewed share What makes a great question Roy's favorite Muhammad Ali story and much more. Check out Roy's interview with Wilt Chamberlain Buy Roy's Book As always, thanks for listening! --JF

It's a secret. It might just change your life. Press play to hear it. Email me and tell me how it went [email protected] --JF

This is one of my favorite conversations. Nick Winkelman is an elite communicator. His work title is The Head of Athletic Performance & Science of Irish Rugby , but his methods and research touch all aspects of communication and connection. His book not only has my favorite title of the year, but is a readable, scientifically-researched manual for all coaches who want to help their athletes move 1% better. Reach out to Nick on Twitter and tell him I sent you. Email me to tell me what you thought [email protected] As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today I share a practice that has helped me get 1% better. The audio brain dump. It's not an elegant name for a technique that will help achieve more creativity, productivity, and clarity, but it works. Listen to how I do it, then try it for yourself. Email me at [email protected] to let me know how it worked. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

I am happy to welcome back to the show, author William Deresiewicz. This is a deep conversation about what artists and creators are struggling with in today's digital economy. Interesting Links: Buy Bill's Book My first conversation with Bill Is Food Art? (57: 34) Bill and Stephen Colbert Email me [email protected] As always, thanks for listening. --JF

Who did you want to be 20 years ago? My guest today Darren Gurney knew me when I was 21 years old, and the head coach of a college baseball team. I hope my conversation with Darren will motivate you to examine who you were, and who you are in the process of becoming. It's certainly not too late to change course and get 1% better. 1% Better Links Meet Lute Croy Discover Ken Scott Check out Darren's Book Time-stamped Recommendations: How to become a better writer 47:19 The best starter book on Economics 43:10 Darren on confidence 48:10 Darren's one piece of signature content 43:44 Darren's favorite meal 49:09 Email me at [email protected] Thanks for listening, --JF

If you have never heard of my guest today, you are in for a treat, a potentially life-changing treat. Julian Treasure offers you wide-ranging ways to get 1% better in the world of communication. From what lozenge to try before a big presentation, to how to craft a personal values statement, to how Bill Clinton's team helped him improve his physical gestures on stage, to how I can be a better husband (38:34), Julian empties his pockets today. This one is special. I would love to hear from you how this one helped you. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Email me if you have an answer to any of these questions: What does it mean to be original? Who is a true original? Can you think of a cover song that is better than the original? As always, thanks for listening! I'll see you next week with another damn good conversation. --JF

"This is exactly what I needed to hear!" This is the reaction I received from the two 1% Better listeners I sent this episode to ahead of time. I prepared for a wide-ranging interview with Laura, and instead she gave me a FULL one-on-one coaching session. What's great is that I think many of you will feel that LGO is talking directly to YOU. As I learn how to be 1% better right alongside you, this episode gives us all something to think about, something to talk about, and something TO DO. I have listened three times upon episode release and I would to hear your thoughts and ideas. Please share this episode with that friend you have who is starting her business. Let me know how I can help. Here's the course my wife and I took: LGO'sCourse LGO'sBook Damn Good Conversations As always, thanks for listening! --JF

A short message today to connect with you and share three resources to help you get 1% better. The Even Better Jimmy V Speech High-Velocity Questions Free 1% Wednesday Newsletter Happy Father's Day to you and yours! As always, thanks for listening, --JF

Today I share with you a beautiful conversation. My guest is undefeated trial lawyer turned chocolate maker, Shawn Askinosie. Before we taste craft chocolate live on the air, we discuss: Why he left the practice of Law How he felt when he received death threats What it means to "win the moment" What the work of Chocolate University is How The Last Dance relates to his life How he unwinds from deep work How to be mindful The relationship between price and value How much is enough? All that, and a live chocolate tasting in studio. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

My guest today is Eva Jean-Charles. From her website, "Let's create a space that empowers black people to take ownership over our communities by developing a love of learning and a commitment to self-determination." Today she helps us all get 1% better at having this vital conversation. Email me [email protected] with comments, questions, and critiques. And by all means, visit https://www.blackonblackeducation.com/ for resources integral for keeping this conversation going. As always, thanks for listening. --JF

Today's episode features the work of Tasha Eurich. She and her team have done the heavy lifting of unpacking the dense science of how we see ourselves as we move through the world. The result is a very readable book that distills years of research into engaging stories, detailed case studies, and vital statistics that will help you uncover the best of yourself. Our conversation is aimed at you: the business leaders, educators, coaches, and parents looking to improve the way you see yourself and the way the world sees you. Important stuff. I hope you enjoy it. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

This might be the most personal episode I have ever made. I hope you see some part of yourself in it. Let me know [email protected] As always, thanks for listening. --JF

My guest today has made a living helping people get paid to speak. He has used his expertise to provide strategies for people seeking to turn speaking hobbies into speaking businesses. He's Grant Baldwin and I know he can help you get 1% better today. Our talk orbits around his new book, The Successful Speaker, but you will hear us discuss practical skills about beating procrastination, performing with excellence, effective communication, and the practice of self-improvement. Skills that will help you grow during quarantine and beyond. I think you'll love it. Be well. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

There's a difference between a conversation, and a 1% better conversation. One simple way to improve your conversations is to start a podcast. Even easier? A secret podcast. Start one today with a person you respect. Email me at [email protected] or DM me here if you want that person to be me. Be well. As always, thanks for listening! -JF

My guest today is Eric Holtz. He is the owner and operator of Game On 13 in Elmsford, NY as well as the Head Coach of the Israeli Senior National Team that qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics. I am excited to share his message of passion, resilience, and urgency with you today. We discuss: What Eric looks for when hiring How he makes important decisions in his life His philosophy on parenting How long it takes for him to make a read on a person The importance of confidence Body language and its effects and much more. I know he will help you get 1% better. I hope you enjoy our conversation. As always, thanks for listening. Be well. --JF

Today I share a 3-minute clip from Laura Gassner Otting. Laura was a recent guest of mine on a live Zoom Event. As usual she brought real value to our audience in attendance. Today I want to share an excerpt from what she had to say that night. If you would like to hear her full talk including answers to audience questions, head here. If you would like to attend our next free live Zoom Event RSVP here. Keep getting 1% better, and be well! --JF

My conversation today is with leadership coach Jamy Bechler. We discuss his latest book, The Bus Trip, what leadership looks like in 2020, working effectively with millennials, and much more. If you would like to attend my upcoming free Live Zoom Event on April 28th featuring Dr. Amy Fast and Dr. Brad Johnson, RSVP here. In the meantime, thank you for listening, and be well! --JF

Today I share a portion of The 1% Better Summit held on March 25th. If you would like to see video of the entire event or be updated when the next summit is scheduled, connect HERE. For more of Jesse Cole head HERE. As always, thanks for listening. Be well. --JF

I am thrilled to present my conversation with Michael Gervais. Our conversation orbits around the idea of how to get 1% better at training your mind, your body, and your craft. You will love it. If you would like a copy of the notes from last week's 1% Better Summit, connect here. As always, thanks for listening! Stay well, --JF

We are living through unprecedented times. Millions of students are out of school. Many of you are living amongst them! What is reasonable to expect of our teachers in this time of crisis? Today's conversation orbits around this central question. I would love your thoughts. Email me [email protected] or get social @FerraroOnAir As always, thanks for listening! --JF

It's been a crazy couple of weeks in the world. I hope this conversation helps just a little. Phil and I talk about: The importance of keeping an accomplishment list Gratitude The advantage of "better" or "best" His love of perpetual change The difference between a failure and a mistake The hidden side of musicians like Beyonce and Elton John Thoughts on launching a book Why Phil blew me off when I met him Why LeBron and Leo are two of the best salespeople in the world Luck and putting it out there and much more as you've come to expect. My first conversation with Phil As always, thanks for listening! --JF

What browser tabs are open right now on your computer or phone? How about in your life? This week I share the open tabs in my life and tease out ideas and frameworks I hope you can use to get 1% better today. Links mentioned: My Website Improvements Tyler with Tim The Harris Project Jon and Butch Link to Donate As always, thank you for listening! --JF

This week, I welcome back to the show Tim Pollard, a titan in the Public Speaking Coaching industry. In this conversation, Tim helps us all get 1% better by dispelling some popular myths of public speaking success, and sharing how to manage nerves on stage. Stick around until the end, where he answers several listener questions. It's a deep conversation that will leave you feeling 1% better than ever about your next opportunity to speak in public. Pick up a copy of Tim's book here. Email me if I can help you at [email protected] For taking notes on what you read, Try Readwise Free And as always, thanks for listening! --JF

This week I share some struggles in February, and a simple checklist to go to when you are stuck. Email me if I can help you. Scene in Doc Hollywood Try Readwise Free And as always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today's guest will help you supercharge your learning. His website is a great resource for all things Ultralearning, and his book will give you a practical system to help you master hard skills. Email me at [email protected] if I can help you in any way, or just to say hello. For taking notes on books like Ultralearning, try Readwise free As always, thanks for listening! --JF

This week I share two powerful C words that can immediately help you get 1% better. Email me. Try Readwise Free My Speaking Page As always, thanks for listening! --JF

This one is special. Congratulations to Ryan on his first book, and to so many of you who have been around since Episode 1; it means the world. Here are the links mentioned on today's episode: Buy Ryan's Book My Speaking Page Try Readwise Free Episode 1 w/ Ryan Hawk Email me [email protected] As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Sometimes it's the small moments in a conversation that make all the difference. Saying precisely what we mean, and meaning precisely what we say, is one simple and powerful way to get 1% better with our language. This week I share a phrase that I have been hearing more and more on the podcasts to which I listen. Does it mean what the speaker says? Email me. Try Readwise Free As always, thanks for listening! --JF

What did you think about Tyler and this episode? I would love to hear your feedback. Email me. Links mentioned: Tyler's Website Why Books Don't Work As always, thanks for listening! -JF

This is an episode that hopes to do two things: Inspire you to launch a project of your own Celebrate a moment in time where over 70 people came together to celebrate community and lifelong learning If you have questions or comments, I would love to hear them. Email me. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

I cannot think of a better conversation to kick off 2020 and a brand new year of One Percent Better. If you haven't heard of Jordan Syatt yet, today's your lucky day. He is a strength and nutrition coach sharing wisdom and strategies that will help us all get 1% better. You can find everything he is up to here or connect with me here. Our talk covers: Myths and realities in the world of fitness How you can jump start your health today The best way to lose fat and gain muscle Why Jordan stopped training one of the most famous businessmen in the world And even why Jordan is obsessed with Harry Potter I am positive that you are going to love this conversation. As always, thanks for listening! -JF

When is the last time you did a year in review? For most people, it was not last year. Fewer still do it as part of a consistent habit. This week, I want to encourage all of you to conduct a 2019 year in review. It does not have to be fancy. It only has to be honest. What did you accomplish? Where did you fall short? If you write the truth, it won't feel 100% positive. Today I share my year in review as one way you can do it. I broke mine into the following sections: My Word of 2019 People I interviewed in 2019 Podcasts I Appeared On Workshops I Led Significant Failures Ideas I Podcasted About Intangible Accomplishments Looking Ahead to 2020 Organize your year in review any way you choose as long as you do it. Email me your year in review, or with any questions I can help you with. I am proud of you. Can't wait to see what you accomplish in 2020. As always, thanks for listening! See you in 2020, --JF

My guest today is obsessed with getting better. His website is his mantra. "Compete every day" says Jake Thompson, and he means it. In today's conversation we unpack the whys, hows, and whens of finding the competitor inside all of us. Buckle up for a great conversation. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

This week I have questions. One central question actually: When does collaboration help a project, and when does it hurt a project? Links mentioned: YouthBaseballSchool Alumni Classroom "Ice Ice Baby" As always, thanks for listening! --JF

My guest today is Buster Benson. In addition to having a fancy alliterative name, he has written an extraordinary book, called "Why are We Yelling? The Art of Productive Disagreement. You can find it on his website. How good is this book? Here's what former guest Seth Godin has to say about it: "This is a life-changing book. Read it three times and then give a copy to anyone you care about. It will make things better." Regular listeners know the weight that endorsement carries. In our conversation Buster shares questions you can use today to improve the quality of your disagreements while reducing the stress that comes with arguments. We discuss the difference between being polite showing someone that you care about them while disagreeing, and much more. Before I go, two announcements: 1. I have a new, grown up email address. Try it out: Email me at my new address! (Joe at onepercentbetterproject dot com) 2. I have been lucky to associate with great people. When I began this project, I had no idea where it would lead. One place I am ecstatic that it led is here: YouthBaseballSchool A one-stop shop for baseball instruction. I accepted an invitation to be a contributor, and I couldn't be more excited. Please share that affiliate link with the baseball fan in your life. I cannot thank you enough for all the support! As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today's episode is a thoughtful rant. Thoughtful Rant: (Noun) A passionate albeit somewhat disorganized collection of questions and ideas. I want to hear your take. Email me here. Links mentioned in today's episode: Alumni Classroom Kelly Gallagher Tweet Podchaser Link Steve Johnson: "Reading is legal theft." As always, thanks for listening! -JF

My guest today is Nancy Duarte. She is a communications expert who has been featured in Fortune, Time Magazine, Forbes, Fast Company, Wired, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Cosmopolitan, LA Times, and on CNN. Her new book Data Story presents a compelling vision of how to see the crucial data you or your team need to get one percent better, and how to tell your story in a way that compels others to follow you. I know you will enjoy this conversation. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today's episode comes from my daughter's U6 Soccer team. I share a story from her final game this season that I hope will inspire you to reflect on how your leadership skills can get 1% better. Enjoy. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today's episode brings you Kevin Eastman. Kevin has rubbed elbows with some of the most successful athletes and leaders in the world. In the process, he has become one of them. His message, and his book are musts for any of us trying to get 1% better every day. You will hear alignment in the philosophy and tactics Kevin preaches and practices. I loved this conversation. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

To Whom it May Concern: Please accept my highest recommendation for lifelong learning. It's a mindset, a practice, a habit. One that literally gets better every day. Believe it or not I have only known lifelong learning, or kaizen, or continuous improvement as it is sometimes called, for 20 years. As I stare down my 42nd birthday, it startles me to try and remember so many wasted moments in classrooms across in Pennsylvania. I day dreamed in an elementary Catholic school, where viciously underpaid teachers were doing the best they could. My mind wandered in a private high school where kids with IQs beyond belief thrived as I clawed to keep up. When I got to college, something clicked and I began asking questions, listening to the words the teacher said as well as the vital meaning behind them. My grades improved as I learned how school worked, but even then, between Division I baseball and other priorities, I largely excelled in classrooms that featured motivated, creative teachers in the front of the room. Interestingly, only when I became a student teacher at age 21 did I begin to unravel the power of lifelong learning. As a teen, I was quick to dismiss a teacher as boring. Are some teachers boring? Sure. So are some politicians, doctors, and even comedians. I now believe it is the learner responsible for curiosity, generosity, and active listening he or she brings to every experience, but because of my bias towards dynamic educators, as a teacher myself, I take the responsibility for creating an environment in which people want to learn. I know my style of classroom presentation won't be every body's favorite, but it's the best version of me that I have yet found. Only in the last two decades did I feel the power of lifelong learning. First as a student teacher, one book ahead of my 7th graders. Secondly as a college baseball coach helping to rebuild a dormant program. Next as a High School English teacher and HS baseball coach shifting my philosophy to student-centered labs where real-world skills collide with classic and contemporary literature. In each case, lifelong learning has revealed itself to be a source of tremendous inspiration, challenge, and renewal. Immediately obvious upon meeting lifelong learning is its unique blend of challenge and invigoration. It's a wonderful elixir . . . instead of getting tired while learning from every experience, you actually feel energized like a slow drip coffee IV. You start by listening, then identifying your own biases that make decision making so challenging. Then asking questions. Really great questions. "what would an opponent in a debate say against you?" "What has helped you develop the confidence you have in your opinion?" "What would it take to change your mind?" "How would you recommend someone just starting out begin?" Once you've come this far with life-long learning, you'll get some great answers. But will you hear them? Will you receive them with an open mind and heart ready to be convinced? What is learning after all if not willingness to be changed? If all of this sounds like a lot of work, remember that ignorance and stubbornness are much easier, and much more damaging. Either side can be drilled into a habit, choose wisely. It is difficult to pinpoint what I admire most about lifelong learning, but I know what I dislike most about it—encountering those who don't want to practice it. You won't recognize these stalwarts by eye. It's by ear. "That's how we've always done it." "That won't work for me." "I am just so used to my way." "It doesn't feel comfortable." "Someday." Please forgive my gushing tone. Lifelong learning is a life-altering mindset and practice. One that starts innocently and slowly. It can begin with a book, like Carol Dweck's Mindset. With a a famous virtual mentor like Daniel Kahneman, or a real-life mentor like your Little League Coach you've lost touch with. It can begin with a newsletter like Farnam Street, or a Twitter account you use to follow deep thinkers. Lifelong learning can begin anywhere. Even in a podcast named after the art and science of getting just a little better each day. I look forward to hearing about your small wins with lifelong learning. It's an incredible ride. Please feel free to contact me with further questions about lifelong learning. Sincerely, Joe Ferraro

You can find my guest's full body of work on his website. Rob Walker is a journalist covering design, technology, business, the arts, and many other subjects. Today we talk about his new book , the power of observation, how to improve writing skills, and much more. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

When do you perform your best? Is it in the excitement of first-time experiences? Is it after months of study and review? Perhaps there is a middle ground that brings out your best. This week I share what I have learned about my peak performance, and ask you to share what you have learned about you. Email me here. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today's episode is with professional storyteller Kindra Hall. Kindra is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, and her brand new book is available now! During our conversation, Kindra: shares a few of her favorite stories teaches us what a story is and what a story is not offers advice on how to improve our storytelling today explains the four musts for an effective story and much more. As always, thanks for listening! --JF

Today I share a tool destined to help you get 1% better every day. In a few weeks I will release my conversation with 2008 NBA World Champion Kevin Eastman, but today I share a tool that he says changed his life. The W.I.L.T. journal. I now use it. My students now use it. Will you give it a try? It will help you get 1% better every day; that's a promise. Let me know what you write down this week. As always, thanks for listening. --JF