Podcast
The High Performance Life
Hosted by Scott Danner · EN
As High-Performers, we're all after three things: to do it all, have it all, and feel good about it, too.
Some will say, "it's all about "balance", but I've got a different story to share with you….
This podcast is going to take you into the minds of some of the world's Top Performers in Business, Relationships, Health, and Mindset, and
give you hands-on methods to move from feeling you're merely managing your High Performance Life, to MASTERING it.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
You're Breaking Your Relationships (And Don't Even Know It)
2w ago00:57:20Tap to summarizeWhat if the version of you that succeeds at work… is the exact version of you that's hurting your relationships at home? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. D. Ivan Young to unpack something I think a lot of high-performing men struggle with: You can dominate in your career… But still feel disconnected in your marriage, your family, and your life. We talk about what it really means to "leave work at the door," why so many men stay stuck in survival mode without realizing it, and how our upbringing quietly shapes how we show up decades later. We also go deep into parenting, emotional presence, generational blind spots, and the small daily behaviors that either build connection, or slowly break it down. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right… But something still feels off at home—this conversation will challenge you in the best way. 👤 About Dr. D. Ivan Young Dr. D. Ivan Young is one of the most credentialed coaches in the world—an ICF Master Certified Coach, behavioral neuroscience expert, TEDx speaker, and Professional Fellow at the Institute of Coaching, a Harvard Medical School affiliate. Known as the "Reality Check Doctor," he has spent over a decade working with high-net-worth individuals, Fortune 100 executives, professional athletes, and entrepreneurs—helping them break toxic cycles, reclaim their identity, and lead with emotional intelligence. He is the author of multiple bestselling books, including Leading from the Heart, which introduces his Generational Blind Spots framework—exploring how inherited beliefs and early-life experiences shape leadership, relationships, and personal growth. Key Takeaways Why many high-performing men bring their "performative self" home—and how that damages relationships The concept of Generational Blind Spots—and how patterns from childhood (ages 2–7) shape your default behaviors as an adult Why being physically present at home doesn't mean you're emotionally present in your relationships How stress activates the brain's "survival mode"—and shuts down your ability to think, communicate, and connect effectively The importance of self-empathy and self-awareness in regulating emotions and avoiding reactive behavior Why unspoken stress turns into negative behavior—and how open communication changes relationships How men often act out what they won't talk about—especially in marriage and family life Why presence, attention, and modeling behavior are the most important things a father can give his children The danger of raising kids on screens—and how it replaces real connection with passive stimulation Why leadership at home starts with humility, authenticity, and doing the work on yourself
Transcribe →Why You Feel Like You're Not Enough (Even If You're Successful)
3w ago00:53:44Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest thing holding you back… is something you're trying to hide? In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Dickerhoof to unpack what's really going on beneath the surface for high-performing men. We talk about insecurity—not in a surface-level way—but the kind that shows up in how we lead, how we communicate, and how we show up in our relationships. Because the truth is… a lot of us are playing a role. We're showing up as who we think we're supposed to be—instead of actually being who we are. Tyler breaks down why that happens, how it impacts every area of life, and what it actually takes to start showing up with more clarity, confidence, and authenticity. If you've ever felt like you're capable of more… but something keeps getting in the way—this conversation will help you understand what that "something" really is. About Tyler Dickerhoof Tyler Dickerhoof is a leadership mentor, speaker, author, and founder of Impact Driven Leader. With more than 20 years of leadership and business experience, Tyler works with entrepreneurs, executives, and high-performing leaders to help them lead with greater self-awareness, authenticity, and emotional honesty. He is the author of The Things We Hide, a book that explores the fears, insecurities, and unseen beliefs that often sit beneath performance, leadership, and personal growth. Through his coaching, speaking, and content, Tyler helps leaders move beyond surface-level success and build a life rooted in clarity, courage, and meaningful impact. Key Takeaways Why everyone has fears and insecurities—and how hiding them shapes your behavior and relationships The hidden ways insecurity shows up—through overconfidence, aggression, withdrawal, or avoidance How trying to be a "chameleon" in different environments leads to identity confusion and lack of trust Why authentic vulnerability is essential for building real connection (and what it actually looks like) The Empathy Spectrum—and how most people fall into being either overly harsh or overly passive The four "walls" people build (intensity, insensitivity, isolation, inactivity) that block connection and growth Why loneliness is often a result of what we're unwilling to share, not a lack of people around us The powerful reframe: asking for help isn't weakness—it's actually a way of valuing the people around you The core question driving most behavior: "Am I enough?"
Transcribe →The Habit That's Quietly Destroying Your Marriage (98% of Men Have It)
4w ago00:39:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Paul Hutchinson to talk about a reality most people don't want to face… but absolutely need to understand. We go deep into human trafficking, the systems behind it, and what's actually driving the demand. But what impacted me most wasn't just the missions, the rescues, or even the stories… It was the deeper conversation around healing, responsibility, and how brokenness—left unaddressed—spreads. We talk about how success without alignment can quietly destroy your life, why so many men are living disconnected from their families, and how the things we ignore today can show up in ways we never intended tomorrow. This episode isn't just about awareness. It's about taking a hard look in the mirror. About Paul Hutchinson Paul Hutchinson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and humanitarian known for his work in combating human trafficking and helping to liberate children around the world. He is a co-founder of a multibillion-dollar investment firm and the primary investor and executive producer behind The Sound of Freedom—a film that has reached tens of millions of people globally and brought unprecedented awareness to child trafficking. Over the past decade, Paul has participated in and led over 70 undercover rescue missions across 15 countries, helping rescue thousands of children and supporting ongoing prevention efforts. He is also the founder of the Child Liberation Foundation and is deeply involved in initiatives focused not just on rescue—but on healing trauma, addressing root causes, and creating long-term change. Key Takeaways Why giving isn't something you do after success—it's what creates success The "big rocks" principle—and how misaligned priorities quietly destroy relationships and fulfillment How extreme success without alignment led to broken relationships, disconnection, and personal collapse The reality of human trafficking—and why awareness has dramatically increased in recent years Why healing trauma (not just stopping crime) is the only long-term solution The connection between addiction, pornography, and the escalation of destructive behaviors Why presence as a parent is one of the most powerful ways to protect your children How unhealed pain can ripple through families, relationships, and generations The Deeper Conversation One of the most powerful ideas from this episode: "Hurt people hurt people." But if that's true… then healing people change everything. This isn't just about stopping bad actors. It's about understanding what creates them in the first place—and breaking that cycle before it spreads.
Transcribe →You're Not Falling Apart... Your Body Is Just Screaming for Help!
Apr 1400:53:51Tap to summarizeMost people think longevity is about supplements, biohacking, and trying to "beat aging." But what if we've been thinking about it completely wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Sue Hitzmann to unpack what actually drives long-term health, pain-free movement, and real vitality. We go deep into the body's hidden system—fascia—and why it may be the missing link behind chronic pain, stiffness, stress, and even how you age. But this conversation goes far beyond the physical. We talk about presence, relationships, emotional health, and why the people who live the longest often aren't doing anything extreme… they're just deeply connected and fully engaged in life. If you've ever felt stiff, tired, disconnected, or like your body is breaking down faster than it should… this episode will completely reframe how you think about your health. About This Episode In this conversation, I sit down with Sue Hitzmann—an internationally recognized fascia educator, manual therapist, and creator of the MELT Method. Sue has spent decades studying how the body actually heals, helping people reduce chronic pain, improve mobility, and restore their nervous systems through simple, daily self-care practices. Together, we explore the science of fascia, the failures of modern healthcare, and how small, intentional habits can radically change how you feel in your body—and how you experience your life. Key Takeaways Why longevity has less to do with biohacking—and more to do with presence, relationships, and community The hidden role of fascia as the body's "organ of awareness"—and why most people ignore it until it's too late How modern healthcare is symptom-driven, not root-cause focused—and what that means for your long-term health Why pain is often a signal of "stuck stress" in the body, not just injury or aging The simple daily habits (hydration, sleep, movement) that can dramatically improve how your body functions How disconnection from nature and your body is accelerating fatigue, stiffness, and disease Why personal responsibility + body awareness is the foundation of real health What Most People Get Wrong Most people treat the body like a machine. Fix the symptom. Take the pill. Move on. But your body isn't mechanical... It's biological, emotional, and adaptive. And when you ignore the signals... They don't go away. They get louder. Click here to learn more about Sue: https://suehitzmann.com/
Transcribe →Why Modern Life Feels Like Too Much (Here's My Solution)!
Apr 701:16:07Tap to summarizeThis episode is a little different. Instead of me asking the questions… I'm the one in the hot seat. I sit down with longtime friend and creative partner Cheryl Tan—someone who's seen the journey up close for nearly a decade—to unpack the real story behind the show, the LIFE framework, and the seasons of life we don't talk about enough. We go deep into what it actually looks like to build something meaningful while navigating family, business, overwhelm, and identity shifts—especially in this stage of life. We talk about empty nesting, marriage, regret, curiosity, and why most people feel busy… but still disconnected. And maybe most importantly—how to design a life that actually feels like your own. If you've ever felt like life is moving fast… Or you're building something but not sure it's aligned… This conversation will hit! 🔑 Key Takeaways Why most people feel overwhelmed—and how clarity starts by separating what you can vs can't control The real purpose behind the LIFE framework—and how to actually use it in your day-to-day life Why relationships—not transactions—are the foundation of both business and fulfillment The hidden emotional weight of empty nesting—and how to navigate that transition intentionally How to design your "perfect day"—and why most people never take time to define it Why curiosity is one of the most underrated skills for growth, connection, and better conversations The importance of building your next chapter while still living your current one
Transcribe →The Life You Want Will Cost You the Life You're Settling For!
Mar 3100:50:54Tap to summarizeWhat if the reason you still feel stuck… has nothing to do with your effort, and everything to do with where you're building from? In this episode, I sit down with Keyen Lage—former NFL athlete turned high-performance coach—to unpack why so many successful people still struggle with self-belief, fulfillment, and direction. We go deep into something I think a lot of people miss: the difference between building a life from your head… vs your heart. Keyen shares his journey from reaching the NFL to having that identity stripped away—and how that forced him to rebuild from a completely different place. We also talk about curiosity, faith, risk, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs in life don't come from a plan… but from being willing to follow something you don't fully understand yet. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things but still feel disconnected… this conversation will challenge how you think about success, purpose, and what it actually means to be aligned. About Keyen Lage Keyen Lage is a high-performance coach for ambitious men and a former NFL athlete whose career was cut short by a neck injury. After reaching the pinnacle of professional sport, he was forced to rebuild his life from scratch—shifting his focus toward emotional alignment, relationships, and long-term fulfillment. Over the past seven years, he has built a multi six-figure coaching business, working with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and high-level creators. His work centers on helping men eliminate self-sabotage, lead with emotional clarity, and understand masculine–feminine dynamics so they can experience both external success and internal fulfillment. Blending performance psychology with emotional depth, Keyen teaches that true leadership and resilience are not forced—they are the byproduct of alignment. Key Takeaways Why achieving success doesn't guarantee fulfillment—and often exposes deeper misalignment The difference between building from the head vs the heart, and why one leads to self-sabotage Why curiosity—not control—is often the driving force behind meaningful life change How following "what feels right" can lead to opportunities you couldn't logically plan for The role of faith and something bigger than yourself in sustaining long-term success Why environment and surroundings play a critical role in personal growth and identity shifts How self-sabotage often comes from pursuing goals that aren't aligned with who you truly are
Transcribe →You're Breaking These Communication Rules (And Don't Know It)
Mar 2401:01:38Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest breakdowns in your relationships… aren't about what you're saying— but how you're saying it? In this episode, I sit down with Betsy Butterick—"The Coaches' Coach" to unpack the communication habits that quietly shape every relationship in our lives. We talk about the gap between what we intend to say and how it's actually received—and why so many conversations break down before they even have a chance to succeed. Betsy shares practical, real-world tools that can immediately improve how you communicate—whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or navigating everyday relationships. If you've ever felt misunderstood… or struggled to communicate clearly with the people closest to you, this conversation will challenge the way you think about connection. About Betsy Butterick Betsy Butterick is known as "The Coaches' Coach"—a communication specialist who helps individuals and teams build stronger relationships through more effective communication. As a former coach, she understands that "chemistry" isn't random—it's something that is built through intentional connection, with communication at its core. In her work, Betsy meets people where they are and helps them improve how they communicate, collaborate, and lead. She brings a professional, playful, and people-centric approach to learning and development. A lifelong athlete and former collegiate basketball player, Betsy applies a high-performance mindset to her work—helping individuals and teams create meaningful change through small, consistent shifts. Key Takeaways Why "before you tell, ask" is one of the most effective ways to improve communication How assumptions derail conversations—and why curiosity leads to better outcomes The difference between intention and impact, and why that gap causes conflict Why hard conversations feel difficult—and how to approach them more effectively How fear of judgment prevents people from asking the questions that matter most Why clarity and directness can be powerful—when delivered with the right context The role curiosity plays in building stronger, more meaningful relationships
Transcribe →The TRUTH About ADHD In Adults (WHAT MOST PEOPLE NEVER REALIZE!)
Mar 1700:56:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I am joined by ADHD coach and podcast host Kristen Carder! Kirsten's mission is to unpack what ADHD really looks like in adulthood, and why so many people grow up believing they're lazy, disorganized, or broken when the reality is far more complex. Today, Kristen shares her own journey from struggling to find her purpose to building one of the most recognized podcasts and coaching communities for adults with ADHD. Together, they explore the everyday realities of living with ADHD—from time blindness and overcommitment to creativity, relationships, and parenting. They also dive into why ADHD often goes undiagnosed for decades—especially for women—and how understanding your brain can transform the way you see yourself, your relationships, and your potential. If you've ever felt like you're capable of so much more but can't quite figure out why certain parts of life feel harder than they should… this conversation may help connect the dots. About Kristen Carder Kristen Carder is a multi-certified life coach, educator, and host of the I Have ADHD Podcast, which has reached millions of listeners around the world. After years of tutoring students who struggled in school, Kristen began noticing a pattern: many of the families she worked with were navigating ADHD—but there were almost no resources available for adults trying to understand their own brains. That realization led her to launch the I Have ADHD Podcast in 2018, which quickly grew into a global platform supporting adults with ADHD through education, coaching, and community. Kristen now leads the Focused coaching program and helps thousands of adults better understand their ADHD, regulate their emotions, and build lives that work for the way their brains are wired. Her work centers around helping people break free from shame, self-criticism, and the belief that they're simply "not trying hard enough." Key Takeaways Why ADHD is often misunderstood as laziness or lack of discipline How ADHD brains are driven by interest, urgency, and novelty—not traditional motivation The concept of "time blindness" and why people with ADHD struggle with deadlines and lateness Why ADHD often runs in families and can become normalized across generations How ADHD can impact relationships when partners feel like managers or parents Why understanding your strengths—and designing life around them—is key to thriving with ADHD The connection between ADHD, emotional regulation, and childhood experiences
Transcribe →Expert Psychologist: This Is Why You Keep Repeating The Same Mistakes
Mar 1000:57:30Tap to summarizeAfter 45 years of helping families, couples, and individuals, Dr. Larry Waldman has seen the same patterns repeat themselves again and again. Fear of failure. Avoiding help. Self-sabotage. And the powerful ways childhood shapes the adults we become. In this conversation, Dr. Waldman shares lessons from nearly half a century in clinical psychology, working with marriages on the brink, struggling parents, high performers battling imposter syndrome, and individuals trying to break free from the stories they tell themselves. We talk about why people resist getting help even when they desperately need it, how early childhood experiences quietly shape our mindset for decades, and why fear of failure keeps so many people stuck in careers, relationships, and situations they know aren't right. Dr. Waldman also shares deeply personal reflections about his own upbringing, his father's struggles in business, and the lessons that shaped his life and career. This episode is full of practical wisdom about parenting, relationships, personal responsibility, and the mindset shifts that allow people to move forward, even when life feels uncertain. About Dr. Larry Waldman Dr. Larry F. Waldman, Ph.D., ABPP is a Phoenix, Arizona licensed clinical and forensic psychologist who recently became semi-retired after a 45-year private practice. Over the course of his career, he worked with children, teens, parents, couples, and adults, and consulted with attorneys in areas including family law, personal injury, immigration, and estate planning—all while navigating the life of a successful entrepreneur and raising two sons. He earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, completed his Ph.D. at Arizona State University, and received Diplomate status (ABPP) in 2003. Dr. Waldman has served in leadership and advisory roles across the profession, including: Past President of the Maricopa Psychological Society Director of Psychological Services at Charter Psychiatric Hospital of Glendale Adjunct graduate professor in counseling He is also certified as an ACE senior fitness specialist and a certified yoga instructor. Dr. Waldman is the author of eight books and a seasoned speaker who brings practical, engaging "edutainment" to topics like parenting, marriage, stress, business psychology, and personal development. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why many people still avoid seeking mental health help—even when they clearly need it The stigma around mental health and how it prevents people from improving their lives The fine line between coaching and therapy—and why having someone to talk to is critical for growth Why imposter syndrome and fear of failure often hold people back in their careers How childhood experiences and parenting styles shape confidence, resilience, and independence The powerful role parents play in shaping their children through everyday behavior—not just words Why trying—even when you fail—is always better than staying stuck in fear
Transcribe →"Life Begins When You Find Yourself (Why I Started Questioning Everything)"
Mar 300:53:24Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, I am joined by Light Watkins! Light Watkins is a bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and mindfulness expert focused on helping people create presence and fulfillment "from the inside out." He's the author of five books, including Bliss More, Travel Light, and his newest, The Year You Transform, which introduces his "Tortoise Approach to Change"—building lasting change through small, 7-day commitments. He also leads an online community called The Happiness Insiders, has spoken for Fortune 500 companies, and has led workshops around the world. Key Takeaways Why success without inner work leads to emptiness The difference between being "on" vs being your authentic self How discomfort is the gateway to presence and growth Why most people sabotage fulfillment by chasing big changes The "No Complaining" challengeand why it's harder than you think The Tortoise Approach: small, consistent habits that actually transform your life Best Moments 02:46 – What it really means to be your "true self" "Being your true self is who you would be if you didn't care so much about what other people thought about you… and if you were focused on making a difference." 05:57 – The real goal: presence, not success "Most people ultimately want to feel connected… fulfilled… like their life matters. And the umbrella term for all of that is presence." 06:30 – Why discomfort is necessary "In order to get to that state of presence, we need to inoculate ourselves with some discomfort." "A lot of the most uncomfortable moments in your life were actually the most profound ones." 08:24 – Why we resist growth in our own lives "We love the drama and growth in movies… but we reject it when it happens in our own life." 11:54 – You don't need to change your environment "You don't need to go across the world to have that experience—you can bring that experience to where you are." 13:48 – The moment success didn't fulfill him "I saw myself on a billboard in Times Square… and I realized, it didn't really make me feel that different inside." 16:34 – The lie we're sold about success "The sense of fulfillment that I thought was going to come from that… didn't come." 18:47 – Where fulfillment actually comes from "The goodness we're looking for… is really in the small moments." 30:33 – The power of shifting from frustration to gratitude "I went from frustration to appreciation… and that moment stayed with me for years." 34:44 – The hardest habit: no complaining "Seven days without complaining… almost everyone takes longer than seven days to do it." "What you realize is—you're surrounded by complainers, because it's how we bond." 36:40 – The 3 paths to change "The first path is 'Eat, Pray, Love'—blow your life up… and that rarely works the way people think." 38:36 – Why people break under pressure "That breaking point didn't happen in two seconds—it was building for years." 40:25 – The Tortoise Approach to transformation "You want to optimize for consistency… not intensity." "There's no graduation date—you just keep showing up." 44:52 – Success vs fulfillment "You're not going to be more fulfilled just because you get to the money faster." 47:36 – The uncomfortable truth "Here's how you know you're the problem… you think they're the problem." 49:37 – Where change actually starts "If you're the problem… you also have the solution.
Transcribe →