Most individuals and teams want to improve. They have areas where, if things were different, they’d achieve more in life and work. We’re all told breaking ingrained, ineffective habits is a slow, hard-won process, but it doesn’t have to be.
“The Mindset Playbook” podcast provides science-based, actionable guidance on how to think, engage, and achieve more effectively. Join the conversation with guests who have proven plays for moving beyond the often fleeting feelings of motivation and inspiration to instead leverage strategies and tools that sustain meaningful progress and growth.
About The Host
Larry Olsen has worked with top Fortune 50 companies and professional athletes to establish their vision and sense of purpose. He is the founder and CEO of Aperneo, an achievement acceleration company providing individuals and teams quick, actionable guidance on how to break ingrained, ineffective habits.
The Aperneo approach to professional development balances common sense, practical neuroscience, and personal accountability, enabling clients to gain insights and perspectives to live, work, and engage with more success. Learn more from HERE.
EMAIL US for questions, topic suggestions or to request being on Mindset Playbook as a featured guest.
Welcome to the Mindset Playbook Podcast with your host, Larry Olsen
EPISODE 39 with Luis Mendoza
Luis is the son of Mexican immigrant parents pursing their dreams, and his clothing brand provides scholarship money for education. Listen as we discuss a servant heart, beginning new dreams and much more!
Title: Moving Beyond the Past
EPISODE 38 with Caleb Porter
Caleb is the Head Coach of Columbus Crew SC, two time MLS Cup winner and recipient of the 2013 MLS Coach of the Year. We discuss how to create the right mind-set to win in life, power in being the underdog and more!
Title: The Championship Recipe
EPISODE 37 with Vivian Naranjo
Vivian is a successful visual artist from Chile, arriving in the US in '16 speaking no English and with no money. She earned her masters in '19 and now provides illustrations to brands including the Fortune 100.
Title: Unstoppable Me
EPISODE 36 Larry Olsen
Join Larry and we journey through the last 3 episodes discussing why we’d rather be right than successful, why internal conversations create outcomes, and how to be successful no matter the circumstances.
Title: Believing is Seeing
EPISODE 35 with Don Cawley
Don Cawley owns a set design and fabrication production house called ManShark. Listen as Larry and Don discuss finding the joy in discomfort, how fear creates courage, the importance of diversity and much more.
Title: Pulling Creative Out of Practical
EPISODE 34 with Meguire Heston
Meguire runs the global Thought Leadership Program for Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this interview we discuss the power of why, clarity over cleverness, and that you don’t have to be nice, but you do have to be kind!
Title: The Power of Authenticity
EPISODE 33 with Bijan Farhangui
In this episode I interview Mr. Bijan Farhangui, the Founder/CEO of SAMI-Aid, a telehealth company and online healthcare concierge. Listen as we discuss how to make the complex simple, the power of vision and the end to Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Kidney transplant wait.
Title: Passions Cures
EPISODE 32 Larry Olsen
In this recap episode, Larry discusses what it means to give a hand up not a handout, to succeed whether you like what you’re doing or not, how to stay open to all new possibilities and so much more.
Title: The Common Denominator of Success
EPISODE 31 with Rick Elmore
Rick is an entrepreneur, sales and marketing expert, and former pro football player. In our interview we discuss the power of discomfort and success, the importance of just getting started and much more!
Title: Where Passion Lives
EPISODE 30 with Mike Columbus
Mike is dedicated to changing the culture of sales organizations one-by-one. He's a thought leader, speaker, and top salesperson. In this episode you’ll learn how to be the best, see barriers as goal steps and much more!
Title: Winning by Heart
EPISODE 29 with Michelle Lochmann
Michelle ran for Secretary of State in 2010, and is an advocate for our environment and assisting others who need it the most. She is driven to see people succeed and seeks change when obstacles are in the way.
Title: Giving a Hand Up, Not a Handout
EPISODE 28 Larry Olsen
In this recap episode, we discuss what holds us back from our own development, what it takes to prepare yourself for that next position in life, and examine how to be the type of leader others love to follow.
Title: What’s Your Story?
EPISODE 27 with Kathy Gamboa
As a senior operation and strategy executive for 20+ years, Kathy's ability to engage, inspire, and motivate top-performing teams and create positive employment cultures has been her recipe for success.
Title: Success For Others
EPISODE 26 with Siebe Vanderzee
Siebe has over 20 years of executive search and performance coaching. Listen as we delve into topics such as the 4 “E’s” from Jack Welsh, and discuss the importance of identifying blind spots to get better.
Title: Presenting Your Best Self
EPISODE 25 with Andrea Chilcote
Andrea is an author and CEO whose programs and methods meet leaders where they are in their own development, and move them beyond the superficial to integrated behavioral change.
Title: The Heart of the Relationship
EPISODE 24 Larry Olsen
In this recap episode, we dive into the importance of what our perceived value is, the essence of integrity in designing our lives, and defending democracy while listening and respecting the opinions of others.
Title: Defending What’s Right
EPISODE 23 with Jeff Ellington
President and COO of Runbeck Election Services, Jeff has grown the company to reach over 70 Million voters and gives the credit to his associates and something greater than self . . . Defending Democracy!
Title: It’s Not Rocket Science
EPISODE 22 with Janis Van Wyck
In this episode, Janis shares about being respected in a male dominated field by standing strong for her beliefs. Her humility, sense of humor and ability to create what you love, is the foundation of her business and life.
Title: Connecting Souls by Design
EPISODE 21 with Richard Brock
He is an award-winning C.E.O., and named one of the ’10 Most Influential People in CRM’. He has taken the art of listening and brought it to artificial intelligence (A.I.) where it’s impact has been profound.
Title: The Path to Prosperity
EPISODE 20 Larry Olsen
In this recap episode, we discuss building something your children want to stay and grow in, sustaining a body that is ready for anything and looking back on amazing adventures that got you where you are today.
Title: The Winds of Life
On the podcast with Tori Cawley, I thought the message was very clear and well said. I play golf for a university and it is a very a mental sport. For someone who has anxiety it makes it very easy to doubt myself and worry too much about things that will hurt my golf game instead of helping it. After listening to this podcast, it helped me realize that I should focus on giving myself the confidence saying “I can do this” and “You will do great today”, and also prepare for the steps ahead of me on and off the golf course. With this confidence, I just know that these positive words will help my golf game and help me be a better person.
Thank you Madison for the encouragement you’ve sent to others with your words. It seems so simple to believe in yourself first but so many allow doubt to enter their amazing minds. All the best in all you do and listen to your coach, because he is all about bringing out the best in you.
Yours in growth,
Larry
It is refreshing to hear from Gene Grabiec. A great teacher and a wonderful man. The last part of the interview is key to everything Gene teaches and preaches. Overall, I loved the interview.
Thank you Mody. I very much appreciate what you’ve shared . . . Gene is a great coach.
All the best with your game and life,
Larry
Gene Grabiec is a legend. He helps you not worry about how you are holding the club in your hand and instead he helps you understand that the game is more about how you are holding on to life. He makes the game crystal clear. Don’t just hit the yardage marker – hit the nail holding it up. Work like crazy, believe in yourself, the scores will come! I lost my ability to play at a level that I was accustom; he helped me find the joy of just playing. Gene makes winners!
Thank you Toby for your comment and great metaphor between holding the club and living your life.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the game again and all the best to you,
Larry
I am one of Gene’s former students who was fortunate to hit a hole-in-one. It wasn’t mentioned in the podcast, but one of the things I liked about Gene’s lessons also applies to life in general. He didn’t try to change my golf swing in a day. He laid a foundation and slowly built on it to create a strong structure. I likened it to stacking blocks. You wouldn’t put a third block up unless the first two were squared away and steady. You certainly would be careful adding a sixth or seventh block or everything might come tumbling down. This is also true in life. You can’t solve all of your problems in a day or a week, but you can do the next right thing. Sometimes it takes a while to get back on course, but you have to continue to do the next right thing to make that happen.
I wish Gene and his students the best. They are in good hands.
Hi Ginny. You are so right about change and thank you for listening to the podcast. Thanks for sharing what a wonderful coach Gene has been for you and the power in having a solid foundation in anything we do.
All the best,
Larry
I enjoyed the episode with Gene Grabiec. The episode was an easy listen, and I found Gene’s insight to be powerful. He relates his extensive golf experience to life in an accessible, touching way.
I want you to know that your review is appreciated and are grateful that you’re a listener. It’s nice to hear what a positive influence Gene has had on your life.
Yours in growth,
Larry
Gene is quite an extraordinary gentleman and friend. I don’t even play golf, but I’ve learned so many lessons from Gene. He is a careful and deliberate person who is ever prepared to express his love and enhance the lives of those with whom he engages. I’ve always sensed the joy that Gene possesses for golf as well as life. Again, I don’t play golf, but Gene helped me to understand the life lessons of golf. Sometimes, you get lucky, and sometimes unlucky. Remarkably, I’ve learned to appreciate golf through Gene, since the greatness of that game is until you hole the last ball on 18, you just hit the next shot. The position of your next shot is completely dependent upon how you performed on the last shot. Such is life. Where you are now, the shot you have to hit, and the score you currently have are all dependent upon what you did prior. Extraordinary game and Gene is an extraordinary ambassador.
Thank you Henry for your review of a most incredible man as well as golf instructor and coach. It was a pleasure doing a podcast with Gene and the feeling is mutual. Giving of your time in writing this review is very much appreciated and I know Gene will enjoy reading this as well.
Yours in growth,
Larry
The interview with Gene Grabiec is terrific!
As a sales rep for a major newspaper in Ohio, I found great material that is both inspirational snd practical. Gene is sn amazing example of focusing and moving forward to success. I’ll make sure everyone I know in sales is familiar with this outstanding message!
Thank you so much for getting this information out there. Thinking of the positives and not the negatives is a must. These thoughts will affect the way the brain processes things. Emotions and negative thoughts will make that pathway stronger if you keep processing these negative thoughts. On the other hand, if you reinforce your brain with positive thoughts that pathway in the brain will become stronger. It is kinda like a muscle if you only worked out your right arm with bicep curls that muscle will become stronger. SOo what pathway do you as a golfer want to strengthen? Your thought will decide that for you! Change Your Thoughts Change Your Game.
Dr. Ungar, we appreciate your insightful words as well as valued education. I’m glad you enjoyed listening to the podcast and that it resonate with your own thinking.
Yours in growth,
Larry
About the Gene Grabiec Podcast
It took me back to islands of thoughts about my life. I was standing on one island while In the trees, looking for my ball wondering where do I send it now.
Zip Zeigler came to mind reminding me that. If I think I can or or can’t, I am right! I was reminded of times past spent at listening to Earl Nightingales, “Lead The Field”
Both of you caused my ears to bend giving me anticipation of what would be said next.
I really enjoyed it and would enjoy listing to both of you together or separate again in fact, I plan to!
Best inspirational talk I have heard in years!
Rodney Bush
President
Motivational Speaker
RB Marketing
Thank you Rodney for your inspirational words. Gene and I very much enjoyed your review and just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve shared.
Yours in growth,
Larry
The Podcast with Gene was awesome! Gene is not only a great golf instructor but a dear friend. The way he teaches golf makes the game easier and the way he parallels it to life lessons is amazing. I would not be the golfer I am today without his teaching nor would I be playing competitive golf. With Gene’s help I have won six local amateur tournaments this year already! I had the pleasure of getting my first hole in one as he was playing along side me last fall. One of the best things about his teaching is that Gene did not dramatically change my swing but it is the mental side of the game that he has helped me with the most. The things he talks about in the Podcast is exactly the way he teaches. Picking exact targets, having more than one option and then committing to the shot. Life is very similar. If we don’t have a plan and work that plan you will most likely never be very successful.
Gene is one of the most genuine and caring people I know and I am very grateful for our friendship.
Look forward to hearing more Podcast with Larry and Gene. Well done guys.
Thank you Steve and I couldn’t agree more. We need more Gene Grabiecs’ in our lives.
Yours in growth,
Larry
Wow Larry! I absolutely love this podcast. The power of the mind is something everyone needs to learn, and honestly should be part of mandatory education. The episode with Diane really inspired me! What an intelligent, hard working woman! A friend of mine has been struggling with her career and seems quite paralyzed with all the choices and Diane’s quote “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me” has become her new motto! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Thank you Tori and you’re right . . . accountability is a wonderful thing. It was so kind of you to share your encouraging words.
Yours in growth,
Larry
Steve Gardner’s session was remarkable. His life experiences should be a part of every student’s learning in school. Though that won’t happen, Steve’s life teaches the essentials of integrity and the power of the mind’s perspective. A true inspiration— “good to great.”
Thank you for sending a message regarding Steve Gardner. You’re eloquent words speak to the heart of Steve’s message and everyone should download his podcast interview to also be inspired. Great to hear from you Keith and all the best to you and your family.
Larry
Episode 11 with Coach Grabiec is great! It really gives you more perspectives on how to always be bettering your game and understanding that mistakes are okay especially if you can learn something from them. An inspiration!
Thank you for your response and I’m glad you found value in our podcast. Please spread the word and all the best to you Jillian in all that you do.
Larry