In the 15th episode of The Mindset Forge, Barton and Colette discuss her leadership as the President of Huston-Tillotson University, a historically black institution. She discusses how she sees her role creating "fertile soil" for her students to succeed.  Her stories of growing up in the 1960 highlight her mindset on overcoming stereotypes, her commitment to outworking everyone to get what she wanted in life, her mindset around perseverance, and ultimately, how she's learned to love people without needing their love in return. Her perspective is powerful, vulnerable, and servant-hearted.   Listening to this podcast episode, listeners should look for several mindset take-aways:  1.  As adults, we must provide the next generation with "fertile soil" so they may discover their full potential.  2.  Become a warrior for justice in your life.  Stand up for what is right.   3. Have the courage to love unconditionally even when love is not reciprocated.  

Natasha is a professional Ironman triathlete and coach in Austin, Texas working with athletes from all around the world.  The podcast episode is jam-packed with her stories of her coaching mindset and how she helps the “whole athlete” to achieve their goals by looking at more than just their training.  Born in a small town in South Africa, Natasha was a high-level tennis player and eventually came to the US to compete and teach tennis.  At age 27, she discovered triathlons and fell in love with the challenge and complexity of the endurance sport.  Today, still competing as a professional, she helps top athletes like Andrea Nunez-Smith and Nick Bare improve in all aspects of their sport.   Listening to her stories, there is a humility in her voice, a desire to serve others as a coach, and an enthusiasm to be a leader in her field.   Whether or not you follow the sport of triathlon training, you'll love her thoughts on personal health, having a positive mindset, and the importance of recovery in any training program.  For more info, visit: NVDMCoaching.com MORE ON NATASHA: Natasha is an endurance coach, long time professional triathlete and the Director of Team Programs for Bicycle World. Since 2009, Natasha has coached 100's of athletes both online and in person covering all aspects of the sport from training guidance and technique on the swim, bike, and run and ensuring all athletes are fueled for training and race day demands. She recently was the Director at Austin Aquatics and Sports Academy, working with athletes of all levels to achieve the goals they set out for themselves. She has helped athletes achieve their goals from completing their first triathlon to qualifying for their professional license, the Ironman World Championships in Kona, the 70.3 World Championships, and claiming spots on Team USA for the ITU World Championships.

Jonathan and Barton discuss being on American Ninja Warrior the TV show, the mistakes, big moments, and getting to compete at the ANW finals in Los Vegas. They then dig into his work as a therapist working with athletes and clients with significant neurological disorders or injuries. Jonathan explains how his older sister’s illness shaped his desire to become a PT and see to it that all people are capable of having the type of recovery he saw with his sister as a teenager. “There are no excuses for me. If I want to do it, go work for it! If not going to work for it, don’t complain about it.”- Jonathan Parr. For more info about Jonathan’s PT program, visit: parrPT.com

Rebecca and Barton discuss a wide variety of topics from starting Impact Austin, working as a sales rep for IBM, modeling the power of philanthropy to her children, and her new book. She declares herself an accidental philanthropist because of how she came to her work with Impact Austin. It will be clear that her willful drive to achieve, her passion for helping others, desire to empower women, and making the world a better place shine though in this new podcast episode. Her autobiographical book called “Trust your Cape” will be available on Amazon.com on May 25th, 2021. For more info on her work: ImpactAustin.org.

After the first 5 months of The Mindset Forge, Barton and his wife Val highlight their biggest take-aways from each of the first ten episodes.

Matt and Barton discuss the many challenges involved in addressing homelessness and how his non-profit organization Community First helps create connection, support, and purpose for people with an extended period of homelessness. They also discuss the challenges Matt faced growing up dealing with an alcoholic father and mistakes he made that led him to be “spiritually bankrupt”. Through the obstacles he faced, Matt found redemption in reuniting with his family, his relationship with God, and finding his purpose in serving others.

Gabriel’s story depicts the challenges of growing up with a father locked up in San Quentin Prison and a mother addicted to heroine. At age 12 he discovers theatre at his grandma’s church and he is hooked! With the guidance of several mentors, he was able to follow his passion, go on to college, get an MFA in Acting, and pursue a career. But his story isn’t just about him making it. It’s about him wanting to give back to the at-risk youth around Sarasota, FL by using theatre to help them find their unique voices and share their truth with their community. His work as a teacher and Assistant Principal have helped shape the lives of middle and high school kids over the last 10 years.

Lucas Jack discusses being a Lawyer in Chicago who decided to follow his passion and become a full-time singer/songwriter in San Antonio, Texas. He shares how he became artist of the year in San Antonio, opening for Foreigner, and rocking out at the NBA Finals. Find out what he’s been up to with music since his moved to St. Louis. Throughout the podcast, you’ll hear excepts from a variety of Lucas’ songs.

The interview with Steve Adler offers insights on leadership in challenging times, his humble beginnings, taking on civil rights cases as a young lawyer in Austin, and the love of his family. It’s a fresh look at the heart of a man who has led the City of Austin during the 2020 Covid Pandemic.

Stacy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who lives in Dripping Springs, TX. She and Barton discuss the challenges parents and children are facing in 2020 and how parents can develop family rituals, self-care strategies, and effective communication to help their families thrive amidst the difficulties of 2020. She shares key insights from her early life and some of the struggles she faced, which help her understand and empathize with both struggling kids and parents.