Evolving Potential

About Evolving Potential

The Evolving Potential Podcast is for people who are hungry for growth, striving for excellence, and committed to reaching their highest potential. Each week we will interview an expert, professional athlete, renowned coach, entrepreneur, or thought leader to discuss human potential. Guests are or are working with high performers and are able to share their habits, practices, and mindset for personal development and performance enhancement. The host, Todd Smith, is a former fat kid turned personal trainer, nutrition coach, and bodybuilder who has spent years diving deep into the world of behavior change and peak performance. He has obtained certifications in NLP, hypnosis, timeline therapy, precision nutrition, NASM, mental performance mastery, and training for warriors. In addition, Todd has obtained a bachelor's in sports and performance psychology and is currently working towards a master's degree in sociology and education. This podcast serves as a platform to share ideas about what it means to be human, how we can live our best lives, how to perform under pressure, how to relieve stress, change identity, chase our dreams, overcome adversity, develop resilience, and much much more.

Publisher

Todd Smith

Category

education · health & fitness · science

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

23 Apr 2024

Latest episode

21 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Jul 2026

   Seth Pepper: The Mindset Shift That Unlocked $57 Million in Potential

   Seth Pepper, a remarkable athlete who transformed from a novice swimmer at 14 to a national champion and mental performance coach, shares his journey of unlocking potential and the lessons learned through both triumphs and failures. We dive into how Seth went from scoring every game in the minor leagues to signing a $57 million NHL contract, illustrating the power of mindset in overcoming pressure and harnessing resilience. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, where Seth emphasizes that our biggest breakthroughs often stem from our most challenging moments. As we explore the significance of mental training, Seth reveals practical strategies for optimizing performance across various fields, reminding us that the human experience transcends sports. Join us as we uncover how dreaming big and letting go of control can lead to extraordinary outcomes in both life and athletic endeavors. Takeaways: Seth Pepper's journey from learning to swim at 14 to becoming a national champion exemplifies the importance of dedication and self-belief. Working with athletes often involves helping them manage the mental pressure that accompanies high-stakes performances and expectations. The key to unlocking potential lies in understanding that failure is a crucial part of the learning process and should not be feared. Seth emphasizes the necessity of separating one's identity from their performance, allowing individuals to thrive in their pursuits without the burden of expectations. Companies mentioned in this episode: Nike PGA MLB NFL NHL NCAA F1 Netflix

2. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Why Normal Visualization is Too Slow

   Jake Bolig joins us today to discuss how to unlock peak performance through the power of hypervisualization. We kick things off with a powerful reminder: it takes three pitches to strike out in life, but just one to hit a home run. Jake, a neuroperformance scientist and founder of Hyflos, reveals his unique approach to coaching athletes on how to tap into their flow state on demand by manipulating brainwaves. It's all about confronting the nervousness that often holds us back, because everything we desire is on the other side of that discomfort. Join us as we dive deep into techniques that can transform mental blocks into breakthroughs, making the zone a measurable and replicable state for athletes of all levels. Takeaways: Our mindset and approach to challenges can transform our outcomes; it takes only one pitch to hit a home run in life. Confronting nervousness is crucial; everything we desire lies just beyond our comfort zone and the nerves we feel. Hypervisualization techniques can drastically enhance performance by allowing athletes to enter a flow state on command. The seven laws of success in the zone include having clear goals, being engaged, maintaining a neutral emotional state, and being self-driven. Our conditioning often limits our potential; understanding and manipulating our brainwaves can lead to incredible personal breakthroughs. It's vital to treat ourselves with kindness and respect, allowing our future selves the opportunity to thrive without unnecessary pressure.

3. 

   8 Apr 2026

   Chasing Dreams: How Jared Gahm Turned Passion into a Successful Gym

   Jared Gahm’s journey from a struggling fighter to the owner of Pedigo Submission Fighting in Bloomington is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we delve into the trials and tribulations he faced while pursuing his dreams, including risking everything to open a 9,000 sq. ft. gym during the chaos of COVID. Jared shares candid stories about the many sacrifices he made—leaving his comfort zone, investing all his savings, and even dealing with skepticism from those around him. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and the undeniable impact of a supportive community in the world of fighting. Tune in as we explore how Jared's resilience and unwavering passion for coaching have shaped his path and the lives of his students. Takeaways: Jared's journey from a struggling fighter to a successful gym owner exemplifies resilience and dedication to his dreams. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals to achieve personal and professional growth. The evolution of his gym during challenging times shows that hard work and risk-taking can lead to fulfilling dreams. Jared believes that a coach's primary role is to provide support and encouragement, fostering a positive environment for growth. He highlights the necessity of adapting coaching styles to meet the unique needs of each athlete for effective training. Jared's story illustrates that pursuing one's passion, despite obstacles, can lead to a rewarding and impactful career. Companies mentioned in this episode: UFC WBC Eastern Illinois University Gold's Gym Bellator Strike Force PSF Bloomington

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

49,488

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

43

Social presence

94

YouTube

76

Engagement

32

Contact Evolving Potential

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.