Heart First Leadership

Hosted by Ryan & Heidi Sawyer

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105

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Heart First Leadership , the podcast dedicated to raising consciousness through the principles of Heart First Leadership. In a world that often teaches us to lead from pressure, fear, and external validation, we offer a different path—one rooted in awareness, alignment, and leading from within. Join your hosts, Ryan and Heidi Sawyer, as they share powerful conversations, practical tools, and real-life insights designed to help leaders, parents, coaches, and athletes build true mental strength and live with intention. Through the lens of Heart First, you’ll learn how to shift from reaction to creation, from doubt to clarity, and from survival to purpose-driven leadership. If you’re ready to elevate how you think, lead, and live, this is where it begins.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 10628 min

Stop Listening To The Voice In Your Head

Your mind can generate a convincing argument for almost anything, and that is exactly why it can feel so hard to trust yourself. We talk about the real battleground of signal vs noise: the inner world of self-judgment, comparison, perfectionism, fear, and that familiar “yeah, but…” voice that shows up right after inspiration.We break down why internal noise gets louder when your nervous system is dysregulated, and how regulation changes what you can access mentally and emotionally. Using a simple stoplight framework, we explore what it looks like to live in green, yellow, or red, and why the same problem feels completely different depending on your state. From there we get practical about the skill that cuts through mental chaos: objective awareness. You will hear it called witness consciousness, the observer, detachment, mindfulness, and more, but the point is the same: you are not your thoughts, you are the one who can watch them without believing them.We also dig into anxiety and “story” and how resistance turns a raw sensation into unnecessary suffering. When we step out of the meaning-making machine and choose a neutral interpretation, we free up energy for presence, integrity, creativity, and heart-led clarity. If you have been collecting information but still feel stuck, this is an invitation to turn the idea into a trained mental skill, and let wisdom become your signal.Subscribe for more heart-first tools, share this with a friend who overthinks, and leave a review if it helps. Then text us or send a voicemail from the link in the show notes with your takeaways or a question you want us to tackle next.📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

June 9, 2026Episode 10523 min

When Life Feels Loud: Signal Vs Noise

Your life can feel “loud” even when nothing is technically wrong. If you’re carrying anxiousness, confusion, or a steady drip of self doubt, it may not be a motivation problem at all. It may be a signal problem. We sit down and break down signal versus noise, a simple framework that helps us understand why modern life can scramble our focus and leave us feeling off course.We define noise as anything that’s misaligned with the truth of who you are, and signal as what tunes you back to your true essence, your values, and the work you’re here to do. Using a radio station metaphor, we talk about how being slightly “off frequency” creates distortion, how the attention economy competes for your energy, and why endless consumption turns into internal noise. We also share what sparked this conversation for us, including ideas from neuroscience specialist Stefanie Faye and her Neuro Wisdom program.From there, we get practical: Ryan shares his experiment of dramatically reducing social media and what changed in his nervous system, decision making, and day to day clarity. Heidi talks about meditation as an intentional “tuning” practice, plus how changing your environment can open you to better signal. We close with an approach that feels realistic, not rigid: curate your inputs and your circle of influence, pay attention to how things make you feel, and aim for an 80/20 balance that supports growth while still leaving room to unwind.If this resonates, subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation, share it with a friend who feels overloaded, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show. What’s the biggest source of noise in your world right now?📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

June 2, 2026Episode 1041 hr 0 min

What actually creates a winning culture? with Mike Nilson Gonzaga Basketball

What actually creates a winning culture?In this episode of the Heart First Leadership Podcast, Ryan sits down with former Gonzaga basketball player and longtime Gonzaga Director of Performance Mike Nilson for a deep conversation on culture, leadership, mindset, and personal transformation.Mike shares stories from Gonzaga’s historic 1999 Elite Eight run, what made that culture different, and how Gonzaga sustained excellence for more than two decades. Together, we unpack the difference between simply talking about leadership and intentionally building systems that develop confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and team culture.This conversation goes far beyond basketball. We explore limiting beliefs, nervous system regulation, mindset conditioning, parenting, coaching, meditation, paradigm shifts, and the deep inner work required to lead others effectively.This episode is for coaches, athletes, parents, business leaders, and anyone interested in building stronger cultures, better relationships, and a more intentional life from the inside out.📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

May 26, 2026Episode 10329 min

Leading in the Age of Constant Distraction

In this episode, we explore how constant stimulation, social comparison, and nonstop feedback are affecting motivation, confidence, and resilience in younger generations. When people live in a constant stress response, pressure-based leadership often creates fear, avoidance, and shutdown instead of growth and performance.Ryan and Heidi break down simple brain science behind performance, emotional regulation, and psychological safety, then connect it directly to practical leadership and coaching tools. The conversation focuses on how to build environments where people can take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow without fear of embarrassment or failure.One of the biggest takeaways is a weekly intention and reflection process that shifts people from simply chasing results to paying attention to who they are becoming through the process.If this episode helps, subscribe, share it with a coach or leader, and leave a review so more people can find these tools.📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

May 19, 2026Episode 10228 min

Better Team Culture Starts With You as a Leader

Team culture does not come from compensation packages, slogans, or performance metrics alone. It comes from the way people experience leadership every day. In this episode, we discuss why motivation often breaks down when people lack clarity, meaning, or trust in the environment around them.Ryan and Heidi explain a framework they use with businesses, sports teams, and families that starts with identity and moves into mission, standards, and accountability. The conversation focuses on helping people understand their role, feel connected to the purpose of the environment, and know what is expected of them.The episode also explores why younger generations respond differently to leadership, how psychological safety affects communication and performance, and why culture influences retention more than most leaders realize.If this episode resonates, subscribe, share it with a leader or coach, and leave a review.📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

May 12, 2026Episode 10124 min

Why Traditional Leadership Is Failing Younger Generations

If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “I can’t motivate younger employees or athletes like I used to,” this episode is for you. The tension isn’t proof that Gen Z is lazy or that leadership is broken, it’s a sign the old model is incomplete.We unpack what actually drives motivation and buy-in today: connection, psychological safety, autonomy, role clarity, growth, and meaning. Ryan shares how his coaching style evolved from fear and pressure toward neuroscience-backed leadership and culture development, while Heidi connects the same challenges to both business teams and sports environments.We explore why culture is becoming the new compensation, how leaders and coaches can create real buy-in, and why identity, mission, standards, accountability, and feedback are the foundation of high-performing teams.If this resonates, subscribe, share it with a leader or coach, and leave a review to help more people find the show.📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

May 4, 2026Episode 10024 min

Two Years Later And A New Heart First Vision

Two years ago we stopped recording because we didn’t want to “check a box” or grab random topics just to stay consistent. Then we spent that time building: new leadership and athlete programs, new coaching systems, a certification pathway, and a practical culture framework we’ve been testing in business, on teams, and at home. Now we’re back with a new studio setup, a sharper message, and a bigger mission to share what’s working and what we’re still learning.The heartbeat of the conversation is a simple idea with huge implications: you are the environment. As a leader, parent, coach, or teammate, your nervous system sets the tone. When you can regulate first, you create psychological safety and a climate where people take healthy risks, learn faster, and grow on purpose. We talk through our “performance ecosystem” approach that starts with self-leadership, expands into culture building, then gets supported by systems and communication protocols that keep standards, trust, and role clarity from drifting.We also get into the credibility piece. We ran brain mapping before and after training and saw objective changes in brainwave activity that matched the transformations people were reporting. That includes attention control, focus, and the ability to shift out of unhelpful stress patterns, all built through consistent practice and iteration. If you want to create an environment of growth inside yourself and around you, this is the relaunch that sets the foundation.Subscribe, share this with someone building a team or a family culture, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What topic or challenge do you want us to tackle next?📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

June 6, 202427 min

Building Resilience: Helping Kids Overcome Bullying with Vickie Stolle

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Vickie Stolle, an engaging speaker, writer, and dedicated resilience advocate. Vickie is renowned for empowering individuals to uncover their innate resilience skills through her work at Dragonfly Paradigm.Vickie’s journey began within the cleft community, drawing from her own experiences of living with a facial difference. She shares how facing challenges such as isolation, bullying, and low self-esteem transformed her life. When her own child encountered bullying, Vickie realized the importance of addressing her unresolved trauma and building personal resilience.In this episode, Vickie offers invaluable tools and insights for parents to help their children navigate life's challenges with strength and grace. Her powerful narrative encompasses themes of transformation, resilience, overcoming bullying, and the complexities of parenting. Tune in to discover how to empower your family with resilience and navigate life's hurdles together!Connect with Vickiewww.dragonflyparadigm.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragonflyparadigm📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

May 16, 20241 hr 3 min

Rising Above and Beyond Through Sheer Will and Determination will Nolan Ulm

Every new beginning comes with challenges; for Nolan, it was about turning adversity into his most significant advantage. Embark on a journey with us as we sit down with this inspiring individual who shares a remarkable story of resilience and a celebration of the unwavering strength of a mother's love. As the conversation unfolds, discover Nolan's transformation from an average athlete to a Division I Star through sheer determination. His story is a powerful reminder that the barriers we face can ignite our deepest passions and lead us to discover our true potential. We probe into the strategies that keep our fires burning, from the role of visualization in achieving our goals to the pillars of impact that guide our purposeful strides in life. Nolan’s unwavering commitment vividly illustrates how a relentless pursuit of self-growth can sculpt a career and an extraordinary life.Finally, in a soul-stirring wrap-up, we reflect on how self-mastery and gratitude can redefine our worldview. The art of Transcendental Meditation and a focus on essentialism offer a path to clarity and intention in our decisions. These insights are not just for contemplation but are stepping stones to 'winning the day' and building a legacy. Join us as Nolan and I explore the early milestones of growth and set our sights on the accomplishments ahead, sharing the belief that our stories, much like our dreams, are meant to be lived out loud.📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership

May 9, 202454 min

Breaking Free with Bill Tierney: A Story of Rediscovery

Embark on a transformative journey with Bill Tierney, a beacon of change who ventured from addiction to emerge as a leader in heartfelt guidance. His captivating narrative unveils the essence of personal revolution, illustrating how reshaping our inner dialogue can dramatically influence our pathway to fulfillment. This episode peels back the layers of self-perception and digs into the core of emotional intelligence, promising a treasure trove of insights for those ready to lead with authenticity and compassion.We often find ourselves at a crossroads between the life we live and the life we yearn for, and it's in these defining moments where actual growth takes root. Reflecting on my own metamorphosis, catalyzed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, I unveil the shift from a facade of confidence to a genuine sense of self. Our exchange sheds light on the power of vulnerability and the pivotal role therapy plays in continuous self-evolution. As Bill shares his expertise, you're invited to witness how professional guidance amplifies self-awareness and propels us beyond the plateaus of personal development.Closing our heartfelt dialogue, Bill and I traverse the landscape of recovery, venturing beyond traditional 12-step programs to explore alternative healing modalities. We confront the societal molds that often constrain men's emotional expression and celebrate the liberating journey toward authenticity. By sharing tales of rediscovery and the redefinition of success, we illuminate the path to aligning with one's 'true north,' where passion and purpose converge. 📲 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: SEND US A TEXT OR VOICE MESSAGEWebsite: CompeteHeartFirst.comFollow Us on SocialInstagram @HeartFirstLeadershipFacebook @HeartFirstLeadershipYoutube Chanel @HeartFirstLeadership