#44 - The Observer Effect: Mastering Thoughts, Emotions & Performance with Todd Stottlemyre
Today’s guest is Todd Stottlemyre
How to break the loop of reactive thinking—replacing guilt, fear, and limiting self-talk with a trainable mindset so you can perform under pressure in sport, business, and life.
In today’s conversation Todd Stottlemyre explores what it really takes to win—first in your head, then on the field and in life. He shares formative lessons from growing up around the Yankees, the identity-shaking lows of being sent to the minors, and the all-in decision that saved his MLB career. Todd opens up about the loss of his younger brother, the burden of self-blame, and the breakthrough that came from learning to observe thoughts and emotions rather than react to them. We connect those practices to everyday performance—journaling, movement, and presence—so listeners leave with a clear playbook to change their inner game.
You will learn how elite environments expand belief and capacity, and why failure is a non-negotiable part of getting great. You will learn Todd’s “observer” method—document thoughts, name emotions, delay reaction—and how a 7-day journaling challenge builds awareness fast. You will learn practical strategies to convert adversity into agency (forgiveness, reframing, accountability partners) and why presence—being all in where you are—is the only real “balance.”
You will discover that the gap between stimulus and response is trainable—and mastering that gap is the unlock for consistent performance. You will discover how letting go of old narratives creates the psychological space to go “all in” on the next chapter.
Feeling stuck in repeat reactions—anger, doubt, self-criticism—that sabotage goals. Todd’s tools show you how to observe, reframe, and choose a response aligned with who you want to become.
Key take aways:
Environments expand belief—choose yours intentionally.
Failure is data; study it, don’t fear it.
Journal seven days—observe, don’t react.
Presence creates balance: be all in.
Forgiveness frees energy for performance.
“Everything is possible—only the impossible hasn’t been done yet.”
Today’s Expert Guest - Todd Stottlemyre
Todd Stottlemyre is a three-time World Series champion pitcher (Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks) who played 15 seasons in MLB before building a second career as an entrepreneur, coach, and bestselling author. He now speaks and coaches on leadership, mindset, and execution for companies and high performers.
Todd blends lived pressure—from MLB mounds to the boardroom—with a simple mental framework: become the observer of thoughts and emotions, then train deliberate responses. His work turns mindset into repeatable practice, pairing story-driven lessons with friction-free tools (journaling prompts, presence rituals) that teams can apply immediately.
Run the 7-Day Observer Challenge: for one week, write down your top recurring thoughts and emotions without reacting; then script the response you choose for next time. This builds awareness, shortens the stimulus-to-response gap, and compounds into better decisions under pressure.
Follow Todd Stottlemyre on Instagram & Linked In.
Check out his website.
The Observer:
A Modern Fable on Mastering Your Thoughts & Emotions
With sharp wit, plot twists and a fast pace, The Observer will inevitably become a mirror to take a look inside ourselves just as Kat does―and find that no matter how long it takes, we all have the ability to change our trajectory.
This podcast contains advice and information relating to health and wellness. It should be used to supplement rather than replace the advice of your doctor or another trained health professional. If you know or suspect that you have a health problem, seek your physician’s advice before embarking on any medical program or treatment. All efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained in this podcast / interview / article as of the date of publication. The author and publisher disclaim liability for any medical or other outcomes that may occur as a result of applying the methods suggested in this material.
