Skull Sessions Podcast: The Art and Science of Kickin' A$s Between the Ears

Skull Sessions is about training the mind for effective leadership and optimal performance. Hosted by former Army officer and Mental Performance & Leadership Coach Andy Riise, the show explores the art and science of kicking ass between the ears so you and your team can build resilience, make better decisions, forge meaningful connections, and perform under pressure. Through conversations with experts, high performers, and everyday heroes, you’ll gain practical strategies to strengthen mental fitness and win from within.Follow us: https://linktr.ee/skullsessionspodcast

Skull Sessions Podcast: The Art and Science of Kickin' A$s Between the Ears is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Skull Sessions Podcast: The Art and Science of Kickin' A$s Between the Ears, a education show with 12 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #12

  Ep 12: Routines, Rituals, and Resilience | Performing Under Pressure

  Aug 11, 202658 minS1

  In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last break down how routines, rituals, and deliberate discomfort can help you perform when pressure hits. From AJ Brown reading on the sidelines during an NFL playoff game to the unique routines athletes use to get mentally ready, Andy and Nate explore why the best performance routine isn't necessarily what everyone else is doing—it's what is personal, powerful, and meaningful to you. They unpack the difference between routines, rituals, and superstitions, and explain how to build a repeatable process for preparing, performing, and recovering. The conversation also shifts to performing when there is no perfect plan, using real-world crises and high-pressure situations to explore how breathing, staying present, and focusing on the next action can keep you effective when things get chaotic. Key Takeaways: Why your performance routine should be personal, not copied from someone else The difference between rituals, routines, and superstitions How to build routines for before, during, and after performance Why practice is for weaknesses and competition is for strengths How breathing helps you regain control under pressure Why having a plan matters—even when the plan falls apart How deliberate discomfort builds resilience for real-world challenges Why doing hard things creates confidence, connection, and lasting memories Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, leader, or simply trying to handle life's pressure better, this episode provides a practical framework for preparing your mind before the moment arrives. Listen now and learn how to kick ass between the ears. Please leave a review to help us grow the show and continue bringing these conversations to more people. For more episodes, resources, and learning tools, visit www.skullsessionspodcast.com

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #11

  Ep 11: Confidence in Chaos | The Psychology of Moving Forward with Krista Ryan

  Aug 4, 202652 minS1

  In this episode of Skull Sessions Podcast , Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with executive coach, workplace performance expert, and author Krista Ryan for an honest conversation about resilience, adversity, and the mindset required to keep moving forward through life's hardest moments. Krista shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her "Keep F*!#ING Going" (KFG) philosophy—from surviving the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting to recently being diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. Rather than avoiding the difficult moments, she explains how embracing hardship, practicing gratitude, and choosing neutral thinking have allowed her to transform pain into purpose. Together, Andy, Nate, and Krista explore why resilience isn't about pretending everything is okay, but about accepting reality, controlling your response, and taking the next right step. They discuss the importance of self-forgiveness, emotional regulation, parenting through adversity, and how simple daily habits can strengthen mental fitness over time. Krista also introduces her PONO framework— Pause, Observe, Neutral, Onward —a practical reset tool that helps people respond intentionally instead of reacting emotionally when life becomes overwhelming. Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize that while everyone will face hardship, everyone also has the ability to build the skills needed to navigate it. Whether you're facing a personal setback, leading a team through uncertainty, supporting your family, or simply looking to strengthen your mindset, this episode offers practical tools and inspiring reminders that growth often begins on the other side of adversity. Key Takeaways The story behind the Keep F!#ING Going (KFG) * philosophy Surviving the Las Vegas mass shooting and finding purpose through adversity Navigating a Stage 3 cancer diagnosis with resilience Why neutral thinking is more effective than forced positivity The PONO framework: Pause, Observe, Neutral, Onward How gratitude changes your perspective during difficult seasons The importance of self-forgiveness and self-compassion Parenting through adversity and modeling resilience for others Turning trauma into growth through intentional action Practical habits to build mental fitness every day If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, teammate, coach, parent, leader, or family member who could benefit from the conversation. To learn more about Andy's work, visit www.andyriise.com and www.designtoperform.org . To learn more about Krista Ryan, her coaching, speaking, and her book Keep F!#ING Going *, visit www.kristaryan.com or share your own story at www.mykfgstory.com . Please leave a review to help us grow the show and continue bringing these conversations to more people. For more episodes, resources, and learning tools, visit www.skullsessionspodcast.com .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #10

  Ep 10: Purpose Over Pressure | Andy Riise on Mental Performance, Family, and Leadership

  Jun 30, 202641 minS1

  In this episode of Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise takes a seat on the other side of the microphone as co-host Nate Last dives into the experiences that shaped Andy's journey as a leader, father, soldier, mental performance coach, and lifelong student of resilience. From growing up as the hardworking kid who relied on effort over talent, to overcoming adversity at West Point, serving in the U.S. Army, working in the NFL, and raising a family through years of military deployments, Andy shares the defining moments that transformed his passion into purpose. Together, Andy and Nate explore the difference between physical and mental toughness, the importance of recovery alongside hard work, and why life's greatest performances often happen far away from the spotlight. This conversation goes beyond sports and leadership. It's about embracing adversity, learning to perform under pressure, building resilient families, and developing the mindset needed to navigate life's inevitable challenges with courage, humility, and intention. Key takeaways: Mental Toughness vs. Physical Toughness Leadership and Purpose West Point and Military Leadership Resilience Through Adversity Performance Under Pressure Recovery, Burnout, and Sustainable High Performance Parenting with Mental Performance Principles Growth Mindset and Self-Talk Deliberate Discomfort and Personal Growth Building Mental Fitness for Everyday Life If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, teammate, coach, parent, leader, or family member who could benefit from the conversation. To learn more about Andy's work, visit www.andyriise.com and www.designtoperform.org Please leave a review to help us grow the show and continue bringing these conversations to more people. For more episodes, resources, and learning tools, visit www.skullsessionspodcast.com .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #9

  Ep 9: How to Lead Through Chaos, Crisis, and Compassion | Daniel Roby

  Jun 16, 202639 minS1

  In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with Daniel Roby , CEO of Austin Street Center, one of North Texas' largest emergency shelters serving people experiencing homelessness. Daniel has spent his career working on the front lines of one of society's most complex challenges, helping thousands of people find stability, dignity, and hope. Daniel shares his journey from volunteering at Austin Street as a child to leading the organization today, overseeing major growth initiatives, expanding services, and helping transform the way communities think about homelessness. Along the way, he reveals the mindset, resilience, and daily habits that allow him to lead through constant uncertainty and crisis. The conversation explores what homelessness actually looks like, why many common assumptions are wrong, and how housing instability is often the result of a crisis combined with a lack of support—not personal failure. Key Takeaways: Why purpose is often more important than productivity. The daily habits that help leaders perform under pressureHow homelessness can happen to almost anyone. The biggest myths people believe about homelessnessWhy affordable housing, crisis, and lack of support often intersect How caregivers and helping professionals avoid burnout. The role compassion and community play in creating lasting solutions. What it means to lead when there are no easy answersWhy meaningful impact starts with showing up and taking action. Whether you're a leader, coach, entrepreneur, parent, or someone searching for deeper purpose, this episode offers a powerful reminder that making a difference doesn't require having all the answers—it starts with the willingness to serve. Austin Street Center operates a candle business to benefit our clients. Candles can be ordered at www.xelaaroma.com Listen now and learn how to kick ass between the ears.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Skull Sessions Podcast: The Art and Science of Kickin' A$s Between the Ears

  Ep 8: Stephen Drum: Life on the X. A Navy SEAL’s Guide to Performing Under Pressure

  May 26, 202647 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Skull Sessions, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with retired Navy SEAL Master Chief and co-creator of the U.S. Navy’s Warrior Toughness Program, Stephen Drum, for a raw conversation about mental toughness, leadership, emotional regulation, resilience, and performing under pressure.</p><p>Stephen shares lessons from 27 years in the Navy SEAL Teams, including BUD/S training, combat leadership, and helping develop the Navy’s Warrior Toughness program. He opens up about self-doubt, anger, stress, identity, and how mental skills like visualization, mindfulness, detachment, and preparation helped him navigate life both on and off...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Skull Sessions Podcast: The Art and Science of Kickin' A$s Between the Ears. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.