The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast

• 100. One Decision Away: Resilience, Curiosity & Building a Life of Purpose with Alvin Brown

  In this powerful 100th episode, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with long-time friend and high-performance coach Alvin Brown to explore the mindset, resilience, and relentless curiosity that transformed Alvin’s life. From his early days as a Jamaican immigrant living in poverty, to his evolution as an elite therapist for world-class athletes, Alvin shares the turning points, challenges, and mindset shifts that fueled his journey.They dive deep into the value of sport as a springboard for confidence and self-worth, the discipline of constant learning, and the life-changing power of creating space between stimulus and response. Packed with raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance, personal mastery, and living intentionally.Timestamps00:00 – “Don’t get through it, get from it” – Alvin’s core life philosophy01:00 – Dwayne introduces Alvin Brown and their 25+ year friendship02:00 – Alvin’s immigration from Jamaica and early years in poverty04:30 – Resilience born from cultural shifts and adversity05:30 – Becoming one of the top massage therapists and constant learning06:30 – Building The Centre for Healing and Peak Performance & writing his book07:00 – Role modeling long-term relationships and perseverance09:00 – Alvin’s early ambitions in wrestling, martial arts, and boxing13:30 – Lessons from sport: confidence, belief, and self-worth15:30 – The Olympic dream as legitimacy and identity18:00 – The chance encounter in Cuba that led to a career in therapy20:00 – Going from a “D for diploma” student to top marks in massage school22:00 – Stacking skills: nutrition, acupuncture, energy work, osteopathy30:00 – The importance of energy, intention, and integrative health31:00 – Overcoming the “no degree” weakness and earning a psychology degree33:00 – Studying NLP and the lifelong practice of mindset mastery35:00 – Curiosity as a driver and eliminating perceived weaknesses40:30 – One decision away – pivotal moments in parenting and relationships45:00 – Creating space between stimulus and response to make better decisions51:00 – The role of introspection and honest mentorship55:00 – Lessons in ego, business building, and staying true to your gifts59:30 – Why asking “why” matters – and when it doesn’t1:02:00 – Understanding that “greatness” is different for everyone1:03:00 – Preview of Part 2: handling loss and becoming a lighthouse for othersNotable Quotes“Don’t get through it, get from it.” – Alvin Brown“You’re always one decision away from turning up or turning down the trajectory of your life.” – Alvin Brown“Sport gave me confidence, belief, and self-worth—and that became my springboard.” – Alvin Brown“The space between stimulus and response is where mastery lives.” – Alvin Brown“I don’t seek to be smart; I seek to be wise.” – Alvin Brown“Sometimes you’re driving the right vehicle on the wrong road.” – Dwayne KerriganValuable Resources & TakeawaysThe Power of Sport – Organized sports teach goal-setting, resilience, teamwork, and how to come back from loss.Stack Your Skills – Keep adding complementary knowledge (nutrition, energy work, mindset training) to create a unique...

  --------  

  1:05:12

  --------

  1:05:12
• 99. The Champion Mindset: Thriving with Heather Moyse

  Four-time Olympian, two-time gold medalist, World Rugby Hall of Famer and high-performance coach Heather Moyse returns to The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast for a transformative conversation on sustainable success. In this energizing episode, Heather and Dwayne explore what it really means to thrive—from corporate burnout and high performance to the true essence of recovery, clarity, and fulfillment.Heather breaks down her signature “Podium Process”—a framework for shifting from autopilot to intentional mastery. With humour, honesty, and Olympic-level insight, she shares how to move from societal expectations to personal values, how to reframe setbacks, and how to redefine balance on your own terms.This isn’t just about peak performance. It’s about purpose-driven living—without sacrificing your wellbeing.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome back, Heather Moyse01:30 – What Heather’s been working on: new keynotes and multiple book ideas04:00 – Introducing “The Champion Mindset” and what sets it apart06:45 – Mindset shifts: thriving > extreme productivity09:15 – Corporate vs. athletic performance parallels11:00 – Heather’s “Podium Process”: Dream, Plan, Pursue, Perform13:30 – Self-sabotage and moving through internal blocks17:00 – Recovery ≠ rest: the burnout epidemic explained19:15 – Micro, Meso & Macro Recovery in sport and business22:00 – Why “one step back, two steps forward” is a strategic power move27:00 – Root Why vs. Surface Goals: questions that clarify your true path33:00 – Gender differences in burnout and balance38:00 – Self-sabotage, people-pleasing, and the fear of judgment42:00 – Why clarity requires disconnection from the noise45:30 – Heather’s own mindfulness & recovery practices51:00 – What propels forward movement and momentum55:00 – From High Performance to Mastery (Dwayne’s mindset shift)57:30 – Final thoughts + where to connect with HeatherNotable Quotes:“People don’t need to feel guilt and shame for not doing all the things social media tells us to do.” — Heather Moyse“Burnout isn’t from too much work—it’s from too little recovery.” — Heather Moyse“You can’t feel fulfilled when you’re living a life aligned with someone else’s values.” — Heather Moyse“We’re more committed to recharging our phones than ourselves.” — Heather MoyseResources & Mentions:Heather Moyse Website https://www.heathermoyse.com/Book: Redefining Realistic by Heather MoyseInstagram: @heathermoyseListen to Heather’s first episode on the Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Uw17Z9M6WXq8H5LmFBy9Y?si=32ySJBUWTSm-XyqtO9GlQwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7cHwtyjwQ1LC3dgJA8W48k?si=OOtCOvU2QIeIfRVuemh2lw Key Takeaways:High performance is not sustainable without intentional recovery built into your system.The Podium Process (Dream → Plan → Pursue → Perform) is a customizable roadmap for fulfillment.Clarity requires space—true insight only comes when you step back from the noise.Reframing setbacks is a skill—one that separates people who grow from those who...

  --------  

  1:00:10

  --------

  1:00:10
• 98. Molly Bloom’s Redemption: From Federal Felon to Oscars Night

  In this powerful second installment, Molly Bloom takes us from her lowest point—convicted felon, millions in debt, and under FBI indictment—to the surprising turn that led her back into the spotlight. She shares how the same athletic grit that carried her down Olympic slopes helped her weather mob threats and a RICO case, and ultimately propelled her into publishing a memoir and partnering with Aaron Sorkin to bring Molly’s Game to the big screen. Along the way, Molly reveals the hard lessons of maintaining integrity under pressure, the freedom found in losing everything, and the resilience required to rewrite your own story. She also opens up about balancing motherhood with newfound opportunities, her unlikely journey through Hollywood, and the personal triumph of starting a family against all odds. Timestamps00:00 – Rock Bottom Reveal: From poker queen to convicted felon in millions of debt01:00 – Athletic Grit, Part II: How Olympic lessons powered Molly’s comeback02:30 – Motherhood vs. Ambition: Battling mom-guilt, building your support “village,” finding stillness07:00 – Rewriting the Rulebook: From burnout to a recovery toolkit of meditation, rest & self-compassion10:00 – Integrity Under Fire: Turning down the easy plea and standing by your values12:00 – The Mob, the Gun, the Mirror: Surviving extortion and confronting your moral drift16:00 – Indictment & Advocacy: Choosing transparency with federal prosecutors over plea-bargain fame20:00 – Betting on a Story: From a 10-copy book launch to winning Aaron Sorkin’s Hollywood trust24:00 – From Courtroom to Red Carpet: The surreal leap from sentencing hearing to Oscar buzz28:00 – True Jackpot: Family: Defying 1% IVF odds to welcome daughter Fiona33:00 – Closing Hand: Your Next Chapter: Molly’s challenge to turn every setback into a comebackNotable Quotes“I just remember making a promise to the universe: I will never abandon my values, my family, or myself ever again.” Molly Bloom“If you’re unwilling to take another bold risk after a bad beat, you’ll stay right where you are.” Molly Bloom“There’s a freedom in losing everything—because then you can’t be anyone but who you really are.” Molly Bloom“I met Aaron Sorkin by betting on the best horse in Hollywood, even when my own book had sold ten copies.” Molly BloomValuable ResourcesMolly’s Game (Aaron Sorkin, 2017) & Molly’s Game memoir by Molly BloomKey TakeawaysIntegrity Pays Dividends: Choosing values over easy outs—even under federal indictment—builds lifelong credibility.Leverage Athletic Grit: The discipline that wins races can also power comebacks after personal and professional collapse.Build Your Village: Sustainable success requires support: mentors, family, hired help, and radical self-care.Own Your Story: When life derails you, the only way forward is to become the author of your own narrative.Bet on Yourself: Even if your first “hand” flops (book sales, legal battles), bold risks can unlock game-changing opportunities.Redefine the Jackpot: True victory lies not in money or fame, but in resilience, relationships, and the chance to start anew.Tune in for more wisdom from Molly’s journey—and get ready to play your next hand with courage and conviction.Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagram

  --------  

  1:05:25

  --------

  1:05:25
• 97. Dealing Life’s Hand: Molly Bloom on Mindset & Comebacks

  In this riveting first installment, Dwayne sits down with Molly Bloom, they trace her journey from a straight-A student and elite mogul skier—who overcame major spinal surgery—to California, where an identity crisis set her on an unexpected path into the world of high-stakes underground poker. Along the way, Molly reflects on the powerful roles family dynamics, honesty, and courage have played in her life. She shares how the pivotal “20 Seconds of Courage” mindset transformed her decision-making, and reveals how meticulous attention to sensory details and genuine empathy— “effective presence”—became the secret sauce that elevated her from server to sought-after host of billionaire poker tables. Molly also imparts hard-won lessons in resilience, parenting, and emotional intelligence, including techniques like cognitive reappraisal and value inventories that anyone can apply to amplify personal and professional success.Time Stamps:00:00 – Opening Hand: From Olympic Moguls to Underground Poker01:30 – The Truth Deal: Scoliosis Surgery, Law School & Reclaiming Honesty04:00 – Identity All-In: Chasing Warmth After a Career-Defining Fall07:00 – First Hand Played: How “Tip Molly” Became the Table’s Secret Weapon09:30 – Family Face-Off: Lessons from a Stern Father & Compassionate Mother13:00 – Parenting Like a Pro: Building Resilience in Your Kids19:00 – The 20-Second Bet: A Simple Hack for Courageous Action23:00 – Rock-Bottom Royal Flush: Freedom Found in Failure25:30 – Service Mastery: Elevating the Guest Experience at Billionaire Tables30:00 – Emotional Footprint: The Art of “Effective Presence”36:00 – Empathy Unlocked: Navigating Easy vs. Hard Connections41:30 – Sensory High-Stakes: Designing Unforgettable, Multi-Sense Experiences49:00 – Outsider’s Edge: Creativity & Loyalty from the Poker Fringe54:00 – Part 2 Tease: Scaling Empires, Legal Battles & ReinventionNotable Quotes“If you’re asking how I went from a straight-A student and elite athlete to running an underground crime syndicate, yeah, there’s some causes and conditions there.” Molly Bloom“People are going to forget what you said and what you did. They’re not going to forget the way you made them feel.” Dwayne Kerrigan“20 seconds of courage. That’s all it takes to send the email that changes your career.” Molly BloonValuable ResourcesFilm & Memoir: Molly’s Game (movie by Aaron Sorkin) & Molly’s Game memoir by Molly BloomEmotional Intelligence: Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence; research on the “emotional footprint” meta-analysisMindfulness & Reappraisal: Byron Katie’s Loving What Is; practice journals for cognitive reappraisal (“What else could this mean?”)Risk & Courage: Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability; prompts for “20 seconds of courage” challengesKey TakeawaysInventory Your Values: Write down who you want to be, how you want to treat people, and then audit your behavior regularly.Practice 20 Seconds of Courage: Before fear spins you out, commit just 20 seconds to take the leap—send the ask, make the call, pitch the idea.Cultivate Effective Presence: Focus on the emotional footprint you leave: genuine curiosity, empathetic listening (“listening to discover”), and small acts of service.Use Cognitive Reappraisal: When conflict arises, reframe instantly (“What else could this mean?”) to defuse negativity and maintain inner calm.Design for All Senses: In any client-facing situation—from podcasts to boardrooms—mind...

  --------  

  1:03:52

  --------

  1:03:52
• 96. Hustle with Heart: Inside the Operational Mindset of Vaneli Martinov

  In this unfiltered second half of their conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and Vaneli Martinov dive deeper into the mindset, systems, and soul behind exceptional operations leadership.Vaneli—EVP of Operations for the world-renowned Wellington International—opens up about what it really means to lead from the front lines: managing 500+ seasonal staff, navigating crisis in real-time, and mentoring a team while raising a family.From hiring with heart to dealing with "energy vampires," from picking up trash alongside the CEO to gamifying motivation in a 16-week event sprint, this episode is a masterclass in human-centered leadership.She doesn’t hold back on the pressures, pivots, and personal sacrifices that come with the job—but also shares the mindset shifts, values, and rituals that keep her grounded and inspired.Timestamps:00:00 – The true nature of operations: structure in chaos01:30 – From intern to executive: building your network with humility04:15 – Work ethic, boundaries & the generational shift in expectations07:00 – AI, the future of education, and what’s changing fast10:00 – Adapting to AI: how Vaneli's team is preparing12:00 – Company counselor: when leadership means emotional availability15:00 – Empowering your team instead of enabling dependency17:30 – Spotting energy drainers and culture mismatches18:30 – What it actually takes to get fired by Vanelli20:00 – Why most problems are rooted in miscommunication, not incompetence21:00 – Building better onboarding, systems, and structure23:00 – Hiring 600+ people in 3 months: inside the chaos24:30 – Culture, compensation & the shift from scrambling to stability25:45 – How gamification, incentives & recognition drive retention28:00 – When your CEO leads by example (and picks up trash)30:00 – Leadership on the ground vs. from the tower33:00 – What Saturday nights with 10,000 people look like35:00 – Vanelli’s operational bumper sticker: Hustle, pivot, repeat37:00 – Fear vs. courage in leadership39:00 – How motherhood redefined her priorities and definition of fear42:30 – Business as a gladiator sport—and a spiritual journey44:00 – Why leadership reflection is crucial for sustainable growth45:30 – How to get in touch with VaneliKey Takeaways & Resources:1. Leadership Is Emotional LaborVaneli embraces the role of “company counselor,” knowing that guiding people through emotional and professional bottlenecks is part of her value—but she’s also learned to set boundaries to avoid burnout.2. Hiring 500+ Staff? Culture Is the GlueThey’ve moved from scrambling to stability through better pay, returning managers, incentive programs, and weekly recognition rituals. Culture wins over resumes.3. Operations = Chaos + CalmYou can plan all you want, but execution is where the real work begins. Flexibility and adaptability are key to thriving in operations.4. Don’t Confuse Fear with FailureVaneli explores the difference between being fearless and being courageous. She still feels fear—but leads with action anyway.5. Modern Leadership = On-the-Ground LeadershipTheir CEO leads by example, works beside the crew, and gets real-time feedback from front-line staff. Leadership isn’t about distance—it’s about presence.6. AI Is Coming for Admin—Not EmpathyWhile they’re just starting to adopt AI tools, Vaneli acknowledges its potential for operations—but believes people will always be at the core of execution.Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebook:

  --------  

  48:13

  --------

  48:13

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast