MindSet Playbook
174 episodes Last Updated: Jun 04, 25
Most individuals and teams want to improve. They have areas where, if things were different, they’d achieve more in life and work. We’re all told breaking ingrained, ineffective habits is a slow, hard-won process, but it doesn’t have to be. “The Mindset Playbook” podcast provides science-based, actionable guidance on how to think, engage, and achieve more effectively. Join the conversation with guests who have proven plays for moving beyond the often fleeting feelings of motivation and inspiration to instead leverage strategies and tools that sustain meaningful progress and growth.
About The Host: Larry Olsen has worked with top Fortune 50 companies and professional athletes to establish their vision and sense of purpose. He is the founder and CEO of Aperneo, an achievement acceleration company providing individuals and teams quick, actionable guidance on how to break ingrained, ineffective habits. The Aperneo approach to professional development balances common sense, practical neuroscience, and personal accountability, enabling clients to gain insights and perspectives to live, work, and engage with more success. Learn more at www.aperneo.com.
Episodes
Larry Olsen welcomes Dr. Roger Gerard—renowned author, former Chief Culture Officer of Gundersen Health System, and a rare leader who bridges neuroscience, systems thinking, and real-world organizational change. In this episode, they explore how fear subtly drives dysfunction—and how leaders can break the cycle by creating cultures grounded in psychological safety, curiosity, and courageous clarity. Dr. Gerard’s insights aren’t theoretical—they’re hard-won from decades on the front lines of high-stakes, high-performance environments. If you’re serious about shifting behavior and unlocking your team’s true potential, this conversation is essential.
May 21, 2025
Stop Fighting what Frees You!
Ever wonder why you grab the Ben & Jerry's instead of the salad? Join the life changing Dr. Audrey Schnell as she reveals the surprising role of your amygdala in your daily decisions. This isn't about failure—it's about survival! Learn how to thank your brain's 'protective toddler' and create a new path to success. Prepare for a brain-boosting episode that highlights: Overcoming Self-sabotage, Moving from Stuck to Amazed, while Taking Limiting beliefs to a whole new way of living.
May 07, 2025
Brains, Bravery, and Black Ops
What happens inside our brains when the person in charge is willing to take the first risk—to step into the unknown so the rest of us can try, learn, even fail, in psychological safety? Larry’s guest, Jeffrey Sanow, has been running that neurological experiment for three-plus decades… inside the CIA. Welcome to Mindset Playbook, where you're about to meet Jeffrey Sanow: career intelligence officer, 35 years of “need-to-know,” and a walking case study in servant leadership. From briefing presidents to de-briefing field agents, Jeff learned that the quickest way to switch on the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that innovates under pressure—is simple accessibility: be there, listen hard, and give your people cover while they stretch.
Apr 23, 2025
Why Are You Here?
Did you know that you’ve known why you're here and who you aspire to become since you were 7? In this inspiring episode, Larry Olsen welcomes Dr. Esther Zeledón (Dr. EZ), a renowned international diplomat, scientist, and life coach. Dr. EZ shares her groundbreaking insights on making dreams a reality through her unique formula for balanced success and productivity. With a focus on empowering individuals and communities across cultures, she discusses how to cultivate a limitless life. Tune in to discover practical strategies for unleashing your potential, discovering your purpose, and transforming your mindset!
Apr 09, 2025
Gifts From a Warrior Part 2
From elite warrior to wounded survivor, and now a beacon of healing—meet Christopher Lee Maher. This former US Navy SEAL faced a battle far beyond any battlefield: a relentless assault of pain that threatened to rob him of his mobility, his senses, and his future. But in his darkest hour, Christopher didn't just survive; he pioneered a revolution in wellness. Today, this best-selling author stands as the vanguard of stress resolution and longevity, transforming his own journey from the brink of physical collapse into a roadmap for others seeking freedom from pain and limitation. Christopher's story isn't just about recovery—it's about rebirth. Are you ready in part 2 to discover how a man who once read lips to communicate now speaks volumes about unlocking human potential?
Mar 26, 2025
The CEO’s Secret Weapon
https://www.vistage.com/mindsetplaybook/
Feb 26, 2025
Crashing the Glass Ceiling
Prepare for a mind-bending journey that will shatter your perceived limitations and unleash your hidden potential! In this explosive episode, Larry sits down with David McKee, the mastermind behind countless success stories, to reveal the shocking truth: your own mind is the only thing holding you back. From rock bottom to soaring success, David's transformative journey will challenge everything you thought you knew about human potential. Warning: This conversation isn't for the faint of heart – it's a game-changer that will rewrite your mental script and catapult you towards the life you've always dreamed of. Are you ready to break through your glass ceiling and embrace a world of limitless possibilities? Hit play now – but brace yourself for the mind-blowing revelations ahead!
Feb 12, 2025
Beyond the Known
What if the key to a life worth living was asking the right questions rather than looking for the right fit answers. Welcome to the visionary Anders Indset. A Norwegian-born writer, deep-tech investor, and former elite athlete, Anders has made a name for himself as a fifth-time Spiegel best-selling author and one of the most influential thinkers in the fields of technology and leadership, as recognized by Thinkers50. What sets Anders apart is his ability to shatter conventional wisdom, pushing boundaries and redefining the way we think about achievement. Get ready for a paradigm-shifting conversation that will challenge your perspectives and propel you from the finite to the infinite - trust us, you won't want to miss this!
Jan 29, 2025
Gifts from a Warrior: Part 1
From elite warrior to wounded survivor, and now a beacon of healing—meet Christopher Lee Maher. This former US Navy SEAL faced a battle far beyond any battlefield: a relentless assault of pain that threatened to rob him of his mobility, his senses, and his future. But in his darkest hour, Christopher didn't just survive; he pioneered a revolution in wellness. Today, this best-selling author stands as the vanguard of stress resolution and longevity, transforming his own journey from the brink of physical collapse into a roadmap for others seeking freedom from pain and limitation. Christopher's story isn't just about recovery—it's about rebirth. Are you ready to discover how a man who once read lips to communicate now speaks volumes about unlocking human potential?
Jan 15, 2025
Dollars and Sense: Saving on Purpose
Imagine breaking free from financial stress and unlocking true wealth—not just in your bank account, but in your life. That's the transformation Thomas Blottenberger offers. This financial maverick doesn't just manage money; he revolutionizes your relationship with it. Using Nobel Prize-winning strategies and a focus on your deepest purposes, Thomas turns anxiety into empowerment, scarcity into abundance. Ready to rewrite your financial story and live with genuine freedom? Thomas Blottenberger might just change your life.