The Real Shift Show

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with James Blake — former professional tennis player, ESPN and Tennis Channel analyst, and two-time author, who rose to No. 4 in the world less than two years after fracturing his neck.
James opens up about the obstacle that hit hardest — losing his father and mentor to cancer at just 24 years old — and how that grief triggered a shingles diagnosis that paralyzed half his face.
He shares how writing his New York Times bestseller Breaking Back forced him to finally start processing his emotions, how a case of mistaken identity with the NYPD turned him into an advocate, and the self-talk and short-term-goal mindset that carried him from barely being able to walk a block to competing in front of 20,000 fans. This episode is for athletes, entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone rebuilding after a setback that felt impossible to come back from.
In this episode, we talk about:
How James went from fearing he'd never walk normally again to being ranked No. 4 in the world
Why losing his father hit harder than any physical injury he faced
The shingles diagnosis that paralyzed his face after his father's death
Why writing Breaking Back helped him start opening up emotionally
The 2015 NYPD incident that turned him into an advocate
Building the James Blake Foundation and funding cancer research in his father's name
The power of positive self-talk and resetting after a bad point
What's changed in tennis training and player longevity since he retired
How becoming a father changed the way he processes emotion
The Arthur Ashe quote he lives by: "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can"
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro 00:24 – Meet James Blake, ESPN and Tennis Channel analyst
00:35 – The obstacles: a broken neck, losing his father, and an undiagnosable illness
00:47 – The one obstacle James didn't think he'd come back from 01:01 – Losing his father and mentor
01:25 – How grief turned into a shingles diagnosis that paralyzed his face
02:38 – From walking to the corner deli to No. 4 in the world 03:41 – Getting 1% better every day
04:09 – Why short-term goals beat big dreams
05:14 – Writing Breaking Back, his New York Times bestseller
07:23 – Writing his second book, Ways of Grace
07:43 – The 2015 NYPD incident and mistaken identity
09:23 – Choosing advocacy over a lawsuit
10:08 – The James Blake Foundation and cancer research
10:36 – Andy Roddick, John Mayer, and Andre Agassi showing up for the cause
11:09 – The self-talk that got him through matches
12:14 – What's different in tennis today, from an analyst's seat 13:23 – Life after retirement and almost going into finance
13:48 – Parenting two daughters and learning to emote
14:47 – Crying over his kids in ways he never expected
16:05 – Choosing to be present for his kids over everything else
16:24 – The zucchini lunch story his daughters won't let him live down
17:01 – The advice he repeats to his daughters
17:16 – The Arthur Ashe quote he lives by
17:53 – Final thoughts and where to find James
 
About James Blake: James Blake is a former professional tennis player who reached No. 4 in the world and was named ATP Comeback Player of the Year in 2005. He now works as a tennis analyst for ESPN and the Tennis Channel, is the author of two books — including the New York Times bestseller Breaking Back — and founded the James Blake Foundation, which funds cancer research in honor of his father. Follow James: X: @JRBlake Website: jamesblaketennis.com
 
If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone working their way back from a setback.
What was your biggest takeaway from James's story? Let us know in the comments. #TheRealShiftShow #JamesBlake #Tennis #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #MentalHealth #Parenting #Comeback #MindsetShift #SportsBusiness #OvercomingAdversity

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with internationally renowned author, journalist, and speaker Francesc Miralles — best known as the co-author of the global phenomenon Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.
Joining the show from Barcelona, Francesc shares the deeper meaning behind ikigai, the Japanese philosophy centered around purpose, fulfillment, longevity, and living a meaningful life. From discovering unexpected global success to helping millions rethink happiness, discipline, flow, and human connection, this conversation is both grounding and deeply inspiring.
Together, Katy, Anna, and Francesc explore what it really means to live with purpose in a distracted, fast-moving world — and how small daily shifts can radically transform the way we live. This episode is for entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, seekers, and anyone feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or searching for greater meaning in life and work.
In this episode, we talk about:
The true meaning of ikigai and why it matters
Why purpose is connected to longevity and happiness
The unexpected story behind the global success of Ikigai
What the people of Okinawa do differently than the rest of the world
The power of community, relationships, and belonging
The concept of “flow” and how to create more of it in your life
Why multitasking destroys focus and fulfillment • The four circles exercise to help uncover your purpose
Creating time and stillness in a distracted world
Why discipline matters for creativity, spirituality, and personal growth
How to train attention in the age of constant distraction
Why it’s never too late to discover your purpose
The rise of “late bloomers” and finding meaning later in life
Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:34 – Meet Francesc Miralles and the meaning of ikigai
01:13 – What is ikigai?
 01:52 – Francesc’s unexpected journey to global success
02:34 – The Okinawa trip that changed everything
03:32 – How Ikigai transformed Francesc’s career
04:04 – When Francesc realized the book was impacting the world
05:02 – What Okinawa teaches us about longevity and happiness
06:01 – Why relationships and community matter so much
06:41 – The importance of daily meaning and purpose
07:24 – What is “flow” and why does it matter?
08:31 – Why multitasking destroys flow
09:25 – How to find your purpose using the four circles exercise 11:24 – What the world needs and how to align with it
12:28 – Practical ways to begin finding your purpose
13:20 – Making time for reflection and creativity
14:28 – Why discipline matters beyond work
15:15 – Training your attention in a distracted world
16:29 – What Francesc says to people who feel “it’s too late”
17:02 – Why many people discover purpose after retirement
17:42 – The beauty of becoming a “late bloomer”
18:23 – Lessons we can learn from the Japanese and Blue Zones
18:38 – Final thoughts and book giveaway announcement If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone searching for more meaning, balance, or purpose in their life.
Follow Francesc Miralles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francesc_miralles/ Website: https://www.francescmiralles.com/ Books: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life What was your biggest takeaway from this conversation? Let us know in the comments. #TheRealShiftShow #Ikigai #FrancescMiralles #Purpose #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Longevity #BlueZones #Happiness #SelfDevelopment #FlowState #MeaningfulLife #Leadership #MentalWellness

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with Julie Uhrman — the visionary entrepreneur and co-founder behind Angel City FC, now valued at $335 million and considered the most valuable women’s soccer club in the world.
Julie opens up about building Angel City FC alongside Natalie Portman and Kara Nortman during a time when most people doubted women’s sports could succeed at scale. From hearing over 100 “no’s” while fundraising to redefining what impact and profitability can look like together, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, mission-driven business, and trusting your vision when nobody else sees it yet.
This episode is for entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, athletes, and anyone navigating growth, reinvention, or the pressure of building something bigger than themselves. In this episode, we talk about: How Angel City FC grew to a $335 million valuation in just six years Why women’s sports was treated like a “charity” — and how they changed the model The 100 “no’s” that almost stopped the business before it started The mindset shift that changed Julie’s fundraising strategy forever Building a business around impact AND profitability Why Angel City gives 10% of sponsorship revenue back to the community Leadership lessons from building with Natalie Portman and Kara Nortman Letting go of identity and stepping away as CEO The importance of understanding your strengths Why women’s sports is not a moment — it’s a movement
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro 00:28 – Meet Julie Uhrman and the Angel City FC story
01:14 – Why starting a women’s soccer team in 2019 felt “crazy”
02:22 – The Women’s World Cup moment that changed everything
03:06 – The groundbreaking 10% sponsorship model
04:23 – Supporting players after retirement through the Player 22 Fund
05:29 – Growing Angel City FC to a $335 million valuation 06:15 – Investing in players, community, and fan experience
07:19 – Expanding women’s sports beyond “girl dads” and families
08:00 – Hearing 100 “no’s” while fundraising
08:50 – The Eva Longoria conversation that changed everything
10:11 – Why impact became Angel City’s biggest business differentiator
10:46 – Building trust and leadership with co-founders
12:21 – Creating a legacy that changed women’s sports forever
13:19 – The belief Julie had to overcome to scale the business
13:59 – Reframing rejection and the meaning of “no”
15:49 – Why Julie stepped down as CEO
17:02 – Identity shifts after leaving a major role
17:41 – The “secret sauce” behind Angel City’s success
18:05 – How to better understand your strengths
18:57 – Advice Julie would give her younger self
19:30 – Why women’s sports is a movement, not a moment
19:47 – Final advice on overcoming other people’s opinions
If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone building something bold. Follow Julie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/juhrman/, https://www.instagram.com/weareangelcity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieuhrman/ What was your biggest takeaway from Julie’s story?
Let us know in the comments. #TheRealShiftShow #JulieUhrman #AngelCityFC #WomensSports #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #FounderStory #NWSL #SportsBusiness #MindsetShift

Most people spend their lives avoiding discomfort.
They avoid the hard conversation.The cold plunge.The risk.The thing that might change them.
But what if discomfort is actually the doorway?
In this episode, Tyler Forbes, founder of Breathe Degrees, explains why doing hard things is the key to resilience, growth and becoming who you’re actually capable of being.
From cold plunges and breathwork to mindset, fear, confidence and community, Tyler shares the philosophy behind building one of San Diego’s most talked-about wellness communities—and why staying calm under pressure is a skill anyone can train.
This is a conversation about nervous system regulation, mental toughness, human connection and the stories we tell ourselves that keep us playing small.
You will learn:
How cold plunges train your nervous system and resilienceWhy discomfort is necessary for growth and transformationHow breathwork helps you stay calm under pressureThe science behind stress, fear and emotional regulationWhy community and connection are critical for happinessHow limiting beliefs and insecurity shape our livesThe three rules Tyler teaches his kids (and himself)Why “going first” changes everythingHow to stop playing life safe and start taking action
⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction1:05 – Why discomfort creates growth4:10 – The problem with modern comfort7:15 – Breathwork, cold plunges and resilience11:40 – Choices, chances and changes15:20 – The power of community and connection19:30 – Why success doesn’t create fulfillment23:10 – Tyler’s upbringing and mindset shifts28:00 – Fear, insecurity and human potential34:15 – The three rules for life41:20 – Why there are “no rules”46:00 – Staying calm under pressure50:25 – Breathwork and nervous system regulation56:10 – Final thoughts and takeaways
About Tyler Forbes:Tyler Forbes is the founder of Breathe Degrees, a wellness and recovery community focused on breathwork, cold plunges, sauna, movement and human connection. Through science-backed practices and community experiences, Breathe Degrees helps people build resilience, regulate stress and reconnect with themselves and others.
Follow Tyler Forbes + Breathe Degrees:Website: https://breathedegrees.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathedegrees
Subscribe for more:
Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, resilience, leadership, personal growth and the shifts that change how we live and lead.

Most people wait to be chosen.
They wait for permission.For confidence.For the “right time.”
But what if that moment never comes?
In this episode, Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient and founder of #SeeHer, explains why waiting is the biggest mistake holding you back—and how to build confidence, speak up in meetings, and step into leadership before you feel ready.
After disrupting the research industry and building a global platform for gender equality, Shelley shares the mindset, communication skills, and leadership strategies that helped her succeed in high-stakes environments.
This is a conversation about confidence, executive presence, and what it really takes to lead—especially when you’re the only one in the room.
You will learn:
How to build confidence at work (even if you don’t feel ready)
How to speak up in meetings and high-pressure situations
The truth about executive presence and leadership
Why women in leadership need to stop waiting for permission
How to grow your career and take control of your path
The mindset shift required to lead in business today
Why gender equality is a business advantage—not a limitation
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction0:35 – Who is Shelley Zalis1:20 – Early career and leadership journey3:10 – The moment everything changed5:45 – Building The Female Quotient8:30 – Women in leadership and business strategy11:15 – Speaking up in meetings14:40 – Confidence vs readiness17:20 – Community and advocacy20:10 – Gender equality in business23:30 – Career advice and leadership growth26:00 – Final thoughts
About Shelley Zalis:
Shelley Zalis is the CEO of The Female Quotient and founder of #SeeHer, a global movement focused on advancing gender equality in the workplace and media. She is a recognized leader in business, leadership, and inclusion.
Follow Shelley Zalis:
Website: https://www.thefemalequotient.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyzalisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefemalequotient
Subscribe for more:
Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, communication, confidence, and career growth.
 

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Katy Temple and Anna Crowe sit down with Robin Toft, CEO of Curebound, cancer survivor, and purpose-driven leader. Robin shares the moment everything changed — walking into an ER thinking she had food poisoning… and being told she had cancer and needed emergency surgery. No time to prepare. No time to process.
 Just a decision — and a complete life reset. What followed wasn’t just recovery. It was a radical shift in how she lives, works, and defines success.
💡The shift: The life you’ve built — the one that looks successful on the outside — might be the very thing pulling you away from who you really are. Robin followed that realization immediately. She walked away from her career, rebuilt her life from the inside out, and chose a path rooted in purpose — not pressure. In this episode, we talk about:
What it feels like to have your life change in an instant
The wake-up call behind “pushing through” and ignoring your body
Breaking the addiction to work and external validation
The identity shift from achievement → alignment
Learning to trust intuition over logic
The difference between ego-driven success and soul-led purpose
How to create work that feels meaningful, not draining
What it looks like to live “passionately on purpose”
Her mission to accelerate cancer research through Curebound
Why authenticity and personal alignment matter more than ever
🧠 A line you’ll remember: “If you would quit your job after a life-defining moment… you should probably quit your job now.” Robin’s story isn’t just about cancer. It’s about the moments in life that force you to stop… re-evaluate… and decide if the path you’re on is actually the one you want. Because the real shift isn’t just surviving something hard… it’s having the courage to change everything after it. Learn more about Robin Toft:
🌐 Curebound: https://www.curebound.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cureboundofficial/, https://www.instagram.com/robintoft2/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robintoft/ 👇 Join the conversation: What part of Robin’s story resonated with you most?
Have you ever had a moment that made you completely re-evaluate your life? What would you change if you actually listened to that voice?
 

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Anna Crowe and Katy Temple sit down with former Major League Baseball player Jeff Francoeur. After 12 years in the big leagues, Jeff shares what it really looks like to transition out of a career that once felt like everything — and how quickly that chapter becomes just a small part of your life story.
Today, he’s a broadcaster and co-host of the Pure Athlete Podcast, where he helps parents and coaches navigate the realities of youth sports — from pressure and expectations to helping kids actually enjoy the game. 💡
The shift: The thing you thought would define your life… might only be a small part of it. Jeff puts it into perspective: Even a successful, years-long career can end up being a fraction of your life — leaving the bigger question: 👉 What are you going to do with the rest of it?
In this episode, we talk about:
What it’s really like transitioning out of professional sports
Why even a “dream career” can be a small percentage of your life
The identity shift that happens when your role changes
How success doesn’t answer the question, “what’s next?”
The importance of priorities — and how they evolve over time
Why family, impact, and presence started to matter more than achievement
The pressure young athletes face today — and how it’s changed
How parents can better support their kids without burning them out
Why youth sports should be about development, not just winning
The mindset shift from perfection → awareness and adjustment 🧠 A line you’ll remember: “Baseball was one of the best parts of my life… but it was a small part of my life.”
 Jeff reminds us that this isn’t just about sports. It’s about any moment where something you’ve worked toward — a role, a title, a chapter — comes to an end. And the real shift isn’t just in achieving it… it’s in learning how to redefine who you are after it’s over.
Learn more about Jeff Francoeur: 🎙Pure Athlete  Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/pureathleteinc/, https://www.instagram.com/jefffrancoeur/ Website: https://pureathlete.com/
👇 Join the conversation: What part of Jeff’s story resonated with you most? Have you ever had to redefine your identity after a major transition? What does “what’s next” look like for you?

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Anna Crowe and Katy Temple sit down with Dr. Deepika Chopra — clinical health psychologist, author, and founder of “All Things Are Looking Up.”
Dr. Chopra has spent years studying the science of optimism — not as blind positivity, but as a powerful, evidence-based tool for resilience, health, and performance. Her work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and real-life application, helping people shift how they think about the future — and ultimately how they show up in the present. 💡
The shift: Optimism isn’t about ignoring reality — it’s about how you face it. Dr. Chopra introduces the concept of real optimism — the ability to acknowledge challenges while still believing in your capacity to move through them. Because the brain is always anticipating what comes next… and what you expect shapes how you act. In this episode, we talk about:
Why your brain is wired to anticipate the future — and how that impacts your behavior • The difference between toxic positivity and real optimism
Why optimism is more connected to resilience than happiness •
How to train your mind to expect better outcomes
The science behind visualization and habit formation
Why “21 days” is a myth — and what actually creates change
The importance of feeling your real emotions while still leaving space for hope
How small daily practices can rewire your mindset over time
Why celebrating small wins (“tada lists”) builds momentum and confidence 🧠
A line you’ll remember: “Optimism isn’t about denying the dark — it’s about learning to see in it.” Dr. Chopra reminds us that optimism isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. Not by pretending everything is okay… but by trusting that you can handle what isn’t. And sometimes, the most powerful shift isn’t thinking bigger — it’s expecting differently.
Learn more about Dr. Deepika Chopra: Website: https://allthingsarelookingup.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drdeepikachopra/ Book: Real Optimism (available wherever books are sold)
👇 Join the conversation: What did this episode shift for you? Where in your life could you practice “real optimism”? What are you choosing to expect next?

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Anna Crowe and Katy Temple sit down with AmyK Hutchens — international award-winning speaker, leadership expert, bestselling author, and founder of Ignite Brilliance.
For more than 25 years, AmyK has coached, trained, and consulted leaders around the world, helping them communicate more powerfully, lead more authentically, and move beyond the patterns that keep them small.
Her work lives at the intersection of leadership, communication, cognitive science, and spirituality — challenging people to quiet the ego, reconnect with their true selves, and lead from the heart.
AmyK believes one of the most important shifts leaders can make is moving away from fear, performance, and people-pleasing… and toward authenticity, stillness, and self-leadership.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why ego is one of the biggest challenges leaders face today
The difference between being heart-led and fear-driven
How social media, comparison, and anxiety are shaping leadership
Why authentic leadership requires stillness and self-awareness
The power of experiential learning and why AmyK’s retreats are designed to create lasting change
How small shifts in language can completely transform hard conversations
Why communication is foundational to leadership
The role self-leadership plays in how we show up for others
A line you’ll remember:
“Your state of being is your number one doing.”
AmyK reminds us that leadership isn’t about performance. It’s about alignment.
And sometimes the most powerful shift isn’t a giant leap — it’s a quiet pause, a deeper breath, a better phrase, or a more honest way of showing up.
Learn more about AmyK Hutchens: 
https://www.ignitebrilliance.com/
Follow AmyK Hutchens:https://www.instagram.com/amykhutchens
📘 Books by AmyK Hutchens include GET IT and her upcoming book Ignite Brilliance.
👇 Join the conversation:
What part of AmyK’s conversation resonated with you most?
What small shift can you make this week to show up more authentically?
What did AmyK share that stayed with you?

In this episode of The Real Shift Show, co-hosts Anna Crowe and Katy Temple sit down with Jim Brogan — former NBA player, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and co-author of Bullets, Basketballs, and Boardrooms.
Jim has spent over 40 years studying high performance — working with professional athletes, CEOs, and top organizations — to understand what actually drives success. His approach blends neuroscience, discipline, and real-world application, helping people move from intention to execution. At the core of his work is a simple idea: success isn’t about big moments — it’s built through small, consistent actions over time.
Jim challenges the way we think about discipline, reframing it not as something rigid or punishing, but as a system that creates freedom, confidence, and results. In this episode, we talk about:
Why discipline is the foundation of long-term success
The difference between being “mentally tough” and mentally strong
How small daily actions create exponential results over time
Why most people struggle with the concept of time
The power of visualization and how the brain actually learns
Why success comes from the struggle — not avoiding it
How responsibility (not accountability) changes performance
Simple habits that can immediately improve focus and clarity A line you’ll remember: “Caring is the ultimate competitive advantage.”
Jim reminds us that growth doesn’t come from doing everything at once — it comes from choosing one small shift and committing to it consistently. Whether it’s reading 10 pages a day, walking 100 yards, or simply drinking water in the morning — the smallest actions, done repeatedly, create the biggest transformations.
Learn more about Jim Brogan: https://jimbroganconsulting.com/ Follow Jim Brogan:   / jim-brogan-262042b     / jamesrbrogan  
📘 Bullets, Basketballs, and Boardrooms — available now on Amazon.
👇 Join the conversation: What part of Jim’s conversation resonated with you most? What’s one small shift you can commit to this week? Where in your life could more disciplined?