Fear vs. Nerves: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Dr. Antonio Harrison, known to many simply as "Coach Doc," has an honest, vulnerable, and transparent conversation with host Ty Schmidt about what to do when you feel burned out, lost, afraid, or stuck.
Together, they unpack the mindset shift that turns fear into forward motion, why many people aren’t actually afraid of failure (they’re afraid of success), and how to stop overthinking by focusing on one next step at a time.
They also explore resilience shaped by real life, the power of mentors and “transition figures,” and practical ways to reconnect when the world feels divided like getting outside, putting the phone down, and starting a simple conversation with a genuine compliment.
Plus: a rapid-fire music segment featuring the songs Coach Doc uses for transition, survival, and hype, and a challenge you can try today to build courage in a small but meaningful way. If you’ve been craving a reminder of who you are, you're in the right place.
Meaningful Moments
00:21 — Welcome + the heart of the show Music, mindset, and movement as tools for remembering who you are while building who you’re meant to be.
01:24 — Gratitude as a grounding practice Finding gratitude “especially in challenge,” and how connection can happen even before you’ve met someone.
03:25 — Coach Doc’s vulnerable share: a new spiritual commitment A year-long decision to pursue faith, commit to prayer, and document the journey in a book series.
05:19 — Why sharing faith feels risky right now Division, judgment, and choosing courage anyway.
07:05 — Reading the Bible front-to-back + what changed A deep personal commitment and the internal shifts that came with it.
08:25 — Belief vs. non-belief (and the “two twins” analogy) A story that reframed perspective on faith, life, and what we can’t fully see yet.
10:30 — The moment of rejection that became a lesson Approaching two women with pamphlets at a park… and getting shut down.
13:48 — A simple text that brought him back to center Daily affirmations to his sons — and the “love you too” that reset his nervous system.
16:29 — Childhood, survival, and resilience Sports as a safe haven; growing up fast; addiction in the household; learning hard realities early.
22:29 — Advice for fear, anxiety, and uncertainty Flip fear into nervousness, use your own history as proof, and stop assuming the worst.
25:54 — The fear nobody names: fear of success Being seen, attention, and why success can feel more threatening than failure.
29:41 — “Who got back on the bus for you?” The people who made him feel seen: Mrs. Atkinson and Coach Tom Fry.
35:05 — The marble gratitude practice A tangible way to give appreciation — and why gifts build courage.
37:33 — When life feels too heavy: simple ways back Stillness (learning to enjoy your own company), nature, and human connection.
40:00 — Compliments as a gateway to connection Why a genuine compliment helps people feel seen (and opens real conversation).
40:55 — The “worst case scenario” exercise Going down the rabbit hole, then building the plan: “Okay… then what?”
46:26 — Technology: disconnection or a lifeline Finding your tribe, being intentional, and not starting your day with the news/phone.
50:48 — The 80th birthday question Legacy, love, protection, and the stories you want people to tell about you.
55:06 — Speed round: advice to younger self “It’s okay. You’re gonna be all right.” 56:39 — Song of transition “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
57:34 — Song of survival + hype Survival: “Only God Can Judge Me.” Hype: “Ante Up (Remix)” + a family hype anthem.
1:00:55 — Where to find Coach Doc + practical excellence Speaking, courses, the Challenge Journal, and building meaningful change through small shifts.
1:08:02 — Ty’s closing invitation Connect, share feedback, leave a review, and come back “quick, before you forget.”
Coach Doc's Playlist: Song in Transition/Change: Sam Cooke, A Change is Gonna Come
Song of Surivival: Tupac, Only God Can Judge Me
Hype Song: M.O.P. Ante Up Remix (ft. Busta Rhymes, Teflon & Remi Martin); E-40 ft. T.I. and Joyner Lucas