We went live from the Factory of Champions in San Antonio, and this one hit different. In this episode of Inside the Genesis, we ground ourselves in gratitude and dive into a conversation that every official—and every leader—needs to hear: your expectations can never exceed your standards.
From the reps you put in behind the scenes, to the mindset you carry on and off the floor, we break down the gap between what you want and what your work ethic sustains. Expect insights on:
The difference between standards (your non-negotiables) and expectations (your desired outcomes).
How your Reticular Activating System (RAS) filters what you see and pursue based on the standards you set.
The “frustration gap” that forms when expectations outpace preparation.
Tools like the C4 Reset, the Inner Scoreboard, and the Stillness Standard to keep you grounded and regulated.
The message is simple but powerful: the game doesn’t give you what you expect, it gives you what your standards prepare you to sustain.
In this episode of Inside the Genesis, we go beyond the noise and dig into what really drives performance—learning to separate the signal from the symptoms. This conversation breaks down how emotions like embarrassment, anger, or defensiveness are natural but don’t have to dictate your decisions on or off the court.
We explore the role of self-awareness, identity, and emotional intelligence in officiating and in life. From tools like CPR (Connection, Perspective, Reciprocity) to frameworks like C4 and the inner scoreboard, we share practical ways to train your filter so you can respond with clarity and composure instead of being hijacked by raw emotions.
Whether you’re in a heated game situation, a tough workplace moment, or just navigating everyday relationships, this episode gives you the strategies to stay rooted, grounded, and steady in the storm.
🎧 Tune in and learn how to protect your game—and your peace—by focusing on the signal, not the symptom.
In this live episode of Inside the Genesis, we ground ourselves in gratitude and dig into one of the most overlooked moments in officiating—the gap. That three-to-five second window before the whistle where emotions, instincts, and awareness collide.
We break down why hard work is our thank-you note for the opportunities we’ve been given, and how gratitude transforms the grind into growth. From San Antonio energy with the Unseen 18 to the launch of our Inner Game of Officiating series on Substack, this conversation is all about shifting from raw reaction to regulated response.
We unpack the SAGE framework—self-awareness, authenticity, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence—as anchors that keep us grounded. And we introduce the SPOGO sequence that reveals what really happens inside the gap and how to train it: from the stimulus, to old tapes replaying, to the moment the gap opens, and finally to a response that reflects identity over instinct.
Whether you’re battling crowd noise, replaying mistakes in your head, or fighting the urge to ball watch, this episode gives you the tools to reset, regulate, and respond with clarity. Because you don’t lose in the action—you lose in the reaction.
The biggest takeaway? You don’t get better at the whistle until you get better in the gap before the whistle.
Privilege turns toxic without gratitude. In this live episode, Brian Garland and GiGi Carr go deep on presence over position, systems over outcomes, and why consistency—not your resume—is your real currency.
Live from San Antonio, we get to the one standard—same whistle, same expectation—whether you’re balancing a 9-to-5 or chasing games all week. We talk presence over position, identity louder than insecurity, systems that make excellence predictable, and the crew-first mindset that turns three contractors into one team.
Then we open the floor. Audience members step up with real questions—about motivation when your why feels distant, about discipline when consistency fades, about staying kingdom-minded in officiating, about working with partners who don’t share your energy, and about resetting after you blow a call. The answers go deep into wiring, mindset, and legacy.
Preparation builds presence. Consistency is your currency. Act like you belong—because you do.
This one is special—because we’re live in San Antonio at the legendary Factory of Champions, our home away from home. The vibe was electric, the energy was real, and the Genesis family showed up strong.
We gave flowers to our guy Mark Vear for holding it down, and then we opened the floor to a powerful conversation with Jeff and Eileen from Mess to Message Ministries. Their story is raw and real—from chains to change, from brokenness to breakthrough—and the work they’re doing inside and outside the prison walls is changing lives.
This episode is a reminder that basketball may be the vessel, but people are always the mission. It’s not about applause; it’s about impact. Not about a handout, but a hand of hope.
Tune in, lock in, and feel the spirit of San Antonio with us.
What it is, what it ain't, what it's going to be. In this episode of Inside the Genesis, we dig deep into the reality of balancing dual roles — holding a nine-to-five by day and at night. The poll told the story: 88% of our community is living this dual-role life. The challenge? The game doesn’t care what your day looked like. The expectation is still full-time focus.
We break down the hidden cost of context switching, the emotional overflow that travels with you, and the physical fatigue that shows up if you don’t prepare. From the dimmer switch strategy to the SAGE framework, from the C4 Reset to the Inner Scoreboard, we unpack tools to help you manage the weight without letting it manage you.
Because at the end of the day, there are two roads, but only one standard. The game doesn’t need your resume — it needs your ref.
In this episode of Inside the Genesis, we’re breaking down the reality that not all stripes live the same lifestyle. Some officials lock in on basketball full-time, while others balance the grind of a nine-to-five with the game they love. Different rhythms. Different reps. Same court.
We unpack why capacity and consistency matter more than comparison, and how your lifestyle shapes your system. Along the way, we revisit the SAGE framework—self-awareness, authenticity, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence—as the compass to keep you grounded in your own lane.
Special guest Angelia Garland joins us with a powerful perspective on balancing a career in engineering with over 20 years of officiating. Her story is a reminder that success isn’t about titles or volume; it’s about self-awareness, making intentional choices, and honoring your bandwidth.
From the traps of camp-hopping and chasing names, to the systems that help both full-time and nine-to-five officials thrive, this conversation is about running your race with courage, clarity, and capacity.
The biggest takeaway? Success isn’t about matching someone else’s chapter. It’s about knowing your lane, building within your capacity, and being consistent with your process.
In this episode of Inside the Genesis, we break down the difference between chasing results and building unshakable confidence through the process. Starting with a powerful reflection on gratitude and service, we explore the Core Four (SAGE) — Self-awareness, Authenticity, Growth mindset, and Emotional intelligence — and how these principles keep you grounded no matter what the scoreboard says.
We dive into:
Why your value can’t live in the outcome — and what happens when it does
How to spot and stop “outcome chasing” before it derails your performance
Emotional regulation in high-pressure moments
Schema tags like “Nobody Cares, Work Harder” and “Job’s Not Finished” that anchor your mindset
The “highlight reel” trap and learning to celebrate invisible wins
How process-over-outcome thinking transforms not just officiating, but careers, relationships, and life
Whether you’re on the court, in the boardroom, or at home, this conversation will challenge you to raise your personal standard, focus on what you can control, and stamp every rep — not just the big moments.
Challenge of the Week: Pick one schema tag and live it out in every rep, on and off the court. Track how it changes your presence, not just your performance.
Episode 15 – The Crew Is the Canvas
with GiGi Carr & TheOfficialLifeCoach Brian Garland
What if your greatness wasn't just about you? In this episode, we break down what it really means to be part of a team—on and off the court. From the locker room to the life room, we explore how true mastery shows up in the context of community.
We talk about the "one basketball" mindset, why every crew needs a common goal, and how self-awareness fuels shared success. Brian drops gems on leadership and legacy, and GiGi brings the truth about learning to shine without outshining.
Whether you're climbing the ladder or holding it steady for someone else, this one’s a reminder: The game may be played by individuals, but greatness is always a group project.
🙏 Gratitude. 🤝 Teamwork. 🧠 Emotional Intelligence.
This is Inside the Genesis.
The gap between good and great isn’t talent—it’s discipline, self-awareness, and obsession. This episode shows you how to close it.
For the first time, we’re releasing the video of Inside The Genesis.
In the Grounded & Gratitude segment, you’ll hear why building your brand matters. Your brand is how people see you, how they remember you, and how far you’ll go. But it only works if you’re intentional—grounded in who you are and grateful for the journey that’s shaping you.
Then we get into the real question: what separates good from great? It’s not talent alone. It’s relentless self-awareness. An obsession with mastery. Ruthless accountability. Emotional control. Choosing purpose over praise. And holding yourself to a standard that lives inside you—not one set by anyone else.
Think about Michael Jordan. Think about Tom Brady. Think about Kobe Bryant. Their greatness didn’t come from the applause—it came from the grind, the discipline, and the refusal to let comfort zones define them.
The truth is, greatness is in your hands. It’s a choice. It’s a commitment to self-improvement, reflection, and pushing past limits. If you want to close the gap between good and great, you’ve got to demand more from yourself every single day.
🎙️ Inside The Genesis – Season 2, Episode 13 Title: Capability vs. Comfort: The Fight for Your Future Hosted by: GG Carr & Brian Garland Produced & Edited by: Victoria Francis A Genesis Development & Consulting Production
In this episode of Inside the Genesis, Brian & GiGi really dig into the importance of gratitude and kindness, along with the ongoing struggle between comfort and our true capabilities. They kick things off with a powerful quote about how kindness can create a ripple effect in our lives. The conversation highlights how embracing gratitude can change our outlook and inspire acts of kindness that make a real difference.
They then transition into an eye-opening discussion about emotional regulation, presenting gratitude as a sort of ‘cheat code’ for managing emotions. Next, they dive deep into the contrast between comfort and capability, unpacking how too much comfort can actually hold us back from realizing our full potential. The speakers stress the importance of self-awareness and share insights on how our brains function under pressure, emphasizing that a bit of discomfort is crucial for growth.
To help listeners take action, they offer practical advice through reflective journal prompts, urging everyone to step out of their comfort zones and strive for their true capabilities. The episode wraps up by reinforcing the idea of daily commitment and the journey to becoming the best version of ourselves, making it a motivational guide for anyone eager to unlock their full potential.
In this episode of "Inside the Genesis," the hosts explore a vital topic for basketball referees: the distinction between ability and capacity. Hosts Brian Garland and GiGi Carr look into how our main obstacles often come from within ourselves. They highlight the difference between just having ambition and being truly prepared for more responsibilities. The episode focuses on the importance of developing emotional and mental capacity through self-awareness, understanding personal limits, and the need for physical readiness. They emphasize how important it is for officials to be aware of themselves, manage their emotions, and stay rooted in gratitude and their sense of identity. The key message conveyed is that real growth and success come from building the inner strength to face challenges, rather than just having technical skills. With engaging insights and useful advice, this episode is essential for referees wanting to improve their game on both personal and professional levels. Listeners are encouraged to address internal distractions and enhance their capacity to sustain growth and success, especially in high-pressure situations.
In this episode of Inside the Genesis, we look at how mindset, gratitude, and self-awareness can inspire personal and professional growth. We introduce the N3 Framework—Name it, Narrate it, Neutralize it—to help you manage emotional triggers and break free from unhelpful mental patterns.
This powerful tool encourages individuals to first identify and name their emotions, then to narrate their experiences, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of their responses. Finally, it guides users in neutralizing these emotional triggers, transforming what once felt like chaos into clarity and intentional action. Along with tips from the Stillness Strategy, this episode provides a path to finding peace, focus, and meaningful progress. Tune in for valuable insights into brain chemistry and habit formation, highlighting the importance of repetition and emotional regulation for lasting growth.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone
00:16 Grounded in Gratitude
01:41 The Power of Positive Attitude
03:43 Transition to Self-Coaching
04:51 Introducing the N3 Framework
06:13 Applying the N3 Framework
08:18 Breaking Down the N3 Framework
18:48 Living the N3 Framework
20:41 The Weight of Leadership
21:09 Neutralizing the Loop
22:18 Framing Your Thoughts
23:04 The N3 Framework Explained
27:23 Repetition and Mastery
30:13 The Importance of Stillness
32:42 Weekly Challenge and Conclusion
The Power of Stillness and Truth: When the Silence Starts Whispering
In the latest episode of Inside the Genesis, the hosts talk about how changing our expectations can lead to personal growth. They stress the importance of being still and quiet to help us become more self-aware. The discussion focuses on how we can work through our emotions to discover what really matters, moving away from ego-driven thoughts to find clarity and authenticity.
The hosts offer listeners some self-coaching prompts and challenges to guide them in their journey towards self-awareness. They encourage everyone to take time for silence and deep reflection on their lives. Additionally, they explain the idea that truth exists at a high frequency and the need to tune into it by releasing fear and surrendering performance. The episode ends with a challenge for listeners to embrace stillness and learn more about themselves, which can lead to greater personal growth and understanding.
00:00 Introduction and Today's Reflection
00:14 Appreciation Over Expectation
01:32 The Power of Preparation and Expectation
03:00 Recap of Episode Seven
04:59 Ego Dissolution and Truth Whispering
05:11 Understanding the Ego's Voice
07:47 Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
10:11 The Journey of Stillness and Surrender
13:00 Guarding Your Heart
13:19 The Importance of Stillness
13:54 Self-Coaching Questions
14:40 Embracing Feedback
15:46 Gathering Intelligence for Your Soul
17:20 The Stillness Journey
18:11 Navigating Discomfort
22:19 Self-Awareness Intelligence
In this episode of Inside the Genesis, the discussion centers around the critical importance of community in the realm of officiating. The hosts emphasize how small, consistent improvements and intentional growth contribute to significant personal and professional development, arguing that these changes are often rooted in the support and challenge provided by one's community. They contrast the superficial energy of crowds and the restrictive nature of cliques with the deep, meaningful connections found in true communities. Featuring shout-outs to various officiating communities and academies, the episode underscores the value of mutual support, intentional relationships, and emotional safety in achieving continuous growth. The episode also includes practical advice on identifying and maintaining healthy community relationships and ends with a call for officials to engage in self-reflection to better understand and optimize their social environments.
Mentorship Fundamentals For Sports Officials
Connect on IG
@theofficiallifecoach
@Academyofpeace22
@SHEBOfficiating
In this special episode of 'Inside the Genesis,' the team explores profound themes of connection, purpose, and service through heartfelt discussions.
Recorded live during the SHE Basketball Officiating's Focus On The Fundamentals Training at Grayson College, this session delves into the significance of life assignments and the power of human connection. Jenna Rankey, a special guest, shares her moving story of being adopted from Vietnam and how basketball became a pivotal part of her life, providing her with a sense of belonging and purpose.
The episode further underscores the importance of serving the game with integrity, character, and a deeper spiritual mission. Each participant, including the live audience, shares their unique perspective on what it means to serve the game and one another, concluding with a collective commitment to be 1% better every day.
In this foundational episode, Brian, Gigi, and Vic unpack the first phase of the Stillness Strategy™—a step-by-step system for emotional regulation, decision-making, and presence under pressure.
The team explores how the first 20 minutes of stillness bring up internal “loops”—unresolved thoughts, distractions, fears, and lies—that we often suppress. But instead of silencing or fixing them, we’re challenged to let the noise rise, observe without judgment, and build emotional capacity.
Stillness isn’t silence. It’s self-confrontation.
You don’t sit for clarity—you sit for capacity. The episode breaks down why this practice is critical for basketball officials, leaders, and anyone seeking peak performance and presence.
In this episode of 'Inside the Genesis,' the focus is on the powerful interplay between self-awareness and intentional affirmations. Inspired by Muhammad Ali's wisdom, the hosts delve deep into how repeated affirmations, when aligned with one’s true values and self-perception, can lead to profound belief and real change. They discuss the critical role of daily self-check-ins and the necessity of grounding oneself in gratitude. The conversation highlights that true change starts from within and that self-awareness is the key to unlocking real conviction and performance.
Using the 'stillness strategy,' the episode provides actionable steps to practice silence, manage inner noise, and engage in meaningful self-reflection. The discussion emphasizes that clarity and personal growth often come from moments of stillness and silence. The episode also underscores the importance of being intentional in scheduling quiet time, journaling thoughts, and facing personal truths. Through this process, you can transform limiting beliefs and better navigate life’s challenges, ultimately leading to improved decision-making, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
In this episode, we step deep into the danger zone of the officiating journey: the middle. Not new, not elite — but too valuable to stay average.
This one's for every official who’s started strong but slowly slipped into autopilot. For those who used to review film every night, grow with intention, and ask questions like they were hungry — but now rely on assignments to define their status instead of standards to shape their path.
We also introduce The Standard Reset Framework™ — a three-part process to name it, reclaim it, and repeat it, so you don’t just bounce back — you build better.
Because let’s be clear:
You don’t rise to the occasion. You rise to the level of your standard.
Standards aren’t about performance. They’re about preparation.
If your game is slipping — check your standard, not your talent.
What’s your one non-negotiable standard this season?
DM Brian on IG @TheOfficialLifeCoach and let us know.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes.
📝 Next up: Episode 6 – The Mirror Is Still There: Why Self-Awareness Is a Daily Assignment.
Because once you stop pretending you’ve arrived, that’s when the real work begins.
In this soul-stirring episode, Brian and Gigi take you deep into the uncomfortable truth behind personal growth: not everyone will celebrate it. This isn’t just a conversation — it’s a call to clarity, courage, and commitment.
From butterfly growth seasons to emotional intelligence under pressure, this episode is for anyone navigating the messy middle — where you’re no longer who you were, but not yet who you’re becoming.
Whether you’re in your offseason, your obedience season, or that quiet, misunderstood cocoon — this one’s for everyone fighting for the next, better, version of themselves.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify💬 If this episode stirred something in you, drop a review and share your biggest takeaway.📲 Connect with Brian on IG @theofficiallifecoach
And remember:
When you know yourself, you can grow yourself.™