🎙️ The 1% Club- Ep 27- Life Is Your Sport
Here is a simple truth that very few know: you don't need to feel ready to get started. This a mantra that I follow whenever I don't find the motivation to get something done: mood follows action. Don’t wait to “feel ready.” Start. Learn. Adjust. Repeat. In sports and life, growth doesn’t come from avoiding mistakes—it comes from meeting challenges head-on. As I share in this episode: problems are the nectar of life, your breath is your reset, and progress is built one tiny rep at a time. Start before you’re ready. Act, then let the feeling catch up. One more day, one more battle—1% better.
Listen, reflect, and then do one small thing today that future-you will thank you for.
If this hit you, DM “MINDFLEX” and I’ll send you a simple daily action plan.
#1PercentClub #MindFlex #DailyDiscipline #GrowthMindset #StartBeforeYoureReady
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast — Ep 26 - Bruno Paschoalini
In this episode of The 1% Club Podcast, Thales sits down with Brazilian sports operations and player-care specialist Bruno Paschoalini, whose career has spanned FIFA’s Club World Cup, MLS clubs like FC Dallas, Charlotte FC, and Colorado Rapids, and even early days at Samsung Sports Marketing in Brazil.
Bruno’s story is one of service, faith, and building opportunities through humility and persistence. From arriving in the U.S. with no network, to working across every detail of player-care—housing, visas, contracts, family support—his journey shows how the human side of sports directly impacts performance on the field.
He shares:
How volunteering and “paying the price before” opened career doors
The behind-the-scenes systems that keep professional players confident and focused
Why goals must be clear, but plans flexible
How living in the present and leading with positivity creates long-term success
This is a powerful story about serving others, trusting the process, and proving that when you take care of the person, the player always follows.
🧠 One more day. One more battle. 1% better.
In this solo episode of The 1% Club Podcast, Thales Peterson demystifies spirituality and shows how it directly applies to sports and life. Forget the idea that spirituality is “woo-woo” or religious—it’s actually about one simple thing: awareness.
Thales explains how true spirituality is learning what you can and cannot control, and how to take ownership of your inner environment. Using real sports examples—like missing a shot, getting blocked, or making a mistake—he shows how athletes can train their awareness to reset, let go, and play with confidence.
You’ll learn:
What spirituality really means (and why it’s not what most people think)
Why sports are the perfect training ground for awareness and growth
How negative thoughts are natural, like hunger or fatigue, but don’t have to control you
Practical ways to build control over your mind and reactions in high-pressure moments
This episode is about more than just sports—it’s about evolving as a person. By understanding and practicing spirituality in its simplest form, you’ll discover how to perform freely, with joy, and without fear.
"One more day, one more battle, 1% better."
In this solo episode, Thales Peterson challenges the old definition of mental toughness and redefines it as mental flexibility—the ability to handle anything life throws at you without suppressing emotions or breaking under pressure.
You’ll learn how the MindFlex Method helps athletes and high-performers:
Adapt to setbacks instead of avoiding them
Control the response after natural negative reactions
Use conscious breathing as a reset tool in high-pressure moments
Focus on daily 1% improvements that compound into long-term growth
Through sports analogies, real-life examples, and practical tools, Thales shows how flexibility—not rigidity—is the true path to confidence, resilience, and freedom.
👉 Tune in to discover why the future of mental training is not about “being tougher,” but about becoming more flexible.
Your mind isn’t set. It’s flexible.
In this solo episode of The 1% Club Podcast, Thales Peterson breaks down why the old idea of “mindset” is outdated — and why mental flexibility (MindFlex) is the real key to confidence, performance, and inner peace.
Thales shares:
The difference between mind vs. brain (and why this changes everything).
How 95% of your thoughts are unconscious — and how to reclaim control of the 5%.
What science, spirituality, and sports all reveal about becoming more self-aware.
Practical tools like the 1% daily practice and the breath challenge to reset and refocus anytime.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, negative, or controlled by your thoughts, this episode will show you how to start training your mind like you train your body.
💬 Ready to flex your mind? Send me a message with the word MindFlex and let’s talk.
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast — Ep 22 - Dredon Kelly
In this episode of The 1% Club Podcast, Thales sits down with Canadian defender Dredon Kelly, whose story is a testament to resilience, persistence, and creating opportunities when no one is knocking.
From winning a national championship at York University to cold-calling and emailing every NCAA program in the country, Dredon’s relentless pursuit of his dream eventually earned him full-ride scholarships at Wofford College and later UTRGV, where he helped his team climb into the NCAA top 10.
His journey has taken him through the MLS Combine, the U.S. Open Cup against LA Galaxy, training with the Mexican National Team, and now to Australia’s second division, where he’s building a reputation as a dependable defender with 9 clean sheets, 86% pass accuracy, and goals to his name.
Dredon shares:
How he created his own path through persistence and faith
Lessons from competing across three countries and multiple levels of the game
The mental grind of staying ready when opportunities are uncertain
Why his ultimate dream is to earn a call-up to the Canadian National Team
This is a powerful story of betting on yourself, embracing uncertainty, and proving that with enough drive—you can always find a way forward.
🧠 One more day. One more battle. 1% better.
In this inspiring episode of The 1% Club Podcast, Thales Peterson sits down with entrepreneur, real estate leader, and mentor Eric Golden for a masterclass on habits, mindset, and sustaining high performance over decades.
Eric shares his powerful philosophy: “What you want most next is at the other end of a habit you don’t yet possess.” Together, we explore how to build winning habits, raise your standards, reframe setbacks, and find the “spark” that fuels consistent action.
From starting entrepreneurial ventures in his 20s, to leading a real estate network of over 3,000 agents and $4 billion in sales, Eric’s journey is filled with lessons on persistence, belief, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply striving for personal growth, this episode will help you:
Identify the daily actions that lead to lasting results
Transform rejection into redirection
Build mental flexibility to bounce back faster
Live life by design instead of default
This conversation is packed with actionable wisdom you can start using today—so grab your notebook and get ready to level up 1% at a time.
🎧 Listen now and discover how to create the habits and mindset to fuel your next breakthrough.
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast — Ep. 20: Gustavo Vasconcelos
In this inspiring episode of The 1% Club Podcast, Thales sits down with Gustavo Vasconcelos, whose journey takes us from the streets of Recife, Brazil, all the way to NCAA Division 1 soccer—first as a standout goalkeeper, now as a collegiate coach and founder of GV Sports & Education.
Gustavo opens up about:
Growing up in the culture of “futebol raiz” in Brazil
His transition from Brazil to the U.S. at age 18 with limited English and big dreams
What it meant to play alongside Kaká at Orlando City SC
Becoming a 3x All-Conference Goalkeeper and being listed in the MLS Draft
The mental tools that helped him push through injuries and setbacks
Why purpose, not position, defines a true leader
His mission to help young Brazilian athletes achieve success through soccer and education
Now coaching at the NCAA Division 1 level, Gustavo shares the truth about recruiting, the college athlete lifestyle, and the importance of faith and identity beyond the game.
💬 “Soccer gave me everything, but it’s what I’ve done with the opportunity that truly matters.” — Gustavo Vasconcelos
This is an episode about trusting your path, doing hard things with joy, and becoming a leader worth following.
🧠 One more day. One more battle. 1% better.
🎙 EPISODE 19 – Revolutionizing College Recruiting w/ David Hitz (Athlete Narrative)
In this episode, I sit down with David Hitz, VP of Operations at Athlete Narrative—a game-changing platform that's making college recruiting more accessible, affordable, and efficient for athletes worldwide.
We talk about:
Why most recruiting systems are broken—and what Athlete Narrative is doing differently
David’s personal journey through skateboarding, neuroscience, and mental performance coaching
How to start building your recruiting profile (even if you’re just getting started)
The real myths parents believe about scholarships
And how athletes from anywhere in the world—including Brazil—can now take control of their future
David also shares a powerful story about grief, resilience, and why we must keep going—a message that ties directly into our 1% mindset.
🎯 Whether you're a parent, athlete, or coach, this is a must-listen.
👉 Ready to get recruited?
https://therecruiter.athletenarrative.com/onepercent1?am_id=one
Use our exclusive link to try Athlete Narrative for just $15/month.
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast – Ep 18
Solo Episode: When Your Mind Says No, Do It Anyway
No guests. No script. Just me, the mic, and the truth.
This episode came from a battle — one I almost lost today. My mind told me to skip it. To rest. To wait. But I showed up anyway. And that’s what this one is all about.
I share:
Why discipline must win over comfort
How I train my mind to obey my spirit
The power of stretching yourself when you least feel like it
And why I believe in the divine intelligence behind every breath
If you’re in a season where motivation feels low or life feels heavy — this one’s for you.
Take a breath. Tap in. And take one step.
One more day.
One more battle.
1% better.
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast - Ep 17- Augusto Lima
In this powerful episode of The 1% Club Podcast, I sit down with Augusto Lima, a Brazilian-born coach who has carved an inspiring path through the world of U.S. college soccer.
From growing up in Campinas and cheering for Guarani FC to leading programs across NCAA Division III and Division I, Augusto’s journey is a true testament to resilience, humility, and daily growth. He opens up about:
Leaving Brazil alone at age 15 to attend boarding school in Pennsylvania
The cultural differences between soccer in Brazil and the U.S.
Going from benchwarmer to captain at Susquehanna University
How he stumbled into coaching—and found his true calling
The mindset needed to thrive as a student-athlete
What most families get wrong about the college recruiting process
Why fit matters more than division level
And the daily habits that keep him balanced as a D1 coach at Holy Cross
Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with wisdom on trusting the process, embracing the grind, and doing the little things that no one sees—over and over again.
🔁 “You don’t find your purpose overnight. But if you keep showing up, you’ll create it through action.” — Augusto Lima
🧠 One more day. One more battle. 1% better.
In this episode of The 1% Club Podcast, I sit down with Louis Hunt, a coach whose journey has spanned continents, player levels, and every angle of the game. From the UK to the U.S., from youth clubs to the San Diego Wave, Louis has coached and mentored some of the best young talent in American soccer—always with a deep respect for long-term development and human growth.
We dive into his coaching origins, the mentors and philosophies that shaped him, and his transition from youth coaching into national team environments with the U.S. YNTs and the USWNT U23s. Louis opens up about what it means to truly develop players—not just tactically or physically, but mentally and emotionally.
This conversation is packed with wisdom for coaches, parents, and ambitious players—and shows why the best teachers in the game never stop learning.
🎧 Tune in and hear what it takes to develop the next generation—the right way.
🎙️ EPISODE 15- Thiago Evangelista- The 1% Club Podcast with Thales Peterson
In this powerful and emotional episode, Thales welcomes longtime friend and fellow coach Thiago Evangelista, currently a youth coach at the prestigious Philadelphia Union Academy. Thiago shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Taboão da Serra, São Paulo, to chasing the American dream—starting with zero English, multiple jobs, and walking miles just to coach for free.
This is a deep conversation about resilience, discipline, and faith—not just in a religious sense, but in the belief that if you keep going, something will happen. Thiago reflects on being fired, doubted, and starting over multiple times—but never giving up.
You’ll hear:
His first visit to Disney World that planted the dream of living in the U.S.
The hard sacrifices and emotional toll of rebuilding life from scratch
How he went from a volunteer to coaching at an MLS academy
Lessons from his father that shaped his growth mindset
His views on leadership, critical thinking, and teaching kids to be resilient
The importance of showing up—especially on the days you don’t feel like it
Why “Be You, Not Them” is the family motto hanging in his living room
This episode is a reminder that the path to success is never linear—but with humility, persistence, and a willingness to learn, greatness is possible.
Final Message:
"Whatever you do, do it with all your heart. You never know who's watching."
– Thiago Evangelista
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast – Episode: Gustavo Zampieri
In this episode of The 1% Club Podcast, I sit down with coach Gus, a Brazilian-born coach and educator with over two decades of experience across youth clubs, schools, futsal programs, and international-level development.
Gus’ journey has taken him from grassroots soccer in São Paulo to building championship-winning teams in the U.S.—including time with FC Golden State, Elite Futsal Charleston, and reaching the US Youth Futsal International Team.
We talk about:
His transition from Brazil to the U.S. coaching system
The difference between teaching soccer and teaching through soccer
How he develops confident, self-aware players who succeed at the next level
His views on early specialization, burnout, and what’s missing in American youth development
Lessons from over 20 years mentoring athletes and coaches at every level
Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or a young athlete—this episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, mindset, and long-term growth.
#The1PercentClub #SoccerMindset #YouthSoccer #SoccerCoach #FutsalDevelopment #LeadershipThroughSport #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerEducation #Mindflex #GustavoZampieri #EliteFutsal#CollegeSoccer #SoccerParent #LongTermDevelopment #CoachingJourney
🎙️ In this episode of The 1% Club Podcast, I sit down with the influential Claine Plummer — a highly respected coach who has worked at every level of the game, from club soccer to professional youth academies, elite college programs, professional clubs and Senior National Teams.
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Claine shares the powerful story of his roots, how he transitioned into coaching in the United States, and the key values that have guided his journey: discipline, humility, and lifelong learning.
We talk about:
His early influences growing up in Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Making the jump into U.S. soccer and earning trust in new environments
What separates top goalkeepers mentally and emotionally
How he stays grounded while leading at the highest levels
His deep passion for helping young players and coaches develop confidence and identity
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and stories that will help you grow 1% today.
🎧 Listen now and tap into the mindset of a true educator of the game.
#The1PercentClub #MindflexMethod #ClainePlummer #CostaRica #USSoccer #GoalkeeperCoach #SoccerMindset #LeadershipThroughSport #YouthDevelopment #MentalityIsEverything
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast – Episode with Giovanni Oliva
In this episode, I sit down with the inspirational Giovanni Oliva, a high-level sales professional with over 25 years of experience across global markets—from London and Dubai to L.A.
Gio’s story is a masterclass in reinvention. From his early days in real estate and capital markets to coaching others in high-ticket sales, his path is built on resilience, discipline, and long-term thinking. He’s trained under some of the best in the business and he continues to show up daily, hungry to grow.
We talk about:
His evolution through multiple industries and continents
The mindset that helped him win in sales, sports, and life
Why relationships always win over transactions
The difference between hype and mastery
And how to keep going when everything in you wants to quit
This one’s for anyone who’s felt stuck, burnt out, or ready for their next level. Gio brings real experience, real strategy, and real heart.
🎙 The 1% Club Podcast – Episode with Gonzalo Carranza
In this episode, I sit down with Gonzalo Carranza—Assistant Coach at Bowling Green State University and one of the most driven coaches I’ve met on this journey. From his beginnings coaching community college soccer to building a nationally ranked program at Xavier University of Louisiana, Gonzalo has proven that success comes from showing up, building culture, and doing the work.
We talk about his leadership philosophy, how to rebuild broken programs, and why faith, humility, and mental discipline are core to becoming the best version of yourself. Gonzalo shares the highs, the setbacks, and the moments that forced him to evolve—not just as a coach, but as a person.
This is a story about commitment, reinvention, and finding purpose in the process. If you’re passionate about growth—this one is for you.
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast – Episode with Abraham Villon
In this episode, I sit down with professional soccer player “AB” Villon, a leader, competitor, and someone I had the honor of coaching during our time together at the Los Angeles Force.
From being the captain of a professional team in the NISA to his current role in the coaching world, AB’s story is one of growth, resilience, and constant evolution. He opens up about the sacrifices behind his journey—from college soccer to the pro level—and how leadership isn't about shouting louder, but showing up consistently.
We talk about:
What it means to lead from the front—even in silence
How setbacks and losses shaped his mentality
The shift from player to coach and what it takes to make that leap
Why showing up daily and trusting the process is the real win
And the moments he thought about walking away… but didn’t
AB’s story is raw, real, and full of lessons that apply far beyond the game.
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast – Episode with Henry Cabral
In this episode, I sit down with Henry Cabral, one of the most respected and influential soccer minds in Southern California.
Henry’s journey spans over a decade at Blair High School, pivotal roles with FC Barcelona Soccer Club and FC Golden State, and a major turnaround season at Pasadena City College. But what makes his story special isn’t just the results—it’s how he’s impacted lives at every level he’s coached.
We dive into:
How he helped build national powerhouse teams from the ground up
His evolution from coach to mentor to movement leader
The difference between being a good coach and a transformational one
What he’s learned from players who’ve made it—and the ones who didn’t
His latest mission: Best Never Rest, a program using the game to teach life beyond the field
This is a deep, thoughtful conversation about purpose, culture, leadership, and how to stay committed—even when the path isn’t easy. Henry shares moments of doubt, turning points, and the mindset that’s kept him growing, learning, and giving back.
🎙️ The 1% Club Podcast – Episode with Pedro Fonseca
In this episode, I sit down with Pedro Fonseca, a Brazilian professional soccer player whose journey is the definition of long-term growth and daily discipline.
From youth academies in Brazil like Fluminense and Ceará, to training with Espanyol in Spain, and eventually making his way to the U.S. where we won a national championship together at FC Golden State—Pedro’s path is full of lessons, setbacks, breakthroughs, and belief.
He went on to play at the University of Louisville, with a full scholarship then into the USL 2, USL 1, Championship, MLS, and MLS Next Pro.
He is also now a business owner with: TRUE PATH TALENT (www.truepathtalent.com) where he helps and guides young players play college soccer.
We talk about:
What it takes to leave Brazil and chase the dream abroad
The mental strength required to push through setbacks
How he’s reinvented himself at each stage of his career
And why falling in love with the process is the real key to success
Pedro’s story is about resilience, self-belief, and staying the course—1% at a time.
Do not miss this one, it is packed with value for soccer players and parents who want to play at the next level.