Skull Sessions

Skull Sessions

A Mental Fitness and Leadership Podcast

A Mental Fitness and Leadership Podcast

Join host Coach Andy Riise as he breaks down the art and science of kickin' ass between the ears. Exploring resilient leadership, performance under pressure, and how to consistently train your brain to lead, grow, and win from within - through honest conversations with leaders, high performers, experts, and everyday heroes like you.

Join host Coach Andy Riise as he breaks down the art and science of kickin' ass between the ears. Exploring resilient leadership, performance under pressure, and how to consistently train your brain to lead, grow, and win from within - through honest conversations with leaders, high performers, experts, and everyday heroes like you.

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Recent Episodes

Recent Episodes

Season 1

Aug 11, 2026

57 min

Ep. 13

Biofeedback, Breathwork, and the Science of High Performance | Dr. Kiersten Janjigian

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with Dr. Kiersten Janjigian to unpack the science of training your nervous system for better performance. From HRV and resonance breathing to biofeedback, neurofeedback, and brain training, Dr. Kierst explains how high performers can use the brain-body connection to regulate stress, sharpen focus, and perform when it matters most. They also explore the hidden downsides of wearable data and why effective mental training requires more than technology—it requires learning how to understand and control your own physiology.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Aug 11, 2026

57 min

Ep. 13

Biofeedback, Breathwork, and the Science of High Performance | Dr. Kiersten Janjigian

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with Dr. Kiersten Janjigian to unpack the science of training your nervous system for better performance. From HRV and resonance breathing to biofeedback, neurofeedback, and brain training, Dr. Kierst explains how high performers can use the brain-body connection to regulate stress, sharpen focus, and perform when it matters most. They also explore the hidden downsides of wearable data and why effective mental training requires more than technology—it requires learning how to understand and control your own physiology.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Aug 11, 2026

57 min

Ep. 12

Routines, Rituals, and Resilience | Performing Under Pressure

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last explore what it takes to perform when pressure hits. From the unique routines elite athletes use to get mentally ready to staying calm when plans fall apart, they break down how rituals, preparation, breathing, and deliberate discomfort can build real-world resilience. This conversation offers practical tools for athletes, leaders, parents, and anyone looking to become more prepared, adaptable, and capable when it matters most.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Aug 11, 2026

57 min

Ep. 12

Routines, Rituals, and Resilience | Performing Under Pressure

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last explore what it takes to perform when pressure hits. From the unique routines elite athletes use to get mentally ready to staying calm when plans fall apart, they break down how rituals, preparation, breathing, and deliberate discomfort can build real-world resilience. This conversation offers practical tools for athletes, leaders, parents, and anyone looking to become more prepared, adaptable, and capable when it matters most.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Jul 31, 2026

52 min

Ep. 11

Confidence in Chaos | The Psychology of Moving Forward with Krista Ryan

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with executive coach, workplace performance expert, and author Krista Ryan to explore resilience, leadership, and the mindset needed to navigate life's toughest challenges. From surviving the Las Vegas mass shooting to facing a recent Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, Krista shares the experiences behind her Keep F!#ING Going (KFG)* philosophy and practical tools for embracing adversity, practicing gratitude, and moving forward with purpose.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Jul 31, 2026

52 min

Ep. 11

Confidence in Chaos | The Psychology of Moving Forward with Krista Ryan

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with executive coach, workplace performance expert, and author Krista Ryan to explore resilience, leadership, and the mindset needed to navigate life's toughest challenges. From surviving the Las Vegas mass shooting to facing a recent Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, Krista shares the experiences behind her Keep F!#ING Going (KFG)* philosophy and practical tools for embracing adversity, practicing gratitude, and moving forward with purpose.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Jun 30, 2026

40 min

Ep. 10

Purpose Over Pressure | Andy Riise on Mental Performance, Family, and Leadership

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, co-host Nate Last turns the microphone on Andy Riise to explore the experiences that shaped his journey from West Point football player and decorated U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel to NFL Director of Mental Performance and Leadership. Drawing from over two decades of military service, combat leadership, elite sports, and family life, Andy shares the lessons that transformed adversity into purpose and passion into a lifelong mission. Together, Andy and Nate discuss mental toughness, resilience, leadership, recovery, parenting, and the importance of developing the mindset needed to perform at your best—not just in sports or business, but in every area of life.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Jun 30, 2026

40 min

Ep. 10

Purpose Over Pressure | Andy Riise on Mental Performance, Family, and Leadership

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, co-host Nate Last turns the microphone on Andy Riise to explore the experiences that shaped his journey from West Point football player and decorated U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel to NFL Director of Mental Performance and Leadership. Drawing from over two decades of military service, combat leadership, elite sports, and family life, Andy shares the lessons that transformed adversity into purpose and passion into a lifelong mission. Together, Andy and Nate discuss mental toughness, resilience, leadership, recovery, parenting, and the importance of developing the mindset needed to perform at your best—not just in sports or business, but in every area of life.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Jun 16, 2026

38 min

Ep. 9

How to Lead Through Chaos, Crisis, and Compassion | Daniel Roby

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with Daniel Roby, CEO of Austin Street Center, to explore leadership, resilience, and the realities of homelessness. Drawing from decades of service on the front lines, Daniel shares how purpose, compassion, and daily discipline help him lead through crisis, challenge common misconceptions about homelessness, and create meaningful impact in the lives of thousands. This conversation is a powerful reminder that making a difference starts with showing up, serving others, and staying committed to something bigger than yourself.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Jun 16, 2026

38 min

Ep. 9

How to Lead Through Chaos, Crisis, and Compassion | Daniel Roby

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with Daniel Roby, CEO of Austin Street Center, to explore leadership, resilience, and the realities of homelessness. Drawing from decades of service on the front lines, Daniel shares how purpose, compassion, and daily discipline help him lead through crisis, challenge common misconceptions about homelessness, and create meaningful impact in the lives of thousands. This conversation is a powerful reminder that making a difference starts with showing up, serving others, and staying committed to something bigger than yourself.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Aug 11, 2026

57 min

Ep. 13

Biofeedback, Breathwork, and the Science of High Performance | Dr. Kiersten Janjigian

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with Dr. Kiersten Janjigian to unpack the science of training your nervous system for better performance. From HRV and resonance breathing to biofeedback, neurofeedback, and brain training, Dr. Kierst explains how high performers can use the brain-body connection to regulate stress, sharpen focus, and perform when it matters most. They also explore the hidden downsides of wearable data and why effective mental training requires more than technology—it requires learning how to understand and control your own physiology.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Aug 11, 2026

57 min

Ep. 12

Routines, Rituals, and Resilience | Performing Under Pressure

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last explore what it takes to perform when pressure hits. From the unique routines elite athletes use to get mentally ready to staying calm when plans fall apart, they break down how rituals, preparation, breathing, and deliberate discomfort can build real-world resilience. This conversation offers practical tools for athletes, leaders, parents, and anyone looking to become more prepared, adaptable, and capable when it matters most.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Season 1

Jul 31, 2026

52 min

Ep. 11

Confidence in Chaos | The Psychology of Moving Forward with Krista Ryan

In this episode of the Skull Sessions Podcast, Andy Riise and Nate Last sit down with executive coach, workplace performance expert, and author Krista Ryan to explore resilience, leadership, and the mindset needed to navigate life's toughest challenges. From surviving the Las Vegas mass shooting to facing a recent Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, Krista shares the experiences behind her Keep F!#ING Going (KFG)* philosophy and practical tools for embracing adversity, practicing gratitude, and moving forward with purpose.

Listen to episode:

0:00/1:34

Our Host

Our Host

Andy Riise

Background:

Andy Riise is a retired U.S. Army officer, leadership coach, and mental performance expert with over 20 years of service. A West Point graduate and Presidential Leadership Scholar, he has worked with elite Special Forces units, Fortune 500 leaders, and top sports organizations to strengthen resilience and performance under pressure.

Expertise:

Andy specializes in mental toughness, team culture, and high-stakes leadership. He is passionate about equipping leaders with strategies rooted in psychology and practical experience to help them thrive in moments of stress and transition.

Interests:

Outside of coaching and speaking, Andy enjoys mentoring young leaders, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He is also a lifelong student of human performance and storytelling.