This week on Tom’s Life Lab, Tom is joined by actor, storyteller, and creative powerhouse Matt Drago, whose passion for performance, persistence, and purpose shines through in every word.

From humble beginnings in rural Virginia to New York stages and LA film sets, Matt shares his inspiring journey into the world of acting, including the hustle of auditions, the joy of performance, and the life-changing mentors who helped shape his path. We also hear about his latest film Somewhere in Montana, the power of collaboration, and why art—and human connection—matters now more than ever.

Listen now and get inspired!

You can find out more about Matt and connect with him here:

https://mattdrago.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mattdrago

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3196549/

https://www.facebook.com/mattdragofans

Chris Marr is the Authoritative Coach and the author of Become an Authoritative Coach: Stop people pleasing, challenge your clients, and be indispensable.

In this candid interview, he shares with me how he was inspired to become a coach and what being the Authoritative Coach really means. We talk about challenging ourselves and those around us and how we can be truly effective in supporting others.

We also go into people-pleasing. What it is, how it shows up, and why it's so dangerous. And because the Life Lab is about exploring life's possibilities, Chris shares some great tips on how to fight against people pleasing tendencies and be more successful in life and work.

We're thrilled to have Chris on the Life Lab as our first guest. You can find out more about Chris on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theauthoritativecoach/ or on his website https://theauthoritativecoach.com/. Buy his book here.

Tom's Life Lab: Episode Show Notes

In this episode, Tom explores how to let go of things we can't control and embrace the discomfort of uncertainty. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but learning to focus on what you can control brings peace and clarity.

• Why letting go isn’t about giving up

• How to stop fighting against the uncontrollable

• Real-life examples of letting go with emotions, relationships, and the future

• Tom’s personal struggles with rumination and how he stays present

• The "control audit" exercise to shift focus and reduce stress

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more insights on living with clarity. Try the control audit and share your experience with Tom!

Ever found yourself stuck in endless preparation mode; buying all the right gear, researching every detail, and setting up the perfect plan only to never actually take action? In this episode of Tom’s Life Lab, we’re talking about the hidden danger of over-preparing and under-doing.

Whether it’s fitness, a creative project, or a big life goal, preparation can feel productive, but at some point, you have to stop planning and start doing. Plus, I’ll introduce you to the 48-Hour Rule, a simple technique to get you from thinking to doing—fast.

If you found this helpful, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs a little push to take action! Don’t forget to subscribe for more practical insights on living your best life.

Until next time: less prepping, more doing!

In this episode of Tom’s Life Lab, we explore the powerful impact of self-talk on our emotions, behaviorus, and overall mindset. That little voice in your head? It’s shaping your world every day, whether you realise it or not. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or found yourself stuck in negative thought cycles, this episode is for you.

We break down: ✅ How negative self-talk strengthens limiting beliefs and impacts brain chemistry ✅ The science behind rewiring your brain with positive self-talk ✅ A simple yet effective technique to shift your inner dialogue and build confidence

Your words shape your reality. Choose self-talk that lifts you up rather than holds you back.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Tom’s Life Lab for more practical tips on creating a more fulfilling life!

In this episode, Tom explores the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Trying new things can foster growth, build confidence, and open doors to unexpected opportunities. Tom shares his journey of writing a book, something that started as a challenge but became a rewarding experience.

If fear or self-doubt has held you back, this episode will inspire you to take the leap.

Key takeaways:

• Growth happens when we challenge ourselves.
• Fear of failure is normal—focus on learning, not perfection.
• Small steps can lead to big changes.
• Tom’s book-writing journey taught him resilience and joy.
• Identify one new thing you’ve wanted to try and go for it!

Action step: Pick something new, take the first step, and reflect on what you learn.

Subscribe & stay connected: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more insights on personal growth. Stay curious, stay bold, and keep experimenting with life!

Have you ever hesitated to reach out to someone—whether it’s a mentor, a potential connection, or an old friend—because you were afraid of rejection or didn’t know what to say? You’re not alone. But what if that one message could change everything?

In this episode of Tom’s Life Lab, we’re exploring:

Why reaching out is a small action with big rewards

How to make it easier (without overthinking!)

Some of the best opportunities, friendships, and collaborations start with a simple message. Tune in to learn how you can get past the hesitation and start making meaningful connections.

In this episode of Tom’s Life Lab, we dive into the OI-4C framework, a simple and structured way to communicate your needs with clarity and confidence—without unnecessary emotion or assumptions.

Key Takeaways:

✅ OI-4C Framework – A step-by-step approach to asking for what you need:

Observation – state the facts neutrally.

Impact – explain how the situation affects you.

Curious – open a dialogue instead of making demands. Change – suggest an action to improve things. Continue – reinforce what’s working well. Challenge – encourage the other person to step up.

✅ Real-Life Examples – learn how to:

Ask for help when you’re overwhelmed with work and set boundaries when someone interrupts you in meetings.

✅ Why This Works: removes emotion and assumption, making your request clearer. Encourages dialogue instead of just pointing out problems. Helps you feel more confident when speaking up.

Did you find it useful? Please leave a rating or comment.