MooreMotivation with Kendrick Moore

What You Tolerate Becomes Your Culture

Leadership isn’t defined by what you say, it’s defined by what you allow. In this episode, we break down why standards are non-negotiable, how small exceptions quietly shape culture, and why every decision, especially the uncomfortable ones, either strengthens or weakens the mission. We also explore the reality of leading diverse personalities toward a common goal without lowering the bar. So, if you’re responsible for shaping people, teams, or environments that last, this conversation will challenge how you think about accountability, responsibility, and the culture you’re building, whether intentionally or by default. Lock In!
 

Everybody Can't Go

“Everybody can’t go.” It’s not disrespectful. It’s not negative. It’s reality. In this episode, we break down a truth most people avoid but everyone eventually faces: selection has always existed. From your first tryout to your first rejection, life has been teaching this lesson long before the stakes got high. As the opportunities get bigger, the standards rise, but the rule stays the same. This conversation also challenges those that think wanting something is bad enough or working hard will get you what you want.. We are here to tell you that passion, effort, and desire don’t separate you, value does. Decision-makers don’t choose feelings; they choose solutions. So, as much as you want to be good enough, more importantly you want to be the one chosen. Lock In!
 

Fill in the Blank

 
This episode is about honesty, ownership, and momentum. Fill in the Blank challenges you to look back at 2025 and name, without excuses, what held you back and what pushed you forward. Not to dwell, but to learn. Not to criticize, but to grow. Through reflection-driven prompts and real conversation, we unpack the habits, fears, standards, and decisions that shaped the year, and ask the harder question: Who do I need to become to move differently in 2026? Because growth doesn’t start with motivation. It starts with truth. So pause. Reflect. And be intentional about how you fill in the blank. Lock In. 
 

Pizzelle

Pizzelle comes from a simple but powerful symbol. As a senior in high school, I spent my first-period study hall each morning in my principal’s office, Mr DeLoreto, someone who became a mentor and steady presence in my life. His secretary would always bake me cookies, and among the different batches, was the pizzelle. Over time, that cookie came to represent far more than a routine or a treat. It symbolized safety, belief, consistency, and the kind of environment where growth happens. It represents mentors who show up when it matters most, who see potential early, and who help shape who we become long after the moment has passed. This episode is a tribute to the people who guide us, challenge us, and leave a permanent imprint on our lives in ways that are often quiet, but never small. This episode is dedicated to a very special person to me forever, Mr DeLoreto. 
 

4th Down Focus

It’s the fourth quarter. Thirty seconds left on the clock. Fourth down. Two yards to go. No timeouts. No second chances. You have to score on this possession… or the game is over. All you're left with is focus! Laser focus. So just imagine if you brought that same laser focus into everyday life? If you showed up to your goals the same way you show up on fourth down? What if, every day, you treated your purpose like there were thirty seconds left on the clock? What if you focused during the ordinary moments? Now, would 4th down feel like pressure, or excitement? Lock In!

Driving Force

The times when you don’t feel like clapping, when progress feels slow, confidence is low, and the wins don’t look worthy of applause. Too many people live in that space, so we were impelled to follow up with the Driving Force. Really concentrating on what keeps you moving when no one sees the work, the effort, or the sacrifice. We unpack the inner fuel that pushes you to get up again, to show up again, and to believe in your own potential even when the audience is silent.  Everybody has one, but we have to first believe it and then we need to learn how to tap into it. So, the question is, what is your driving force that helps you clap for yourself when no one is watching? Lock In!

Clap for Yourself

In this powerful episode, we confront a truth many people avoid: that many people have become addicted to applause. To the likes. To the approval. To the recognition. And when the applause stops, so does their sense of worth. Clap for Yourself dives deep into the dangers of living for external validation and the emotional consequences of depending on others to tell you who you are. We challenge listeners to examine how often they shrink, overextend, or lose themselves trying to make others clap, while forgetting to recognize their own effort, growth, resilience, and learning how to clap for themselves. Lock In!
 

Lessons Within Lessons

In this episode, we explore the truth that most lessons don’t reveal their meaning in the moment. We often move through experiences without realizing the deeper purpose behind them, only to face a future challenge that suddenly brings the real lesson into focus. Lessons Within Lessons breaks down why growth rarely feels clear in real time and how the situations we overlook can become the exact preparation we need later on. We are also reminded of the importance of accepting opportunities when they appear, even when we don’t fully understand why. There’s purpose in every moment, you just have to trust the process long enough for the lesson to show itself. Don't miss it. Lock In! 
 

Protect the Standard

This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t an accident, it’s a decision. 'Protect the Standard' explores how discipline, consistency, and intentionality separate people who want results from people who produce results. We break down what it truly means to live by a standard, not just talk about one. We challenge you to stop operating off emotions, convenience, and excuses, and instead align your actions with the expectations you claim to have for yourself. Because what we know is, when your standard is clear, your behavior becomes non-negotiable. Lock In!
 

The Hidden Anchor

In this episode, we uncover the unseen anchors in our lives, the people, roles, and routines that quietly hold everything together without us realizing it. From families that orbit around one child’s schedule to teams that lose their rhythm when a steady presence departs, we explore how one thread can sustain an entire system. More importantly, when we were not even aware how important that thread was to the connection! Through stories and reflection, we examine the fragility of our structures, the beauty of interdependence, and the intentional choices required to rebuild balance when the hidden anchor is no longer there. Lock in!

Build Not Break

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked forces shaping our lives: words. We explore how the way we speak to others—and to ourselves—can either build a person up with confidence, courage, and hope, or silently break them down through doubt, negativity, and pain. Understanding that a single word can change the course of someone’s life. From the encouraging coach who sparks belief to the careless classmate who crushes someone’s dreams without even realizing it, we uncover the truth: words carry weight. And the choice is always ours—will we build, or will we break? Lock In!

Behind Every Success is a System...That We Take for Granted

We don’t always notice the strength of our support systems — the people, habits, and routines that quietly hold us up. They become so easy to overlook, until they’re not there. It’s in the silence after a helping hand disappears that we realize how much weight they carried. This episode dives into the invisible power of support systems: teammates who listen, mentors who push, families who believe, and friends who remind you of your worth when you forget. When those systems break, we’re forced to see what we once took for granted. Lock In!

There Is a War Going On Inside

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the unseen battles we fight within ourselves — between discipline and distraction, purpose and doubt, growth and comfort. We take a close look at how the heavy weight of these internal conflicts can either destroy your focus and result in very poor outcomes. The raw truth is here, the root to external hardship is rooted deep within, and this episode challenges you to confront your inner war, reclaim your mindset, and choose the side that pushes you toward hope. The longer you stay quiet, the more you lose to the internal war. Lock In. 

Beautiful Liabilities

Some things look perfect on the surface - polished, desirable, even enviable. But beneath that shine often lies a hidden cost. Beautiful Liabilities explores the illusions we chase: the relationships, lifestyles, and opportunities that seem to glitter with promise but quietly drain our peace, purpose, or authenticity. This episode breaks down how to recognize what’s truly adding value to your life versus what’s just beautifully packaged debt - emotionally, mentally, or financially. It’s about learning to ask the hard question: What’s the real price of what looks good? Lock In.

Co-(ach) Parenting

Co-(ach) Parenting explores a hidden dynamic in youth sports and development: when coaches are asked - knowingly or unknowingly - to step into roles that go beyond the game. Too often, kids come to the field or court carrying gaps in guidance, love, or structure that should have been nurtured at home. In those moments, the coach becomes more than a strategist, they become a surrogate parent. But where’s the line? Is he a coach, a parent, or both? Lock In!

Worry

Worry is something we all face - it sneaks in when we start thinking about the “what ifs” of life, whether that’s school, work, relationships, or the future. At its core, worry is our brain trying to prepare us for problems that may never even happen. While a little worry can motivate us to prepare or perform, too much of it weighs us down, distracts us from the present, and steals our peace of mind. Lock In!

UnFixed The Sequel

The scars don’t just fade - they resurface, shaping who we become and how we live. In this follow-up, we confront the fallout of broken relationships head-on, exposing the cycles that trap us and the battle to finally break free.

UnFixed

UnFixed explores the long shadow cast by early relationships gone wrong. We take a look at individuals who grew up in environments shaped by poor or broken relationships, and how those experiences resurface later in life. We unpack the emotional, social, and personal ramifications of being “unfixed” from the start—and what it takes to begin healing, which begins with asking yourself WHY? Lock In?

OverThinking

Today, we need you to listen closely as we break down the silent weight of overthinking—how it holds us back, drains our energy, and creates barriers to growth. We’ll explore why we overthink, how it impacts our decisions, and practical ways to shift from constant worry to clear action. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own thoughts, this one’s for you. Lock In!
 

Pay Attention

When was the last time you gave something your undivided attention? If you can remember that far back, how long did that last? We are under a mass attack of our focus, and it's causing our society to miss out on some very important opportunities. The information was provided, o yea, they said it. The question is, did you hear it...? Lock In!

Back to School

It’s that time of year again. Summer vacation is over. A new pair of sneakers, a few pair of pants, hair done, maybe a uniform, a couple of nice dresses, a book bag, pens, a calculator, and a curfew. That’s right, set your alarms, time to go back to school. Students, parents, and educators, let’s get back to the love and joy that made this one of the best experiences ever. Parent support, student effort, school structure is a must. And as always, you know you have my support! Have a great school year. Lock In!

Sit Still

During our travels through life, a storm is either approaching, we have just exited the storm, or we are currently in the storm. These storms come in many forms, and they may be major or minor. They are meant to challenge you, and not just you, but your emotions. It’s inevitable. And when our emotions are compromised, our immediate inclination is to react. I need you to hear me out, just this time. No matter how difficult it may seem, or how major the storm, I ask you to Sit Still. Lock In!

Seize the Moment

This conversation is so critical to your tomorrow. It challenges you to listen today. It demands you to act now. It requires you to listen, act, and most importantly seize the moment in front of you. How you’re living today, is a direct consequence of if you took advantage of situations in your past. It’s that simple. The joy of your disciplines or the pain of your regrets, all boil down to moments. And moments equal time. And if you’re listening to this podcast, I urge you to seize this moment. Lock in!

Life Without Values

In life, over time, you naturally gain relationships with the things that matter to you. The things that are important to you. The things you spend the most time with. Well, it should be said that you start spending more time based on how important it is to you. This could mean your mate, or even your occupation. That all sounds great. That's the way it should be. But wait, did you consider your value system in this equation? Lock In!

Social Media: Snooze

First off, in order to hit Snooze, it means that you weren't able to do something on your own will. Under your own power. You know, like simply waking up. You had to set a timer, a.k.a. an alarm clock to assist you in waking up. And even when that alarm clock did its job, you still couldn't show the necessary discipline and get up. You hit Snooze because you needed more sleep. The Snooze button helped to support your lack of discipline. Now, imagine this. To support the poor habit of overuse of social media, they added the Snooze button. I don't think they want us to win this one... Lock In.

Social Media vs Relationships

First and foremost, today we are going to stop questioning whether or not social media is having negative impacts on everyone, especially our youth. One of the major impacts is the building and developing of relationships. Honestly, how are the 'screen-agers' really building relationships through social media? No trust being developed, no disagreements, no effective communication, no a lot of things that foster the development of long term friendships. Today, relationships are made and destroyed, with the click of a finger. Lock In!

Doubt vs Belief

You have fully immersed yourself in the work it takes to be the person you want to be. You have 1000% bought in to what it takes to achieve your goals. You have put in the 10,000 hours they told you it takes to master your craft. You finish every grueling workout with your free throws and shoot 10 for 10. You have attended all of the necessary trainings and you have been rehearing daily, and now you are fully prepared for your presentation. All of that work. And it only takes 1 second of doubt, 1 missed free throw to cause doubt, 1 moment of overthinking to create doubt. And all of that work will be for nothing. Lock in!

Connecticut Elite

Connecticut and Elite are two words that most wouldn't thing belong together. CT is the third smallest state, and many think it lacks opportunity. Which is just the opposite of Elite. But, Connecticut does have talent. It's a rich state in numerous ways. And not to mention, it is the basketball capital of the world! Upon further review, Connecticut Elite actually has a nice ring to it. Lock In!

Great Minds Never Graduate

Plain and simple, successful people do not have an end point to their learning. There is no, over, to this process for them. They are intentional about continuing to learn. And the learning I’m talking about, is not school-based, for the most part. It’s not always from a set system. It stems from the unwavering desire to always improve, to get better. And in this space, they create their own structure. They have a standard that they commit to and they go after it. And they will not spend more than a second around people who don’t share this same trait. Don’t get left behind. Lock In!

Academic Regalia

Who knew that what you choose to wear could be so important? Let me take that back because, of course, dressing appropriately for situations is always important. What I meant to say is that the attire you wear is invaluable when it is earned and not chosen. Lock in!

Student Empowerment - Voice to Action

We have some amazing students across the country, and when you provide them with the tools and platform, they will astound you. This week, we sat down with 4 dynamic students from Farmington High School in CT. I helped to guide the conversation, but they provided some outstanding content and perspective on leadership, empowerment, and turning voice to action. They were locked in!

The 12th Man

Once upon a time, I went on a college visit with a former player/mentee. The coaches asked some of the current players to talk to myself and the visiting player and family, about the culture. The first to respond was their top scorer, who had some great things to say. The next to respond was a player who led the team in minutes and averaged a double-double. I stopped everyone and said, I want to hear from the person who doesn’t get to play. It took a while for someone to speak. Then finally there were some words spoken, but nowhere near the excitement of the first two players. It told me all I needed to know. And my theory proved to be correct. The 12th man told me all I needed to hear about the culture! Lock In!!

Proximity to Greatness

Take a second, and just realize where you’re standing. Then, take a look around and realize, who’s close to you. We credit a lot of things to our success. Our effort, hard work, and sacrifices. We contribute a lot of things to failures. Our lack of discipline, laziness, bad decisions. All of these play a major factor. But, we overlook the fact that many times, our successes and failures can be directly tied to how close we are to them. Lock In!

Division 1

To whom much is given, much is required. Unfortunately, for many people, when they are given more, they have the propensity to do less and, at the same time, expect more to be given to them. That's a mentality. And that's the mentality that many gain from going D1! Lock In!

Call to Action

This needs to be acted on, RIGHT NOW. The culture and climate needs help. And we have the power to change it. Let’s start with a few things that we are in complete control of on Social Media.Delete all Negative Posts.Delete all People that Tag YOU in Negative Posts.Don’t Engage in Negative Posts.Don’t ask ME What’s Negative!Lock In!

Committed

The Committed we are referring to is not a relationship. Well, i take that back. Not a relationship with an actual person. But instead, a deeply rooted relationship with the mythical world of social media. A relationship where you have to create an image to feel accepted. To please all of those mythical viewers, aka followers, has to be exhausting! But, you can't leave because you're Committed! Lock In!

It's OK to be Happy!

I can't imagine, and I don't ever want to understand for myself, the feeling of not genuinely being happy. There are people who have lived their entire lives and have never experienced happiness. Can you imagine that? On top of that, they start feeling that happiness is not for them. Even more, they start doing things that support the feeling of unhappiness. I know this isn't the solution, but it can be a start, so listen up. It's OK to be happy!

Happiness: Unfulfilled

Way down, deep down, below the surface, lies this area that holds our deepest desire. Key word, desire, because for many, that area is desolate. And the absence of it can literally cause a lifetime of unhappiness. What is it, do you ask? Well, I just told you. 

Swipe

As it should, one of the headlines of the negative impacts of social media is directly tied to content. But, I’ll debate this with anyone, an even greater negative impact caused by social media is the ability to swipe. The content is in the moment. The idea and ability to swipe gets put into that huge program called your brain and becomes a habit of a lifetime. How easy it is to move on to easy, how hard it is to focus, how disconnected people have become from reality, is tied to the swipe. Don’t believe me? Well, you don’t have to! But believe me when I tell you, the damage is already done! Lock in!

Emotional Intelligence

Alignment is only part of the conversation. Understanding is a whole other level. Yes, we are still talking about emotions. What fuels us, what drains us, what takes us on that unforgettable roller coaster ride. We weren't sure what the impact of the conversation would be. But, according to you, you can never have enough conversations about emotions. Lock In!
 
 
 
 

Emotional Alignment

Are you in tune with your emotions? Are your emotions in alignment with how you’re actually feeling? Simple questions but hard to truly know. Why because emotions are more powerful than any of us could imagine. Because of this, many people don’t explain their feelings correctly. Most don’t even understand how they are actually feeling. And when you’re not truly aligned, you attach the wrong emotions to certain actions. Whew, that’s a lot. I guess it’s time for a realignment! Lock in!

Toughness is What Matters

Working hard can only get you so far. I know you may be use to hearing, ‘work hard and you’ll get what you want,’ but it’s just not the truth. Well, not solely. When you want something great, when you want something elite, heck, when you just want something more that seems beyond your reach, you’re going to have to do more than work hard. You’re going to have to be tough. On that journey there will be a point that will challenge you beyond the physical, and it will require a level of toughness for you to get to the next level. People are not making it because they don’t work hard enough, they’re not making it because they’re not tough enough. So, let’s push hard work to the side for a second. How tough are you? Lock In!
 
 

Transfer Portal

I can’t even be mad that there’s an option to transfer schools if need be. I was someone who transferred. But back then, there were regulations in place that controlled it. There were penalties for those that transferred. There was substance behind WHY you transferred. Now, no regulations, no penalties, and definitely no true reasons why. Well, mainly because it’s the easy way out when things get tough. Hold on, are we talking about sports or life…? Lock In!

Be Careful What You Wish For

Life is designed in a way to challenge you so that you are prepared for what's next. Life is also designed in a way to protect you by keeping you from even getting to what's next. Because, next, comes with responsibilities. And many times, responsibilities and expectations that you just can't handle. So, the next time you wish for something, you mught want to be glad that it's not given to you! That could actually be the best thing for you. Lock In!

Tomorrow

In life, we are taught to set goals. We are constantly encouraged to set goals. Some of them are lofty, many may not even seem like much. Either way, goal setting is a natural part of everyday life. So natural, that we take it for granted. And I can bet you just about anything, that you overlook the most important goal you should ever set... and that's to make it to tomorrow! Lock In!

Broken to Pieces

I get asked all of the time, how do I become unstuck?!? I give them a chance to explain what's going on, and as soon as I hear this repeated cycle of causing oneself to remain in the same position, I know it's more than being stuck. When you're stuck, you want help. What that person may be experiencing is a broken spirit. They start choosing poor behaviors that support how they feel. And guess what, it keeps them in the same exact spot. But, guess what again. It's a totally worse feeling than being stuck. When it's just about being stuck, it's probably a hard time getting going or being consistent. But, you want help. You want out of the position you're in. Not the same when broken. It may feel the same but it's not. So, pay attention because it can cause a lot of harm. Lock In.

Peer...

Peer pressure, peer influence, or whatever you want to call it. Answer this. What is your criteria for choosing your friends? How is your friend someone who puts you down and makes fun of you? Why do you call the person that never encourages you, your bestie? Why? Just why? This idea of 'fitting in' has gotten out of control. It has completely altered our decision-making. And the worst of it is who you decide to be friends with. Re-evaluate your friend groups! Lock In!

Everything is the Answer!

Two important facts that we need to know about the trauma of love. 1. Love has hurt way more people than hurt has. 2. Many people aren’t aware when they are in the true presence of love, due to how it has been misconstrued in their lives prior. Our lives our impacted by love, or the lack their of, daily. So, the next time someone asks What’s Love Go To Do With It? Be sure to answer, EVERYTHING! Lock In!

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Everything! Love is one of those words like NO! It grabs your attention and it has an immediate impact. The emotion that has the most variation of how it’s displayed, is love. Love has everything to do with everything. But, because the way we display it is so different, it can have a completely negative effect. Either way, it’s still love. Lock in!

Complaining vs Communicating

And the new… champion… of the world…!!! At home, at work, in sports, at school, in the morning, in the afternoon, at night, anywhere and at any time of the day. You navigate your day by communicating. Or, so it may seem. In all of those places, at those times, I think there’s a new sheriff in town, and in many cases, it can’t be stopped. Complaining. Complaining has replaced communicating. And it’s done so smoothly, that most people confuse the two. Are you one of those people? Lock In!