Audiobooks by Don Yaeger

The New Science of Momentum: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark

""This book will help you win in the game of life!" - Dick Vitale, ESPN analyst Learn how to capture-and keep-the awesome power of momentum! Most leaders believe in momentum-a phenomenon that's easy to perceive but difficult to define. Which is why so few have been able to explain how to spark it, sustain it, or steer it to unbridled success. Until now. In this groundbreaking book, bestselling author Don Yaeger and leadership expert Bernie Banks uncover what it takes to turn a single moment into unstoppable momentum. Drawing from eight years of research, over 250 interviews, and thousands of survey responses, they reveal a proven model for building momentum across sports, business, politics, and the military. You'll learn how to: - Recognize the early spark of momentum and act on it. - Build a culture that sustains momentum over time. - Apply a research-backed model used by top leaders. - Reignite momentum when it begins to fade. Whether you're leading a team or an entire organization, this book will help you harness momentum in every aspect of an enterprise-from team building to recruitment to communications-and make it last. Charts and graphics can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download."

Bernie Banks, Don Yaeger (Author), Julian Thomas (Narrator)

Audiobook

When Your Back's Against the Wall: Fame, Football, and Lessons Learned through a Lifetime of Adversi

"The NFL champion whose life inspired the hit movie The Blind Side is back with an inspiring and motivating book on overcoming any obstacle, no matter how tough the odds Millions of people became part of Michael Oher's story when they watched a version of him on the big screen; read his memoir, I Beat the Odds; or cheered him on from the stands. After speaking to so many of them over the years, Oher knows that more than anything, people want to believe great things can happen, even when the situation looks bleak. His story of overcoming the toughest of odds serves as their hope. Oher's life has had a lot of unexpected highs: a college degree; four beautiful, healthy children and a happy marriage; drafted in the first round; a Super Bowl victory; and a second chance to play in the "big game." He's also run up against quite a few walls: poverty, hunger, homelessness, struggles in school, bullying, job loss, brain injury, anxiety, and depression. What he knows now is that your wall can be your opportunity. In When Your Back's Against the Wall, he offers encouragement and shows readers how to get back up-again, and again, and again."

Don Yaeger, Michael Oher (Author), Cary Hite, Michael Oher (Narrator)

Audiobook

Best Seat in the House: 18 Golden Lessons from a Father to His Son

"USA Today Bestseller Jack Nicklaus II shares stories, insights, and lessons he's learned from his father, the "Golden Bear," that will delight golf fans of all ages, encourage fathers, and inspire readers to focus on what's most important in life: family. Best Seat in the House, written with New York Times bestselling author Don Yaeger, gives us eighteen valuable lessons that Jack Nicklaus II learned from his father, PGA champion Jack Nicklaus. Although the "Golden Bear," as he is known by fans, is widely regarded as the best golfer of all time, with a record number of PGA major championships, his life and values show that true legacy lives on through your children, grandchildren, and others we are blessed to call family and friends. For the first time, the public is given the opportunity to see what made Jack Nicklaus an off-course success, including - how he and his wife, Barbara, fashioned fifty-plus years of marriage, understanding that they both had to give of themselves "at least 95 percent of the time" - the importance of having boundaries and limits that everyone in the family agrees on - how Nicklaus taught his son Jack, who worked as his caddie for several years, to value his competitors and treat them as he would hope to be treated - the need to be connected to what we'll leave behind: our legacies One June day, Jack Nicklaus II had just completed his second round in a Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association tournament and was sitting at the scorer's table, signing his scorecard, when somebody told him his dad was on the telephone. He was a little frustrated because he didn't want to be bothered on such an important day, but his dad wanted to know how he had played, so Jack II spent the next twenty minutes detailing every hole and every shot. Afterward, his father said, "Jackie, would you like to know how your dad did today?" Of course he wanted to know, and he felt a little guilty for not asking. "Well, I just won the US Open." It was Father's Day 1980, and on that day Jack II learned a valuable lesson that he carried with him into adulthood: family is more important than anything in the world."

Don Yaeger, Jack Nicklaus Ii (Author), Tom Parks (Narrator)

Audiobook

Gold Medal Strategies: Business Lessons From America's Miracle Team

"It's been called the greatest upset of all time. It's been called the most memorable Olympic moment ever. It's even been called the 'Miracle on Ice'the best moment in the history of American sports. No matter which superlative is used, no one can deny that the U.S. men's hockey team defeat of the Soviet Union in the medal round of the Lake Placid Olympic Games was a defining moment for an American public that saw the game as symbolic of the Cold War struggle between the two super-powers. The U.S. team's goalie was a Boston University student named Jim Craig, today a keynote speaker to business audiences around the U.S. on the team and leadership lessons from that famous team. His book explains what he says in his keynote speech, about teams, leadership, motivation, and other key management topics. It dissects and analyzes the elements of a successful team, how to assemble one, and what philosophies will keep the team's shared goal a reality. It outlines the necessary skills and details the specific techniques you need to maximize your business readiness, competitive cooperation, strategies, and attack. Key principles include: 'Great Teams Have a Real or Invented Enemy' 'Great Teams Are the Product of Meticulous Recruiting' and other insights that will help any business perform at an Olympic level."

Don Yaeger, Jim Craig (Author), Dennis Holland (Narrator)

Audiobook

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates (Young Readers Adaptation): The War That Changed American H

"A page-turning middle-grade adaptation of the New York Times bestseller about how a newly independent nation was challenged by foreign powers and what happened when America's third president decided to stand up to intimidation. When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa routinely captured American sailors and held them as captives demanding ransom and tribute far beyond what the new country could afford. Jefferson found it impossible to negotiate a truce, and decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the U.S. Navy and Marines to blockade Tripoli--launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status. This vivid and accessible young readers adaptation of the New York Times bestseller features an exclusive new introduction, extensive back matter, and eye-catching art throughout. Chronicling a crucial moment in American history, this historical thriller will excite and inspire the next generation of patriots."

Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger (Author), Stephen Graybill (Narrator)

Audiobook

You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For

"From the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, an extraordinary inspirational memoir that will change the life of every reader. “Kyle displayed a heroism in the blink of an eye that will inspire for generations” —President Barack Obama, at Kyle Carpenter's Medal of Honor ceremony I want my story to help others see what’s extraordinary in themselves. —Kyle Carpenter On November 21, 2010, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter was posted on a rooftop in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when an enemy grenade skittered across the roof. Kyle’s post that afternoon, with his friend and fellow Marine Nick Eufrazio, had been eerily quiet; now, with no time to escape, they had to make a split-second decision or they would both be dead. Without a second thought, Kyle jumped on the grenade, a brutal killing device. His vision went blank, his entire body numb, he tried to move but could not. His gear had melted. It felt as though someone was pouring warm water all over him; he dazedly realized that the liquid was his own blood. He had made an instantaneous decision, almost on instinct, one that would change his life forever. Kyle’s heroic act saved Nick Eufrazio's life, but nearly cost Kyle his own. His heart flatlined three times. Wounded from head to toe, Kyle lost his right eye, as well as most of his face from the nose down. It would take dozens of surgeries and almost three years in and out of the hospital to reconstruct his body—and from there, he began the process of rebuilding his life. What he has accomplished in the last five years is truly extraordinary: he’s undergone extensive physical rehabilitation, graduated from college, ran three marathons, and embarked on a new career as a motivational speaker. And in 2014, he was awarded the our nation’s highest military decoration, Medal of Honor, by President Barack Obama, making Carpenter the youngest living recipient of the award. “With that singular act of courage, Kyle, you not only saved your brother in arms, you displayed a heroism in the blink of an eye that will inspire for generations,” stated the president. You Are Worth It is a memoir about the War in Afghanistan and Kyle’s heroics, yes, but it also is a manual for living. Organized around the credos that have guided Kyle’s life (from “Don’t Hide Your Scars” to “Call Your Mom”), the book encourages us to become our best selves in the time we've been given on earth. Above all, it’s about finding purpose in life, despite the significant challenges that may come your way. As Kyle writes, addressing us all: “You are worth it. You are. You are worth protecting, you are worth fighting for, you are worth time in a hospital bed and deep scars on my body—because all Americans, the people of Afghanistan, and so many people around the world who go to bed at night wishing to one day taste freedom and peace have inherent worth as human beings. If we don’t spend our time on this earth looking out for one another, what are we really doing with our lives?” Moving and unforgettable, You Are Worth It is an astonishing memoir from one of our most extraordinary young leaders."

Don Yaeger, Kyle Carpenter (Author), Kyle Carpenter (Narrator)

Audiobook

George Washington's Secret Six (Young Readers Adaptation): The Spies Who Saved America

"A captivating middle-grade adaptation of the New York Times bestseller about George Washington's top-secret spy ring that helped defeat the British. The American Revolution is well under way in 1776, but things are looking bleak for General George Washington and his Continental Army. With Washington's hasty retreat from New York City in August, many think the war might soon be over. After all: how on earth is this ragtag group going to defeat its enemy, the well-trained and well-funded military of the largest empire in history? But Washington soon realizes he can't win with military might. Instead, he must outsmart the British, so he creates a sophisticated intelligence network: the top-secret Culper Spy Ring. Drawing on extensive research, Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger tell the fascinating stories of these long unrecognized spies: a reserved merchant, a tavern keeper, a brash young longshoreman, a curmudgeonly Long Island bachelor, a coffeehouse owner, and a mysterious woman. This vivid and accessible young readers adaptation of the New York Times bestseller features an exclusive new introduction and extensive back matter. Chronicling a crucial moment in American history, this historical thriller will excite and inspire the next generation of patriots."

Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger (Author), Stephen Graybill (Narrator)

Audiobook

Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped America's Destiny

"Another history pageturner from the authors of the #1 bestsellers George Washington's Secret Six and Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates. The War of 1812 saw America threatened on every side. Encouraged by the British, Indian tribes attacked settlers in the West, while the Royal Navy terrorized the coasts. By mid-1814, President James Madison's generals had lost control of the war in the North, losing battles in Canada. Then British troops set the White House ablaze, and a feeling of hopelessness spread across the country. Into this dire situation stepped Major General Andrew Jackson. A native of Tennessee who had witnessed the horrors of the Revolutionary War and Indian attacks, he was glad America had finally decided to confront repeated British aggression. But he feared that President Madison's men were overlooking the most important target of all: New Orleans. If the British conquered New Orleans, they would control the mouth of the Mississippi River, cutting Americans off from that essential trade route and threatening the previous decade's Louisiana Purchase. The new nation's dreams of western expansion would be crushed before they really got off the ground. So Jackson had to convince President Madison and his War Department to take him seriously, even though he wasn't one of the Virginians and New Englanders who dominated the government. He had to assemble a coalition of frontier militiamen, French-speaking Louisianans,Cherokee and Choctaw Indians, freed slaves, and even some pirates. And he had to defeat the most powerful military force in the world-in the confusing terrain of the Louisiana bayous. In short, Jackson needed a miracle. The local Ursuline nuns set to work praying for his outnumbered troops. And so the Americans, driven by patriotism and protected by prayer, began the battle that would shape our young nation's destiny. As they did in their two previous bestsellers, Kilmeade and Yaeger make history come alive with a riveting true story that will keep you turning the pages. You'll finish with a new understanding of one of our greatest generals and a renewed appreciation for the brave men who fought so that America could one day stretch "from sea to shining sea.""

Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger (Author), Brian Kilmeade (Narrator)

Audiobook

Great Teams: 16 Things High Performing Organizations Do Differently

"What makes a team great? Not just good and not just functional-but great? Over six years, long-time Sports Illustrated editor Don Yaeger was invited by some of the greatest companies in the world to speak about the habits of high-performing individuals. From Microsoft and Starbucks to the New England Patriots and San Antonio Spurs, what do some organizations do seemingly better than most of their opponents? Don took the challenge. He began building into his travel schedule opportunities to interview our generation's greatest team builders from the sports and business worlds. During this process, he conducted more than 100 interviews with some of the most successful teams and organizations in the country. From those interviews, Don identified 16 habits that drive these high-performing teams. Building on the stories, examples, and first-hand accounts, each chapter in Great Teams comes with applicable examples on how to apply these characteristics in any organization. Great Teams includes: - Life lessons from some of the most notable names in sports and business applied to team-making in any situation - Interviews from well-known players from Peyton and Eli Manning to Kevin Durant - Skills to allow culture to shape who you recruit, manage dysfunction, friction, and strong personalities - Advice on how to win in critical situations, embrace change, build a mentoring culture, and see value others miss Great Teams is the ultimate intersection of the sports and business worlds and a powerful companion for thought leaders, teams, managers, and organizations that seek to perform similarly. The insight shared in this book is sure to enhance any team in its pursuit of excellence."

Don Yaeger (Author), Steven Grimsley (Narrator)

Audiobook

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History

""Another blockbuster! Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates reads like an edge-of-your-seat, page-turning thriller. You will love this book and also wonder why so few people know this story. No one captures the danger, intrigue, and drama of the American Revolution and its aftermath like Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger." -Brad Thor This is the little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America's third president decided to stand up to intimidation. When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africa's Barbary coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford. Over the previous fifteen years, as a diplomat and then as secretary of state, Jefferson had tried to work with the Barbary states (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco). Unfortunately, he found it impossible to negotiate with people who believed their religion justified the plunder and enslavement of non-Muslims. These rogue states would show no mercy-at least not while easy money could be made by extorting the Western powers. So President Jefferson decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the U.S. Navy's new warships and a detachment of Marines to blockade Tripoli-launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status. As they did in their previous bestseller, George Washington's Secret Six, Kilmeade and Yaeger have transformed a nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Among the many suspenseful episodes: ·Lieutenant Andrew Sterett's ferocious cannon battle on the high seas against the treacherous pirate ship Tripoli. ·Lieutenant Stephen Decatur's daring night raid of an enemy harbor, with the aim of destroying an American ship that had fallen into the pirates' hands. ·General William Eaton's unprecedented five-hundred-mile land march from Egypt to the port of Derne, where the Marines launched a surprise attack and an American flag was raised in victory on foreign soil for the first time. Few today remember these men and other heroes who inspired the Marine Corps hymn: "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli, we fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea." Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates recaptures this forgotten war that changed American history with a real-life drama of intrigue, bravery, and battle on the high seas."

Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger (Author), Brian Kilmeade (Narrator)

Audiobook

George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved America

"From the cohost of Fox & Friends, the true story of the anonymous spies who helped win the Revolutionary War Among the pantheon of heroes of the American Revolution, six names are missing. First and foremost, Robert Townsend, an unassuming and respected businessman from Long Island, who spearheaded the spy ring that covertly brought down the British . . . before they, or anyone else, could discover their names. Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger finally give Townsend and his fellow spies their proper due, telling the fascinating story of how they passed information to George Washington that turned the tide of the war. Using a network of citizen operatives that included a longshoreman, bartender, newspaper editor, housewife, tailor, and femme fatale, and employing a series of complex codes, the so-called Culper Spy Ring used sophisticated tactics to subvert the British. Based on previously unpublished research, George Washington's Secret Six is a gripping history of these amazing, anonymous Patriots who risked their lives for our freedom."

Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger (Author), Brian Kilmeade (Narrator)

Audiobook