Coaching Culture

In this episode, we explore the impactful ideas presented in Jonathan Haidt's books, "The Coddling of the American Mind" and "The Anxious Generation." The discussion highlights how well-intentioned safety culture and overprotection are increasing anxiety and fragility among young people, as well as the significant role that smartphones and social media play in the youth mental health crisis. The e...

In this second part of our two-part series on discipline and accountability in coaching, we delve deeper into common discipline scenarios faced by coaches. We recap the principles of transformational discipline, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus from behavior change to mindset change for effective accountability. The episode highlights the ineffectiveness of traditional accountability m...

In this episode, we delve into the critical balance coaches must strike between permissiveness and authoritarianism. We explore the reasons coaches may lean towards permissiveness, such as the desire to win, avoiding conflict, and fostering a positive environment for players. The discussion highlights common justifications for accepting subpar performances and behaviors that don't meet team standa...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP & Nate welcome back John O’Sullivan and Dr. Jerry Lynch, two esteemed guests with a wealth of experience in sports and parenting. With their children having gone through collegiate sports, John and Jerry share valuable insights and lessons learned from their journeys. John, founder of the Changing the Game Project and author of several...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun and Betsy Butterick welcome Coach Bre, a certified mental performance coach and co-founder of The Elite Competitor. With a focus on empowering female athletes in high school sports, Coach Bre shares her innovative mom-daughter approach to mental training, which has positively impacted thousands of families. She discusses science-back...

In this episode, we delve into the significant challenges that coaches face when they transition into head coaching roles or advance in their careers. We discuss the intricate dynamics of leading adult coaching staff, emphasizing the importance of building trust, hiring the right individuals, and developing their skills. Key topics include the complexities of delegating roles and responsibilities,...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun and Betsy Butterick welcome back Dr. Michael Gervais to continue their discussion on mindfulness, meditation, and the importance of engaging with wise individuals. Dr. Gervais emphasizes the role of these mentors in providing reflective insights rather than just offering advice. The conversation delves into how coaches can cultivate...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Gervais, a leading high-performance psychologist and the founder of the Finding Mastery podcast. With a wealth of experience working with top professionals across various fields, Dr. Gervais shares insights into the crucial relationship between the mind and human performance. Our conversation focuses on the role of coaches as performers, exploring themes of...

In this episode, we explore effective communication techniques that foster connection and understanding, particularly in challenging conversations. The episode emphasizes the importance of building bridges through emotional validation in both coaching and personal relationships, providing listeners with valuable insights on how to improve their own communication skills. Tune In wherever you get yo...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson welcome back CJ Stewart. The discussion centers around the concept of accountability in coaching, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards while adopting a trauma-informed approach. CJ shares insights from his experiences, highlighting how research and science inform their coaching methods at LEAD....

In this Coaching Culture Podcast episode featuring CJ Stewart, a former professional baseball player and founder of the LEAD organization, the discussion centers around the critical role of values in coaching young Black men. CJ emphasizes that while talent and opportunity are essential, they are not sufficient for long-term success. Instead, a strong value system is crucial for personal and profe...

Exploring the concept of coaching your team versus coaching individual players, JP, Nate & Betsy reflect on a phrase from an interview with Shaka Smart, head men's basketball coach at Marquette University. They discuss the distinction between team and player coaching, pondering how the two intersect when it comes to team culture. Drawing insights from their conversation, they delve into th...

In this episode, Shaka Smart delves into how coaches navigate challenges like losing and self-doubt. He emphasizes mindset, behaviors, and personal disciplines such as journaling. Shaka goes beyond coaching cliches to demonstrate how to embody these principles and grow as a leader. Tune in to the Coaching Culture Podcast for valuable insights on leadership and team culture. Get the Podcast Notes a...

Today on the Coaching Culture Podcast, we welcome Shaka Smart, a highly respected basketball coach known for his energetic coaching style and impressive team culture. In this episode, we explore Shaka's coaching influences, the evolution of his identity, his unique approach to team culture, and the importance of extreme responsibility and letting go of control. We also discuss the value of exe...

In this episode, we dive into common complaints coaches have about their players, such as arguing with referees, social media habits, and self-care practices. We reflect on how coaches themselves handle these aspects, emphasizing the importance of leading by example. Whether you're a new coach or experienced, this discussion on referees, social media, and self-care offers valuable insights to...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, JP Nerbun, along with co-hosts Betsy Butterick and Nate Sanderson, dive into essential advice for new head coaches. Reflecting on what we wish we knew in our first year of coaching, we cover three critical topics: playing time, team conflict, and sports parents. Much of this advice is valuable for all coaches, not just new ones. Get the Podcast Note...

This episode delves into the importance of after action reviews (AARs) in achieving success. Emphasizing the significance of intentional and committed reflection, the discussion parallels AARs to daily routines highlighting their essential yet often overlooked role in growth and development. The upcoming segment with former Navy SEAL Jon Cleck promises to explore the unique leadership and teamwork...

Today on the Coaching Culture Podcast, we dive into the intense selection process of the Navy SEALs with guest Jonathan Cleck. With experience as a Navy SEAL, FBI task force member, and federal air marshal, Jonathan shares insights on stress, team building, and pushing individuals past their limits. Join hosts JP Nerbun and e Sanderson as they explore the world of Navy SEAL training and the import...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, the hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick answer listener-submitted questions. They discuss handling players missing practice, including mental health days, ways coaches can inadvertently harm team culture, considerations for coaching youth teams and children, and reveal their four keys to a great culture. Stay tuned for valuable insi...

In this special episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, the hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick answer listener-submitted questions in an "Ask Us Anything" format. They cover topics like working with fear-based coaches, dealing with toxic players, increasing participation numbers, and coaching perfectionists. Tune in for insightful advice on leadership and culture-build...

This episode delves into the balance between providing practical tools for coaches while also challenging listeners to understand the complexities of how the brain works in leadership roles. Jennifer Garvey Berger emphasizes the value of understanding the basics of how the brain functions in leadership roles while continuing to provide tangible tools for personal and professional growth in coachin...

Today's guest, Jennifer Garvey Berger, is a renowned leader in leadership development, with a wealth of experience and expertise. With a background from Harvard University, she is the co-founder and CEO of Cultivating Leadership. Jennifer is the author of four highly acclaimed books, including "Unlocking Leadership Mind Traps," offering practical ways to enhance leadership effectiven...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of effective team building and bonding. We share our insights and experiences on how to create meaningful team bonding activities that go beyond mere fun and truly address the needs of the team. We aim to provide coaches with a deeper understanding of how to create effective team bonding experiences. By being intentiona...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, Melissa Lamie, the head women's coach at Grove City College, shares insights into their leadership council and how they practice gratitude within their team. Discover how they conduct consistent one-on-one meetings with players and embrace a mindset of gratitude. Tune in for valuable leadership tips and strategies to cultivate a positive team cu...

Today's guest, Melissa Lamie, shares her 31 years of experience as a women's soccer coach at Grove City, emphasizing the importance of intentional leadership and strong team culture. She delves into practical tools for building culture and creating core values for her team, empowering them to live out these values each season. Tune in for insights on Melissa's coaching journey and how...