Coaching Culture

STOP Leading Backwards! Transform Your Coaching from the "Dance Floor" to the "Balcony" with Executive Coach Zafer Achi Ever feel like you’re doing everything right—you've got the technical expertise, the tools, the game plan—but your team still feels disconnected? You're not alone. In this electrifying episode, we dive deep with Zafer Achi, a veteran executive coach an...

🎙️ Can't Connect with Today's Athletes? You're Not Alone! | Communication Specialist Betsy Butterick on Coaching Gen Z & Gen Alpha 🤯Are you a coach feeling the fatigue? Do terms like "entitled" and "soft" sneak into your conversations about your team? You are experiencing the generational shift that is pushing coaches out of the profession, and this episode is...

In a world of intense social media messaging and traditional "man box" expectations, how can coaches connect with and lead young male athletes effectively? In part 2 of our conversation with Kip Ioane of Teams of Men to explore a coaching philosophy that goes beyond yelling and wins. Kip shares powerful stories and actionable strategies for using vulnerability as a strength, co-creating...

Join us for a powerful conversation with Kip Ioane, founder of Teams of Men, as he shares his journey from basketball coach to advocate for a new vision of masculinity. Triggered by a series of unsettling incidents, Kip realized that traditional coaching methods weren't enough to prepare young men for the real world. In this episode, we dive into the concept of the "man box"—the rigi...

You’ve heard the quote, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail," but how much time do you spend preparing your team's culture? In this episode, hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick break down why an intentional plan for your culture is just as critical—if not more so—than your tactical systems. They reveal the biggest excuses coaches use to avoid this essen...

In this episode, we sit down with veteran coach Eoin Roche to explore the nuanced world of athletic development. Eoin, known for his work with various teams from youth development to senior inter-county, dives deep into how he leverages one-on-one sessions and film analysis to unlock player potential. Discover why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in coaching, and how adapting your met...

In this special episode, we're making a huge announcement that's been in the works for a long time. We're thrilled to officially launch the TOC Coach Community, a new platform and partnership between TOC and SAVI.Join us as we sit down with Tyler and Mark to discuss our personal coaching journeys, the lessons learned from influential mentors, and the powerful "Venn diagram" t...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Eoin Roche, a seasoned Hurling coach from Ireland, as he reveals his innovative strategies for athlete development and performance analysis. Eoin, who seamlessly combines coaching with analytical insights, explains why this integrated role is crucial for clarity and effectiveness, especially in amateur sports like GAA where time is precious. Learn how Eo...

Join hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick as they tackle the most complex and vital element of a winning team: trust. We break down the four pillars of trust, discuss why it’s so hard to maintain in today’s sports environment, and share practical, actionable advice for coaches and leaders at every level. In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of legendary coach John Woo...

Join us for a transformative conversation with David Durand, founder of Real Development ( realdevelopment.org ), as we dive deep into the psychology of coaching modern athletes. This episode challenges traditional views on "softness" and reveals how building true resilience starts with understanding the athlete's nervous system. David explains how to identify when an athlete is trul...

Are you a coach struggling to connect with Gen Z athletes? Do you wish your team had better emotional regulation on and off the court? In this insightful episode, we sit down with David Durand , founder of RealDevelopment.org and author of " Bet On It ," to explore a revolutionary approach to coaching that goes beyond traditional skill development. David, a former basketball coach with a...

In a special live coaching call, host JP Nerbunn works with John Newman-Gonchar, a Division I head women's volleyball coach. The conversation is a raw and vulnerable exploration of the struggles many coaches face: balancing a demanding career with family life while rediscovering the initial passion and joy that led them to the profession. John reveals a deep-seated feeling of being pulled in a hun...

Are you a coach looking to unlock your team's full potential, especially during those critical halftime moments? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute 9, a consultancy dedicated to transforming how sports teams communicate under pressure. Eamon provides actionable advice, from using anonymous surveys to "stop, start, continue" frameworks, and ev...

Ever wondered what really goes on during halftime, and if those intense locker room talks actually work? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute Nine , a consultancy revolutionizing how sports teams communicate under pressure. Eamon, a former lawyer, shares the personal story that led him to analyze halftime communication and why traditional "blow-ups" often do...

JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson shared personal anecdotes from their coaching careers, discussing initial successes, humorous mistakes, and impactful learning experiences. They reflected on how their coaching philosophies evolved from a naive, highly intense approach to a more balanced understanding of their role, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of their early methods. The hosts...

In Part 2, Coach JT Toczynski dives deeper into the specific culture-building activities he implements with his high school basketball team. He emphasizes the importance of fostering vulnerability, community engagement, and mental toughness. JT shares details about "speed dating" for new players, "hero and hardship" circles for deeper connection, annual community service at a s...

This podcast episode features an insightful conversation with high school basketball coach Jonathan "JT" Toczynski, tracing his evolution from a transactional to a transformational coach. Starting as a freshman coach in 2018, JT shares his initial struggles, pivotal "aha" moments, and intentional strategies for building a thriving team culture centered on joy, care, and trust. His journey highligh...

In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick tackle the pervasive "win-aholic" mentality in sports. They explore the inherent tension coaches often feel between the relentless pursuit of victory and the deeper purpose of athlete development and creating positive experiences. The discussion highlights that while winning is integral to sports,...

What does it truly take to build a national championship program? Join us for an incredibly candid conversation with Rob Dow , head coach of the NCAA National Championship-winning Vermont Men's Soccer team. In this powerful episode, Coach Dow pulls back the curtain on how he cultivated a culture of unwavering belief, even when it meant "shaking the underdog" mentality out of his play...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rob, the head coach of the University of Vermont's national championship soccer team . In this episode, Rob takes us behind the scenes of their incredible journey, revealing that their success was built on far more than just tactics. Discover how Rob fosters a deep connection between his team and the vibrant Vermont community , viewing UVM Athletics a...

This episode of the Coaching Culture podcast, hosted by JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterrick, delves into a profound distinction: team being vs. team building . Inspired by their recent transformative TOC retreat, the hosts argue that true team connection and growth emerge not from elaborate team-building activities, but from intentionally created time and space for individuals to simpl...

Part two of our conversation with Graham Roxburgh, the founder of Team Up, an organization that leverages the power of sport to enhance community development projects around the world. Graham shares the inspiring origin story of Team Up, born from a desire to move beyond simply playing games to actively assisting local leaders in their efforts to transform their communities. The conversation highl...

Join us as we delve into the coaching journey of Graham Roxburgh, who built the Trinity Western University women's soccer program into a national powerhouse. He shares the crucial early steps, the power of vision and recruitment, and the importance of a "more than soccer" mentality. Essential listening for coaches looking to elevate their programs! Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter...

Is true growth about shedding your old self, or refining what's already there? JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick dive deep into this fascinating question on the Coaching Culture Podcast. Using the intense spotlight on coaches like Dan Hurley as a springboard, we discuss how coaches and leaders can improve problematic behaviors while preserving the passion and drive that makes them...

JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson sit down with renowned Elite Performance Coach and author, Alex Auerbach, PhD , for a practical and insightful discussion on the psychology of coaching high-performing teams. In this episode, you'll learn actionable strategies to: Identify the 3-5 Key Behaviors that truly drive success for your athletes and team. Cultivate a Winning Mindset by understanding and instill...