Beyond The Bench

In this episode we talk about how to deal with a new boss. Thanks to Josh Porter from Clarinda for the question and we have a leadership discussion on a new podcast Aaron found.  Links  Greene County Play Doh Drive  https://whotv.com/2019/09/20/greene-county-brings-the-play-doh-to-football-friday/ Mitch Matthew's Big Dream Gathering  https://mitchmatthews.com/  The Focus 3...

In this episode we talk with Erin Kirtley (@AD_Kirtley) from Panorama High School in Panora, IA.  Erin is in her 7th year as the Activities Director at her alma mater.  Erin is active in the Iowa High School Athletic Directors and is a leader in her conference and in the state organization.  We talk with Erin about who has inspired her to do what she does every day, her biggest chal...

In this episode Aaron and Todd review and recap a podcast done by Jon Gordon, on his Positive U Podcast, with Nick Nurse, coach of the NBA Champion Toronto Raptors. The podcast can be heard here: https://castbox.fm/vb/165311379 If you have any questions, ideas or comments you would like us to discuss please reach out to one of us or email us at beyondthebenchgls@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. Be...

Enjoy a look back at a few of our previous episodes. Segment 1-Dealing with the Unexpected; Segment 2-Mitch Osborn; Segment 3-Nick Easley; Segment 4-Brent Buttjer; Segment 5-Coach and Parent Balance. BTB is proud to have HomeTown Ticketing (@hometowntix) as a sponsor of the podcast. Check out their website at www.hometownticketing.com. Follow them on their social media sites: Twitter: @hometowntix...

In this episode Scott, Aaron and Todd talk about the start of the year and the many responsibilities and things we have to do to get ready for the start of the year.

In this episode we have our first show with two guests. We are joined by Bellevue, IA AD Dave Wright and Lewie Curtis from the IHSAA. We have a great discussion about our desire, and need, for having multi sport and activity students and the balance of not burning them out. We talk about some ideas to help eleviate this and how to help everyone succeed. It is a great discussion. Thank You for list...

In this episode Todd and Scott sit down with current IHSADA President Jeremy Christiansen in Omaha. We talk about leadership, balancing responsibilities, staff recruitment and retention and a few other things along the way.

Welcome to Episode 25 of Beyond The Bench. It's a milestone so the three AD's from Iowa talk about the guests they have had on (all have been terrific) and talk about some of the take aways we have had from them. We also talk about our favorite topics and discussions and then close out the podcast talking about what we have learned along the way. THANK YOU to all of you who have listened. We appre...

In this episode we talk with local sports editor Brandon Hurley who has been covering the NBA Finals and was on the Nick Nurse beat. We talk about his experiences in Toronto, the things that make Nick Nurse a great coach and then transition to talk about local sports coverage and his work with the Jefferson Herald. It's a fun conversation. Thanks for listening.

In this special episode Aaron and Todd are joined by Lewis Curtis, the Director of Officials and Wrestling Administrator for the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Lewie is a former successful teacher, coach and AD at Underwood. He offers some great insights and words of wisdom. Hint: Listen all the way to the end of the podcast where he offers great advice on what we should all try to do and...

In this episode Todd goes one on one with Taylor Chapman from Spencer, IA. Taylor is completing his first year as a high school AD and talks about the experience he's had in his first year back in his hometown. Taylor shares some great insight that is good for everyone to hear and be reminded of. Have a comment, question or suggestion? Email us at beyondthebenchgls@gmail.com. Thanks for listening.

After a two week break for a Gordon vacation the boys are back in town. In this episode our main topic is Coach/Parent Balance and how we can help it and what our role could and should be in it. We end the podcast with a discussion about multiplying leaders and what that looks like. Thanks for listening and joining us. Have a comment or idea? Email us at beyondthebenchgls@gmail.com.

After a week off for Easter we talk about what's happened with a former guest and the Drake Relays. We debut a new segment and then dive into a lively discussion about upping our game in the evaluation process and growing leaders. We had fun and hope you will have some fun and learn a little bit as well. Thank You for listening. Want to offer some insight or have a suggestion? Email us at beyondth...

In this week's episode we celebrate the beauty of sport and some of the best moments of the past week. It leads us to say "I'm Still In". Aaron talks about Kennedy's All School pep rally; we talk about the Duane Wade tribute video, Nick Collison and his speech and comments at his jersey retirement, Tigers win at the Masters and Tony Bennett's one sentence power quote on adversity. Thanks for takin...

In this episode we are joined by Pella AD Dale Otte. We talk about youth sports structure, what we have seen work and share some thoughts on helping to promote a positive relationship with youth programs and coaches. Thanks to Ryan Sweeney from Bondurant-Farrar for the discussion topic. We open up talking about a book Todd is reading called 100X Leader and wrap up discussion around National Studen...

In this episode our main focus is talking about preseason coaches meetings. What format is used and what are some "must haves". We wrap up the podcast talking about the "reality check" we get walking back into school after experiencing the state convention and how we deal with that. Thanks for listening.

After a week off the guys are back live from the IHSADA Convention. We are pleased to have Brent Buttjer from Ankeny High School join us. We talk about his journey, what makes effective coaches and administrators and then talk about what his "A-ha" moment was and much more. You'll enjoy this podcast with the current AD at Ankeny High School.

In this episode Aaron, Scott and Todd talk about some of the favorite quotes from a few of our listeners and one of their own as well. We'll look to make this a regular segment because we have a few we didn't get to in this episode. Thank You to Dave Huepel, Andy Umthun, Jeff Bissen, Nate Thies, Matt Eichhorn, Bryce Conway and Brent Buttjer for contributing to this week's show. If we didn't get to...

In this episode of Beyond the Bench we unpack a lot on the subject of Character Driven Coaching and Leadership.  We discuss parts of two different articles and a video (audio) clip.  The titles and links are listed below.  Give us a listen and then share your thoughts with us at beyondthebenchgls@gmail.com.  1) "8  Coaching Mistakes I Wish I Never Made" by John O'Sullivan of Changing the Game  Pro...

You won't want to miss this weeks guest is Nick Easley. From Newton HS to IWCC to preferred walk on at the University of Iowa and the 2019 Outback Bowl MVP. Nick shares some great insight into the following: 1) What has motivated him? 2) How he went from a 2nd team all state receiver to the Outback Bowl MVP. 3) Advice for coaches and AD's. 4) Advice for players with a dream and much more. You'll e...

In this week's episode we are joined by Jason L. Parker, AD from Sapulpa, OK. Jason has a wonderful story, is passionate about leadership and developing leaders. You won't want to miss this episode as we talk with Jason about how he develops leadership in the coaches, students and himself.

In this episode our main topic is sportsmanship. Join us as we peel a layer off and talk about the different roles and responsibilities we all play in promoting good sportsmanship. We would love to hear your thoughts. Email us at beyondthebenchgls@gmail.com

In this weeks episode we give some thoughts on the Super Bowl and some thoughts on multi sport athletes. Then, we talk about exciting coaches professional development opportunities in Ankeny and outstanding student leadership programming at Kennedy. You won't want to miss this.

In this episode Aaron, Scott and Todd talk with sports editor J.R. Ogden from the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Hear his fascinating story and hear insights as we talk about the following: 1) His journey to where he's at now. 2) Some of his favorite memories/stories over the years. 3) Why and how the Gazette has kept a focus on high school coverage. 4) His perspective on the strengths of HS sports and som...

In this special episode Aaron and Todd are joined by one of Iowa's all time best. Basketball coach and Athletic Director Mitch Osborn from Harlan, Iowa. We talk with Mitch about his 35 year journey, what has helped Harlan Community become one of the most successful and consistent overall programs in the state and the keys to being a successful Athletic and Activities Administrator. You won't want...