Coaching Culture

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...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick discuss the fear of complacency among high achievers and how it drives individuals to constantly seek improvement. They explore the fine line between healthy drive for success and the potential dangers of chasing perfection. Tune in to gain insights on when the pursuit of more wins and achievements can...

In this episode, head coach Dave Passmore of the USA Women's Field Hockey team discusses the importance of empowering athletes and coaches to lead for a successful team culture. He shares insights on building a player-led environment and fostering a cohesive and supportive staff. Tune in to learn how they qualified for the Paris Olympics and continue to strive for excellence. Dave Passmore Onl...

Coach Dave Passmore shares his journey of transforming the underperforming USA Women's Field Hockey team into Olympic qualifiers against all odds. With a background in coaching science and education, Dave's expertise in culture building and talent development shines through. Tune in to learn the process behind laying the foundation for a great team culture from one of the best in the field...

Exploring the changing dynamics of respect in sports, the hosts delve into the topic of respecting elders in the context of the coach-athlete relationship. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with athletes, they reflect on how respect is evolving in the sports world. From athletes preferring to be spoken to rather than yelled at, to questioning traditional norms of respect, the epi...

In this episode, Holly Turbill from UMass Field Hockey joins Nate and Betsy to discuss effective team communication. They explore coaching strategies to help direct communicators succeed with their teammates, using film for feedback, shifting language to make feedback positive, framing questions for better conversations, and providing examples for players to consider. Tune in to the Coaching Cultu...

In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, Nate Sanderson and Betsy Butterick sit down with Holly Turbill, assistant field hockey coach at the University of Massachusetts. Holly shares her extensive coaching journey and insights on effective coaching strategies, particularly focusing on the importance of communication within teams. TOC Coaching Certification- https://www.tocculture.com/coach...

Finding a balance between confidence and humility is essential for coaches to effectively navigate challenges. In this episode, JP, Nate & Betsy discuss the importance of integrating both confidence and humility in coaching, highlighting how these qualities, though seemingly contradictory, are vital for a coach's success. Get the Podcast Notes and Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!  https...

Discover what it truly means to embody high performance in sports culture and leadership on this episode. Explore the habits and mindset of high-performance athletes and how they go above and beyond to excel. Learn how dedication, discipline, and a focus on continuous improvement are key factors in achieving peak performance. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or leader, this episode offers insi...

Leadership Coach Brian Levenson joins us for this episode to discuss the importance of coaching in improving team culture and personal growth. He emphasizes the value of coaching based on personal experience. Levenson's expertise in executive coaching and mental performance has positively impacted CEOs, professional athletes, and teams in the NBA and NHL. Tune in on Sunday for valuable strateg...

Discover how focusing on controlling the controllables can transform your coaching approach in this episode. We talk about the experiences of getting caught up in uncontrollable factors like referee calls, player decisions, and program limitations. By emphasizing the importance of managing what is within your power, listeners gain valuable insights for building a positive team culture. Tune in for...

In this episode, veteran NCAA Division I assistant coach Bob Starkey shares valuable insights on evolving and adapting as a coach in today's sports landscape. He emphasizes the importance of attitude over complaining, highlighting the need for continuous learning, growth, and self-improvement. Bob's practical advice covers topics such as player brands, roles, accountability, and getting pl...

We are joined by Bob Starkey, a highly experienced assistant coach with a career spanning 45 years. Bob's journey includes significant growth and evolution, leading to his recent success at LSU culminating in a national championship. With over 790 collegiate victories and numerous NCAA tournament appearances, Bob's emphasis on continuous learning sets him apart. In this episode, Bob offers...

In his episode JP, Nate and Betsy delve into real-life examples of teammates supporting and challenging each other to uphold team standards. From intervening before a big game to addressing blame after a loss, the importance of holding each other accountable is emphasized. Join the discussion on the challenges and benefits of player accountability in fostering a strong team dynamic. Get the Podcas...