Culture Classroom

Success isn't built in one breakthrough, it's built through daily discipline. In this episode, I share the remarkable story of Dr. Rob Gilbert's Success Hotline and his incredible 31-year streak of recording a new motivational message every single day without missing once. You'll discover why small, consistent habits have the power to transform your mindset, your leadership, and your life. I also...

If the scoreboards went dark tomorrow, what would your community miss most? Would they miss the wins? The championships? The trophies? Or would they miss the Friday night lights, the traditions, the relationships, the memories, and the feeling of belonging? In this episode, John Weaver explores a powerful question that every athletic director, coach, and school leader should consider: What are we...

In this second installment of our AD series with Jonathan Adams, we dive into the role of an Athletic Director as a leader of coaches. Jonathan shares how the challenges of Covid became a surprising blessing, giving his department the opportunity to take a deep dive into building a sustainable culture rooted in core values, a clear mission, and a compelling vision. He also breaks down his intervie...

In this episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Jonathan Adams, Athletic Director at Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. A former collegiate baseball umpire, Jonathan took an uncommon path back to his alma mater — one that shaped his unique perspective on leadership and athletic administration. He shares why effective leadership begins with modeling the standards you e...

In this episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Michelle York, Athletic Director at St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, Tennessee, to talk about the purpose behind athletic administration. Michelle shares why stepping into this field is a choice rooted in passion — and why her favorite part of the job is working with parents to connect them with the athletic department, bui...

In today’s episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Brad Cox, the Athletic Director at West Point High School in West Point, Mississippi. We dive into the tremendous success the Green Wave have had in football and explore how Brad measures success across the entire athletic department. Brad’s journey from basketball coach to principal, and now athletic director, provides a unique perspec...

In this episode, we explore the evolving role of coaches in today’s sports landscape and the growing need for a deeper commitment to athletes’ mental well-being and psychological health. Coaching is no longer just about drills, strategy, and physical performance—it’s about understanding the whole person. We discuss why it’s critical for coaches to move beyond outdated, dehumanizing methods that ov...

Because not every group is really a team. Welcome to Culture Classroom, the podcast for coaches and leaders who want to build real, connected, high-performing teams. We talk about what actually makes a team work—shared leadership, accountability, flexible roles, and common goals—without the fluff. Think of it like this: geese flying in that classic “V” formation or in the hockey movie: The Mighty...

Is there a moment that instantly takes you back to your 10- or 12-year-old self? In this episode, we rewind to 1991 and 1992—two unforgettable years in baseball history—with the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves taking center stage in back-to-back World Series. But this isn't just about baseball. It’s about moments that matter—those flashes of time that stick with us for a lifetime. Whether i...

Season 14, Episode 1: The Art of Winning by John Weaver & John Torrey

In this episode, we dive into the concept of success and why time is the key ingredient in achieving it. We explore the idea that true success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about the time you invest in your craft, relationships, and personal growth. We look at the three S's (Survival, Success, and Significance) Whether you’re an athlete, coach, student, or professional, this episode will ch...

In this episode we discuss we explore the powerful concept of "Surrender the Outcome." Many athletes, coaches, and competitors focus so much on results that they lose sight of the journey. But true success comes from preparation, effort, and trusting the process—without being consumed by the end result. We discuss how embracing this mindset can free athletes from unnecessary pressure, allowing the...

This episode we discuss how to avoid the burnout of the season as a coach and player. We look at different ways to handle it and where it might come from. All that and more in this episode of the Culture Classroom.

We're Back! First time back in 6 months recording content for you - OUR listeners! Thank you for being loyal listeners to this podcast. We dive into key takeaways in 2024 and what we are looking forward to in 2025.

What does it take to BE A CHAMPION? Coach Weaver talked to the MRA Football team today about what it looks like when you surrender the outcome. This is the second part of the Focus 4 or Concentration Quadrant. We also discuss the dangers of just focusing on winning. Follow us on Twitter: Coach Weaver @CoachWeaverMRA | Coach Torrey @mistertorrey ∙ The Culture Classroom is powered by Pro Quick Draw....

We discuss the importance of concentration and the four quadrants that include Broad External, Broad Internal, Narrow External, and Narrow Internal Follow us on Twitter: Coach Weaver @CoachWeaverMRA | Coach Torrey @mistertorrey ∙ The Culture Classroom is powered by Pro Quick Draw. PQD is a powerful plug-in used on Microsoft Visio & PowerPoint for coaches to organize, format, and export playbooks,...

We told you we were back! We dive into a topic that we have never really discussed on the CCP. Egos, Insecurities, Self-Esteem and Self Worth. What makes them appear? Your self-esteem is an assessment of your self-worth; how much or little are you of value to yourself and to others? Your ‘self’ concept is founded on a high self esteem; what are your self-beliefs (I am confident, I am honest, I am...

We are BACK! After a much needed break and recharging of the batteries, we talk about our new adventures. One of us moved to another state for a new job to coaching the other is coaching a new position on the football field. We discuss all that and more in this new season and new episode of the CCP. Follow us on Twitter: Coach Weaver @CoachWeaverMRA | Coach Torrey @mistertorrey ∙ The Culture Class...

How many people do you know that like Homework or Summer School? For one of us ... this is not words that should be put together, for the other it's a way to sharpen the IQ of the members on your sports team. Whether you like to give or do homework, this episode was a fun one to record and listen to how the idea of giving homework changes from one of us. Below is the link to the document that is t...

The ability to bounce back, adapt, and recover in the face of adversity, challenges, or significant stress. It involves the capacity to withstand and navigate through difficult situations, setbacks, or traumatic experiences without being overwhelmed or giving in to despair. Resilient individuals often demonstrate a combination of mental toughness, emotional strength, adaptability, and a positive m...

The Culture Magic! Many people, coaches, fans, players talk about the word culture. JT and John look back in time at the 1981 New York Jets Sack Exchange. There are so many layers that make a culture happen. We dive into the incentives, rewards, accountability, competitiveness, drive, the will to do well, the will to victory is when the magic happens. Follow us on Twitter: Coach Weaver @CoachWeave...

Today John and JT discuss what does winning require? There is a list you can generate and have a team activity with the WILT journal below. They also discuss Football Character according to AL Davis. Remember: File, Make A Copy, and its all yours to add, edit, and delete https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DjR0n1Ayq2CHA-VFNUGqNXdi0flqnpwyBpCE4LIsZ2Q/edit?usp=sharing Follow us on Twitter: Coach Wea...

The Detroit Lions have done something for the first time since 1992 ... Win a playoff game. We look at the coaching style of Dan Campbell and how his blue collar mentality has transformed the Lions culture. He was transparent and requested that his team use two powerful words, "TRUST ME." We dive into some different leadership styles and why the NFL stands for "Not For Long" Follow us on Twitter:...

We all have routines each morning. The Head Football Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers uses this unique method to initiate intentional relationships within the Steelers organization. Establishing a routine is important for several reasons, contributing to both physical and mental well-being. Here are just a few reasons why having a routine can be beneficial: Increased Productivity: Organizes your d...

Join us for an exciting Season 12 of the Culture Classroom. We are starting off with our word(s) for 2024. Follow us on Twitter: Coach Weaver @CoachWeaverMRA | Coach Torrey @mistertorrey ∙ The Culture Classroom is powered by Pro Quick Draw. PQD is a powerful plug-in used on Microsoft Visio & PowerPoint for coaches to organize, format, and export playbooks, scout cards & presentations efficiently....