The Coaching Life Podcast

In this episode of The Coaching Life , we discuss one of the most underrated traits in sports: game awareness. Why do some athletes always seem to be in the right place, make the right play, and help their teams win—even if they aren’t the most physically gifted players on the field? We explore the hidden skill that separates good players from great ones and share practical ways coaches can help d...

In the world of high school athletics, the overlap of sports seasons can create unique challenges for coaches and players alike. In this episode of the Coaching Life Podcast, hosts Pat Martin and Chris Stewart explore these complexities, particularly as they relate to baseball and basketball. With the start of baseball season coinciding with basketball tournaments, how do coaches ensure their athl...

In this episode, Chris and Pat highlight the importance of mental strength and the role of "mindset" in coaching and athlete development. They introduce a unique gift from a mutual friend, Coach Steve Miller, which consists of 52 Athlete Mindset cards designed to help athletes focus on their training and mental preparation.

Welcome to Season 13 of The Coaching Life Podcast! We are excited to keep rolling these episodes out. We hope you will join us and share us with others! Thank you to everyone who has been with us the past 6 years, and if you have joined us more recently, we are grateful for you as well! Let's grow together, and let's grow the coaching community!

In the final episode of The Coaching Life Podcast, hosts Pat Martin and Chris Stewart share some updates on the Bobcats football team and discuss the importance of team culture. The main emphasis of this episode is providing "12 Tips of Christmas" for coaches, players, and parents. They share an insight and then discuss each one for 2-to-3 minutes. We think you will enjoy this fast-paced...

Chris and Pat discuss the implications of over-coaching. We'll explore how excessive instruction can hinder athletes' natural instincts and decision-making abilities, leading to confusion and robotic performance. The conversation also touches on the importance of simplifying coaching techniques and allowing athletes to develop their skills through play rather than constant correction.

In this episode of the Coaching Life Podcast, Chris and Pat reconnect after a 2-week break, sharing personal updates and diving into recent sports topics. They discuss some controversies in the NFL and college football, the implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in Ohio High School sports, and the impact of coaching changes on teams. The conversation also touches on the Ohio Bobcats football...

In this episode of the Coaching Life podcast, Pat and Chris discuss the changing dynamics of athletes from different generations. They hit on themes of emotional intelligence, and the balance between accountability and sensitivity in coaching. The conversation also goes into some other directions, touching on the implications of NIL and transfer rules in high school sports, but overall, emphasizin...

When Isiah Kiner-Falefa took that short lead off third base in Game 7 of the World Series, the baseball world exploded with opinions. Analysts, fans, and even players criticized what they saw — but few stopped to ask why . In this episode, we talk about the danger of making quick snap judgments while we're watching games. Whether it’s a base running decision in the World Series on national TV,...

In episode 202 of The Coaching Life , Chris and Pat sit down with Kendall Hickey , libero and leader on the Ohio University volleyball team . Known for her relentless defense, leadership, and deep faith in Christ, Kendall shares how her identity is rooted in something far greater than the game.

Eastern High School Volleyball Coach, Courtney Whittington invited Coach Stewart out to speak to the team on the week of preparation for their District Championship game. In this talk, Chris gives the team two reminders for how to be in control of the "butterflies" and emotions you feel in anticipation of big games.

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast , we talk about the little things coaches often assume players already know — but too often don’t take time to teach. These “should already know” moments can be the difference between a win and a mistake that costs you a game. Who is responsible when they make those mistakes? HINT: it is always us, coaches. In this episode, we discuss how to intentional...

NOTE: we had some technical difficulties with the audio in this episode. The volume varies depending on who is speaking and the audio is not the same quality as our other episodes. However, the content is without a doubt some of the best quality we have ever had on the podcast! ABOUT THE EPISODE: For most athletes, the game has been part of their life as long as they can remember — and one day, it...

Every athlete’s path looks different — and sometimes the biggest growth happens when the spotlight isn’t on you. In this episode, Chris and Pat sit down with Delaney Crawford , wide receiver for the Ohio University Bobcats , whose journey from high school quarterback and track standout in California to college wideout in the MAC is a story of resilience, adaptability, and faith. Originally recruit...

Discipline, standards, accountability, behavior — all are words that can make or break a team. In this episode of The Coaching Life , Chris and Pat dive into the tough conversations around holding athletes accountable. When a player shows up late, displays bad body language, or challenges team standards, how should a coach respond? Is it about punishment, or is it about teaching life lessons that...

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast , Chris and Pat talk about artificial intelligence in youth and high school sports. From breaking down swing mechanics and optimizing practice plans to helping parents understand their child’s development, AI is becoming a tool that coaches, players, and families can use to enhance everyone's experience of the game. Whether you’re a coach, player, o...

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast , Chris and Pat dive into how coaches can invest in the "middle-bottom" players of your roster (forgive us for that label, it's tough to describe). But, how do we keep them motivated, and how do we help them understand their value. We’ll talk about: Why and how the middle-bottom players often set the tone for team culture How to define suc...

Coaching isn’t just about practices, games, and strategies — it’s about the little things in between. In this episode, Chris and Pat talk about the subtle but powerful moments that shape a team’s culture: conversations on the bus, greetings at practice, building connection, being intentional about gratitude. These “in-between” moments often go unnoticed, but they build trust, connection, and buy-i...

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast , Chris and Pat dive into one of the most important—and sometimes, most underprepared—aspects of youth and high school sports: practice. Are we practicing the right way or the wrong way? Do drills actually build transferable skills, or are they just busy work? How much of our time should be spent on fundamentals versus competition? We tackle questions l...

After a summer break, Chris and Pat are back to kick off Season 12 of The Coaching Life Podcast ! In this episode, we share an overview of some of the conversations we’ll be having this season, including: Are we practicing the right—or wrong—way? Coaching the “middle” and “bottom” kids on a team. The impact of bus rides, team meals, and other “little things” that shape a season. …and much, much, m...

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast , Chris and Pat dive into a conversation about loving the sport you play. We chat about the deeper connection athletes can have with their game, their team, and the entire experience of being part of something bigger than themselves. We discuss: ✅ Why passion for the game matters sometimes as much as talent for the game ✅ The impact of loving your tea...

The anticipation is mounting as Opening Day for High School baseball is just days away. The first game Pat and Chris's teams will play this season will be against each other! This is the topic of today's episode, because we can't think of much else right now! LOL

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast , Chris and Pat dive into the unique challenges and strategies that come with being a head baseball coach during the crucial first week of the new season. They discuss how to set the tone for the year, establish team expectations, and build momentum both on and off the field. Key topics covered include: ⚾ Evaluating Your Roster — Balancing early-season...

Our friend, Justin Roush, joins us for a great conversation about developing expectations for yourself. Justin is starting an LLC and podcast of his own, titled "Walk-On Academy." We chat with him about his plans and vision, as he shares from his own experiences of walking onto the Ohio University football team 25 years ago.

The title sums up the conversation in #188. We talk a little bit about trending issues in the NFL, but that's not the important part. In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast , Chris and Pat gear up for the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) Clinic happening this week in Columbus, Ohio! We dive into the details of this must-attend event for high school baseball coaches,...