The Coaching Life Podcast

Chris provides a brief update on where we have been during the past couple of months. 

Our guest in this episode is Ohio University quarterback, Kurtis Rourke. At the end of a monumental season for the Bobcats –– winning the MAC East Championship, being the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner as the MAC's Most Valuable Player –– Kurtis suffered a season-ending knee injury, and was unable to play the last regular season gam...

We hear a lot about needing to get "buy-in" from players and teams, but let's go a little bit deeper and talk about "believe-in." What is it? How can you get it? 

Justin walked on at Ohio University and played 5 years (from 2000-2004). He was a prolific high school running back whose name is listed in many OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) record books. At OU, Justin played 12 games his sophomore season and earned his way into the starting position his junior year but suffered a serious knee injury in his first game and was limited to only 6 gam...

Before he was the Bengals quarterback, a Heisman winner, National Champion, and 2-time Ohio High School Gatorade Player of the Year... Joe Burrow was a youth player learning about the game and how he might contribute to it. He has thanked many people along the way, and one of the most common expressions of gratitude you will hear from Joe is his appreciation for his "pee-wee" football coach, Sam S...

How much do you think about all of the common things you say and words you use when you are coaching? 

It's always a hard conversation, but a necessary one. In this episode, we try to speak to all parties involved: coaches, players, and parents. 

There has been a lot of discussion around the sports world about athletes playing through injuries, and some that could potentially have serious consequences. How do we know when we should "play through it" or when it's time to "sit this one out?" 

What value do youth programs have for high school Varsity programs? Likewise, what value do Varsity programs have for youth programs? 

Can you coach HEART? That's what we try to figure out in this conversation. 

What would you have to sacrifice to have what you REALLY WANT?  What WILL you sacrifice to have what you really want?  Do those two lists match up? 

As coaches of multiple-sport athletes, we need to be intentional about cooperating, coordinating, and corroborating with the other coaches in our school athletic programs in order to truly provide the best experience for our student-athletes without burning them out. 

A Little League Baseball pitcher had one get away from him and the pitch struck the batter in the head. A scary moment. The pitcher was visibly upset. The batter was not hurt. He ran to first base. No big deal. Play ball. But then.......  In this episode, Chris and Pat make reference to a book that was discussed in a previous episode. The author is Jonathan Haidt and the title of the book is "The...

We are back for a new season of Coaching Life conversations. As long as we can be useful to someone and serve a purpose with this podcast, we will keep recording episodes. Thanks to all of our listeners. Let us know who you are! Email Chris at cstewart1993@gmail.com and Pat at patrick_martin@yahoo.com.  Voice-over introduction provided by www.yourvodude.com 

We're in the heart of the high school baseball season and haven't had as much opportunity to connect for conversation, but in anticipation of a couple of big games for both of our teams, we decided to get together and talk about it this week. 

It's been raining... and raining... and snowing... and raining... and sleeting... and raining.  But we're choosing to prepare for the sunshine. 

We talk about a variety of topics on today's episode. This is the week that Pat and Chris's high school baseball teams meet up with each other on the diamond, and this episode was recorded the day before GAME DAY. 

It is a nationwide problem, and our student athletes are going to pay the consequences of it. It's no longer something that is "coming soon," it is here. It's a problem that has solutions, and we can all chip in and help. 

Should you define your team's core values? If so, how should you go about it and how should they be viewed in the grand scheme of things? 

Chris and Pat reflect after the first day of high school practice, and talk about the importance of expectations for everyone. 

Each one of us has a particular realm of ownership and influence in the culture and strategy of our team or organization. What will we do with it? 

How do you handle the awkward moments when a well-intentioned coach teaches something to a player that is different than the way you would like things to be done in your program? We discuss the importance of building good relationships of trust and always working with open minds and teachable spirits as coaches. 

We dive into the mindset of the best. If you want to be the best, this is how you think. 

What a privilege to have Coach Jimmy Burrow, father of Joe Burrow, on to chat with us about the characteristics he sees in his own son that make him relentless, unstoppable, and determined to be the best. 

The guys debate the merits of postgame handshaking.