Coaching Culture
A podcast for leaders and coaches sharing practical strategies and tools to build your team's culture and help you grow as a leader. Co-hosted by J.P. Nerbun and Nate Sanderson of TOC Culture Consulting, and Betsy Butterick. Get the podcast notes and learn more about us at tocculture.com.
Episodes
Building Autonomy On and Off the Sand: Lessons of Shared Ownership | John Mayer | Episode 476
If the coach writes the team standards on the board, John Mayer says they become wallpaper. When the players write them, they come alive.In part two of JP Nerbun's conversation with John Mayer, head beach volleyball coach at Loyola Marymount and the 2025 AVCA National Coach of the Year, John walks through the systems behind his culture: battle buddies, a competitive cauldron, player-written standa
Guru or Guide? Letting Go of Having All the Answers | John Mayer | Episode 475
John Mayer had just won LMU's first conference championship when he started questioning everything about how he coached. He had a system that worked. He changed it anyway.JP Nerbun sits down with John Mayer, head beach volleyball coach at Loyola Marymount and the 2025 AVCA National Coach of the Year, to unpack the research that pulled him away from being the coach with all the answers. You will he
How Does Practice Shape Your Culture? | Episode 474
Your team meetings tune the car, but practice is the road.JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson take on a question a coach brought to JP: what do you do when there is almost no time to build culture outside of practice? Their answer is that practice is where athletes experience culture most and where a coach can push hardest on it. You will hear how to move values from the wall into the p
Quit More, Become Elite | Billy Armstrong | Episode 473
Billy Armstrong wants every player he coaches to chase one truly impossible goal.In part two of this conversation, three years after his first appearance on the podcast, Bergen Catholic head coach Billy Armstrong digs into the goal-setting philosophy behind his program's vision: making Bergen the best place to play high school basketball in America. Billy explains why he pushes players toward impo
High Clarity, High Performance | Billy Armstrong | Episode 472
Billy Armstrong hasn't just won four state championships in six years. He's become, in his own words, a completely different human being.In part one of a two-part conversation, three years after his first appearance on the podcast, Bergen Catholic head coach Billy Armstrong opens up about the personal transformation behind his program's sustained success: trading a hidden self-improvement journey
Mistakes Transformational Coaches Make | Episode 471
A standard isn't a standard unless it's enforced. That's the line JP Nerbun keeps coming back to in this solo episode, his first since the podcast's earliest days back in 2017.JP unpacks twelve mistakes transformational coaches make, opening with the story of Anson Dorrance, the UNC women's soccer coach who paired relationship-building with ruthless competition, and closing with the story of a for
Coaching Big Personalities and Big Talent | Episode 470
LeBron James just left the Lakers for a shot at one more championship with the 76ers, and JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson use that move to dig into a question every coach eventually faces: what do you actually do with a player who has more talent, or more influence, than anyone else on your roster?They unpack why coaches say nobody's bigger than the team but quietly lower standards
The Case for Quitting: Building the Muscle to Let Go | Lindsay Crouse | Episode 469
What happens after you finally admit the grind stopped working? That is where part two of this conversation with journalist Lindsay Crouse picks up.Lindsay and JP dig into the physical cost of never backing off, talk through Simone Biles' 2021 Olympic decision, and unpack the "never enough" trap that keeps high achievers chasing a finish line that keeps moving. Lindsay also shares why she left a s
The Case for Quitting: Redefining What Counts as Courage | Lindsay Crouse | Episode 468
"Quit" might be the most forbidden word in sports. Journalist Lindsay Crouse says that's exactly the problem.Lindsay spent 15 years at The New York Times covering the extremes of human performance before turning the question on herself: what if the constant pushing through wasn't actually working? Her new book, The Case for Quitting, argues that stepping back is often the smarter, braver choice, n
How to Get Your Captains Building a Team Everyone Wants to Be On | Culture Captain Level Four | Ep. 467
Are your three closest teammates a friend group, or a clique the rest of the roster feels shut out of?JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson dig into Level 4 leadership this week: the real difference between a clique and a close friend group, why almost no team builds a genuine culture of honest feedback, and Betsy's own story as a Division I captain who left a program midseason.Whether yo
Coach Development, Wellbeing, and Getting Out of Your Own Way | Zach Brandon Pt. 2 | Ep. 466
Most coaches have someone they pour into. Almost none of them have someone who pours back.In part two with Zach Brandon, JP and Zach go deeper into what it actually takes to develop coaches — not players, coaches — and why that investment may be the most overlooked lever in any program. Zach shares the story that reoriented his entire career: a coach who could not remember his own family moments a
Building Trust and Mental Performance | Zach Brandon Pt. 1 | Ep. 465
Zach Brandon spent years inside one of the most pressure-filled environments in professional sports. The biggest thing he took away was not about performance. It was about connection.In this first conversation with Zach, JP sits down with the former Head of Mental Performance and Coach Development for the Arizona Diamondbacks, on staff during their 2023 World Series run, to explore what he learned
Why the Best Leaders Aren't the Loudest Ones | The Culture Captain: Level 3 | Episode 464
Every coach says they want more leaders. But most are picturing the wrong level entirely.JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson unpack Level 3 leadership, the one-to-one relational work that has to exist before Level 4 (leading the whole team) ever works, including the Joey Votto story of a star player who took up Spanish and improv classes just to become a better teammate.Whether you'
Coach the Coach: How to Regulate Before You Lead | Dr. Jody Carrington | Episode 463
Dr. Jody Carrington says the most vulnerable emotion on the planet is not fear or grief. It is joy.In part two of her conversation with JP, Dr. Jody Carrington gets specific about what it means to regulate yourself before you can lead anyone else, why joy requires every defense to be down, and why she collects information before she directs a hard conversation.This one is for any coach who has eve
Coach the Coach: How to Collect Before You Direct | Jody Carrington | Episode 462
If the big people aren't okay, the little people don't stand a chance. That is the idea psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington has built her career on, and it flips the entire athlete development conversation on its head.In part one of this two part conversation, JP sits down with Dr. Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist and founder of Carrington and Company who has spent decades studying emotional
The Hardest Part of Leading Yourself | The Culture Captain: Level Two | Episode 461
Is your best leader always your best teammate? JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson are not so sure, and the answer says a lot about how you build culture this season.This episode continues an ongoing conversation around JP's new book, The Culture Captain, with the group digging into Level Two: leading yourself before you ever try to lead anyone else. They unpack why the chapter on effor
The Mental Habits of Elite Coaches | Rustin Dodd & Elise Devlin, The Athletic | Episode 460
Making athletes work harder is one thing. Making athletes better is something else entirely — and Rustin Dodd draws that line clearly in this episode.In part two of JP Nerbun's conversation with Rustin Dodd and Elise Devlin of The Athletic's Peak section, the discussion moves from habits and rituals into the heart of transformational coaching. Elise covers Dan Quinn's player PowerPoint presentatio
The Mental Habits of Elite Athletes | Rustin Dodd & Elise Devlin, The Athletic | Episode 459
Most coaches spend their careers shaping athletes. Rustin Dodd and Elise Devlin spend theirs learning from them — and what they've found might change how you coach.Rustin and Elise write NY Times feature, The Peak for The Athletic, a section devoted to the mental side of elite sports. In this episode with JP Nerbun, they unpack what a year of "I Tried" journalism has taught them: Kob
The Culture Captain: Building Leaders From the Inside Out | John O'Sullivan | Episode 458
JP Nerbun's 10-year-old daughter said something on the walk to the bus that stopped him cold: "She's climbing the mountain of achievement without any purpose." That one line is the heart of this entire conversation.This special episode drops on the launch day of JP's new book The Culture Captain — a field guide for athletes learning to lead from the inside out. JP sits down with longtime friend Jo
Identity, Influence, and the Leadership Nobody Told You Was Already Yours | Culture Captain: Level One | Episode 457
What does it mean to truly know yourself — not perform yourself, not brand yourself for public approval, but honestly know who you are at your core?JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson explore that question in this roundtable, the first in a four-part series on JP's new book, The Culture Captain. Betsy shares the story of an athlete and what she filled in her personal definition led
Coach The Person: The Science of Transformational Conversations | Marcia Reynolds | Episode 456
Most coaches think they're having conversations with their athletes. Marcia Reynolds says they're mostly just talking.In this episode, JP Nerbun sits down with Marcia Reynolds — executive coach, neuroscience researcher, and author of Coach the Person, Not the Problem — to unpack the science of what makes a coaching conversation actually transformational. Marcia explains why telling athlete
The Art of Communication | Betsy Butterick | Episode 455
The Art of Communication: Finding Your Voice as a CoachJP Nerbun sits down with co-host Betsy Butterick to explore how intentional communication transforms athlete relationships, team culture, and coaching identity.TOC 3-2-1: 3 Quotes, 2 Questions, 1 Resource3 Quotes Worth Writing Down"Anytime someone says 'that's just who I am,' what immediately comes up for me is — no, that's who you've been. Yo
The Real Reason Your Team Isn't Bought In
🏆 What does "buy-in" actually mean and how do you build it as a leader? Every coach talks about buy-in. But most coaches struggle to define it, measure it, or create it in a consistent, repeatable way. In this episode, JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterrick break down what athlete buy-in really is, what it's NOT, and give you a practical, systematic approach to building genu
How to Build a Transformational Culture from Scratch | Father Mike Schmitz | Episode 453
What does transformational leadership actually look like in practice? Father Mike Schmitz, 15-year director of the Newman Center at UMD, sits down with coaches to share the leadership principles, culture-building strategies, and mentorship frameworks that have transformed thousands of lives on a secular college campus.Whether you're a coach, team leader, manager, or anyone invested in building
How to Manage the Culture Cancer | Episode 452
Every coach will face a culture killer on their team. Whether it's a star player with a toxic attitude, an athlete stirring drama behind the scenes, or a kid whose behavior is slowly poisoning team morale — knowing how to respond is one of the most critical leadership skills a coach can develop.In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterrick get
451: How to Work through Negative Feedback as a Coach
Taking hard feedback is one of the most underrated leadership skills — and most of us are doing it wrong.In this episode, JP, Betsy, and Nate get real about the emotional side of criticism: why feedback feels so personal for coaches and leaders, how to regulate before you respond, and the mindset shift that turns brutal feedback into your greatest tool for growth.Whether you're a coach, athlet
Why I Stopped Believing in Safe Spaces (And What I Build Instead) | Daniel Coyle Part 2 | EP 450
In Part 2 of our conversation with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Coyle, we go deeper into the mechanics of building high-performance teams, psychological safety vs. brave spaces, and what 13 years inside the Cleveland Guardians organization has taught him about leadership development, team culture, and coaching from the inside out.Whether you're a coach, athletic director, team lead
What Thriving Teams Feel Like — And How to Build One | Ep 449 Daniel Coyle Pt 1
What does it take to build a truly flourishing team? NYT bestselling author Daniel Coyle (The Culture Code, The Talent Code) returns to share insights from his powerful new book Flourish — and this conversation will change how you think about leadership, team culture, and what it means to matter.We explore the difference between belonging and mattering, why psychological safety isn't enough, a
You Can't Give What You Don't Have: Coach Burnout, Losing Seasons & What Actually Helps | Ep. 448
📧 Join the TOC Coach Community: https://www.skool.com/toccoach/aboutAre you a coach running on empty? In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, host JP Nerbun sits down with co-hosts Nate Sanderson and Betsy Butterick to tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in sports leadership: coach burnout.Whether you're grinding through a losing season, leading disengaged athletes, or simply
🏒 Significance Over Success: Leadership Lessons from a Hockey Coach | EP 447 Justin Simpkins Pt. 2
🤝 Join TOC Coach for FREE — Better Coaches, Better Leaders, Better Culture: https://www.skool.com/toccoachWhat does it really mean to lead with purpose? In Part 2 of our conversation with Justin Simpkins — founder of Prairie Hockey Academy (PHA), host of the Grit and Growth Podcast, and author of Significance Over Success — we go deep on transformational leadership, building character through spor
He Built a Hockey Academy to Develop Leaders, Not Hockey Players | Ep. 446 | Justin Simpkins Pt 1
How do you build a championship culture that goes beyond the scoreboard? Justin Simpkins, founder of Prairie Hockey Academy, shares how he turned a small-town Saskatchewan hockey program into one of Canada's premier character development academies — and why the secret to elite athletic leadership has nothing to do with winning.In this episode, we dive deep into transformational leadership in s
How Coaching Competency Unlocks Team Culture | Ep 445 Tyler Coston & Mark Cascio
Can you build a high-performance culture if you're not developing yourself as a coach? In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, JP is joined by Tyler and Mark from SAVI Basketball for a powerful conversation on coaching competency, leadership credibility, and why your effectiveness as a coach directly impacts your team culture.We dig into why "culture eats strategy for breakfast&q
How to Support Subs and Reserves in the Role | Ep 444 | Sammy Lander Part 2
Are you coaching your substitutes — or just managing them? 🏆In Part 2 of our conversation with Sammy Lander — specialist subs coach and founder of the Finishers Academy — we go deep into one of the most overlooked leadership challenges in sports: how to coach, develop, and inspire athletes who aren't in the starting lineup.Sammy brings battle-tested strategies from English professional soccer
How to Coach Subs and Reserves for High Performance | EP 443 | Sammy Lander Part 1
🤝 Join TOC Coach for FREE — Better Coaches, Better Leaders, Better Culture: https://www.skool.com/toccoachWhat does it really mean for an athlete to matter — not just belong? In this episode, we sit down with Sammy Lander, the world's first Substitution Coach, to explore one of the most overlooked challenges in team sports: developing, empowering, and leading the athletes who aren't in the
How Elite Coaches Build Sustainable Excellence (Without Burning Out) | Brad Stulberg | Ep. 442
📬 Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter: https://tocculture.com/culture-toolboxWhat does it actually take to lead at a high level without sacrificing everything else that matters?In Part 2 of our conversation with Brad Stulberg — performance coach, author, and co-founder of The Growth Equation — we dig into the real framework behind sustainable leadership excellence. If you're a coa
🎯 The Way of Excellence: Mastery, Mattering & Leadership with Brad Stulberg
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brad Stulberg, bestselling author of "The Way of Excellence," as he shares groundbreaking insights on authentic leadership, team building, and sustainable high performance.Join TOC Coach for Free! https://www.skool.com/toccoachSubscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox: https://tocculture.com/culture-toolbox 🔑 KEY LEADERSHIP TOPICS:✅ Excellence Frame
440: Sports Coaching 101: How to Build Accountability and Mutual Trust in Your Team Culture
Stop using accountability as a weapon and start using it as a tool for growth. In this episode, JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick break down why traditional "discipline" often fails and how to build a culture of mutual trust.Subscribe to join us for more discussions like this and go deeper with a FREE membership in the TOC Coach Community: https://www.skool.com/toccoachSubsc
439: Why Nutrition Advice Doesn't Work | Daniel Davey Part 2
In Part 2 of our conversation with performance nutritionist Daniel Davey, we go deeper into the psychology of behavior change and why traditional nutrition advice often fails. Daniel shares profound insights on coaching the person, not just the problem, and how childhood experiences shape our relationship with food.What You'll Learn:Daniel opens up about the influences that shaped his coaching
438: Why Nutrition Culture Fails (And How to Fix It) | Daniel Davey pt 1
Join us for an in-depth conversation with performance nutritionist Daniel Davey, who has worked with elite teams including Dublin senior football and Leinster Rugby. In this episode, Daniel shares the realities of creating lasting cultural change around nutrition and lifestyle habits in high-performance environments.What You'll Learn:Daniel reveals why presentations and workshops alone don'
437: The Essentialist Leader: Doing Less to Achieve More
Are you feeling the weight of a million "important" tasks? In this episode, JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick dive into the concept of Essentialism in Leadership. We explore how to distinguish between mere stress and total overwhelm , why "function over fundamental" can transform your coaching , and how to decide what actually moves the needle for your team’s cultu
436: Coaching Like a Scientist: Finding Your Best Self and Making Values a Tool | McKenzie Ridgely Part 2
🧪 Coaching Like a Scientist: How Observation & Values Led to a State TitleWhat does it mean to "coach like a scientist"? In Part 2 of our conversation with first-year varsity head coach and podcast editor Mckenzie Ridgely, we explore the evolution of leadership that goes far beyond personality.Mckenzie reflects on her journey from thinking leadership meant being the "loudest and
435: The State Champion's Playbook: Systems for Culture, Captains, & Playing Time | McKenzie Ridgely Pt 1
McKenzie Ridgely joins the hosts to discuss her successful first season as a varsity head coach, focusing on the implementation of culture systems and resources from TOC (The Coaches' Community). She highlights the importance of "working on the front end"—establishing clear expectations, systems, and communication with players and parents before the season starts. Key topics covered
434: From Pattern to Choice: Breaking Limiting Beliefs | Part 2
As we close out the year, JP, Nate, and Betsy dive deep into the internal "operating system" of leadership. While many leaders focus on external strategy, this episode explores the internal beliefs and thought habits that often hold us back from our next level of growth. The team discusses how to shift from acting out of old patterns to acting out of conscious choice, offering practical
433: Debunking the Leader’s Mind: Identifying Limiting Beliefs | Part 1
Are you stuck in a cycle of "push, push, push" but feeling like you’re hitting a ceiling in your growth? Often, the barriers to our progress aren't our external habits, but the deep-seated belief systems and thought habits that drive our every move. In this episode, JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick pull back the curtain on the "Operating Systems" of successful
432: From Peacetime to Wartime: Coaching Through Conflict and Performance | Angel Elderkin Part 2
This second part of the conversation with former Division I coach and Executive Leadership Coach Angel Elderkin delves into the specific challenges coaches face in their leadership roles, how to translate values into action, and the profound lessons learned from her mentor, Pat Summitt. Angel shares her current focus on helping coaches navigate "wartime" performance and why she chose to
431: Winning the Locker Room: How to Balance Team Interest and Self-Interest | Angel Elderkin Part 1
This episode features a conversation with Angel Elderkin, a former Division I women's basketball coach who has transitioned into the executive coaching space. She shares profound reflections from her 24-year career in college athletics, emphasizing that the platform of sport was secondary to the relationships and people she was grateful for.The discussion centers on the shift from a coach-driv
430: Coaching the Coaches: Raising the Standard of Leadership
This episode, featuring hosts J.P. Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Buttrick, tackles the significant challenge of leading other adults in a coaching context, whether as a head coach, athletic director, or club administrator.The conversation begins with an anecdote about Washington Commanders' Head Coach Dan Quinn, who started his tenure by having every staff member, including himself, delive
429: The Power of Caring Candor | Shane Sowden Part 2
Part 2 of the conversation with Shane Sowden, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Briarcrest College, focuses on his commitment to deep, transformational relationships with his athletes, moving beyond a purely transactional coaching style. He discusses the importance of caring candor and brutal honesty with his players, even when it's difficult.A major theme is the value of investing time in pl
428: Confidence and Collaboration in Coaching | Shane Sowden Part 1
Coach Shane Sowden reflects on his team's amazing season and shares that the most significant part wasn't the "storybook ending," but the individual stories of self-sacrifice and putting the team first that created the foundation for success. He contrasts his sense of fulfillment and meaning with the "emptiness" often felt after reaching the pinnacle of achievement.The
427: Up, Down, or Sideways: How to Lead Through Roster Shifts
Is "belonging" enough for today's athlete? According to the coaches at The Coaching Culture Podcast, the answer is a resounding No.In this complex and highly relevant episode, hosts J.P. Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick dive into the crucial difference between a player feeling like they simply belong (fitting in culturally) and feeling like they matter (being essential to the team's suc
426: The Four Pillars of Team Culture: Trust, Conflict, Failure, and Accountability with Zafer Achi | Part 2
Ready to transform your team culture from the inside out?In Part 2 of our deep dive into coaching, we sit down with executive coach Zafer Achi to unlock the developmental secrets behind high-performing teams. Forget the surface-level talk about team building; Zafer offers a fresh, advanced perspective on the four universal team challenges: Trust, Conflict, Accountability, and Failure.This isn'
425: From the "Dance Floor" to the "Balcony" with Executive Coach Zafer Achi | Part 1
STOP Leading Backwards! Transform Your Coaching from the "Dance Floor" to the "Balcony" with Executive Coach Zafer AchiEver feel like you’re doing everything right—you've got the technical expertise, the tools, the game plan—but your team still feels disconnected? You're not alone. In this electrifying episode, we dive deep with Zafer Achi, a veteran executive coach and
424: Coaching Gen Z: Tools to Connect Without Lowering Standards
🎙️ Can't Connect with Today's Athletes? You're Not Alone! | Communication Specialist Betsy Butterick on Coaching Gen Z & Gen Alpha 🤯Are you a coach feeling the fatigue? Do terms like "entitled" and "soft" sneak into your conversations about your team? You are experiencing the generational shift that is pushing coaches out of the profession, and this episode is y
423: Breaking the "Man Box" in Sports with Kip Ioane | Part 2
In a world of intense social media messaging and traditional "man box" expectations, how can coaches connect with and lead young male athletes effectively? In part 2 of our conversation with Kip Ioane of Teams of Men to explore a coaching philosophy that goes beyond yelling and wins. Kip shares powerful stories and actionable strategies for using vulnerability as a strength, co-creating
422: Reimagining Manhood in Coaching with Kip Ioane | Part 1
Join us for a powerful conversation with Kip Ioane, founder of Teams of Men, as he shares his journey from basketball coach to advocate for a new vision of masculinity. Triggered by a series of unsettling incidents, Kip realized that traditional coaching methods weren't enough to prepare young men for the real world.In this episode, we dive into the concept of the "man box"—the rigid
421: Laying a Foundation for Your Season
You’ve heard the quote, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail," but how much time do you spend preparing your team's culture? In this episode, hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick break down why an intentional plan for your culture is just as critical—if not more so—than your tactical systems. They reveal the biggest excuses coaches use to avoid this essen
420: Beyond Numbers and Analysis: Eoin Roche's Approach to Athlete Development | Part 2
In this episode, we sit down with veteran coach Eoin Roche to explore the nuanced world of athletic development. Eoin, known for his work with various teams from youth development to senior inter-county, dives deep into how he leverages one-on-one sessions and film analysis to unlock player potential.Discover why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in coaching, and how adapting your meth
BONUS EPISODE! A New Era for Coaches: The Launch of the TOC Coach Community
In this special episode, we're making a huge announcement that's been in the works for a long time. We're thrilled to officially launch the TOC Coach Community, a new platform and partnership between TOC and SAVI.Join us as we sit down with Tyler and Mark to discuss our personal coaching journeys, the lessons learned from influential mentors, and the powerful "Venn diagram" t
419: Rethinking Film Sessions: The Coach-Analyst Edge with Eoin Roche | Part 1
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Eoin Roche, a seasoned Hurling coach from Ireland, as he reveals his innovative strategies for athlete development and performance analysis. Eoin, who seamlessly combines coaching with analytical insights, explains why this integrated role is crucial for clarity and effectiveness, especially in amateur sports like GAA where time is precious.Learn how Eoi
418: Building Trust in a Transactional Sports World
Join hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick as they tackle the most complex and vital element of a winning team: trust. We break down the four pillars of trust, discuss why it’s so hard to maintain in today’s sports environment, and share practical, actionable advice for coaches and leaders at every level. In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of legendary coach John Woo
417: The Resilient Athlete: Mastering the Nervous System & Mindset for Gen Z | David Durand Part 2
Join us for a transformative conversation with David Durand, founder of Real Development (realdevelopment.org), as we dive deep into the psychology of coaching modern athletes. This episode challenges traditional views on "softness" and reveals how building true resilience starts with understanding the athlete's nervous system.David explains how to identify when an athlete is truly &
416: Unlocking Athlete Potential with David Durand’s BET Method (Breath, Eyes, Touch) | Part 1
Are you a coach struggling to connect with Gen Z athletes? Do you wish your team had better emotional regulation on and off the court? In this insightful episode, we sit down with David Durand, founder of RealDevelopment.org and author of "Bet On It," to explore a revolutionary approach to coaching that goes beyond traditional skill development.David, a former basketball coach with a bac
415: Rediscovering Joy - Inside Look Into a Coaching Call With J.P Nerbun
In a special live coaching call, host JP Nerbunn works with John Newman-Gonchar, a Division I head women's volleyball coach. The conversation is a raw and vulnerable exploration of the struggles many coaches face: balancing a demanding career with family life while rediscovering the initial passion and joy that led them to the profession.John reveals a deep-seated feeling of being pulled in a hund
413: Halftime Hacks: Maximize Athlete Performance & Communication | Eamon Devlin Part 2
Are you a coach looking to unlock your team's full potential, especially during those critical halftime moments? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute 9, a consultancy dedicated to transforming how sports teams communicate under pressure. Eamon provides actionable advice, from using anonymous surveys to "stop, start, continue" frameworks, and ev
412: Rethinking Halftime: Why Less is More in Coaching with Eamon Devlin of Minute Nine
Ever wondered what really goes on during halftime, and if those intense locker room talks actually work? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute Nine, a consultancy revolutionizing how sports teams communicate under pressure.Eamon, a former lawyer, shares the personal story that led him to analyze halftime communication and why traditional "blow-ups" often do m
411: Coaching Confessions: Celebrate the Cringe in Your Coaching Journey
JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson shared personal anecdotes from their coaching careers, discussing initial successes, humorous mistakes, and impactful learning experiences. They reflected on how their coaching philosophies evolved from a naive, highly intense approach to a more balanced understanding of their role, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of their early methods. The hosts
410: Supporting and Enforcing High Standards: Inside Coach JT's Program | Part 2
In Part 2, Coach JT Toczynski dives deeper into the specific culture-building activities he implements with his high school basketball team. He emphasizes the importance of fostering vulnerability, community engagement, and mental toughness. JT shares details about "speed dating" for new players, "hero and hardship" circles for deeper connection, annual community service at a s
409: The Intentional Coach: Jonathan Toczynski's Path to Joy, Care & Trust | Part 1
This podcast episode features an insightful conversation with high school basketball coach Jonathan "JT" Toczynski, tracing his evolution from a transactional to a transformational coach. Starting as a freshman coach in 2018, JT shares his initial struggles, pivotal "aha" moments, and intentional strategies for building a thriving team culture centered on joy, care, and trust. His journey highligh
408: Winning with Purpose: Impact, Resilience, and Results
In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick tackle the pervasive "win-aholic" mentality in sports. They explore the inherent tension coaches often feel between the relentless pursuit of victory and the deeper purpose of athlete development and creating positive experiences. The discussion highlights that while winning is integral to sports,
407: Shaking the Underdog: How Rob Dow Forged a Championship Culture at Vermont
What does it truly take to build a national championship program? Join us for an incredibly candid conversation with Rob Dow, head coach of the NCAA National Championship-winning Vermont Men's Soccer team. In this powerful episode, Coach Dow pulls back the curtain on how he cultivated a culture of unwavering belief, even when it meant "shaking the underdog" mentality out of his playe
406: The Vermont Way: Community, Culture, and Championship Soccer
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rob, the head coach of the University of Vermont's national championship soccer team. In this episode, Rob takes us behind the scenes of their incredible journey, revealing that their success was built on far more than just tactics.Discover how Rob fosters a deep connection between his team and the vibrant Vermont community, viewing UVM Athletics as t
405: The Power of "Team Being": Beyond Activities to Authentic Connection
This episode of the Coaching Culture podcast, hosted by JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterrick, delves into a profound distinction: team being vs. team building. Inspired by their recent transformative TOC retreat, the hosts argue that true team connection and growth emerge not from elaborate team-building activities, but from intentionally created time and space for individuals to simply
404: What Happens When Sport Meets Service? The Team Up Effect | Graham Roxburgh Part 2
Part two of our conversation with Graham Roxburgh, the founder of Team Up, an organization that leverages the power of sport to enhance community development projects around the world. Graham shares the inspiring origin story of Team Up, born from a desire to move beyond simply playing games to actively assisting local leaders in their efforts to transform their communities. The conversation highl
403: People Before Performance: Building a Winning Culture with Legendary Coach Graham Roxburgh | Part 1
Join us as we delve into the coaching journey of Graham Roxburgh, who built the Trinity Western University women's soccer program into a national powerhouse. He shares the crucial early steps, the power of vision and recruitment, and the importance of a "more than soccer" mentality. Essential listening for coaches looking to elevate their programs!Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter s
402: Evolve or Erode: Changing Without Losing Your Edge
Is true growth about shedding your old self, or refining what's already there? JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick dive deep into this fascinating question on the Coaching Culture Podcast. Using the intense spotlight on coaches like Dan Hurley as a springboard, we discuss how coaches and leaders can improve problematic behaviors while preserving the passion and drive that makes them
401: Unlock Elite Performance: The Power of Belief, Behavior, and Well-being in Coaching Athletes | Alex Auerbach Part 2
JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson sit down with renowned Elite Performance Coach and author, Alex Auerbach, PhD , for a practical and insightful discussion on the psychology of coaching high-performing teams.In this episode, you'll learn actionable strategies to:Identify the 3-5 Key Behaviors that truly drive success for your athletes and team.Cultivate a Winning Mindset by understanding and instilling
400: Championship Secrets: How to Coach Your Team Through High-Pressure Moments | Alex Auerbach Pt 1
What separates good teams from championship-winning teams? Often, it's their ability to perform under pressure. In this episode, we uncover the strategies used to guide a team to a state title, focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of high-stakes competition. We explore how to address team nervousness, reframe the concept of pressure, and keep athletes focused on the present moment. If
399: Ask Us Anything- Inside Coaching: Connecting with Athletes, Managing Feedback & Prioritizing You
Navigating the complexities of coaching today's athletes? Join JP, Betsy, and Nate as they answer your burning questions on building strong relationships (even when it's tough!), effectively managing player feedback without losing your mind, realistic self-care strategies for busy coaches during the season, and even share some of their own evolving perspectives on coaching culture. Get rea
398: Ask Us Anything - Coaching Crossroads: Commitment, Culture, & Time
On this week's "Ask Us Anything," the Coaching Culture crew tackles YOUR real-world coaching questions:How do you balance coaching athletes with different levels of dedication to the sport?As a new coach, how do you set higher standards and build a strong culture without a proven track record?What are the best ways to build a powerful team culture when you have limited time and resou
397:The Culture Catalyst: Intentional Leadership in Sports Coaching | Martin Wilson Part 2
This episode of the Coaching Culture podcast features a conversation with Martin Wilson, a seasoned ski coach, who shares his journey from a reactive to an intentional leader. He emphasizes the importance of athlete-centric coaching, focusing on understanding individual needs, fostering autonomy, and building a strong team culture. Martin’s insights are applicable to leaders in any field, highligh
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