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 senior home, and "Hell Day" exercises designed to push mental and physical limits. A significant part of the discussion r...
Jul 20, 2025•37 min
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 highlights the power of self-reflection, continuous learning, and courageous application of new coaching phi...
Jul 13, 2025•45 min
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, an over-focus on it can lead to burnout, damaged relationships, and a loss of joy in coaching. The ...
Jul 06, 2025•39 min
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 players – and himself. He shares a deeply personal story about leading with vulnerability and fostering an environment...
Jun 29, 2025•28 min
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 the state's "Real Madrid." He shares his philosophy of embracing diversity, nurturing individual stren...
Jun 22, 2025•33 min
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 be together. The common misconception is that "team building" requires specific, often activity-fo...
Jun 15, 2025•43 min
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 highlights Team Up's unique approach of listening to local needs and providing resources, including teams...
Jun 08, 2025•44 min
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 so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Listen t...
Jun 01, 2025•40 min
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 successful. Discover how to challenge ingrained beliefs, embrace self-awareness, and strategically adap...
May 25, 2025•40 min
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 the core beliefs of "belief in me, belief in we, and belief in us." Bridge the Gap Between Belie...
May 18, 2025•35 min
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 you're looking to elevate your coaching and help your team conquer their fears, this is a must-listen! E...
May 11, 2025•35 min
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 ready for practical tips and actionable insights to elevate your leadership! Subscribe to the Team Culture Tool...
May 04, 2025•27 min
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 resources? Join JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson as they provide practical, insightful answers and str...
Apr 27, 2025•28 min
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, highlighting the power of empathy, active listening, and self-reflection. Get the Podcast Notes and Subscrib...
Apr 20, 2025•27 min
In this insightful podcast episode, Martin Wilson, a seasoned ski coach, shares his evolution from a coach driven by ego and reputation to one focused on athlete-centered development. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each athlete's unique needs, tailoring coaching approaches, and fostering genuine connections. Martin advocates for prioritizing the athlete's experience and growth over rigid, one-size-fits-all programs. He stresses the significance of front-loading communication, buil...
Apr 13, 2025•30 min
This powerful episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast illuminates the nuanced dance of leadership, exploring the vital tension between radical responsibility and the art of empowering others. JP Nerbun, Betsy Butterick, and Nate Sanderson delve into the heart of what it means to lead with both strength and grace, challenging the notion that "extreme ownership" can equate to self-blame. They instead propose a transformative vision: a leader who bears responsibility while simultaneously igniting t...
Apr 06, 2025•39 min
Our guest, Tiffany Gaskell, a seasoned executive coach, emphasizes the importance of asking powerful questions, creating a learner-centric environment, and resisting the urge to provide all the answers. We explore the power of curiosity in feedback conversations, the detrimental impact of blame on learning, and the need for psychological safety to foster open communication. Discover how co-creating agreements with your team and empowering individuals with choice can lead to a truly transformatio...
Mar 30, 2025•34 min
In this episode we're joined by Tiffany Gaskell, an expert in performance coaching and leadership development from Performance Consultants. We delve into the fascinating evolution of coaching, tracing its roots back to sports and the groundbreaking work of Sir John Whitmore and Tim Gallwey. Tiffany debunks common misconceptions about coaching, highlighting the power of facilitating self-discovery over simply telling people what to do. We explore the "Inner Game Equation" and its implications for...
Mar 23, 2025•35 min
Tired of feeling like you're always doing, but never getting ahead? In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, we explore the power of "being" over "doing." Coaches Betsy and JP discuss how to break free from the productivity trap and find more fulfillment in your work by focusing on presence and intentionality. They share practical tips and strategies for integrating "being" into your daily routine, including mindfulness practices, boundary setting, and redefining success. Tune in to disc...
Mar 16, 2025•43 min
Join us as we chat with Tracey Leone (Bates), assistant coach of the UNC Women's Soccer team, fresh off their incredible 2024 National Championship victory! We delve into the crucial role of culture in building a winning team, exploring how Tracey cultivates values like hard work, competitive spirit, and joy within her players. From the infamous Cooper run to the evolution of her coaching philosophy, Tracey shares invaluable insights gained throughout her illustrious career. She discusses the im...
Mar 09, 2025•34 min
Join us as we sit down with Tracy Bates, former UNC and US Women's National Team star and current UNC assistant coach, for a deep dive into her incredible journey in the world of soccer. In this episode, Tracy shares invaluable insights from her playing days, including: The importance of leading by example and fostering a positive team environment. Her evolution as a leader, from youth soccer to the national team. The challenges of accepting a reserve role and finding ways to contribute to the t...
Mar 02, 2025•39 min
Are you a coach feeling the pressure of "walking on eggshells" in today's sports environment? Do you fear parent complaints, athlete accusations, or even investigations? In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, JP Nerbun and Betsy Butterick dive deep into the challenges coaches face in navigating a culture of fear and overprotection. They explore the rise of CYA (cover your a**) coaching and discuss the impact on both coaches and athletes. JP and Betsy offer practical strategies for coac...
Feb 23, 2025•52 min
Join us for an insightful conversation with Tracey Fuchs, Northwestern Field Hockey Head Coach and USA Field Hockey assistant coach, as she shares her expertise on building a championship culture, fostering trust, and navigating the dynamic landscape of college athletics. This episode delves into the critical role of open communication, empowering coaching staff, and helping athletes recognize their value beyond the field. Tracey discusses her leadership philosophy, her commitment to continuous ...
Feb 16, 2025•29 min
In this episode, host Tracey Fuchs reflects on her impactful career as a field hockey player, coach and 2024 National Champion. Renowned for her contributions to the sport, Tracey shares insights into her leadership style, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with teammates. She discusses her belief that a team's success relies on the collective strength of its members, highlighting the significance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their role on the team. S...
Feb 09, 2025•30 min
Are your athletes struggling with "stress" and "anxiety"? They might be mislabeling their emotions! 🤔 In this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Nick Holton dives deep into the crucial skill of emotional granularity and how it impacts performance, resilience, and even team culture. He challenges the common misconception that everything is "stress" or "trauma" and offers practical strategies for coaches and athletes to identify and address specific emotions like disappointment, nervousness, or fear...
Feb 02, 2025•37 min
In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts Nate Sanderson and Betsy Butterick welcome Dr. Nick Holton, a consultant and coach specializing in optimizing performance and well-being. The conversation tackles the perception that "kids these days are soft" and encourages a shift from complaining about fragility to fostering anti-fragility in young individuals. Dr. Holton shares insights from his extensive experience with NBA athletes, NCAA programs, and Fortune 500 companies, emphasizing...
Jan 26, 2025•29 min
🔥 Ever feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster as a coach? 🎢 In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, we dive deep into the intense world of a coach's emotional journey. From the highs of victory to the crushing lows of defeat, we explore how our emotions are inextricably linked to our team's performance. We discuss: 🤯 The struggles of managing your emotions when the game's on the line. 🤬 Why "rage monsters" don't win championships (and how to tame your inner beast). 🤔 How to...
Jan 19, 2025•48 min
In this episode, we dive into the challenges of coaching coaches, whether in youth sports or at a professional level. We discuss the difficulties of providing feedback to fellow adults and the need for patience and relinquishing control as a coach. The conversation features insights from coach developer Rob Mason of Port Adelaide Football Club, who shares practical strategies for fostering a supportive learning environment for coaches. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating a culture ...
Jan 12, 2025•42 min
In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, host JP Nerbun is joined by special guest Rob Mason, a full-time coach developer at the Port Adelaide AFL Club in Australia. They explore the importance of coaching for coaches themselves, discussing the necessity of being vulnerable, curious, and committed to learning in order to be coachable. The conversation emphasizes the shift from results-driven coaching to process-driven coaching, highlighting practical strategies for improvement through co...
Jan 05, 2025•35 min
It’s Part 2 of our live Q&A session with real listeners of the Coaching Culture Podcast with J.P. Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick. In the second part we cover questions from a highschool coach who is seeking to gain confidence in giving assistant coaches feedback to foster their growth, a coach needing advice on how to promote alignment between administration and all programs at a school, and JP asks a question to all the listeners in return! Tune in for valuable perspectives and...
Dec 29, 2024•46 min
