A Coach's Perspective

Topic: Dana Fredrick and Coach Jeremy Mullins, fathers of athletes, shared their wisdom and insights with us on what it takes to be a positive sports parent and the rewards and challenges of raising competitors. Drawing from their own experiences, they offered honest advice on balancing support with independence, handling the pressures that come with athletics, and keeping perspective on what truly matters. Guests: Dana Fredrick, Coach Jeremy Mullins

Topic: J.J. Adamson and Ryan Touhey, fathers of athletes, shared their wisdom with us on what it takes to be a positive sports parent and the rewards and challenges of raising competitors. Drawing from their own experiences, they offered honest advice on balancing support with independence, managing the pressures that come with athletics, and keeping perspective on what truly matters. Guests: Ryan Touhey, J.J. Adamson

Topic: Tom Sutherland and Jack Carter, fathers of elite athletes, shared invaluable wisdom with younger sports parents about the rewards and challenges of raising high-level competitors. Drawing from their own experiences, they offered honest advice on balancing support with independence, managing the pressures that come with elite athletics, and keeping perspective on what truly matters. This candid conversation reminded us that behind every great athlete is a parent learning to navigate the journey with grace, patience, and purpose. Guests: Jack Carter, Tom Sutherland

Olympic swimming legend Ryan Lochte joins us to share his remarkable journey in the pool and beyond. A 12-time Olympic medalist with six gold medals, Ryan dominated the backstroke and individual medley events, competing across four Olympic Games and becoming one of swimming's most decorated athletes. Through triumph and adversity alike, he's demonstrated the resilience, competitive drive, and mental toughness that define champions. In this conversation, Ryan and his girlfriend, Molly open up about their relationship, what it took to stay at the elite level for so long, transitioning into coaching, the lessons swimming has taught him about life, and never giving up on yourself.

Topic: In this episode, we revisit my conversation with former NFL superstar and current NFL analyst Rob Gronkowski from the Boys and Girls Club Steak & Steak fundraiser in Springfield, Missouri. He shares stories from his playing days, insights on the state of football today, and why giving back to the community is so important to him. This was a wonderful conversation, and Rob was incredibly gracious with his time. Share your thoughts at [email protected]! Guests: Rob Gronkowski

Kathy Taylor - Episode 430 June 3, 2026 A Coach's Perspective – Tough Love: What Real Coaching Looks Like Topic: On this episode, successful college lacrosse coach Kathy Taylor shares her insights on coach and player dynamics. Coach Taylor, a positive and encouraging coach who also believes in discipline and holding her players accountable, wrote an article titled "Tough Coaching Isn't the Problem; Soft America Is." In it, she explores how tough coaching is not abusive, and how accountability and discipline are ways a coach shows love. This is a conversation you won't want to miss! Share your thoughts with me at [email protected]. Guest: Kathy Taylor

Topic: In this episode, we celebrate the career and retirement of Coach Ryan Schafittzel, one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated high school baseball coaches to coach the game in Springfield, Missouri. Surprise guests – my thanks to Logan Counts, Justin Skinner, Byron Hagler, Terri Schafittzel, Brant Schafittzel, and Brock Schafittzel! Guests: Ryan Schaffitzel

Topic: Don Louzader joins us as Loren Broaddus brings his new baseball poetry book, Wasn't Any Maybe So, as we explore the Negro Baseball League through the lens of Kansas City Monarchs second baseman Newt Allen. Guests: Loren Broaddus, Don Louzader

Topic: We catch up with the Frank family: professional women's basketball player and now college coach Hayley Frank; college All-American and now high school coach Kayley Frank; and longtime coach and dad Steve Frank. Guests: Steve Frank, Hayley Frank, Kayley Frank, and Mona Frank

Topic: We catch up with KY3/Ozarks Sports Zone anchor Chris Neyenhouse and learn about his path to broadcasting and his passion for telling stories beyond the scores. Guest: Chris Neyenhouse

Topic: We talk with members from the C.H.A.M.P.S. mentoring and leadership program. Joining us: Keith Guttin (Mentor) and Mentees: Jase Foster, Hailey Buckman, and Addison Brown Guests: Keith Guttin, Jase Foster, Hailey Buckman, and Addison Brown

Topic: Kevin Boyer, Head Coach of the newly crowned National Champion Shotgun Sports team from Drury University, brings three of his athletes into the studio to celebrate their success and educate us on this challenging and rewarding sport. Guests: Kevin Boyer, Ty Leach, Andrew Herbig, Layne Clubb

We catch up with Missouri State University Hall of Fame broadcaster Corey Riggs and Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) Executive Director Denny Hunt about a host of topics, along with the upcoming MBCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony! Guests: Denny Hunt, Corey Riggs

We celebrate the career and retirement of Glendale High School swimming coach Steve Boyce as he passes the torch to his daughter, Jordan Boyce! Guests: Steve Boyce, Jordan Boyce

NBC affiliate KY3's Danielle King joins us to talk winter sports, NCAA Final Fours, spring sports, and some of her favorite stories from this season. Guest: Danielle King

We catch up with Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Executive Director Jen Rukstad and Associate Executive Director Toni Hill on hosting championship events and the latest legislative issues in Missouri. Guests: Jen Rukstad, Toni Hill

From winning a first state championship in school history (Bunker) to making sure senior citizens were in the stands to watch (Skyline), the Missouri state championships had some stories off the court as well as on. Kelli Cheek, wife of Skyline High School head girls basketball coach Kevin Cheek and secondary counselor, joins us along with Bunker head coach Rod Gorman and star player Brennon Meloy. Guests: Kelli Cheek, Rod Gorman, Brennon Meloy

Joining us in this episode are Evangel University's Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach Chuck Hepola and Women's Basketball Coach Madi Wallace. Evangel women's basketball will be hosting the first two rounds of the NAIA National Tournament and is celebrating an extremely successful season. We also get a chance to play "out of the hat" with these coaches and talk about coaching in general.

Missouri State University's Hall of Fame handball program discusses their successful season, national runner-up finish at the collegiate national tournament, and how addicting this sport can be to athletes. Joining us: Head Coach Christian Madsen and players Luke Jordan, Erin Bland, Nick Wilson, and Elaina Schoene.

The financial landscape of college athletics has changed significantly over the years. Leslie Callison helps us navigate the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Leslie is a financial coach; more information about her business can be found at https://unburdenedcoaching.squarespace.com/.

The Western Missouri Coaches Fighting Cancer (WEMOCFC) event, Huddle for Hope, features two fantastic speakers, including Missouri State University football player Connor Lair, who joins us along with WEMOCFC founder Bob Coffey and board member Trish Marsh.

A grandfather who started the Missouri State University baseball program and a grandson who is now pitching for that same Bears program—Bill Rowe and Drew Wedgeworth join us to talk about baseball, legacy, and walking the same path.

The transition from playing to coaching opens up a whole new dimension of the game. Former players and current coaches Kallie Howard (Nixa, MO) and Sara Barnhart (Republic, MO) join us to talk about the transition and staying part of the game, plus the importance of leading solid and successful middle school feeder programs. Guests: Kallie Howard and Sara Barnhart

This week, we caught up with the Larsen family of Strafford, Missouri! Coach Dustin Larsen discusses coaching his daughters Elsie (Colorado State-bound) and Kinley in girls basketball, while mom Stacey weighs in from her perspective.

This week, we explore the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions—more than just three days of basketball games, it's a tradition in the Ozarks. Tournament Coordinator Jason Michel takes us through the process and reflects on this beloved sports tradition.

This week, we discuss the impact of the shot clock at the high school level with Missouri officials and a retired coach. Thank you to SWMO coordinator of officials Kelly Holt, retired coach Keri Nichols, and veteran high school and college official Cathy Shoup for sharing their perspectives.

This week, find out more about the culture of Coach John Schaefer's successful Logan-Rogersville (MO) high school boys basketball team. Hear from Indiana University commit Chase Branham, Northwest Missouri State commit Marcus Moore, and rising star Titus Moore on teamwork, scouting, pre-performance routines, and what it takes to be a championship team. Guests: John Schaefer, Chase Branham, Titus Moore, Marcus Moore

This week, we previewed the Bill Rowe Queen City Showcase with scheduler Brad Hayes and the legend himself, Bill Rowe. For more information, visit QueenCityShowcase.org or listen at Podcasts of Previous Shows on the website acoachsperspective.com or listen and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Helium Radio. Guests: Brad Hayes, Bill Rowe

This week, I spoke with the legendary and versatile Jim Powers about the upcoming Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena. We also hosted Missouri coaches Cori Elms, Brittany Matlock, Don Edwards, and Chris Nimmo and discussed "out of the hat" coaching topics like: How do you handle playing time? Describe the ultimate player. What is the role of assistant coaches? We also explored statistics and more. Guests: Jim Powers, Cori Elms, Brittany Matlock, Don Edwards, Chris Nimmo

Thank you to my Chiefs Superfan Panel tonight for their insights and loyal perspective to the red and yellow: Jeff Burnett, Steve Newman, and Cole Pruitt. The Kansas City Chiefs are more than a team - they're the heartbeat of a city. From Len Dawson to Patrick Mahomes, from heartbreak to dynasty, Chiefs Kingdom has endured it all with unwavering loyalty. On Sundays at Arrowhead, 76,000 fans create a record-breaking wall of sound, because in Kansas City, football isn't just watched - it's felt. The Chiefs have given us championships, heroes, and a shared identity that runs deeper than any playbook. This is Chiefs Kingdom, where legends are made and loyalty never wavers. Guest: Jeff Burnett, Steve Newman, and Cole Pruitt

In this episode, my guest, Justin Gerald, is gearing up for high school basketball season. Coaching high school basketball offers a front-row seat to watching young people discover their potential on and off the court. There's an unmatched energy in a packed gym on game night, where every possession feels monumental and the community rallies behind their team. The real joy comes in building relationships through practices, challenges, and victories—knowing you're teaching not just basketball skills, but life lessons about teamwork, resilience, and character that will serve them long after their playing days end. Guest: Justin Gerald

In this episode, Springfield-Greene County Parkboard Public Information Administrator Jenny Edwards discusses the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and the thousands that participate in this annual tradition. Gold medalist archer and Springfield-Greene County Parkboard Head Archery Coach, Amy Francka, also joins us to discuss the sport of archery, its growing popularity, and her international success. Guest: Jenny Edwards and Amy Francka

Episode #404: In this episode, Warren Rose and Marty Marsh talk with us about the benefits of nature in our lives and their mission through the Missouri Department of Conservation to bring nature education into the classrooms and classrooms into nature. We also talked about outdoor activities, bears, mountain lions, snakes, and getting outdoors more to enjoy our beautiful planet! Guest: Warren Rose and Marty Marsh

Episode #403: In this episode, we are joined by Rob Bolks as he educates us on sports betting. Sports betting (a personal choice by an individual) adds an extra layer of excitement to watching games, transforming casual viewers into invested participants with something real on the line. There's a genuine thrill in researching matchups, making your predictions, and watching them play out in real time—whether it's a last-second touchdown covering the spread or your underdog pulling off the upset. It can make otherwise meaningless regular season games suddenly matter, and sharing wins (and losses) with friends creates a sense of community and friendly competition. But the key to keeping it fun is treating it as entertainment, not income. Set a budget you're comfortable losing, the same way you would for a night out or a concert ticket, and stick to it. When sports betting stays in its proper place—a hobby that adds spice to the games you already love—it enhances the experience without creating stress or financial strain. The moment it stops being fun or starts affecting your life negatively, that's when it's time to step back. Bet smart, bet small, and remember: the real joy is in the game itself. (For those that need assistance with gambling addiction, please reach call 1-800-GAMBLER). Guest: Rob Bolks

Episode #402: In this episode, we explore the many adventures of Ethan Bryan, from his books to his leadership and mentoring programs—all based on the beautiful sport of baseball and the power of playing catch. Check out his website at EthanBryan.com to book him for your next speaking engagement, order his latest book, or get involved in his latest community challenge. Throwvember is coming up—get involved and play some catch. You never know how many benefits you'll get from it! Guest: Ethan Bryan

Episode #401: In this episode, we congratulate Gary Ward and Jimmy Wright on being inducted into the Springfield (Mo.) Area Sports Hall of Fame. We celebrate Gary Ward's talented career in sports medicine, Jimmy Wright's career as an equipment technician, and their partnership together as table workers for multiple sports over the past forty years. Guests: Gary Ward and Jimmy Wright

Episode #400: In this episode, we celebrate episode number 400! We are live on location at Nakato Japanese Steakhouse in Springfield, Missouri, as we welcome good food, good drinks, and good company with Hall of Fame broadcasters Ned Reynolds, Art Hains, and Tom Ladd. We revisited one of our favorite segments, "Ned and Art Play by Play Challenge," as they painted the picture of our chef Brad working to bring our dinner from grill to plate, along with sideline reporter Tom Ladd. We also played a "how well do you know your broadcast partner" game with Ned and Art, and they did quite well, to say the least. Thank you to Jeremy Osten, Debbie, Chris, Shelby, and Brad, and our location sponsor, Nakato Japanese Steakhouse, and all of our sponsors that have been with me all 400 episodes: Great Southern Bank, Craig Lehman with Shelter Insurance, Bill Grant Ford in Bolivar, Hiland Dairy, Greg and Melinda Burnett, and Storee Construction. Guests: Ned Reynolds, Art Hains, Tom Ladd

Episode #399: In this episode, we explore Missouri State University Volleyball's transition into Conference USA, examining the team's success and potential with players Hannah Gardner and Brooke Eslinger, along with former Olympic athlete and current assistant coach Lori Endicott-Vandersnick. Guests: Lori Endicott-Vandersnick, Brooke Eslinger, and Hannah Gardner

Episode #398: In this episode, we welcome Coach Kiera Hardy, who leads the girls basketball program at St. Teresa's Academy in Kansas City, Missouri. A former Big 12 star at the University of Nebraska and professional women's basketball player, Coach Hardy has successfully transitioned to coaching by building both a strong program and even stronger relationships with her players. Guest: Kiera Hardy

Episode #397: In this episode, we celebrate for over four decades of broadcasting with Art Hains as the soundtrack to Missouri State athletics. I have remembered, along with many, his familiar voice weaving through the hearts and memories of countless Bears fans. From intimate Division II battles to the grand stage of Division I competition, he has captured every triumph, heartbreak, and magical moment with the passion of, what I feel is his true gift, a true storyteller. His voice has echoed through gymnasiums and stadiums, bringing distant games into living rooms and car radios, making every listener feel like they had the best seat in the house. More than just a broadcaster, Art became the thread that connected generations of Bears faithful, his calls becoming the soundtrack to family traditions and lifelong memories. In a world of constant change, we can appreciate that Art Hains remained the constant—the voice that made every Bears victory sweeter and every defeat more bearable, proving that sometimes the greatest contributors never step foot on the field. Guest: Art Hains

Episode #396: In this episode, we welcome high school athletic directors, Trevyor Fisher (Republic, MO), Yancey Little (Ozark, MO), and Brandon Clark (Nixa, MO) and showcase these unsung heroes who keep scholastic sports running smoothly, juggling everything from budgets and schedules to hiring coaches and student eligibility. Beyond the administrative work, they shape school culture by balancing competitive success with character development, managing community expectations, and ensuring all student-athletes have meaningful experiences. Guests: Trevyor Fisher, Brandon Clark, and Yancey Little

Episode #395: In this episode, we caught up with Danielle king, sports journalist from KY threes ozone sports. We reflected on her path into sports journalism and what has her hooked on telling the stories of coaches and athletes and those involved in the sports world. We also talked about “Friday Night Lights” and the captivating culture of Friday night high school football. Guest: Danielle King

Episode #394: In this episode, we celebrate the talented journalistic career of Scott Puryear as he joins us to provide a Fantasy Football 101 lesson on strategizing for the best drafts and achieving success in your league. This walking sports encyclopedia shares tips and tricks for developing your teams and tracking their progress and success. Guest: Scott Puryear

Episode #393: Do you want to be bitter or better? This guiding question was just one simple example question on how my guest helps others lead organizations to a positive culture. We welcomed Jamy Bechler, a dynamic leadership expert who brings a unique blend of athletic and business expertise to organizations seeking peak performance. As the host of the widely acclaimed "Success is a Choice" podcast, Jamy shared insights from his career as an athletic director and award-winning college basketball coach. He is an author, motivational speaker, and leadership consultant, partnering with elite sports teams and businesses to unlock their full potential. Guest: Jamy Bechler

Episode #392: In this episode, we welcome Mental Performance Coach Lindsey Nadler from Elite Mental Edge. With her unique blend of experience as a former D1 softball player, high school coach, and police officer with crisis intervention expertise, plus a degree in psychology and a master's in criminology, Lindsey creates practical, simple strategies that transform the mental game and drive peak performance. Guest: Lindsey Nadler

Episode #391: Five-sport professional athlete Teejay Britton joins us to discuss the importance of consistency in pursuing success. Working with young athletes and drawing from his experience, Teejay uses his faith and athletic background to inspire and motivate athletes to transform adversity into opportunity. Guest: Teejay Britton

Episode #390: UFC Mixed Martial Arts professional fighter, Julius “Juice Box” Walker joins us in this episode to give us an education on MMA fighting as we explore the sport and the training and preparation it takes to compete in the UFC. We explore the mentality of fighting in a cage and going toe-to-toe with some of the world's toughest fighters. Guest: Julius “Juice Box” Walker

Episode #389: In this episode, we preview Missouri State University football's upcoming season and transition to Conference USA with the broadcast team of Corey Riggs, Tom Mast, and Sam Block. Assembling this broadcast team, along with Tom Ladd, to cover the transition required diligent effort, but the passion and expertise they bring to each broadcast does more than just call the game—it builds community and keeps the spirit of Bears football alive for every fan who can't be there in person. Guest: Corey Riggs, Tom Mast, Sam Block

Episode #388: In this episode, we celebrate the life of a champion-Part 2—the life of a human champion. Coach Paul "Moon" Mullins was more than a coach; he impacted thousands of lives, and I had some guests who helped me explore that legacy. Joining us this week for our Mullins tribute: Dr. Greg Burnett (yes, he is the host’s older brother!), Brandon Carroll, Dr. Rich Hardie, Scott McCaulley, and Judge Brent Powell . Guest: Dr. Greg Burnett, Brandon Carroll, Dr. Rich Hardie, Scott McCaulley, and Judge Brent Powell

Episode #387: In this episode, we celebrate the life of a champion—the life of a human champion. Coach Paul "Moon" Mullins was more than a coach; he impacted thousands of lives, and I had some guests who helped me explore that legacy. Jim Ferguson played for Coach Mullins and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1965. John Stinson, a member of the 1981 state championship team, tells us what it was like playing for Coach Mullins. We also welcomed Mike Hamra—nicknamed "the Wall"—who played on Coach Mullins' 1986 state runner-up team. Joining Mike from that same 1986 team is Mike Cotton, a 1988 graduate who shares his perspective on playing for Coach Mullins. Guests: Jim Ferguson, John Stinson, Mike Hamra, and Mike Cotton