Captains & Coaches Podcast

You've heard it a hundred times on a youth sideline: "Hustle!" "Not like that!" "MOVE!" And you've watched kids look back with zero idea what you actually want. This week, Tex breaks down a framework called Coaching in 3D: three dimensions of instruction that eliminate confusion, build confidence, and give young athletes exactly what they need to perform. Whether you're a youth coach, a parent who coaches, or a high school athlete working a camp, this episode will change how you open your mouth on a field forever.Education -  Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining -   15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow   Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Trey Dombroski is a lefty starter in the Houston Astros organization, currently pitching Double-A ball with the Corpus Christi Hooks. Fourth round draft pick out of Monmouth University. Nearly 380 innings of pro experience and still climbing.But this conversation goes way deeper than stats.Trey breaks down what the Astros' velocity program actually did for his confidence on the mound, how the pitch clock forced him to condense his entire pre-pitch routine into five to seven seconds, and why flow state is the difference between executing and overthinking. We get into study guide days versus test days, the pitcher-catcher relationship, and why the locker room runs on banter as much as baseball.He also makes a strong case for multi-sport athletes, calls out burnout culture in youth baseball, and explains why the best ability is still availability.Oh, and yes, we talk quirks. Superstitions, game day meals, and the routines pitchers swear by and the ones they're trying to let go of.If you coach athletes who have to perform under pressure, manage routines, and show up for their teammates, this one is for you.Education -  Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining -   15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow   Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Six months into a doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation, and the research is starting to ask harder questions than the coaching did.In this episode, Tex breaks down research questions from the doctorate worth every coach's attention and reintroduces Social Emotional Learning. Not the K-12 buzzword version. The real framework, five competencies that define how human beings function inside groups under pressure. And he makes the case for why college athletics, built for performance and reshaped by the transfer portal, is not the environment for SEL development and a place that needs it most.The episode closes with three research questions driving his dissertation in practice: what captains actually know about leading, what program conditions make or break them, and what coaches assume their leaders are ready for that they aren't.Sports don't build leaders by accident. This episode is about why and what we're going to do about it.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - 15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Brianna Battles is an athlete, strength coach, mom of two, and the founder of Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. She's coached at the Division I level, competes in jiu jitsu, and has spent her career helping women pursue a lifetime of athleticism. Today she's bringing that same lens to sport parenting.In this episode, Tex and Brianna break down what it actually takes to raise gritty, multi-sport kids, from how you introduce competition early, to the car ride home after a tough loss, to knowing when to be a coach and when to just be a parent.If you coach youth athletes, parent them, or both, this one's for you.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - 15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Every roster goes through the same predictable stages of development, whether coaches and captains are aware of it or not. In this episode, Tex breaks down Bruce Tuckman's Five Stages of Team Development through the lens of athletics, from the optimism of Day 1 fall camp all the way through the grief of a season's end. You'll learn what each stage actually looks like in a locker room, why Storming is not a culture crisis but a growth opportunity, how your leadership style has to change as the team evolves, and exactly what coaches and captains should be doing differently at every stage of the season. If you've ever looked at your roster and thought 'we should be better than this,' this episode is for you.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - 15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

What does it take to build a leader? According to Jon Heck, it starts under the bar.Jon played offensive tackle at UNC, two-time All-ACC, four-year starter, then spent nearly a decade coaching S&C for football at the NFL and Division-I level, including stops with the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers and the Tar Heels. Now he runs Hammer & Chisel Performance, where he coaches athletes and everyday people to build strength, physique, and the discipline to back it up.We also get into how Jon gives quiet leaders reps in their voice, why holding the standard the same for freshmen and seniors changes everything, and what walking the talk actually looks like when your athletes are following you on Instagram.If you coach players, train athletes, or develop leaders, this one's for you.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - 15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Most halftime adjustments aren't real adjustments, they're just louder versions of what wasn't working in the first half. In this episode, we break down double-loop learning, the concept developed by organizational theorist Chris Argyris, and why it's the cognitive skill that separates coaches who adapt from coaches who just react.You'll learn the difference between single-loop thinking (fixing the error) and double-loop thinking (questioning the assumption behind the error) — and why the thermostat in your house is a better mental model for halftime than anything you learned in a coaching clinic. We also get into why your most elite, high-achieving athletes are often the worst at this, what Argyris called Model I thinking and the doom loop it creates, and why you cannot flip the double-loop switch at halftime if you haven't built it in the off-season.This one is practical. Walk away with five concrete steps to build double-loop learning into your team's daily DNA before next season begins.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - 15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

What if the secret to reducing ACL risk, unlocking elite speed, and fixing broken movement patterns starts at the bottom of your athletes' feet?In this episode, we're live from Summerstrong with Cal Dietz, creator of Triphasic Training and the strength coach behind USA Women's Hockey's Olympic gold medal. Triphasic Training II - https://amzn.to/4iNvi9MCal pulls back the curtain on the methods he used with one of the most dominant teams in Olympic hockey history, and why he believes most coaches are overlooking the single most important muscle in their program: the big toe.Cal breaks down his Spring Ankle protocol, the Three-Way Foot method, and how two simple muscle tests let him identify ACL risk before it happens. He's been texting coaches mid-game with names. He's been right every time.Whether you coach high school athletes or Olympians, this conversation will change how you look at movement, foot strength, and injury prevention from the ground up.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - 15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflow Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Your athletes hear the word "conditioning" and the intent dies before the first rep. So stop calling it that.In this episode, Tex shares the full presentation he gave at the Soldiers to Sidelines [@soliderstosidelines] Endurance Coaches Summit, a real-time breakdown of how he reframes fitness for high school athletes to actually get buy-in, raise intensity, and build something that matters beyond the stopwatch.You'll hear why knowing who your athlete is matters more than your programming, the difference between work capacity and work efficiency (and why most coaches stay stuck in one), and three specific purposes of conditioning that filter every drill, every rep, and every decision on the field.If your conditioning sessions feel like punishment disguised as preparation, this episode is the reframe you didn't know you needed.Your job isn't to punish them. It's to prepare them to compete.Soldiers to Sidelines: https://soldierstosidelines.org/Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining -15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflowOld Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Most athletes think showing up is enough. Go to the tournaments, hit the showcases, get seen, and the offers will come. Nick Tintle has spent nearly two decades watching that belief cost athletes the opportunity they worked their whole career to earn.Nick is a 2x All-American, MLL Champion, and founder of The Lacrosse Barn, the first lacrosse-exclusive training facility in Texas. In this episode, Nick breaks down what recruiting actually demands before a player ever steps on a showcase field, why his 8-person small group training model is developing smarter, more situationally aware athletes, and what it really means to grind in the dark when everyone else is chasing the spotlight.We also get into the book he spent four years writing, a story born out of grief, finished through relentless consistency, and what that process revealed about resilience, gratitude, and the people who show up when you're running on empty.If you coach athletes with college dreams, train players who think presence equals preparation, or you're an athlete trying to find your edge, this one is for you.In this episode: Why tournaments are a needle in a haystack for recruiting The 8-person training model and why it beats privates Skill vs. situational awareness — and why the gap matters How to communicate hard work without dismantling effort Burnout — how to spot it, how to address it, and when to step back The book, the grief, and four years of showing up anywayEducation - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining: 15 Min Dynamic Warm Up Flow - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/warmupflowOld Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Matt Erdman spent 14 years in law enforcement before stumbling into a coaching opportunity he wasn't ready for. He'll be the first to tell you he didn't know a thing. So he learned.Now he runs Veritas Athletic Performance in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska — a speed and performance facility built on one word: truth. Truth in faith. Truth in law enforcement. Truth in training. The stopwatch doesn't lie, and neither does he.In this episode, Matt and Tex break down the real work of speed development — why athletes get slower before they get faster, how to sell that to a kid who just wants a PR, and the shift every performance coach eventually has to make from obsessing over the program to obsessing over the person.Speed is a skill. Connection is the foundation. This one covers both.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Jim Davis is the founder of the Good Athlete Project and author of Get Steady: Essays at the Foundation of Sustainable High Performance. This conversation was recorded live at New Trier High School the day before we both presented at the Beyond Strength Summit in Chicago.Grab Jim's Book, Get Steady here: https://amzn.to/4tgb6leWe cover Jim's High Order Performance Framework, from the physiological bedrock of sleep, nutrition, and movement, all the way up to gap capacities like grit, gratitude, and resilience. We also get into the inverted U curve, flow state theory, the three V's of communication, and a decision-making model called AUIRS that every coach needs in their toolkit.If you believe sports don't teach lessons, coaches do, this one is for you.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Every season, coaches name captains. Hand out the 'C.' Fire everyone up.And then the season hits, and half the time, those captains don't know what to do with it.Not because they don't care. Not because they're bad leaders.Because nobody ever taught them how.This episode is the story of what happened when I decided to change that.I'm in the middle of my doctoral program in educational leadership — and this past season, I took my five high school lacrosse captains and put them through the same process I was going through myself. Pre-assessments. Eight structured leadership lessons. Post-assessments.What came back surprised me.We talk about what the research says about why captain development fails, what we actually did differently this season, what changed — and what didn't. Including the moment late in the season when one of my captains walked up to me unprompted and said four words that told me everything I needed to know.If you're a coach who's ever wondered why your leaders lead great in practice and disappear when it matters, this one's for you.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

What separates a good strength coach from a great one? According to Matt Nein, it's not the programming. It's the environment you create and the experience you deliver — every single day.In his 21 years at Salisbury University, Matt has built one of the most decorated strength and conditioning programs in all of college athletics — 14 national championships, 360-plus All-Americans, and the 2018 NSCA Collegiate Strength Coach of the Year award. And he's done it without the budget, the staff, or the square footage of the programs that get all the attention.We also go deep on his role as Strength and Conditioning Coach for USA Lacrosse's Box and Sixes National Teams, the physical demands of the fastest game on two feet, and what it means to keep a flame lit when your athletes are scattered across the country.This one is for every coach trying to build something real with limited resources and unlimited heart.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

You can spend an entire season with someone and still not know a single real thing about them. You know their position. You know what they do when the game's on the line. But you don't know their story — and that gap is exactly where teams break down.In this episode, Tex breaks down the Three H's: Hero, Hardship, Highlight — a team building exercise used by Jon Gordon with Dabo Swinney's Clemson football program, adopted by elite teams across sport and military.This isn't a feel-good exercise. It's a leadership tool backed by research, tested at the highest levels of sport, and built on one truth: you'll never have commitment without connection. A team that knows each other's story will always fight harder than one that only knows each other's stats.Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Dr. Mike T. Nelson [@drmiketnelson] is a PhD exercise physiologist, metabolic flexibility expert, and one of the most applied performance scientists in the game. He's been researching and using creatine since 1995 — and today he's helping coaches and parents cut through three decades of myth, fear, and bad marketing.Dr. Mike's Complete Creatine Manual: creatine.miketnelson.comIn this episode, Tex and Dr. Mike break down everything contact sport coaches need to know about creatine — what it actually is, why the steroid myth refuses to die, real dosing protocols, hydration in extreme heat, and the emerging research on creatine as a prophylactic for brain health in contact sports. They also get into caffeine and energy drinks, coaching leverage, exogenous ketones post-concussion, and why vision training may be the most underutilized concussion prevention tool in athletics.If you coach football, lacrosse, wrestling, or hockey — this is a conversation you'll want your athletes and their parents to hear.25% OFF Throne Creatine: https://www.thorne.com/u/captainsEducation - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Pat Riley called it the Disease of Me — and it doesn't start with losing. It starts with winning.In this episode, Tex breaks down Pat Riley's 7 Danger Signals: the warning signs that individual ego is quietly taking over a team that's supposed to be chasing something bigger. From chronic under-appreciation to cliques forming in the locker room to players who are frustrated even when the team is winning — these signals show up on every team. The difference between good teams and great ones is whether anyone has the courage to address them early.You'll learn how to spot each signal before it spreads, and get a specific action for each one — things you can actually do at practice this week, not just concepts to think about.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

There's no game like Army-Navy. No neutral site classic, no rivalry week hype machine — just two military academies, one football field, and everything that comes with wearing the uniform. Navy just won. And I wanted to talk to the guy who makes sure those Midshipmen are ready to play it.Jim Kiritsy is the Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach at the United States Naval Academy. He built his career at Vermont, The Citadel, and Kennesaw State before landing in Annapolis — and his philosophy has stayed consistent the whole way: injury prevention, athletic performance, and mental discipline. Not as buzzwords. As the actual job.In this episode, Jim and Tex get into what the Army-Navy game means inside the locker room — not the spectacle, but the weight of it. We talk about his coaching philosophy, how he develops young men who are being asked to grow up fast, and what it genuinely takes — physically, mentally, and culturally — to play football at the Naval Academy.If you coach, lead, or develop people under pressure, this one's for you.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Most teams hand one athlete a title and expect leadership to follow. It doesn't work — and now there's research to prove it.In this episode, Tex breaks down why the traditional captain model sets athletes up to fail, what social network analysis reveals about how leadership actually operates inside teams, and why distributing leadership across multiple players — with defined roles and real development — consistently produces stronger outcomes than concentrating it in one person.You'll learn the three questions every leader has to answer honestly, why your role doesn't limit your leadership but defines it, and what it looks like to build a leadership system instead of just picking a captain.Whether you're a coach designing your team's culture, a captain trying to figure out what the role actually requires, or an athlete who leads without a title — this one's for you.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.comResearch referenced: Fransen et al. (2014), Loughead et al. (2006), Vella et al. (2013), Price & Weiss (2011), Gould & Voelker (2010), Mertens et al. (2018)

Luka Hocevar [@lukahocevar] didn't choose coaching because it was safe. He chose it because nothing else gave him the same feeling — watching someone go from doubt to capable, from stuck to moving. Twenty-one years later, that hasn't changed.Luka is the founder of Vigor Ground Fitness in Seattle, one of the most respected performance gyms in the country, and the creator of Built to Last — a consulting business helping gym owners build something worth keeping. He's coached everyone from Super Bowl champions to clients who were told they'd never walk again. And his philosophy is simple: coaching is the master skill, and most people are treating it like a hobby.In this conversation, we get into the 51 percenters — Danny Meyer's framework for why emotional skills outweigh technical expertise in hiring and in leading. We talk about the service reflex, the self-esteem bank account, why regressions are the real progression, and what separates the coach who turns up the music from the one who actually changes lives.If you lead people — on a team, in a weight room, or anywhere else — this one's for you.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

You made the team. You earned the spot. You hit the goal.Now what?In this episode, we break down one of the hardest truths in sports—and in life: the habits, effort, and mindset that got you here are now just the baseline. If you don’t evolve, you get passed.We dive into why athletes lose motivation after reaching big goals, the difference between outcome goals and process goals, and how elite competitors shift from a “rookie” mindset to a “pro” mindset the moment they level up.This is a conversation about identity.Because success isn’t a finish line—it’s a new standard.If you’re a captain, coach, or athlete who wants to keep growing after the win, this episode will give you the framework—and the language—to lead yourself and your team forward.Key Takeaways: Why outcome goals can stall your growth How process goals build consistency and confidence The Rookie vs Pro mindset shift Simple leadership reps to reset the standard after successYou didn’t make it.You qualified.Now the real work begins.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

What happens on the youth sports field doesn't stay there. The culture a coach creates — the trust built, the conflict navigated, the way kids learn to repair relationships — travels with athletes long after the final whistle. And for the ones who go on to wear a badge, carry a weapon, or run toward danger for a living, those early lessons either become the foundation they stand on or the cracks they fall through.Dr. Jenny Prohaska is a licensed clinical psychologist, founder of Tactical Longevity, and one of the few practitioners in the country working at the intersection of trauma, anti-fragility, and performance psychology with law enforcement and tactical teams. She's also spent over a decade screening new hire candidates entering the profession — giving her a rare, ground-level view of what's working and what's not in how we develop young people.In this conversation, Tex and Dr. Jenny go deep on the psychological overlap between sport and public safety, the role of coaches in shaping (or breaking) long-term mental health, and the practical tools her tactical teams use to stay sharp under pressure — tools that translate directly to the locker room.In this episode: Why emotional reactivity in coaches is often a skill deficit, not a personality trait The "Palms Up," "Be the Grass," and "Don't Feed the Weeds" heuristics Dr. Jenny uses with tactical teams How toxic coaching creates downstream relational damage that follows athletes for decades Why reparative relationships on teams are some of the most powerful mental health interventions available The psychological profile of athletes who can push through toxic environments and come out strongerIf you coach, parent, lead, or serve — this one's for you.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Most teams don’t have an effort problem. They have an identity problem.In this episode, we break down why yelling, punishment, and “trying harder” don’t fix the real issue—and why so many athletes today shut down, nod their heads without changing, or quietly check out while still showing up.Using lessons from the 1985 classic Vision Quest, we explore the most overlooked truths in leadership.You’ll learn: Why today’s athletes respond differently to traditional coaching The leadership mistake that triggers fight, flight, or freeze The identity chain: Language → Thoughts → Actions → Habits → Identity → Behavior How captains can use the Identity Ladder (I Want → I Will → I Can → I Am) to drive real buy-in Practical tools to build confidence, accountability, and ownership within your teamIf you’re a coach or captain trying to get more out of your team, this episode will challenge how you lead—and how your athletes see themselves.Because at the end of the day… Effort fades. Identity sticks.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Most teams are coach-led.The best teams are player-led.We sit down with Matt Couch of University of Texas Baseball to break down what it actually means to build a coach-fed, player-led program—and why that standard separates elite teams from everyone else.This isn’t about motivational speeches or surface-level culture.This is about ownership, accountability, and daily behaviors that hold up under pressure.We get into: What “coach fed, player led” really looks like inside Texas Baseball How elite programs shift from compliance to ownership Why leadership can’t live only in the coaching staff The standards athletes are expected to uphold without being told How to build a locker room where players drive the cultureIf you’re a coach trying to develop leaders—or an athlete who wants to stand out—this episode will challenge how you think about culture, responsibility, and what it actually takes to compete at the highest level.Because at the end of the day… the standard isn’t what coaches say—it’s what players live.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Episode 100 was a milestone.Episode 101 is the reflection.This isn’t just a highlight reel—it’s a blueprint.Over the past 100 episodes, we’ve sat down with elite coaches, athletes, and leaders to answer one question: What actually builds leaders that last?In this special clip episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the moments that hit hardest—the ones that challenged how we think, coach, and lead.You’ll hear: The real pressure of leadership—and why being the best player doesn’t make you the best captain How mindset and communication can shape an athlete’s identity in real time Why adversity isn’t an obstacle—it’s the forge The hard truth about youth athlete development (and what we’re getting wrong) And how great coaches prepare athletes for life after the game, not just the next gameFrom locker room stories to elite-level insights, these clips represent the heartbeat of Captains & Coaches.If you’ve ever struggled to lead…If you’ve ever questioned your voice…If you’re trying to build something bigger than wins and losses…This episode is for you.Because leadership isn’t built in one moment—It’s built in the reps.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

For Episode 100, I’m joined again by Cali Hinzman — long-time friend, first-ever podcast guest, and someone who always brings honesty, perspective, and just enough pushback to make the conversation better.We get into a topic that shows up everywhere leadership exists: what happens when people protect egos instead of telling the truth. From sport to law enforcement to everyday life, we talk about the danger of “fantastic lies,” the feedback loops that either speed up growth or stall it out, and why honest correction is one of the greatest responsibilities a coach or leader carries. We also unpack meeting people where they’re at, giving grace without lowering standards, and the real cost of creating environments where comfort matters more than truth.This one is raw, funny, reflective, and full of real-world leadership lessons. Episode 100 felt like the right time for a conversation like this.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Confidence doesn’t grow in a straight line. Tex breaks down the four stages of confidence every athlete and leader experiences on the path to real leadership.Inspired by a story from Bert Sorin, this lesson centers around a simple but powerful leadership tool: the mirror. When athletes stop blaming others and start evaluating themselves honestly, self-awareness becomes the foundation for growth.Many athletes believe confidence should constantly increase as they improve. But in reality, confidence often drops when awareness increases—and that uncomfortable stage is where real leadership development begins.In this episode, we explore:• The 4 stages of confidence and competence• Why self-awareness builds stronger leaders• The leadership trap of blind confidence and ego• Why most athletes quit leadership growth in Stage 2• How captains can use daily reflection and feedback to improve their leadershipYou’ll also get a simple weekly leadership action plan that captains, athletes, and coaches can apply immediately.If you want to develop leaders who take responsibility, stay coachable, and model the standard for their teams, this episode is for you.Hold the mirror. Tell the truth. Lead better.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

What if the problem in youth sports isn’t that kids aren’t training hard enough…but that we’re training them wrong?In this episode, Tex sits down with performance coach Jeremy Frisch [@jeremy_frisch17] to unpack why early dominance can be a false positive, why puberty is the great equalizer, and why rough-and-tumble play might be the missing ingredient in modern athlete development.From wrestling in the basement to obstacle courses in the gym, Jeremy makes the case that athleticism isn’t built through adult-style workouts at age 8 — it’s built through movement literacy, physical play, controlled chaos, and learning how to lose.They dive into: Why “Stop Training Kids Like Pros” should be a movement How play-based training builds speed, coordination, and confidence The danger of early specialization and tournament culture Why some kids dominate early… then disappear How to coach late bloomers without losing them The maturity shift that changes everything in middle school And how to create environments where kids actually want to come backThis episode is for coaches, parents, and leaders who care more about long-term development than short-term trophies.Because resilience isn’t programmed. It’s wrestled for.And sometimes the best training plan starts with tag, tackle dummies, and letting kids be kids.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Being the loudest voice on the field doesn’t make you a leader—it makes you noise. Tex breaks down why loud does not equal leadership and introduce a simple, powerful framework every team captain needs: The 3 T’s of Team Communication—Tone, Target, and Timing.You’ll learn how great captains hold teammates accountable without disrespect, communicate with clarity instead of volume, and lead in the moment, not just when things go wrong. This episode gives captains practical “daily reps” they can apply immediately in practice and games to earn trust, improve performance, and raise the standard of the entire team.If you’re a team leader who wants to be heard—and actually make your teammates better—this one’s for you.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

What does twenty years of service actually cost your body — and what can you do about it before the bill comes due?In this episode of the Captains & Coaches Podcast, I sat down with Rebecca Rouse and Joel Del Rosario, co-founders of Machine Strength, a human performance company built for the tactical and first responder world. Rebecca brings the coaching expertise. Joel brings the lived experience — including surviving an IED strike in 2007 that nearly ended his career over a decade early.Together they're doing something most people in their world aren't — talking honestly about recovery. Not just the physical side, but the sleep, the stress, the mobility work nobody makes time for, and the mindset shifts that separate the people who make it to retirement healthy from the ones who don't make it there at all.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Ever started working on a skill and suddenly felt like you were performing worse instead of improving? That’s not failure — that’s the learning process doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. In this episode, we break down why performance often drops right after coaching, feedback, or technique changes, and how that frustrating phase is actually the gateway to mastery.You’ll learn the four stages of skill development, why confidence crashes before it climbs, and how elite athletes push through the uncomfortable middle stage where most people quit. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or leader, this episode will help you reframe struggle as progress and give you a mental model you can use to train smarter, stay patient, and build real competence.Key Takeaway: Feeling worse doesn’t mean you’re regressing — it means you’re becoming aware. And awareness is where improvement begins.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com  Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-trainC&C Merch - shop.captainsandcoaches.com

Coach Ashley Kowalewski [@ashleykowalewski], LSU Volleyball's Strength & Conditioning Coach, joins us in the depths of Death Valley. AK's coaching philosophy centers on two powerful concepts. Quiet reminders, those moments she echos the gentle but powerful guidance. Then Lighthouse leadership, providing awareness and direction without controlling the journey, offering bumpers to guide athletes toward their goals while giving them the autonomy to navigate their own path.In this conversation, we explore: Why AK hasn't put a barbell on her athletes' backs all semester—and why they're jumping higher than ever How quiet reminders help athletes see themselves accurately when past coaching has distorted their self-image The lighthouse model: guiding athletes away from danger while letting them choose their course Why relationship-building creates buy-in that no program design ever could The difference between standards and expectations in high-performance environments The power of autonomy in driving athlete intent and ownershipIf you're a coach who believes connection comes before correction, this conversation will resonate. Sports don't teach lessons. Coaches do. And AK is proof that when you lead with people first, performance follows.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train

Why do athletes execute perfectly in practice… but freeze under pressure?In this episode of the Captains & Coaches Podcast, we break down one of the most misunderstood challenges in coaching: athletes aren’t always being defiant — sometimes their brain simply isn’t ready yet.Coach Tex McQuilkin dives into cognitive development through the lens of sport, unpacking how athletes learn, why teenagers struggle with abstract strategy, and how stress can cause even elite performers to regress during competition. Using real coaching examples across multiple sports, this episode explores how coaches can shift from correcting behavior to developing decision-making, emotional regulation, and confidence.Because great coaching isn’t just about teaching the play — it’s about developing the brain running it.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train

Why are today's most skilled athletes struggling to play together?In this conversation, mental performance coach Vinny Malts [@coachvinnymalts]—known as "the player whisperer" for his work with NHL, ECHL, and elite youth hockey players—breaks down the hidden crisis in team sports: we're creating individual wizards who can't think collectively.In this episode, you'll discover: The mental effort paradox: Why today's athletes are working harder than ever but appearing to try less High standards, high love: The critical element most sports parents are missing (and how it's damaging their kids) The collective intelligence gap: Why analytics and skills coaches are making teams slower, not faster Tone, Target, Timing: Vinny's three-part framework for peer-to-peer feedback that actually works Chaos before order: Why great leaders let the mess happen first instead of forcing structure The diner menu effect: How too much information is paralyzing decision-making on the fieldThis conversation challenges the entire individual development model that's dominated youth sports for the past decade. Vinny reveals why the "backyard ball" mentality isn't just nostalgic—it's neurologically superior for team performance.Whether you're coaching high school athletes, managing club teams, or navigating the pressure-cooker of competitive youth sports as a parent, this episode will fundamentally shift how you think about player development, team chemistry, and what it actually means to lead.The game hasn't changed. But the players have. And if we don't adapt our approach, we're going to lose the very spirit that makes team sports transformational.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com  Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train

Teenage athletes will fail. That’s not the problem. The problem is when failure becomes identity.In this episode, Coach Tex breaks down the four types of failure every teen must learn to navigate—calibration, climb, consequences, and circumstances—and explains how to coach athletes to see mistakes as feedback instead of personal judgment. You’ll learn how to give athletes language, structure, and perspective so “I failed” never turns into “I am a failure,” and effort, confidence, and ownership can actually grow.Perfect for coaches, parents, and leaders who want tougher, more resilient athletes—without yelling, shaming, or lowering standards.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train

JL Reppert, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Holy Cross and Marine Corps veteran, joins Tex to explore the leadership principles that shape championship programs and transformational coaching.  JL breaks down the critical distinction between "setting the example" versus "leading by example"—and why one actually gets people to follow while the other leaves you walking alone.  The conversation dives deep into practical leadership challenges every coach faces: being respected versus being liked, treating people fairly without treating them equally, and shifting from activity to achievement in player development.   JL challenges the "lax bro" stereotype while offering a research-backed approach to social-emotional learning through athletics. Whether you're coaching youth sports or leading at the collegiate level, this episode delivers actionable insights on moral authority, accountability, and creating team culture that transcends the game.  *NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com  Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingPhilosophy #LacrosseCoaching #TeamCulture #MilitaryLeadership #StudentAthletes #SportsLeadership #CollegeCoaching #TransformationalCoaching #CharacterDevelopment #NavyLacrosse #HolyCrossLacrosse #JesuitEducation #MarineCorpsLeadership #CoachEducation

Championship teams aren’t built on ego or metrics—they’re built on coachability. In this episode of the Captains & Coaches Podcast, Tex breaks down why self-awareness and humility are the real competitive advantages in sport and life. You’ll learn how level-setting on skill set, accepting feedback, and choosing humility under pressure unlock faster improvement, stronger team chemistry, and long-term leadership growth—for team leaders.Key Takeaways: Coachability wins championships—self-awareness and humility matter more than talent or metrics. Level set on skill set to accept feedback, adjust faster, and improve under pressure. Humility is accuracy, not shame—see yourself clearly without tearing yourself down. Pride separates teams; humility unites them and builds trust, chemistry, and leadership. The right attitude turns reps into results—do the work, accept correction, and keep getting 1% better.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train#Coachability #AthleteLeadership #SportsLeadership #MentalPerformance #CoachingDevelopment #SelfAwareness #TeamCulture #AthleteMindset #LeadershipThroughSport #CaptainsAndCoaches

Coach Loren Landow, Head of Football Performance at the University of Notre Dame, joins Tex to share his approach to speed, culture and leadership development for the Fighting Irish. Coach Landow shares his approach to teaching agility, acceleration & transitions, why he makes freshmen train in tennis shoes instead of cleats, and how he builds a culture where "if not now, then when?" isn't just a saying—it's a standard.Learn Notre Dame Football's Golden Standard—the three pillars of Challenge Everything, Unit Strength, and Competitive Spirit—and why consistency in leadership is the hardest skill to master.Key Takeaways: Why consistency is a superpower and how it builds trust with athletes The transition assessment that exposes movement inefficiencies How to make every athlete faster (and why "you're born with it" is a lazy excuse) Leadership lessons: repeating yourself without getting sick of your own voice Training philosophy for developing efficient movers across 113 athletes Managing dual-sport athletes competing at the highest levelWhether you're coaching high school athletes or leading a performance team, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom on movement, leadership, and building a culture of excellence.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train#NotreDameFootball #SpeedTraining #StrengthAndConditioning #FootballPerformance #CoachingPodcast #AthleteDevelopment #SportsPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #StrengthCoach #CollegeFootball

Most athletes are taught what to do — very few are taught how to think.  In this episode of Captains & Coaches, we break down how great teams develop athletes who can analyze situations, make adjustments, and lead under pressure.   Using a coaching-friendly lens on Bloom’s Taxonomy, this episode shows how players move from following instructions to owning the game — and why thinking athletes become the captains everyone trusts when it matters most.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train#AthleteLeadership #CaptainDevelopment #CoachingEducation #SportsLeadership #GameIQ #CoachBetter #MentalPerformance #LeadershipThroughSport #ThinkingAthlete #PlayerLedTeams

LSU Baseball's Head Coach Jay Johnson—a two-time national champion who has built one of college baseball's premier programs. From his humble beginnings transitioning from player to coach at Point Loma Nazarene to leading LSU to back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2025, Coach Johnson shares the leadership principles and developmental philosophies that have shaped his legendary career.In this episode, you'll discover: The player-to-coach transition The power of mentorship "How to Win Awareness" Team Over Me Development as the driverCoach Johnson also shares powerful stories from both championship runs—from the emotional roller coaster of the 2023 comeback victory to the process-driven excellence of 2025—and offers practical advice for youth coaches and parents navigating the college recruiting landscape.Whether you're coaching at the highest level or in your backyard, this episode is packed with transferable wisdom on leadership, culture-building, and what it truly takes to develop people—not just players.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train

Maybe—a simple word drawn from an ancient Chinese parable that challenges how we judge life's wins and losses.In this episode, you'll hear the story of a farmer whose horse runs away, then returns with seven wild horses, then causes his son to break his leg, which saves him from war. At every turn, the neighbors rush to label each event as disaster or blessing. The farmer? He simply says: "Maybe."This isn't about indifference or avoiding reality. It's about recognizing that we're often standing too close to the canvas to see the full picture. We don't know the consequences of our misfortunes, and we don't know the consequences of our good fortunes.For coaches navigating the extremes—the crushing losses, the unexpected wins, the chaos of leading others—this ancient wisdom offers a powerful tool: the ability to feel the ends without letting them define you.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train

We train our athletes' bodies religiously—but what about their minds?In this episode, I sit down with Shenna Jean [@shennajean], founder of Make One Day Happen, to explore why the mental training gap in athletics is costing our athletes performance, confidence, and long-term well-being. Shenna brings sound visualization, breathwork, and nervous system regulation to everyone from Division I teams to pro athletes to corporate leadership groups—and she's pulling back the curtain on what actually works.Here's the reality: 90% of Olympians use visualization as a core part of their success, but the rest of the athletic world? They're being told to "just go visualize" without any real training on how to do it. It's like telling someone to get stronger without giving them a program or a barbell.In this conversation, we cover: Thought Defense strategies - Zone defense (gratitude & affirmations) vs Man-to-Man defense (anti-thoughts for specific limiting beliefs) Why we're over-meditated and under-visualized - The difference between mindful awareness and conscious creation The 90-second emotion rule - How to separate body sensations from the mental narratives we attach to them Shame vs Guilt in coaching - Why leading with shame keeps athletes in fight-flight-freeze instead of flow stateThis episode is for coaches who want to: Give their athletes mental training tools that actually work Understand how to regulate their own nervous system so they can lead with composure Help athletes build intrinsic motivation instead of performing out of fear Create team cohesion faster in the age of transfer portal and NIL*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train

You don't have lazy athletes. You have athletes who don't feel ownership over who they're becoming.In this episode, we break down the exact language progression that transforms teenage effort from something you have to demand into something they generate from within. Using the "I Want → I Am" framework, you'll learn how to guide athletes through seven identity-building stages that turn fragile motivation into unshakable self-leadership.This isn't about yelling louder or running harder conditioning. It's about understanding that thoughts become reality—and the language we use as coaches either builds athletes who own their effort or creates performers who'll never push beyond our presence. If you want your team to actually give a sh*t this year, start here.What you'll learn: Why modern athletes shut down when coaches use old-school motivation tactics The 7-stage identity ladder from "I want" to "I am" (with coaching cues for each) How to use writing, vocal awareness, and visualization to anchor commitment The difference between confidence-building and outcome-chasing Why helping athletes level-set their current skill is more powerful than hypeLanguage shapes identity. Identity drives behavior. This is how you raise the game.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train#CoachingPhilosophy #AthleteMotivation #YouthSportsCoaching #TeenageAthletes #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachBetter #TransformationalCoaching #SportsCoaching #CoachEducation #TeamCulture #HighSchoolSports #CoachingMindset #AthleteDevelopment #CaptainsAndCoaches #ModernCoaching

In this fireside chat from the NSCA Tactical Strength & Conditioning Conference, I sit down with Alex Morrow—creator of MOPs & MOEs (Measures of Performance & Measures of Effectiveness)—to unpack how leaders in both the military and sport can stop confusing activity with impact.  We dig into the “Nazareth Syndrome” (why your own people overlook your expertise), the real story behind ACFT evolution, and why training culture breaks down when organizations chase metrics instead of mission.If you’ve ever felt the tension between looking good on paper and doing what actually works in the real world, this episode will sharpen how you measure, communicate, and lead.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train#MilitaryLeadership #HumanPerformance #MOPsAndMOEs #LeadershipDevelopment #StrengthAndConditioning #TacticalAthlete #MilitaryFitness #PerformanceCulture #CoachDevelopment #CaptainsAndCoaches

What if the most powerful coaching tool you have isn’t your program, your system, or your intensity — but your expectations?In this episode, I break down the Pygmalion Effect and explain how the beliefs coaches hold — often unconsciously — shape athlete confidence, identity, and performance. We’ll explore how expectations show up in daily coaching behaviors, why athletes rise (or stall) accordingly, and how to intentionally coach in a way that unlocks growth instead of capping potential.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train#CoachingPsychology #AthleteDevelopment #SportsLeadership #CoachBetter #YouthSports #SportPsychology #LeadershipInSport #BuildConfidentAthletes #CaptainsAndCoaches #HighStandardsHighSupport #PygmalionEffect

What if the key to handling criticism isn't thicker skin—but a clearer sense of who you are?In this episode, I sit down with Army Ranger veteran and combat sports coach Roman Mori for a raw conversation about dealing with hate—both the kind that comes from keyboard warriors and the kind that whispers in your own head right before you step into the arena.Roman doesn't sugarcoat it. He's been there: jumping out of helicopters, competing on the world stage, and building a social media presence that attracts both massive respect and relentless criticism. But here's what separates him from most—he's figured out how to filter what matters from what doesn't.In this episode, you'll hear: Why Roman calls them "little bitch thoughts"—and how he handles the mental game mid-competition when doubt creeps in How failure at every major turning point in his life became the launchpad for his greatest achievements Why you should never take advice from someone you wouldn't ask for it in the first place His philosophy on authenticity in a world obsessed with curated perfectionThis one hits different if you: Coach athletes who struggle with social comparison or negative self-talk Lead young people navigating the toxic side of social media Want to build genuine confidence (not fake bravado) in yourself or your team Need permission to stop listening to people who've never done what you're trying to doRoman's message is simple but powerful: Failure is only the endpoint if you decide it is. Everything else is just a stopping point.So whether you're dealing with critics in the comments, doubters in your circle, or that voice in your own head—this episode will give you the tools to keep moving forward.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train#MentalToughness #CombatSports #LeadershipDevelopment #JiuJitsuLifestyle #AthleteMindset #OvercomingFailure #CoachingAthletes #VeteranStories #StrengthAndConditioning #SocialMediaReality #CompetitionMindset #ResilienceTraining #ArmyRanger #NogiJiuJitsu #AuthenticLeadership #RomanMori

John Wooden said it best. Without intentional guidance, athletics can reinforce the wrong traits just as easily as the right ones.In this episode, we explore the coach's critical role as the architect of morality in sport. Drawing on sport psychology research, wisdom from legendary coaches like John Wooden and Pat Riley, and the good book—"A good name is more desirable than great riches"—we break down what it truly means to develop athletes of character, not just competence.You'll discover: The three pillars of morality in sport: Fair Play, Good Sporting Behavior, and Character Why prosocial behaviors strengthen team cohesion and athlete well-being The coach's four non-negotiable responsibilities: Define, Model, Shape, and Reinforce morality How to address hazing, bullying, and toxic team culture with zero tolerance Practical strategies to build moral resilience that transfers beyond competitionThe bottom line: Wins fade. Records disappear. But the character you develop in your athletes lasts a lifetime—in their marriages, careers, and leadership.Your athletes will become who you model, not who you preach. This episode equips you to build the kind of athletes people are proud to follow.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train #CaptainsAndCoaches #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingWithPurpose #CharacterBuilding #TransformationalCoaching

Ever wonder what it takes to coach at one of college lacrosse's most storied programs?In this episode, Notre Dame Lacrosse Defensive Coordinator, Ryan Wellner shares what makes the Fighting Irish elite—and it's not what you think.Here's what you'll discover:Learning from Legends: The game-changing advice Ryan received from Jack Moran (the winningest high school coach in history) and Tommy Gill that he still carries today—including why every coach should carry a pen to practice.The Peer-Led Philosophy: Why Ryan believes peer-led teams are the best teams, and how Notre Dame's captain selection process ensures accountability flows both ways.Culture, Community, Character: Inside Notre Dame's team philosophy and how Head Coach Kevin Corrigan creates daily practices around gratitude, service, and doing the right thing when no one's watching.Coaching the Modern Athlete: Practical strategies for meeting athletes' needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness—without sacrificing standards or accountability.Standards That Never Flatline: Ryan's philosophy that championship standards don't stay level—they rise every single day and should be "impossible to catch."Whether you're coaching youth sports or leading at the collegiate level, this conversation delivers actionable insights on building connectivity, developing leaders, and creating cultures where athletes thrive.The bottom line? It's not what you know as a coach—it's what they know. It's not what you can do—it's what they can do.Tune in to learn how one of college lacrosse's premier programs develops championship athletes on and off the field.*NEW* Education - Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comTraining - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train #LacrosseCoaching #CollegeLacrosse #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCulture #CoachingEducation #NotreDameLacrosse #AthleteLeadership #PeerLedTeams #CollegeCoaching #LacrosseLife

Today's athletes aren’t motivated, led, or developed the same way you were—and if you’ve ever felt like your coaching isn’t landing the way it used to, this episode is your wake-up call.We break down exactly why modern athletes shut down, why old-school methods no longer work, and how you can evolve into the kind of coach today's generation actually responds to.You'll get to listen to the first lesson of the *NEW* Captains & Coaches course, "Why They're Not Listening - Coaching Today's Athlete": http://listen.captainsandcoaches.comPreview the communication upgrades that turn frustration into connection, buy-in, and leadership. If you're ready to coach athletes the way they need—not just the way you were taught—this episode is your starting point.Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train #ModernCoaching #AthleteDevelopment #SportsLeadership #CoachingStrategies #CoachEducation #HighSchoolCoaches #SportsPsychology #AthleteMotivation #YouthSportsCoaching #CaptainsAndCoaches

What does it take to build a championship program when there's nothing there?In this episode, Tex sits down with Coach Lindsey Munday, who's done one of the rarest things in coaching – built winning lacrosse programs from absolute zero not once, but twice. As a player, she helped Northwestern grow from a brand-new program to back-to-back national champions in just four years. Now, as head coach of USC Women's Lacrosse and the USA Women's Lacrosse team preparing for the 2028 Olympics, she's doing it all over again.Lindsey brings a unique perspective to leadership, having experienced it at every level – team captain, 10-year Team USA veteran, and a head coach who took the job at just 26 years old with nothing but vision and belief.What You'll Learn: The First Game Strategy – Why Lindsey scheduled the #1 team in the country for USC's very first game, and how tracking progress against the best became a tangible measure of growth Building Buy-In From Nothing – How to get athletes to commit to a vision when there are no wins, no history, and no proof it will work The Captain Selection Process – USC's application-based voting system that creates honest conversations about leadership gaps and builds self-awareness across the entire roster Olympic-Level Leadership – What it takes to build team cohesion with just 12 athletes scattered across the country, competing in a brand-new format of the game Skill vs. Style – How to balance creative expression and athletic freedom with fundamental soundness and team structureThis conversation is packed with practical insights on building culture, developing leaders, and preparing athletes for life beyond the game.Connect with Coach Lindsey Munday: Instagram: @lindsaymunday USC Women's Lacrosse: @usctrojanslaxWhether you're building a program from scratch, developing young leaders, or just trying to create better buy-in from your team, this episode gives you the blueprint.Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com