JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson shared personal anecdotes from their coaching careers, discussing initial successes, humorous mistakes, and impactful learning experiences. They reflected on how their coaching philosophies evolved from a naive, highly intense approach to a more balanced understanding of their role, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of their early methods. The hosts underscored the significance of player relationships, particularly during difficult moments, and the continuous journey of self-improvement and adaptability in coaching.

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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 revolves around JT's personal growth as a coach, specifically his journey to become more demanding while maintaining strong relationships with his players. He candidly shares his "immunity to change" — his fear of not being liked or replicating negative past experiences — and how he actively worked to overcome this. A particularly impactful story highlights a difficult, yet breakthrough, exit interview where vulnerability and embracing silence led to a strengthened relationship with a challenging player.

The conversation concludes with JT detailing his system for maintaining high standards in practice through behavioral accountability and empowering captains. He also reflects on the shift from a "fixer" mentality to allowing players to process emotions, and his ongoing "north star" of being a demanding coach whose players will ultimately respect and appreciate the challenging experience.

Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter

Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat

Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | Spotify

Interested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contact

TOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkout

Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/

Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/

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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 philosophies.

Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter

Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat

Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | Spotify

Interested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contact

TOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkout

Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/

Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/

Follow Us On Social Media

Substack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntoc

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/

TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture

Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture