In a special live coaching call, host JP Nerbunn works with John Newman-Gonchar, a Division I head women's volleyball coach. The conversation is a raw and vulnerable exploration of the struggles many coaches face: balancing a demanding career with family life while rediscovering the initial passion and joy that led them to the profession.

John reveals a deep-seated feeling of being pulled in a hundred different directions, which he believes detracts from his ability to give his best to his team and his family. The session focuses on challenging John’s core beliefs, particularly the idea that being a serious, high-performing coach is incompatible with being lighthearted and joyful. Through powerful questions and reflections, the discussion helps John identify his personal vision for his "best self"—a coach who is both intense and serious about his craft, and simultaneously joyful, lighthearted, and emotionally present. The episode concludes with John committing to specific, actionable steps to bring this new, aligned version of himself into his upcoming season.

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Are you a coach looking to unlock your team's full potential, especially during those critical halftime moments? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute 9, a consultancy dedicated to transforming how sports teams communicate under pressure. Eamon provides actionable advice, from using anonymous surveys to "stop, start, continue" frameworks, and even unique ideas like videoing halftimes for objective review.

Whether you're a seasoned head coach or an aspiring leader, this episode will equip you with fresh perspectives and practical tools to foster better communication, elevate player performance, and truly make halftime for the players.

Learn more about Minute9 here: https://www.minute9.io/

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Ever wondered what really goes on during halftime, and if those intense locker room talks actually work? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute Nine, a consultancy revolutionizing how sports teams communicate under pressure.

Eamon, a former lawyer, shares the personal story that led him to analyze halftime communication and why traditional "blow-ups" often do more harm than good. Discover why the most successful teams embrace brevity and clarity in their messages, and how focusing on player well-being can lead to better second-half performances.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or simply curious about peak performance, Eamon's perspective will challenge your assumptions and offer fresh insights into leadership and team dynamics.

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Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | Spotify

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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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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick tackle the pervasive "win-aholic" mentality in sports. They explore the inherent tension coaches often feel between the relentless pursuit of victory and the deeper purpose of athlete development and creating positive experiences. The discussion highlights that while winning is integral to sports, an over-focus on it can lead to burnout, damaged relationships, and a loss of joy in coaching. The hosts unpack how to integrate the desire to win with a clear sense of purpose, emphasizing truth-telling, understanding individual motivations, and teaching crucial psychological skills to navigate pressure.

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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/

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What does it truly take to build a national championship program? Join us for an incredibly candid conversation with Rob Dow, head coach of the NCAA National Championship-winning Vermont Men's Soccer team. In this powerful episode, Coach Dow pulls back the curtain on how he cultivated a culture of unwavering belief, even when it meant "shaking the underdog" mentality out of his players – and himself. He shares a deeply personal story about leading with vulnerability and fostering an environment where his athletes feel safe to be authentic. Discover the team's unique mantra, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time," and learn about their intentional strategies for building a strong brotherhood, combating homesickness, and maintaining core values amidst success. Whether you're a coach, leader, or simply interested in what drives elite performance and genuine human connection, this episode offers invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

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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/

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