The Leading Edge Podcast
56 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsThe Leading Edge Podcast shares impactful interviews to benefit youth coaches, educators, and program leaders. Topics range from leadership and program building to real world stories of difference makers in youth sports and activity. Hear from experts, influential thinkers, and builders of powerful programs to uncover insight and opportunities to help your program achieve more.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Servant Leadership: The Key to Building Grit and Resilience in Student-Athletes with Paul Jones
August 03, 2023 22:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBIn this episode of the Leading Edge Podcast, we engage in a riveting conversation with Paul Jones, Athletic Director at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California. With his extensive athletic experience and ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Jones offers his unique perspective on cultivating grit, resilience, and mental fortitude among student-athletes. He discusses the vital role of a servant leader in creating a supportive and secure environment within his athle...
The Power of Positivity and Coachability in Leadership with Jamy Bechler
July 14, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBJoin us on the Leading Edge podcast as we welcome Jamy Bechler, a former college basketball coach and now a renowned speaker, author, and leadership consultant. Bechler shares his insights on positivity and coachability in leadership roles. He passionately discusses the importance of empowering others to lead. Whether you're an experienced leader or a newcomer, this episode is packed with invaluable advice. READ MORE Leading Edge Content with Jamy Bechler HERE LEARN MORE about Jamy Bechle...
Team-Building and Balancing Health in Sports with Coach Heather Macy
June 30, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBIn this episode of The Leading Edge Podcast, we were joined by Heather Macy, Head Basketball Coach at Greensboro College and innovative Founder of 2 Feet In Coaching. Coach Macy discusses the importance of realizing your potential to balance physical and mental health. She shares her expertise on strategic recruiting practices and building a successful program while putting your athletes and team first. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from a seasoned expert in the field. ...
Amplifying Sports Experiences and Fan Engagement with Ryan Friedline
June 21, 2023 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBJoin Ryan Friedline, Director of Game Presentation and Fan Engagement at The University of Arizona, as he shares his insights on creating electrifying sports event experiences. In this episode, Ryan Friedline emphasizes the importance of fan engagement in shaping unforgettable events. Friedline believes that students' contributions to athletic events create a vibrant and unique campus culture, and leaders should empower student collaboration in events whenever possible. Explore what it ta...
Investing in Team Culture: Inspiring and Fostering Good Teammates with Lance Loya
May 30, 2023 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBJoin Lance Loya, a former college basketball coach turned bestselling author, blogger, podcaster, and professional speaker, as he shares his invaluable insights on becoming an exceptional teammate. In this episode, Lance Loya delves into the significance of defining team roles and nurturing strong connections to shape a team's culture. Learn from his experiences and expertise to apply being a good teammate in different settings, and elevate your personal and professional relationships to new...
Applying Coaching Strategies Beyond the Court and Into Your Program with Don Showalter
May 04, 2023 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBDon Showalter, Head Coach and Director of Coach Development for the USA Basketball Youth Division, emphasizes the importance of good leadership fundamentals that transcend across all sports and activities. Coach Showalter stresses that success doesn't come naturally and takes effort and time. He believes that, as leaders, we must give ourselves and our programs breathing space, and stick to our process. Tune into the Leading Edge Podcast to hear insightful tips on successful leadership from ...
Esports: Leadership, teamwork, and social emotional benefits - with Dr. Richard Woodruff
March 24, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBDr. Richard Woodruff, Social Emotional Wellness Coordinator at Stockton Unified School District and Commissioner of the Central California Esports League, discusses the value of esports teams on high school campuses, the concept of integrating digital and physical selves—particularly as it pertains to young people and their use of social media and video games—how to start an esports program, what we can learn about burnout in student-athletes from esports, and more! For more content and con...
Leveraging Personal Branding and Social Media for Leadership Development in Students - with Dr. Scott Grant
February 01, 2023 00:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBAs President and CEO of Triple Threat Leadership, Dr. Scott Grant is revolutionizing the way coaches and program leaders help students become confident adults. Utilizing personal branding exercises to first define mission, vision, and values, his process prepares student-athletes to approach social media as a tool for empowerment. His strategies offer invaluable insight into how to put one's best foot forward both online and off. “Doc G” also has extensive knowledge on NIL (name image lik...
“Leadership Is a Behavior, Not a Title” + Driving Interconnection With Your Group - With Joe Pellerito
October 14, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBJoe Pellertio is a Leadership Development Strategist for Capturing Kids’ Hearts®, an organization that “equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional well-being, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.” His path as an educator, coach, and leadership mentor has supercharged his expertise and perspective on making a difference with your group. Joe is also the creator of The ReChoice Podcast, where guests sha...
Developing Grit In Your Program and Where Program Leaders Struggle the Most -- with Kevin Broene
September 12, 2022 23:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBKevin Broene is a teacher, coach, athletic director, and most recently added “company founder” to his list of titles, all of which has given him an incredible perspective on what it truly means to be a good leader for students. In 2017, Broene founded Grit Leadership, a leadership evaluation software that anonymously surveys thousands of coaches everywhere, giving Broene a birds-eye view of the coaching field. With this data at his disposal, coach Broene has found areas where he and his fel...
Developing Grit In Your Program and Where Program Leaders Struggle the Most - with Kevin Broene
September 12, 2022 23:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBKevin Broene is a teacher, coach, athletic director, and most recently added “company founder” to his list of titles, all of which has given him an incredible perspective on what it truly means to be a good leader for students. In 2017, Broene founded Grit Leadership, a leadership evaluation software that anonymously surveys thousands of coaches everywhere, giving Broene a birds-eye view of the coaching field. With this data at his disposal, coach Broene has found areas where he and his fel...
Powering the Coach + Athlete Relationship with Trust - Olympic Silver Medalist Katherine Nye
August 03, 2021 17:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBSince finding the sport of competitive weightlifting in 2016, Katherine Nye has earned impressive accolades ranging from junior and senior world champion titles to be named the 2019 International Weightlifting Federation Lifter of the Year. As of this week, she can add Olympic Silver Medalist to the growing list, her performance at the Tokyo Olympic Games earning her the highest medal the U.S. has won in the sport in over 20 years. This conversation was originally recorded a year before he...
Coaching is Relationships and Putting in the Work - with High School State Champion Turned SEC Coach, Chris Partridge
June 25, 2021 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBChris Partridge has climbed the football coaching ranks quickly while having much success in the past decade. Originally recorded as a webinar for Snap! Raise LIVE, this interview covers his commitment to coaching via relationships, his successful transition from the high school game to NCAA Division 1, and insights into the work ethic he believes in necessary to succeed. In 2010, Partridge took over a Paramus Catholic High School football program that was the 4,250th ranked team in the c...
John Wooden, Developing Superheros Through Sport, and How Never Focusing on Winning Led to 7 NCAA Championships - with former UCLA Coach Valorie Kondos Field
June 10, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MB"Miss Val" is regarded as one of the most accomplished gymnastics coaches of all-time. During her 28 year stretch as head coach of the UCLA Bruins women’s gymnastics team, Miss Val captured 7 national championships and an amazing 18 PAC-12 championships. Originally recorded as a webinar for Snap! Raise LIVE, this interview covers her deep-rooted philosophy on success, her close relationship with Coach John Wooden, and the important work she thinks is ahead for coaches, educators, and lea...
Building the Team Mentality with Hall of Fame Coach Michele Madison
July 01, 2020 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBHead Coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, Michele Madison, is entering her 15th season as head coach. Coach Madison led Virginia to its first ever ACC Championship in 2016, and the ‘Hoos have been a force to be reckoned with ever since. Fresh off of their 2019 NCAA Championship semi-final game appearance, Virginia is looking to earn its third Final Four appearance in as many years this coming season. Michele Madison's other notable accomplishments include: Coach Madison is the only coach to l...
Christine Pinalto: Earning Trust and Influencing Productive Self-Talk with Your Group
May 30, 2020 00:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBSidelined USA, a non-profit organization, exists to reunite permanently sidelined athletes with their passions and inspire them to find a meaningful way forward. The free resources they provide are relevant not only to athletes experiencing loss but, now more than ever, to any individual or program disrupted from the pursuit of their goals. Co-founder Christine Pinalto shares strategies to help leaders navigate communication and culture in the face of adversity. Read more from our interv...
Improve Communication and Build a Stronger Program via Deeper Connections with Betsy Butterick
May 05, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBBetsy Butterick (The Coach’s Coach and Communication Specialist) boasts an incredible career in athletics, giving her a unique and powerful perspective on coaching, leadership and communication -- not to mention exposure to a diverse group of teams and groups. From playing basketball at the junior college, D1 and D3 level to then coaching and assisting programs at Stanford women's basketball, the University of Washington and the Seattle Storm (during one of their three championship winning...
Building a Purpose-driven Culture Through Essentialism with Greg McKeown
April 21, 2020 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBGreg McKeown’s book Essentialism focuses on the importance of simplification in finding success and fulfillment-- to drill down on the truly important. His book challenges readers to abandon the mantra of “more is better” and celebrate the trade-off of eliminating the trivial many for the vital few. In this interview he shares practical advice on how to start down the path of essentialism. To read more from our interview with Greg McKeown, check out his article on Leading Edge. For more...
Coach Tyrone Hicks: Challenge Yourself with the Things You Are Not Good At
April 14, 2020 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBCoach Hicks of Ann Arbor, MI shares his approach to keeping his team engaged while not meeting physically, how he pushes himself and instilling a work ethic that lasts the test of time. For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online
Coach Morgan Cummins: Developing Team Identity Through Mental Toughness and Player Creativity
April 14, 2020 03:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBCoronado Head Baseball Coach, Morgan Cummins shares insights from a lifetime of experience in the San Diego baseball scene, the impact of his mentors and the coaching philosophy he has developed over the years. For more content and conversations to help you build a successful program, visit www.leadingedge.online
Resilience and Positivity with Coach Shawn Dodd
April 11, 2020 03:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBIn this episode, Head Coach Shawn Dodd shares about returning to coach at his Alma Mater, Eastlake North High School (located outside of Cleveland), dealing with adversity and his coaching philosophy. Originally recorded for The Leading Edge Podcast presented by Snap! Raise.
Back to Back National Champion Coach Kelsey O'Conner on Building a Winning Community
April 02, 2020 02:00 - 11 minutes - 7.59 MBMontville High School Cheerleading coach Kelsey O'Conner explains her approach and the importance of consistency and community. Originally recorded for The Leading Edge Podcast presented by Snap! Raise.
DJ Eidson Interview: It is what it is.
October 22, 2019 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBCo-founder and COO of Limitless Minds, DJ Eidson, shares the adversity he faced growing up and how his mom’s phrase “It is what it is.” laid the foundation for his neutral mindset. We talk about teaching athletes to have the right mindset, the importance of modeling it first as a coach, and how the lessons from sports can teach us some of the bigger lessons in life.
Coach Mike Suarez: In case we die tomorrow, I love you.
October 14, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this episode I catch up with Coach Mike Suarez. He is the Head Basketball Coach of Gilroy High School. In the wake a an active shooting, Mike is hoping a winning season can help his community heal. What sticks out to me about Mike is how much he cares about his student athletes. Checkout his team mantra: “In case we die tomorrow, I love you.”
Coach Blair Bourque: Adversity Defines You
October 02, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBStarting a season 4-4 only to come out as state champions is a feat not many can boast. Coach Blair Bourque did just that, and in this episode he offers insights into coaching baseball, approaching adversity, and the many life lessons that athletics bring.
Coach David Peavy: Always Compete
September 23, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBCoach David Peavy sits down to discuss his success as a basketball coach, how coaching your kid is tough but rewarding, and why commitment to competition and excellence is vital to building a winning team environment.
Coach Sally Stephens: Strong coaches reach out to their resources
September 10, 2019 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBIn the episode I catch up with Coach Sally Stephens. Sally coaches track and competitive cheer at Belleville West High School on the outskirts of St. Louis. After 26 years of coaching, Sally explains the importance of admitting you don’t know everything and reaching out to learn from others. Photo credit: Paul Halfacre from STLhighschoolsports.com
Coach Alex Barashkoff: Build team chemistry
September 04, 2019 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode, I catch up with Everett High School Baseball Coach Alex Barashkoff. He shares his years of experience of coaching in the Seattle area and how learned that it is not about about the wins and losses. It’s all about building team chemistry and getting the players to buy in.
Coach Chris Horner: Coaching is bigger than yourself
August 27, 2019 17:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBIn this episode I catch up with Head Football Coach of Casa Robles High School Chris Horner. Coach Horner talks about his love of coaching, making a difference in the lives of kids, and how his team raised $23,000 for the Paradise football team after their town was destroyed by wildfires.
Scott Heric LIVE: Adversity will make you or break you.
August 19, 2019 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode I sit down with local legend and Director of Snap Advance - Scott Heric. This was a fun episode to record in front of a LIVE audience. Scott talks about his role at Snap!, growing up in Seattle with CEO Cole Morgan, and the adversity he is currently facing. Scott has a big personality and an even bigger heart.
Kyla Spencer: An attitude of gratitude
July 10, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode I catch up with Kyla Spencer. Kyla has an infectious laugh and an attitude of gratitude that is contagious. You’ll enjoy Kyla’s hilarious stories as she recounts growing up in a small town and how she got through the adversity along the way.
Christie Fijalkowski: There is a lesson in every failure.
June 24, 2019 22:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this episode I catch up with Christie Fijalkowski. Christie tells about growing up in the New England area, including a hilarious story about borrowing a minivan to run to the store at age 12. Christie also talks honestly about facing her failed marriage and what she learned from it.
Taylor Stephens: Stop making excuses!
June 17, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode I catch up with Alabama’s own Taylor Stephens. No matter what adversity came Taylor's way, he faced it, moved forward, and never made excuses. Taylor admits that he has days where he struggles to stay motivated and on those days he leans on his teammates to inspire him to be his best.
Chris Mannen: There is no time like the present.
June 08, 2019 00:00 - 37 minutes - 17.1 MBIn this episode I talk to Chris Mannen from North Jersey. Chris is a positive and energetic guy that knows how to be present in the moment. I was surprised to hear his story of his mom dying and what he learned from her.
Brian White: This is not going to stop me.
June 03, 2019 17:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this episode I catch up with Brian White. Brian grew up without a father in an area that was referred to as the murder capital of Chicago. Brian had a rough childhood, but refused to let his surroundings stop him from being successful.
Troy Richie: Take the Second Shot!
May 29, 2019 00:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this episode I catch up with Troy Richie. Troy shares his struggles as skinny white kid with ADHD and dyslexia growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii. Troy has worked with Snap from the beginning and had a big impact in getting our Snap Advance platform off the ground. Troy often spends his time challenging students to have the courage to take the second shot after failure.
Alyssa Jurcak: Go get 'em tiger!
May 06, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 15 MBAlyssa talks about meeting her dad for the first time, how her grandfather always believed in her, and the time she learned responsibility because nothing is going to be handed to you unless you work for it.
Dylan Miller: Take control of your success.
April 30, 2019 21:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this episode I catch up with family man, Dylan Miller. Dylan talks about parenting, learning how to evolve, and how you have control over your behaviors. There is no excuse for not being good at something, the information is out there.
Harry Wilson Interview: Dream big. Do things now.
April 23, 2019 22:00 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode I catch up with Harry Wilson, older brother to Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and president of Limitless Minds. Harry talks about what it was like growing up, how he faced adversity everyday, what he learned from losing his dad, and how he tries to live his life without regrets.
Tom Conboy: Risk it for the Biscuit.
April 17, 2019 06:00 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBIn this episode I catch up with Tom Conboy. Tom talks about his growing up on the sideline… playing every sport he could. Tom embodies the heart of a coach and shares his philosophy of embracing risk, improving after failure, and living with no regrets.
Cam Bell: Take responsibility for your actions.
April 09, 2019 06:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBIn this episode I catch up with Cam Bell. Besides working for Snap Raise, Cam plays professional lacrosse for the Boston Canons. Cam talks about growing up in Maine, his parents divorce and how he learned to stop blaming everyone else and take responsibility for his actions.
Matt May: Persistent and consistent.
April 02, 2019 06:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBIn this episode I catch up with Matt May. Matt talks about growing up playing hockey, getting arrested, and throwing house parties in high school. Even his parents are surprised he turned out ok. Somewhere along the line he learned if you are persistent and consistent, success will come.
Leera Kpea: Keep your "why" tight.
March 26, 2019 06:00 - 33 minutes - 15.4 MBIn this episode, I catch up with Leera Kpea. Leera talks about the pressures of growing up as a Nigerian prince, blowing out his knee playing basketball, and why it is essential to live with a purpose.
Jon Schaub: Be selfless, care about others.
March 18, 2019 19:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBIn this episode I catch up with Jon Schaub in Salem OR. In college Jon learned to “Make the big time where you are” as he played QB for a football program set up by legendary coach Frosty Westering. Growing up as a pastors kid, Jon talks about how his faith motivates him to be selfless and care about others.
Chris Russell: If you say it, do it.
March 11, 2019 21:00 - 31 minutes - 14.7 MBIn this episode I talk with Chris Russell out of Chattanooga. as he talks about how meeting his future wife challenged him to accept responsibility, overcome his fear, and ultimately make better decisions. I love how honest Chris is about how far he has come… oh and he has competed professionally in the World Series of Poker.
Alexis Mićić: Always give back.
March 03, 2019 08:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this episode I have a pretty amazing conversation with Alexis Mićić. Alexis talks the inspirational people in her life, how to improve the education system, the importance of mindfulness, and how she dealt with grief. One of my favorite things is how her mom taught her to "always give back". Alexis has a brilliant mind and she lives her life with so much passion that it’s contagious. Enjoy!
TJ Toth: Starting over
February 25, 2019 21:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode I catch up with TJ Toth. Growing up in New Jersey, TJ was a multi-sport athlete, but his true passion was baseball. TJ talks about being drafted by the Red Sox, bouncing around in the minor leagues, and tearing his shoulder in Spring Training. After his baseball career ended, TJ faced one of the darkest times in his life. Listen to how TJ found his new career with Snap! Raise, and how he is now making more impact in his community than ever before!
Eddie Behringer: The coefficient of hard work.
February 17, 2019 08:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBIn this episode Eddie Behringer, one of the founders of Snap! Raise, talks about growing up and how he learned the value of hard work. Hard work and determination has been the secret to his success in building Snap! Raise. Eddie tells one of my favorite stories about how he overcame adversity when his car ran out of gas on his way to an important sales meeting.
Trevor Moawad Interview: Be good where you are at.
February 10, 2019 08:00 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode I interview Russell Wilson's mental coach Trevor Moawad. He is best known for his "neutral mindset" philosophy. Trevor shares what it was like growing up, and the life lessons he learned along the way. He shares how by being his best at coaching the "b" team, led him to coach the "a" team. "Being good where you are at" is about focusing on the present challenges instead of waiting for the big opportunities.
Cory Dunn: Go through the Line
February 04, 2019 08:00 - 32 minutes - 14.7 MBCollege track star Cory Dunn talks about growing up in Virginia and the life lessons he learned growing up. His coach would always say, "Go through the line", but meant it to be more than a racing technique. Cory also talks about learning to take initiative and responsibility from his father's saying, "If you can't open it, you can't eat it". Also Cory gives us some insight into growing up in the south, the racism he has experienced and how he has use it to empower himself to be a better per...