We train our athletes' bodies religiously—but what about their minds? In this episode, I sit down with Shenna Jean [@shennajean [https://www.instagram.com/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 state This 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.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] Training - 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 hype Language 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.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] Training - 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.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] Training - 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.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] Training - 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 perfection This 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 do Roman'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.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] Training - 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 competition The 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.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train  [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.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train  [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.com Preview 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  [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 structure This 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 [https://www.instagram.com/lindseymunday/] USC Women's Lacrosse: @usctrojanslax [https://www.instagram.com/usctrojanslax/] Whether 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

Stepping into an established program as a new coach? You're about to clash with teenagers who have their own "set ways" of doing things—and not all of them are productive. In this episode, Tex McQuilkin breaks down the counterintuitive truth that coaches who avoid setting firm boundaries aren't creating freedom for their athletes; they're creating insecurity and fear. Drawing from 17 years of coaching experience across multiple programs, Tex explores why teenagers naturally resist authority, how past experiences with unhealthy boundaries shape their behavior, and what it takes to establish rules that actually stick. In this episode, you'll learn: * The two types of boundaries every coach must enforce: non-negotiable moral boundaries (respect, trust, honesty) and personal safety/health boundaries (the rules that keep athletes physically and mentally healthy) * Why the "paradox of freedom" means athletes who can "do whatever they want" are actually the ones most likely to push back and act out—they're searching for structure * The critical importance of consistency—and why inconsistent enforcement teaches athletes to manipulate around the rules * Real stories from the field: the team captain who skipped warm-ups, the cursing rule that builds impulse control, and why stick placement matters more than you think The Bottom Line: The more time you spend correcting behaviors and fighting resistance, the less time you have developing skills and winning games. But establishing boundaries requires courage—the courage to stand firm when teenagers test you, to be consistent when it's uncomfortable, and to prioritize their long-term character development over short-term ease. 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

Youth sports are hemorrhaging athletes at age 12—and the system that's supposed to develop them is actually driving them away.  In this episode, Dr. David Yeager, psychology professor at UT Austin and author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, breaks down exactly what's broken and how coaches can fix it. Dr. Yeager isn't just a researcher—he's in the trenches coaching his kids' baseball and basketball teams, and he's spent his career studying how adults can actually reach and motivate young athletes. In this conversation, we're tackling the hard truths about travel ball, the "joysticking" problem that's robbing kids of development, and why the enforcer and protector coaching mindsets are failing our athletes. What You'll Learn: * Why hockey is seeing a 20% decline in 12-14 year olds despite increased youth participation * The three coaching mindsets and why only one actually works * How U.S. Soccer turned around their development system (and why other sports haven't followed) * The "Neurobiological Incompetence Model" and why we're wrong about teenage brains * Chip Engelland's trust-building approach with NBA players (and how to apply it to your team) * Why "wise feedback" beats the compliment sandwich every time * How to reframe stress so athletes thrive under pressure instead of avoiding it * The self-transcendent purpose approach that makes delayed gratification actually work Dr. Yeager's work with the FUSE program is changing how teachers communicate with students across Texas, and his insights on coaching will change how you show up for your athletes. If you've ever wondered why kids fall out of love with sports or how to create an environment where they actually want to work hard, this episode is for you. 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

"Sports don't teach lessons—coaches do." Captains & Coaches Founder Tex McQuilkin recently joined Mikki O'Neil on the Purpose After Sports Podcast to reflect on his journey from captain to coach. In this compelling conversation, Tex shares his superhero origin story—how rejection from high school football coaches accidentally sparked a movement when he and nine teammates started a lacrosse team in football-obsessed Katy, Texas.  From breaking his leg eight days before his first college game to accidentally injuring an athlete as a novice coach, Tex reveals every pivotal moment that shaped his transformational approach to leadership development. Now a global presenter who's trained tip of the spear operators and coached across 16 countries, Tex continues empowering athletes and coaches to lead with authenticity, purpose, and connection over perfection. 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

The title reflects their journey. Two coaches who've always operated outside the traditional establishment and finding belonging with those who saw the world differently. They became chosen family through the trenches—staying gold even as seasons changed and forced them to grow up.   In this episode, Tex and Luke dive into the psychology of identity—who you are versus who others expect you to be. They explore empathy as the foundation of coaching, the danger of labels and stereotypes, and why understanding someone's perspective changes everything. Luke breaks down practical tools for building self-awareness, filtering criticism, and teaching athletes to find their swagger regardless of external noise.   This conversation is about bridging divides, breaking faulty feedback loops, and staying true to your code even when the world tries to define you differently. KEY TOPICS: - Self-discrepancy theory - Breaking faulty feedback loops created by negative coaching - The Charles Barkley filter - Curiosity + skepticism = the most powerful coaching combination - Body language, swagger, and acting as if - Parenting lessons that translate to coaching - Operating outside the establishment and building chosen family through coaching 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

In sports, laughter isn't a distraction — it's a bonding mechanism. In this episode of Captains & Coaches, Tex McQuilkin dives into the art and science of banter — the playful trash talk, inside jokes, and honest jabs that transform teammates into brothers and sisters in arms. Tex explores how banter becomes the most fun way to deliver candor. Listeners will learn why the best teams master the ball busting balance: pairing humor with humility, honesty with celebration, and competition with connection. From locker-room roasts that build trust to coaching strategies that use humor to break tension, this episode shows how great leaders use laughter to strengthen culture, emotional armor, and resilience. Because when a team can joke, they can trust — and when they can trust, they can win. Key Takeaways: * Why humor and honesty are essential ingredients in high-performing teams * How to balance banter with celebration to avoid cynicism * Tools for coaches to use humor to ease tension and build connection * Ways to test composure and mental toughness through playful trash talk Laugh as a team, grow as a team. 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

What if the most powerful leadership tool isn't a system or strategy—but the depth of connection you create first? In this episode, Tex travels to Indiana to reconnect with Luke Summers, a longtime friend and collaborator who's been there through the trenches of building training systems, coaching armies of coaches, and navigating the messy, beautiful reality of life transitions. This isn't just a trip down memory lane—it's a reflection on how authentic relationships and self-awareness become the foundation for everything meaningful we build. Whether you're a coach questioning your path, a leader navigating change, or someone wondering how your battles have prepared you for what's ahead, this episode will challenge you to look inward before you look forward. Key Topics: * Self-awareness as the cornerstone of effective leadership * Building repeatable systems without losing the human element * Navigating burnout and discovering purpose in new seasons * The power of long-term friendships in sharpening your edge * How to protect relationships while building something together This is Part I of a two-part conversation—because some journeys deserve more than one chapter. 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

"We were either going to win the game or win the fight." - Anthony Mason That's the crossroads every competitor faces. But here's the paradox: the aggression we think makes us tougher often makes us weaker. The intensity we believe gives us an edge can be the very thing that costs us the game—and something far more valuable. In this episode we heat up one of sport's most misunderstood dynamics: the difference between coercive aggression and impactful assertiveness. Most coaches tell athletes to "be more aggressive" or "you gotta want it more." But what if that language is leading us in the wrong direction? What if the fire we're trying to ignite is actually burning down the very character we're trying to build? Here's what we'll unpack: ✅ The Three Types of Aggression – and why only one of them might be serving your performance ✅ Physical, Verbal, and Emotional Assertiveness – the skills that separate leaders from reactors ✅ The Response Ability Routine – a practical framework for mastering the space between stimulus and response ✅ Real Stories from the Trenches – including how one practice fight revealed everything about leadership and intent This isn't about playing soft. It's about playing smart. It's about channeling intensity into impact, not destruction. Because the scoreboard will fade, but who you're becoming through sport? That's permanent. The question isn't whether you compete hard. The question is: what kind of person are you becoming in the process? 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

What if the secret to sustainable nutrition change wasn't more information, but better engagement?   Jen Broxterman, RD, turned her passion for behavior change psychology into a half-million dollar nutrition practice—without traditional marketing. Her approach? Making healthy eating so fun and simple that clients become her biggest advocates. In this conversation, we explore the tools that transform nutrition from a chore into a game. You'll discover: * The Water Balloon Method – A visual tracking system that builds self-awareness without shame or obsession * Netflix Season 2 – A goal-setting framework that helps teens articulate what they truly want (not what they think they should want) * Six by Sixteen – Teaching young adults essential cooking skills through social connection * The Curious Detective – Using motivational interviewing to help athletes solve their own problems  We tackle the hard stuff: energy drinks wreaking havoc on teenage nervous systems, the protein powder trap, why breakfast remains the ultimate battleground, and how to get parents bought into creating environments that serve their athletes.   This episode is for coaches who want to empower rather than prescribe, parents navigating the nutrition chaos of teenage athletics, and anyone who believes that lasting change comes from within—not from another meal plan.  Your environment saves you. Let's design one that works.   Jen Resources: Free masterclass + coaching games: https://www.prospernutritioncoaching.com/shownotes 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 #SportsNutrition #TeenAthletes #BehaviorChange #NutritionCoaching #YouthSports #AthleteDevelopment #MotivationalInterviewing #HealthyTeens #CoachingTools #NutritionForAthletesRetry #teenagers #nutrition

Conflict is inevitable on every team — division isn't. In this episode we're sharpening one of the most underrated skills of great leaders: navigating tension without tearing the team apart. From locker room blow-ups to sideline disagreements, how you handle conflict will either fracture trust or forge stronger bonds. We'll break down the three core goals of healthy conflict resolution, the ground rules every athlete must follow, and the essential mindset shifts captains need to lead hard conversations with respect, humility, and purpose. You'll also learn how to spot low-esteem warning signs before they derail a season and how to turn heated moments into opportunities for growth and deeper connection. Whether you're leading a varsity locker room or building a championship culture from the ground up, this episode gives you the tools to step into conflict with confidence — and come out with a stronger, more united team. 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] #TeamLeadership #ConflictResolution #SportsCulture #CaptainMindset #CoachingTips #TeamBuilding #LockerRoomLeadership #TeamCaptain #AthleteDevelopment #HighSchoolSports #CaptainsAndCoaches

Recorded live at the NSCA Conference, this episode features an in-depth conversation with Justin Lima about the art and science of strength coaching, career development, and the mission behind Strength Coach Network. Key Topics Covered: * Calling Out Bad Training: Why Justin publicly questions dangerous training practices and how he educates "coaches in the middle" through social media * Speaking the Language: How to communicate with sport coaches by learning their terminology and priorities * Programming for High School Coaches: Practical guidance on percentages, rep maxes, and avoiding common traps when resources are limited * Managing Athlete Load: Using reactive strength index (RSI) and other tools to monitor 100+ football players, plus the surprising discovery about when athletes actually perform best * VBT and Technology: When to use velocity-based training and when simpler approaches work better * Microdosing vs. Macrodosing: Why the pendulum has swung too far and when to actually load athletes hard * Game Speed vs. Training Speed: The drag racer vs. Fast & Furious analogy that perfectly explains athletic development * The Four P's Framework: Evaluating jobs based on Pay, Personal Life, Progression, and Purpose—and why Justin left Division 1 football * What's Next: Upcoming book release, sprint mechanics course, medicine ball training book, and the explosion of educational content at Strength Coach Network Perfect for: High school coaches managing multiple responsibilities, college assistants looking to level up, and any strength professional who wants to work more effectively with sport coaches while developing athletes who are both fast and resilient. 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 [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/] #StrengthAndConditioning #StrengthCoach #NSCA #FootballTraining #HighSchoolCoaching #CollegeStrength #CoachingEducation #AthleteDevelopment #StrengthCoachNetwork #SportsPerformance

In this deeply personal episode, host Tex explores how self-image shapes athletic performance and coaching effectiveness—sparked by a painful realization about his own self-deprecating behavior and a recent loss that brought these lessons into sharp focus. Key Topics: * Why your performance will never rise higher than your self-image * The coach expectation cycle and how first impressions shape outcomes * Understanding the athlete's mind: self-discrepancy theory (actual self vs. ideal self vs. ought self) * Warning signs of low self-esteem: negative self-talk, perfectionism, and body language cues * The difference between guilt (a feeling) and shame (a belief)—and why it matters * Practical coaching tools: managing expectations, building mastery-focused environments, and applying self-determination theory (autonomy, competence, relatedness) * How belief drives behavior, which drives performance Tex shares vulnerable insights from his college athletic career, failed opportunities where he talked himself down, and the coaching wisdom gained from years of studying esteem and athlete psychology.  The episode culminates with a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former teammate Drew—a fearless competitor who embodied unwavering self-belief. For coaches: Learn to read the gaps between who your athletes are and who they think they should be, and discover how instruction beats criticism every time. #SportsCoaching #AthleteMindset #SportsLeadership #CoachingPsychology #SelfEsteem #AthleticPerformance #MentalToughness #CoachDevelopment #SportsConfidence #YouthSports