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The Crown Refs Podcast
Paul Diasparra
343 episodes
1 week ago
The Crown Refs Podcast is the ultimate audio experience for basketball officials looking to elevate their craft, build confidence, and achieve long-term success on and off the court. Hosted by Paul Diasparra, this podcast helps referees master their skills, refine their judgment, and develop a strong officiating mindset. It features top names in officiating like Joey Crawford, Roger Ayers, Dee Kantner, Maia Chaka, Lisa Mattingly, Tyler Ford, Penny Davis, Reggie Greenwood, Scott Foster, Al Battista, Crystal Hogan, Bo Boroski, Gary Vee, Clarence Armstrong, and more. #Servethegame
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Basketball
Sports
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All content for The Crown Refs Podcast is the property of Paul Diasparra and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Crown Refs Podcast is the ultimate audio experience for basketball officials looking to elevate their craft, build confidence, and achieve long-term success on and off the court. Hosted by Paul Diasparra, this podcast helps referees master their skills, refine their judgment, and develop a strong officiating mindset. It features top names in officiating like Joey Crawford, Roger Ayers, Dee Kantner, Maia Chaka, Lisa Mattingly, Tyler Ford, Penny Davis, Reggie Greenwood, Scott Foster, Al Battista, Crystal Hogan, Bo Boroski, Gary Vee, Clarence Armstrong, and more. #Servethegame
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Basketball
Sports
Episodes (20/343)
The Crown Refs Podcast
#412 The Preseason Push 2 | Verbal Flops, Leading with Conviction, & How to Help our Partners.

In Episode 2 of Preseason Push, we take you directly into the action with a raw blend of live high school fall league audio, and postgame feedback inside the locker room after a college. This episode is designed to sharpen your lens heading into the season on how to serve the game by keeping coaches coaching, players playing, and officials in rhythm with each other.

We break down a collection of high-impact teaching points like adopting a “next play mentality” and auditing your inner voice with positive self-talk only. We dive into nuanced court coverage strategies—like not blowing while rotating, initiating center rotation during mid-court traps, and picking up partner cues to improve crew cohesion. You’ll also learn how to maintain conviction, stay cool under pressure, and manage chaos with clarity. From recognizing verbal flops to vocalizing “dive-on foul,” this episode is packed with small, actionable nuggets that sharpen your judgment, elevate your voice, and help you be an A+ in every situation.


🏀Join the Community

patreon.com/crownrefs


🛒10% Uniform Discount Code-CRW10

refereestore.com/basketball

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1 week ago
33 minutes 42 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#411 The Clinician's Corner

Step into The Clinician’s Corner, a special episode capturing the heart of Crown Refs camp culture—where education meets elevation. This episode features a dynamic mix of live post-game feedback sessions from camp season, offering real-time coaching moments, layered breakdowns, and invaluable takeaways for officials at every level. Whether it's tightening up your push signal, improving court presence, or making smart rotations, this audio experience puts you courtside with someone who is invested in helping you grow the most.

You'll hear in-depth guidance on topics like freedom of movement, possession consequence, using directional points with clarity, effective timeout reporting, and managing coach interactions with confidence. We also unpack advanced officiating principles like dead ball officiating, avoiding reactionary whistles, and refining your movement, mechanics, and communication. This episode is full of golden nuggets and a perfect listen for anyone committed to serving the game at a higher level.

Join our Community

Patreon.com/crownrefs

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2 weeks ago
33 minutes 21 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#410 How Officials Get Selected to the NCAA Tournament | with John Blazek | D2 Men's National Coordinator of Officials

How Officials Get Selected: Behind the National Tournament Process

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we sit down with John Blazek, the National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officials for NCAA Division II and a 15-year Division I official. With a rich background as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal, Blazek brings a lifetime of leadership experience to the mic.

This conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the NCAA selection process for national tournament officials. John shares his full methodology—how he evaluates officials, what he looks for, and how he follows up on performance. He dives deep into the new 2025 NCAA-Men's rules, including the nuances of continuous motion and the coach’s challenge, offering clear teaching points and even a unique tip involving layup lines. You’ll also hear his three-step approach to managing coaches, the importance of people skills in officiating, and his perspective on what makes someone truly ready for the next level.

John also took a moment to review some Crown Refs film and offer direct feedback, making this an incredibly valuable episode for both aspiring and experienced officials who want a look under the hood of how the highest levels operate.

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3 weeks ago
1 hour 37 minutes 29 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#409 The Referee HelpDesk | Court Support #2

This episode of The Referee Help Desk brings together real officiating questions from across all Crown Refs platforms and turns them into lessons for officials at every level. Topics include when to use the block signal, how to report fouls efficiently, handling technical fouls calmly, and mastering the Start–Develop–Finish–Decide philosophy for slowing down the whistle and improving judgment. The episode also dives into partner communication, ambidextrous signaling, film study strategies, and how to approach youth games with the right balance of patience and authority.

We also discuss proper footwear, nutrition, résumé building for camp season, and navigating clinician feedback at tryout camps. Whether you’re learning how to self-film your games, refining your on-court presence, or looking for insight into managing your mental game, this session delivers practical, experience-based guidance designed to help every official grow.

💬 Submit your officiating questions to crownrefs@gmail.com to get featured in a future Referee Help Desk episode.


Join Crown Refs

patreon.com/crownrefs

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1 month ago
27 minutes 10 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#408 The Referee HelpDesk | Court Support #1

Welcome to The Referee Helpdesk, the customer support center for basketball officials. Each week, I take questions I’ve received from referees across all platforms and answer them on Tik Tok Live—turning real-world scenarios into teachable moments for the entire officiating community. Think of it as your on-demand support line for everything that happens on and off the court.

In this episode, we cover how to handle partners who see the game differently, and when it’s appropriate to change your call. We also dive into de-escalation tactics with coaches (“I’m very approachable…”), building credibility early, conducting productive postgame discussions, and balancing confidence with humility as you advance.

🎧 Submit your officiating questions to crownrefs@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode—and help other referees grow through your curiosity. Serve the game.

Join our community

patreon.com/crownrefs

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1 month ago
21 minutes 43 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#407 The Preseason Push | feat. Chris Velaoras

The Preseason PUSH | Feat. Chris Velaoras

This episode features clips from May’s Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic (Signal School Session) plus new halftime and post-game conversations from three fall-league games.

Topics covered include:

  • Getting together on all borderline intentional fouls

  • Dead Ball officiating readiness during dive on fouls

  • Faking being fouled and how to identify acting vs. genuine contact

  • When and why to use an immediate whistle

  • The FACTS framework — Fouls, Arrow, Clock, Timeouts, Situation

  • Maintaining composure during chaos — staying calm on thunderous crash plays

  • Developing poise and patience through timing, cadence, and confidence

  • Building crew chemistry and using positivity to elevate your partners

  • Signal School insights: sharpening your presentation, posture, and purpose on the floor

This episode delivers equal parts education and inspiration — giving you real-time application, emotional control tools, and the mindset needed to Serve the Game at a higher level.

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1 month ago
44 minutes 29 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#406 NCAA-M Rules Review | Rule 10: Fouls & Penalties | Hosted by Chris and Mikaiya

In this Crown Refs community rules session, Chris Velaoras and Mikaiya Moore led an in-depth breakdown of Rule 10: Fouls and Penalties, providing referees with the knowledge and clarity they need heading into the season. The discussion explored the different categories of fouls, including Flagrant 1 and Flagrant 2, using the WIF principle—windup, impact, and follow-through—as a practical framework to help officials assess severity on the court. The session also addressed contact dead-ball technical fouls and offered insight into how referees can apply judgment in live-game situations with confidence and consistency.

The group also reviewed the distinctions between Class A and Class B technical fouls, complete with examples that translate the rulebook into real-game application. Whether you’re a newer official or a veteran preparing for the upcoming refresher exam, this session offered a valuable chance to sharpen your understanding of penalties, improve consistency, and grow more comfortable handling high-pressure calls.


🛒 Check out our new Stan Store

stan.store/crownrefs

👥 Join our Community

patreon.com/crownrefs

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1 month ago
1 hour 31 minutes 9 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#405 Building Better Referees from the Ground Up | with Chris Rastatter | D1 Men's National Coordinator

FOR FULL EPISODE GO TO PATREON.COM/CROWNREFS

Chris Rastatter is the NCAA Men’s Division 1 National Coordinator of Officials, overseeing mechanics, training, and tournament selections for men’s college basketball. A 27-year DI referee, Chris worked the NCAA Tournament before moving into his leadership role, where he now mentors and evaluates the nation’s top officials.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • 🚦 Points of Emphasis for 2025–26: Why continuous motion will spark offense, how the coach’s challenge could add clarity and excitement, and why rule alignment across levels matters.

  • 🏀 Mechanics & Positioning: Trail position high vs. low, center working inside-out, lead rotations with purpose, and why clock awareness is a separator.

  • 👥 Crewship & Communication: Putting game first, crew second, self last; how to address issues in real time; and the cadence of secondary whistles.

  • 🧠 Mindset Breakthroughs: The power of making the game “slow down,” and why mentors are vital for confidence and composure.

  • 🎯 Evaluation & Advancement: What coordinators look for in postseason selection, how officials advance rounds in the tournament, and why accuracy, demeanor, and trust outweigh flash.

  • 💡 Chris’s Wisdom: One play doesn’t define a career—own it, move on.

This episode is packed with concrete tactics, powerful insights, and behind-the-scenes perspective on how top-level officials are trained, evaluated, and selected.


FOR FULL EPISODE GO TO PATREON.COM/CROWNREFS

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2 months ago
1 hour 6 minutes 49 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#404 Pro City Runs | feat. Kenny Widgeon | with additional commentary

Step inside the action at New York City’s legendary Pro City at LIU Brooklyn, where we miked up NBL official Kenny Widgeon. Kenny’s journey is as unique as it is inspiring—he broke into the professional ranks in Australia after a connection through the Crown Refs Podcast with Scott Butler, the NBL’s Coordinator of Officials. With years of experience on both sides of the globe, Kenny brings a calm, seasoned presence to one of the most competitive summer leagues in the country.

In this episode, officials will take away practical lessons on handling tough in-game conversations: how to respond when a coach criticizes your partner, what to say when players demand an instant answer, and the one word that must never be tolerated in scholastic settings. Kenny also models how to use self-talk on every possession to stay locked in and project strong court presence. Plus, you’ll hear a proven one-liner that instantly moves the dialogue forward and gets everyone back to the next play. This episode is packed with actionable communication tools, mindset strategies, and game management insights you can bring straight to the floor.


🏀 Join the Crown Refs Community

patreon.com/crownrefs

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2 months ago
15 minutes 58 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#403 Whistle Wisdom | with Montrell Cade | Mentorship, Reps, & Confidence in Officiating | Division 1 Official

In this inspiring episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, Paul welcomes longtime community member and high-character official Montreal Cade, who currently resides in Columbia, Maryland. Montreal began his officiating journey through the intramural program at Towson University before getting certified and working high school basketball for the past eight years. Over the last six years, he has steadily climbed into the college ranks, working NCAA games and recently officiated his first state championship game at the University of Maryland.

This episode is packed with rich insight and valuable lessons for officials at all levels. Some of the key topics and takeaways include:

🔹 Mentorship
— Why we outgrow some mentors and need to seek new ones
— The importance of finding mentors who fit you personally and culturally
— Giving back to mentees with intentionality, resources, and active support

🔹 Reps and Game Experience
— Quantity vs. Quality of reps
— Importance of exposing yourself to new environments, leagues, and challenges
— Offseason as the time to experiment and officiate free of fear

🔹 Confidence and Presence
— Voice as a reflection of confidence
— How gym familiarity impacts verbal engagement
— Using directional presence to show leadership and earn respect

🔹 Rule Knowledge as a Foundation
— The #1 key to confidence on the court
— Learning from mistakes
— Being committed to continuous rule study and mechanics mastery

🔹 Growth and Change
— You are the sum of who you surround yourself with
— Incremental change over perfection
— How your habits, reps, and support system must evolve as your goals grow

🔹 Final Advice
— Consistency over perfection
— Everyone falls down before they learn to walk
— Bring someone with you: mentorship creates sustainability in officiating

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3 months ago
52 minutes 9 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#402 The Coordinator's Cut | w/Lisa Mattingly | SEC Coordinator of Officials

In this powerful episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we welcome Lisa Mattingly, Coordinator of Officials for the SEC and one of the most respected voices in women’s college basketball officiating. A veteran of the WNBA and NCAA Final Fours, Lisa has spent decades refining her craft both on and off the court. She brings unmatched wisdom, authenticity, and candor to the conversation as she reflects on her officiating journey, her transition from working national semifinal games to leading one of the top officiating programs in the country, and the importance of mentorship, character, and long-term development in the officiating profession.


Throughout the episode, Lisa shares key insights on climbing the ladder to the Division I level, the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and learning through video, as well as how to communicate effectively with coaches. She emphasizes the power of authenticity, grace, and humility in officiating, reminding listeners to always lead with kindness and purpose. Whether you're a new official or a seasoned veteran, Lisa's reflections offer both timeless guidance and fresh inspiration for those dedicated to serving the game.


💥 Join the Community

Patreon.com/crownrefs

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4 months ago
1 hour 21 minutes 16 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#401 The Skill Development Series | Part 1

🎙️ Welcome to The Skill Development Series! This episode was recorded at our first-ever in-person event — the Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic held on April 12, 2025, in Berlin, Connecticut. It was a long-awaited, highly anticipated, and special day that brought together core Crown Refs family members for a unique experience of relationship-building, learning, and growth. The event was designed as an intimate, small-group setting with only nine invited officials to ensure maximum impact and personal attention.

In this episode, you’ll hear a variety of raw, behind-the-scenes audio from the day — including the morning meet & greet, sideline conversations, community interviews, halftime breakdowns, and postgame feedback sessions. This episode puts you right there with us on the court and in the classroom. We hope you enjoy the experience and we look forward to seeing you at a future Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic!

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4 months ago
47 minutes 16 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#400 Episode 400 | feat. Ashley Birch | G-League & NCAA-W Official

Recorded live from CayVision Podcast Studios, episode 400 features Ashley Birch, a driven and inspiring NCAA Division I and NBA G-League official. Born and raised in Kansas City and now based in Dallas, Ashley opens up about her path into officiating after a playing career and a background in tech. Just completed her first season with the G-League, she talks about adapting to the speed, athleticism, and expectations of the men’s pro game, as well as the mental and emotional tools she’s built along the way.This episode offers great value for every official, from the ambitious newcomers to those striving for the highest levels. Ashley discusses how she balances multiple rulebooks, the shift from reffing women’s to men’s games, the power of positive self-talk, and how community and mentorship have shaped her journey. Her story is a testament to belief, grit, and the importance of being a student of the game. 🎙️👟

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5 months ago
1 hour 11 minutes 58 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#399 Game Notes 043 | Jesse Stricherz | Belle Fourne, SD

In Game Notes 043, we sit down with South Dakota official Jesse Stricherz for a reflective and educational IPR breakdown. Jesse, who began officiating at age 15, brings decades of experience and humility to the table as he shares the highs and challenges of managing competitive games. One of the standout moments in this episode is Jesse's discussion around coach interactions, particularly navigating a heated sideline exchange with a calm but firm response. The episode dives deep into his decision-making, signals, positioning, and ability to match the energy of emotional coaches without losing composure—an essential skill for any official climbing the ranks.


This episode is a goldmine for officials seeking practical tools and game-ready insights. Topics include anticipating secondary defenders, traveling violations, the art of stepping down, patient whistles, communication cues, crew dynamics, and tactical rotation philosophy. Jesse’s vulnerability and growth mindset shine through, as does our supportive community surrounding him on the call. Whether you’re new to officiating or a seasoned vet, this conversation will leave you feeling more connected to the craft—and inspired to serve the game with purpose.

🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣

Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣

⁣

🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣

https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣

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🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣

https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣


🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣

https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

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6 months ago
1 hour 35 minutes 33 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#398 Top 5 Ways to grow your officiating game | 5 Tips & Tricks Podcast

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we share a powerful conversation originally featured on the Five Tips & Tricks Podcast, where the spotlight is on what it truly takes to grow and thrive as a basketball official. The discussion covers the foundational pillars of officiating development—including mastering the rule book, maximizing game reps, breaking down film, and attending referee camps to accelerate learning. It also explores the current officiating shortage and the critical role that mentorship and community support play in both retention and advancement.


Listeners will hear how a commitment to growth and a passion for service led to the creation of a global network focused on education, accountability, and professional development. The episode goes beyond mechanics and play-calling, highlighting the character-building aspects of officiating and the purpose-driven mindset required to excel in the craft. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep in your journey, this conversation reinforces the power of staying connected to a community that supports your evolution every step of the way.


🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣

Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣

⁣

🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣

https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣

⁣

🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣

https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣


🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣

https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

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6 months ago
31 minutes 1 second

The Crown Refs Podcast
#397 How we built the Crown Refs Community | The Sports Corner Podcast

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we explore the journey from our inception to becoming a thriving community for basketball officials. The narrative begins before 2018, detailing the launch of inaugural show, "The Basketball Shop," co-hosted by Mr. Pink. It then delves into the introduction of the Individual Performance Report (IPR) service—a film review and game breakdown offering—that provides officials with invaluable feedback to enhance their skills.


We share insights about the organic growth of the Crown Refs community, particularly through the launch on the Patreon platform in 2021. This initiative fostered a network of like-minded, dedicated, and passionate basketball officials united by shared values. The episode underscores the importance of adding individuals who embody these principles, contributing to an enriching and empowering environment. Additionally, it highlights the latest chapter in the Crown Refs story: the introduction of in-person skill development clinics, set to commence on April 12, 2025, with plans for monthly clinics throughout the spring. These clinics aim to further support officials in their continuous pursuit of excellence.


🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣

Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣

⁣

🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣

https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣

⁣

🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣

https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣

⁣

🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣

https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

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7 months ago
54 minutes 56 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#396 The Long List of Ingredients to cut out of your Diet | The Dialed In Podcast | Ep. 2

In this episode of The Dialed In Podcast, Paul and Marc continue their mission of inspiring transformation and optimization. Marc dives deep into his journey through fitness, nutrition, and movement training, sharing key insights on nutrient timing, gut health, and aligning your habits with your goals. His practical tips provide a relatable and motivating perspective on staying consistent—even through challenges like the holiday season.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to clean up their diet, as Paul and Marc break down the long list of additives, emulsifiers, dyes, artificial colors, fillers, and other synthetic ingredients that are hiding in everyday foods. They also tackle essential mindset shifts—reframing thoughts for positivity and empowerment—and discuss how intentional habits can help spread joy.

If you’re ready to elevate your health, cut out the junk, and take control of your well-being, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you move forward.

🚀 Your wellness breakthrough starts here. Let’s get Dialed In!

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8 months ago
1 hour 29 minutes 14 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#395 From Stripes to Strategy | feat. Ken Joslin | Entrepreneur, Faith-Based Leader, Former NCAA Official | GROW STACK DRIVE

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we sit down with Ken Joslin, a former NCAA women’s basketball referee and college baseball umpire who transitioned from officiating to becoming a top entrepreneur, speaker, and coach. Ken shares his inspiring journey through the officiating ranks, including his pivotal moment at an SEC/ACC umpire camp, where he was told that in order to reach the next level, he needed to lose weight. That feedback sparked a transformative journey, leading him to lose 100 pounds and ultimately shift his focus to business and leadership. While he stepped away from officiating, the lessons he learned on the court and the field—communication, composure, and decision-making—became foundational to his success in the business world.


Now, as the CEO of GROW STACK DRIVE and the creator of the CREATE Conference, Ken helps faith-based entrepreneurs build confidence, gain clarity, and create a powerful network. He’s shared stages with top leaders like John Maxwell and Grant Cardone, and his As The Leader Grows podcast and best-selling book have impacted thousands. In this episode, Ken offers valuable insights for referees looking to elevate their mindset, develop leadership skills, and create opportunities beyond officiating. Whether you’re chasing your next playoff assignment or thinking about life after refereeing, Ken’s wisdom on personal development and success will leave you motivated to level up.


🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣

Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣

⁣

🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣

https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣

⁣

🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣

https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣

⁣

🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣

https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

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8 months ago
35 minutes 6 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#394 Runnin Ref | with Austin Ardrey

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we sit down with Austin Ardrey, also known as the Runnin Ref, to dive into the intersection of fitness, officiating, and performance training. Austin is a former strength and conditioning coach at the collegiate level who transitioned into working with officials to help them stay injury-free, mobile, and game-ready. Through his Runnin Ref training programs, he provides sport-specific strength and conditioning for basketball, football, and soccer officials, tailoring workouts to meet the unique demands of officiating. Austin shares his personal fitness routine, daily discipline, and how he balances strength training, mobility, and nutrition to optimize performance on and off the court.


Key takeaways from this conversation include injury prevention strategies, the importance of mobility, pregame and postgame routines, and how fitness plays a crucial role in officiating longevity. We also discuss the common mistakes officials make in their training, how to build a sustainable fitness routine, and what every official should be doing to improve their movement and durability. Whether you’re looking to enhance your physical fitness as an official or gain insights into how movement training can transform your game, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Thank you for listening to the Crown Refs Podcast—the audio experience for basketball officials. 


🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣

Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣

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🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣

https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣

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🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣

https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣

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🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣

https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

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8 months ago
54 minutes 4 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
#393 2025 In-Season Notes | Keep Serving the Game!

In this episode of The Crown Refs Podcast, we dive into key insights for the 2025 season, breaking down the habits, mindset shifts, and game strategies that separate great officials from the rest.

Topics Covered:

✅ Stop Judging Your Partners’ Calls – Focus on your role and elevate the crew.

✅ Next Play Mentality – Stay locked in and avoid dwelling on the past.

✅ Handling Reactions – Don’t be shocked by coaches, players, or fans—stay composed.

✅ Back-to-Back Technical Fouls – When and how to manage escalating situations.

✅ Hustle is Non-Negotiable – A lack of effort will always stand negatively out.

✅ Hierarchy of the Game – Understanding the game always comes before us.

✅ Partner Communication – Effective, efficient, and professional crew conversations.

✅ Reacting vs. Responding – Mastering emotional control in high-pressure moments.

✅ Intuitive Anticipation – Seeing the play develop without and anticipating the point of contact.

💡If you’re looking to sharpen your game and level up as an official, this episode is a must-listen.


🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣

Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣

⁣

🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣

https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣

⁣

🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣

https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣

⁣

🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣

https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

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9 months ago
46 minutes 56 seconds

The Crown Refs Podcast
The Crown Refs Podcast is the ultimate audio experience for basketball officials looking to elevate their craft, build confidence, and achieve long-term success on and off the court. Hosted by Paul Diasparra, this podcast helps referees master their skills, refine their judgment, and develop a strong officiating mindset. It features top names in officiating like Joey Crawford, Roger Ayers, Dee Kantner, Maia Chaka, Lisa Mattingly, Tyler Ford, Penny Davis, Reggie Greenwood, Scott Foster, Al Battista, Crystal Hogan, Bo Boroski, Gary Vee, Clarence Armstrong, and more. #Servethegame