
Hosted by Coaching Culture Podcast · EN

🧪 Coaching Like a Scientist: How Observation & Values Led to a State TitleWhat does it mean to "coach like a scientist"? In Part 2 of our conversation with first-year varsity head coach and podcast editor Mckenzie Ridgely, we explore the evolution of leadership that goes far beyond personality.Mckenzie reflects on her journey from thinking leadership meant being the "loudest and meanest" to realizing that her best self involves observing how her players respond and shifting her methods to meet them where they are. We dive deep into the "Team Manifesto"—how co-created values became the ultimate tool for accountability during a high-stakes championship run.In this episode, we discuss:Evolving the "Best Self": Why coaching based on personality alone is a trap, and how to adapt your energy to get the best out of others.The "Scientist" Approach: Learning to treat every practice and game as an experiment, using player feedback (verbal and behavioral) to guide your next move.Values as a Tool, Not Just a Poster: The critical moment Mckenzie used team values to turn around a failing scrimmage and set the tone for the season.The TOC Safety Net: The power of a non-judgmental community for testing new systems and finding support in the "mind games" of leadership.The Story of the Season: Implementing team journaling to help players reflect on their growth and the memories that led to a State Championship.Key Resources Mentioned:Annie Duke on Decision-Making (Podcast Episode)Jennifer Garvey Berger on Mind Traps (Podcast Series)The TOC JournalConnect with us:Join the FREE TOC Coach Community to access the same tools Mckenzie used to lead her team to a state title.👉 Visit to https://www.skool.com/toccoach/about learn more!#CoachingCulture #Leadership #TeamCulture #StateChampions #FieldHockey #GrowthMindset #CoachLife #TOCcommunity

McKenzie Ridgely joins the hosts to discuss her successful first season as a varsity head coach, focusing on the implementation of culture systems and resources from TOC (The Coaches' Community). She highlights the importance of "working on the front end"—establishing clear expectations, systems, and communication with players and parents before the season starts. Key topics covered include the structure and impact of her initial parent meeting, the process for selecting captains and forming a leadership council, using player development plans, and strategies for communicating playing time decisions and handling late-season pressure.Get your copy of the TOC Leadership Journal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/94...Join us on the 2026 TOC Leadership Retreat! https://www.thriveoncoaching.ie/retreatsSubscribe to the TOC Newsletter: https://tocculture.com/culture-toolbox

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.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

In Part 2, Coach JT Toczynski dives deeper into the specific culture-building activities he implements with his high school basketball team. He emphasizes the importance of fostering vulnerability, community engagement, and mental toughness. JT shares details about "speed dating" for new players, "hero and hardship" circles for deeper connection, annual community service at a senior home, and "Hell Day" exercises designed to push mental and physical limits.A significant part of the discussion revolves around JT's personal growth as a coach, specifically his journey to become more demanding while maintaining strong relationships with his players. He candidly shares his "immunity to change" — his fear of not being liked or replicating negative past experiences — and how he actively worked to overcome this. A particularly impactful story highlights a difficult, yet breakthrough, exit interview where vulnerability and embracing silence led to a strengthened relationship with a challenging player.The conversation concludes with JT detailing his system for maintaining high standards in practice through behavioral accountability and empowering captains. He also reflects on the shift from a "fixer" mentality to allowing players to process emotions, and his ongoing "north star" of being a demanding coach whose players will ultimately respect and appreciate the challenging experience.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

This podcast episode features an insightful conversation with high school basketball coach Jonathan "JT" Toczynski, tracing his evolution from a transactional to a transformational coach. Starting as a freshman coach in 2018, JT shares his initial struggles, pivotal "aha" moments, and intentional strategies for building a thriving team culture centered on joy, care, and trust. His journey highlights the power of self-reflection, continuous learning, and courageous application of new coaching philosophies.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

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.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

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.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rob, the head coach of the University of Vermont's national championship soccer team. In this episode, Rob takes us behind the scenes of their incredible journey, revealing that their success was built on far more than just tactics.Discover how Rob fosters a deep connection between his team and the vibrant Vermont community, viewing UVM Athletics as the state's "Real Madrid." He shares his philosophy of embracing diversity, nurturing individual strengths, and building authentic relationships that extend beyond the field. Learn about the intentional rituals that forge a strong team identity, like no-phone trivia at team meals, and how a focus on empowerment over over-coaching allows his players to thrive instinctually.Rob's humility and commitment to continuous learning shine through as he discusses how he gathers insights from community leaders and continually seeks to improve. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, offering invaluable takeaways for anyone looking to build a resilient, connected, and ultimately victorious team.Tune in to hear:Why community integration is paramount for sustained success.The power of intentional, simple rituals in building team cohesion.How to empower your team members and foster a culture of ownership.The true meaning of winning beyond the scoreboard.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

This episode of the Coaching Culture podcast, hosted by JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterrick, delves into a profound distinction: team being vs. team building. Inspired by their recent transformative TOC retreat, the hosts argue that true team connection and growth emerge not from elaborate team-building activities, but from intentionally created time and space for individuals to simply be together.The common misconception is that "team building" requires specific, often activity-focused events like paintball or bowling. However, the hosts emphasize that it's less about what people do together and more about the simple act of being together, allowing time to slow down, fostering deep listening, and creating an environment where individuals feel truly seen.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

Part two of our conversation with Graham Roxburgh, the founder of Team Up, an organization that leverages the power of sport to enhance community development projects around the world. Graham shares the inspiring origin story of Team Up, born from a desire to move beyond simply playing games to actively assisting local leaders in their efforts to transform their communities. The conversation highlights Team Up's unique approach of listening to local needs and providing resources, including teams, coaches, equipment, and energy, to support existing initiatives in areas like education, nutrition, and community building. The episode also touches on the profound impact these experiences have not only on the communities served but also on the athletes and coaches who participate.Learn about TeamUp and the impact you and your team can make in communities around the world! https://teamup.world/https://www.instagram.com/teamup.worldSubscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture