Way Of Champions Podcast

Neill Collins is a former professional soccer player, with nearly 600 appearances across clubs such as Sunderland, Leeds, Wolves, Sheffield United, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. As a player he won promotion to the English Premier League with both Wolves and Sunderland, and played under managers such as Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy. In 2018 he became head coach of the Rowdies, and during his tenure reached two USL Championship Final games and was named USL Championship coach of the year. In 2023 he left to manage Barnsley in League One, and was in a 5th place promotion playoff spot when he was fired in April 2024 with one game to play. In our wide ranging conversation today, we discuss his playing journey and the necessity of dealing with adversity and looking at difficult moments as opportunities, and how that has carried into his coaching career. We discuss how to win in the locker room, first, how important it is to connect not just with your top players but those who do not play much, and how to have difficult

Mike Lee (@whoisMikeLee) is a globally recognized keynote speaker, internationally sold author, and coach who shares high-performance leadership lessons from inside the hearts and minds of NBA’s elite. His work helps individual contributors, leaders and organizations elevate engagement, win the war for talent, and create cultures of belonging in a world of disruption.  For 15 years he spent time with basketball’s 1% including NBA MVPs Steph Curry and Joel Embiid. While leading his basketball training business, he was blindsided by a period of personal and professional adversity, and dove deep into the practices of mindfulness and meditation. Today he’s blended diverse backgrounds of mindset, mindfulness, and high-performance to create a counter-cultural approach to the future of leadership. Learn more and connect at www.mindshiftlabs.com. NEW WOC MASTERMIND AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM As you may have heard, we decided to cancel our 2024 Way of Champions Conference, which opens up the opportunity for us to begin

Maggie Mertens www.MaggieMertens.com) is a writer, journalist, and editor located in Seattle. Her essays and reporting have appeared in The Atlantic, NPR, Sports Illustrated, ESPNw, Deadspin, VICE, The Cut, Glamour, Pacific Standard, Refinery29, and Creative Nonfiction, among others. Her work has also appeared in The Year’s Best Sports Writing 2021 (Triumph Books), Women and Sports in the United States (The University of Chicago Press), and has been nominated for the 2021 Dan Jenkins Medal for Excellence in Sportswriting. She earned a B.A. in English Literature and Italian Studies from Smith College, and an M.F.A. in Creative-Nonfiction Writing from The New School. Today we discuss her new book Better, faster, Farther: How Running Changed Everything we Know About Women. Maggie is a greta story teller and her book/interview discuss the earliest stages of women's running, from the 1896 Olympic marathon, the myth of women collapsing on the track in the 1928 Olympics that set women's sport back decades, to Paula

Tara VanDerveer was the head women's basketball coach at Stanford University from 1985 until her retirement in 2024. VanDerveer was a 10 time Pac-12 Coach of the Year and the 1990 National Coach of the year, and led the Stanford Cardinal to three NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championships: in 1990, 1992 and 2021. She took a leave of absence in 1996 to coach the US Olympic Team to gold in the Atlanta Games, and was indicted to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. In January 2024, she won her 1203rd game and passed legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzweski to become the all time winningest NCAA basketball coach for both men and women.  In our wide ranging talk today, she discusses her new role as a coach mentor for Stanford coaches, creating a values based culture, staying relevant as kids change, The growth of women’s sports and the Caitlin Clark effect, and how great coaches take their players and teams to a place they would never get to on their own. Get ready to take some notes. NEW WOC MASTERMIN

Urs Koenig is a veteran executive coach, professor, ultra-endurance champion, former UN Peacekeeper, author, and keynote speaker. All these seemingly disparate paths led him to one idea: that the best leaders lead from a place of humility. Urs has captured those ideas in his new book, Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human. His lessons come from Big Events like having to pull out of the Race Across America because of a life-threatening condition and watching children in Kosovo enact brutalities they continue to witness in their region. They also come from Small Things like being told off by dad for not preparing properly for a camping trip and getting a dressing-down from a junior officer for a careless mistake. Connect wth him at urs@urskoenig.com NEW WOC MASTERMIND AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM As you may have heard, we decided to cancel our 2024 Way of Champions Conference, which opens up the opportunity for us to begin a year long mastermind and coach certification program in the Way of Champio

This time of year there is a lot of fear in sport, We see it in the Copa America and Euro Soccer championships, Olympic Trials, and even on the youth level as our kids tryout for teams. In this podcast replay from 2021, we are joined by Owen Eastwood (@oweneastwood), one of the world’s most sought after high performance coaches. He has worked with the England Men’s Football (soccer) team during the 2021 Euros, reaching the Final, and has worked with organizations such at NATO Command, South Africa Cricket, Scotland Rugby, the Royal Ballet, and Team GB. We discuss his fantastic new book Belonging: The Ancient Code of Togetherness, in which he sets out the thinking behind his methods of unlocking success, and how they can be adapted to different groups and teams. In the process, he discusses evolutionary science, personal development and philosophy, as he draws on notions of belonging, of shared vision and the spiritual wisdom of his ancestors. We discuss both the biology and psychology of togetherness, fear vs

Dr. Jay Martin is entering his 48th season as the Ohio Wesleyan Men's Soccer Coach in 2024. During his tenure his teams have amassed 750 victories, making Martin the winningest NCAA Men's soccer coach of all time. His teams have also won 2x NCAA Championships and 26 Conference Championships, so he knows a little something about culture and winning each and every day. So when he says "Coaches don;t make great players. Players make great players" we should listen. This week on the podcast  John and Jay discuss his new book Lessons from the Best Coach, why the publisher changed the title at the last second to one he does not like, and how players and teams have both changed and remained the same over the past 48 years. They discuss teaching athletes how to face adversity, empowering your players, and so much more.  If you want to reach out to Jay contact him by email at jamartin@owu.edu. Grab a copy of the book on Amazon here. NEW WOC MASTERMIND AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM As you may have heard, we decided to canc

Stetson Lawrence (@StetsonLawrence) is a former professional bull rider with Chippewa Sioux Native American heritage. He was on the professional tour for over a decade and ranked in the top 25 in the world, reaching 9 PBR World Finals and being the first to ride many of the world's toughest bulls. Bull riding is both an art and a sport where mental strength and stability reign supreme, and today on the podcast Stetson discusses his career,. how he got started, and the numerous injuries suffered including two broken necks, the last of which forced him to retire in 2022. He also discusses how his preparation and use of mental imagery evolved as he got older, his journey into coaching, and the central role of joy and fun throughout his bull riding career. Learn more about Stetson here: https://www.805beer.com/stetson-lawrence/ Check out the great film about Stetson from 805 films on YouTube    NEW WOC MASTERMIND AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM As you may have heard, we decided to cancel our 2024 Way of Champions Confe

Katie Steele (@thrivementalhealththerapy) is a licensed marriage and family therapist and cofounder of Thrive Mental Health, an outpatient mental health clinic in Bend, Oregon. She is also the founder of Athlete’s Mental Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) launched in January 2023. Competing in track and cross-country at the University of Oregon and Florida State University, Katie placed second team all PAC-10 as a redshirt freshman. Through her experiences as an NCAA Division-I athlete, Katie has developed a mission to help integrate mental health care into athletics. Her three kids help fuel her passion to ensure healthy sports systems for all and that children are afforded opportunities to cultivate a lifelong love of physical activity. Today we discuss her new book, co-authored with Tiffany Brown, called The Price She Pays. Learn more at www.AthletesMentalhealthFoundation.org.  NEW WOC MASTERMIND AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM A you may have heard, we decided to cancel ou r2024 Way of Champions Conference, which op

Jeff Jones (@jonseyjeff1) has spent the past four years as the Arkansas St. Red Wolves’ Assistant Athletics Director for Athletics Performance. He has 19 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including prior stops working with football at Arkansas State, Boise State, Auburn and Appalachian State.  Jones came to Arkansas State owning previous Sun Belt Conference championships with both the Mountaineers (2019) and Red Wolves (2012), while also collecting an SEC title at Auburn in 2013 and WAC championships at Boise State in 2006, 2008 and 2009.  During his time at the four schools, they combined to play in 11 bowl games including the 2013 BCS National Championship game with Auburn. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science-health promotion from Central College in Pella, Iowa, in 2006 before going on to earn his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in foundational studies from Boise State University in 2011. He has worked under incredible coaches including chris Peterson and

Andrew Simpson (@coachandrewsimpson), Founder of Player’s Fitness & Performance (PFP), fell in love with fitness while in college. He discovered that by transforming his own energy, athleticism, and mindset, he was able to change his life for the better and knew he needed to help others do the same. In 2013, Andrew established PFP and began a lifelong mission to ignite change and raise the bar for leadership in gyms and youth sports across the country. Over the past decade, Andrew and his team have coached more than 1,000 student-athletes and adults to become more confident and reach their full potential. Andrew is also the author of three books on youth sports. Today we will spend our time discussing The Youth Truth: Coaching and Parenting in Today’s CRAZY Youth Sports World as well as some of his ideas from his book on mindset. Learn more at www.andrewjsimpson.com REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 WAY OF CHAMPIONS CONFERENCE IS OPEN! We just announced our third speaker for our August 9-11 Way of champions C

Welcome to a new edition of one of our famous fireside chats, where John and Jerry discuss some of the common questions we receive. This week we are discussing our new book The Champion Sports Parent, which will be released in late summer. The book is a companion to our 2023 bestseller The Champion Teammate, and is a guide to help  parents be the best they can be for their kids. We break down some of the chapters and themes and ways parents can help their athletes perform their best and become a champion teammate while using sports to fulfill a higher purpose in your child's human development. We also announce some exciting news, our third speaker for our August 9-11 Way of champions Conference in Denver, CO. We will be joined by Chris Armas, head coach for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.  Chris has been a long time MLS Head and assistant coach, as well as assistant at Manchester United and Leeds of the English Premier League. Chris played over 60 times for the US mens National Team, was the 2001

Jamie Mittleman (@flamebearers) is the Founder & Host of Flame Bearers. Founded while Jamie was receiving her Masters of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, Flame Bearers is the first global storytelling platform celebrating the stories of women Olympians and Paralympians. From household names to unsung heroes around the world, each featured story highlights the successes, struggles, and social issues that drive the world’s most prestigious athletes. Flame Bearers brings these champions’ stories to life via podcasts, videos, and live events. Jamie also has her MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and a Bachelors in International Studies from Middlebury College. A believer that it’s hard to be what you can’t see, Jamie is passionate about elevating voices that have historically been underrepresented and championing role models from all corners of the world. Today she shares those stories and some of her own, with Jerry and John. Website: http://flamebearers.com/ LinkedIn: https:/

Margaret Domka is the Executive Director for the US Center for Mental Health and Sport (@mentalhealthandsport). She is a PhD Candidate at Clemson University where her research focus is mental health and sport. Additionally, she has done work in bringing mental health and sport initiatives to Veterans, individuals with paralysis, and Paralympic athletes. She is an ACT! Mental Health Awareness Certification and Mental Health First Aid instructor and holds the International Olympic Committee’s Certificate on Mental Health in Elite Sport. Margaret is also a former FIFA Women's World Cup referee and served on the USA panel of FIFA referees for 10 years. She continues to referee blind soccer, for the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football, and for Special Olympics. She also serves on the USYS Midwest Region Referee Advisory Committee and the USYS DE&I Committee. Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning is an associate professor at Clemson University who has been awarded over $1 million in grants to bring mental hea

For over 20 years Graham Betchart has worked as a mental performance coach with the worlds top athletes and companies and is now sharing his wisdom through keynote speaking and music. For the past two years he has worked with University of Connecticut Men's Basketball Players, winning back to back NCAA titles, and has also worked with the NBA's Sacramento Kings as well as a who's who of individual NBA stars.  His gift is simplifying mental training and making it accessible for all. His unique vibe adn authenticity comes through in our chat, as well as through his videos and music he creates ot develop more mindful, mentally tough performers. His method and teachings are included in his two books Play Present (2014) and Founder (2023), and his website is www.capitolacoaching.com. You will want a pen and paper for this one as you will have a lot of notes to take! REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 WAY OF CHAMPIONS CONFERENCE IS OPEN! Save $100 if you sign up prior to June 30, and save 50% per person for groups of five o

Angela Hucles Mangano is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist for US Soccer, two-time World Cup Bronze Medalist, former professional soccer player and the US Soccer Foundation’s 2009 Humanitarian of the Year.  She is currently the General Manager of Los Angeles’ women’s professional soccer team, Angel City FC, overseeing the sporting vision of the club, and all soccer operations including coaching, the first team, player care, medical and performance, sports science, and all wellness programs and resources.   Her passion is in helping others achieve their goals and dreams and has over 35 years experience in the sports industry.  Angela has become a regular speaker on topics of leadership and the power of sport and its impact on personal growth and development.    Angela is a Past President of the Women’s Sports Foundation, founded by Billie Jean King, and was a soccer analyst for FOX, ESPN, and NBC during the Women’s World Cups, Olympic games, and ACC / SEC women’s and men’s college soccer.     She i

Pete Steinberg is a leadership and innovation expert with extensive experience consulting with top Fortune 500 professionals. He also has more than 20 years of experience as an elite rugby coach, coaching the USA Women’s Rugby Team at two World Cups and the Rio Olympics. As a former U.S., international, and Olympic sports coach and commentator for major outlets such as CBS, ESPN, and Fox Sports, Pete has a track record of bringing teams to victory. He has won 11 National Championships with the Penn State Women, MARFU Men, and Temple Women rugby teams. He has also worked with the Men’s Eagles and other age-grade programs within the U.S. National team pathway. Pete was the Head of Coach Development for USA Rugby, leading the program as it became integrated into the World Rugby programs. Pete is also the President of Innovative Thought, a business consultancy focused on leadership and organizational development. He supports clients in the areas of innovation, leadership, strategic planning, marketing, recruiting

Former Navy SEAL, professional athlete, and entrepreneur Chad Metcalf (@chadmetcalf) is the author of Young Athletes’ Ultimate Guide to Mental Toughness. Chad’s journey began when he was a child. A self-described ‘late bloomer,’ he had the importance of faith, self-belief and focus instilled in him at a young age, equipping him with a strong mental toughness that he would carry forward and apply to every challenge he faced. Following a 12-year career in the SEAL Teams, he chased his PGA Tour dream. After running out of money for a third time he knew it was time to strike the balance between pursuing his passions and knowing when a new strategy was necessary, pulling himself out of negative mindsets, and using his setbacks to help him grow and move on to complete great things. He is firm in his belief that without his faith, growth mindset, and mental resilience, he could not have discovered what he was capable of. Now, with an MBA and a new career under his belt, Chad remains committed to developing new s

Colleen Munson concluded her 19th season at the helm of Western Michigan volleyball in 2023. During her tenure at WMU, Munson has posted 10 20-win seasons, including a program-record eight in a row from 2005-12. She has taken the Broncos to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2023, including a berth in the Sweet 16 in 2008.  Taking over a program in 2005 that had finished better than third in the MAC West just three times since 1990, Munson has led Western Michigan to six MAC West championships, including outright MAC regular season titles in 2008 and 2023, MAC Tournament titles and trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2014 and 2023, and NCAA Tournament at-large bids in 2008 and 2011. Western Michigan had one of its best seasons in program history in 2023, as it won both the MAC Regular Season and Tournament titles on the way to a 31-3 record, its first 30-win season since 1983. The Broncos went a perfect 18-0 in the conference to become the first team to go undefeated in MAC play since 2014. Munson's sq

Steve Tashjian is the Founder of Elevation Project, which collaborates with elite organizations, communities, and institutions to build high-performance teams and systems. Steve is an expert physical therapist, sports scientist, movement specialist, and director of high performance. He was the High Performance Director of the Columbus Crew of MLS before becoming the first full-time American performance specialist in the English Premier League, leading the Sport Science efforts for Everton Football Club. He led the high performance department for U.S. Men’s Soccer Team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and has prepared triathletes for the Kona Ironman, boxers for world title fights, supported Matt Fitzpatrick for the 2023 PGA Championship and US Open, and just announced a consultancy with AC Milan of the Italian Serie A. Beyond sport, he has coached executive VPs at Stanley 1913, performance directors at the Phoenix Suns, helped the Colorado Rapids (MLS) develop organizational identity. Today we discuss his