In Episode 108, Paul McVeigh, Performance and Sports Psychologist, Author of The Stupid Footballer is Dead, and former footballer with Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City, and Northern Ireland, talks with Phil and Paul about great life and leadership lessons he has learned from his time playing football at the highest level, how to improve your normal, how he has overcome adversity, why we should want failure in our lives, the importance of thinking about thinking and mixing intensity with control, and the best leaders he played with during his football career. Specifically, Paul discusses: His personal story, how he developed his passion for football, leadership, and sports and performance psychology, and why he had an inferiority complex (2:50) Defining moments in Paul’s career and what he learned from them, and why we should want failure in our lives (7:42) His book, The Stupid Footballer is Dead, which discusses some of the life and leadership lessons we can learn from the game of football (soccer) (14:11) Why and how we need to “think about thinking” (21:10) The importance of mixing intensity with control (26:15) The best leaders he played with and what set them apart from the rest (31:03) His podcast, The Psychology of Success and what he hopes people will learn from it (33:42) His recommendations of another great podcast (36:26) Resources and Links from this Episode Paul McVeigh’s Website (where you can find The Psychology of Success Podcast and a free copy of his book, “The Stupid Footballer is Dead) Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training The High Performance Podcast Switch on Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, by Caroline Leaf Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement, by Tony Robbins

In Episode 107, Mike Buchanan, Athletes in Action missionary for over 30 years in various positions, Author of More Than That: Biblical Principles for Dealing With Athletic Injuries, and Husband and Father, talks with Phil and Paul about great life and leadership lesson he has learned from different aspects of athletics, how he overcame brutal injuries and how we can do the same, and how breaking a kid’s neck impacted his life in a huge way. Specifically, Mike discusses: His personal story, how he developed his passion for sports, leadership, coaching, and ministry, how he almost was a professional athlete, and some of the great soccer players he has worked with through Athletes in Action (4:31) His personal why and how he is living it out in his life (9:19) Some of Mike’s favorite coaches and what he has learned from them about life and leadership (13:57) Life and leadership lessons he has learned from the experiences he has had in his athletic career (20:16) Why it’s important not to idolize celebrities (27:59) Mike’s book, More Than That, and why it is a must read for athletes, coaches, and parents (40:14) The importance of having your identity grounded in the right thing (48:28) The two ways we can respond to injuries in our lives and why only one of them works (53:52) How he is using lessons learned from sports in his marriage and parenting (59:47) His recommendations of books (1:05:42) Resources and Links from this Episode More Than That website (info about Mike’s book, podcast, and other materials) Mike’s email address Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More, by Mark Batterson Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible, by Scot McKnight and Tom Parks Leadership as an Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence, by Crawford Loritts

In Episode 106, Paul and Phil talk about the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, covering the FIFA corruption leading up to the Cup, the new documentary, “FIFA Uncovered,” which is rocking the world of football, predictions about who will get out of each group and who will ultimately with the Cup, and some leadership lessons we can learn from all of it. It is a fun and enlightening conversation that you don’t want to miss.   Who are you picking to win it all? Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training “FIFA Uncovered” (Netflix) United Soccer Coaches Convention Registration Page

In Episode 105, Tim Ryerson, Founder and ED of Get On The Bus, GM and Consultant with Ballistic United Soccer Club, Founder of Ellicott City Soccer Club, and Husband and Father, talks with Phil and Paul about how he is making the beautiful game more accessible for youth across the country through his work with Get On The Bus, his special needs program in Maryland, some of the life and leadership lessons he has learned from his coaches over the years, the importance of hard work, the current state of youth soccer in the US, a little USMNT World Cup Preview, and why Tim does what he does throughout the US. Specifically, Tim discusses: His personal story, how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, coaching, and making soccer accessible to all demographics in society (4:44) What he learned about leadership starting Ellicott City SC, and what you can learn from it (10:42) His personal why/purpose statement and how he is living it out (14:39) The coaches who most influenced him and what he learned from them about life and leadership (16:45) Why hard work is critical to success in life, and why we need to work harder than everyone else to achieve excellence (24:53) What he likes about the current state of US youth soccer and what he would change if he had the power to do so (32:10) A little USMNT World Cup Preview (35:44) The Special Needs program at ECSC and all the cool stuff that they are doing with kids of all abilities (38:38) The Get on the Bus Program, what it is, how it is making soccer more accessible for all demographics in society, how they are involving parents/adults, and how you can get involved with it (44:21) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his marriage and parenting (56:18) His recommendations of books and other great soccer-related organizations (58:51) Resources and Links from this Episode Get on the Bus Website Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training Changing the Game Project The Sideline Project Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t, by Simon Sinek The Coach’s Bible (FCA)

In Episode 104, Paul and Phil discuss an important change for HSEL, which will go into effect after this episode), highlights from the first half of Season 7, and, of course, several important lessons from the beautiful game that will help us flourish on and off the field. Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address

In Episode 103, Horst Richardson, who coached the Colorado College Tigers Men’s Soccer team for 50 years and is a United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame Member, talks with Phil and Paul about his extensive coaching experience and the lessons he learned from the journey, his favorite things about coaching, unorthodox film sessions, leadership and life lessons he has taught and learned from a half-century of coaching, how he defines success in coaching, why coaches need to not blow their whistles too much, and, most of all, some incredible (and funny) stories from his really long coaching career (all of which you can find in the book he and his wife, Helen, wrote about the history of Colorado College soccer (link below)). Specifically, Horst discusses: His personal story, his journey from Germany to Colorado Springs, his circuitous and serendipitous path to coaching at Colorado College, and how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, and coaching (3:13) The story behind him sharing the stage with Pele at a NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia (11:10) A video project he is working on and how he used Super 8 video footage to do video sessions well ahead of most other coaches (14:00) Some fun memorable moments from 50 years of coaching, and lessons we can learn from the stories (20:33) What he loved about being a coach for 50 years at CC (27:46) An amazing story about when he almost lost a player in China (30:28) Why Horst reminds Phil of Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid, and what we can learn from it (35:40) How Horst defined success in his coaching and what he sought to teach his players during their time at CC (40:08) How we need to pour into all of our players on our teams (45:19) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his marriage and parenting (51:00) More lessons he has learned from the game that he has passed on to his players (and anyone else that will listen) (55:33) Resources and Links from this Episode The History of Men’s Soccer at Colorado College, 1950-2015, by Horst and Helen Richardson Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training

In Episode 102, Dave Simeone, Director of Education Programs for United Soccer Coaches who has coached at every level, including the 1999 USWNT World Cup champions, talks with Phil and Paul about his extensive coaching experience and the lessons he learned from the journey, his favorite things about coaching, his thoughts on the state of US Soccer, why coaches need to encourage innovation and creativity and how they can do so, how coaching is like cooking (and how we can become master chefs), and USC’s online education platform, The Training Ground. Specifically, Dave discusses: His personal story, how he went from street soccer to the National team, and how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, and coaching (3:11) The importance of “picking up the phone” and taking initiative to connect with coaches and others to further your career (10:10) What level of coaching he enjoyed the most and what made it so special (13:10) Some of his favorite things about coaching (16:14) His personal “why” and life mission, and how he is living it out (18:34) What he likes about soccer in the US today and what he would change if he could wave a magic wand and make it happen (23:51) How we can keep encouraging innovation and creativity in the game in the US and why it is important to do so – and how coaching is like cooking (32:43) The Training Ground online education program and why Dave is so excited about it (39:29) How he has used lessons from the game in his coaching and other leadership positions (55:21) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his personal life off the pitch (1:00:32) His book recommendations (1:05:25) Resources and Links from this Episode The Training Ground (USC Education platform) Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training Chop Wood, Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great, by Joshua Medcalf What Drives Winning: Building Character Gets Results. Here’s How, by Brett Ledbetter

In Episode 101, Jorge Vallejo, Founder of Upper 90 in Philadelphia and Atlanta, 2019 CLN Coach of the Year, and Chaplain of the Atlanta United, talks with Phil and Paul about lessons he learned playing youth football (soccer) in Colombia, how he ended up in the US for college, his journey to start Upper 90 and how he is transforming vulnerable communities with soccer, and how he uses lessons learned from soccer in his leadership of Upper 90 and in his marriage and parenting. There is so much great stuff in this interview and we can’t wait to hear how Jorge inspires you to use the beautiful game to change lives for the better. Specifically, Jorge discusses: His personal story, how his childhood in Colombia and college in the US shaped him and how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, ministry, and coaching (2:12) How he is using soccer to teach life lessons to vulnerable communities in Atlanta through Upper 90 (7:48) A great story about a life transformed through Upper 90 in Atlanta (13:22) His work with the Atlanta United and how it compares with his work with the youth in the community (18:31) How he has used lessons learned from soccer in his ministry (24:41) What he likes and dislikes about youth soccer in the US (30:15) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his marriage and parenting (37:29) His book recommendation (43:38) Resources and Links from this Episode Upper 90 Video of CLN Coach of the Year Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work, by Tim Keller

In Episode 100, Dan Williams, soccer coach and Founder/Coach at Next Level Soccer Academy, and Founder/President of Sports Serve, talks with Phil and Paul about lessons he has learned from playing and coaching, his work with the Global Sports Movement, his thoughts on youth soccer in the US, how overcoaching and focusing on winning affects our players’ development, demystifying college recruiting, and what the Hero’s Journey has to do with parenting and coaching. Specifically, Dan discusses: His personal story, how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, ministry, and coaching, and how he is using soccer to teach life lessons to his players and many others around the world (3:09) The Global Sports Movement and how it is impacting lives around the world through sport, fitness, and play (10:10) His thoughts on the trajectory of youth soccer in the US, positive and negative (12:23) The role overcoaching plays when we talk about decision making and execution from a player standpoint (20:19) How the focus on winning in youth sports has affected the development of young players (23:36) How he has used lessons learned from soccer in his ministry (30:56) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his marriage and parenting (40:13) Demystifying college recruiting (46:57) What the Hero’s Journey has to do with parenting and coaching (49:35) His book recommendation (59:07) Resources and Links from this Episode Next Level Soccer Academy Global Sports Movement Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer Coaching the Bigger Game Program Phil’s email for DISC Training The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman All or Nothing: Arsenal (Amazon Prime Video) All or Nothing: Tottenham (Amazon Prime Video) All or Nothing: Manchester City (Amazon Prime Video) The Road to Character, by David Brooks

In Episode 99, Paul and Phil preview the upcoming season, highlights from their summer trips, ministry opportunities, and DISC trainings, the origin of the “Blue Hose” mascot at Paul’s alma mater, Presbyterian College, and their thoughts on the summer “Lost Episodes of the Coaching Character Podcast” series. Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address Remember the Titans (film) Rudy (film)

In Episode 98 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk about their interview with Phil Dubois, lessons we can all learn from Remember the Titans, and measuring success in coaching. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address Remember the Titans (Film) Miracle (Film)

In Episode 97 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk with Phil DuBois, Former Tight End with the Washington Redskins and San Diego State Aztecs, about the purpose of youth sports, how we can coach with more intentionality, and other important topics. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address

In Episode 96 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk about their conversation with Chris Saras, covering topics such as whether attitude and effort are nature or nurture, strategies for improving our players’ attitude and effort, what we can learn from Rudy, the importance of mission statements, and how coaches and parents need to work together to help their players flourish to their fullest. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address Switch on Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, by Caroline Leaf Rudy (movie) Ted Lasso (show) Friday Night Lights (show)

In Episode 95 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk with Chris Saras, High School Football (American) Coach, Former University of Redlands Quarterback, and NY Life Agent, about building character in our players, prioritizing character over winning, what set apart his best coach from the rest (and how we can implement the traits in our coaching), and more. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address

In Episode 94 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk about their previous conversation with Darrell Garrettson, how to communicate love to our children and the players we coach, and other important topics. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address  

In Episode 93 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk with Darrell Garrettson, Offensive Analyst for University of Arizona, and former quarterback for Utah State and Oregon State, about the lessons he learned playing for and coaching with his dad (and what we all can learn from his experiences), how to prepare for life after sports, and much more. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address  

In Episode 92 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk about their previous conversation with Andrew Murakami, strengthening marriages, how coaches can supplement the roles of moms and dads in their kids’ lives, and how coaches can help their players flourish by being more relational than transactional. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives, by Joe Ehrmann

In Episode 91 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk with Andrew Murakami, Pastor and American Football Coach, about overcoming great odds and developing the youth through sports. Don’t miss this interview with a great young man with a lot of wisdom. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address  

In Episode 90 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz, who played football for the Oakland Raiders and San Diego State, and now runs The Playmakers, which works with at-risk and developmentally different children. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. In this episode, Coach Roz and Phil talk about the lessons learned from their conversation with Coach Sauers (from last week’s episode), intentionally incorporating integrity and character coaching into coaching (and life), why we need to incorporate fun into youth sports, and ways we can do all of these things. One thing they discuss that you don’t want to miss is why it is a great idea to invite your players (and anyone else you lead) to imitate you in front of you and your team. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address

In Episode 89 and other episodes this summer, we are taking a break from our normal programming to share with you some unreleased episodes from the Coaching Character Podcast, which Phil recorded with Coach Roz over the past couple years. This is great content that we wanted to ensure got the airtime it deserves. This episode shares an interview with Coach Sauers, who is doing some simple, life transforming things with his American football youth teams that we know you’ll learn some great lessons from. Resources and Links from this Episode Playmakers Website HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address

In Episode 88, Paul and Phil discuss highlights and lessons learned from our interviews with Shay Haddow, Dion von Moltke and Mike Semenza, George Blamoh, and Christian Devries during the second half of this season, a huge upset in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open that is close to home for Phil, and Paul’s trip to Guatemala with Warrior Way Gives and FCA Guatemala. They also give a quick preview of what’s to come this summer from HSEL. Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address F1: Drive to Survive

In Episode 87, Christian Devries, Paradise Valley CC Men’s and Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Member of University of Minnesota-Morris Hall of Fame, Founder of Athlete of Significance and Complete Player Pathway, and Co-Founder of Coaching the Bigger Game, talks with Phil about his passion for coaching and how he is using his 25 years of coaching experience to help the next generation of players and coaches flourish. Specifically, Christian discusses: His incredible story, how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, and coaching, and how he is using soccer to teach life lessons to his players and many others (1:39) What he wishes he knew and did at the beginning of his coaching career 25 years ago (12:33) Changes he would make to our youth soccer programs to help our kids develop and flourish (21:31) The college recruiting process from a coach’s perspective (29:03) His thoughts on Arsene Wenger’s quote, “It’s better for an 8-12 year old child to have no coach than to have a bad coach,” and his thoughts on what makes a great coach (34:39) His Athlete of Significance, Complete Player Pathway, and Coaching the Bigger Game programs, and how you can get involved with them (41:52) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his marriage and parenting (1:03:02) His recommendations (1:06:45) Resources and Links from this Episode Athlete of Significance & Complete Player Pathway programs Coaching the Bigger Game Program Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Warrior Way Soccer McFarland (film) Miracle (film) Remember the Titans (film) Coach Carter (film) Kicking and Screaming (film)  

In Episode 86, George Festus Blamoh, Soccer and Life Coach, Liberia Country Director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Humanitarian and Disaster Leader for Samaritan’s Purse and AFLA, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Former Goalkeeper for the Liberian National Team and Liberia Premier League, talks with Phil about his incredible story and how he has used soccer in great ways to achieve his dreams and impact others in massive ways in Liberia and beyond. Specifically, George discusses: His incredible story, how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, and coaching, and how soccer gave a poor kid from Liberia the “ticket” and tools to earn a Bachelor’s and two Master’s Degrees in the US (2:40) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his work with FCA, CSRM, and Samaritan’s Purse, and as a life and soccer coach in Liberia and beyond (13:35) How he is teaching life lessons through his soccer coaching (17:55) The importance of listening to the “silent cry” in our work with vulnerable communities (23:10) How we can connect with George (29:24) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his personal relationships outside the game (31:47) His recommendations (37:48) Resources and Links from this Episode George’s LinkedIn Profile George Email Address UBABALO eAfrica Whole Life Soccer Coaching Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Athletes in Action: The Total Athlete resources  

In Episode 85, Dion von Moltke, Founder of Blayze and former Pro Race Car Driver, and Mike Semenza, Lead Blayze Soccer Coach and former pro and college player, talk with Phil about Blayze, their online coaching platform, fostering coaching relationships online, how car racing and soccer have taught them life and leadership lessons, sacrifice, prioritization, resilience, adversity, mental performance, and more. Specifically, Dion and Mike discuss: Their stories and how they developed their passions for race car driving and soccer, respectively, leadership, and coaching (2:40) What Blayze Coaching is, how it is different from other coaching platforms, and how you can get involved with it (5:58) How they are able to foster interpersonal relationships through an online platform, and how their online coaching complements and supplements the live coaching their players are receiving (10:30) What lessons from car racing have taught Dion about life and leadership (17:02) What lessons from soccer have taught Mike about life and leadership (19:15) The need for sacrifice and prioritization to reach elite levels in any sport or other area of life (23:46) What Dion learned about overcoming adversity and resilience, and mental performance from crashing into walls and losing races (40:52) How soccer taught Mike problem-solving skills (44:00) Their personal whys/mission statements, and how they are living them out in their daily lives (49:07) What lessons learned from auto racing and/or soccer they have used in their personal relationships outside of sports (52:14) Their recommendations (59:11) Resources and Links from this Episode Blayze Website Dion’s TED Talk, “What does it take to be a race car driver” Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Open: An Autobiography, by Andre Agassi Paul Graham’s Essays Free Solo (Documentary) Alone on the Wall: Alex Honnold and the Ultimate Limits of Adventure, by Alex Honnold The Impossible Climb: Alex Honnold, El Capitan, and the Climbing Life, by Mark Synnott

In Episode 84, Shay Haddow, Confidence Coach, Author of She the Confident: The Mindset Advantage for Female Athletes, and Host of the Alpha Girl Confidence Podcast, talks with Phil about developing confidence in our female athletes, how everyone is leading someone and how personalities shape leadership, breaking up cliques in our teams, and 3 tools we can use to mitigate against mental health issues in our teams. Specifically, Shay discusses:   Her story and how she developed her passion for soccer, leadership, confidence, and mental performance, particularly in the girls’ game (1:21) Her personal why and how she is living it out in her daily life (4:58) Why she started her podcast and wrote She the Confident, and how she hopes they will impact female athletes around the world (7:15) Whether confidence is more nature or nurture, what to do when kids are living in delusion, and how people can develop their confidence if they believe they were not “born confident.” (9:25) How she defines leadership and the concept that everybody is leading someone (18:34) How different personality styles lead differently (22:10) How to identify and break up unhealthy cliques in your teams (26:08) What she believes are the reasons for the statistic that 94% of women holding C-Suite positions are former athletes, and 52% of them played at the collegiate level (29:19) Her new book idea (32:55) Three tools we can use to address and mitigate against the mental health issues arising from social media and comparison in our youth (35:37) How she has used lessons learned from soccer in her business and personal life (42:19) The “freakin’ awesome” impact her book and podcast have had over the past couple years (44:59) Shay’s book recommendations (47:36) Resources and Links from this Episode She the Confident: The Mindset Advantage for Female Athletes, by Shay Haddow Alpha Girl Confidence Website & Podcast Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl  

In Episode 83, Paul and Phil discuss highlights and lessons learned from our interviews with Dr. Daniel O’Neill, Cara Bradley, Evan Dabby, and Brad Miller during the first half of this season, a milestone reached by the podcast, and the wild finish to the English Premier League this past weekend. They also give a quick preview of what’s to come in the second half of Season 6 and reveal whether Paul will conduct any more interviews with Phil in the future. Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address “Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story” (YouTube) Survival of the Fit: How Physical Education Ensures Academic Achievement and a Healthy Life, by Dr. Daniel O’Neill, MD, EdD Knee Surgery: The Essential Guide to Total Knee Recovery, by Daniel F. O’Neill

In Episode 82, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Brad Miller, Founder of Soccer Resilience, Clinical Psychologist, and former Wake Forest soccer player, talks with Phil and Paul about Soccer Resilience’s growth over the past year, preventing and caring for mental health issues, Sports Psychologists vs. Counselors, navigating the coach/sports pysch/counselor relationship, identifying and understanding mental health issues and their root causes, and navigating mental health issues coming out of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Specifically, Brad discusses:   An update on Soccer Resilience since the last time we talked in Episode 19 (2:45) His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out every day (5:10) How players who don’t have the ability to take months off can properly take care of their mental health (10:00) Preventative measures we can use to help our kids mitigate against mental health issues (15:40) Sports Psychologists and Counselors, who they are, why we need both, and how we can use each of them (21:09) How to nurture healthy Coach-Sports Psych/Counselor relationships (25:17) How to deal with coaches who don’t believe that mental health issues are legitimate (28:56) How to find and address root issues causing mental health issues when our kids and players might not even know the root causes exist (32:25) Ways that coaches can check in with their players to ensure they are on top of mental health struggles (38:49) How coaches can learn to identify and understand mental health issues in their players (44:34) How we can navigate mental health issues coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic (49:43) Brad’s book recommendations (56:08) Resources and Links from this Episode Soccer Resilience website Soccer Resilience YouTube channel Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer “Hey, I got brown hair and I have mental health therapy” (article by Cari Roccaro) “12. A Gradient of Katie Meyer | Soccer, She Wrote” (article by Mariah Lee) Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, by Malcolm Gladwell

In Episode 81, Evan Dabby, Executive Director of NJ Youth Soccer and former MLS executive, talks with Phil about his innovative work with New Jersey Youth Soccer, including the Growing the Girls Game and Innovate to Grow initiatives, how we can make high-level youth sports more accessible to more under resourced kids, the importance of collaboration, what we can do about referee abuse, and a common quality shared by some of the best players in US history who hailed from NJ. Specifically, Evan discusses: His story, how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership, and how he ended up leading a state youth soccer association (1:33) His personal why and how he is living it out every day (3:34) The mission, vision, and values of NJYS and what is going well with the association (7:39) Some of the things he hopes to improve upon during his tenure at NJYS (14:31) The NJYS Growing the Girls Game (G3) Initiative, and what impact he hopes it will have on the girls’ game in NJ and across the US (16:52) The Innovate to Grow Initiative and how it is working to include underrepresented communities in youth soccer in NJ (18:08) How we can make high-level youth sports more accessible to under resourced populations (20:32) The importance of collaboration and how NJYS is collaborating with other states on some really cool projects (23:39) Referee abuse, what it tells us about ourselves, our youth, and the state of youth soccer, and what we can do about it (32:41) How he is using lessons learned from soccer in his leadership of NJYS (42:22) How he has used lessons learned directly from sports in his marriage and parenting (45:19) His recommendations for us (50:28) Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode New Jersey Youth Soccer Website Growing the Girls Game Initiative Innovate to Grow Initiative HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address Ted Lasso (TV show on Apple TV+)

In Episode 80, Cara Bradley, best-selling author of On the Verge, host of the On the Verge Podcast, Soccer Resilience Ambassador, Rollerblader extraordinaire, and one of the “12 Most Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement,”, talks with Phil about the gut-brain connection, mental fitness, performing in the “flow” and how we can get there, how we can reach optimal performance more often, and how she performed on Rollerblades in front of one of the world’s iconic buildings. Specifically, Cara discusses: Her story, how she developed his passion for mental fitness, the gut-brain connection, and optimal performance, and how she got to be where she is today (1:54) How we can intentionally create and recreate being in flow (or in the “Zone”) (9:17) The concept of STER and what it has to do with “flow” (11:10) Mental cross-training, including the importance of sleep, clean eating, breathing, and other critical aspects of mental health (16:36) Why it’s important for us and our kids to participate in unstructured play alongside the intense, structured training (20:21) Gut-Brain Health and what it has to do with optimal performance and mental health (23:49) Her personal why and how she is living it out every day (33:32) Her and her husband’s decision to go “house-free” and what she has learned from her journey (34:40) Cara’s various resources and how you can find them (38:11) Cara’s experience as a professional Rollerblader (40:40) How she has used lessons learned directly from sports in her marriage and parenting (41:56) Her recommendations for us (42:38) Resources and Links from this Episode Cara’s Website On the Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine, by Cara Bradley On the Verge Podcast, by Cara Bradley Cara’s Mental Fitness Playbook and Grid Cara’s Recommended Gut-Brain Protocols Cara’s email address Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Ted Lasso (TV show on Apple TV+) Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman’s Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream, by Diana Nyad

In Episode 79, Dr. Daniel O’Neill, Board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with an added Certificate in Sports Medicine, and a Doctorate in Exercise and Sports Psychology, Author of Survival of the Fit: How Physical Education Ensures Academic Achievement and a Healthy Life, and master of physical identity, talks with Phil about physical identity, his books, the negative side of tech and screens, why we need a “PE Revolution” in our schools, why we need to exercise in the morning, the need for more free play, athletes vs. non-athletes, “safetyism,” why parents shouldn’t go to all their kids’ games, why we don’t need to teach our kids to win, and the different ways specialization is hurting our kids, among other important topics. Specifically, Dr. O’Neill discusses:   His story, how he developed his passion for physical fitness, physical identity, and leadership, why he wrote Survival of the Fit, and how he was able to get so many degrees and certificates to get where he is today (2:29) His personal why and how he is living it out every day (5:49) The shadow side of tech and why he believes more and better Physical Education for our children will ensure academic achievement and a healthy life (8:24) Why it’s so important for us to get some exercise in the morning (11:56) Some practical tips to getting exercise for ourselves and our kids at school (16:08) The concept of physical identity, the physical identity crisis we have in the US, and why we need to understand it and fight against it (19:11) Organized play vs. free play, parental involvement vs. kids playing without parents, athletes vs. non-athletes, and why these distinctions and implications of the distinctions are critical to understand (23:42) The concept of “safetyism” and how it is impacting the lack of physical fitness and identity in our children, as well as cancel culture and other negative issues in society. How the premises of “safetyism” are flawed, how we can counter the negatives, and why we need to get out of our comfort zones (29:06) How he believes specialization is hurting our kids in a lot of different ways (43:12) Why he believes that Physical Education in schools furthers children’s academic achievement and physical identity more than organized sports (1:01:10) The studies showing that the more screen time a child has, the more mental health issues the child will have, and what we can do about it (1:04:37) How he defines the markers of a “good youth coach” (it might surprise you) (1:14:50) The implications of the athlete/non-athlete distinction and why it matters (1:17:05) His other book, Knee Surgery, and how it can help people who are recovering from knee surgery (1:21:10) How he uses lessons learned from playing sports or other free play in his personal relationships, and why we don’t need to teach our kids to win (1:23:05) His recommendations for us (1:27:25) Resources and Links from this Episode Dr O’Neill’s Website Survival of the Fit: How Physical Education Ensures Academic Achievement and a Healthy Life, by Dr. Daniel O’Neill, MD, EdD Knee Surgery: The Essential Guide to Total Knee Recovery, by Daniel F. O’Neill Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation of Failure, by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt Think Orphan Episodes with Jeff Sandefer

In Episode 78, our sixth off-season talk between Seasons 5 & 6, Phil and Paul talk about how we can effectively build healthy teams, and how that starts with knowing, understanding, and leading ourselves. In all we do, we at HSEL strive to be part of a movement that encourages a lifelong love for the game, leadership and character development, and human flourishing. Resources and Links from this Episode Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Info on DISC Training Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, by Simon Sinek Phil’s email address – [email protected] Paul’s email address – [email protected]

In Episode 77, our fifth off-season talk between Seasons 5 & 6, Phil and Paul talk about external and internal motivation, and how we can effectively motivate ourselves and our players to be their best and flourish. In all we do, we at HSEL strive to be part of a movement that encourages a lifelong love for the game, leadership and character development, and human flourishing. Resources and Links from this Episode Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Info on DISC Training Phil’s email address – [email protected] Paul’s email address – [email protected]

In Episode 76, our fourth off-season talk between Seasons 5 & 6, Phil talks with Paul about the long-awaited Coaching the Bigger Game program, which helps coaches elevate significance in sports by elevating self-leadership, leadership of their individual players, and leadership of their teams. As Coaching the Bigger Game strives to help coaches help themselves, their players, and teams flourish, we at HSEL strive to be part of a movement that encourages a lifelong love for the game, leadership and character development, and human flourishing.   Resources and Links from this Episode   Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Info on DISC Training Phil’s email address – [email protected] Paul’s email address – [email protected]  

In Episode 75, our third off-season talk between Seasons 5 & 6, Paul talks with Phil about all things Warrior Way, from camps to consulting to helping vulnerable populations around the world. As Warrior Way encourages others to incorporate their faith into their play, we strive to be part of a movement that encourages a lifelong love for the game, leadership and character development, and human flourishing. Resources and Links from this Episode Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Info on DISC Training Nations United Information Phil’s email address – [email protected] Paul’s email address – [email protected]

In Episode 74, our second off-season talk between Seasons 5 & 6, Paul talks about the developments in technology surrounding the game of soccer, how we can protect against its downside, and harness it for good and our development. Paul also reminds us about the time-tested, best-practice way to develop our personal skills. As we work to understand and harness technology for good, we strive to be part of a movement that encourages a lifelong love for the game, leadership and character development, and human flourishing. Resources and Links from this Episode Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Info on DISC Training Phil’s email address – [email protected]

In Episode 73, our first off-season talk between Seasons 5 & 6, Phil talks about recent racial abuse and parent misconduct, how we can fight against it, and how parents and coaches can use the game to teach our kids how to rise above the fray and do the next right thing. We are hoping to be part of a movement that encourages a lifelong love for the game, leadership and character development, and human flourishing, rather than teaching our kids to win at all costs and sacrifice character. Resources and Links from this Episode Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game Program Warrior Way Soccer Info on DISC Training Phil’s email address – [email protected]

In Episode 72, Phil and Paul discuss the highlights and lessons gleaned from the conversations we were able to have with David Ricca, Jay Demerit, Phil Smith, and Dan Abrahams during the second half of Season 5. Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address The Challenge Culture: Why the Most Successful Organizations Run on Pushback, by Nigel Travis

In Episode 71, Dan Abrahams, Sports Psychologist, best-selling author of four books, Founder of the Dan Abrahams Soccer Academy and The Sport Psych Show Podcast, and former pro golfer, talks with Phil about his sports psychology work, his books, and his podcast, the concepts of “Teamship” and motivational climate, extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation, pre-failing, self-leadership, his personal why, how we can coach difficult players by asking great questions, and whether we can recreate the pressure of a penalty kick outside of a match. Specifically, Dan discusses: His story, his work with Premier League and other football/soccer teams, his books, his podcast, how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership, and how he got to where he is today (1:31) What excites him about the increase of awareness of the importance of mindset and sports psychology in sports over the past several years (11:53) In which sport the mental game is more important: soccer or golf (18:04) The concept of “Teamship” and why it is important (24:49) The Motivational Climate of a Team, what it is, and what it has to do with a team’s culture and burnout (28:13) Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation, get-to vs. have-to mentality, and how they are related to short- and long-term performance (41:07) The concept of pre-failing (47:01) Why self-leadership and a leader’s mindset are important (51:13) His personal why and how it is playing out in his life (57:05) “Not” coaching difficult players, but teaching them to coach themselves through questions (59:23) How personality styles are related to the sports psychology work (1:03:45) Whether it is possible to recreate the pressure of a penalty kick in a training environment (1:07:31) How he uses lessons learned in soccer in his family relationships (1:12:16) His recommendation, which is very personal to him (1:13:44) Resources and Links from this Episode Dan’s Website The Sport Psych Show Podcast Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address Soccer Tough: Simple Football Psychology Techniques to Improve Your Game, by Dan Abrahams Soccer Tough 2: Advanced Psychology Techniques for Footballers, by Dan Abrahams Soccer Brain: The 4C Coaching Model for Developing World Class Player Mindsets and a Winning Football Team, by Dan Abrahams Golf Tough: Practice, Prepare, Perform, and Progress, by Dan Abrahams The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance, by W. Timothy Gallwey

In Episode 70, Phil Smith, Vice-Chairman and Owner of Sixth-Division Ossett United FC, former NY Yankees and Manchester United Executive, Owner of NERF rights in UK, Europe, and Middle East, and much more, talks with Phil about lessons learned during his playing days and his experience as  an executive for a couple of the biggest teams in the world, his personal why, and the importance of leaders taking the meeting, getting scars, and giving their people freedom to fail. Specifically, Phil discusses: His story, his incredible journey that includes playing college soccer in NY, working for the NY Yankees and Manchester United, and owning a sixth-division English team, how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership, and how he got to where he is today (2:42) Lessons he has learned during his time with the Yankees and Man U (21:11) Lessons from his playing days that he has used in his various leadership roles, such as freedom to fail, taking steps back in order to go forward, and taking the meeting (27:49) His personal why and what drives him every day (50:23) How he uses lessons learned in soccer in his parenting (56:27) His recommendation of a great show from the world outside of soccer (1:00:54) Resources and Links from this Episode Ossett United FC Website Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address The Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, by Mark Manson F1: Drive to Survive (Netflix) Sunderland ‘Til I Die (Netflix) Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story (YouTube) Jerry Maguire (film) Draft Day (film)

In Episode 69, Jay Demerit, Chief Energy Officer of Rise and Shine and former USMNT player, and former Captain of Watford FC and Whitecaps FC, talks with Phil about the pros and cons of specialization, self-leadership, self-belief, his personal why, the “inside” and “outside” game, what we can learn about leadership from the bench, and the work he is doing with Rise and Shine. Specifically, Jay discusses: His story, his incredible journey to the Premier League and USMNT, how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership, and how he got to where he is today (1:48) His thoughts on specialization in one sport and whether it is good or bad for athletes (6:00) How he got excited about and focused on his classes as a kid (16:15) His favorite sport as a kid (19:41) His personal why and purpose, and how he is living it out in his life (22:17) How self-belief and self-leadership are keys to discernment and perseverance in life (26:22) The “Inside” Game and the “Outside” Game (30:37) The importance of leaders leading themselves with excellence first before they can lead their teams with excellence (36:15) What he learned from his time on the bench as a substitute (42:58) His Rise and Shine organization and how it is impacting youth in great ways (48:03) How he uses lessons learned in soccer in his parenting (52:30) His recommendations (56:55) Resources and Links from this Episode Rise and Shine website “Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story” “Are you ready for a sunny day?” (TED Talk) Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address  

In Episode 68, David Ricca, NJ Youth Soccer Innovate to Grow Consultant, Founder/President of Just Live Soccer, 9/11 Survivor, Soccer Resilience Ambassador, Member of 2010 World Cup Media & Marketing team, former soccer player, coach, and scout, former MLS Liaison, former CBS Manager, and former Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, discusses how he has used soccer and other tools to overcome the PTSD he has experienced following the traumatic experience he had in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11, how he is using soccer to help vulnerable children around the world, his innovation work with NJ Youth Soccer, and how we can create environments where our kids can flourish. Specifically, David discusses: His story, his unique background, how he developed his passion for soccer, his work with vulnerable communities, and how he got to where he is today (2:12) His incredible story of survival in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center on 9/11 (11:00) How he has overcome trauma from his 9/11 experience using soccer and other tools (20:45) His personal why and how he is living it out (35:10) His work with NJ Youth Soccer and the Innovate to Grow grant (38:02) How we can create environments for our children to flourish in our youth soccer programs (43:02) How he uses the lessons he has learned through soccer in his marriage (47:17) His recommendations (50:24) Resources and Links from this Episode David’s website & LinkedIn profile Just Live Soccer website Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Phil Darke’s email address

In Episode 67, Paul and Phil discuss the recent USC Convention, a preview of the second half of Season 5, a recap of the first half of the season, and the leadership lesson we can learn from Episodes 9 & 10 of Ted Lasso. Specifically, we discuss: What Paul and Phil took away from the recently-held United Soccer Coaches Convention in KC, and some new things Paul is working on (1:56) What’s to come in the second half of Season 5 (11:04) Lessons Paul and Phil gleaned from our conversations with Cheryl McCormick, Tony Everett, Robbie Handy, and Aaron Locks (14:00) Leadership lessons from Episodes 9 & 10 of Ted Lasso relating to identity, personality styles, the both/and of winning and maintaining healthy culture, the shadow side of our weaknesses, and how little things can make massive impact in our players’ lives (30:00) Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Paul Jobson’s email address Phil Darke’s email address “Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story” (YouTube) United Soccer Coaches website Inside College Soccer Podcast “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)

In Episode 66, Aaron Locks, CEO and Founder of the National Academy of Athletics, talks with Phil about the importance of failure in success, three important questions he asks himself every day, the Pyramid of Success and what he learned from working with John Wooden, his definition of leadership and success, secrets of successful youth coaches, synergistic collaboration, and how leadership is like jazz music. Specifically, Aaron discusses: His story, how he developed his passion for sports and leadership, and how he got to where he is today (1:44) The mission, vision, and values of the National Academy of Athletics, and how it is working to transform the lives of youth in America (2:58) How we can make youth sports more accessible to all kids from all backgrounds (4:29) Aaron’s personal “Why,” how he is living it out every day, and the three questions he asks himself at the end of each day (10:08) The importance of encouragement and doing for others with no expectation of anything in return (12:15) How he defines leadership (18:39) Secrets of successful youth sports coaches (20:32) A couple of the lessons Coach Wooden taught Aaron in their time together (26:27) Synergy through collaboration and teamwork (34:14) The importance of healthy conflict in teams (37:47) What he hopes everyone will understand after they work with him (44:37) How he uses the lessons he has learned through soccer in his parenting (46:07) His recommendations (50:48) Resources and Links from this Episode National Academy of Athletics website Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t, Simon Sinek Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life, John Wooden and Jay Carty The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business, Patrick Lencioni

In Episode 65, Robbie Handy, Health and Wellness Coach and Former Head Coach of William Jessup University and Yuba College, talks with Phil about the differences between a head and assistant coach role, his coaching philosophy, how he measures success, why he left soccer coaching and started a different type of coaching, humility and learning, controlling the controllables, and the central role of communication in all we do. Specifically, Robbie discusses: His story, how he developed his passion for soccer and leadership, and how he got to where he is today (2:18) The different leadership lessons we can learn from head coaching and assistant coaching (5:15) His coaching philosophy as a head college coach (12:01) His success metrics in his coaching days (15:54) His personal why and how he lives it out (19:30) Why he stopped coaching soccer and started coaching others to flourish in their health and wellness (20:54) How he uses what he learned from soccer in his coaching business (24:16) How he uses the lessons he has learned through soccer in his marriage and parenting (30:33) Communication and earning credibility with those you’re leading (33:10) His recommendations (37:31) Resources and Links from this Episode Link to Robbie’s Health and Wellness Coaching Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information The Messiah Method: The Seven Disciplines of the Winningest College Soccer Program in America, by Michael Zigarelli

In Episode 64, Tony Everett, Founder and Chief Play Maker of Pure Game, Founder of Personal Best Coaching, coach, and footballer, talks with Phil about Pure Game’s work with vulnerable children in Southern California, learning self-control through walking soccer, goal setting, his life coaching program, surrounding yourself with people smarter and better than you, the importance of writing your own eulogy, and leading from the middle. Specifically, Tony discusses: His story, how he developed his passion for soccer, leadership, and how he got to where he is today (1:36) The mission and vision of Pure Game, and how his team is working with youth in Orange County using the beautiful game (4:16) Why football (soccer) is such a powerful tool to reach kids around the world (6:01) What lessons he is teaching the children and how he uses football to do so (8:14) His life coaching program and how he is helping adult leaders to flourish (13:57) How he uses lessons learned from football in his life coaching (17:23) Leading from the middle and bottom (21:48) The Tiff and Tony show and what he hopes to teach through it (25:40) How he uses the lessons she has learned through soccer in his marriage, parenting, and other areas of his life (29:28) His recommendations (35:08) -AND- Tony flipped the script and interviewed Phil for a surprise question (27:30) Resources and Links from this Episode Pure Game website Tiff and Tony Show Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) “Business Made Simple” Podcast The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, & Change the Way You Lead Forever, by Michael Bungay Stanier

In Episode 63, Cheryl McCormick, Founder of Gravitational Performance, Sports Research Scientist, and multi-sport athlete, kicks off Season 5 and talks with Phil about her work as a Sports Research Scientist, nutrition, sports psychology, and rest & recovery as prevention, individualized coaching and coursework, her personal why, what she learned from playing multiple sports, and, of course, whether cheerleading is a sport. Specifically, Cheryl discusses: Her story, how she developed his passion for sports, mental health, leadership, and how she worked to get where she is today (2:01) What she does as a Sports Research Scientist (5:00) Her work with Gravitational Performance and its mission and vision to help coaches reach their fullest (7:32) Nutrition, sports psychology, and rest and recovery as preventative tools (12:39) The importance of individualized coaching and continuing education (19:00) What she learned from the various sports she played that she is using in her work with Gravitational Performance (22:40) The age-old question of whether cheerleading is a sport (25:00) Her personal why and how it is playing out in her life (34:01) What she wants everyone she helps to take away from Gravitational Performance (35:08) How she uses the lessons she has learned through sports in her marriage, parenting, and other areas of her life (40:39) Her recommendations (44:40) Resources and Links from this Episode Gravitational Performance website Uncut Video of the Episode HSEL Facebook Group Coaching the Bigger Game information Warrior Way information “All-American” (Netflix) “Friday Night Lights” (Peacock) “Last Chance U” (Netflix)  

In Episode 62, we are capping off 2021 and ringing in 2022 with 20 great leadership lessons (plus a couple bonus nuggets) from our interviews over the past year. There is so much more wisdom in the full interviews, which you can listen to at the links below or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, if you want to go deeper in 2022 as a leader and coach, we are launching Coaching the Bigger Game course and mastermind in early February. You can click here to learn more about the program, which has limited capacity. And if you are in the Waco, TX area and want to get involved with The Warrior Way, click here for more information. What are your favorite HSEL moments from 2021? Drop an email to Phil ([email protected]) or post on the HSEL Facebook Group to let us know. Links to HSEL Episodes Mentioned    Episode 28 – Leading with a Broom and a Shovel with Cori Close Episode 43 – Giving Youth Sports Back to the Kids with Diego Bocanegra Episode 23 – Leading from the Middle with Glenn Crooks Episode 53 – Identity Formation and Mindset with Jesse Bradley Episode 11 – The Bielsa Way: Leadership at Leeds United with Mark Pease Episode 30 – Self-Leadership and Choreographing the Team Dance with John Yeager Episode 51 – Overcoming Barriers and Empowering Women with Tracy Hamm Episode 16 – Understanding Personalities, Mentorship, and Maximizing Results with Toriono Davis Episode 15 – “Steal Like an Artist” with Michelle Lenard Episode 56 – Preventing Burnout with Kassie Gray Episode 19 – Resilience, Resetting, and Retraining our Brains with Brad Miller Episode 41 – Offseason Talk, Volume 9 – The Warrior Way with Marci Jobson, Part 2 Episode 21 – Interview with a Legend (Part 1) with Clyde Best, MBE Episode 14 – College Recruiting 101 with Don Williams Episode 13 – Know Your “Why” with Lee Baker Episode 26 – The Power of Collaboration with Max Rooke Episode 24 – Lead Like a Gardener with Phil Brown Episode 18 – Head, Hands, and Heart with Rob Burns Episode 20 – Kaizen and Energy Vampires with Renee Lopez Episode 29 – Leading Leaders with Greg Rubendall Episode 37 – Offseason Talks, Volume 5 – Coach Wooden’s 7 Rules for Life Episode 58 – Season 4 Post-Match Show – Exclusive Post-Baylor Interview with Paul Jobson Other Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode Invest in HSEL Podcast The Coaching Zone: Next Level Leadership in Sports, by John Yeager The Acid Test: The Autobiography of Clyde Best, by Clyde Best  

In Episode 61, in honor of her recent move to Baylor Women’s Soccer, we are recasting our interview with Michelle Lenard, new Head Coach of Baylor University Women’s Soccer and former DBU Head Coach, in which she talks with Phil about how to “steal like an artist,” her Leadership Council at DBU, how her team has used the Enneagram, what the game “Cutthroat” can teach us about leadership, setting and communicating clear expectations, the four H’s, implementing boundaries in our relationships, and servant leadership. Specifically, Michelle discusses: Her story, how she developed his passion for soccer, leadership, how she ended up at DBU (1:52) How we can “steal like an artist” – that is, some ideas that she has learned from others about coaching, life, and leadership, and how she has modified them for her program (4:35) The best leaders she has coached or played with, and what qualities set them apart from the rest (9:43) How the Leadership Council on her team develops, empowers, and delegates leadership to captains and other leaders in her program, and how it helps her coaching staff and has taken her program to another level (11:11) How she has used personality assessments to help her and her teams understand and work with each other better (16:19) The game, “Cutthroat,” how it has helped her develop leadership in her team, and how it translates to other areas of life and leadership (19:55) The importance of setting and communicating clear expectations (e.g., job descriptions) in your team members (e.g., coaches, players, employees), and how the 4 H’s have helped her team (24:53) How coaching and leadership are all about relationships, and that we simultaneously need to implement appropriate boundaries in those relationships (28:06) What she feels is critical for her players to internalize and “become” before they graduate from her program at DBU (30:53) How she uses the lessons she has learned through the beautiful game in her marriage, parenting, and other areas of her life, and vice-versa (33:42) Michelle’s book recommendations (39:45) Resources and Links from this Episode Uncut Video of the Episode – https://youtu.be/2A5a3pHG7Ts Invest in HSEL Podcast – providenceworld.com HSEL Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/howsoccerexplainsleadership DBU Women’s Soccer website: https://dbupatriots.com/sports/womens-soccer Michelle’s Twitter handle: @MichelleLenard1 Acton School of Business website: https://www.actonnga.org Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, by Austin Kleon Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, by Cal Newport Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck Coaching Athletes to Be Their Best: Motivational Interviewing in Sports, by Stephen Rollnick, Jonathan Fader, Jeff Breckon, and Theresa B. Moyers God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs, by Tim Keller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth