Grit and Growth

What does it really take to fuel greatness? In Part One of our conversation with Jill Lane, performance nutritionist to Super Bowl, NBA, and World Series teams, we explore how nutrition impacts not just performance, but health, identity, and longevity. Jill opens up about her own journey from Division I soccer star to elite advisor, and why “championing people” matters as much as fueling athletes. This is a powerful start to a two-part series you won’t want to miss.

In Part Two, Jason Romano shares what led him to leave his dream job at ESPN for a calling he couldn’t ignore. He talks about the faith journey that reshaped his identity, the conversation with Coach Tony Dungy that stopped him in his tracks, and why “bloom where you’re planted” became a personal mission. Jason also opens up about his first book, Live to Forgive, and what it really means to forgive someone who’s hurt you deeply. This episode is a powerful reflection on identity, leadership, and the kind of freedom that only comes through forgiveness.

Jason Romano spent 17 years at ESPN, producing for SportsCenter, NFL Countdown, and College GameDay. In Part One, he shares what it was really like behind the scenes—walking the halls with legends, geeking out with Darryl Strawberry, and spending a surreal day escorting Will Ferrell through the studios. He also opens up about the identity struggle that came with the job and how a question directly from Coach Tony Dungy started to change everything. This is a fun, thoughtful, and deeply human episode you won’t want to miss.

In Part Two of our conversation with NCAA powerhouse coach Jackie Crum, we get into the heart of what really matters in a winning program. Jackie shares how she builds trust with every player on the roster—from stars to fourth-liners—and why touch points, mentorship, and love are her most powerful tools. She gets candid about juggling motherhood, faith, and coaching at the highest level, all while raising future leaders on and off the ice. If you care about leadership, character, or the long game of development—this one’s for you.

University of Wisconsin assistant hockey coach Jackie Crum shares her journey from Regina to NCAA and what sets top recruits apart. She dives into character, culture, and how student-athletes can thrive on and off the ice. Players, coaches, and parents - this episode is packed with insight. Tune in and get inspired in part one of two with Jackie Crum!

In part two with Casey Bruggeman, he gets real about servant leadership, relationships that outlast the scoreboard, and the quiet challenge of doing things the right way. From humbling career shifts to coaching labs in disguise, Casey unpacks how culture is built through consistency, presence, and deep investment. As Jamestown transitions to NCAA Division II, Casey reflects on why high standards and meaningful relationships are the path to true transformation.If you care about coaching that lasts beyond the final buzzer—this is a must-listen.

What does it take to lead with humility, build meaningful culture, and develop people—not just players? Casey Bruggeman, head coach of the University of Jamestown Jimmies joins us for a conversation that blends coaching insight with deep personal reflection. From small-town Minnesota to navigating the pressures of college athletics, Casey shares how purpose, fear, and faith shape his approach to leadership. Tune in to learn how great coaching goes far beyond the scoreboard.

In this special episode, we revisit some of the most powerful and perspective-shifting moments from Season. From redefining success and legacy with Brook Cupps and Beckie Scott, to navigating ego, impact, and parenting with Rob Bell and Jon O’Sullivan, this compilation pulls together the wisdom that’s stayed with us long after the recording stopped. Coaches like Lisa Thomaidis and Lindsay Wilson challenge us to lead with clarity, let go of control, and show up with purpose. Whether you’re mentoring, parenting, or simply trying to grow, these moments are worth a second listen.

From rural Saskatchewan to the Western Hockey League—and now to writing Coaching by Design—this conversation is built on intentionality and impact. In this episode, we dig into the shift from old-school coaching to a values-based, athlete-first approach grounded in curiosity, service, and brutal honesty. From reconciliation with his own father to calling out ego in hockey culture, Scott Dutertre shares the lessons that shaped him—and the ones he’s still learning.If you’re a coach, parent, or athlete navigating today’s win-now pressure, you’ll walk away from this episode with more than a few hard truths—and a lot of inspiration.

From battling Norway in the legendary Moose Wars to inspiring the Vegas Golden Knights with a basement-made video, Justin Reves returns with more jaw-dropping stories and hard-earned wisdom. In part two, we follow the ride from scrappy content creator to NHL storyteller—and the cost of walking away from “good” to pursue “great.” Hear how authenticity, failure, and a ridiculous tennis headband sparked momentum that reached millions. This episode is a reminder that joy, purpose, and impact often follow when you show up as your true self.