

Coaching Culture
Coaching Culture Podcast
A podcast for leaders and coaches sharing practical strategies and tools to build your team's culture and help you grow as a leader. Co-hosted by J.P. Nerbun and Nate Sanderson of TOC Culture Consulting, and Betsy Butterick. Get the podcast notes and learn more about us at tocculture.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
415: Rediscovering Joy - Inside Look Into a Coaching Call With J.P Nerbun
In a special live coaching call, host JP Nerbunn works with John Newman-Gonchar, a Division I head women's volleyball coach. The conversation is a raw and vulnerable exploration of the struggles many coaches face: balancing a demanding career with family life while rediscovering the initial passion and joy that led them to the profession.John reveals a deep-seated feeling of being pulled in a hundred different directions, which he believes detracts from his ability to give his best to his team and his family. The session focuses on challenging John’s core beliefs, particularly the idea that being a serious, high-performing coach is incompatible with being lighthearted and joyful. Through powerful questions and reflections, the discussion helps John identify his personal vision for his "best self"—a coach who is both intense and serious about his craft, and simultaneously joyful, lighthearted, and emotionally present. The episode concludes with John committing to specific, actionable steps to bring this new, aligned version of himself into his upcoming season.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

Aug 10, 2025 • 37min
413: Halftime Hacks: Maximize Athlete Performance & Communication | Eamon Devlin Part 2
Are you a coach looking to unlock your team's full potential, especially during those critical halftime moments? In this insightful episode, we sit down with Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute 9, a consultancy dedicated to transforming how sports teams communicate under pressure. Eamon provides actionable advice, from using anonymous surveys to "stop, start, continue" frameworks, and even unique ideas like videoing halftimes for objective review.Whether you're a seasoned head coach or an aspiring leader, this episode will equip you with fresh perspectives and practical tools to foster better communication, elevate player performance, and truly make halftime for the players.Learn more about Minute9 here: https://www.minute9.io/Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

Aug 3, 2025 • 39min
412: Rethinking Halftime: Why Less is More in Coaching with Eamon Devlin of Minute Nine
Eamon Devlin, Founder of Minute Nine, focuses on optimizing communication during high-stakes moments in sports. He reveals how traditional halftime speeches often miss the mark and shares his journey from law to sports consulting. Eamon emphasizes the importance of brevity and emotional well-being for players, suggesting that clarity can enhance performance. He also advocates for a supportive communication culture, highlighting the power of genuine connection over dramatic outbursts. Coaches and athletes alike will find his insights transformative.

Jul 27, 2025 • 40min
411: Coaching Confessions: Celebrate the Cringe in Your Coaching Journey
JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson shared personal anecdotes from their coaching careers, discussing initial successes, humorous mistakes, and impactful learning experiences. They reflected on how their coaching philosophies evolved from a naive, highly intense approach to a more balanced understanding of their role, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of their early methods. The hosts underscored the significance of player relationships, particularly during difficult moments, and the continuous journey of self-improvement and adaptability in coaching.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

14 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 37min
410: Supporting and Enforcing High Standards: Inside Coach JT's Program | Part 2
Jonathan Toszynski, a high school basketball coach at Willbridge, shares his innovative culture-building strategies that foster vulnerability and enhance team connections. He discusses unique activities like 'speed dating' for new players and 'hero and hardship' circles, aimed at strengthening bonds. JT reflects on a pivotal exit interview that deepened his relationship with a challenging player, and emphasizes the importance of balancing high standards with emotional support. His journey showcases the evolution of coaching dynamics, focusing on respect and personal growth.

Jul 13, 2025 • 45min
409: The Intentional Coach: Jonathan Toczynski's Path to Joy, Care & Trust | Part 1
Join high school basketball coach Jonathan Toczynski, known for his intentional coaching strategies, as he shares his transformative journey from transactional to transformational leader. He emphasizes the importance of joy, care, and trust in building team culture. Hear about his pivotal mentoring relationships, the power of self-reflection, and how to foster open communication with players and parents. Toczynski also recounts overcoming setbacks in his coaching career, highlighting resilience and the significance of nurturing connections for individual growth.

Jul 6, 2025 • 39min
408: Winning with Purpose: Impact, Resilience, and Results
In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick tackle the pervasive "win-aholic" mentality in sports. They explore the inherent tension coaches often feel between the relentless pursuit of victory and the deeper purpose of athlete development and creating positive experiences. The discussion highlights that while winning is integral to sports, an over-focus on it can lead to burnout, damaged relationships, and a loss of joy in coaching. The hosts unpack how to integrate the desire to win with a clear sense of purpose, emphasizing truth-telling, understanding individual motivations, and teaching crucial psychological skills to navigate pressure.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

Jun 29, 2025 • 28min
407: Shaking the Underdog: How Rob Dow Forged a Championship Culture at Vermont
Rob Dow, the head coach of the NCAA National Championship-winning Vermont Men's Soccer team, shares his insights on building a winning culture. He discusses shaking off the underdog mentality to foster belief and authenticity among players. Dow emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, open communication, and mentorship in creating a safe and supportive environment. He introduces the team’s mantra about breaking down challenges and highlights strategies for maintaining core values and overcoming complacency in pursuit of greatness.

Jun 22, 2025 • 33min
406: The Vermont Way: Community, Culture, and Championship Soccer
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rob, the head coach of the University of Vermont's national championship soccer team. In this episode, Rob takes us behind the scenes of their incredible journey, revealing that their success was built on far more than just tactics.Discover how Rob fosters a deep connection between his team and the vibrant Vermont community, viewing UVM Athletics as the state's "Real Madrid." He shares his philosophy of embracing diversity, nurturing individual strengths, and building authentic relationships that extend beyond the field. Learn about the intentional rituals that forge a strong team identity, like no-phone trivia at team meals, and how a focus on empowerment over over-coaching allows his players to thrive instinctually.Rob's humility and commitment to continuous learning shine through as he discusses how he gathers insights from community leaders and continually seeks to improve. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, offering invaluable takeaways for anyone looking to build a resilient, connected, and ultimately victorious team.Tune in to hear:Why community integration is paramount for sustained success.The power of intentional, simple rituals in building team cohesion.How to empower your team members and foster a culture of ownership.The true meaning of winning beyond the scoreboard.Subscribe to the Team Culture Toolbox Newsletter so you don’t miss the notes to this and every episode! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter Learn More and Apply for the next TOC Coaching Retreat: https://www.tocculture.com/retreat Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | SpotifyInterested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contactTOC Coaching & Culture Certification : https://www.tocculture.com/offers/3FEMNae2/checkoutLearn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/Follow Us On Social MediaSubstack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntocInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

Jun 15, 2025 • 43min
405: The Power of "Team Being": Beyond Activities to Authentic Connection
Explore the crucial difference between team being and team building, where authentic connections reign supreme. Delve into insights from a transformative leadership retreat, highlighting how shared experiences can enhance team dynamics. Discover the power of presence and mindfulness, and how vulnerability fosters deeper relationships. A lighthearted airport story brings home the importance of everyday interactions, reminding us that true connection happens in the simplest moments.