
Coaching Culture
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
Latest episodes

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.

Jun 8, 2025 • 44min
404: What Happens When Sport Meets Service? The Team Up Effect | Graham Roxburgh Part 2
Graham Roxburgh, founder of Team Up, shares how sport can drive community development worldwide. He explains the inspiring origin of Team Up and its mission to go beyond competition to support local leaders. The conversation highlights the transformative power of service, revealing personal growth for both communities and volunteers. Touching stories, including a spontaneous soccer game during a rainstorm, emphasize the joy of connection. Roxburgh encourages coaches to engage in innovative, service-oriented activities that foster meaningful community ties.

Jun 1, 2025 • 40min
403: People Before Performance: Building a Winning Culture with Legendary Coach Graham Roxburgh | Part 1
In this engaging discussion, Graham Roxburgh, renowned coach and founder of Team Up Canada, shares insights from his journey building Trinity Western University's women's soccer program into a national powerhouse. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship in a coach's evolution and the creation of a strong team identity. Listeners will discover how personal growth complements performance and the value of community involvement in team culture. Roxburgh's holistic approach illustrates that winning is about more than just the game—it's about nurturing well-rounded athletes.

May 25, 2025 • 40min
402: Evolve or Erode: Changing Without Losing Your Edge
What does it mean to grow without losing your essence? The hosts dive into the delicate balance of evolving as a coach while staying true to core values. They discuss the importance of self-awareness and how traits can shift depending on context. Through insightful anecdotes, they illustrate ways to navigate strengths and weaknesses effectively. The conversation encourages questioning entrenched beliefs and reflections on personal values, all while exploring how commitment to personal growth can enhance leadership in coaching.

May 18, 2025 • 35min
401: Unlock Elite Performance: The Power of Belief, Behavior, and Well-being in Coaching Athletes | Alex Auerbach Part 2
In this insightful conversation, Elite Performance Coach Alex Auerbach, PhD, shares his expertise on the psychology of coaching high-performing teams. He emphasizes the power of core beliefs like 'belief in me, belief in we, and belief in us' in fostering a winning mindset. Alex also discusses the importance of bridging belief and action for consistent performance and the necessity of prioritizing well-being to prevent burnout. He highlights authentic leadership, the significance of recovery, and actionable strategies for sustainable success in sports.

May 11, 2025 • 35min
400: Championship Secrets: How to Coach Your Team Through High-Pressure Moments | Alex Auerbach Pt 1
Joining the conversation is Alex Auerbach, a performance psychologist with experience in the NBA and NFL, who recently worked with the Toronto Raptors. He shares powerful insights on what distinguishes good teams from champions, particularly during high-pressure moments. Alex emphasizes open communication about emotions to enhance team performance and discusses strategies to reframe pressure into a positive force. He also highlights techniques for mindfulness, helping athletes focus on the present to unlock their potential.

May 4, 2025 • 27min
399: Ask Us Anything- Inside Coaching: Connecting with Athletes, Managing Feedback & Prioritizing You
Dive into the intricate world of coaching where building strong relationships with athletes takes center stage. Discover how to effectively manage player feedback while balancing personal wellness during the hectic season. The importance of resilience and structured communication shines through, providing insights for fostering community support. Plus, explores the lasting impact coaches can have on athletes’ lives, reminding everyone of the continuous growth journey in coaching. Get ready for practical tips to enhance your leadership!

Apr 27, 2025 • 28min
398: Ask Us Anything - Coaching Crossroads: Commitment, Culture, & Time
This discussion dives into the challenges of balancing athlete dedication and building team culture. Coaches share strategies for creating a strong environment, even with limited resources. Emphasis is placed on transparency and communication to foster trust among players and their parents. The importance of inclusivity and valuing each athlete's unique commitment levels is highlighted. Transformational coaching and a positive culture are central themes, encouraging consistent improvement and engagement.