
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

Mar 2, 2025 • 39min
390: From World Cup Champion to Championship Coach: Tracy Leone on Leadership, Teamwork, and the Power of Support
Join us as we sit down with Tracy Bates, former UNC and US Women's National Team star and current UNC assistant coach, for a deep dive into her incredible journey in the world of soccer. In this episode, Tracy shares invaluable insights from her playing days, including: The importance of leading by example and fostering a positive team environment. Her evolution as a leader, from youth soccer to the national team. The challenges of accepting a reserve role and finding ways to contribute to the team's success. The art of balancing honesty and empathy when communicating with players. The power of accountability and how to "call players up" instead of calling them out. How her experiences as a player shaped her coaching philosophy.Whether you're a player, coach, or simply a fan of the game, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Don't miss out!#leadership #teamwork #soccer #womensoccer #USWNT #UNC #coach #athlete #inspiration #motivation #podcast

Feb 23, 2025 • 52min
389: Coaching on Eggshells: How to Lead with Integrity in an Age of Parent Complaints & Athlete Accusations
Are you a coach feeling the pressure of "walking on eggshells" in today's sports environment? Do you fear parent complaints, athlete accusations, or even investigations?In this episode of The Coaching Culture Podcast, JP Nerbun and Betsy Butterick dive deep into the challenges coaches face in navigating a culture of fear and overprotection. They explore the rise of CYA (cover your a**) coaching and discuss the impact on both coaches and athletes.JP and Betsy offer practical strategies for coaches to: Proactively address potential issues Set clear expectations with athletes and parents Develop strong communication skills within their teams Protect their own well-being while fostering a positive and transformative athletic experience.Tune in to discover how to lead with integrity, build a supportive team culture, and rediscover the joy of coaching!#coachingculture #youthsports #sportsparents #coacheducation #leadership #mentaltoughness #athletewellbeingGet the Podcast Notes and Subscribe to our weekly newsletter! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter 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 Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/tocculture 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

Feb 16, 2025 • 29min
388: Coaching in College Athletics: Tracey Fuchs on Trust, Communication, and the Future of Sport
Join us for an insightful conversation with Tracey Fuchs, Northwestern Field Hockey Head Coach and USA Field Hockey assistant coach, as she shares her expertise on building a championship culture, fostering trust, and navigating the dynamic landscape of college athletics. This episode delves into the critical role of open communication, empowering coaching staff, and helping athletes recognize their value beyond the field. Tracey discusses her leadership philosophy, her commitment to continuous learning, and her vision for the future of collegiate sports. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or simply passionate about leadership and teamwork, this episode offers invaluable lessons and inspiration. Tune in to hear her impactful quotes and practical advice for maximizing human potential.Get the Podcast Notes and Subscribe to our weekly newsletter! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter 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 Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experiencehttps://www.tocculture.com/tocculture 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

Feb 9, 2025 • 30min
387: Adapting to Modern Athletes & Building a National Championship Team | Tracey Fuchs Part 1
In this episode, host Tracey Fuchs reflects on her impactful career as a field hockey player, coach and 2024 National Champion. Renowned for her contributions to the sport, Tracey shares insights into her leadership style, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with teammates. She discusses her belief that a team's success relies on the collective strength of its members, highlighting the significance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their role on the team. She shares practical examples of how fostering camaraderie—like taking teammates out for lunch and playing cards—has positively influenced her teams. Tune in to hear more about Tracey's journey and her philosophy on teamwork and leadership in sports.Get the Podcast Notes and Subscribe to our weekly newsletter! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter 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 Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experiencehttps://www.tocculture.com/tocculture 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

Feb 2, 2025 • 37min
386: Developing Resilience and Emotional Awareness In Athletes | Dr. Nick Holton Part 2
Dr. Nick Holton, an expert on emotional granularity, shares valuable insights on helping athletes overcome stress and anxiety through accurate emotional labeling. He discusses the common pitfalls of mislabeling feelings, leading to mental health issues. Holton offers practical strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence and underscores the importance of personalized support for athletes. He also emphasizes mindfulness for coaches to improve their effectiveness, promoting resilience and better communication in sports.

Jan 26, 2025 • 29min
385: The Science of Resilience: Creating Environments for Peak Performance | Dr. Nick Holton
In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, hosts Nate Sanderson and Betsy Butterick welcome Dr. Nick Holton, a consultant and coach specializing in optimizing performance and well-being. The conversation tackles the perception that "kids these days are soft" and encourages a shift from complaining about fragility to fostering anti-fragility in young individuals. Dr. Holton shares insights from his extensive experience with NBA athletes, NCAA programs, and Fortune 500 companies, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive and challenging environments. Join us as we explore strategies for coaches to enhance their leadership skills and cultivate resilient team cultures. Don't miss out on the valuable lessons from this enlightening discussion!
Get the Podcast Notes and Subscribe to our weekly newsletter! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter
Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | Spotify
Interested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contact
TOC Coaching & Culture Certification
Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/tocculture
Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/
Follow Us On Social Media
Substack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntoc
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture
Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture
Time Stamps
[00:00:10] Kids today are soft.
[00:03:36] Helping young people thrive.
[00:08:28] Anti-fragility in sports performance.
[00:12:40] Building resilience in young people.
[00:15:37] Chosen suffering and resilience.
[00:19:01] Chosen suffering and meaning.
[00:22:40] Fireflies flashing in sync.
[00:25:30] Embracing chosen suffering in sports.
[00:29:20] Growth mindset and learning orientation.

Jan 19, 2025 • 48min
384: Navigating the Emotional Roller Coaster: Coaches and Their Teams
🔥 Ever feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster as a coach? 🎢
In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, we dive deep into the intense world of a coach's emotional journey. From the highs of victory to the crushing lows of defeat, we explore how our emotions are inextricably linked to our team's performance.
We discuss:
🤯 The struggles of managing your emotions when the game's on the line.
🤬 Why "rage monsters" don't win championships (and how to tame your inner beast).
🤔 How to separate your self-worth from your team's wins and losses.
🧘♂️ Practical strategies for finding balance and leading with intention.
Plus: We share real stories, actionable tips, and insightful quotes to help you navigate the emotional complexities of coaching.
💪 Ready to become a more emotionally intelligent coach? Hit that play button and join the conversation! 🎧
Get the Podcast Notes and Subscribe to our weekly newsletter! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter
Listen to the Culture Builders Podcast: Youtube | Spotify
Interested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contact
TOC Coaching & Culture Certification
Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/tocculture
Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/
Follow Us On Social Media
Substack: https://substack.com/@jpnerbuntoc
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture
Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture

27 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 42min
383: How You Can Better Coach Your Coaches & Create a Learning Environment | Rob Mason Part 2
Rob Mason, a coach developer at Port Adelaide Football Club, delves into the art of coaching coaches. He discusses the vital need for a nurturing learning environment and the complexities of providing constructive feedback. Emphasizing trust and vulnerability, Rob advocates for a collaborative culture that encourages continuous learning. He shares insights on fostering curiosity, embracing failures, and the importance of self-awareness in coaching. Listeners gain valuable strategies to enhance coaching effectiveness, benefiting both coaches and their players.

Jan 5, 2025 • 35min
382: Developing Process-Driven Coaches in a Results Environment | Rob Mason Port Adelaide Football Club Part 1
Rob Mason, a full-time coach developer at Port Adelaide AFL Club, shares insightful strategies for fostering a culture of growth among coaches. He emphasizes the need for vulnerability, curiosity, and a process-driven approach over a results-focused mindset. The discussion highlights balancing quantitative data with qualitative coaching dynamics and the role of self-care in enhancing coaching performance. Listeners can expect to learn how to build collaborative environments that support long-term player development and improve overall team culture.

Dec 29, 2024 • 46min
381: LIVE Q&A Part 2: Giving Feedback to Asst Coaches & Our Responsibility for Athletes Experience
It’s Part 2 of our live Q&A session with real listeners of the Coaching Culture Podcast with J.P. Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick. In the second part we cover questions from a highschool coach who is seeking to gain confidence in giving assistant coaches feedback to foster their growth, a coach needing advice on how to promote alignment between administration and all programs at a school, and JP asks a question to all the listeners in return! Tune in for valuable perspectives and actionable advice on leading and adapting within a coaching environment.
Get the Podcast Notes and Subscribe to our weekly newsletter! https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter
Interested in booking TOC for a team meeting/consultation? Click here→ https://www.tocculture.com/contact
TOC Coaching & Culture Certification - https://www.tocculture.com/store
Learn More about TOC and how we can help enhance your coaching experience https://www.tocculture.com/tocculture
Learn More about Besty Butterick and her work with coaches! https://betsybutterick.com/
Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tocculture/
TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@tocculture
Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@tocculture
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.