Best Toc Culture Podcasts (2025)

1
SZN 8 EP 14 - Natalie Montenegro / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist in California / Importance of Cultural Competency / Tips for First Responder Spouses 45:09

25d ago45:09

45:09

Joining today is Natalie Montenegro, a T.O.C. contracted therapist in California. Natalie has been a therapist for over 18 years and specializes in working with our first responder community. Natalie is also married to a Law Enforcement Officer in California and her sister is a Dispatcher. In this episode, Natalie touches on what therapy looks like…

1
Before You Talk to Your Athlete's Parents—Remember These 3 Things! 2:00

3h ago2:00

2:00

Headed into a parent talk? Stop! This post gives you 3 must-remember tips to ensure a productive conversation every time. #CoachLife #SportsParents

1
SZN 8 EP 17 - Paul & Dakota / Partners On an Ambulance / Not Realizing Burnout Had Creeped In / How Personal Life Affects Work Life / Starting a Support Team at Department 54:53

4d ago54:53

54:53

Paul and Dakota have both been in EMS for over 10 years in Southern California and are currently partners on an ambulance. In this episode, they discuss some of the fun parts of working on an ambulance in addition to some of the challenges. Paul disclosed some personal family struggles, which ultimately caused him to realize he was burned out and n…

1
4 Reasons to Have Conversations with Your Athlete’s Parents 4:38

6d ago4:38

4:38

Navigating conversations with sports parents can be tough, but they're essential for a thriving team culture and athlete development! 🤝 In this article, discover 4 crucial reasons why these "hard conversations" are actually invaluable opportunities for coaches: Demonstrate Care & Value Partnership: Show parents you're invested in their child's well…

1
Parent Problems? Welcome To The Club! 2:16

8d ago2:16

2:16

Coaches, we've all been there! 😬 Parent problems are an inevitable part of the game – even 22-time NCAA Champ Anson Dorrance faced them! You can't please everyone, but you can manage those challenges effectively. This video shares 3 powerful strategies to help you navigate parent dynamics: Minimize Problems with Transparency: Clear communication bu…

1
SZN 8 EP 16 - Chad / U.S.M.C. 0311 / 11 Friends Lost by Suicide / A Glock Misfire? / The Pain of Receiving Notifications of Suicides via Text / Co-Founder of Forge Concepts 1:02:45

11d ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Thank you to Chad for joining The Overwatch Collective Podcast after getting connected through Veterans_Up! Chad served in the United States Marine Corps as an 0311, infantry rifleman. Chad started his USMC career in active duty and then transitioned to the reserves so he could partake in a deployment to Afghanistan. Chad discusses his deployments …

1
Why Your Overabundance of Rules Might Be Holding Your Team Back 4:28

13d ago4:28

4:28

The tragic 1949 Mann Gulch fire offers a chilling lesson for every leader. 🔥 A team of highly trained smokejumpers, equipped with over 40 rules, tragically perished not from the fire itself, but from an inability to adapt when those rules became obsolete. Organizational psychologist Karl E. Weick's analysis reveals the danger of drowning in your ow…

1
When You Look Back on Your Coaching—Hopefully You Cringe a Little 1:54

14d ago1:54

1:54

That feeling of cringing at your old coaching methods? It's actually a powerful sign of progress! 💪 This video dives into why those past "dead ends" were actually vital steps in your evolution as a coach and leader. Keep growing, keep evolving! #CoachDevelopment #EvolveOrDie #LearningEveryday #SportsCoaching…

1
SZN 8 EP 15 - Alison Fienning / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist / Neck Up Check Ups for First Responders / Founder of Pinpoint Behavioral Health Solutions / PTSD is a 3rd Wheel 39:22

18d ago39:22

39:22

Tune into this episode to learn about Alison Fienning, one of The Overwatch Collective's contracted therapists who is licensed in Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, & Arizona. Alison has been a therapist for over 12 years and specializes in working with our first responder community. Alison is embedded with several first responder departments after founding …

1
The Five Levels of Transformational Leadership Influence 3:57

19d ago3:57

3:57

What does true transformational leadership look like? It's bigger than you think! ✨ Our latest piece, drawing insights from the Coaching Culture Podcast, introduces a powerful 5-level framework for understanding your influence. Learn how coaches like Graham Roxburgh and Rob Dow extend their impact far beyond their teams, and discover where you can …

1
The Gift of Silence: How Presence Builds Connection 8:50

26d ago8:50

8:50

In this episode of Today's Culture Builders, inspired by an article from the Team Culture Toolbox weekly newsletter, we delve into "The Gift of Silence: How Presence Builds Connection." We explore the profound wisdom of Fred Rogers and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, a show that defied conventional children's television by embracing slowness, gentleness,…

1
Want Better Conversations with Your Players? Try This Simple Tip. 2:43

28d ago2:43

2:43

A coach asked, “What’s the hardest part about being coached by me?”The player gave a safe, surface-level answer. But this time, the coach didn’t move on.He waited.5 seconds… 15 seconds… nearly 30 seconds of silence.And that’s when the real conversation began.🎧 On this episode of The Culture Builders Podcast, we talk how silence—not advice or tactic…

1
SZN 8 EP 13 - Brian Laurence, LMFT / T.O.C. Contracted California Therapist / 30 Years LEO in Northern California / 3 Years U.S. Army Military Police / Benefits of Prior LEO & MIL Experience in the Therapy ... 39:46

1M ago39:46

39:46

Thank you to Brian Laurence for joining the podcast virtually from Northern California! Brian served 3 years in the U.S. Army followed by 30 years in law enforcement, where he retired as a Lieutenant. Once retired, Brian focused on become a licensed marriage and family therapist in order to continue serving the community, specializing in our first …

1
Beyond the Scoreboard: How Service Transforms Teams & Builds True Champions! 🏆 6:28

1M ago6:28

6:28

Ever wonder how some teams build a winning culture that goes far beyond just playing the game? This story reveals the incredible power of purpose and connection! It's about teams like the Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball squad, who spent their summer rebuilding a bridge in the Dominican Republic, not practicing jump shots. Or Coach Greg…

1
Tired of entitled athletes? Flip the script with gratitude! 2:24

1M ago2:24

2:24

🎯 Tired of entitled athletes? Flip the script with gratitude! 💪✨ 1️⃣ Earn Your Spots: Make jerseys, lockers & gear something players “win” through effort—fundraising, extra reps, team tasks. 2️⃣ Small Thanks, Big Impact: End practice with a quick “thank you” to coaches, parents & fans. Handwritten notes after fundraisers? Yes, please! 💌 3️⃣ Serve t…

1
SZN 8 EP 12 - Melissa Cavanaugh / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist / Children's Challenges with Deployments & How Therapy Helps / Military Spouse Challenges / Tips & Tricks for Service Members Deploying with ... 52:52

1M ago52:52

52:52

Tune in to listen to Melissa Cavanaugh, one of T.O.C.'s contracted therapists as she discusses life as a military spouse as her husband is a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy. Also, Melissa is a therapist who specializes in working with children whose mother and/or father are in the U.S. Military and are deployed. Melissa is licensed in California, Ma…

1
The 5-Minute Discipline That Will Transform Your Leadership 4:55

1M ago4:55

4:55

In this episode, we explore the power of journaling for coaches and leaders, the resistance that often comes with it, and the deep impact it can have on clarity, mindset, and growth. You'll hear about how a coach’s coach helped shift this practice from a burden to a lifeline, and how it's continued to shape leadership development since 2016.We also…

1
The Key to Motivating Your Athletes: Find Out What Makes it Fun for Them 2:00

1M ago2:00

2:00

🎯 “Winning = Fun”? Not So Fast. I walked into a locker room and saw this poster: ➡️ “Why do we play? To have fun. What makes it fun? Winning. So let’s win, win, win, and win some more.” But here’s the problem: Fun doesn’t mean the same thing to every athlete. Research shows that while fun is the #1 reason athletes play, winning is just one of many …

1
SZN 8 EP 11 - Joshua Fernandez / U.S. Army 11 Bravo / Suicides Following Discharge from the Army / How Physical Fitness Benefits Mental Health 56:27

2M ago56:27

56:27

Joining via zoom from Northern California is Joshua Fernandez. After spending four years in the U.S. Army as an infantryman with a deployment overseas, he switched to the Army National Guard for three years. After discharging from the military, he unfortunately lost several friends to suicide in addition to a suicide attempt. Joshua touched on the …

1
The Culture You Create Will Never Outshine the Example You Set 2:23

2M ago2:23

2:23

🧭 “The culture you cultivate will never outshine the example you set.” We pour time and energy into building team culture... but what happens when we, as leaders, don’t lead ourselves well? In this clip, we explore a hard truth: your culture plan means nothing if you’re burned out, inconsistent, or not living the values you preach. Elite performanc…

1
One Goal, Different Pathways: Even Brady and Gronk Found a Way 6:14

2M ago6:14

6:14

Ever wonder how top coaches manage players with wildly different commitment levels, all aiming for the same championship? This video dives into a common coaching dilemma: how to unite a team when some players are all-in and others have different priorities. We'll break down how coaching legends like Bill Belichick handled the dynamic duo of Tom Bra…

1
SZN 8 EP 10 - Trevor Ellis / U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey Pilot / Losing Two Marines to Suicide / U.S. Military Pilots & Mental Health is a Challenge / Isolation After Discharging from the Marine Corps 49:33

2M ago49:33

49:33

Thank you to Trevor Ellis for joining T.O.C.'s Podcast! Trevor was a U.S. Marine for 10 years where he spent 6 years flying the MV-22 Osprey and did two combat deployments. After flying the Osprey, Trevor found himself working with the grunts on the ground. Trevor touches on the challenges of seeking mental health assistance while being. pilot, los…

1
Leading in the Grey: Navigating Complexity When Standards Aren’t Black & White 5:08

2M ago5:08

5:08

What happens when rules don’t fit real life? In this clip, I share a real-world leadership dilemma from a coach trying to balance fairness with empathy — a struggle every leader will face at some point. When a player misses practice for a haircut and for a serious family issue, how do you respond in a way that’s consistent, compassionate, and fair?…

1
Behaviors Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg | Leadership & Culture Insight 2:26

2M ago2:26

2:26

"Mindset is a pretty social experience..." — Dr. Alex Auerbach shares a powerful reminder that what drives team behavior lies beneath the surface. In this clip, I reflect on a fundamental leadership insight: if you want to change culture, don’t just focus on behaviors — focus on the beliefs driving them. Drawing from books like The Culture Code and…

1
SZN 8 EP 9 - Nick Abeyta / Prior Infantry U.S. Marine / Benefits of Ketamine Assisted Therapy / How 9 Sessions Changed His Life / Deployment Life with New Wife / Challenges in Marriages While Deployed ... 1:03:12

2M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Thanks to Nick Abeyta for joining T.O.C.'s Podcast. Nick and Greg met in Camp Fuji, Japan, while on their deployment with 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines. Thankfully, they were able to stay in contact and Nick wanted to share about the challenges he and his wife faced during his deployment overseas after recently being married and his feedback on ketami…

1
Stop Teaching, Start Coaching 4:50

2M ago4:50

4:50

Unlock the secrets to fostering growth and development in others (and yourself!). This episode explores the pivotal moment when tennis pro Tim Gallwey abandoned instruction and embraced awareness, leading to his groundbreaking book, "The Inner Game of Tennis." We trace the journey of these principles into the business world with John Whitmore, reve…

1
How Do I Adapt My Coaching Style for Different Ages and Skill Levels? 2:51

2M ago2:51

2:51

🧠 Coaching different age groups or skill levels? Here’s the mindset shift that changes everything:Don’t ask your athletes to adapt to your style—adapt your style to serve their needs.🔥 3 Steps to Coach More Effectively:1️⃣ Ask: “What do my athletes need?”2️⃣ Separate your style from your values.3️⃣ Adapt your approach without losing your identity.G…

1
SZN 8 EP 8 - Nick McCarthy / Retired K9 Officer / Officer Involved Shooting That Changed His Life Forever / Effects on Family Post OIS / Challenges with Command Staff / The Shit Talking Needs To Stop ... 2:31:44

2M ago2:31:44

2:31:44

Very excited to get Nick McCarthy on the podcast. Nick and Greg worked together for about 10 years and have some great memories together. Nick shares his journey of joining Law Enforcement with his sole goal of becoming a Canine Handler. Once Nick and K9 Tyke just started to mesh well together and were ready for a great career together, one suspici…

1
How Great Coaches Apologize (Without Losing Respect) 2:09

2M ago2:09

2:09

💥 Every coach messes up. The real test of leadership? How you recover. In this clip from The Coaching Culture Podcast, we break down how to apologize effectively — without letting athletes off the hook: ✅ Own your mistakes (no excuses!) ✅ Restate the facts ✅ Share what you wish you’d done differently When athletes see you take responsibility, they …

1
SZN 8 EP 7 - Greg Grogan - The Feeling of Helplessness When Critical Incidents & Suicides Hit Close to Home / Three Incidents Within San Mateo County, CA / The Importance of Taking Care of Yourself and ... 38:00

2M ago38:00

38:00

In this first time ever solo episode, Greg opens up about the emotional weight that comes when tragedy strikes within our own ranks - when a line of duty death and/or critical incident hits close to home. These moments bring a unique kind of grief, stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil that many in our community face, but few talk about. This epis…

1
Can We Get Rid of the Worst Parts of Ourselves Without Losing the Parts That Make Us Great? 6:46

3M ago6:46

6:46

During a layover in the Philadelphia Airport, a conversation with Michigan fans sparked a deeper reflection on the evolving image of leadership in sports. In this episode, we contrast the fiery sideline style of Dan Hurley with the calm, intentional presence of Dusty May—two winning coaches with dramatically different approaches. We explore the hid…

1
T.O.C. Board of Directors Members Cheryl and Kamryn Provide Brief Breakdown of T.O.C.'s Therapy Process w/ New Criteria / Our Therapy Assistance Program is Officially Re-Opened to Serve our Military ... 6:17

3M ago6:17

6:17

We are excited to announce The Overwatch Collective's Therapy Assistance Program is officially re-opened! After being paused for several months to due fundraising challenges, T.O.C. is back up and running after receiving some amazing donations. In this podcast episode, T.O.C.'s vey own Cheryl Coulter and Kamryn Coulter provide a brief update regard…

1
Where Does a Coach’s Responsibility to Athletes End? 2:30

3M ago2:30

2:30

💥 "You ruined my season!" 💥 If you've ever been hit with that from a player or parent, you're not alone—and you're not to blame. But as coaches, we do have a responsibility: to create an environment where athletes can grow. ✅ Get curious ✅ Build relationships ✅ Ask questions that lead to ownership The best coaches don’t avoid hard moments—they lead…

1
SZN 8 EP 6 - Cryus, Till Zero Coffee Company / Curbing Veteran & First Responder Suicide / The Challenges of Therapy in Our Community / Lack of Resources for Veterans 1:01:39

3M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Thank you to Cyrus for joining T.O.C.'s Podcast via zoom from Colorado! Cyrus is currently an active duty U.S. Army Soldier and in the process of getting out due to medical reasons. Cyrus touches on the lack of resources out there for our veteran community, why we are seeing so many suicides, and what we can do to combat this huge problem. Cyrus al…

1
Two Ways to Get Your Team to Be More ______ 7:01

3M ago7:01

7:01

💡 How do I get my team to be more _______? Resilient. Positive. Selfless. Accountable. Grateful. Better leaders. It's the question every coach asks. And the answer? Simple—but not easy. 👇 Here are two powerful ways to start building the team culture you actually want: 🔑 1. Become More ______ Yourself Your team won’t outgrow your example. If you wan…

1
Essential Questions for Coaching Interviews 2:59

3M ago2:59

2:59

🚨 Coaches interviewing for new jobs—WATCH THIS BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW 🚨We've all prepped the perfect answers to impress in interviews. But here's the truth: it's not just about them picking you—it’s about YOU picking THEM. 🧠👀Too many coaching jobs are set up to fail. Why? Because coaches don’t ask the right questions to vet the administration.In Epi…

1
How to Know When to Remove an Athlete from the Team 2:35

3M ago2:35

2:35

One of the hardest decisions a coach can make… What do you do when an athlete just isn't buying in—and it's hurting your team? You're not alone in facing this. The real question is: Would you choose them again, knowing what you know now? This article breaks down the critical fork in the road every leader eventually faces. 🔥 Read now: “When to Remov…

1
Are You Really Controlling the Controllables? 0:49

3M ago0:49

0:49

We preach it, but do we practice it? This clip challenges coaches to truly focus on what's within their grasp and stop wasting energy on the uncontrollable. #ControlTheControllables #CoachingLeadership #SportsPsychology #Mindset

1
The 100% Paradigm: Embracing Radical Responsibility in Leadership 3:35

3M ago3:35

3:35

Want to become a more effective leader, parent, or coach? Discover the power of 100% responsibility and learn how to: Identify your blind spots Foster a culture of ownership Maintain your confidence while embracing feedback Help others take responsibility for their actions Watch now and unlock your leadership potential! #PersonalGrowth #Coaching #P…

1
It's Not Your Job to Keep Them Happy 2:37

3M ago2:37

2:37

Struggling with unhappy people? You're not alone. It's not your job to be a happiness dispenser. Instead, ask: 1️⃣ How did I contribute? 2️⃣ How can I validate their experience? 3️⃣ Where do I set a boundary? Lead with responsibility, empathy, and clear limits. #transformationalleadership #coaching #culturebuilding…

1
How Can I Motivate my Athletes while Maintaining a Positive Environment? 2:41

3M ago2:41

2:41

🚨 Coach Dilemma Alert! 🚨 "When I yell, they work harder... so when is it okay to yell?" 🤔💭 Spoiler: The real question isn’t when to yell, but how to build a culture of motivation that lasts. 👏🔥 Ditch the "carrot and stick" approach and focus on Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose to create a team that’s driven from within. 🚀⚡ 🏆 Want to truly inspire you…

1
The 100-Point Leadership Wellness Protocol 4:00

4M ago4:00

4:00

Coaches, leaders, and parents—your ability to serve others depends on how well you take care of yourself. This Wellness Point System is a simple way to ensure you’re prioritizing recovery and well-being daily. ✅ Set a goal: 100 recovery points in 24 hours (or find a sustainable target for you). ⚡ Customize it: Adjust activities and points to fit yo…

1
SZN 8 EP 5 - Sara Wilkinson, The Step Up Foundation's $25,000 Donation to The Overwatch Collective / Reducing Veteran & First Responder Suicides 21:45

4M ago21:45

21:45

A huge thank you to Sara Wilkinson and the team from The Step Up Foundation for donating $25,000 to The Overwatch Collective. Step Up Foundation has donated over $300,000 to various organizations that are working hard to combat veteran suicide. Listen to this quick 20 minute episode as Instagram Live failed us! Sara gives us a brief summary how Ste…

1
The Question Every Coach Should Ask Every Player at Every Practice and Game 2:54

4M ago2:54

2:54

Tired of your athletes just following orders? 😩 Let's switch from telling to empowering. Ask them: "What are you noticing?" and "What do you want to try doing?" These simple questions can transform passive players into proactive leaders. Watch the reel for the breakdown! #AthleteDevelopment #Leadership #CoachingTips #SportsPsychology #Mindset…

1
See the Person, Not Just the Behavior 5:53

4M ago5:53

5:53

What would YOU do? 🤨 Imagine these scenarios: a compared soccer player, a frustrated basketball player, an overwhelmed football player. How do you respond? Your reaction shapes their identity, their perception of themselves, and their future actions. See the good inside, understand their struggles, and speak to their potential. It's about building …

1
The Heroic Perspective: Assuming Positive Intent 5:46

4M ago5:46

5:46

Ever struggle with someone's behavior? Instead of assuming the worst, try seeing them as the hero of their own story. This "Heroic Perspective" exercise helped Coach Ramirez understand Sofia's disruptive actions. 3 steps: 1) "I'm trying to..." (their view) 2) Another perspective. 3) Push for a third. It's about understanding, not excusing. #mindset…

1
Beyond the Yelling: The Power of Belief in Coaching 5:40

4M ago5:40

5:40

What does it truly mean to be a transformational coach? This episode explores the enduring legacy of Coach Fitz, as told by Michael Lewis. We delve into the importance of seeing potential, fostering new identities, and the power of belief. Discover how to move beyond tactics and connect with your players on a deeper level. #coachingphilosophy #ment…

1
6 Words to Transform How You Deliver Feedback 1:24

4M ago1:24

1:24

Want to deliver feedback that actually lands? Try this: "Tell me if I am wrong..." or "I might be wrong, but..." Openness and responsibility follow. #communicationtips #feedbackstrategy #leadershipdevelopment

1
What Makes a Team Special? 8:38

4M ago8:38

8:38

It wasn't the buzzer-beaters or trophies that made my high school basketball team special. It was the feeling. The feeling of belonging, found in the most unexpected place – the back of Ian Roof's beat-up Chevy Blazer. 🚙 Those moments, those bonds, they're what truly matter. This story is a tribute to the leaders who create spaces where we all feel…

1
Is the Way You Are Looking at Things Working for You? 2:40

4M ago2:40

2:40

Three coaching mindsets. Which one are you? 🤔 I recently spoke to FIBA Level 2 coaches and saw the same pattern: Tick-the-box, Learning, or Growth. Some were ready to defend their 'old-school' methods, while others were open to new perspectives. Ironically, those most resistant are often the most frustrated. If you're not happy with your results, y…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Toc Culture Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide