Best Thrive On Challenge S. Sowden Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

4d 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

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

11d 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

15d 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
The 5-Minute Discipline That Will Transform Your Leadership 4:55

18d 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

22d 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
The Culture You Create Will Never Outshine the Example You Set 2:23

27d 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

27d 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
Leading in the Grey: Navigating Complexity When Standards Aren’t Black & White 5:08

1M 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

1M 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
Stop Teaching, Start Coaching 4:50

1M 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

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

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

2M 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
Two Ways to Get Your Team to Be More ______ 7:01

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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
The Question Every Coach Should Ask Every Player at Every Practice and Game 2:54

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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…

1
The Problem with Your High Standards 5:37

4M ago5:37

5:37

Are your standards for commitment, reliability, and work ethic clear—or just assumed? 🤔 The way we judge others vs. ourselves can reveal more about us than we realize. This article explores hidden biases in judgment, the misalignment of expectations, and how leaders can create clarity through conversation. Listen now! 👇 #Leadership #TeamCulture #Co…

1
The Quickest Way to Build or Break Trust 3:34

4M ago3:34

3:34

From 'break your arm' parenting advice to building unbreakable trust in your team – yeah, we go there. Join us for a candid conversation about the surprising power of consistency in leadership. Forget fluffy motivational speeches, we're diving into the real deal: how to actually do what you say you're going to do. Ever wonder why your team isn't bu…

1
How to Get Your Players to Hold Their Teammates Accountable 3:26

4M ago3:26

3:26

We expect our players to hold each other accountable, but are we showing them how? In this episode, we dive into what true accountability looks like—not through punishment or public shaming, but through leadership, trust, and empowerment. We’ll break down practical ways to model effective leadership, equip players with tools to hold each other to h…

1
A Simple Shift That Changed Everything 3:33

4M ago3:33

3:33

🔥 Coaches, your words shape your culture! 🔥 What if the key to unlocking your team’s intensity wasn’t pushing harder—but believing louder? 🚀 A simple shift in language took this basketball team from struggling to thriving. 💡Visit https://www.tocculture.com/newsletter to get the Calling Up vs Calling Out Guide!…

1
Change Your Thinking, Change Your Culture: Thinking Drives Behaviors, Behaviors Drive Results 5:03

4M ago5:03

5:03

Great teams don’t just follow a strategy—they build a culture. 🏆💡 In 2010, Donegal football was at rock bottom. Just two years later, they were All-Ireland champions. How? It wasn’t just about tactics or training—it was a complete mindset shift. Jim McGuinness didn’t just change how they played; he changed what they believed. Culture eats strategy …

1
Culture Is Conversations 3:09

4M ago3:09

3:09

Culture is built—and broken—one conversation at a time. Are you being intentional with your words? This video explores how to cultivate meaningful conversations that strengthen your team and transform your culture. #leadership #culturebuilding #communication #intentionalliving #teamwork

1
You Can't Change What You Don’t Notice 5:19

5M ago5:19

5:19

🤯 Even Phil Jackson, the Zen Master, had to learn to let go! His story with Michael Jordan and the Bulls is a powerful lesson in leadership, self-awareness, and the power of noticing our own blind spots. It's not just about the system, it's about the people. What are YOU clinging to that might be holding you back? Subscribe to get weekly culture bu…

1
Event is Not Equal to Explanation 3:21

5M ago3:21

3:21

Ever caught yourself making up a story when something ‘bad’ happens? 🤯 Lost a game? Your team is doomed. Got feedback from your boss? You’re getting fired. Kids tossed Tupperware in the cupboard? They’re ungrateful! 🤬 But what if these stories aren’t the truth—just our version of it? 🤔 The reality? Your team had an off night. Your boss might be bad…

1
How to Respond to Losing: A Lesson from Roger Federer 6:13

5M ago6:13

6:13

🔥 How do champions handle tough losses? This story about Roger Federer will change the way you think about setbacks. 💪 #resilience #growthmindset #inspiration

1
4 Questions to Help You Process a Hard Loss 2:42

5M ago2:42

2:42

🤯 Ever feel like your team should have won? 🤔 Byron Katie's "The Work" can help! 🧘‍♀️ Four simple questions to challenge those thoughts and find peace, even after a tough loss. 🏀⚽️🏈 Is it true? Can you absolutely know it's true? How do you feel when you think that thought? Who would you be without that thought? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments…

1
3 Big Problems of a Lack of Candor within Your Team 3:24

5M ago3:24

3:24

🚨 The silent killer of teamwork isn’t just lying—it’s withholding. 🤐 Staying silent drains energy, erodes trust, and holds your team back from greatness. 💔 Discover how open communication can transform your team’s performance and build unshakable connections. 💬✨ 👉 Read more and start speaking up! #Teamwork #Leadership #TrustBuilding…

1
5 Criteria For Asking Great Questions 5:06

5M ago5:06

5:06

💡 The Secret to Asking Great Questions 💡 The questions you ask shape the conversations you have—and great conversations drive change. 🚀 But asking powerful questions? That’s an art. 🎨 ✨ Here are 5 keys to asking game-changing questions: 1️⃣ Open, not closed: Instead of "Did you try hard?" ask, "How do you feel about your effort?" 🗣️ 2️⃣ What or how…

1
How Rory McIlroy Went from Self-Blame to Radical Responsibility 3:33

5M ago3:33

3:33

From heartbreak to triumph: Rory McIlroy's journey from his crushing 2011 Masters loss to a record-breaking U.S. Open victory teaches us the power of radical responsibility. Discover how shifting from self-blame to accountability transformed his game—and his mindset.

1
How To Speak The Truth 0:58

5M ago0:58

0:58

🎤 Speaking truth in love doesn’t have to be so tricky! Here's a game-changing tip I learned: 💡 Instead of saying, "I think your decision was selfish," try, "I had this thought that your decision was selfish." This small shift makes a BIG difference. It lets you share your truth—your personal mix of observations, feelings, and thoughts—without prese…

1
🚀 Six Standards of Transformational Leadership 🌟 2:51

6M ago2:51

2:51

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? 💡 These six principles will help you move from simply teaching to truly transforming. 1️⃣ Focus on Transformation, Not Transmission – Growth isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about sparking meaningful change within. 🔥 2️⃣ Integrate Character Development – Every practice, every drill, every gam…

1
Recruiting Principles for Transformational Coaching 6:40

6M ago6:40

6:40

🚨 Coaches, are you recruiting with fear or focus? 🤔 Bo Schembechler said it best: “Miss out on the right guy, he beats you once a year. Recruit the wrong guy, he beats you every day.” This article breaks down the 3 biggest fears of recruiting and reveals the 6 principles you need to build a roster that fits your culture, not just your stat sheet. 🏆…

1
3 Questions to Help Your Team Be More Focused on the Journey 2:58

6M ago2:58

2:58

🚀 Want to help your team focus on the journey and not just the goals this season? Here's how! 🌟 Transform your culture by asking 3 powerful questions that shift identity and clarify vision: 1️⃣ How do you imagine our team being different in 3, 6, or 12 months? 2️⃣ What do you hope to experience during this journey? 3️⃣ If we were truly [selfless/re…

1
Every Unacceptable Behavior is an Opportunity, Not a Problem 3:58

6M ago3:58

3:58

🏀✨ Complaints or opportunities? A youth coach turned unacceptable behavior into a lesson in character. By focusing on values like effort and support, the team grew stronger on and off the court. See how shifting your perspective can build better athletes—and better people! 🙌 #YouthSports #Teamwork #LeadershipDevelopment…

1
The Power of a Consistent (and Sometimes Boring) Review Process 3:53

6M ago3:53

3:53

🏀💡 What’s the secret behind a national championship? It’s not just skill or strategy—it’s consistency! Discover how a “boring but effective” after-action review process became the foundation for one team’s extraordinary success. Reflect, refine, repeat. 🌟 #Leadership #TeamCulture #SuccessThroughConsistency…

1
The Secret to Your Best Performance 10:09

6M ago10:09

10:09

🏃‍♂️✨ What’s the secret to breaking limits in sport—and life? It’s not grit or gear. It’s joy. From Coach Joe Vigil’s journey with the Tarahumara runners to Courtney Dauwalter’s record-breaking performances, discover how love for the process, not the prize, creates extraordinary results. 🏆 Learn how athletes and teams like the Golden State Warriors…