Conflict is inevitable on every team — division isn’t. In this episode we're sharpening one of the most underrated skills of great leaders: navigating tension without tearing the team apart. From locker room blow-ups to sideline disagreements, how you handle conflict will either fracture trust or forge stronger bonds.

We’ll break down the three core goals of healthy conflict resolution, the ground rules every athlete must follow, and the essential mindset shifts captains need to lead hard conversations with respect, humility, and purpose. You’ll also learn how to spot low-esteem warning signs before they derail a season and how to turn heated moments into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

Whether you’re leading a varsity locker room or building a championship culture from the ground up, this episode gives you the tools to step into conflict with confidence — and come out with a stronger, more united team.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#TeamLeadership #ConflictResolution #SportsCulture #CaptainMindset #CoachingTips #TeamBuilding #LockerRoomLeadership #TeamCaptain #AthleteDevelopment #HighSchoolSports #CaptainsAndCoaches

067 - Conflict Without Collapse: A Captain’s Guide to Hard Conversations

Recorded live at the NSCA Conference, this episode features an in-depth conversation with Justin Lima about the art and science of strength coaching, career development, and the mission behind Strength Coach Network.

Key Topics Covered:

 * Calling Out Bad Training: Why Justin publicly questions dangerous training practices and how he educates "coaches in the middle" through social media
 * Speaking the Language: How to communicate with sport coaches by learning their terminology and priorities
 * Programming for High School Coaches: Practical guidance on percentages, rep maxes, and avoiding common traps when resources are limited
 * Managing Athlete Load: Using reactive strength index (RSI) and other tools to monitor 100+ football players, plus the surprising discovery about when athletes actually perform best
 * VBT and Technology: When to use velocity-based training and when simpler approaches work better
 * Microdosing vs. Macrodosing: Why the pendulum has swung too far and when to actually load athletes hard
 * Game Speed vs. Training Speed: The drag racer vs. Fast & Furious analogy that perfectly explains athletic development
 * The Four P's Framework: Evaluating jobs based on Pay, Personal Life, Progression, and Purpose—and why Justin left Division 1 football
 * What's Next: Upcoming book release, sprint mechanics course, medicine ball training book, and the explosion of educational content at Strength Coach Network

Perfect for: High school coaches managing multiple responsibilities, college assistants looking to level up, and any strength professional who wants to work more effectively with sport coaches while developing athletes who are both fast and resilient.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#StrengthAndConditioning #StrengthCoach #NSCA #FootballTraining #HighSchoolCoaching #CollegeStrength #CoachingEducation #AthleteDevelopment #StrengthCoachNetwork #SportsPerformance

066 - Strength Coach Networking w/ Justin Lima

In this deeply personal episode, host Tex explores how self-image shapes athletic performance and coaching effectiveness—sparked by a painful realization about his own self-deprecating behavior and a recent loss that brought these lessons into sharp focus.

Key Topics:

 * Why your performance will never rise higher than your self-image
 * The coach expectation cycle and how first impressions shape outcomes
 * Understanding the athlete's mind: self-discrepancy theory (actual self vs. ideal self vs. ought self)
 * Warning signs of low self-esteem: negative self-talk, perfectionism, and body language cues
 * The difference between guilt (a feeling) and shame (a belief)—and why it matters
 * Practical coaching tools: managing expectations, building mastery-focused environments, and applying self-determination theory (autonomy, competence, relatedness)
 * How belief drives behavior, which drives performance

Tex shares vulnerable insights from his college athletic career, failed opportunities where he talked himself down, and the coaching wisdom gained from years of studying esteem and athlete psychology. 

The episode culminates with a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former teammate Drew—a fearless competitor who embodied unwavering self-belief.

For coaches: Learn to read the gaps between who your athletes are and who they think they should be, and discover how instruction beats criticism every time.

#SportsCoaching #AthleteMindset #SportsLeadership #CoachingPsychology #SelfEsteem #AthleticPerformance #MentalToughness #CoachDevelopment #SportsConfidence #YouthSports

065 - The Science of Selling Yourself Short

Squatober is here! In this episode, recorded live at Summer Strong 18, we sit down with Josh Dobbie—marketing leader at Sorinex—to explore a leadership philosophy that challenges everything we've been taught about control, strategy, and development.

Josh's journey from college tight end to culture architect reveals a powerful truth: the best leaders don't create something from nothing. They recognize what's already there—the talent, the passion, the potential—and burn the gas on it. They fill gaps instead of micromanaging. They create space for creative risk instead of demanding rigid adherence to three-inch binders full of strategy.

Whether you're coaching athletes, leading a team, or developing your own potential, this episode offers a masterclass in trust-based leadership. It's about creating environments where people don't wait for permission—they take action, learn from the broken plays, and grow into their fullest expression.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingPhilosophy #TeamCulture #EmpowermentLeadership #StrengthAndConditioning #AthleteDevelopment #CultureBuilder #TrustBasedLeadership #CaptainsAndCoaches #Sorinex #BeLegendary #Squatober

064 - Burning Gas & Building Trust w/ Josh Dobbie

Energy doesn't just happen. As coaches and leaders, we have the power to transform practice from a stress-filled obligation into a sanctuary where athletes leave the world behind and unlock their potential.

What You'll Discover:
- Energy Primers: spark engagement before practice even begins.
- Competitive Dynamics: challenges that tap into your athletes' natural drive.
- Psychological Anchors: intentional huddles that create flow state and team unity.
- The Mentor Mindset: How to be the thermostat, not the thermometer.
- Build, Don't Break: Reinforcing competence and confidence through purposeful intensity, not shame spirals.

This isn't about gimmicks or fake hype. It's about understanding that your athletes bring life to practice—relationships, stress, uncertainty—and as leaders, we can redirect that energy into focus, connection, and growth. The field becomes their sanctuary when we create the environment for transformation.  

Take advantage of the weather.   

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train  
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com

#CoachingCulture #PracticeMakesPurpose #TransformationalLeadership #Athletedevelopment #EnergyManagement #SportsCoaching #TeamCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingTips #MentorMindset #StrengthCoaching #SportsLeadership #CoachLife #TeamEnergy #PracticeOptimization #CoachingPhilosophy #AthleteMindset #PerformanceCoaching #CoachingTools #LeadershipInSports

063 - Energy Is Not An Accident: Tools to Flip to Switch at Practice

What separates athletes who survive pressure from those who thrive in it? At 5,280 feet, where the air is thin and standards are even higher, Coach Andy Holmes is redefining what it means to develop championship mentality.

In this conversation, we explore discipline as a practice of intentional choice—not just following orders, but actively choosing discomfort, choosing growth, choosing to show up when no one's watching. 

From his journey through the Marine Corps to special operations training, from Texas football to Denver soccer, Andy brings a unique perspective on development that transcends sport. We dive deep into how athletes learn to lead themselves first before leading others, why delayed gratification is the ultimate competitive advantage, and how choosing your identity daily creates more freedom than clinging to it desperately.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#StrengthAndConditioning #AthleticDevelopment #ChampionshipMentality #SportsPerformance #CoachingPhilosophy #CollegeSoccer #MentalToughness #LeadershipInSports #AthletesMindset #PerformanceCoaching

062 - Mile High Standards w/ Andy Holmes

Explore the profound difference between coaching approaches that enforce compliance versus those that build lasting belief. Drawing from research and personal athletic experience, as Tex reveals how transformational coaches create ripple effects far beyond performance metrics.

Transformational coaching operates through four core principles: role modeling authentic leadership, inspiring compelling visions, stimulating creative problem-solving, and recognizing individual needs. This approach pulls athletes toward their potential rather than pushing them away from mistakes. In contrast, transactional coaching relies on external rewards and punishments, managing behavior through compliance rather than empowering growth.

The critical insight: while both methods can generate immediate results, only transformational coaching builds the internal belief system that carries athletes forward long after competition ends. This isn't just about winning games—it's about developing humans who understand their potential, embrace creative challenges, and maintain growth mindsets throughout life's journey.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#TransformationalCoaching #CoachingLeadership #AthleteEmpowerment #SportsLeadership #CoachDevelopment #YouthSportsCoaching #AthleteMotivation #CoachingMindset #SportsTransformation #EmpowermentCoaching

061 - Transformational vs. Transactional Coach

What if everything you thought you knew about leadership was backwards? In this transformative conversation, Logan Gelbrich - founder of Deuce Gym and host of the Hold the Standard podcast - reveals how authentic leadership emerges from process, not position, and why the most powerful thing you can do is take complete ownership of what's within your control.

In this episode, you'll discover:

 * Why process-oriented thinking creates unshakeable confidence and sustainable results
 * How to develop "high agency" perspectives that put your destiny back in your hands
 * How to create environments where people choose to lead from within
 * The paradox of grace under pressure: being both compassionate and relentlessly accountable
 * Why focusing on "one pitch at a time" unlocks peak performance in any domain

Logan's insights cut through the noise of traditional leadership advice to reveal timeless principles that apply whether you're coaching a team, building a business, or simply trying to become the person you're capable of being.

This isn't just about sports; it's about rewiring your relationship with performance and potential.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train  
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#ProcessOverOutcome #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformanceMindset #CoachingMindset #PersonalDevelopment #TeamLeadership #PerformancePsychology #BusinessLeadership #MindsetTraining #AuthenticLeadership #DeuceGym #LoganGelbrich



060 - All You Can Do Is All You Can Do w/ Logan Gelbrich

What if everything you think you know about coaching young athletes is backwards?  

In this eye-opening episode of the Captains and Coaches Podcast, host Tex McQuilkin breaks down game-changing insights from Dr. David Jaeger's book "10 to 25" that will revolutionize how you approach leadership and development.  

You'll discover:
- The hidden "Neurobiological Incompetence Model" that's sabotaging coaches everywhere—and how to flip the script
- Why the popular "compliment sandwich" method is scientifically flawed (and what actually works instead)
- The 3 coaching mindsets that determine whether you build champions or break spirits
- How to solve the "Mentor's Dilemma"—giving tough feedback that motivates instead of crushing confidence  

This isn't theory—it's practical wisdom you can apply immediately. Whether you're coaching your own kids, leading a team, or developing talent in any field, this episode will transform how you communicate, set expectations, and unlock untapped potential. 

 Stop defaulting to outdated methods that hold athletes back. Learn the mentor mindset that creates confident, resilient performers who thrive under pressure.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train  
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#CoachingMindset #AthletesDevelopment #YouthSports #SportsLeadership #CoachingTips #GrowthMindset #MentorMindset #SportsCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #CoachingPhilosophy #SportsParenting #CoachEducation #TeamLeadership #AthleteMotivation

059 - 3 Make or Break Coaching Mindsets

What if the difference between breakthrough performance and crushing disappointment isn't talent, training, or even opportunity—but the story you're telling yourself about who you are and what you're capable of?

In this transformative conversation, developmental coach Dr. Cara Miller reveals how self-authorship—the fundamental belief that you are the narrator of your own experience—becomes the foundation for sustained excellence in athletics and life. Drawing from constructive developmental psychology, Dr. Miller breaks down why traditional compliance-based coaching falls short and how we can train athletes to think, not just perform.

Key Insights:

 * How culture killers like entitlement and resentment destroy team potential before it ever develops
 * The critical connection between body awareness, emotional intelligence, and clear decision-making under pressure
 * Why teaching athletes to feel, not just think, creates transferable life skills that compound over time
 * The subtle but powerful difference between teaching behavior versus training thinking patterns
 * How leadership as service transforms team captains from badge-wearers into bridge-builders

This isn't just about winning games—it's about authoring a life of intentional growth, meaningful contribution, and sustainable excellence. The skills that create championship athletes are the same ones that create exceptional leaders, partners, and human beings.

Training - Old Bull Program - 7 Day Free Trial - https://bit.ly/old-bull-train  
Education - Why They're Not Listening: Coaching the Modern Athlete - http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com [http://listen.captainsandcoaches.com/]

#SportspsychologyPodcast #SelfAuthorship #AthleticPerformance #CoachingMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalTraining #TeamCulture #YouthSports #HighSchoolCoaching #CharacterDevelopment

058 - Self-Authoring Performance w/ Dr Cara Miller

The Fast-Track to Becoming a Game-Changing Leader.

Discover how the greatest minds in sports build winning cultures. Dive into raw, no-nonsense conversations with elite coaches and captains who've been in the trenches. We're not here for fluff – expect:

 * Hard-hitting strategies to skyrocket your team's performance
 * Insider tips on building unbreakable team chemistry
 * Career-defining lessons from both victories and failures

Whether you're calling plays or taking the field, we're building you up, not breaking you down. 

Ready to raise your game? Let's do it together.

Press play. Listen and lead with purpose. Become the leader your team needs.

Tex McQuilkin

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