The title reflects their journey. Two coaches who've always operated outside the traditional establishment and finding belonging with those who saw the world differently. They became chosen family through the trenches—staying gold even as seasons changed and forced them to grow up.  

In this episode, Tex and Luke dive into the psychology of identity—who you are versus who others expect you to be. They explore empathy as the foundation of coaching, the danger of labels and stereotypes, and why understanding someone's perspective changes everything. Luke breaks down practical tools for building self-awareness, filtering criticism, and teaching athletes to find their swagger regardless of external noise.  

This conversation is about bridging divides, breaking faulty feedback loops, and staying true to your code even when the world tries to define you differently.

KEY TOPICS:
- Self-discrepancy theory
- Breaking faulty feedback loops created by negative coaching
- The Charles Barkley filter
- Curiosity + skepticism = the most powerful coaching combination
- Body language, swagger, and acting as if
- Parenting lessons that translate to coaching
- Operating outside the establishment and building chosen family through coaching

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

072 - The Outsiders - Luke Summers - Part II

In sports, laughter isn’t a distraction — it’s a bonding mechanism. In this episode of Captains & Coaches, Tex McQuilkin dives into the art and science of banter — the playful trash talk, inside jokes, and honest jabs that transform teammates into brothers and sisters in arms.

Tex explores how banter becomes the most fun way to deliver candor. Listeners will learn why the best teams master the ball busting balance: pairing humor with humility, honesty with celebration, and competition with connection.

From locker-room roasts that build trust to coaching strategies that use humor to break tension, this episode shows how great leaders use laughter to strengthen culture, emotional armor, and resilience. Because when a team can joke, they can trust — and when they can trust, they can win.

Key Takeaways:

 * Why humor and honesty are essential ingredients in high-performing teams
 * How to balance banter with celebration to avoid cynicism
 * Tools for coaches to use humor to ease tension and build connection
 * Ways to test composure and mental toughness through playful trash talk

Laugh as a team, grow as a 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/]

071 - The Ball Busting Balance

What if the most powerful leadership tool isn't a system or strategy—but the depth of connection you create first?

In this episode, Tex travels to Indiana to reconnect with Luke Summers, a longtime friend and collaborator who's been there through the trenches of building training systems, coaching armies of coaches, and navigating the messy, beautiful reality of life transitions. This isn't just a trip down memory lane—it's a reflection on how authentic relationships and self-awareness become the foundation for everything meaningful we build.

Whether you're a coach questioning your path, a leader navigating change, or someone wondering how your battles have prepared you for what's ahead, this episode will challenge you to look inward before you look forward.

Key Topics:

 * Self-awareness as the cornerstone of effective leadership
 * Building repeatable systems without losing the human element
 * Navigating burnout and discovering purpose in new seasons
 * The power of long-term friendships in sharpening your edge
 * How to protect relationships while building something together

This is Part I of a two-part conversation—because some journeys deserve more than one chapter.

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/]

070 - All The Right Moves - Luke Summers - Part I

"We were either going to win the game or win the fight." - Anthony Mason

That's the crossroads every competitor faces. But here's the paradox: the aggression we think makes us tougher often makes us weaker. The intensity we believe gives us an edge can be the very thing that costs us the game—and something far more valuable.

In this episode we heat up one of sport's most misunderstood dynamics: the difference between coercive aggression and impactful assertiveness.

Most coaches tell athletes to "be more aggressive" or "you gotta want it more." But what if that language is leading us in the wrong direction? What if the fire we're trying to ignite is actually burning down the very character we're trying to build?

Here's what we'll unpack:

✅ The Three Types of Aggression – and why only one of them might be serving your performance

✅ Physical, Verbal, and Emotional Assertiveness – the skills that separate leaders from reactors

✅ The Response Ability Routine – a practical framework for mastering the space between stimulus and response

✅ Real Stories from the Trenches – including how one practice fight revealed everything about leadership and intent

This isn't about playing soft. It's about playing smart. It's about channeling intensity into impact, not destruction. Because the scoreboard will fade, but who you're becoming through sport? That's permanent.

The question isn't whether you compete hard. The question is: what kind of person are you becoming in the process?

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/]

069 - The Aggressive Play Paradox

What if the secret to sustainable nutrition change wasn't more information, but better engagement?  

Jen Broxterman, RD, turned her passion for behavior change psychology into a half-million dollar nutrition practice—without traditional marketing. Her approach? Making healthy eating so fun and simple that clients become her biggest advocates.

In this conversation, we explore the tools that transform nutrition from a chore into a game. You'll discover:

 * The Water Balloon Method – A visual tracking system that builds self-awareness without shame or obsession
 * Netflix Season 2 – A goal-setting framework that helps teens articulate what they truly want (not what they think they should want)
 * Six by Sixteen – Teaching young adults essential cooking skills through social connection
 * The Curious Detective – Using motivational interviewing to help athletes solve their own problems 

We tackle the hard stuff: energy drinks wreaking havoc on teenage nervous systems, the protein powder trap, why breakfast remains the ultimate battleground, and how to get parents bought into creating environments that serve their athletes. 

 This episode is for coaches who want to empower rather than prescribe, parents navigating the nutrition chaos of teenage athletics, and anyone who believes that lasting change comes from within—not from another meal plan. 

Your environment saves you. Let's design one that works.  

Jen Resources: Free masterclass + coaching games: https://www.prospernutritioncoaching.com/shownotes
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

#SportsNutrition #TeenAthletes #BehaviorChange #NutritionCoaching #YouthSports #AthleteDevelopment #MotivationalInterviewing #HealthyTeens #CoachingTools #NutritionForAthletesRetry #teenagers #nutrition

068 - Gamifying Nutrition for Teens w/ Jen Broxterman

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

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.

www.captainsandcoaches.com [https://www.captainsandcoaches.com/]

Tex McQuilkin

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