In this straight-talking episode of "Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless," host Rodney Marshall tackles one of the most contentious topics in youth sports and life: playing time. Coach Rodo dives deep into what it truly means to earn your spot, challenging the common entitlement mindset that plagues sports today.

He argues that playing time isn't a given—it's earned through effort, readiness, and a relentless commitment to improvement, both on and off the field. Using powerful analogies from childhood games and his own experiences as a coach and business owner, he illustrates the difference between expectation and earned reward.

Coach Rodo also addresses difficult conversations with parents who demand playing time for their children and shares his unique coaching philosophy on how to handle disappointment, keep kids engaged in "the long game," and foster a strong work ethic. This episode is a crucial listen for athletes, coaches, and parents who want to understand how effort in sports directly translates to success in life.

Key Discussion Points:

What Playing Time Really Means: It's not about time on the clock, but about the effort you put in when no one is watching.

Earning vs. Expecting: Why entitlement is a dangerous mindset and how to teach kids to earn their place.

Handling Disappointment: Strategies for dealing with setbacks and using them as fuel for future success.

The Long Game: How to keep athletes engaged and motivated by asking questions and teaching in real-time scenarios.

A Parent's Role: Why a child's playing time is not a parent's negotiation and the importance of letting kids advocate for themselves.

In this inspiring episode, Coach Rodo sits down with Ryan Norman, a marketing intern at Aldevra, for the podcast's very first guest interview. Ryan, a junior at Michigan State University, shares her remarkable journey from being a high-achieving high school student to navigating the complexities of college life.

Ryan opens up about the struggles she faced with time management and how a simple change—using a calendar—transformed her approach to academics. She discusses her incredible community service work with Inner City Youth for Change, which took her all the way to Tanzania, Africa, where she learned the importance of "being in the moment."

The conversation also covers Ryan's personal definition of "Winning Regardless," her unwavering faith, and her role as the president of the East Neighborhood Black Caucus at MSU. She also touches on the mental health challenges she faced during a serious knee injury and her powerful message about being proactive and confident, especially when you're the only person of color in a room.

Finally, Ryan shares her experience with the Kalamazoo Promise and the Hire Promise program, explaining how it helped her secure her current internship and why she chose to work at Aldevra. This episode is a must-listen for any student or young professional looking for inspiration on how to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a powerful, purpose-driven life.

Episode Highlights:

From Kalamazoo to Tanzania: Ryan's incredible story of community service and cultural immersion.

The Power of a Calendar: How a simple time management tool helped her succeed in college.

Finding Your Inner Strength: Overcoming mental health struggles and finding confidence in uncomfortable situations.

The Kalamazoo Promise: Ryan breaks down how this scholarship and the new Hire Promise program work, and the impact they've had on her career journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless podcast. In this powerful discussion, Coach Rodo tackles a controversial topic head-on: the "trophies for everyone" culture.

Drawing from his experiences as a Marine veteran, a coach, and a parent, Rodo argues that rewarding participation over competition can have long-term consequences. He shares a personal story about his son's reaction to a participation trophy and uses real-world examples to explain why competition is an essential part of life—from sports to the workplace.

Rodo makes a clear distinction between a "participant" and a "player," exploring how a coach's role is to find a child's competitive drive, not just their athletic ability. This is a must-watch for parents, coaches, and anyone who believes in teaching kids the value of effort, accountability, and the sweet taste of earning a win.

Episode Highlights:

The "Trophy for All" Debate: Rodo’s candid take on why rewarding participation can hinder a child's development.

The Marine Corps Mentality: How a culture of high standards and a focus on winning shaped his own perspective.

Encouragement vs. Excellence: A clear breakdown of how to properly encourage children to achieve excellence without making them feel entitled.

Finding the Competitive Spark: Rodo's advice for parents and coaches on how to identify and nurture a child's unique competitive spirit.

This episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to be a winner and how we prepare the next generation for a competitive world.

Welcome to another edition of Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless podcast. In this deeply personal episode, Rodo explores the concept of "sending the elevator back down." Inspired by legends like Charles Barkley and rooted in a life dedicated to service, Rodo shares his philosophy on mentorship and community.

He reveals what this powerful phrase truly means to him: lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and making an impact without expecting anything in return. From his time in the Marine Corps to his work with local youth, Rodo's stories highlight how small acts of kindness and guidance can lead to life-changing outcomes.

This episode features heartfelt anecdotes about his mentors, the unforgettable "Aurelio James," and a powerful conversation with a former basketball player that underscores the importance of sharing life experience. Rodo challenges listeners to look past societal fears and stigmas to provide the help and support that today's youth desperately need.

Join us to learn how you can become a mentor and why the smallest gestures—like buying a kid a pair of basketball goggles—can be the most meaningful ways to send the elevator back down.

Episode Highlights:

The Power of Mentorship: How sending the elevator back down can be as simple as sharing your knowledge or shooting hoops with a kid.

A Fourth-Grader's Lesson: The unforgettable story of Aurelio James and the confidence that left a lasting impression on Rodo.

Overcoming Stigma: Rodo’s challenge to parents and adults to get past fear and provide much-needed guidance for young people.

The True Reward: Discovering why Rodo believes the greatest prize in mentoring is the personal fulfillment of watching a "flower bloom."

In this powerful episode of the "Winning Regardless" podcast, Coach Rodo sits down with his good friend and Air Force veteran, Stephan (Troy) Carter. They dive deep into Troy's 22-year military career, exploring how his service shaped him and led to a profound understanding of discipline, respect, and responsibility.

Stephan shares a candid look at the challenges he faced, including a surprising and nerve-wracking moment when a doctor discovered his colorblindness—a disqualifying factor for his dream job as an air traffic controller. What happens next is a testament to perseverance and the power of finding allies in unexpected places.

This conversation goes beyond military life, offering valuable lessons on mentorship, accountability, and the importance of finding your purpose. Troy discusses the rush of being responsible for countless lives, the discipline that remains a part of his daily routine, and the Serenity Prayer that keeps him grounded. This episode is a must-watch for anyone facing a tough choice, aspiring to a high-stakes career, or seeking inspiration to overcome life's obstacles.

Episode Highlights:

From Air Force Vet to Air Traffic Controller: Troy's incredible journey and the "dream career" that almost didn't happen.

A High-Stakes Secret: The story of how Troy's colorblindness was almost a career-ender and how he overcame it.

The Serenity Prayer: The powerful quote that became a personal motto and a daily guide for his life.

The "Why": A touching look into why Troy joined the Air Force and the lasting legacy of his service.

This is a story about showing up, pushing past doubt, and earning the right to win.

Join Coach Rodo as he shares the raw, powerful story behind his "Winning Regardless" philosophy. In this episode, Rodney Marshall takes us back to his childhood in Lansing, Michigan, and the life changing lessons he learned from his first baseball coach, Leon Kane. This isn't just about sports—it's about the deep human journey of finding victory not in the scoreboard, but in the effort, the respect, and the belief instilled in a team of underdogs.

What you'll discover in this episode:

From Worst to First: The miraculous true story of the "Leon's Warriors," a baseball team that went from a dismal 0-8 season to a championship victory. A tale of faith and persistence that will inspire you to believe in the impossible.

The Power of Respect: Learn Coach Rodo's unique "what" rule and how a simple focus on mutual respect can transform team dynamics and instill discipline that lasts a lifetime.

The Art of Coaching: Uncover the difference between "teaching" and "coaching" and how true mentorship involves meeting kids where they are, not where you want them to be. This is a profound look into the mind of a coach who sees potential in every individual, much like a seasoned craftsman sees a masterpiece in raw material.

A "C" is a Victory: The powerful lesson from a statistics class at Western Michigan University that proves winning isn't always about perfection, but about the dedication to show up, regardless of the odds.

Coach Rodo’s journey is a testament to the idea that success in sports is a microcosm for success in life. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that the "win" is in the effort, the small victories, and the lasting influence you have on others.

Don't miss this incredible story. Watch now and learn how to win, regardless.