Chris and Pat discuss the implications of over-coaching. We'll explore how excessive instruction can hinder athletes' natural instincts and decision-making abilities, leading to confusion and robotic performance.

The conversation also touches on the importance of simplifying coaching techniques and allowing athletes to develop their skills through play rather than constant correction.

In this episode of the Coaching Life Podcast, Chris and Pat reconnect after a 2-week break, sharing personal updates and diving into recent sports topics.

They discuss some controversies in the NFL and college football, the implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in Ohio High School sports, and the impact of coaching changes on teams.

The conversation also touches on the Ohio Bobcats football team and the complexities of the MAC Championship tiebreakers. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the importance of focusing on what can be controlled in sports and in life.

In this episode of the Coaching Life podcast, Pat and Chris discuss the changing dynamics of athletes from different generations. They hit on themes of emotional intelligence, and the balance between accountability and sensitivity in coaching.

The conversation also goes into some other directions, touching on the implications of NIL and transfer rules in high school sports, but overall, emphasizing the need for coaches to adapt their strategies to meet the needs of modern athletes while fostering a sense of community and personal growth.

When Isiah Kiner-Falefa took that short lead off third base in Game 7 of the World Series, the baseball world exploded with opinions. Analysts, fans, and even players criticized what they saw — but few stopped to ask why.

In this episode, we talk about the danger of making quick snap judgments while we're watching games. Whether it’s a base running decision in the World Series on national TV, or a lineup choice on a high school team, there’s almost always more going on than what’s visible from the outside.

We discuss how coaches can communicate context, how players can trust their preparation, and how fans and parents can develop a healthier perspective on the game.

What we see isn’t always what it seems — and the best teams thrive on understanding the why behind every decision.

In episode 202 of The Coaching Life, Chris and Pat sit down with Kendall Hickey, libero and leader on the Ohio University volleyball team. Known for her relentless defense, leadership, and deep faith in Christ, Kendall shares how her identity is rooted in something far greater than the game.

Eastern High School Volleyball Coach, Courtney Whittington invited Coach Stewart out to speak to the team on the week of preparation for their District Championship game.

In this talk, Chris gives the team two reminders for how to be in control of the "butterflies" and emotions you feel in anticipation of big games.

In this episode of The Coaching Life Podcast, we talk about the little things coaches often assume players already know — but too often don’t take time to teach. These “should already know” moments can be the difference between a win and a mistake that costs you a game.

Who is responsible when they make those mistakes? HINT: it is always us, coaches.

In this episode, we discuss how to intentionally build these habits into practice, create awareness by letting them figure some things out on their own and develop a high IQ for the sport.

Whether you coach baseball or any sport, this episode is a reminder that the fundamentals aren’t always as obvious as we think.

NOTE: we had some technical difficulties with the audio in this episode. The volume varies depending on who is speaking and the audio is not the same quality as our other episodes. However, the content is without a doubt some of the best quality we have ever had on the podcast!

ABOUT THE EPISODE: For most athletes, the game has been part of their life as long as they can remember — and one day, it ends. What happens next can be one of the biggest transitions they’ll ever face.

In this episode, we sit down with Brennan Meadows, former offensive lineman for the Ohio University Bobcats, who opens up about his journey from playing at Dawson-Bryant High School in Coal Grove, OH to competing at the college level — and then, stepping away from the sport after his freshman year.

Brennan shares what that process was like emotionally, physically, and spiritually, how he’s rediscovered purpose beyond football, and how his time as an athlete still shapes the way he approaches his new path in media and communications through Ohio University’s Scripps College.