Winning Is Not Everything is a podcast series aimed to help temper the obsession in youth sports on titles and trophies and emphasize more inclusive, universal and attainable expectations such as character development and goal-setting.

Each episode features a conversation with a notable athlete, coach or influencer about their youth sports experience, lessons they learned through sports and keys to their success. Each episode is 12 to 20 minutes long, does not contain any bad language and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family!

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Recent Episodes

July 27, 2021

#085: Josh Thurow (Part 1) — Minnehaha Academy Athletic Director — On When He Realized His MLB Dreams Wouldn’t Materialize, Why He Loves His Job, and What Makes A Great Student-Athlete

In Part 1 of our conversation with Josh Thurow, the athletic director at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, he shares the highs and lows of his sports […]

July 15, 2021

#083: Regan Pittman (Part 2) — Three-Time All-American Volleyball Player — On How She Transformed Her Pain Into Stand Tall Volleyball Academy, And A Coach Who Made a Huge Impact On Her In A Short Time

In Part 2 of our conversation with Regan Pittman, a three-time All-American in volleyball at the University of Minnesota, highlights how some of her challenging experiences […]

July 6, 2021

#082: Regan Pittman (Part 1) — Three-Time All-American Volleyball Player — On Highlights & Lowlights Of Her Youth Sports Journey

In Part 1 of our conversation with Regan Pittman, a three-time All-American in volleyball at the University of Minnesota, shares a memorable story when she wrestled […]

June 29, 2021

#081: Caleb Truax (Part 2) — Former Boxing World Champion — On Keys To His Late Rise In Boxing, What Keeps Him Humble And His Advice To Parents And Young Athletes

In Part 2 of our conversation with Caleb Truax, a former boxing world champion, he shares how, despite starting late and struggling for a long time […]

June 24, 2021

#080: Caleb Truax (Part 1) — Former Boxing World Champion — On Embracing His Humble Beginnings And How Challenges Paved The Way To Success

In Part 1 of our conversation with Caleb Truax, a former boxing world champion, he shares the importance of resilience in his childhood, in the face […]

June 9, 2021

#078: Mary Jacobs (Part 1) — Golf Instructor and Author — On How Growing Up With Five Brothers Impacted Her and What Inspired Her to Write A Golf Book For Kids

In Part 1 of our conversation with Mary Jacobs, a golf instructor, author and former collegiate All-American, she shares how she was shaped by growing up […]

June 1, 2021

#076: Marti Reed (Part 1) — Author and Speaker — On The Lessons She Learned Through Softball, Including Personal Experiences That Empower Her To Influence Others In Sports

In Part 1 of our conversation with Marti Reed, a leader with the Positive Coaching Alliance, she shares some of her experiences, some of them negative, […]

May 24, 2021

#075: Basketball Coach Joel Wallace On Being Humbled By Trey Lance Saying He “Absolutely Changed My Life”

In our conversation with Joel Wallace, a former AAU basketball coach and currently an assistant college basketball coach, he shares how he was intimidated at coaching […]

April 29, 2021

#073: Donald Hooton Jr. (Part 2) — President Of The Taylor Hooton Foundation — On Why His Family Started The Foundation, How They’ve Helped Millions Of People, And Insights On Steroids And Supplements

In Part 2 of our conversation with Donald Hooton Jr., the President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation explains why his family started the Taylor Hooton Foundation, […]

April 23, 2021

#072: Donald Hooton Jr. (Part 1) — President Of The Taylor Hooton Foundation — On His Brother Taylor, A Standout Baseball Player Who Used Anabolic Steroids And Took His Own Life At 17 Years Old

In Part 1 of our conversation with Donald Hooton Jr., the President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation shares his perspective on his little brother Taylor’s journey […]

April 20, 2021

#071: Sean K. Jensen Spotlights Gonzaga University Standouts Jalen Suggs and Corey Kispert On Their Insights In The Face Of Defeat

Gonzaga University headed into the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game undefeated but were topped by Baylor University. Afterwards, senior Corey Kispert and head coach Mark […]

April 7, 2021

#070: Anthony Tolliver (Part 3) — Longtime NBA Player — On His Insight For Parents And Young Athletes, And The Importance of His Faith And Helping Other‪s

In Part 3 of our conversation with Anthony Tolliver, a free-agent with over 10 years of NBA experience, shares what he would emphasize to all the […]

March 30, 2021

#069: Anthony Tolliver (Part 2) — Longtime NBA Player — On A Key Commitment He Made Early In Basketball That Paid Off Deep Into His Basketball Journey (And Spurred His Long NBA Career‪)‬

In Part 2 of our conversation with Anthony Tolliver, a free-agent with over 10 years of NBA experience, shares one of the key commitments he made […]

March 23, 2021

#068: Anthony Tolliver (Part 1) — Longtime NBA Player — On His Winding And Inspiring Road to the NBA, And The Foundational Lessons He Learned From His Youth Basketball Coach

In Part 1 of our conversation with Anthony Tolliver, a free-agent with over 10 years of NBA experience, on his long and inspiring road to the […]

March 19, 2021

#067 (BONUS): Chancey Anderson Tauer — Co-Founder of Prodeo Academy — On What She Appreciates About Her Husband John Tauer (Head Men’s Basketball Coach At University Of St. Thomas)

In this bonus episode, Chancey Anderson Tauer, Co-Founder of Prodeo Academy, shares about her youth sports experience, and what stands out to her about Coach John Tauer of […]

March 16, 2021

#066: John Tauer (Part 3) — Head Basketball Coach at the University of St. Thomas — On How His Wife’s Cancer Battle Has Inspired Him, And His Profound Message For Youth Sports Parents & Athlete‪s‬

In Part 3 of our conversation with John Tauer, the University of St. Thomas head men’s basketball, on the inspiring battle his wife Chancey Anderson Tauer […]

March 9, 2021

#065: John Tauer (Part 2) — University of St. Thomas Head Basketball Coach — On Why Adversity Is Important And His Non-Negotiables For Players Who Join His Progra‪m‬

In Part 2 of our conversation with John Tauer, the University of St. Thomas head men’s basketball dives into one of his childhood challenges, how adversity […]

March 2, 2021

#064: John Tauer (Part 1) — University of St. Thomas Head Basketball Coach — On The Impact Of A Coach Who Recognized His Potential, And A Friend Who Reinforced What It Meant To Be A Role Playe‪r‬

In Part 1 of our conversation with John Tauer, the University of St. Thomas head men’s basketball shares highlights of his youth sports experience growing up […]

February 24, 2021

#063: Tom Farrey (Part 2) — Executive Director Of Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program — On His Advice To Parents & Young Athlete‪s‬

In Part 2 of our conversation with the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, Tom Farrey highlights some of his team’s efforts, […]

February 16, 2021

#062: Tom Farrey (Part 1) — Executive Director Of Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program — On Transitioning From A Distinguished ESPN Reporter To Leading Efforts to Reverse Many Youth Sports Trend‪s‬

In Part 1 of our conversation with Tom Farrey, the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program shares some of his childhood sports […]

February 2, 2021

#060: 4 Keys To A Championship Team (feat. Sean K. Jensen) By Analyzing Super Bowl LV Finalists – The Kansas City Chiefs And Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Super Bowl LV features the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and longtime NFL columnist and reporter Sean K. Jensen highlights both in breaking down […]

January 27, 2021

#059: Kara Winger (Part 2) — Olympic Javelin Thrower — On Recovering From A Major Injury (After She Made The Sixth-longest Javelin Throw In The World)

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kara Winger, the three-time Olympian candidly discusses her initial reaction to suffering another major knee injury after one of […]

January 20, 2021

#058: Kara Winger (Part 1) — Olympic Javelin Thrower — On The Highs And Lows Of Her Sports Journey, Frequently Moving As A Child, And Her Parents’ Wisdom

In Part 1 of our conversation with Kara Winger, the three-time Olympian discusses the highs and lows of her sports journey, including the challenges she faced […]

December 22, 2020

#055: Chad Slade (Part 2) — New York Giants Offensive Lineman — On His Mother Reacting To His Sideline Tantrum, And On Being Bullied In Middle School (And The Lessons He Learned)

In Part 2 of our conversation with Chad Slade, the New York Giants offensive lineman recalls how his mother reacted to his sideline outburst toward coaches, and how […]

December 15, 2020

#054: Chad Slade (Part 1) — New York Giants Offensive Lineman — On How His Mother Taught Him To Be Coachable

In Part 1 of our conversation with Chad Slade, the New York Giants offensive lineman discusses how his mom fostered his passion for sports, helped him […]

December 2, 2020

#052: How Being Engaged and Being Agile Can Help Young Athletes Persevere Through COVID-19 (featuring Sean K. Jensen)

Author and coach Sean K. Jensen highlights two of his six keys to helping young athletes persevere through COVID-19, the importance of being engaged and being […]

November 25, 2020

#051: How Emphasizing Gratitude and Being Active Can Help Young Athletes Persevere Through COVID-19 (featuring Sean K. Jensen)

Author and coach Sean K. Jensen highlights two of his six keys to helping young athletes persevere through COVID-19, the importance of gratitude and being active. […]

November 4, 2020

#048: Todd Beane (Part 2) — Renowned Soccer Trainer — On His Journey From Pro Player To Partnering With One Of Soccer’s Greatest Legends

In part 2 of our conversation with Todd Beane, we explore how he transitioned from playing professionally to connecting with one of the giants of the game, Johan […]

September 1, 2020

#044: Chet Holmgren (Part 2) — Top-Ranked High School Basketball Player — On Why He Supports “Black Lives Matter,” And His Take On Rankings & The Recruitment Experience

In part 2 of our conversation with Chet Holmgren, we discuss what he learned from African American teammates and coaches, why he supports Black Lives Matters, […]

August 27, 2020

#043: Chet Holmgren (Part 1) — Top-Ranked High School Basketball Player — On Coaches Who Believed In Him When He Struggled With The Game

In part 1 of our conversation with Chet Holmgren, we discuss the impact coaches — including Larry Suggs — had on his development, and his early […]

August 11, 2020

#042: Mandy Marquardt (Part 2) — US Olympic Long Team Track Cyclist — On Dealing With Bullying, The Importance Of Perseverance, And Insight For Young Athletes

In Part 2 of our conversation with Mandy Marquardt, a member of the U.S. Olympic Long Team for track sprinting, we discuss the bullying she endured […]

August 5, 2020

#041: Mandy Marquardt (Part 1) — US Olympic Long Team Track Cyclist — On Her Passion For Cycling And How Type 1 Diabetes Has Impacted Her And Others

In part 1 of our conversation with Mandy Marquardt, a member of the U.S. Olympic Long Team for track sprinting, we discuss her passion for cycling, […]

July 31, 2020

#040: Nate Oats (Part 2) — University of Alabama’s Head Basketball Coach — On How He Helps Others, What He Values In His Recruits, And The Importance Of Parents Supporting Their Young Athlete’s Coach

In our conversation with University of Alabama head basketball coach Nate Oats, we discuss how he helps others (including one student whose two-week stay lasted two […]

July 21, 2020

#039: Nate Oats (Part 1) — University of Alabama’s Head Basketball Coach — On Lessons Learned Through Challenges, And People Who Helped Him In Basketball And In Life

In our conversation with University of Alabama head basketball coach Nate Oats, we discuss some of the biggest defeats and disappointments of his playing career and […]

July 14, 2020

#038: Anthony “Spice” Adams (Part 3) – Former NFL Star And Multi-Media Mogul – On How (And Why) He Gives Back, and His Message to Parents and Athletes

In our conversation with Anthony “Spice” Adams, we discuss how and why he gives back, one of the students he’s proud to have impacted, and his […]

July 7, 2020

#037: Anthony “Spice” Adams (Part 2) On Advice He’d Give His Younger Self, His Unforgettable First Football Practice, And Hard Conversations With His Son

In our conversation with Anthony “Spice” Adams, we discuss the advice he’d give his younger self at different ages, the hilarious story of his first time […]

June 30, 2020

#036: Anthony “Spice” Adams (Part 1) — Former NFL Star And Multi-Media Mogul — On Playing For The Chicago Bears, Why He Couldn’t Play Football When He Was 11 Years Old, And The Impact Of His Father’s Absence

In our conversation with Anthony “Spice” Adams, we discuss what he enjoyed most about playing for the Chicago Bears, how his mother signed him up for […]

June 23, 2020

#035: New Orleans Saints Punter Thomas Morstead On What Motivates Him Heading Into His 12th NFL Season, And His Advice For Young Athletes Who Look Up To Him

In our conversation with New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead, we discuss where his work ethic comes from, what motivates him heading into his 12th NFL […]

June 16, 2020

#034: New Orleans Saints Punter Thomas Morstead On Our Book — The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead — And The People Who Molded Him Into Who He Is Today

In our conversation with New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead, we discuss our book, The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead, several of the most influential […]

June 12, 2020

#033 (BONUS): Hall Of Fame High School Basketball Coach Larry McKenzie On A Revelation During His Coaching Journey, And What Parents Should Teach Their Children Right Now

In this bonus episode, Hall of Fame Minneapolis high school basketball coach Larry McKenzie shares the key to his coaching success, the mentor who changed his […]

June 9, 2020

#032: Hall Of Fame High School Basketball Coach Larry McKenzie On Why His Younger Self Wouldn’t Be On His Team, And His Insights Into The Killing Of George Floyd Miles From His Home

In our Season 2 Premiere conversation with Hall of Fame Minneapolis high school basketball coach Larry McKenzie, we discuss the impact of his educator parents […]

April 7, 2020

SEASON FINALE #031: Former Chicago Bears Cornerback Charles Tillman On Pushing Himself While Winning Just Nine Games In Four College Seasons, And Going From A Barely-Recruited Prospect To A 13-Season NFL Career

Former Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman tells us how he motivated himself while his college football team won nine games in his four seasons, the […]

March 31, 2020

#030: High School Basketball Star Jalen Suggs (Part 2) On What He’d Change About College Recruitment, His Mindset Heading Into “Big Games”, And His Message To Young Athletes Who Look Up To Him

In our conversation with Minnehaha Academy guard Jalen Suggs, we discuss his insights into college recruiting, what he thinks before “big games,” his must-listen tip […]

March 27, 2020

#029 (BONUS): Larry Suggs – Father Of Minnehaha Academy Guard Jalen Suggs, On What He Emphasizes To His Children, How He Challenged Jalen, And His Advice To Young Athletes And Their Parents

In this bonus episode, Larry Suggs – father of Minnehaha Academy senior guard Jalen Suggs – tells us about his own sports experience, what he […]

March 24, 2020

#028: High School Basketball Star Jalen Suggs (Part 1) On Building A Legacy At Minnehaha Academy And Lessons He Learned From An Agonizing State Championship Defeat

In our conversation with Minnehaha Academy guard Jalen Suggs, we discuss the impact his parents had on his sports journey, his pride in helping to […]

March 17, 2020

#027: Northwestern Center Abbie Wolf On Her Olympian Father’s Example, How She Handled Criticism From A Legendary Basketball Coach, And How She Got Through A Season Spent Mostly On The Bench

In our conversation with Northwestern center Abbie Wolf, we discuss those who positively impacted her childhood sports experience, what she learned from her father (who […]

March 10, 2020

#026: Former NFL Receiver Nate Burleson (Part 3) On His Mindset For Helping Others, What He Emphasizes To His Children, And His Encouragement To Student-Athletes To Chart Your Own Path

In our conversation with former NFL receiver Nate Burleson, we discuss what’s most important to him in guiding his kids’ youth sports journeys, what insights […]

March 3, 2020

#025: Former NFL Receiver Nate Burleson (Part 2) On The “Crushing” News He Wouldn’t Be Following In His Father And Brother’s Footsteps, And Revelations On Childhood Challenges He Wasn’t Always Aware Of

In our conversation with former NFL receiver Nate Burleson, we discuss how he responded after having a dream scholarship offer taken away, and the choppy […]

February 25, 2020

#024: Former NFL Receiver Nate Burleson (Part 1) On His Favorite Childhood Sports Memories And Receiving “Compliment Sandwiches” From His Dad

In our conversation with former NFL receiver Nate Burleson, we discuss how his childhood memories growing up in and around Seattle, what he would tell […]

February 21, 2020

#023 (BONUS): Angie Lance – Mother Of NDSU Quarterback Trey Lance – On Teaching Her Sons, Her Message To Sports Parents, And Her Hard Conversation With Trey About Dreams And Goals

In this bonus episode, Angie Lance – mother of NDSU quarterback Trey Lance – provides her perspective on what she emphasized in her son’s athletic […]

February 18, 2020

#022: NDSU Quarterback Trey Lance (Part 2) On Learning From His Record-Breaking Predecessor, His Social Media Approach, And Why He Skipped Accepting A Huge Award At A Fancy Banquet

In our conversation with North Dakota State University quarterback Trey Lance, we discuss his mindset during a season when he knew he wouldn’t play, the […]

February 11, 2020

#021: NDSU Quarterback Trey Lance (Part 1) On His Favorite Childhood Sports Memories, His Parents’ Positive Influence, And Losing One Of The Greatest High School Basketball Games Ever

In our conversation with North Dakota State University quarterback Trey Lance, we discuss how his parents positively influenced his youth sports experience, who he looked […]

February 4, 2020

#020: Detroit Lions Linebacker Devon Kennard (Part 2) On Handling Several Major High School And College Injuries, And How He Earned Both Bachelors And Masters Degrees At The University Of Southern California

In our conversation with Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard, we discuss what he learned from the many disappointments while at the University of Southern California, […]

January 28, 2020

#019: Detroit Lions Linebacker Devon Kennard On His Brother And Father’s Influence, And What His Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Nomination Means To Him

In our conversation with Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard, we discuss the influence of his brother and father, the latter who started and helped the […]

January 21, 2020

#018: University of South Carolina Basketball Coach Frank Martin (Part 3) On Why He Insists His Players Serve Others, And What He Won’t Compromise In Players He Recruits

In Part 3 of our conversation with University of South Carolina basketball coach Frank Martin, we discuss one way adults fail young people today, the […]

January 14, 2020

#017: University of South Carolina Basketball Coach Frank Martin (Part 2) On What He’d Tell His Younger Self, And Why He’s Troubled By The Ranking Of Middle-School Basketball Players

In Part 2 of our conversation with University of South Carolina basketball coach Frank Martin, we discuss how his playing career came to an end, […]

January 7, 2020

#016: University of South Carolina Basketball Coach Frank Martin (Part 1) On What He Learned From His Grandmother (Granted Asylum From Cuba), And Other Influential Figures From His Miami Childhood

In our conversation with University of South Carolina basketball coach Frank Martin, we discuss the defining lesson he learned from his grandmother, growing up in […]

December 31, 2019

#015: David Smith – Retired Air Force Master Sergeant (And My Favorite Childhood Coach) – On Me As A Middle-School Athlete at Hanscom Air Force Base (Bedford, MA)

In our conversation with my favorite youth coach, Mr. David Smith, we discuss why he volunteered to coach while serving in the Air Force and […]

December 24, 2019

#014: Oklahoma Basketball Coach Lon Kruger (Part 2) On How He Deals With Individual Players, And What Your Time-Investment Says About What You Value

In Part Two of our conversation with University of Oklahoma basketball coach Lon Kruger, we discuss his commitment to serving others and how someone utilizes […]

December 17, 2019

#013: Oklahoma Basketball Coach Lon Kruger (Part 1) On What He learned From His Parents, And His First Love (Which Wasn’t Basketball!)

In our conversation with University of Oklahoma basketball coach Lon Kruger, we discuss fond family memories from his childhood and how they shaped who he […]

December 13, 2019

#012 (BONUS): Craig Jefferies – Former Paul Laurence Dunbar High (DC) Football Coach – On His Coaching Philosophy And Influencing Vontae Davis

In this bonus episode, Craig Jefferies, who was Vontae Davis’ head high school football coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington D.C., provides insight into […]

December 10, 2019

#011: Former NFL Cornerback Vontae Davis On Key Influencers In His Life, And Using A Positive Mindset To Persevere Through Daunting Odds

In our conversation with two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis, we discuss how his big brother Vernon influenced and encouraged him, how and why his […]

December 6, 2019

#010 (BONUS): Larry Fitzgerald – Father of Arizona Cardinals Star Receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. – On Impactful People And Hard Lessons Learned

In this bonus episode, Larry Fitzgerald shares insights on key people who shaped his son, Arizona Cardinals star receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., and the fear […]

December 3, 2019

#009: Larry Fitzgerald (Part 2) On What Drives Him To Keep Playing, Why He Travels The World, And Why Failure Is Important

In part 2 of our conversation with 11-time Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald, we discuss why he is so committed to traveling the world, why […]

November 26, 2019

#008: Larry Fitzgerald (Part 1) On The People Who Shaped His Childhood, And Heading To A Military Academy Before College

In part 1 of our conversation with 11-time Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald, we discuss how his parents modeled hard work and his experience at […]

November 19, 2019

#007: Northwestern University Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald On Youth Sports Parents Today, And Advice He’d Give His Younger Self

In our conversation with Northwestern University head football coach Pat Fitzgerald, we discuss his belief that parents need to reframe expectations for their young athletes, […]

November 15, 2019

#006 (BONUS): Jim Davison – Wisconsin Guard Brad Davison’s Father – On Guiding His Son’s Sports Experience And Shared Wisdom

In this bonus episode, Jim Davison (father of University of Wisconsin starting guard Brad Davison) provides his keys for sports parents and what makes him […]

November 12, 2019

#005: University Of Wisconsin Guard Brad Davison (Part 2) On Changing Views On “Ranking” And His Father’s Advice On How To Deal With Criticism

In Part 2 of our conversation with University of Wisconsin basketball player Brad Davison, we discuss how his perspective on rankings changed from high school […]

November 5, 2019

#004: University Of Wisconsin Guard Brad Davison (Part 1) On The Coach Who Opened The Gym For Him At 6AM, And His Parents’ Approach To Sports

In Part 1 of our conversation with University of Wisconsin basketball player Brad Davison, we discuss the sacrifices a coach (that he technically never played […]

November 1, 2019

#003 (BONUS): Allen Truman – Tony Dungy’s Unsung Hero – On Tony’s Potential And Impact

In this bonus epsiode, Tony Dungy’s “unsung hero” Allen Truman shares what he saw in a young Tony and joining him at his NFL Hall […]

October 29, 2019

#002: Tony Dungy (Part 2) On Words Of Wisdom, Young Athletes And Their Parents, And His Greatest Accomplishment

In part 2 of our conversation with Coach Tony Dungy, we discuss the challenges he faced as an African American quarterback in the early 1970s, […]

October 22, 2019

#001: Tony Dungy (Part 1) On Principals At The Lunch Table, Middle School Basketball, And The NFL Hall Of Fame

In part 1 of our conversation with Coach Tony Dungy, we explore his childhood sports highlights and lowlights, and how his parents and coaches shaped […]

Winning is not everything Podcast

Recent Episodes