Coachable Players Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:52:19 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526043 en-us © 2026 Coachable Players yes 0197bb43-4a5b-59f9-b71d-5f092907e70e Jon episodic false Coachable Players is hosted by Jon O'Brien a lifelong sports fan and passionate advocate for small businesses. 


The qualities that make someone great on the field - humility, discipline, teamwork - are the same ones that build successful careers and thriving companies. In each episode, business owners, professionals and sports coaches will share life lessons that come from being coachable, like how to take feedback, improve under pressure and lead with purpose. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Jon https://storage.buzzsprout.com/fe5xh7ynyz19nim4gifqmh58o1kb?.jpg Coachable Players https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526043 The Noble 'Bud' Quandel Interview: Coachability Built This The Noble 'Bud' Quandel Interview: Coachability Built This This episode of the Coachable Players Podcast features Noble 'Bud' Quandel, Chairman of Quandel Enterprises, a company founded in 1882. When Bud joined Quandel around fifty years ago, they were doing about one million dollars and he helped direct its growth to where it is today at nearly $500 million annually. 

Before Bud was a highly respected construction executive, he was a youth athlete playing sports in Minersville, PA. Many lessons from the ballfields and hardwood court are still carried with him today, like discipline, teamwork and delayed gratification. In this interview he shares how his sports experiences translated into his business leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, humility and building strong teams. 

Bud explained the growth strategies of Quandel, including the need for vision, risk management and continuous improvement, while sharing his criteria for hiring successful leaders: intellectual curiosity, insight, engagement skills and fortitude.

The conversation concluded with Bud expressing hope that his legacy would be remembered for treating people with respect and integrity while upholding American values.

]]> This episode of the Coachable Players Podcast features Noble 'Bud' Quandel, Chairman of Quandel Enterprises, a company founded in 1882. When Bud joined Quandel around fifty years ago, they were doing about one million dollars and he helped direct its growth to where it is today at nearly $500 million annually. 

Before Bud was a highly respected construction executive, he was a youth athlete playing sports in Minersville, PA. Many lessons from the ballfields and hardwood court are still carried with him today, like discipline, teamwork and delayed gratification. In this interview he shares how his sports experiences translated into his business leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, humility and building strong teams. 

Bud explained the growth strategies of Quandel, including the need for vision, risk management and continuous improvement, while sharing his criteria for hiring successful leaders: intellectual curiosity, insight, engagement skills and fortitude.

The conversation concluded with Bud expressing hope that his legacy would be remembered for treating people with respect and integrity while upholding American values.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-19461326 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:00:00 -0400 2399 1 20 full false Kaleigh Badecki: What Separates Coachable Athletes from Others Kaleigh Badecki: What Separates Coachable Athletes from Others In this episode, Coachable Players welcomes Coach Kaleigh Badecki, a women's basketball coach at Gettysburg College for the past ten years. 

Coach Badecki sets the stage by first defining coachability as embracing constructive criticism, having a growth mindset and understanding that mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than failures. She explained that coachable athletes demonstrate humility, actively seek feedback and show body language that indicates they are receiving and processing coaching points. During the discussion, they covered how to identify coachable players through their relationships, interactions with teammates and how they handle feedback and criticism. 

Coach Badecki emphasized the importance of fail-forward thinking, where players aren't afraid to make mistakes as long as they are putting in effort and learning from experience. She shares how the most coachable athletes take ownership of their development, hold teammates accountable and maintain a grateful perspective that sees challenges as opportunities rather than threats. 

The conversation concludes with Coach giving practical advice for parents and young athletes about developing coachability, including allowing children to be coached, embracing failures as learning opportunities and maintaining an open mindset to receive feedback from coaches and peers.  

]]> In this episode, Coachable Players welcomes Coach Kaleigh Badecki, a women's basketball coach at Gettysburg College for the past ten years. 

Coach Badecki sets the stage by first defining coachability as embracing constructive criticism, having a growth mindset and understanding that mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than failures. She explained that coachable athletes demonstrate humility, actively seek feedback and show body language that indicates they are receiving and processing coaching points. During the discussion, they covered how to identify coachable players through their relationships, interactions with teammates and how they handle feedback and criticism. 

Coach Badecki emphasized the importance of fail-forward thinking, where players aren't afraid to make mistakes as long as they are putting in effort and learning from experience. She shares how the most coachable athletes take ownership of their development, hold teammates accountable and maintain a grateful perspective that sees challenges as opportunities rather than threats. 

The conversation concludes with Coach giving practical advice for parents and young athletes about developing coachability, including allowing children to be coached, embracing failures as learning opportunities and maintaining an open mindset to receive feedback from coaches and peers.  

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-19359035 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:00:00 -0400 2985 1 19 full false Marines Corps Leadership & Basketball Culture Marines Corps Leadership & Basketball Culture The Coachable Players Podcast sits down with Nate Davis, Gettysburg College women's basketball coach and former Marine. 

In this interview, Coach Nate shares how his Marine Corps experience shaped his leadership approach as a coach, discussing principles like trust, accountability and mental toughness that translate directly from military service to building championship teams. The discussion explored what makes players "coachable" with Coach Nate emphasizing that coachability is a choice and can be taught through creating a culture where failure is celebrated in practice as part of the learning process. Coach Davis discusses how modern athletes have changed compared to previous generations, particularly noting how parental approaches and social media have created new challenges for developing resilient, coachable players.

]]> The Coachable Players Podcast sits down with Nate Davis, Gettysburg College women's basketball coach and former Marine. 

In this interview, Coach Nate shares how his Marine Corps experience shaped his leadership approach as a coach, discussing principles like trust, accountability and mental toughness that translate directly from military service to building championship teams. The discussion explored what makes players "coachable" with Coach Nate emphasizing that coachability is a choice and can be taught through creating a culture where failure is celebrated in practice as part of the learning process. Coach Davis discusses how modern athletes have changed compared to previous generations, particularly noting how parental approaches and social media have created new challenges for developing resilient, coachable players.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-19278778 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2517 1 18 full false Recruiting for Culture & Developing Players without Scholarships Recruiting for Culture & Developing Players without Scholarships In this episode Messiah College Women's Basketball Coach Mike Miller talks about culture building, recruiting and leadership development at this DIII powerhouse.

With 40 years of coaching, Coach Miller explains how he looks for three key traits in recruits: skill and athletic ability, work rate and positive personality, with particular emphasis on finding players who want to grow in their faith. He discusses how Messiah focuses on developing well-rounded students rather than just athletes, with a supportive culture built on trust and Christ-centered values. The conversation covered common misconceptions about DIII basketball, including financial aid expectations and the difficulty of the college basketball experience, while highlighting how the program helps develop resilience and leadership skills that transfer to successful adulthood.


NOTE: As an indication of how successful this program is under the leadership of Coach Miller, I had to re-record the stats of how many wins and championships the team correctly has since the school's website team can't keep up.

]]> In this episode Messiah College Women's Basketball Coach Mike Miller talks about culture building, recruiting and leadership development at this DIII powerhouse.

With 40 years of coaching, Coach Miller explains how he looks for three key traits in recruits: skill and athletic ability, work rate and positive personality, with particular emphasis on finding players who want to grow in their faith. He discusses how Messiah focuses on developing well-rounded students rather than just athletes, with a supportive culture built on trust and Christ-centered values. The conversation covered common misconceptions about DIII basketball, including financial aid expectations and the difficulty of the college basketball experience, while highlighting how the program helps develop resilience and leadership skills that transfer to successful adulthood.


NOTE: As an indication of how successful this program is under the leadership of Coach Miller, I had to re-record the stats of how many wins and championships the team correctly has since the school's website team can't keep up.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-19224978 Fri, 22 May 2026 19:00:00 -0400 2161 1 17 full false The Most Teachable Play in Sports - And What It Means for Your Career The Most Teachable Play in Sports - And What It Means for Your Career The Coachable Players talks about the James Harrison iconic interception return during the 2009 Super Bowl. This play demonstrates the importance of being coachable in both sports and professional life. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau's repeated message about "defense playing offense" throughout the season ultimately led to Harrison's successful return that changed the game's momentum. 

This episode emphasizes that the play's success was not just about individual talent but required trust in teammates and preparation from coaching, drawing parallels to how young professionals should value repetitive guidance from mentors and supervisors in their careers.

To watch the play click:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEIyUBf0X8E 

]]> The Coachable Players talks about the James Harrison iconic interception return during the 2009 Super Bowl. This play demonstrates the importance of being coachable in both sports and professional life. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau's repeated message about "defense playing offense" throughout the season ultimately led to Harrison's successful return that changed the game's momentum. 

This episode emphasizes that the play's success was not just about individual talent but required trust in teammates and preparation from coaching, drawing parallels to how young professionals should value repetitive guidance from mentors and supervisors in their careers.

To watch the play click:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEIyUBf0X8E 

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-19161745 Mon, 11 May 2026 22:00:00 -0400 660 1 16 full false The Four Agreements Book Review The Four Agreements Book Review This episode breaks down the core ideas from The Four Agreements and connects them to what it really means to be coachable in sports, business, and life. It highlights four simple but powerful principles - being intentional with your words, not taking things personally, avoiding assumptions, and always doing your best - and explains how each one can improve mindset, communication, and performance. The episode focuses on how adopting these habits helps you handle feedback better, stay focused under pressure, and grow faster both on and off the field.

]]> This episode breaks down the core ideas from The Four Agreements and connects them to what it really means to be coachable in sports, business, and life. It highlights four simple but powerful principles - being intentional with your words, not taking things personally, avoiding assumptions, and always doing your best - and explains how each one can improve mindset, communication, and performance. The episode focuses on how adopting these habits helps you handle feedback better, stay focused under pressure, and grow faster both on and off the field.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-19043709 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 934 1 15 full false Scott 'Crasher' Braasch: Reaching Young Minds Today Scott 'Crasher' Braasch: Reaching Young Minds Today We’re excited to bring you something a little different—and incredibly impactful.

Coachable Players hosted a special livestream interview paired with a live music performance, featuring a former college football player who has built a powerful second act as a gym owner, cheer coach, and musician. Scott 'Crasher' Braasch brought the wisdom about reaching young minds today in coaching plus he sang some good tunes too!

This wasn't just a conversation—it was a deep dive into what it really takes to grow, adapt, and stay coachable in today’s world.

During this extended interview, we explored:

  • The reality of transitioning from athletics to life beyond the game
  • The mindset shifts young people need to succeed today
  • Lessons learned from coaching and mentoring the next generation
  • Honest reflections on failure, growth, and staying coachable

And throughout the experience, Crasher performed his own original music. This was a unique opportunity to hear from someone who is not only talking about growth—but living it, leading it, and expressing it through music.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or young professional, this is a conversation worth your time.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

]]> We’re excited to bring you something a little different—and incredibly impactful.

Coachable Players hosted a special livestream interview paired with a live music performance, featuring a former college football player who has built a powerful second act as a gym owner, cheer coach, and musician. Scott 'Crasher' Braasch brought the wisdom about reaching young minds today in coaching plus he sang some good tunes too!

This wasn't just a conversation—it was a deep dive into what it really takes to grow, adapt, and stay coachable in today’s world.

During this extended interview, we explored:

  • The reality of transitioning from athletics to life beyond the game
  • The mindset shifts young people need to succeed today
  • Lessons learned from coaching and mentoring the next generation
  • Honest reflections on failure, growth, and staying coachable

And throughout the experience, Crasher performed his own original music. This was a unique opportunity to hear from someone who is not only talking about growth—but living it, leading it, and expressing it through music.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or young professional, this is a conversation worth your time.

We'd love to hear from you about this episode.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-19011914 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400 6450 1 14 full false Bill Swan: The Players You'll Never Forget Bill Swan: The Players You'll Never Forget The Coachable Players sits down with Bill Swan, a retired high school basketball coach from Hempfield Area High School in Westmoreland County who coached for 36 years. Bill talks about the players he'll never forget.

Bill has coached a lot of basketball and has coached a lot of players. When asked about the players he'll never forget, Bill thought of a few right away, three players who were the third/youngest brothers from different families who demonstrated exceptional coachability and teamwork. He emphasized how these players were selfless, hardworking and easy to coach, often taking the brunt of coaching criticism while maintaining strong relationships with their teammates. Bill shared stories of player development, including how he helped transform a timid point guard through peer leadership, and discussed the importance of teamwork, academics and good character over individual statistics. He noted that despite changes in coaching approaches over his career, the core principles of hard work, sportsmanship and building strong player-coach relationships remained essential for success.

]]> The Coachable Players sits down with Bill Swan, a retired high school basketball coach from Hempfield Area High School in Westmoreland County who coached for 36 years. Bill talks about the players he'll never forget.

Bill has coached a lot of basketball and has coached a lot of players. When asked about the players he'll never forget, Bill thought of a few right away, three players who were the third/youngest brothers from different families who demonstrated exceptional coachability and teamwork. He emphasized how these players were selfless, hardworking and easy to coach, often taking the brunt of coaching criticism while maintaining strong relationships with their teammates. Bill shared stories of player development, including how he helped transform a timid point guard through peer leadership, and discussed the importance of teamwork, academics and good character over individual statistics. He noted that despite changes in coaching approaches over his career, the core principles of hard work, sportsmanship and building strong player-coach relationships remained essential for success.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18959811 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2072 1 13 full false The Coachable Self Assessment The Coachable Self Assessment What separates good people from great teammates and coworkers? 

In this episode we introduce the Coachable Self-Assessment Test, designed to help athletes and young professionals better understand their coachability. College coaches and employers aren't just looking for talent - they're looking for individuals who can take feedback, adapt and contribute to a team.

You'll hear sample questions from the assessment and learn how your Coachability Score can highlight both your strengths and areas for growth. This tool is especially valuable for young athletes looking to gain self-awareness early, as well as small business owners who want to hire team-oriented individuals who will positively impact company culture.

We're currently seeking volunteers to take the self-assessment and provide feedback as part of the pilot phase.

If you're ready to better understand yourself - and improve how you show up as a teammate and coworker, this episode is for you.

]]> What separates good people from great teammates and coworkers? 

In this episode we introduce the Coachable Self-Assessment Test, designed to help athletes and young professionals better understand their coachability. College coaches and employers aren't just looking for talent - they're looking for individuals who can take feedback, adapt and contribute to a team.

You'll hear sample questions from the assessment and learn how your Coachability Score can highlight both your strengths and areas for growth. This tool is especially valuable for young athletes looking to gain self-awareness early, as well as small business owners who want to hire team-oriented individuals who will positively impact company culture.

We're currently seeking volunteers to take the self-assessment and provide feedback as part of the pilot phase.

If you're ready to better understand yourself - and improve how you show up as a teammate and coworker, this episode is for you.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18938417 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 429 full false Coachable People Reflect - Here's How Coachable People Reflect - Here's How This episode of the Coachable Players Podcast focuses on the importance of being coachable and introduces a simple tool called the 3-2-1 Game Journal for athletes and professionals to improve their performance and reflection.

I explain that journaling helps athletes focus, retain techniques and enjoy their sport more by processing experiences rather than reacting emotionally. 

The 3-2-1 Game Journal framework:

  • Jot down three things you liked
  • Write two things you learned
  • List one thing you want to improve

This practice helps athletes reflect, adjust and improve, which translates to other areas of life. I challenge young athletes and professionals to start the habit now of journaling and this will lead to being more coachable and successful both in sports and in life.

]]> This episode of the Coachable Players Podcast focuses on the importance of being coachable and introduces a simple tool called the 3-2-1 Game Journal for athletes and professionals to improve their performance and reflection.

I explain that journaling helps athletes focus, retain techniques and enjoy their sport more by processing experiences rather than reacting emotionally. 

The 3-2-1 Game Journal framework:

  • Jot down three things you liked
  • Write two things you learned
  • List one thing you want to improve

This practice helps athletes reflect, adjust and improve, which translates to other areas of life. I challenge young athletes and professionals to start the habit now of journaling and this will lead to being more coachable and successful both in sports and in life.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18805923 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0500 399 1 11 full false My Journey: From Youth Sports to Business Leader - 5 Mindset Shifts My Journey: From Youth Sports to Business Leader - 5 Mindset Shifts In this episode, I open up, sharing my journey from growing up in a sports-obsessed home to becoming a business leader in Pennsylvania's construction industry. I highlight five key mindset shifts that transformed my athletic approach into effective leadership skills. I discuss how resilience, discipline, growth mindset, team-first leadership and process-oriented thinking helped me transition from the weekend athlete to Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association and co-host of Pennsylvania's most popular construction podcast - The Building PA Podcast. 

These mindset shifts are not just valuable for athletes but can benefit anyone looking to succeed in business and life. I encourage listeners to identify which shift resonates most with you and to share your own challenges with me/in the comments.

The 5 mindset shifts:

  1. Game-Day Intensity to Embrace Resilience & Turn Setbacks into Strategy
  2. Weekend Warrior Hustle to Discipline as a 24/7 Non-Negotiable
  3. Natural Talent to Growth Mindset, Always Learning & Adapting
  4. Individual Wins to Team-First Leadership & Lifting Others
  5. Scoreboard Obsession to Process Love, Control What You Can
]]> In this episode, I open up, sharing my journey from growing up in a sports-obsessed home to becoming a business leader in Pennsylvania's construction industry. I highlight five key mindset shifts that transformed my athletic approach into effective leadership skills. I discuss how resilience, discipline, growth mindset, team-first leadership and process-oriented thinking helped me transition from the weekend athlete to Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association and co-host of Pennsylvania's most popular construction podcast - The Building PA Podcast. 

These mindset shifts are not just valuable for athletes but can benefit anyone looking to succeed in business and life. I encourage listeners to identify which shift resonates most with you and to share your own challenges with me/in the comments.

The 5 mindset shifts:

  1. Game-Day Intensity to Embrace Resilience & Turn Setbacks into Strategy
  2. Weekend Warrior Hustle to Discipline as a 24/7 Non-Negotiable
  3. Natural Talent to Growth Mindset, Always Learning & Adapting
  4. Individual Wins to Team-First Leadership & Lifting Others
  5. Scoreboard Obsession to Process Love, Control What You Can
]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18679348 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:00:00 -0500 537 1 10 full false Rob Smith: Committed to Building Success Rob Smith: Committed to Building Success Rob Smith joins me to talk about how about being coachable extends beyond sports into the construction industry. 

Rob Smith is the Executive Director/ Chief Administration Officer for the Eastern Atlantic States (EAS) Carpenters Technical Centers. The EAS Carpenters represents over 43,000 workers in six states (PA, NJ, DE, MD, WV and VA). The EAS Carpenters NO DEBT apprentice training is the standard, ensuring workers have the training to operate efficiently and safely on the jobsite.

In this episode, Rob shares his career journey from apprentice to Executive Training Director, and how he kept his hunger for continuous improvement personally (still playing ice hockey) and professionally (you can never stop learning). He shares his insights on the importance of leadership, teamwork and continuing learning. A career as a Carpenter requires commitment for success, but the result is a fulfilling career that offers strong financial security and long-term stability through well-paid wages, comprehensive benefits, pension, free education and the pride of skilled craftsmanship backed by a supportive organization. 

Do you have a commitment for success? The EAS Carpenters is always looking for coachable people. For more information, visit: Become an EAS Carpenters.

]]> Rob Smith joins me to talk about how about being coachable extends beyond sports into the construction industry. 

Rob Smith is the Executive Director/ Chief Administration Officer for the Eastern Atlantic States (EAS) Carpenters Technical Centers. The EAS Carpenters represents over 43,000 workers in six states (PA, NJ, DE, MD, WV and VA). The EAS Carpenters NO DEBT apprentice training is the standard, ensuring workers have the training to operate efficiently and safely on the jobsite.

In this episode, Rob shares his career journey from apprentice to Executive Training Director, and how he kept his hunger for continuous improvement personally (still playing ice hockey) and professionally (you can never stop learning). He shares his insights on the importance of leadership, teamwork and continuing learning. A career as a Carpenter requires commitment for success, but the result is a fulfilling career that offers strong financial security and long-term stability through well-paid wages, comprehensive benefits, pension, free education and the pride of skilled craftsmanship backed by a supportive organization. 

Do you have a commitment for success? The EAS Carpenters is always looking for coachable people. For more information, visit: Become an EAS Carpenters.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18641381 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 1811 full false Carl Heinlein: Importance of Building Trust & Respect as a Safety Professional Carl Heinlein: Importance of Building Trust & Respect as a Safety Professional In this episode of the Coachable Players Podcast, I chat with Carl Heinlein. Carl is a highly respected safety professional. He works with companies from all industries based all around the country and has the awards and accolades but that's not what he wants to talk about - he wants to talk about the future safety professionals and help them be successful.

In this episode, Carl emphasizes the importance of communication skills and trust-building in the workplace. He discusses his thoughts on the evolving nature of the safety professional and the value of mentorship in developing effective leadership and situational awareness. The conversation includes plenty of career advice from Carl that focuses on continuous learning, networking and choosing the right employer in the safety profession.

Links to organizations Carl mentions as great places for safety professionals to know:

Carl Heinlein on LinkedIn

Associated General Contractors of America

National Safety Council

American Society of Safety Professionals

Keystone Contractors Association

]]> In this episode of the Coachable Players Podcast, I chat with Carl Heinlein. Carl is a highly respected safety professional. He works with companies from all industries based all around the country and has the awards and accolades but that's not what he wants to talk about - he wants to talk about the future safety professionals and help them be successful.

In this episode, Carl emphasizes the importance of communication skills and trust-building in the workplace. He discusses his thoughts on the evolving nature of the safety professional and the value of mentorship in developing effective leadership and situational awareness. The conversation includes plenty of career advice from Carl that focuses on continuous learning, networking and choosing the right employer in the safety profession.

Links to organizations Carl mentions as great places for safety professionals to know:

Carl Heinlein on LinkedIn

Associated General Contractors of America

National Safety Council

American Society of Safety Professionals

Keystone Contractors Association

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18638268 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0500 2574 1 9 full false Brent Darnell: Let's Talk About Coachability & Company Culture Brent Darnell: Let's Talk About Coachability & Company Culture Coachable Players welcomes Brent Darnell, an executive coach who's highly respected around the country. 

In this conversation they dive deep into conversation about leadership, company culture, and emotional intelligence. Brent uses his background in engineering and leadership development to emphasize the importance of intrinsic motivators, self-determination theory, and the role of leadership in fostering positive company culture.

The discussion culminates with the potential of AI in education and communication, and strategies for implementing cultural changes in companies through systematic approaches and continuous learning.

Enjoy the episode and remember: Stay Humble, Stay Hungry & Stay Coachable!  

]]> Coachable Players welcomes Brent Darnell, an executive coach who's highly respected around the country. 

In this conversation they dive deep into conversation about leadership, company culture, and emotional intelligence. Brent uses his background in engineering and leadership development to emphasize the importance of intrinsic motivators, self-determination theory, and the role of leadership in fostering positive company culture.

The discussion culminates with the potential of AI in education and communication, and strategies for implementing cultural changes in companies through systematic approaches and continuous learning.

Enjoy the episode and remember: Stay Humble, Stay Hungry & Stay Coachable!  

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18584973 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500 2801 full false My Thoughts on the Steelers New Head Coach Mike McCarthy My Thoughts on the Steelers New Head Coach Mike McCarthy In this episode, host Jon O’Brien shares his perspective on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to bring in veteran coach Mike McCarthy as their new head coach following Mike Tomlin’s departure. He breaks down what McCarthy’s hiring could mean for the team — touching on his experience, ties to Pittsburgh, and the reactions from fans and analysts, and reflects on how this move fits into the Steelers’ culture and future direction.

]]> In this episode, host Jon O’Brien shares his perspective on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to bring in veteran coach Mike McCarthy as their new head coach following Mike Tomlin’s departure. He breaks down what McCarthy’s hiring could mean for the team — touching on his experience, ties to Pittsburgh, and the reactions from fans and analysts, and reflects on how this move fits into the Steelers’ culture and future direction.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18563688 Sat, 24 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0500 807 full false Lauren Hess: Softball's Impact on My Professional Development Lauren Hess: Softball's Impact on My Professional Development Lauren Hess shares her journey from childhood through college softball, discussing how the sport helped develop her organizational skills and leadership abilities and building valuable connections along the way with groups like the Keystone Contractors Association. (Lauren was a 2022 KCA Scholarship recipient)

A Penn State Harrisburg college softball player, Lauren discusses how the sport helped her develop her time management skills. She credits her coaches - from PSU Harrisburg to her dad from her youth days - for emphasizing the importance of coachability beyond just following instructions and describes how her athletic background prepared her for the working world by teaching resilience and the courage to take on challenging projects.

]]> Lauren Hess shares her journey from childhood through college softball, discussing how the sport helped develop her organizational skills and leadership abilities and building valuable connections along the way with groups like the Keystone Contractors Association. (Lauren was a 2022 KCA Scholarship recipient)

A Penn State Harrisburg college softball player, Lauren discusses how the sport helped her develop her time management skills. She credits her coaches - from PSU Harrisburg to her dad from her youth days - for emphasizing the importance of coachability beyond just following instructions and describes how her athletic background prepared her for the working world by teaching resilience and the courage to take on challenging projects.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18517084 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0500 2178 1 6 full false Chris Lalevee: Everyone is Coachable Chris Lalevee: Everyone is Coachable There are parallels between sports coaching and construction industry practices and in this episode Chris Lelevee chats with Jon about his perspective. They discuss the importance of coachability in recruitment and personal development, including challenges in working with uncoachable individuals and the value of mentorship and leadership structures. The conversation features reflections on respect, leadership, and the changing nature of youth sports, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on development and fun over winning.

]]> There are parallels between sports coaching and construction industry practices and in this episode Chris Lelevee chats with Jon about his perspective. They discuss the importance of coachability in recruitment and personal development, including challenges in working with uncoachable individuals and the value of mentorship and leadership structures. The conversation features reflections on respect, leadership, and the changing nature of youth sports, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on development and fun over winning.

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18414366 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500 2764 full false Cory Johnson: Personal Improvement Over Winning Outcomes Cory Johnson: Personal Improvement Over Winning Outcomes In this episode, we dive into what truly drives athletic success - the process, the relationships, and the mindset behind the goals. Coachable Players host Jon sits down with Northern High School head wrestling coach Cory Johnson to explore how goal-setting, accountability and personal growth can shape athletes far beyond the win column.

Cory shares his journey to leading Northern to last season's division championship and his relationship-based approach to coaching today's generation. The interview focuses on setting meaningful goals, the importance of enjoying the process and why it is best to be remembered not for the win/loss results but for the impact the coaches made.

Whether you're a coach, athlete or parent, this conversation offers powerful insight into building teams, mentoring young athletes, and coaching for life - not just for wins. 


]]> In this episode, we dive into what truly drives athletic success - the process, the relationships, and the mindset behind the goals. Coachable Players host Jon sits down with Northern High School head wrestling coach Cory Johnson to explore how goal-setting, accountability and personal growth can shape athletes far beyond the win column.

Cory shares his journey to leading Northern to last season's division championship and his relationship-based approach to coaching today's generation. The interview focuses on setting meaningful goals, the importance of enjoying the process and why it is best to be remembered not for the win/loss results but for the impact the coaches made.

Whether you're a coach, athlete or parent, this conversation offers powerful insight into building teams, mentoring young athletes, and coaching for life - not just for wins. 


]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18255838 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0500 1380 full false Chris Martin: Life Lessons from the Basketball Hardcourt Applied to the Business World! Chris Martin: Life Lessons from the Basketball Hardcourt Applied to the Business World! Chris Martin had the drive and the height to be a formidable basketball athlete growing up. What he learned as a player from the youth, high school and college courts helped him become a highly respected construction branding expert. This former Millersville University Marauder effectively leads his own team with assistance from the skills he learned on his basketball journey. Listen to this Coachable Player about the path that Chris took that led him to launching Atlas Marketing decades ago.     

]]> Chris Martin had the drive and the height to be a formidable basketball athlete growing up. What he learned as a player from the youth, high school and college courts helped him become a highly respected construction branding expert. This former Millersville University Marauder effectively leads his own team with assistance from the skills he learned on his basketball journey. Listen to this Coachable Player about the path that Chris took that led him to launching Atlas Marketing decades ago.     

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-18128418 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0500 1510 full false Rocky Bleier: Successful in Football, the Army & Business - Coachable in Life Rocky Bleier: Successful in Football, the Army & Business - Coachable in Life Jon Buzzsprout-17776681 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0500 3046 1 2 full false Introducing Coachable Players - Being Coachable isn't a Sports Skill, It's a Life Skill! Introducing Coachable Players - Being Coachable isn't a Sports Skill, It's a Life Skill! Welcome to The Coachable Players Podcast, where we believe the most successful athletes, employees and business owners all share the trait of being coachable. This episode is just the beginning, on this journey we'll explore how lessons from sports translate into business and life, helping people grow through feedback, resilience and leadership.

Being coachable isn't just a sports skill, it's a life skill!

Until the next episode, stay humble, stay hungry & stay coachable!

]]> Welcome to The Coachable Players Podcast, where we believe the most successful athletes, employees and business owners all share the trait of being coachable. This episode is just the beginning, on this journey we'll explore how lessons from sports translate into business and life, helping people grow through feedback, resilience and leadership.

Being coachable isn't just a sports skill, it's a life skill!

Until the next episode, stay humble, stay hungry & stay coachable!

]]> Jon Buzzsprout-17792489 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0500 255 1 1 full false