The Coaches Room with Coach Kav

Justin Kavanaugh
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The Coaches' Room Podcast, hosted by elite performance coach Justin Kavanaugh, widely known as Coach Kav, offers an in-depth look into the world of high-performance coaching. With a background as an Olympic coach, speaker, and author, Coach Kav brings his extensive experience to the forefront, helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders unlock elite performance. Each episode features conversations with top-tier coaches, performance staff, and scientists, delving into topics such as coaching methodologies, personal development, and player development. Listeners gain valuable insights into the strategies and mindsets that drive success in competitive environments. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or someone interested in the dynamics of high-performance teams, The Coaches' Room Podcast provides practical advice and inspiration to elevate your game.

  1. It's not "My Mission to Inspire. I just want to be a superhero | Jimmy House

    JAN 3

    It's not "My Mission to Inspire. I just want to be a superhero | Jimmy House

    In this conversation, Coach Kav interviews Jimmy House, a strength and conditioning coach and professional wrestler, about his journey in sports, the influence of Bill Goldberg, and his aspirations in professional wrestling. They discuss the importance of mentorship, overcoming obstacles, and the role of faith in achieving goals. Jimmy shares his desire to inspire the next generation and the significance of emotional control in personal growth. Takeaways • Jimmy's journey began at a young age with his father's influence in strength training. • He has a diverse background in sports including wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and powerlifting. • Bill Goldberg has been a significant inspiration for Jimmy's career in wrestling. • Training under elite coaches has shaped Jimmy's approach to strength and conditioning. • Jimmy aims to be a superhero to kids through professional wrestling. • He emphasizes the importance of faith and hard work in achieving goals. • Overcoming injuries has been a challenge, but it has strengthened his resolve. • Jimmy believes in using his strengths to inspire others. • He recognizes the need for emotional control in managing stress and intensity. • Legacy and mentorship are central to Jimmy's purpose in life.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jimmy House's Journey 02:52 The Evolution of Training and Coaching 05:59 The Impact of Bill Goldberg 08:51 Transitioning to Professional Wrestling 12:05 The Complexity of Wrestling Skills 14:48 Overcoming Obstacles and Building Faith 18:06 Defining Purpose and Legacy 20:49 Emotional Control and Personal Growth

    29 min
  2. The Octopus Whisperer: Warren Carlyle's Journey Building a Community Around Octopuses

    12/25/2025

    The Octopus Whisperer: Warren Carlyle's Journey Building a Community Around Octopuses

    In this conversation, Warren Carlyle. shares his journey from a curious child with a passion for octopuses to the founder of OctoNation, the world's largest octopus fan club. He discusses the importance of community building, collaboration, and creating impact through education and awareness. Warren emphasizes the significance of clarity, core values, and content creation in building a fanatical community. He also addresses the challenges of navigating potential and the importance of authenticity and ethics in branding. The conversation concludes with insights on passion, purpose, and the role of individuals in transforming lives.   Takeaways: • Warren's journey began with a passion for his siblings and friends. • He transitioned from fashion to building a brand around octopuses. • The importance of community and collaboration in achieving goals. • Creating impact through education and awareness about octopuses. • The Seven Cs methodology for building a fanatical community. • Clarity and core values are essential for success. • Content must be deserving of attention to engage the audience. • Connection and conversion are key in community building. • Authenticity and ethics play a crucial role in branding. • Everyone has the potential to transform lives through their unique voice.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Warren's Journey 02:49 The Birth of OctoNation 06:08 Building a Community Around Passion 08:55 The Seven Cs of Community Building 12:00 Clarity and Core Values 14:47 Content Creation and Engagement 17:57 Collaboration and Connection Strategies 38:33 Ensuring Accurate Representation in Octopus Education 41:19 The Importance of Community Engagement and Education 43:36 Ethical Conversion and Financial Responsibility 46:45 Building a Brand with Purpose and Storytelling 50:36 Inspiring Wonder and Conservation through Education 57:49 The Fascination of Octopuses and Their Unique Adaptations 01:01:06 Overcoming Hypothetical Hell and Imposter Syndrome

    1h 18m
  3. The "Trust" Mistake 99% Of Leaders Make! Why Being Late Is Destroying Your Business & Relationships | Blake Eastman

    12/17/2025

    The "Trust" Mistake 99% Of Leaders Make! Why Being Late Is Destroying Your Business & Relationships | Blake Eastman

    In this engaging conversation, Coach Kav and Blake Eastman explore the intricacies of human behavior, communication, and leadership. They discuss Blake's unique journey from poker to psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding nonverbal cues and cultural nuances in effective communication. The dialogue highlights the role of self-awareness, trust, and accountability in leadership, as well as the impact of data and AI in enhancing interpersonal interactions. Ultimately, they advocate for creating safe spaces for honest conversations and optimizing meetings for better outcomes. Takeaways: • The journey of Blake Eastman showcases a diverse background in psychology and nonverbal communication. • Expertise should be viewed as a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination. • Understanding nonverbal cues is crucial for effective communication. • Cultural differences significantly impact how feedback is given and received. • Self-awareness is key to improving social interactions and relationships. • Body language can greatly influence perceptions and trust in professional settings. • Leaders must hold themselves accountable to foster a culture of trust. • Data analysis can provide insights into human behavior and improve communication strategies. • Creating safe spaces is essential for open and honest communication. • Meetings should be optimized for efficiency and effectiveness to reduce wasted time.   Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Austin: The Hub of Connections 02:53 The Journey of a Nonverbal Communication Expert 06:04 The Complexity of Expertise and Its Implications 08:44 Understanding Facial Expressions and Social Coordination 11:39 Cultural Nuances in Communication 14:52 The Impact of Nonverbal Cues in Professional Settings 17:55 The Dangers of Misinterpreting Body Language 20:46 The Importance of Context in Human Interaction 23:48 Empathy and Self-Awareness in Communication 27:39 The Importance of Video in Coaching and Feedback 30:25 Perspective, Attention, and Direction in Coaching 33:34 Translating Sports Strategies to Business 39:33 Understanding Individual Agendas in Team Dynamics 44:53 The Impact of Past Experiences on Present Interactions 50:42 Optimizing Meetings for Effective Communication 53:05 Rethinking Meetings: A Costly Necessity 56:11 The Art of Effective Meeting Management 59:42 Leadership Accountability and Trust 01:00:48 The Importance of Being Your Word 01:04:55 Navigating Expectations and Time Management 01:10:51 Creating a Culture of Trust and Accountability 01:12:44 The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity 01:14:41 Understanding Human Behavior in Leadership

    1h 19m
  4. Navigating the Complexities of Communication | Michael Martocci

    12/09/2025

    Navigating the Complexities of Communication | Michael Martocci

    In this conversation, Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the founding and growth of Swag Up, the importance of employee engagement, and the role of technology in business operations. He emphasizes the need for quality merchandise, consistency in branding, and the significance of self-awareness in leadership. The discussion also touches on the balance between entrepreneurship and family life, and the value of continuous learning and personal growth. Takeaways 1. The loudest person isn't always the most impactful. Some people build their influence quietly—through substance, not spotlight—and their work reshapes entire industries even when the world isn't watching. 2. Swag isn't merchandise. It's identity. When done right, it reinforces belonging, culture, and pride—internally with employees and externally with customers. 3. Timing doesn't make a business. Pattern recognition does. The skill isn't spotting the wave; it's knowing whether to ride it, reshape it, or create your own. 4. Great brands win because they make the complex feel simple. Design, clarity, and consistency beat features, budgets, and noise. 5. Empathy is a business strategy. Understanding the person on the other side—from employees to factory partners—creates better products, better processes, and better outcomes. 6. Great teams aren't hired… they're curated. Skill can be taught. Standards cannot. Excellence starts with who you allow in the room. 7. Winning is contagious—but so is losing. Your environment shapes your identity. Change the environment, and everything else follows. 8. People don't buy what's available. They buy what you show them. Your storefront—digital or physical—controls perception, trust, and spend. 9. The customer journey is a system, not an accident. If you're not mapping it, measuring it, and refining it, you're losing people where you could be compounding value. 10. Momentum is the most powerful force in business and life. Stack small wins, build belief, and the impossible becomes inevitable.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Personal Journeys 02:46 Building Swag Up: The Entrepreneurial Journey 05:51 The Importance of Employee Engagement and Company Culture 09:05 Navigating Challenges and Market Changes 11:57 The Role of Technology in Business Operations 15:01 Understanding Customer Needs and Preferences 17:56 The Power of Branding and Design 20:52 Building Partnerships with Retail Brands 23:57 Data-Driven Insights in Business 26:58 The Significance of Quality Merchandise 29:57 Lessons from Sports and Coaching 32:49 The Impact of Personal Growth and Learning 36:02 Creating a Winning Environment 38:58 The Importance of Consistency in Messaging 41:59 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership 44:48 Hiring for Success and Team Dynamics 47:49 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Family Life 50:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    1h 13m
  5. This Is Why Most People Fail in the AI Era | Jonathan Mast

    12/04/2025

    This Is Why Most People Fail in the AI Era | Jonathan Mast

    In this episode, Coach Kav sits down with AI educator and creator Jonathan Mast for one of the most practical and eye-opening conversations about the future of work, coaching, and human performance. Jonathan breaks down what most people still get wrong about AI, why the real competitive edge isn't the tool but the thinking behind the tool, and how anyone can use AI to become faster, clearer, and more effective in their career or business. Together, they explore the mindset shifts required to stay relevant, the truth about AI adoption, why courage beats confidence, and how the "Perfect Prompt Framework" is helping thousands rethink how they learn, create, and execute. This episode blends technology, psychology, and high-performance coaching into a raw conversation about discipline, clarity, and the courage to evolve in a world that's changing every 90 days. If you're an entrepreneur, coach, leader, or someone who wants to stay ahead in the AI era, this is the episode you can't afford to miss. takeaways: Focus on one tool, not two. Don't search for the perfect tool; it doesn't exist. The perfect tool will change next week. Any tool can help you leap ahead without AI. Embrace the rapid changes in technology. Adaptability is key in a fast-paced environment. Innovation requires a willingness to experiment. Tools should enhance productivity, not complicate it. Simplicity often leads to better results. Stay updated with technological advancements. 00:00 - I Had No Plan… But AI Changed Everything 02:05 - Why Nobody Really Understands AI Yet 04:10 - The Moment I Realized AI Wasn't a Trend 06:00 - The Marriage, The Business, and the Partnership That Works 08:20 - From Dial-Up to Today: I've Seen Every Technological Jump 10:45 - The 90-Day Rule: Why AI Reinvents Itself Constantly 12:30 - The World Opened Up: No More Geographic Limits 15:00 -  Here's How I Actually Use AI Every Day 17:40 - The #1 Reason People Fail at AI Adoption 20:10 - Better Tools Make Better Craftsmen 22:25 - Most People Don't Think Clearly — AI Can Fix That 24:50 - Your Personal Board of Advisors — Inside Your Phone 27:40 - Running a 450,000-Person Community… and Getting Banned 30:05 -  AI Won't Replace You. But Someone Using It Will. 32:15 - Why Coaching Is the Most Rewarding and Most Frustrating Job 34:50 - Courage Beats Confidence — Every Time 37:00 - Why Winners Think Differently 39:20 - The Perfect Prompt Framework: The Only One You'll Ever Need 42:10 -  Learning Faster Than Everyone Else 44:50 -  You Don't Need More Tools. You Need Better Thinking. 47:30 -  Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini… Does It Even Matter? 49:55 -  What's Coming Next — And Why It Will Shock Everyone 52:00 - Final Thoughts: You Either Adapt or You Don't

    1h 23m
  6. I Stand Against the Need to Be Understood | Nick Mayhugh

    11/26/2025

    I Stand Against the Need to Be Understood | Nick Mayhugh

    In this conversation, Nick Mayhugh shares his inspiring journey of overcoming the challenges posed by cerebral palsy, his experiences with seizures, and the impact of his diagnosis on his athletic career. He discusses the importance of mental resilience, the support from family and coaches, and his transition from soccer to track. Nick reflects on his success at the Tokyo Paralympics, the advocacy work he is passionate about, and his aspirations for the future. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the significance of believing in oneself and the power of sharing one's story to inspire others.  takeaways Nick's journey with cerebral palsy shaped his identity. The importance of mental resilience in overcoming challenges. Auras are a significant part of Nick's experience with seizures. Support from family and coaches was crucial in Nick's development. Transitioning from soccer to track was a pivotal moment in Nick's career. Nick's success in Tokyo was a culmination of hard work and determination. Advocacy for disability awareness is a key focus for Nick. The impact of societal perceptions on individuals with disabilities. Nick's story inspires others facing similar challenges. The importance of believing in oneself despite external doubts. Chapters: (00:00) The Seizure That Changed Nick's Life (02:07) What's Your Story? Nick's Origins With Undiagnosed Cerebral Palsy (03:51) Being Told He'd Never Play Soccer Again (05:00) Growing Up Without Knowing He Had a Disability (06:49) The Childhood Symptoms No One Believed (08:43) Seeing the Brain Scan for the First Time (10:26) Accepting the Reality of His Condition (12:27) Understanding Auras & Out-of-Body Experiences (14:09) Hiding His Condition and Fear of Being Bullied (16:15) From Injuries to Losing His College Scholarship (18:35) The Moment He Thought His Dreams Were Over (20:42) Depression, Auras, and Teaching Himself to Cope (23:08) Support From Family & Rebuilding His Mindset (25:23) Why Sleep, Travel & Triggers Mattered for His Health (27:35) Taking Control as a Professional Athlete (29:50) Training Beside NFL Pros & Learning to Be a Pro (31:08) Earning His Spot: The First Job Is Getting a Lane (32:14) Choosing Track Over Soccer (34:26) The Mindset Shift From "Wanting To" to "Going To" (36:04) The Hardest Six Months: Re-Learning How to Run (39:41) Tokyo Paralympics: World Records & Running Injured (42:01) Chaos, Weather & Logistical Challenges in Tokyo (44:02) Giving the Graduation Speech at His Alma Mater (46:25) The Hidden Battles: Disability No One Sees (48:45) "It's Okay to Not Be Okay": Finding Purpose After Medals (50:53) Fighting the Paralympic Classification System (52:56) How Nick Made the Entire Division Faster (55:09) Why the System Is Failing the Next Generation (57:24) Speaking Out Despite the Personal Cost (59:22) Using His Platform Beyond Sports (01:01:01) Nick's Superpower: Mindset, Reaction, Resilience

    1h 14m
  7. The Leadership Lessons from the Batter's Box | Brandon Eaton

    11/12/2025

    The Leadership Lessons from the Batter's Box | Brandon Eaton

    What if our deepest-held beliefs about "failure" are all wrong? And what if the flaw we see in ourselves isn't a weakness, but the very engine of our success? My guest today is Brandon Eaton, the CEO and co-founder of the 10-year sporting goods brand, Stinger Sports. But this conversation isn't about business, it's about the "why" behind it. Brandon's entire company was built from a painful childhood observation: watching talented kids get "priced out" of the game they loved . He built his life's work on a promise to fight for them. This is one of the most honest conversations I've ever had about the true meaning of leadership and the stories we tell ourselves. Brandon shares the powerful moment he finally redefined "failure" not as the act of striking out, but as the refusal to grow from it . He also makes a raw admission about a personal flaw he calls "helpnesia": the high-performer's inability to ask for help . This led us to a deep exploration of the difference between "reacting" and "responding" , the power of leading by a "standard, not by your feelings" , and the simple test to find out if your internal monologue is destroying your potential . This episode is a blueprint for anyone who has ever felt like a victim but is determined to take their power back. It left me asking one question: What could you achieve if you truly believed that you only fail when you quit?   🔑 Key Takeaways Redefine Your Relationship with Failure: The episode's central theme is reframing failure. Brandon defines true failure not as striking out, but as "when you don't take something positive from it... you're not growing" . Coach Kav adds that "you don't fail unless you quit". Lead by a Standard, Not Your Feelings: As a leader, you don't have the luxury of leading by your emotions. Coach Kav provides a powerful framework: "You have to lead by how do you set a standard? ...So you have to lead by the standard, not by your feelings". Victimhood is a Surrender of Power: When discussing losing, Brandon offers a profound insight: "As soon as you're a victim, you take all your power away because it's external. It's not internal... If you take ownership of it... That's your power" . A "Real Team" Shares in the Success: Brandon shares his company's high-level compensation philosophy. He has built a pay structure where "on a team you benefit from the success of your teammates," arguing that "You can't say we're a team and then you do something well and I don't benefit from it" . Audit Your Self-Talk: Your internal monologue dictates your performance. Brandon provides a simple test: "How are you talking to yourself? Would you talk to somebody else that you're trying to uplift in that way? And if the answer is no, it's probably not productive" . Leadership is What You Do When No One is Watching: Brandon shares a story of picking up a piece of trash. He doesn't know or care if his employees saw him. The lesson is that leadership is about "setting that tone" and solving minor problems as part of your DNA, not as a performance. Identify and Name Your Flaws: In a moment of vulnerability, Brandon admits his biggest flaw is being a "doer" to the point that he forgets to delegate. He gives it a name: "Helpnesia"—"I forget to ask for help" . Timestamp: (00:00) Introduction: The "Girl Dad" & 10 Years of Stinger Sports (02:49) The "Why": Why Stinger Was Born to Fight the "Country Club Sport" (06:05) The "Junker Car" Parable: A Grandfather's Entrepreneurial Spirit (07:35) "Baseball is Life": Learning to Compete and Overcome Adversity (09:12) The Litmus Test for Your Self-Talk (10:39) Coaches: Stop Using the "S-Word" (Slump) (12:45) Brandon's New Definition of Failure: "You're Not Growing" (14:32) Coach Kav's Framework: The Difference Between "Reacting" and "Responding" (15:58) The "Useful Mentality" Test (17:01) Why Pro-Grade Gear Matters for Young Athletes (20:30) The "Look Good, Play Good" Philosophy (25:31) The "Game on the Line" Mindset: Do You Want the Ball? (27:18) How to Show Up: Don't Take a "Rough At Bat" to the Field (27:57) Coach Kav's Framework: Lead by Standard, Not by Feelings (30:35) The "Picking Up the Trash" Parable of Leadership (33:23) The CEO as Engineer: "I Love the Act of Trying to Break It" (35:58) Finding Your "Therapy": The Flow State of Hitting a Baseball (39:31) How to Build a Real Team: "If It Isn't Measured, It Can't Be Improved" (42:33) Our Pay Structure: "On a Team You Benefit From Your Teammates' Success" (44:03) Coach Kav's Parable of the "Monkey Trap" (49:28) Why "Losing is Contagious" and Creates Victims (50:24) "As Soon As You're a Victim, You Take All Your Power Away" (53:27) The Stinger Sports "Superhero" Mission: VALUE (54:48) The Villain We Fight: Declining Quality and Rising Prices (57:42) The Leader's Flaw: My "Helpnesia"

    1h 1m
  8. Simplicity Is the Highest Form of Mastery | Junaid Ahmed

    11/04/2025

    Simplicity Is the Highest Form of Mastery | Junaid Ahmed

    This conversation explores the critical importance of first impressions in communication, particularly in video content. It emphasizes how quickly audiences make decisions about their engagement and the role of brand presence in capturing attention. Takeaways: The average person takes three seconds to make a decision. First impressions are crucial in retaining audience attention. Brand presence significantly influences viewer engagement. Clarity in communication enhances audience connection. Video content must be engaging from the start. Understanding audience behavior is key to effective communication. Effective branding can lead to better audience retention. The initial moments of a video are critical for success. Engagement strategies should focus on immediate impact. Creating a strong presence can differentiate your content. Timestamp: 00:00 – 04:22 | The Origin of Simplicity 04:23 – 08:47 | From Hobby to Purpose 08:48 – 13:29 | The Power of Visibility 13:30 – 18:54 | Building Confidence Through Clarity 18:55 – 23:38 | Simplicity Protects Creativity 23:39 – 27:41 | Technology Meets Human Connection 27:42 – 32:55 | Leadership in the Light 32:56 – 37:18 | Designing Environments for Flow 37:19 – 41:10 | The Discipline of Showing Up 41:11 – END | Final Reflections

    57 min
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4.3
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About

The Coaches' Room Podcast, hosted by elite performance coach Justin Kavanaugh, widely known as Coach Kav, offers an in-depth look into the world of high-performance coaching. With a background as an Olympic coach, speaker, and author, Coach Kav brings his extensive experience to the forefront, helping athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders unlock elite performance. Each episode features conversations with top-tier coaches, performance staff, and scientists, delving into topics such as coaching methodologies, personal development, and player development. Listeners gain valuable insights into the strategies and mindsets that drive success in competitive environments. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or someone interested in the dynamics of high-performance teams, The Coaches' Room Podcast provides practical advice and inspiration to elevate your game.

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