Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless

Coach Rodo
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Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless is the podcast for athletes and coaches who believe that a true victory isn't just about the scoreboard—it's about how you show up. Host Rodney Marshall, a Marine veteran and a lifelong coach, shares powerful stories and unconventional wisdom from his own life and a diverse range of guests. This is a show that goes beyond X's and O's, diving into the mental toughness, accountability, and purpose-driven mindset required to succeed in sports and in life. Whether you're a 13-year-old athlete dreaming of greatness or a 60-year-old coach looking for new ways to inspire your team, Coach Rodo will show you how to find your own path to winning, regardless of the odds.

  1. 41 The Off-Season Blueprint: Skill Work, Nutrition & Drills

    2d ago

    41 The Off-Season Blueprint: Skill Work, Nutrition & Drills

    Send us Fan Mail "The best players get better when nobody's watching or paying attention." School is out, the graduations are over, and summer is officially here. In this solo episode, Coach Rodo delivers a raw reality check to young athletes who think playing AAU tournaments or attending a couple of team practices a week is enough to guarantee a starting spot next season. Rodo breaks down why true development doesn't take time off and explains why the hot summer weather serves as the ultimate growth and healing season for your joints and body. Rodo shares a powerful lesson from his nephew at USC about defending your roster spot from incoming recruits, explains how a simple diet shift helped Kalamazoo Central's Tim Tarantine Jr. overcome chronic injury inflammation, and passes down a legendary trick for bench players looking to get subbed in by a frustrated coach. From bodyweight calisthenics to driveway lessons on keeping your head up while dribbling, this episode is your ultimate guide to rewarding yourself through pure hard work. #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #SummerGrind #OffSeasonTraining #AAUBasketball #KalamazooCentral #Calisthenics #AthleteDiet #USCFootball #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #basketballdrills  (00:00) - No Days Off: Why getting better doesn't take a summer vacation. (01:45) - The Coach-Parent Dynamic: Open houses, graduation proms, and finding reasons to complain. (03:30) - Defend Your Spot: A stark warning from a USC Trojan on incoming roster recruits. (05:45) - The Sun is a Healer: Why summer is prime growth season for young joints and bodies. (08:15) - Driveway Coaching: Yelling at neighborhood kids to keep their heads up while dribbling. (10:30) - 20-Hour Self-Evaluation: Why real self-reflection takes one day, not months. (12:15) - Diet vs. Inflammation: How Tim Tarantine Jr. changed his nutrition to beat chronic injuries. (14:45) - The AAU Illusion: Why the European game is catching up fundamentally. (17:15) - Average vs. Elite: The truth about top-tier shoe circuits vs. mediocre local runs. (20:00) - Standing Next to the Coach: The ultimate tactical strategy for bench players to get their shot. (22:30) - Weight Room Breaks: Utilizing calisthenics, push-ups, and bodyweight workouts to protect your joints. (25:15) - Stacking Hours Alone: Waking up early to hoop at the Y or sneak into Western's Rec center. Support the show

    24 min
  2. 40 Jadyn Walker: The Mindset of a USC Trojan Football Player

    Jun 28

    40 Jadyn Walker: The Mindset of a USC Trojan Football Player

    Send us Fan Mail "Your biggest opponent is really just you." Coach Rodo is joined once again by his nephew, USC Trojans linebacker Jadyn Walker. Back in town and sporting his new number, the former Portage Northern standout pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to transition from high school star to a Division I college football player in the Big Ten.  Jadyn gets transparent about his journey, admitting he wasn't always the best student in high school, but details the shift in mindset required to lock in academically once arriving at Southern California. He breaks down the physical reality of college football—where everyone is bigger, faster, and stronger—and explains why mastering technique becomes your ultimate weapon. In this episode, Jadyn shares his massive personal and team goals for the upcoming season, his ultimate "why" rooted in faith and family, and a powerful message for the next generation of athletes looking up to him.  #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #JadynWalker #USCTrojans #USCFootball #FightOn #BigTenFootball #LinebackerTraining #PortageNorthern #CollegeAthletics #StudentAthlete #Mindset #TechniqueOverTalent (00:00) - Fight On: Welcoming back USC Linebacker Jadyn Walker & revealing his new number. (02:00) - The D1 Reality Check: Why technique beats pure size, speed, and strength. (04:30) - Setting the Bar High: Jadyn’s personal stat goals and competing for a Natty. (07:15) - Shifting the Mindset: Transitioning from poor high school grades to a dedicated college student. (10:00) - Finding Your "Why": How faith in Jesus Christ and family keep Jadyn grounded. (13:15) - You vs. You: Overcoming self-doubt and understanding that your biggest opponent is yourself. (16:00) - Community Pride: Coach Rodo highlights the example Jadyn is setting for local youth. (18:45) - Don't Blink: Taking advantage of every single opportunity before it's gone. Support the show

    43 min
  3. 39 Turning Pain into Purpose: Navigating Grief & Vulnerability

    Jun 22

    39 Turning Pain into Purpose: Navigating Grief & Vulnerability

    Send us Fan Mail "Say your loved one's name every day. Keep their spirit alive. Because if you don't, they die twice." In this deeply moving solo episode, Coach Rodo opens up his heart and shares a raw, vulnerable look at processing grief, handling loss, and finding unexpected communities of healing. Coming up on the anniversary of his brilliant brother D'Aneo's passing—an incredibly smart inventor with a massive heart—Rodo discusses what it truly means to carry the weight of losing someone you love.  Rodo reflects on how his wife’s new passion for line dancing unexpected led to a profound connection. Through her dance community traveling from Kalamazoo to Detroit and Phoenix, she met a mother named Erica who is navigating the worst pain imaginable: the loss of her 23-year-old son.  Dedicated to Erica and anyone carrying the silent burden of a broken heart, Coach Rodo breaks down the stigma around showing male vulnerability, why crying isn't a sign of weakness, and why we must continue to speak the names of those we've lost. This episode is a powerful reminder that while nobody can tell you how to feel, you don't have to carry the pain alone. #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #GriefSupport #HandlingLoss #MentalHealthMatters #Brotherhood #Vulnerability #KeepingLegaciesAlive #LineDancingCommunity #HealingJourney #overcomingpain  (00:00) - The Double Loss: Why saying a loved one's name keeps their spirit alive. (02:15) - Remembering D'Aneo: Honoring a brilliant inventor with a massive heart. (05:00) - Finding Unexpected Community: How a line dancing class opened doors to healing. (07:45) - Shared Pain: Connecting with Erica and honoring the loss of her 23-year-old son. (10:30) - Beyond the Sidelines: Reaching coaches, parents, and everyday people through real stories. (13:15) - The Power of Vulnerability: Breaking down the stigma of shedding tears and showing emotion. (16:00) - A Message for Erica: Finding the inspiration to push forward through the darkest days. (18:30) - Final Thoughts: Relying on faith and each other to win regardless of life's heaviest setbacks. Support the show

    19 min
  4. 38 Title IX Pioneer to City Commissioner: The Jeanne Hess Story

    Jun 22

    38 Title IX Pioneer to City Commissioner: The Jeanne Hess Story

    Send us Fan Mail "When you step on that court with hate and a thought of us versus them, there’s no way you’re going to have an outcome of joy." Coach Rodo welcomes a true pioneer to the podcast: current Kalamazoo City Commissioner, author, and retired Kalamazoo College Head Volleyball Coach, Jeanne Hess. Fresh out of the University of Michigan in the late 1970s, Jeanne lived through the raw, early evolution of Title IX. She shares the stark realities of what women's collegiate sports actually looked like back then—from wearing wool uniforms that caused overheating to training in repurposed spaces beneath the baseball stadium. Jeanne details her 35-year coaching career at Kalamazoo College, where she stepped into the gym seven and a half months pregnant during her first season and went on to build a powerhouse program that used international travel (from China to South Africa) as a tool for global education and social justice. We also dive into the core concepts of Jeanne's book, where she redefines foundational sports words back to their Latin and Greek etymological roots. Discover why true "competition" actually means "to work with" rather than "to eliminate," how "community" functions strictly as an active verb, and why winning regardless simply means choosing to feel joy. #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #JeanneHess #TitleIX #WomensSports #KalamazooCollege #KCollege #UmichVolleyball #SportsPsychology #KalamazooCityCommission #CoachingPhilosophy #communityleadership  (00:00) - Introduction: Welcoming Kalamazoo City Commissioner and Coaching Icon Jeanne Hess. (02:15) - Waking Up at U of M: How a gentle nudge from mom led to the 1976 varsity volleyball team. (05:30) - The Early Title IX Reality: Wool uniforms, shared recreational spaces, and South Campus training rooms. (08:45) - The Engineering Mind of Sandy Vong: Remembering a silent, 97-year-old visionary mentor. (11:15) - From Setback to Setup: How tearing an ACL in 1980 altered a career path and birthed a coaching journey. (14:00) - Walking into K-College: Entering the gym 7.5 months pregnant in 1984 and staying until 2019. (17:30) - Global Classrooms: Taking Hornet Volleyball to Beijing, Costa Rica, Trinidad, and Nelson Mandela’s cell in South Africa. (21:00) - Marrying Sport & Spirituality: Serving as Associate Chaplain after a campus tragedy in 1999. (24:15) - Redefining Competition: Why the Latin root "competere" means working with your opponent, not hating them. (28:00) - Community is a Verb: Showing up, suiting up, and having charge of things together. (31:30) - Drawing it Forth: The true meaning of education and how exceptional coaches connect with athletes. (35:00) - What Winning Regardless Means to Jeanne Hess: Finding the ultimate outcome of joy. Support the show

    37 min
  5. 37 Health is Wealth: Breaking Medical Taboos & Veteran PTSD

    May 24

    37 Health is Wealth: Breaking Medical Taboos & Veteran PTSD

    Send us Fan Mail "Money ain't wealth—health is wealth. What good is money if you're not healthy enough to enjoy it?" Coach Rodo gets incredibly personal in this episode, tackling a massive issue in our community: the historical reluctance to get regular checkups, ask doctors tough questions, and prioritize medical healthcare. Drawing from his own background as a U.S. Marine and athlete, Rodo opens up about his journey through the VA system, overcoming high cholesterol, and his battle with military-related PTSD.  In this transparent discussion, Rodo breaks down why "walking it off" is no longer an option as we age. He shares how his wife helped him realize he needed help, the impact of entering joint therapy, and a tragic warning about medication side effects after losing a close friend to PTSD prescription complications.  Plus, Rodo outlines his physical longevity regimen—including why he hits the gym every other day at 55+ and uses the sauna and steam room for detoxification and mental clarity.  If you are a coach, a veteran, or a parent, this is a must-listen blueprint on how to protect your mind, your body, and your future.  #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #MensHealth #MentalHealthMatters #VeteransPTSD #HealthIsWealth #SaunaBenefits #JointTherapy #BlackMensHealth #PhysicalLongevity #VAMedical #kalamazoocentral  (00:00) - Health vs. Wealth: Why money means nothing without physical longevity. (02:15) - The Athlete/Marine Illusion: Believing "being in shape" means you don't need a physical. (04:45) - Overcoming Medical Anxiety: High cholesterol, VA doctors, and asking tough questions. (07:30) - Moving Past the "Guinea Pig" Excuse: Overcoming generational medical mistrust. (10:15) - Dealing with Battle Fatigue: Admitting military PTSD is real. (13:00) - The Power of Support: How Rodo’s wife navigated him into joint therapy. (16:45) - Updating the Mindset: How medicine, diagnostics, and treatments have changed over 16 years. (19:30) - Gym Regimen at 55+: Finding balance and pacing your workouts. (21:15) - Coaching as Therapy: How working with Kalamazoo youth provides a "saving grace". (24:00) - The Swedish Bath Concept: The science and detoxification power of saunas and steam rooms. (27:15) - A Critical Warning: Asking questions about your medication side effects. Support the show

    23 min
  6. 36 Be The Reason for Your Success with Markus Naves

    May 17

    36 Be The Reason for Your Success with Markus Naves

    Send us Fan Mail "Ain't nobody coming to save you. You have to be the reason for your own success." Coach Rodo welcomes entrepreneur, coach, and "football extraordinaire" Markus Naves to the studio. Markus shares his powerful journey from hitting rock bottom—losing his job just two weeks after his youngest son was born—to becoming a successful digital entrepreneur and a pillar in the Kalamazoo youth sports community. We explore the "Full Circle" moment of Markus watching his son follow in his footsteps to play Division I football at Central Michigan University, including the weight that lifts off a parent's shoulders when that first full-ride offer hits the table. Markus also introduces his "Be The Reason" tech-enabled wristbands and discusses his new mission: The Kalamazoo Polar Bears youth football program.  From protecting young athletes with "Guardian Caps" to the reality that college coaches are recruiting the parents just as much as the players, this episode is packed with gems for the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs. #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #BeTheReason #KalamazooPolarBears #CentralMichiganFootball #D1Athlete #YouthFootball #Mentorship #Entrepreneurship #SportsParenting #KalamazooSports #FireUpChips (00:45) - Introducing Markus Naves: Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Director of the Kalamazoo Polar Bears. (02:30) - Be The Reason: How an NFC-chipped wristband provides 1,000+ daily quotes of motivation. (05:15) - Rock Bottom to Freedom: Getting fired two weeks after a birth and finding a way online. (08:30) - The Power of a Strong Partner: How Markus’s wife pushed him when he wanted to quit. (11:45) - The Full Circle Moment: Raising a D1 son and the first offer from Eastern Michigan. (14:30) - Like Father, Like Son: Dressing at the "Big House" for Central Michigan University. (17:15) - Mindset Over Talent: Why discipline and consistency beat "faking it till you make it." (20:00) - Kalamazoo Polar Bears: Building a brand new youth program focused on safety and development. (23:45) - "Heads Up" Football: Using Guardian Caps and USA Football certification to protect kids. (26:15) - Recruiting the Parents: Why "crazy parents" cost talented kids scholarship opportunities. (29:30) - The Motto: Why it’s you versus you every single day. (32:00) - How to Support: Sponsorships and donations for the Polar Bears. Support the show

    25 min
  7. 35 Skill Work vs. AAU: Why Your Summer Strategy is Failing

    May 10

    35 Skill Work vs. AAU: Why Your Summer Strategy is Failing

    Send us Fan Mail "Don't be a practice player. Don't be the kid who hasn't gotten better since sophomore year." As we transition into the spring and summer months, Coach Rodo breaks down the "Summer Trap" that many young athletes fall into. While AAU tournaments and 7-on-7 camps are great for exposure, Rodo argues that the real gains are made in the quiet hours of individual skill work—the time when you aren't banging bodies with nine other people on the floor. In this episode, we discuss the "East Lansing mindset," why Kalamazoo Central needs to find its "Giant" pride again, and the specific formula for improving your game one week at a time. Whether you’re a basketball player needing to hit the shooting machine or a football player working on read-and-reaction time, this episode is your blueprint for a dominant off-season.  I want to see the parks packed again. No more lollygagging. It’s time to get to work. #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #SummerGrind #SkillWork #AAUBasketball #KalamazooCentral #Trojans #FootballTraining #OffSeasonWork #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #basketballdrills  (00:00) - The Summer Vision: Packing LeCrone, Westfield, and Oakland Parks. (01:45) - The AAU Dilemma: Exposure vs. the wear and tear on a young body. (03:30) - Rest is a Weapon: A story about a cousin from East Lansing who refreshed her game. (06:15) - YouTube University: Using technology to find drills instead of just scrolling. (08:45) - The Skill Work Difference: Why focused workouts beat 5-on-5 every time. (12:00) - Kalamazoo Central’s Next Year: Addressing the "talent disparity" and shooting issues. (15:30) - What is a "Giant"? Reclaiming the world-class pride of the Mike Thomas era. (18:00) - Two Hours of Sacrifice: What are you willing to give up to be a starter? (21:15) - Freshman at College: Why "learning the system" is a bogus excuse to sit. (24:00) - Success Story: The Freshman girl who wouldn't be denied on the varsity stage. (27:30) - Meeting the Action: Improving reading and reaction time (USC/Jadyn Walker update). (30:15) - The Formula: How to add one new move every week and stack your skills. Support the show

    22 min
  8. 34 The Truth About "Softness": Why Talent Isn't Enough to Win

    May 3

    34 The Truth About "Softness": Why Talent Isn't Enough to Win

    Send us Fan Mail "Being down 11 at the end of the third and losing by 30... that is softness." Coach Rodo is back from a brief hiatus with a message that many parents and players might not want to hear, but desperately need to. Following Kalamazoo Central’s exit from the regionals, Rodo breaks down why local talent continues to hit a ceiling when they face teams like East Lansing. In this episode, Rodo explores the difference between "hard" and "soft" athletes, the danger of "bleacher hype," and why a coach getting fired over punitive punishment—while rare—doesn't excuse a player from being uncoachable. We discuss the "JuCo" stigma, the reality of D1 work ethic, and why modern athletes are running to their cell phones instead of the gym after practice. It's time to stop coming to our kids' rescue and start teaching them how to have heart. If you want to win regardless, you have to be willing to hear the truth. #CoachRodo #WinningRegardless #HighSchoolBasketball #MichiganBasketball #KalamazooCentral #SoftnessInSports #YouthAthletics #CoachingTips #BasketballTraining #ParentingAthletes #WorkEthic #SportsMentality (00:45) - The Hiatus is Over: Looking at the Michigan High School basketball landscape. (02:30) - Scrimmage vs. Game: Why you can't equate summer stats to playoff wins. (05:15) - The Coach I Got Fired: A father’s story on punitive punishment vs. hard coaching. (08:45) - The "Softness" Factor: Analyzing the blowout loss to East Lansing. (11:30) - Cell Phones vs. Extra Work: What happens the minute practice ends? (14:00) - The JuCo Path: Why Jim Horn and KVCC are the best-kept secrets for local talent. (17:15) - Five-In, Five-Out: The reality of bench-warming at the NAIA level. (20:00) - Truth Telling: Why being called "hater" is just the price of being real. (23:30) - The Talent Pool: Comparing today’s kids to the Mike Thomas/TJ Buchanan era. (26:45) - Workforce Readiness: Why soft kids become soft employees. (29:00) - Final Charge: Teaching your kids it’s okay to get smashed, as long as you learn. Support the show

    30 min
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About

Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless is the podcast for athletes and coaches who believe that a true victory isn't just about the scoreboard—it's about how you show up. Host Rodney Marshall, a Marine veteran and a lifelong coach, shares powerful stories and unconventional wisdom from his own life and a diverse range of guests. This is a show that goes beyond X's and O's, diving into the mental toughness, accountability, and purpose-driven mindset required to succeed in sports and in life. Whether you're a 13-year-old athlete dreaming of greatness or a 60-year-old coach looking for new ways to inspire your team, Coach Rodo will show you how to find your own path to winning, regardless of the odds.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach Rodo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless
  • Show Website
    Coach Rodo's Winning Regardless