The Coaching Life Podcast

Chris Stewart and Pat Martin
  • 4.8 (18)
  • Sports
  • Updated Monthly

Real honest conversations about topics related to youth sports: coaching, parenting, and player development. The hosts have lived in both worlds of parent and coach. Those two worlds have even intersected, as they have coached their own children. The main purpose of this podcast is to be useful. Useful to those who coach. Useful to those who parent. Useful to those who are still playing. Sometimes we have guests, and sometimes we just talk about things – often things that are difficult – but we always have fun! And, we always seek to grow and learn. We hope you'll join our conversation!

  1. Mar 3

    211: The Hidden Skill That Separates Good Players From Great Ones

    In this episode of The Coaching Life, we discuss one of the most underrated traits in sports: game awareness. Why do some athletes always seem to be in the right place, make the right play, and help their teams win—even if they aren’t the most physically gifted players on the field? We explore the hidden skill that separates good players from great ones and share practical ways coaches can help develop this awareness in their athletes. If you’ve ever heard a coach say, “That kid just gets it,” this episode explains what that really means.

    55 min

  2. Feb 17

    210: When Sports Seasons Overlap

    In the world of high school athletics, the overlap of sports seasons can create unique challenges for coaches and players alike. In this episode of the Coaching Life Podcast, hosts Pat Martin and Chris Stewart explore these complexities, particularly as they relate to baseball and basketball. With the start of baseball season coinciding with basketball tournaments, how do coaches ensure their athletes are prepared and safe?

    1h 11m

  3. Jan 20

    209: Athlete Mindset: An Underrated Difference Maker

    In this episode, Chris and Pat highlight the importance of mental strength and the role of "mindset" in coaching and athlete development. They introduce a unique gift from a mutual friend, Coach Steve Miller, which consists of 52 Athlete Mindset cards designed to help athletes focus on their training and mental preparation.

    44 min
  4. 208: Feed Yourself, Coach – Bring the Energy!

    Jan 13

    208: Feed Yourself, Coach – Bring the Energy!

    Welcome to Season 13 of The Coaching Life Podcast! We are excited to keep rolling these episodes out. We hope you will join us and share us with others! Thank you to everyone who has been with us the past 6 years, and if you have joined us more recently, we are grateful for you as well! Let's grow together, and let's grow the coaching community!

    42 min
  5. 207: The Coaching Life "12 Tips of Christmas"

    12/22/2025

    207: The Coaching Life "12 Tips of Christmas"

    In the final episode of The Coaching Life Podcast, hosts Pat Martin and Chris Stewart share some updates on the Bobcats football team and discuss the importance of team culture. The main emphasis of this episode is providing "12 Tips of Christmas" for coaches, players, and parents. They share an insight and then discuss each one for 2-to-3 minutes. We think you will enjoy this fast-paced episode to conclude the season.

    53 min
  6. 206: The Over-Coached Athlete

    12/10/2025

    206: The Over-Coached Athlete

    Chris and Pat discuss the implications of over-coaching. We'll explore how excessive instruction can hinder athletes' natural instincts and decision-making abilities, leading to confusion and robotic performance. The conversation also touches on the importance of simplifying coaching techniques and allowing athletes to develop their skills through play rather than constant correction.

    1h 6m
  7. 205: Inside the Chaos of Coaching Changes, NIL, and What We Don’t Understand

    12/03/2025

    205: Inside the Chaos of Coaching Changes, NIL, and What We Don’t Understand

    In this episode of the Coaching Life Podcast, Chris and Pat reconnect after a 2-week break, sharing personal updates and diving into recent sports topics. They discuss some controversies in the NFL and college football, the implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in Ohio High School sports, and the impact of coaching changes on teams. The conversation also touches on the Ohio Bobcats football team and the complexities of the MAC Championship tiebreakers. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the importance of focusing on what can be controlled in sports and in life.

    49 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    204: Are Athletes Today Softer… or Are They Just More Honest?

    In this episode of the Coaching Life podcast, Pat and Chris discuss the changing dynamics of athletes from different generations. They hit on themes of emotional intelligence, and the balance between accountability and sensitivity in coaching. The conversation also goes into some other directions, touching on the implications of NIL and transfer rules in high school sports, but overall, emphasizing the need for coaches to adapt their strategies to meet the needs of modern athletes while fostering accountability and personal growth.

    1h 3m
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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Real honest conversations about topics related to youth sports: coaching, parenting, and player development. The hosts have lived in both worlds of parent and coach. Those two worlds have even intersected, as they have coached their own children. The main purpose of this podcast is to be useful. Useful to those who coach. Useful to those who parent. Useful to those who are still playing. Sometimes we have guests, and sometimes we just talk about things – often things that are difficult – but we always have fun! And, we always seek to grow and learn. We hope you'll join our conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Stewart and Pat Martin
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    216
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chris Stewart and Pat Martin
  • Show Website
    The Coaching Life Podcast

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