Nellie's Podcast

Michael Nelson
  • 4.9 (27)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A platform for coaches to tell stories and their story. 

  1. APR 21

    Rob Stockton: The Foundation Behind the Stockton Family | Ep. 17

    Rob Stockton is a former All-American at Georgia Southern, a leader in business, and—more than anything—a devoted husband and father. In this episode, he shares the stories that shaped him: the mentors who guided his path, the values he built his life on, and the legacy he’s working to leave through his family. Rob opens up about his wife’s journey to finding her calling, the strength and spirit of his daughter, and how his son, Gunner, has been a light to others both on and off the field. If you’re a young father or coach looking for direction, Rob offers timeless advice on what it really means to lead and love well.

    47 min

  2. APR 18

    Rance Gillespie: Coaching Lessons That Built a Title-Winning Team | Ep. 16

    Coach Rance Gillespie has left his mark on Georgia high school football with two state titles and a reputation as one of the best in the game. In this episode, he shares how football became his passion—from childhood visits to his grandma’s house where he’d stare at his uncle’s All-American trophy, to suiting up at the University of Georgia. He breaks down the turning points in his coaching career, the mentors who shaped him, and the key games that defined his legacy.

    34 min

  3. APR 14

    Josh Niblett: How to Build a Program Players Buy Into | Ep. 15

    In this episode, I sit down with Coach Josh Niblett, Head Coach at Gainesville High School. We talk about what it was like growing up as a coach’s kid, how he fell in love with the game at a young age, and how his playing career led him into coaching. He shares the mentors who shaped him, the lessons that stuck, and a funny story from his early coaching days with one of his best linebackers. Coach Niblett breaks down exactly how he builds championship culture — and how that culture is what wins games. His answers are detailed, real, and full of wisdom.

    32 min

  4. APR 11

    Gene Durden: How Relationships Build the Right to Coach Hard | Ep. 14

    In this episode, I sit down with Coach Gene Durden — head coach of Buford Girls Basketball and one of the most respected coaches in the state. With multiple state titles, his program is elite — but what really sets him apart is how he gets his players to buy in. We talk about how he coaches with intensity, holds kids to a high standard, and still has them hugging him after the game. He explains how to get on a player without losing them — how to coach hard but still make them feel loved. Coach Durden also opens up about losing his son, Devin, in a tragic car accident and the last conversation they had. It’s powerful. And it changed the way he coaches forever. If you’re a coach who wants to lead a team that fights for you, trusts you, and gives everything they’ve got, listen.

    59 min

  5. APR 7

    Paul Standard: How Mentors Molded This Championship Coach | Ep. 13

    In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Coach Paul Standard, one of Georgia’s most respected high school football coaches. Currently the head coach at Gilmer County, Coach Standard is best known for his incredible legacy at St. Pius X, where he built a powerhouse program. Coach Standard shares how he got into coaching football, the mentors who shaped his career, and some of his favorite game memories – including his unforgettable upset against Marist and a young Sean McVay. He also dives into the secrets behind his consistent success, emphasizing the vital role a supportive “coach’s wife” plays in a coach’s journey.

    55 min

  6. MAR 31

    Tommy Jones: How Faith and Family Drive His Coaching Journey | Ep. 12

    I sit down with Coach Tommy Jones, the head football coach at Cherokee Bluff. Coming from one of the greatest high school football coaching families in Georgia, Coach Jones grew up surrounded by the game. His dad and brother are both legendary coaches, and being raised in that environment shaped him into the leader he is today. Coach Jones shares what it was like growing up with a coach as a father and how those experiences influenced his passion for football and mentorship. He also talks about his time at Furman University and the mentors who played a big role in his journey. Interestingly, Coach Jones almost didn’t get into coaching, and he shares the story of how that path unfolded. He also opens up about his vision for life after coaching – connecting high school coaches with God and being a mentor beyond the field. Tune in to hear Coach Tommy Jones’s inspiring story of faith, family, and football, and how his journey shaped his calling to impact young lives.

    26 min

  7. MAR 26

    Josh Lovelady: How He Built a Championship Culture around Faith and Family | Ep. 11

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with Josh Lovelady, head football coach at Mill Creek High School—one of Georgia’s most dominant high school football programs. Coach Lovelady shares some of his all-time favorite games and players he’s coached, including what made Caleb Downs such a special athlete and person. We dive into his own playing days at West Georgia, where he relives hilarious memories—like the time they upset Georgia Southern—and how those moments shaped his coaching journey. But beyond the Xs and Os, Coach Lovelady opens up about the heart of his story: his family. He shares how he met his wife, their journey raising their daughter Reese, who has Down syndrome, and how that experience has brought depth, perspective, and so much joy into his life.

    35 min

  8. 05/20/2024

    Chip Walker: Sustaining Succes | Ep. 10

    Chip Walker comes from a football family. His record as a head football coach is 162-62.  His time at Sandy Creek, he lead the patriots to the playoffs 12 years in a row, won 6 region championships and 3 state championships. Join this conversation!

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

A platform for coaches to tell stories and their story. 

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Nelson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nellie's Podcast
  • Show Website
    Nellie's Podcast