The Gametime Guru

Shane Larson
  • 5.0 (303)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Weekly

If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    Andrew Mendel: 20-Year-Old Head Coach for Newfield High School and Ithaca College Football Player

    Andrew Mendel: 20-Year-Old Head Coach and Ithaca College Football Player In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Andrew Mendel, one of the most unique guests we have had on the show. Andrew is a current college football player at Ithaca College, where he plays defensive end, and he is also the head boys basketball coach at Newfield High School in Newfield, New York. At just 20 years old, Andrew is balancing college football, academics, internships, leadership responsibilities, film study, practice planning, and building a high school basketball program. This conversation dives into how he manages that workload, why coaching became such a passion for him at a young age, and how being a college athlete helps him become a better coach. Andrew shares how he first became obsessed with coaching and leadership while he was still in high school, how he started learning from coaches early, and why building genuine relationships with players matters more than X's and O's. We also talk about the Newfield community, the culture he is building within the basketball program, the grind of being a college football player, and how leadership has no age limit. This episode is packed with lessons for athletes, coaches, parents, young leaders, athletic directors, and anyone who cares about culture, player development, and the impact sports can have on people. In this episode, we talk about: Andrew Mendel's role as a college football player and high school basketball coach Playing defensive end at Ithaca College Becoming the head boys basketball coach at Newfield High School How Andrew started learning coaching while still in high school Why relationships matter more than X's and O's Building culture inside a basketball program The grind of college football Balancing school, football, internships, and coaching Why being coached every day helps Andrew become a better coach Why coaching helps him become a better football player and leader The importance of being genuine with players Newfield basketball and the power of community Andrew's three program pillars: work hard, be a great teammate, and enjoy the journey Why "who you are" matters inside a program The life lessons Andrew has learned through sports Andrew's story is a reminder that leadership is not about age. It is about preparation, passion, humility, consistency, and the willingness to show up for people every single day. Whether you are a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, this conversation will give you a lot to think about when it comes to leadership, culture, and what it really means to build something the right way. Follow / Learn More Andrew Mendel – Ithaca College Football Profile: https://athletics.ithaca.edu/sports/football/roster/andrew-mendel/24235 Newfield Athletics: https://www.newfieldschools.org/page/athletics Newfield Boys Basketball Schedule: https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/schools/153/teams/55981 The Gametime Guru YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegametimeguru GTG Partnerships Fascia Sticks As athletes, lifters, runners, coaches, and everyday movers, we all deal with tight spots that are hard to reach. That's why I'm excited to share Fascia Sticks. The Fascia Stick Pro is a stainless steel precision tool designed to help target smaller areas like the hands, feet, neck, jaw, temples, and around joints where tension can build up. It's portable, easy to keep in a gym bag, and can even be chilled in the freezer for cold therapy on those smaller areas. Whether you're training hard, recovering between workouts, coaching all day, or just trying to move and feel better, this is a simple tool worth checking out. Use my affiliate code/link here: https://fasciasticks.com/GAMETIME15 Disclosure: This is an affiliate link/code, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you. Note: Fascia Sticks products are cosmetic wellness accessories and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Grit Sticks This episode is also supported by Grit Sticks, a 100% American-raised beef stick brand built for athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, service members, and everyday people who refuse to quit. Grit Sticks are made for those moments when you need fuel on the go, whether you are training, coaching, working, traveling, or simply pushing through a long day. Available in flavors like Original, Jalapeño, and Teriyaki, Grit Sticks are all about true American grit and giving you a high-quality snack option when you need something quick and convenient. Use code GTG10 at checkout. Shop here: https://www.crossomeats.com/?ref=GTG10 Follow and subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world.

    45 min
  2. Jake O'Neil: From Fruitland, Idaho to Professional Basketball Overseas

    Jun 26

    Jake O'Neil: From Fruitland, Idaho to Professional Basketball Overseas

    Jake O'Neil: From Fruitland, Idaho to Professional Basketball Overseas How does a small-town athlete from Fruitland, Idaho go from motocross, golf, and no major basketball recruiting spotlight to playing professional basketball overseas? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Jake O'Neil, a professional basketball player whose journey is anything but ordinary. Jake grew up in Fruitland, Idaho, where basketball was not always the main focus. Before chasing basketball at the highest levels, he spent much of his early athletic life around motocross and golf. Jake opens up about what changed when he started taking basketball seriously, how the weight room transformed his game, and why strength, confidence, and preparation became such important pieces of his development. He also shares the adversity he faced after a major leg injury and a difficult season of life that forced him to rebuild mentally, emotionally, and physically. From there, Jake's story becomes one of belief and opportunity. After starting college as a golfer at Boise State, he eventually walked on at the College of Idaho with one mindset: all he needed was a shot. That opportunity led to a standout career, a College of Idaho national championship, a move to Division I basketball at Idaho State, and eventually a professional basketball career overseas. This conversation is packed with lessons for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone chasing a goal that might not look realistic from the outside. Jake's story is about betting on yourself, staying ready when opportunity comes, building toughness through adversity, and learning how to become a professional before you ever get paid to be one. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up in Fruitland, Idaho Why Jake focused on motocross and golf before basketball How strength training changed his basketball career Why the weight room matters for young athletes Overcoming a major leg injury before his senior season Choosing Boise State golf before returning to basketball Walking on at the College of Idaho Winning Freshman of the Year as a walk-on The College of Idaho national championship run What made that C of I team special Transitioning from NAIA basketball to Division I at Idaho State How rebounding became Jake's calling card What overseas professional basketball is really like The mindset required to keep chasing the next level Whether you are a basketball player, coach, parent, Idaho sports fan, College of Idaho fan, Idaho State fan, or someone who loves an underdog story, this episode with Jake O'Neil is one you will want to hear. GTG Partnerships Fascia Sticks As athletes, lifters, runners, coaches, and everyday movers, we all deal with tight spots that are hard to reach. That's why I'm excited to share Fascia Sticks. The Fascia Stick Pro is a stainless steel precision tool designed to help target smaller areas like the hands, feet, neck, jaw, temples, and around joints where tension can build up. It's portable, easy to keep in a gym bag, and can even be chilled in the freezer for cold therapy on those smaller areas. Whether you're training hard, recovering between workouts, coaching all day, or just trying to move and feel better, this is a simple tool worth checking out. Use my affiliate code/link here: https://fasciasticks.com/GAMETIME15 Disclosure: This is an affiliate link/code, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you. Note: Fascia Sticks products are cosmetic wellness accessories and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Grit Sticks This episode is also supported by Grit Sticks, a 100% American-raised beef stick brand built for athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, service members, and everyday people who refuse to quit. Grit Sticks are made for those moments when you need fuel on the go, whether you are training, coaching, working, traveling, or simply pushing through a long day. Available in flavors like Original, Jalapeño, and Teriyaki, Grit Sticks are all about true American grit and giving you a high-quality snack option when you need something quick and convenient. Use code GTG10 at checkout. Shop here: https://www.crossomeats.com/?ref=GTG10 Follow and subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world.

    1h 17m
  3. Athlete Mental Health, Identity & Confidence with Tyra Rickman

    Jun 19

    Athlete Mental Health, Identity & Confidence with Tyra Rickman

    Athletes train their bodies every day, but how often do they train their minds? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I sit down with Tyra Rickman, former collegiate basketball player, counselor, coach, and founder of Rickman Health and Wellness, to talk about one of the most important topics in sports today: athlete mental health. Tyra played college basketball at the College of Idaho, coached high school athletes here in the Treasure Valley, and now works directly with athletes on the mental health side of performance. In this conversation, we talk about the pressure young athletes face, the transition from high school to college sports, athletic identity, anxiety, depression, confidence, emotional regulation, and the tools athletes need to handle life both on and off the court. One of the biggest themes in this episode is identity. So many athletes define themselves only by the sport they play. But what happens when they get injured? What happens when they do not play as much as they expected? What happens when the season ends, the jersey comes off, or life hits hard? Tyra explains why athletes need to understand who they are outside of sports and how that foundation can help them build real confidence, resilience, and emotional strength. We also talk about practical mental skills athletes can use, including daily check-ins, learning how to name emotions, understanding where stress shows up in the body, building a mental health plan, and treating the mental game the same way athletes treat physical training. This episode is not just for athletes. It is also for parents, coaches, trainers, counselors, and anyone who works with young competitors. Tyra shares great insight on how coaches can better support their players, why listening matters, how to help athletes compartmentalize emotions, and why coaches also need to take care of their own mental health during the season. In this episode, we discuss: Why athlete mental health matters The pressure young athletes face today How athletic identity affects confidence The transition from high school sports to college athletics Why athletes need to know who they are outside of their sport Anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation in athletes How to build mental skills the same way you build physical skills Why daily check-ins can help athletes manage stress How coaches can better support athletes as humans Why coaches need mental health tools too The importance of creating a plan for mental performance How Rickman Health and Wellness supports athletes and teams Tyra also shares how she works with athletes through Rickman Health and Wellness, including mental health programs, athlete-focused support, team talks, and virtual options for athletes outside of Idaho. Learn more about Tyra Rickman and Rickman Health and Wellness here: https://rickmanhw.com Follow Rickman Health and Wellness on social media: @RickmanHW If you are an athlete, parent, coach, or someone who cares about the future of sports, this conversation is an important reminder that athletes are humans first. Make sure to subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for more conversations that help you see sports through a different lens.

    46 min

  4. Jun 12

    Collaborative Leadership Lessons from Soccer with Winsor Jenkins

    What can soccer teach us about becoming better leaders? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I sit down with Winsor Jenkins, author, leadership development coach, and expert in collaborative leadership, team development, and organizational development. Winsor has spent decades helping leaders and teams grow, and in this conversation, we dive into why so many organizations struggle with collaboration, communication, trust, delegation, and leadership mindset. Winsor is the author of The Collaborator and Game of Teams, two books that use soccer as a metaphor for leadership and teamwork. We talk about why soccer is such a powerful model for modern business, especially in a world where teams need to adapt quickly, move together, trust one another, and perform without waiting for constant direction from the top. In this episode, we discuss: Why collaborative leadership matters in today's workplace How soccer can teach us about teamwork, trust, and adaptability The difference between command-and-control leadership and collaborative leadership Why leadership is more about mindset than skill set How leaders can avoid becoming the bottleneck for their teams Why even "A players" still need coaching and development The importance of delegation, self-awareness, and trust What business teams can learn from "keeping their shape" Why grit and persistence matter in sports, business, and leadership This conversation is a great reminder that sports are bigger than the game. Whether you are leading a team in business, coaching athletes, managing people, or trying to grow personally, there are powerful lessons we can take from the way great teams operate. Learn more about Winsor Jenkins, his books, blog, and leadership development work here: https://winsorjenkins.com/ Sponsored by Grit Sticks This episode is brought to you by Grit Sticks, the perfect protein-packed snack for athletes, coaches, busy parents, business owners, and anyone who needs clean fuel on the go. The Gametime Guru audience understands the value of preparation, discipline, toughness, and doing things the right way. That is exactly why Grit Sticks are such a strong fit for this community. They are made with 100% American beef, packed with 14-15 grams of protein, and made with zero MSG, no hormones, and no nitrates. Whether you are heading to practice, driving to a tournament, coaching all weekend, working long hours, or just trying to stay on track with your nutrition, Grit Sticks give you a clean and convenient option without the garbage ingredients you find in a lot of gas station beef sticks. Use code GTG10 at checkout to save 10% on your order. Shop here: https://www.crossomeats.com/?ref=GTG10 You can also learn more about Grit Sticks here: https://www.gritstick.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast and leave a review. I appreciate your support as we continue to bring on guests who help us see sports through a different lens.

    38 min
  5. Blaine Wright on Leadership, Culture & Building Columbia Basketball

    Jun 5

    Blaine Wright on Leadership, Culture & Building Columbia Basketball

    What does it take to build a winning basketball program? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I sit down with Blaine Wright, head coach of the Columbia High School Boys Basketball program in Nampa, Idaho, for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, accountability, and building something bigger than basketball. Coach Wright shares how Columbia Basketball has created a culture centered around "oneness," belief, trust, love, and buy-in from players, coaches, parents, and the community. This conversation goes far beyond X's and O's. It is about what real leadership looks like when you care about the people you lead while still holding them to a high standard. Blaine talks about growing up in Shelley, Idaho, competing as a multi-sport athlete, getting married young, learning responsibility early, and how those experiences helped shape the coach and leader he is today. He also shares what he has learned from winning programs, why leadership is relationships, and why every player matters — including the players who may not get many minutes on the court. We also dive into the rise of Columbia Boys Basketball, the energy around the program, the power of community support, the "Man in the Arena" award, the importance of selfless leadership, and what it means to build a culture where players truly believe in each other. If you are a coach, athlete, parent, business leader, teacher, or someone who cares about leadership and team culture, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: How Coach Blaine Wright helped build a winning culture at Columbia High School Why "oneness" has become the heartbeat of Columbia Basketball How love and accountability can work together in leadership Why winning is a skill that must be taught The importance of multi-sport athletes in high school sports Why every player needs to feel valued, even if they are not the star How business leadership and basketball coaching overlap What today's young athletes are facing off the court Why selfless leadership matters in sports, business, and life What Columbia Basketball is building for the future This is one of those conversations that reminds us why sports matter. It is not just about wins, trophies, or stat sheets. It is about people, culture, relationships, and helping young athletes become better men. Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for more conversations with coaches, athletes, sports figures, and leaders who help us see sports through a different lens.

    1h 1m
  6. Mental Performance Coach Vera Jo Bustos on Confidence, Pressure, and Training the Athlete's Mind

    May 29

    Mental Performance Coach Vera Jo Bustos on Confidence, Pressure, and Training the Athlete's Mind

    What does it really mean to train your mind like you train your body? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I'm joined by Vera Jo Bustos, also known as Coach VJ, a mental performance coach, keynote speaker, former professional basketball player, and former college basketball coach. Vera Jo brings a powerful perspective on confidence, pressure, performance anxiety, self-talk, and the mental side of sports. Coach VJ shares her journey from growing up as a multi-sport athlete in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to playing college basketball at Adams State, competing professionally in Greece, coaching at the Division I and Division II levels, and now helping athletes, coaches, executives, and high performers strengthen their mental performance. We break down the difference between mental health and mental performance, and Vera Jo explains why mental performance is like the weight room for your mind. Just like athletes train their body and their craft, they also have to train their mindset, focus, confidence, resilience, and ability to stay present when pressure hits. This conversation is especially valuable for athletes, parents of athletes, coaches, and leaders who want to better understand how confidence is built, why self-talk matters, and how to respond when mistakes, nerves, or doubt show up in competition. In this episode, we discuss: How mental performance helps athletes and high performers The difference between mental health and mental performance Why confidence is something you can train How athletes can handle pressure and performance anxiety Why butterflies before a game may actually mean you are ready The role of self-talk in athletic performance What it means to be mentally tough Why athletes need to find the right fit at the next level How coaches can balance high challenge with high support Why the complete athlete trains the body, craft, and mind Whether you are a youth athlete, high school athlete, college athlete, coach, parent, or business leader, this episode will help you look at performance through a different lens. Connect with Coach VJ: Mentality Solutions: mentalitysolutions.com Coach VJ Speaking: coachvj.com Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for more athlete interviews, coaching conversations, leadership lessons, and sports stories that help you see sports through a different lens.

    35 min
  7. What American Sports Fans Don't Understand About Relegation with Todd Smith

    May 22

    What American Sports Fans Don't Understand About Relegation with Todd Smith

    In this episode of The Gametime Guru, I sit down with Todd Smith, author of Relegated, to break down one of the most fascinating systems in global sports: promotion and relegation in English soccer. As an American sports fan, I've always been intrigued by the idea that a team can lose its place in the top league based on performance. In the United States, struggling teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS can have bad seasons and still remain in the league. But in English football, the stakes are completely different. If a club finishes at the bottom of the table, it can be relegated to a lower division, losing money, visibility, players, TV revenue, and even part of its identity. Todd Smith experienced this system firsthand while researching his book Relegated. He traveled across the English football pyramid, visiting Premier League stadiums, lower league clubs, small towns, gritty industrial cities, and passionate football communities to understand what relegation really means beyond the scoreboard. In this conversation, Todd and I talk about how relegation works in English soccer, why promotion and relegation creates real stakes every season, how football clubs impact local economies, and why soccer fandom in England is so deeply connected to identity, history, class, community, and pride. We also discuss whether relegation could ever work in American sports. Could the NFL, NBA, MLB, or MLS ever adopt a promotion and relegation system? Would American owners ever allow that much financial risk? And what would happen if a major franchise could actually lose its place in the top league? This episode is perfect for soccer fans, Premier League fans, MLS fans, sports business fans, and anyone interested in the cultural and economic impact of sports around the world. Make sure to grab a copy of Relegated by Todd Smith and follow his work: Website: toddsmithauthor.com Instagram: @relegatedthebook Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more interviews with athletes, coaches, authors, sports figures, and leaders from around the world as I help you see sports through a different lens.

    49 min
  8. Basketball, Business & Leadership with Tyler Hoyt

    May 15

    Basketball, Business & Leadership with Tyler Hoyt

    In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Tyler Hoyt, a head high school basketball coach in the Treasure Valley and the owner of Fastbreak Digital Media. Tyler brings a unique perspective as both a coach and business owner, and we dive into the parallels between sports, business, leadership, setbacks, and personal growth. We talk about Tyler's journey growing up in Southern California, playing college basketball, getting cut at the junior college level, stepping into coaching, becoming a head coach, and building a marketing agency from the ground up. Tyler also shares what he has learned about leading players, parents, employees, and clients with humility, grace, accountability, and purpose. We discuss why setbacks do not define you, how to keep going when things get hard, and why remembering your "why" matters in both sports and business. If you are an athlete, coach, business owner, parent, or leader, this conversation will give you a powerful reminder of why sports are bigger than the game. Learn more about Tyler Hoyt and Fastbreak Digital Media: fastbreakdigitalmedia.com Follow The Gametime Guru for more conversations that help you see sports through a different lens. This episode is brought to you by Fascia Sticks. As athletes, lifters, runners, coaches, and everyday movers, we all deal with tight spots that are hard to reach. The Fascia Stick Pro is a stainless steel precision tool designed to help target smaller areas like the hands, feet, neck, jaw, temples, and around joints where tension can build up. It's portable, easy to keep in a gym bag, and can even be chilled in the freezer for cold therapy on those smaller areas. Whether you're training hard, recovering between workouts, coaching all day, or just trying to move and feel better, this is a simple tool worth checking out. Use my affiliate link for a discount: fasciasticks.com/GAMETIME15 Disclosure: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you. Note: Fascia Sticks products are cosmetic wellness accessories and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

    44 min
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About

If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Larson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    496
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GTG Media All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Gametime Guru

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