Grit and Growth

In Part One, Connor Emeny joins us to share how his decision to pursue an Ironman triathlon evolved into an extraordinary goal: completing one on all seven continents. Connor reflects on why setting a goal this demanding matters, and what the physical and mental toll reveals about discipline, identity, and long-term commitment. This episode explores the value of choosing a path that is intentionally hard — not for the finish line, but for who you’re forced to become along the way.

Former CFL lineman Angus Reid returns to unpack his new book Teenager and what he’s learning from coaching, parenting, and working with teens every day. The conversation centers on shifting away from external results toward one internal question. It’s a grounded listen for parents, coaches, and anyone trying to guide teenagers without adding more noise.

In part two of the conversation, Rod Pedersen reflects on leadership from the inside out — what it looks like when trust is real and standards are actually lived. Drawing from his time around the CFL, NHL, WHL, and youth sport, Rod challenges listeners to stop chasing outcomes and start owning the culture they create.

Rod Pedersen, a Hall of Fame broadcaster and mentor, dives into leadership and resilience. He highlights the critical trait of top leaders: they don’t quit. Sharing his personal experiences with addiction and recovery, Rod emphasizes how these shaped his view of success. He discusses the vital role of mentors and coaches in instilling discipline and professionalism. Moreover, Rod stresses the importance of early intervention for young people, providing them with skills to navigate today’s pressures, including social media.

Join Brook Cupps, a high school basketball coach and leadership author, as he dives into authentic leadership and values-driven coaching. He discusses the importance of personal pillars and developing a values-based culture in sports. Brook highlights how to focus on character over scores and shares workouts designed to foster consistent excellence. He emphasizes the need for self-knowledge, intentional relationships, and the role of faith in coaching. Get inspired by Brook’s journey from transactional coaching to leading with purpose and authenticity.

In this holiday special, Justin and Shane bring in their friend Stephen Clement for a special holiday episode built around one wild story: 44-year-old NFL Quarterback Philip Rivers getting the call to suit up again after five years away. They dig into what it reveals about courage, identity, leadership under pressure, and why “show up and serve” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a decision.

In Part Two, John Olinger unpacks how in 2020 (Kobe’s passing, uncertainty at Nike, and the sudden loss of his dad) forced a hard reset on what “winning” really means. John shares Kobe’s surprising formula for greatness, the difference between accomplishments and relationships, and why your most valuable resource isn’t just time—it’s time, energy, and attention. He also introduces his new role leading UNITUS and the mission behind the brand.

Justin and Shane sit down with former pro hooper and Nike executive John Olinger for Part One, where they dig into grit, identity, and how to know which things are truly worth chasing. John shares how being the 15th man, injury, and a tiny English pro league shaped his faith, resilience and people-over-projects leadership. If you are chasing a roster spot, a promotion or a clearer sense of purpose, this one will push you to keep pounding the stone.

Our hosts sit down for a special episode to share the heart behind their new book, Significance Over Success. They talk openly about how two years of conversations with coaches, athletes, and leaders reshaped their own definition of growth — and why impact, integrity, and inner work matter more than any scoreboard. A behind-the-scenes look at what inspired the project.

Part two with Brian Smith goes deeper into the real heart of parenting and coaching in youth sports. He explores how asking permission, speaking identity, and reducing pressure can reshape the way our kids experience their sport — including the correlation between rising costs and declining enjoyment.