On this episode of Game Changers – Athlete Edition, co-hosts Julie Jones and Courtney Harmon are joined by JP Nerbun, renowned author of "The Sport Parent Solution," to dive deep into the crucial but often overlooked role parents play in their athletes' sports experiences.

From dinner table conversations to sideline reactions, the trio unpacks how parental beliefs and actions shape team culture, impact athletes’ mindsets, and even influence how coaches approach communication. JP shares practical questions parents can ask themselves to keep their focus on growth, effort, and values instead of outcomes and playing time. Julie and Kortney open up about the challenges and joys of being both coaches and sports parents, and invite listeners to reflect on how their support can make sports a truly positive and transformative journey for their kids.

You’ll walk away with powerful insights on building resilience, fostering gratitude, teaching accountability, and promoting a lifelong love for sports—all while keeping perspective and having fun along the way. Whether you’re a parent in the stands, a coach, or an athlete, this conversation is full of actionable takeaways and real talk that will help elevate your game—on and off the field.

Be sure to check out the show notes for JP’s book links, essential reflection questions, and more resources for supporting the athletes in your life!

— If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share with another sports parent or coach, and follow us on social media for more inspiration and exclusive content.

Resources Mentioned:

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Culture System https://a.co/d/5WZFmR9

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Sport Parents Solution. https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Parent-Solution-Strategies-Transforming/dp/B0CT6GQHND

• The Coaching Culture Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/336Hs8udk8s0yXuK3BzSOq?si=4a528e075de54ecf DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Welcome back to another powerful episode of Game Changers – Athlete Edition! This week, co-hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones sit down with JP Nerbun—bestselling author, leadership coach, founder of TOC Culture Consulting, and renowned expert in sports culture and leadership.

JP dives into the nuances of building winning team cultures, offering practical wisdom for athletes, coaches, and parents. He explains why cultivating culture isn’t about tearing everything down and starting over—instead, it’s more like tending a garden: nurturing what’s good, pulling out the weeds, and helping everyone thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The athlete’s vital role in shaping and sustaining positive team culture.

• How to lead by example, especially when things get tough.

• The power of reframing setbacks and fostering an outward, giving mindset.

• Concrete strategies for managing negativity within teams, including the toxic effects of unchecked complaining.

• JP’s top three culture-building mistakes—and how to avoid them.

• Key traditions and everyday actions that drive lasting transformation, plus why “little” efforts (like post-practice tea and chats) can create big shifts.

• The value of identifying your personal non-negotiables and clarifying what it takes to be successful as an athlete or teammate.

• Why embracing every individual, from star players to janitors and groundskeepers, shapes team identity and unity.

JP also shares insights from his books, Calling Up: Discovering Your Journey to Transformational Leadership and The Culture System, making this episode a must-listen for anyone eager to elevate their team’s environment, whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports parent.

Stay tuned for next episode: JP returns to discuss the parent’s impact on team culture, sharing actionable advice for turning parents into valuable allies.

Connect with Us If you found today’s episode helpful, share it with your team, your coach, or anyone who could use a boost of inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe for more mindset strategies, leadership lessons, and success stories from game changers around the world.

Resources Mentioned:

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Culture System https://a.co/d/5WZFmR9

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Sport Parents Solution. https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Parent-Solution-Strategies-Transforming/dp/B0CT6GQHND

• The Coaching Culture Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/336Hs8udk8s0yXuK3BzSOq?si=4a528e075de54ecf DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.

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In this powerful episode of Game Changers - Athlete Edition, hosts Kortney Harmon, Julie Jones, and Courtney Harmon sit down with Michael Blair—former NFL player, bobsledder, actor, keynote speaker, coach, founder of 9010 Sports Bobsled Team, and recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Community Service Award. Michael shares his extraordinary journey through professional football, the icy tracks of bobsled, and his current work shaping the next generation of athletes through his innovative sports and vocational academy.

Listeners will learn:

• Why coaching is less about telling and more about listening—and how that fosters true development

• The “90 mental, 10 physical” philosophy and why focusing on the mind is key for young athletes

• The importance of community, shared experiences, and intellectual skills over solitary training

• Michael’s honest account of conquering self-doubt when transitioning from football to bobsledding in his 40s

• The small but profound milestones that build confidence and competitive spirit in kids

• How coaches—whether parents or professionals—can better support, communicate, and lead athletes in today’s sports culture

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or current athlete, Michael’s insights on resilience, staying present, and redefining success will inspire you to embrace every challenge, nurture competence over comparison, and focus on lifelong growth—not just on the scoreboard.

Tune in for practical tips, inspiring stories, and a reminder that champions aren’t born—they’re built with the right mindset, perseverance, and a lot of heart.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.

In this inspiring episode of Game Changers Athlete Edition, co-hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones sit down with 17-year-old professional soccer player Katie Scott for a candid conversation about her rapid rise through the ranks—from a competitive hometown sports family to the Kansas City Current, Penn State, and the U.S. National Team. Katie shares her firsthand perspective on what it was like to grow up in an elite athletic household, the value of playing multiple sports, and how her parents’ support (and hands-off approach) shaped her journey.

Listeners will gain insight into the off-field habits that set Katie apart, including nutrition, recovery, and mental skills like the all-important “reset” for moving on from mistakes. Katie opens up about the challenges of injury setbacks, handling the pressure of high-level selection, and the importance of building relationships and a positive team culture. She also discusses leadership, the power of making a difference beyond stats, and the habits and mindset that helped her excel—even when she wasn’t in the starting lineup.

Whether you’re a student-athlete, parent, or coach, Katie’s maturity, gratitude, and wisdom will leave you motivated to approach your own journey with fresh perspective. Don’t miss this episode packed with real stories, mental strategies, and a reminder that greatness is built every day, on and off the field.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


In this special episode of Game Changers – Athlete Edition, hosts Kortney Harmon, Julie Jones sit down with Karen and Nick Scott, the parents behind rising soccer star Katie Scott. The Scotts share their real, unfiltered perspective on raising not just a pro athlete, but a family of driven competitors. From juggling hectic schedules with four active kids to finding the balance between support and pressure, they dive deep into the family dynamics that helped Katie reach the NWSL and represent the U.S. national team.

Discover their approach to motivation, resilience, and navigating setbacks at high levels of competition—plus, why “having fun” is still their most important advice both for parents and aspiring athletes. The Scotts open up about sibling support, managing parental emotions on the sidelines, letting kids build their own fire, and the difference between living for the game and living a well-rounded life. Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable advice straight from a family that’s been at every stage of the athletic journey.

Stay tuned for the follow-up, where you’ll hear directly from Katie about her own journey, but for now, don’t miss the inside scoop from the people who know her best.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


In this episode of Game Changers Athlete Edition, host Kortney Harmon and co-host Julie Jones dive into the powerful topic of finding an athlete's "why." They unpack the significance of understanding personal motivation, which can transform an athlete from saying "I have to do this" to "I want to do this." Julie, with her extensive experience in mental performance, shares insights on how vulnerability and relatable experiences can connect athletes to their sport. They discuss the importance of creating a nurturing environment where understanding one's motivation is key to resilience during challenges.

The episode also highlights the practice of consistently recalling one's "why" through exercises like the Five Whys technique and journaling, which can be crucial for maintaining focus during difficult times. The hosts emphasize how internally motivated athletes are better equipped to handle pressure and stress by employing task-oriented coping strategies. They offer actionable advice for athletes to develop their own distinctive "why" statements and incorporate practices such as intention circles and evidence journals to maintain continuous growth and connection to their goals.

This episode is packed with invaluable insights on merging intrinsic motivation with sports performance, ensuring athletes can endure and thrive in their athletic journeys. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, you'll come away with strategies to better guide and support athletes in uncovering their unique motivations. DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. 


In Episode 3, Part 1 of "Game Changers - Athletes," hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones dive into the transformative power of understanding the "why" behind athletic pursuits. The episode explores Simon Sinek's Golden Circle, focusing on the importance of identifying intrinsic motivation. As parents and coaches, guiding young athletes to uncover their deeper purpose can positively impact their performance and enjoyment of the sport. The discussion touches on valuable tools, like the "Five Whys" method, to help young athletes and their supporters navigate their personal and athletic journeys. Julie and Kortney share personal experiences, expert insights, and practical advice for both athletes and their support systems, challenging the conventional approach of solely focusing on outcomes. Don't miss this enriching and informative conversation about finding the heart of athletic motivation. Your Why Worksheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kDhRHkmbIFZC7jevzISXnzTQQ66LnXMV/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111305038917686065567&rtpof=true&sd=true Culture Climate Survey: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BVFaOUYQqyqBImdzg9cK4C18-9MsGrk7/view?usp=drive_link DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.