Welcome back to another powerful episode of Game Changers – Athlete Edition! This week, co-hosts Kortney Harmon and Julie Jones sit down with JP Nurbin—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 Nurbin’s books: Calling Up & The Culture System https://a.co/d/5WZFmR9

• The Coaching Culture Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/336Hs8udk8s0yXuK3BzSOq?si=4a528e075de54ecf

• The Power of Mindset by The Arbinger Institute 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.