#179- Are You a Rock or a Jelly Bean? The Truth About Toughness

#190- Take The Stairs Next Time

Former D1 coach Jon Karcich breaks down how athletes can use “take the stairs” as a daily mental performance cue to build discipline, process, and a 1% edge over the competition. Inspired by The Champion’s Mentality by Jerry Lynch and John O’Sullivan, this episode connects team culture, growth mindset, and the small choices that separate elite performers. Success Leaves Clues is hosted by Jon Karcich, a former Division I baseball coach at Stanford University and Santa Clara University who now helps athletes own the recruiting process, dial in their mental game, and perform at a high level. This podcast is built on one simple truth: success leaves clues and failure is feedback. Every episode breaks down the patterns, habits, and decisions behind high performance—because success isn’t luck, it’s a trail of choices, stacked reps, and learned lessons. It’s a puzzle—and the pieces are out there if you’re paying attention. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent—this show hands you the raw materials. Learn from what worked. Learn from what didn’t. Build your own version of success. Follow Jon: X: @JonKarcich IG: @JonKarcich TikTok: @ recruitwithjk www.jonkarcich.com #TakeTheStairs #MentalPerformance #AthleteMindset #BaseballMindset #GrowthMindset #SuccessLeavesClues #JonKarcich #ChampionMindset #ProcessOverResults #AthleteDevelopment

#189- What Showcases REALLY Do… (Former D1 Recruiting Coordinator Explains)

Former Division I recruiting coordinator Jon Karcich explains the truth about baseball showcases, recruiting camps, measurable tools, and why attending a showcase does NOT automatically mean getting recruited. This episode breaks down when showcases help, when they hurt, and what parents and athletes should really be evaluating in today’s recruiting landscape.

#188- The Relationship Game | Why Great Coaches Build Connection First

In today’s transfer portal era, relationships matter more than ever. Jon Karcich breaks down why the best coaches, leaders, and parents build trust first—and how connection drives performance, culture, and long-term success.

#187- Why Most Athletes Leave Showcases Thinking the WRONG Thing

Most baseball players completely misunderstand showcases, recruiting, and what college coaches are actually evaluating. Jon Karcich explains why showcases are really data collection, how elite athletes use feedback loops to improve, and why development—not one event—is the real key to recruiting success.

#186- The 1% Mental Edge Athletes Ignore: Force a Smile

Former Division I coach Jon Karcich explains how forcing a smile can help athletes reset their nervous system, stay present, and compete with better energy under pressure. This episode gives players, parents, and coaches a simple mental performance tool they can use before the next pitch, big play, or high-pressure moment.