Matt Goul: Cleveland.com's all-star journalist shares his story of capturing moments of JOY

Jeff Brink: Former Hudson basketball coach embodies endless energy-- comes back home to New Middletown Springfield

Jeff Brink is perhaps the most enthusiastic teacher coach we have ever had on the podcast. From the moment we hit record, we were treated to story after story about what makes this man tick. A passionate and energetic history teacher, Brink inspires students with his boundless charisma and storytelling prowess. He created and planned his own class on Military History and uses metaphors and historical episodes to teach life lessons to his players and students. Henry Johnson, a black soldier during WW 1 who saved countess lives in a foxhole by fending off 25 Germans on his own, is one such story he shared with us.  Just a few days ago, Brink made the decision to come back home and coach at his hometown school: New Middletown Springfield.  Brink led Springfield to a district championship in the early 2000s before coaching at Salem and then coming to Hudson...and he dreams of making a state run to Dayton with his alma mater. If he does, it certain the bus will make a few pitstops on the way down to enlighten his players on the significance of a few Ohio historical markers.  Buckle up for Coach Brink! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach] (https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach)

Mike Bluey: Hoover head coach committed to the work, but lets the music play all the way to a Regional

Mike Bluey was raised in the tradition-rich area of western PA near Erie. After his high school playing career, a random phone call to Kennedy Catholic changed the trajectory of his career as legendary coach Joe Votino took him for the week and offered him a job as an assistant while still in college at YSU.  Instead of the military, he was headed to the hardwood and the bench.  Along the way, he met Mike Fuline and became a head coach at Springfield and Tallmadge after roles as an assistant at Rootstown, Jackson and Mount Union.  Eventually, he landed at Hoover and just finished an incredible year...turning a 1-5 start into a Regional berth. Mike's teams reflect his personality: disciplined, regimented and resilient.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach] (https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach)

B.J. Sanderson: Norton community blessed to have this resilient teacher coach

B.J. Sanderson grew up in the basketball rich community of the Triway Titans, wearing purple and dreaming big hoop dreams. Today, he is a titan in his own right as a much heralded coach at Norton High School. Sanderson led the Panthers to their first district championship in 31 years and was one step away from the school's first district championship since 1951.  Influenced by his father, his coaches Randy Montgomery and Keith Snoddy and by his loyal wife, BJ has navigated the highs and lows of the teaching and coaching profession.  Now with three daughters of his own, this 3rd grade teacher and head varsity boys coach shares his journey of improvement and success.  Listen to this podcast if YOU want to build a program the right way! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach] (https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach)

Matt Goul: Cleveland.com's all-star journalist shares his story of capturing moments of JOY

Matt Goul has spent 20 years honing his craft of journalism, writing and storytelling so that he can capture moments of joys forever.  Now a cornerstone of the northeast Ohio sports scene with cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer, Goul's tremendous work ethic and grit started early. As a 240lb freshmen, Goul stuck with football after a freshmen basketball season that he cherished. He then served as the cameraman for both the boys and girls basketball programs at Oberlin and fell in love with capturing the scene from behind the lens.  This parlayed itself into a journalism major at Kent State University and twenty-some years later coaches and players measure themselves by earning a spot in his top 25 poll and coverage.  Although he is just one man, Gould does a yeoman's effort to cast a wide net and cover as many quality football and basketball games as possible.  As coaches, we thank him for his ability to write, film and capture the moments that we all cherish so much.  In his first job in PA, Goul transformed his physical self as well with a daily regimen of lifting and running--eventually trimming down to his current 170 pound frame.  Even on bicep day, Goul's steno pad rests firmly in place while the southpaw films and writes like a maestro. Enjoy this episode! Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach] (https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach)

Coach Kelly Kennedy: Broken to Bold--her new book explores the journey of shame to redemption

Kelly Kennedy climbed the coaching ladder faster than her wildest dreams could ever imagine.  Going from a Division III assistant to the NCAA Div. 1 bench at power conference schools led to her lifelong dream of becoming a  head coach when Mike Thomas offered her a chance to become the University of Akron head coach. But, her dream soon became a nightmare when four years later she was fired by the new AD after the losses piled up. Thinking herself a failure for many years, Kennedy explores the negative self talk, emotional baggage of our youths and empty promises of money and career.  When she found her true head coach, God, after being inspired at a business conference...she decided to pen this book to help coaches and professionals evaluate where they find their worth.  Kelly's three daughters and husband Todd live in Akron, OH now and I have the pleasure of teaching the talented, intelligent and joyful oldest daughter Molly.  Through listening, I think you will find  that Kelly Kennedy is certainly not a failure---she a winner in every way.  It is ok to lose, but it's not okay to listen to our insecurities that lie to us each day. Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach] (https://www.patreon.com/teachercoach)