The Foundations of Sports Podcast

John O’Sullivan – Changing the Game Project

“Everyone wants to win on Saturday, but do you want to win 6 months before Saturday, do you want to win 6 days before Saturday.” “You’re influence is never neutral, go out and make a difference because you either leave a positive or negative impact on everyone you work with each day.” “You’re never too big to do all the little things that it takes to be great.” – John O’Sullivan [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-06-at-3.51.53-PM-241x300.png] John is the founder of “Changing the Game Project [https://changingthegameproject.com].” Their mission is to ensure that we return youth sports to our children, and put the ‘play’ back in ‘play ball.’ John is a soccer player and a coach at the youth, high school, and professional levels, the author of two books, Changing the Game: The Parents Guide to Raising Happy, High Performing Athletes and Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids and Every Moment Matters: How the World’s Best Coaches Inspire Their Athletes and Build Championship Teams [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-06-at-3.52.43-PM.png]https://changingthegameproject.mykajabi.com/book-every-moment-matters      [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-06-at-3.54.13-PM-193x300.png]https://changingthegameproject.mykajabi.com/book%2Fctg   He is the host of the Way of Champions Podcast [https://changingthegameproject.com/category/podcast/], and a speaker to many teams and organizations around the world. [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-06-at-3.53.40-PM-296x300.png] In the episode, * We talk about how the idea for Changing the Game Project [https://changingthegameproject.com] * Creating the right environment by parents for their kids to excel and enjoy sports * What is most important phrase parents can tell their kids before, during, and after a practice or game * The difference on the emphasis between competing and winning * The importance of having a purpose as a coach, more than just wins and losses by creating life long impact * Deliberate Practice vs Deliberate Play * Stories of wisdom from the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team, Coach Cindy Timchal from United States Naval Academy Women’s Lacrosse, the San Antonio Spurs, and Coach John Wooden Enjoy the show. Visit us at Foundations of Sports [https://foundationsofsports.com]for further information on what we do and our mission of providing positive sports stories and the lessons of character, hard work, and humility that develop a championship teams on and off the ice, field and court.

Brianna Decker – US Women’s Hockey Player, U18 Coach, Olympic Gold Medal Winner, and creator of The Brianna Decker Endowment Fund for Girls Hockey

“Holding yourself accountable every single day, and striving to be better, a better player and a better person every single day.” “Sports teaches you a lot…Being humble can take you really far.” – Brianna Decker [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2020/05/2018FourNations_CAN_USA-9108053_large_large-300x174.jpg]Highlights from Game 4 as Canada takes on USA at the Four Nations Cup women’s hockey tournament at the Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on November 7, 2018. Photo Credit to USA Hockey Brianna Decker is a member of the US Women’s Hockey Team, coach for the U18 Women’s Team, and creator of an endowment fund [https://www.usahockeyfoundation.com/deckerfund] to help grow the game of hockey for girls in Wisconsin. Brianna won a gold medal with the team at the 2018 Winter Olympics, but that is one accomplishment in a series of achievements on and off the ice. * We talk about her journey, the impact of her family, and her high school and college coaches that helped her along the way. * When speaking about playing for the US Women’s team, she talks about family, competitiveness, teamwork, commitment, …. And she takes those characteristics off the ice through her work with her endowment fund [https://www.usahockeyfoundation.com/deckerfund] and USA Hockey. * Brianna talks about what it was like to participate in the NHL All Star Game Skills competition, and to win the passing skills event. * She speaks about the impact of being a coach, and how she is able to mentor younger players, and grow the game for the future. [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2020/05/HockeyCanada_U18vsUSA-9109539_large_large-300x183.jpg]Game action as Canada’s women’s Under 18 team hosts the USA during Hockey Canada’s Summer Showcase at Winsport’s Markin McPhail Centre in Calgary, Alberta on August 16. 2018. Photo Credit to USA Hockey * During this time, she is also working with CCM Hockey to help provide surgical masks for healthcare workers. * And we also talk about a unique place for an Outdoor Winter Classic game involving the US Women’s team. I think you will enjoy the insight from Brianna on hockey, sports, and helping others. Please visit the USA Hockey Foundation [https://www.usahockeyfoundation.com] page for further information on Brianna’s endowment Fund. [https://www.usahockeyfoundation.com/deckerfund] Enjoy the episode Visit us at Foundations of Sports [https://foundationsofsports.com]for further information on what we do and our mission of providing positive sports stories and the lessons of character, hard work, and humility that develop a championship teams on and off the ice, field and court. This episode is sponsored by us, The Foundations of Sports [https://foundationsofsports.com/], and our new Podcast Teammate Program [https://foundationsofsports.com/services/]. Podcasting is a great way to connect, network, build relationships, and increase awareness about your team, organization or product. According to Edison Research, in 2020, over an estimated 155 million people listened to a podcast in the US.  Whether you are a sports team looking to reach more fans, an organization looking to bring more awareness to your mission, or you might be someone with unique knowledge or a special skill looking to network, podcasting is a tool that can help bring you, your team, and your career to the next level. Contact us for further information on how we can can launch and improve your podcast. Instagram – Foundations of Sports LinkedIn – Chris Horgan – Foundations of Sports

Dan Iassogna – Major League Baseball Umpire / Umps Care Foundation

“You can do anything you want in life, make whatever it is your Big Leagues, whatever that league you want to be in, make it your Big Leagues, and just go for it, do everything you can during the day to get to your Big Leagues.” – Dan Iassogna – Major League Baseball Umpire [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2020/02/Screen-Shot-2020-02-05-at-8.37.36-AM.png] Dan is going on his 18th year as a Major League Baseball Umpire. In this episode, we discuss * How he started in umpiring * His journey through umpire school and Minor League Baseball * The feeling of being called up to his first Major League game in Texas * What it means for the Umpire Crew to be the “3rd team on the field” * Physical and Mental Preparation * Perspective on handling situations, and the importance of being the “calmest person on the field” * Mentors in the game of baseball * Unique relationship between the Umpire and the Catcher * Championship work Dan is doing off the field, including with the Umps Care Foundation [http://www.umpscare.com/index.php] * What sports taught him and the importance of “being a professional”   Enjoy the episode. Visit us at Foundations of Sports [https://foundationsofsports.com]for further information on what we do and our mission of providing positive sports stories and the lessons of character, hard work, and humility that develop a championship teams on and off the field. This episode is sponsored by us, The Foundations of Sports [https://foundationsofsports.com/], and our new Podcast Leadoff Program [https://foundationsofsports.com/services/]. According to Edison Research, in 2019, over an estimated 144 million people listen to a podcast in the US. Podcasting is a great way to connect, network, build relationships, and get the word out about your mission, team, organization or product. Allow us to teach you a simple, nuts and bolts approach to starting your podcast…..From developing an idea for your show all the way through recording and downloading your 1st episode, we can develop your blueprint that will get you up and running. Contact us at for further information…. Instagram – Foundations of Sports LinkedIn – Chris Horgan – Foundations of Sports

Beasley Reece – NFL Alumni CEO, Player, and Broadcaster

“Sometimes you have to tighten up your cleats and challenge yourself” – Beasley Reece – NFL Alumni Association CEO, Player, and Broadcaster [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2019-10-04-at-8.25.15-AM-300x296.png]https://www.nflalumni.org/ Beasley played college football at North Texas and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. He then played for the New York Football Giants, and finished his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the NFL, he went onto a 35-year broadcasting career and is now currently the CEO of the NFL Alumni Association. In this episode, Beasley speaks about his journey in the game of football, broadcasting and life: * He was discovered by NFL scouts when they were at one of his games to scout a player on the opposing team. * Playing with Roger Staubach and for Coach Tom Laundry * The importance of preparation to Coach Bill Belichick * What he did to bridge from football to broadcasting after his playing career, and how he landed in sports broadcasting * The different types of responsibility, shared and individual, and how you carry them out * Teammates for Life * The importance of family * His mission and role with the NFL Alumni Association [https://www.nflalumni.org/] * His musical talents * What the quote “Everyday” means to him and how he applies it to everything he does * What alumni mean to every team, organization, and business, and how you can learn from those who came before you * “See yourself as a Pro” Enjoy the episode. Visit us at Foundations of Sports [https://foundationsofsports.com]for further information on what we do and our mission of providing positive sports stories and the lessons of character, hard work, and humility that develop a championship teams on and off the field. Instagram – Foundations of Sports Twitter – @foundationsport LinkedIn – Chris Horgan – Foundations of Sports

Pat Williams – Co-Founder Orlando Magic and Author of “Character Carved in Stone”

Pat Williams is the Co-Founder of the Orlando Magic, and the author of over 100 books, including his most recent, “Character Carved in the Stone [https://www.patwilliams.com/character-carved-in-stone]” [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2019/06/Pat-Williams-Orlando-Magic-Mural-300x207.jpg]Pat Williams stands by an Orlando Magic mural at the Amway Center. JIM CARCHIDI In the episode, we discuss how a visit to speak the athletes at the United States Military Academy led to a visit to Trophy Point, and the inspiration for his book, based on 12 granite benches, each with a leadership virtue. [https://foundationsofsports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/583/2019/06/Screen-Shot-2019-06-20-at-3.01.51-PM-216x300.png]https://www.patwilliams.com/character-carved-in-stone Pat speaks about his career as a baseball player with Wake Forest University and the Philadelphia Phillies organization, and more specifically a Catcher, and how that helped develop the foundation for his leadership. He talks about how the NBA granted an expansion franchise to Orlando, and how the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation [https://www.nba.com/magic/omyf] are “difference makers off the court.” From John Wooden, to the importance of reading, and his battle with cancer, Pat provided great insight into his journey and the lessons learned in sports. For more information on Pat, visit PatWilliams.com [https://www.patwilliams.com] Enjoy the episode. Visit us at Foundations of Sports [https://foundationsofsports.com]for further information on what we do and our mission of providing positive sports stories and the lessons of character, hard work, and humility that develop a championship team on and off the field. Instagram – Foundations of Sports Twitter – @foundationsport LinkedIn – Chris Horgan – Foundations of Sports