In this episode we talk through the 8 beliefs that the Lead Em' Up curriculum have when it comes to leaders and developing leadership skills. Justin and Shane will be teaching through Lead Em' Up this school year and believe that it will have some major impact of the schools and people involved.  Lead ‘Em Up is a dynamic and engaging leadership program used by youth, high school and college sports teams all over the country. If you want to find out more and how you could get involved with LEU, check them out at leademup.com

This episode is just a variety of different things that Shane and Justin chat about ranging from favorite childhood sports, sport performance training, and favorite places to eat while in college. As socials can go, we just sit a talk today, with no specific topic in mind but still fun, nonetheless. 

We were fortunate to host an FCA Coach & Spouse Date Night where Rev. Shane Bishop of Christ Church Fairview Heights Illinois joined us to share what he calls "Thriving In The Fishbowl". This referring to families in the coaching world where it seems as though everything is on display, as in a fishbowl. There are so many challenges that come with this type of life and it can put many strains on marriages. Today, we recap the points that Rev. Shane shared at our event just a few nights prior that will help you thrive in life and relationship. Note: these are very important points of emphasis for anyone in any profession, at any stage in life. Enjoy!

Roger Lipe joins us in this episode to discuss the topic of identity and the various layers to that. Roger explains how each layer of one's identity has a direct effect on self-image, that they are not exclusive to each other, and that each layer varies in permanence and security.  Roger spent 27 years serving in Fellowship of Christian Athletes ministry, largely on campus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and is now the Director of Character Coach Development with Nations of Coaches. He has 14 written publications (some available in Spanish) with the focus on daily devotionals for coaches and athletes, daily prayers for coaches, training for Sport Chaplains and Character Coaches, and resources for the Coach/spouse dynamic. 

Today Shane and Justin start to revisit old notes, highlights, and underlines from books that they have read that have had profound influence on them. Among the books mentioned today are: Training Camp by Jon Gordon, Legacy by James Kerr, The Carpenter by Jon Gordon, Inside-Out Coaching by Joe Ehrmann. 

In this session of The Coaches Social we start talking through some self-reflective questions that are important for anyone, in any leadership role, to ask themselves in order to become a truly transformational leader. Our good friends Squeak and Drew join us to weigh in with some valuable thoughts as well. 

In this episode we sit down with Bob Pankey, the Illinois State Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and discuss the vision, mission, and methods of the organization. Discipleship is the drive. Relationships is where it starts. Whether you have some familiarity with FCA or none at all, this is a conversation worth listening to because there is much more to FCA than a weekly Bible study at lunchtime or a camp in the summer. We are out to lead EVERY coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.  Click here to learn more about all things FCA or click here to a closer look at FCA in Southern Illinois. 

Our great friend Aaron "Squeak" Webb sits down with us today as we hit on a wide variety of topics. We discuss what we call Coaching FOMO and how these last few years have given a fresh perspective on how and what coaches spend their time doing with their teams, making sure you're winning at home with your family first, and why it is so important for Christian coaches to make sure that the way they lead is honoring God and pointing people to Jesus, no matter the competitive outcomes. Join us in the social.

We had a great time talking with Coach Jason Dunning (and his son Peyton) in this episode. If you're needing motivation in pushing yourself to greater limits (physically, mentally, or spiritually) you'll enjoy this and find tons of inspiration from our conversation. JD has an approach to life and challenging himself to continually grow like no other and it's contagious. Make sure you take this all in. 

The Coaches Social welcomes its first guest in today's episode, Coach Nick Hill of Southern Illinois University Football. Coach Hill is a guy that we have known since our high school days and someone we have grown to admire and appreciate even more over the years. When you listen to this conversation, you'll quickly understand why. Nick has a deep passion for leading people and celebrating others' success; and it's all rooted in his growing relationship with Jesus Christ.