Character Combine Podcast

In this episode, Josh and Deb discuss the importance of gratitude and how it impacts our lives. They also talk about Thanksgiving traditions and some of their favorite foods. Enjoy this episode and have a great Thanksgiving!

Chrystal Rose is the host of the Self-Love Breakfast Club Podcast and the owner of Rebellia. She joins the podcast to talk about her fitness journey, why she started the Rebellia clothing brand, and the importance of emotional health. She also shares a wild story about how she was sent to a boarding school that was anything but normal. Chrystal is an incredible person with a passion for seeing people get healthy inside and out. Don't miss this episode!

Lauren Nicole Johnson is the Mental Conditioning Coordinator for the New York Yankees. She returns to the show to share more insight about the mental side of competition, coaching, and life. We also take a few detours down some sidetracks to talk about what she's been up to during the pandemic. We always enjoy the opportunity to chat with Lauren and we hope you enjoy it too!

Blake Kidwell is the owner of Title Boxing Club Sacramento. He joins the show to share his incredible story of homelessness, overcoming addiction, and resiliency. This rollercoaster of a journey will provide hope and inspiration to all athletes and coaches. You do not want to miss this episode!

Zeb Becker is the Davis High School golf coach and the owner of Rally Factory. He joins the show to talk about his athletic background, how he got into coaching golf, and the mental aspects of being a golfer. He also shares his experience as a business owner and how he's stayed resilient during the pandemic. He covered a lot in this episode, so don't miss out!

We talk about how sports fandom and differences of opinion can cause people to lose all sense of civility. Why are people sending death threats over a missed shot? How does social media enhance the issue? How can we engage in more productive conversations? There's still plenty of sidetracks and nonsense as well. Check it out!

Bobby Withrow-Clark is the Department Chair for the Center for Academic Success at Butte College. He joins the podcast to discuss his coaching background, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges that some athletes face in the classroom. He also shares his story of losing his home during the Paradise Camp Fire a couple years and how he remained resilient during the chaos. Don't miss this episode!

Ed Tupper is the head baseball coach at Casa Roble High School. He joins the show to talk about his coaching background, how his approach to coaching has changed over the years, and how he's dealing with the challenges of the pandemic. He also shares about how he started using the Wooden Pyramid of Success to recognize his athletes throughout the season. This is a great episode that you don't want to miss.

Jordan Takimoto joins the show for another Bench Chatter episode. We talk about fantasy football and the different teammate personality types you might encounter when playing adult rec sports. It's a fun episode that you don't want to miss.

We celebrate our 100th podcast in this episode! Josh and Deb ask each other a few interview questions, as well as answer some questions we received from all of you! We also released a video version of the podcast for the first time. The video version includes some bloopers from the last 100 episodes. If you're interested in checking that out, head over to our YouTube page. Thank you to everyone who has supported and shown love to the show over the last year and a half. We truly appreciate it! We're thankful for so many amazing coaches and athletes who are making character a priority on and off the field.

Anthony Valenzuela and Gabriel Russo are the hosts of The Mindset Podcast. They join the show to talk about their athletic background, how sports has helped their business mindset, and why they started podcasting. They also share their thoughts on the coach that had the greatest impact on their life. These guys are doing some amazing things! We actually had the opportunity to be guests on their podcast as well, so make sure you check out their show and give it a listen

Joe Davidson is a senior staff writer for the Sacramento Bee. He joins the show to discuss how the pandemic has affected this school year, sports season, and how student-athletes and coaches are dealing with the social and emotional challenges so far. We also talk about how he deals with all of the nonsense that comes his way on social media. We always have a great time talking to Joe and we hope you enjoy this episode!

Josh and Deb talk about the start of this school year in this episode. Deb shares about her experience so far with distance learning and the challenges that come with it. She also talks about how she has learned to connect with her students despite the current situation. We also talk about a ton of other random things and get sidetracked a lot in this one.

Kira McKechnie is a former collegiate softball player and the head softball coach at Christian Brother's High School. She joins the podcast to talk about her athletic background, her experience transferring while playing college softball, and advice for young athletes who want to play in college. She also shares her thoughts on the challenges of starting her coaching career during the pandemic. Kira is incredibly passionate about softball, coaching, and impacting the lives of young people. You don't want to miss this one!

Troy and Zack Spivey are the hosts of the Spivey Special Podcast. They join the show to answer some questions we received on social media, as well as talk about food, sports, and more food. These guys are hilarious and a lot of fun to chat with. Don't miss this episode!

We're back with another Bench Chatter episode. We start by discussing 3 random sports related topics and finish up with a top 5 list for a specific theme. Jordan Takimoto makes his return as the guest cohost in this episode. If you're looking for some fun nonsense to break up your day, this episode is for you. 1. How is the MLB season going so far? 2. Pick your career? 3. If you could switch bodies with one professional athlete for a game/match? Top 5 List: Elementary School Playground Games

Chris Horner is a teacher and the head coach of the varsity football team at Casa Roble High School. He joins the podcast to talk about the modified high school sports season, maintaining connection with his athletes, and how he plans on approaching the upcoming school year. We also talk about the crazy amount of fireworks his team sold at their booth for the 4th of July. We always have a great time catching up with Coach Horner. Enjoy this episode.

Kurt Hines is the head football coach at Coronado High School. He joins the podcast to talk about his athletic/coaching background, how he builds connections with his athletes, and how people can stay positive during this pandemic. He also talks about his favorite book, Inside Out Coaching. It was written by Joe Ehrmann, who was the main inspiration behind the Character Combine. Coach Hines is an incredibly positive and motivational human being. You don't want to miss this episode!

Rick Stassi is a strength and conditioning coach with a tremendous amount of experience training and developing athletes. He joins the podcast to talk about his athletic background, his unique training philosophy, and his experience working with athletes who have reached the college and professional level. It's safe to say that you will feel Rick's passion and energy come through on this episode.

Josh and Deb talk about the recent CIF statement regarding the 20/21 high school sports season. How can coaches and athletes stay focused and motivated? How does this impact multi-sport athletes? We don't pretend to have the answers, but we want to do our best to encourage coaches and athletes who are affected by this announcement.