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In Episode 190, Phil and Paul dive into the importance of individual and team development in every level of soccer. They discuss the role of effective communication between coaches and players, emphasizing the significance of understanding each player's personality and motivational needs. Paul brings his recent experiences from his new role as a club director to the table, particularly surrounding the recurring theme of balancing tactical instructions with personal development. We also discuss the critical influence parents have on their children's athletic experience and offers advice on how parents and coaches can foster a positive, growth-oriented environment. Listeners will come away with actionable insights on improving team dynamics, supporting individual players' growth, and fostering a healthy sports culture both on and off the field. Resources and Links from this Episode ·                 Uncut Video of the Episode ·                 HSEL Facebook Group ·                 Warrior Way Soccer ·                 Paul's email address ·                 Nations United Website (World Cup Resources) ·                 Phil's email for DISC Training

Introducing Discover AWE Daily with Oprah and Dacher Keltner from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Did you know that experiencing awe can improve your health and your overall well-being? Oprah talks with University of California, Berkeley psychology professor Dacher Keltner to delve into his latest book "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life." During this inspirational conversation Dacher explains how each of us has the potential to experience awe every single day and shares how encountering awe can lead us to greater fulfillment and happiness. Based on his extensive research Dacher outlines and describes what he calls the “Eight Wonders of Life” or the eight experiences that most commonly trigger awe. Throughout the discussion Oprah and Dacher each share their own deeply personal encounters with awe. BUY THE BOOK! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622175/awe-by-dacher-keltner/ 00:00:00 - Welcome Dacher Keltner, author of “Awe” 00:04:30 - Awe decreases depression 00:07:40 - Awe and death 00:10:20 - Finding awe everyday 00:11:05 - 8 awe experiences 00:20:20 - how Awe affects our health 00:21:36 - Awe vs gratitude 00:24:45 - How awe can heal divisions 00:26:50 - Making space for awe and kids 00:28:20 - Develop an awe practice 00:29:50 - Psychedelics and awe 00:36:00 - Everyone can experience awe The Science of Happiness Podcast What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies that you can put into practice today. Hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. Co-produced by PRX and UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/the_science_of_happiness Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

In Episode 189, Phil and Paul had a great conversation with Thuy Williams, an incredible athlete and coach of the US Amputee Soccer National Team using her skills and talents in the world of all-abilities and sports ministry. During the interview, she shares her incredible journey from being rescued out of Vietnam during Operation Babylift, to her childhood as an adoptee in the US, to becoming a coach and mentor in various sports, including soccer and lacrosse, around the world. Despite battling a degenerative muscle bone disease, debilitating pain, and PTSD, Thuy has remained resilient and dedicated to impacting lives through sports. She discusses the role of sports in her healing from childhood trauma and PTSD, her work with amputee and blind soccer, and the profound influence of everyday heroes in her life. Thuy also provides some practical advice for getting involved in all-abilities sports and her perspective on leadership that stems from genuine care and encouragement. She even talks about how coaches can save lives.  Resources and Links from this Episode        ·                 Uncut Video of the Episode ·                 US Amputee Soccer Website ·                 Nations United (World Cup Disciple Making Resources) Website ·                 HSEL Facebook Group ·                 Warrior Way Soccer ·                 Providence World Website ·                 Phil's email for DISC Training ·                 Remember the Titans ·                 Glory Road ·                 McFarland ·                 Spare Parts (Yes, that's the Robotics one) ·                 Hoosiers

In Episode 188, we are re-casting our conversation with Wells Thompson, Former MLS midfielder and 1st Round Draft Pick, Co-Founder of Soccer Resilience, husband, and father. This was our most downloaded episode of 2025 and Top 2 for both Paul and me. In this episode, he talked with Paul and Phil about his journey from childhood adversity to the MLS, his struggles with identity and mental health, his faith journey and his personal why relating to that journey, his difficulties transitioning to life after soccer, why left Soccer Resilience after founding and leading it for a few years, and a lot of wisdom regarding true leadership. They also discuss how soccer and other sports are incredible classrooms, and how he is learning deep life lessons every single day as a stay-at-home dad, husband, and father of athletes. The interview is full of vulnerable moments, personal stories, and practical advice. Specifically, they discuss: ·      How Wells developed his passion for soccer, leadership, faith in God, and how he went from rolling with the wrong crowd, getting into drugs, and not being recruited to college to playing for Wake Forest and getting drafted 5th in the MLS Draft (7:30) ·      Lessons he learned in his pro career (17:10) ·      His transition to life after soccer (20:51) ·      His personal why, vulnerability as a superpower, and how he is living out his life purpose (27:58) ·      The revelation that caused him to leave Soccer Resilience (32:44) ·      How Soccer Resilience got started, some of the great things coming out of it, and how starting/running a business is like working to be a pro soccer player (and a couple great quotes from Nelson Mandela and Billy Graham) (36:39) ·      How he went from not making ODP to playing professional soccer, how that is relevant to the parenting of his kids while they are playing sports, and what we can learn from his journey (43:39) ·      Balancing pushing our kids to be the best they can be and learning life lessons from sports without getting too involved (especially at the wrong time or place) and/or forcing them to play sports they don't want to play (52:11) ·      What actually goes into being a pro athlete (55:30) ·      What he didn't learn as a pro athlete (hint: it is very relevant to this podcast) (57:25) ·      Leadership from the bench (1:02:26) ·      Lessons that he has learned from the game that he uses in his marriage and parenting (1:04:31) ·      What he has watched, read, or listened to that has impacted his thinking on how soccer explains life and leadership (1:07:58) Resources and Links from this Episode ·                 Uncut Video of the Episode ·                 HSEL Facebook Group ·                 Warrior Way Soccer ·                 Coaching the Bigger Game Program ·                 Phil's email for DISC Training ·                 Wrestling with Angels: A True Story of Addiction, Resurrection, Hope, Fashion, Training Celebrities, and Man's Oldest Sport, John Hanrahan ·                 Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses, Codie Sanchez

In Episode 187, Phil and Paul reflect on their top HSEL episodes and their personal highlights of 2025. They discuss lessons learned from various guests, personal highs and lows, including transitions in their careers and families. Through their candid discussion, they emphasize the importance of slowing down, reflecting on what truly matters, beauty in brokenness, and the profound impact of soccer on teaching life's most valuable lessons. What are your Top 5 episodes of 2025? Resources and Links from this Episode ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Nations United Website ·      Providence World Website

In Episode 186, Carl Dambman, Athletes in Action Missionary, Olympic Wrestler, Author of In God's Grip, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about his unique journey with wrestling and pioneering sports ministry behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War in the '70s and '80s. He shares about his remarkable experiences in sports ministry, including challenges and successes covertly sharing the Gospel and some crazy experiences during border crossings and martial law in Poland. He also talks about his book, In God's Grip, which details his work in the USSR, and how his faith journey and his mentors have had a significant impact on his life and career. Carl emphasizes the importance of collaboration in ministry, knowing one's role on teams and in life, and how the principles learned in sports translate to leadership, marriage, and parenting. Resources and Links from this Episode ·      Carl and Noreen Dambman's Athletes in Action Website ·      Carl's book, In God's Grip ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Nations United Website ·      Athletes in Action website ·      FCA 3D Coaching

In Episode 185, Warren Mainard, Executive Director of Impact Players, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about how his tennis career shaped his approach to life and leadership. The conversation covers the importance for men to surround themselves with a band of brothers, being a thermostat not a thermometer, the concept of 'audacious authenticity,' how tennis can help us resolve conflict in our marriage and family, and the transformative power of sports in building resilience and character. Warren also emphasizes the critical roles of faith, marriage, and family in a man's life and how Impact Players aims to inspire men to live intentionally. Listeners will gain insights into Warren's personal journey, his coaching philosophy, and practical advice on integrating faith and leadership into every aspect of life.     Resources and Links from this Episode   ·      Impact Players Website ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Nations United Website ·      Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis—Lessons from a Master, Brad Gilbert ·      "Break Point" (Netflix) ·      "Full Swing" (Netflix)

In Episode 184, Phil and Paul reflect on the first half of Season 13, discussing highlights from their conversations with Greg Rubendall, Rick McKinley, Becca Darke, and Peter Greer. They also talk about ways we can redeem time in our lives, particularly in the context of parent-child relationships, and the importance of creating meaningful time with your kids and spouses. Resources and Links from this Episode ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Nations United Website

In Episode 183, we are sharing with you an interview from Phil's other podcast, Think Global, Do Justice, with Peter Greer, President of Hope International and Author of How Leaders Lose Their Way and How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You, who discusses how leaders can avoid personal mission drift through awareness (and stopping) of our misguided pursuits and rowing against the dangerous currents in our lives, such as isolation and self-focus. Peter uses the book of Ecclesiastes and story of Solomon to share practices and disciplines that can help you to finish well, such as constellation mentoring, people over projects and achievement, succession planning and cultivating younger leaders, fear of God, eulogy vs. resume virtues, and one of the biggest dangers you'll face in your leadership. Resources and Links from this Episode ·      How Leaders Lose Their Way and How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You, Peter Greer and Jill Heisey ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Nations United Website ·      Lead with Prayer, Peter Greer, Ryan Skoog, Cameron Doolittle ·      Think Global, Do Justice Podcast (formerly Think Orphan Podcast)

In Episode 182, Becca Darke, Colorado College Women's Soccer Hall of Famer, former PE Teacher, former Athletes in Action staff, mother of five, and, yes, wife of Phil, shares with Phil and Paul about her journey from hockey-centric Minnesota to her youth and collegiate soccer career, how she battled injuries, and her growing faith that led her to ministry in sports. Becca shares her experiences as the Atlanta Beat Chaplain, affirming the role of soccer in shaping character, leadership, and relationships. Becca also reflects on her personal 'why,' how Scripture continually shapes her, the importance of "making room" for others in our lives, and lessons from the game that have been applied in her marriage, parenting, and teaching roles. Resources and Links from this Episode ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Nations United Website ·      Lead with Prayer, Peter Greer, Ryan Skoog, Cameron Doolittle ·      Horst Richardson HSEL Episode

In Episode 181, we are giving you an annual dose of one of our favorite interviews of all time, going back to our conversation with Graham Daniels, Ph.D., Director of Cambridge United, Director of Christians in Sport, and former player for Cambridge United and Cardiff City. He talked with us about the "Pray, Play, Say" discipleship/leadership method, his personal why, his incredible testimony of how he came to his faith in Jesus Christ and how one pivotal moment changed the course of his life forever, the critical importance of a Christian identity in elite football, achieved vs. received identity, Service vs. Survival, humility, and a leader who he respects deeply. Specifically, Graham discusses: ·      His personal story, including how he grew his passion for football, coaching, ministry, and leadership, and how he got to be where he is today ·      An incredible story about how he came to his Christian faith, despite one of the "worst evangelists" of all time ·      His personal why/mission statement and how he is living it out ·      Achieved identity vs. Received identity - Identity formation and his Ph.D. thesis on the necessity of Christian identity in dealing with performance requirements of elite football ·      Three things that provide a framework for ministry in sports ·      Safe to serve, not scared and surviving ·      A defining moment in his life and how it impacted his development ·      A leader that sticks out above the rest to him (A Premier League Manager that may surprise you) ·      How he has used lessons learned from sports in his marriage and parenting ·      His recommendations Resources and Links from this Episode ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      HSEL Facebook Group ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Coaching the Bigger Game Program ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Humility, by Andrew Murray ·      Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

In Episode 180, Rick McKinley, Missionary Athletes International's (MAI) Director of Int'l Tours. Shares with Phil and Paul his extensive journey through sports, including impactful stories from his days as an athlete, coach, and missionary. He discusses his commitment to integrating faith and soccer, describing significant moments that shaped his understanding of the Gospel and relying on God's strength. Key highlights include Rick's impactful moments on mission trips, the importance of aligning personal identity with God rather than performance, and his efforts in training coaches globally to incorporate gospel-centered principles in their coaching methods. The episode also delves deep into personal stories, mentoring impacts, and recommended resources that have influenced Rick's approach to leadership and faith. If you're wanting to learn more about integrating sports and ministry, you definitely want to listen to this one. Resources and Links from this Episode ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      The Christian Athlete, Brian Smith ·      Lead with Prayer, Peter Greer, Ryan Skoog, Cameron Doolittle ·      A Hunger for God, John Piper ·      The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, Tim Keller ·      The Mark of the Christian, Francis Schaffer ·      Horst Richardson HSEL Episode ·      Dave Irby HSEL Episode

In Episode 179, Phil and Paul engage in an eclectic and wide-ranging conversation with Greg Rubendall, who has recently started a new venture in Sacramento, ASC Midtown, and a new podcast, "The Road Warrior." The episode covers topics from personal updates to more philosophical discussions touching on biomechanics, conservation genetics, classical literature, leadership, and the power of unstructured play. Greg shares his insights on the importance of continual learning, community development, and creating environments where everyone can flourish. This engaging dialogue also explores the impact of technology in sports and the unique developmental methods observed in European soccer academies. You definitely don't want to miss this one. Resources and Links from this Episode ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      Candide, Voltaire ·      Start with Why, Simon Sinek ·      "Start with Why" TED Talk

In Episode 178, Phil and Paul reconnect to kick off Season 13, reflecting on their eventful summer and discussing key leadership lessons they learned along the way. They share personal stories and a new role for Paul in the soccer world. They delve into important lessons such as the importance of being still, focusing on prayer, understanding the evolving roles as parents, and embracing an open-handed approach to life. They emphasize the concept of being in charge without needing to be in control and the critical need for focus and needing to say no to good things for the great things. Join them as they set the stage for another impactful season filled with insightful conversations. Resources and Links from this Episode ·                 Uncut Video of the Episode ·                 HSEL Facebook Group ·                 Warrior Way Soccer ·                 Phil's email for DISC Training  

In Episode 177, we are recasting our episode with Becky Burleigh, Co-Founder of What Drives Winning, former University of Florida Women's Soccer Coach (for 27 years), and Methodist College Hall of Famer, who talked with Phil and Paul about the life and leadership lessons she learned over the course of her playing career and her extensive coaching career at University of Florida and Berry College, the story behind What Drives Winning, some great WDW principles, her personal why, a defining moment in her career, and making the most of every opportunity. Specifically, Becky discusses: ·      Her personal story, including how she grew her passion for soccer, coaching, and leadership, and how she got to where she is today with What Drives Winning ·      Her personal why/mission statement and how she is living it out ·      What Drives Winning's mission and what she hopes people will get out of the great materials WDW produces ·      Two key questions that she asks herself every year and why we should do the same ·      Why she uses DISC model of human behavior in her work and why she believes all coaches should use it with their teams ·      The concept of weak voice vs. strong voice and what we can do about it ·      "Struggle really a biological requirement for greatness" – Really? ·      Her defining moment and how it impacted her development ·      What advice she would like to give her 25-year-old self ·      The importance of finding a "thinking partner" ·      The good, bad, and ugly of US Soccer ·      How she has used lessons learned from the game in her relationships outside the game ·      Her recommendations Resources and Links from this Episode ·      What Drives Winning Website ·      Uncut Video of the Episode ·      HSEL Facebook Group ·      Warrior Way Soccer ·      Coaching the Bigger Game Program ·      Phil's email for DISC Training ·      The Talent Code: Greatness isn't born. It's Grown. Here's How, by Daniel Coyle ·      The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Teams, by Daniel Coyle ·      What Drives Winning: Teams, by Becky Burleigh and Brett Ledbetter ·      "Welcome to Wrexham" (Hulu) ·      "Ted Lasso" (Apple TV+} ·      "38 in the Garden" (HBO Max)