I wish I had more followers on X.

I wish I had more people listening to the podcast.

I wish I had more people following the newsletter.

Reminds me of coaching. “I’ll just be HAPPY if we can win the next game.”

We all know that’s a lie. There’s always another game to win. There’s always another recruit. The constant chase.

Part of it comes with the territory. That’s what makes coaches great. The constant pursuit of excellence on and off the court. That’s why so many coaches are exceptional leaders and role models.

I’ve spent four months focused on building the podcast. Stepped away from full-time work to spend time on growing the podcast, the brand, sharing some things that I’ve learned along the way.

The worst thing you can do is look at the numbers.

Is the podcast growing?

Is listenership up?

Even if it is, will I be happy? Probably not. Because WE ALWAYS WANT MORE!

I started this podcast with no intent to make money or any idea if anyone would listen (my wife has only listened to two episodes). On average the listenership is somewhere around 200 listeners per episode. Most people would say, “pretty good!”

It reminds me of coaching.

A big reason as to why I wanted to be the head coach at my alma mater was to bridge the gap and create better relationships with players and alumni. The alums I played with and the ones before my time. It took a bit, but last year I started an annual golfing event with those guys. Slowly growing. A way to stay in contact and connect.

You don’t need a title or position to strengthen relationships with others.

Same with the podcast. I’ve tried to reach out to those who already follow and thank them directly.

Same goes to you. I appreciate you following the newsletter! Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

We are nearly at episode #100. I never thought I’d make it past #10.

Andrew Wingreen talks on building programs from scratch, next-play mentality, and the lessons behind his book Win One Won. Wingreen is the current head men’s basketball coach at New College of Florida (NAIA). Coach Wingreen shares what it takes to launch programs from scratch and the idea of winning one moment at a time. We discuss his path from student assistant to head coach, the value of “losing with” the right people and doing what it takes to staff in the profession. Andrew also previews his next book, Return the Cart, which focuses on culture, small choices, and personal accountability. He has coached at Northland International, Rockford, Bob Jones, Bethel (IN), Lancaster Bible and Stetson.

Maybe the most underrated skill in the leadership bucket?

As a leader, humility says so much about you and let’s those that you lead know what you’re all about.

Maybe less is more?

Film study with Curt Cignetti. More than the standard Cignetti answers during this sit down.

_{Fired Coaches Podcast started in May 2020. The podcast interviews coaches, scouts, media and others connected to the sports world that fell from the mountaintop. They were either fired, resigned or told that their contract would not be renewed. Level does not matter. The story does.}