Coach Talk presented by The Big Man Foundation: Recent Episodes
Casey Kroll
On "Coach Talk," Casey interviews coaches, athletes, and philanthropic leaders to discuss the ART of athletic coaching (no 'X's and O's'!). Hear from guests as they share their incredible experiences, unbelievable stories, and coveted opinions about why good coaches matter!
Today we're flipping the script! Instead of Casey interviewing someone else, today our producer Makensie Oubre is going to be interviewing Casey, BMF's co-founder and current CEO. Today they talk about Casey's backstory, as well as...
- BMF’s origins
- Our vision of BMF coming to life
- Where we see BMF going in the months and years to come
thebigmanfoundation.org
Today’s guest is Mrs. Rachel Powell. Mrs. Powell is the wife of Casey’s college coach and coaching mentor, Coach Jamal Powell. Mrs Powell is someone that has been -and continues to be - an extremely Transformative person in Casey's life. She is someone that he looks up to, confides in, and cares deeply about.
Mrs Powell and her husband Jamal are the inspiration behind the Big Man Foundation and are very much a part of the how and why we do the things that we do.
A lot of listeners may know Mrs. Powell, some may know the Powell’s story, some may know bits and pieces, or some may not be familiar at all story at all.
Today Mrs Powell talks to us about:
- What it means to be a coaches wife
- A first hand account of their families story
- The role that BMF can play in our coaching community
thebigmanfoundation.org
In today's episode of Coach Talk, Casey speaks with Lauren Ammon. Lauren was a college swimmer at Eastern Michigan University and is now the head of Performance Reimagined - a multifaceted coaching service.
Lauren now takes her experience and knowledge to help others with the mental and psychological side of performance. We discuss:
1️⃣ What it means to “train your mind like your body”
2️⃣ Building mental resilience
3️⃣ How taking your mind OFF of the prize actually helps you achieve it
4️⃣ Why Lauren hates the phrase “mental toughness”
We want to thank Lauren for vulnerability and willingness to talk about somewhat difficult topics that really added to the depth of the conversation.
Check out the episode now wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure you show Lauren your support!
Today we talk with BMF Board Member and Engagement Director, Makensie Oubre, about being the wife of a college football coach! If you yourself are a coaches wife or you're interested in learning what it entails and couples make the dynamic work, then this episode is for you!
We discuss:
- Makensie's story and her coaching journey with her husband so far
- Makensie's advice for other coaches wives and perspective coaching wives
- The pivotal role that coaching wives play within the coaching community and ways that it aligns with our mission at the Big Man Foundation
Listen today wherever you listen to podcasts!
Today we sit down and talk to Coach John Bowers. An accomplished college quarterback turned coach, Coach Bowers has coached at every level of football from Ohio State University to Middle School. Coach Bowers has earned an reputation for his ability to build strong bonds with players and his unconventional motivational techniques.
Today we…
- Discuss Coach Bowers experience as a coach and coaches who influenced him
- Undercover the origins of some of his antics
- Hear advice that he would give to young coaches and coaching families
Listen today wherever you listen to podcasts!
Today we sit down with Coach Jeremy Copeland (aka Coach Rome) who is currently the Director of Player Development and Leadership at Colorado State Football. Coach Rome is a retired Green Beret and veteran who is now in his first year as a full-time football coach. We talk to Coach Rome about:
- His transition from the Army to college football, including some similarities and differences
- His unique role as a leadership developer in a college football setting
- The impact of his role and why other programs are trying to replicate it
All around great guy who is in the profession for the right reasons!
Today Casey sits down with one of his former players, Hayden Howerton. Hayden holds the SMU school record for number of starts, and is currently an NFL free agent while simultaneously starting his coaching career as an assistant.
Casey and Hayden talk about:
1️⃣ Growing up and playing high school and college football in Texas
2️⃣ Qualities that good coaches have
3️⃣ What experiences led to him considering coaching!
Check it out today! Easiest way to find the podcast is to click the links on our website
Today's episode of Coach Talk is now available and is INCREDIBLY special. It’s emotional, empowering and thought provoking. In our opinion, it’s a MUST LISTEN to for coaches… or anyone who is interested in learning more about mental health.
Casey sits down and speaks with Dona Rodgers - who is the co-founder and president of Morgan’s Message. Morgan’s Message is a 501(c)3 organization that amplifies stories, resources, and expertise to confront student-athlete mental health, builds a community by and for athletes, and provides a platform for advocacy.
We talk to Dona about:
- What is mental health and what is the role mental health plays in our overall health and wellness.
- What are signs of a mental health crisis and what are actionable steps to get the help you or someone you care about need.
- What coaches (or anybody) can do to prioritize their own mental health and the mental health of their athletes.
Casey sits down with Coach John Reagan. In addition to being one of our #BMF Board Members, John is a veteran coach with 25+ years of experience coaching football at some of the highest levels.
Casey and John discuss topics such what motivated John to become a coach, why he became involved in BMF, and the impact BMF is making (and can continue to make) in our coaching community.
On today’s episode Casey sits down with Coach Greg Hatfield. Coach Hatfield is the head football coach at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, VA. Last season he led the Bobcats to the Virginia 6A state semifinals and was named the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame’s Coach of the Year.
Coach Hatfield was also Casey’s high school football coach for two years, and they worked together on the same coaching staff during the 2020 & 2021 seasons. In addition to coaching, Coach Hatfield is a husband and father of five children and one of the original supporters of BMF.
On today’s episode we talk to Coach Hatfield about:
- His background, including his playing experience and coaching influences
- Changing his coaching style with the times
- Managing the work/life balance of being a father of 5 and a head coach
Today Casey sits down with Coach Jordan Hopkins. Coach Hopkins is currently an assistant football coach (Defensive Line Coach) at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Casey and Jordan discuss:
- What influences guided him towards the coaching profession from a young age.
- His experiences so far in his first year as an 'on the field' assistant coach.
- What methods he uses to develop meaningful relationships with his players.
- Why coaching is the greatest fraternity every and why it needs an organization like BMF.
Today Casey speaks with Vad Lee. Vad is a former quarterback at James Madison University who is now a father, husband, author, philanthropist and professional athlete.