"The Coaching Staff" Presented by Ruiz Auto-Episode #130 Finding Joy Without Coaching

"The Coaching Staff" Presented by Ruiz Auto-Episode #130 Finding Joy Without Coaching

Author: Martin Plum May 12, 2025 Duration: 1:11:40

Although most of the topics that are discussed on this podcast deal with current coaching issues, one thing that we rarely think about until it happens is what life is like without coaching. This week, Tony and I break down the do's and don'ts of life without coaching, including prepping for the next stop, what we should look for in our next position, how to handle the situation if it wasn't your choice to step away and much, much more! In addition, we've got a new segment at the top of the pod, trivia, NBA playoff discussion and an Eastern Conference WNBA preview with a new guest! Enjoy!


Imagine a whiteboard session after a big game, the kind where strategy gets scribbled on whatever's handy. That's the spirit of A Pen And A Napkin. This weekly conversation lives at the crossroads of sport and creative thinking, diving deep into the art of coaching basketball. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in a gym office, listening to the nuanced discussions about player development, offensive sets, defensive adjustments, and the philosophy behind building a team. It’s less about Xs and Os in a vacuum and more about the why-the human elements and the creative problem-solving that define the craft. You’ll hear authentic breakdowns of game situations, reflections on leadership, and practical ideas that often start with a simple sketch. Think of it as a portable mentors’ roundtable, a clinic distilled into conversation, offering perspectives that resonate whether you’re on the sidelines or just appreciate the deeper layers of the game. Tune in for a podcast that captures the ongoing, ever-evolving dialogue at the heart of coaching.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

A Pen And A Napkin
Podcast Episodes
"The Coaching Staff" Presented by Ruiz Auto Episode #150-Rick Pitino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:47
In our latest segment on the "Greatest Coaches" pod, Tony and I dive into Rick Pitino, the often traveled and highly successful coach at numerous stops, including Kentucky, Louisville and St. John's. We break down Coach…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #300 Jay Bilas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:39
EPISODE #300!!! WOW!!!!Thank you so much to everyone who has followed along with A Pen And A Napkin; I hope that I've been able to help you out, even if it is in the smallest of ways . . . it has been my pleasure!Today's…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #299 Dick Wettengel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:19
Really excited to have on for episode #299 Dick Wettengel, the head girls basketball coach at Council Bluffs St. Albert's (IA). Coach has been involved with the game in the Council Bluffs area for over 50 years, and last…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #298 John Carrier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:15
It's the best $5 I've spent in a while . . . after years of negotiation, I was finally able to bribe John Carrier from Nova Classic (MN) to come on the podcast! John and I discuss a bunch of different topics, including h…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #297 Chad Mustard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:15
Chad Mustard is the boys basketball coach at Omaha Roncalli Catholic High School, and he has had a varied and exciting career. A former All-Stater in multiple sports in Nebraska who played multiple sports at the Division…
The Great Teams Volume IV-The 2007-08 Tennessee Lady Vols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:16
The first female team that we are breaking down on the "The Great Teams" podcast is a terrific one! Pat Summitt's last national championship team in 2008 finished the journey of going "back to back" with one of college b…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #296 MBCA Clinic Roundtable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:15
We had a great time getting together before the Omaha Metro Basketball Coaches Association clinic last week! Dave Hubert of Ashland-Greenwood (NE), Bruce Chubick of Omaha Central and Derek Sonderland of Tri-Center Neola…