"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
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #285 Carrie Eighmey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:33
After almost a year of scheduling conflicts and 25 years after I tried to recruit her to Briar Cliff, Carrie Eighmey comes on episode #285 to discuss a variety of topics. Eighmey, who is entering her second year as head…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #284 Jared Ronai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:34
I had a great conversation with Jared Ronai, the head men's basketball coach at Mount Vernon Nazarene (OH), for episode #284. In this episode, we talk about a variety of topics, including his basketball journey, building…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #283 Jory Collins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:37
Rebuilding a once-proud program is not as easy as it seems, but Jory Collins, the head women's basketball coach at North Dakota State University, is well on track to getting the Bison back to the elite. In this episode,…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #281 Northwest Iowa Roundtable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:14
I was back at home last week visiting family and friends, and my friend Kiley Yates from South O'Brien (IA) HS helped me bring together Derek Keizer from Hull Western Christian (IA) and Loren DeJong of Siouxland Christia…
A Pen And A Napkin-Episode #280-Rafael Barlowe and Jordon Klein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:19
We've got a two-parter this week! We'll kick it off with NBA draft guru (and Omaha native) Rafael Barlowe breaking down the top end of the draft, discussing players with Omaha ties, some foreign players that may sneak up…