THE SPAR LIFE

In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss the current state of Coast Guard Wrestling and the Bears finally get a chance to compete.  Listen in to hear their thoughts!

In this episode of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss the decisions made by the NCAA to cancel the 2021 Division III winter championships.  What does this mean for the USCGA wrestlers and where do we go from here?

0:00 - Intro and Week in Review4:30 - 3x3 Intro5:30 - Question 1 - 3 Things you wish you knew as a wrestler that you now know as a coach.12:00 - Question 2 - 3 Things you can do to improve your wrestling that isn't physically wrestling.24:15 - Question 3 - 3 Rules you would change in Folkstyle wrestling38:00 - Outro - Keep living the SPAR Life!

00:00 - Week in review5:40- Admissions Questions Answered - 2 minute-is Drill6:25 - Question #1 - What is AIM and should I attend if I am a rising senior?18:38 - Question #2 - What is the PFE and Why is it important26:00 - Question #3 - What are the academic standards to get an appointment to USCGA37:35 - Question #4 - Besides Academics - what are others things I can do to make me a competitive applicant?

In this episode Kevin and Dylan talk briefly about where USCGA wrestling is currently at during the COVID pandemic and what the future holds.

Coach Bratland and Coach Foley revisit Leadership and discuss the difficult task of nurturing vs. tough love.0:00 - USCGA Wrestling Update4:30 - David Goggin Background5:45 - David Goggin's IG post and his Leadership Style7:45 - Dare to Lead by Brene Brown8:15 - Brene Brown vs. David Goggin's Leadership Style9:45 - One of the hardest aspects of coaching11:45 - There is a time to be hard 13:00 - Can you be too nurturing?13:30 - When is the best time to have tough love?14:30 - Celebrate the victories/milestones16:15 - Know your client or athlete to find the milestones19:20 - Retention vs. Attrition 19:45- Teach, show, let21:00 - Communication tactics at USCGA22:00 - Please rate the workout22:30 - There is a time for Tough Love, but also a time for Nurturing 23:00 - How do people perceive you?24:30 - What Drives Winning Stories26:45 - Ted Lasso32:20 - Bill Belichik story35:00 - Love Languages36 :00 - Closing

Don't miss this entertaining conversation with Coast Guard Academy wrestling great, Chris Sullivan.  Chris's path to the Coast Guard Academy was unconventional, but he has made the most of the opportunity!

0:00 - Intro1:00 - The art of being a great gift giver2:00 - The Christmas spirit and being thankful3:45 - New Sweater Story6:15 - What is Character?7:30 - Physical Character and Moral Character9:00 - Stronger Moral Character allows for better Physical Character9:12 - Why does Character Matter?10:15 - Surround yourself with like minded people11:00 - How is Character used in athletics or coaching Field?  Is Character innate?11:30 - Constant work in progress12:45 - Recruiting Character19:22 - Coast Guard Cadets live to a high standard19:30 - Cadets are held to the same standard as professional athletes21:42 - Character Flaw or give a second chance?23:00 - How to correct a mistake23:30 - If effort to change is there…provide support25:00 - Nick Saban Interview26:30 - Age ole coaching question27:15 - How to dismiss someone from your team if needed30:40 - Coach Killers31:45 - Good leadership and good captains are key33:00 - Answer this question..Why does USCGA have a team with good character?35:00 - Just be a good person.35:30 - Milboyism - yes or no37:00 - Double down on Character 

0:00 - Recap of the current state of Coast Guard Wrestling3:00 - Coach Foley and Coach Bratland have jokes!4:00 - Introduction of the show format - 2 min. Drill5:00 - Question 1 - Best things to come out of COVID-19?9:15 - Question 2 - Best at-home workout exercise for wrestlers over xmas break, and if you Have one piece of at home epuipment what would it be?16:45 - Question 3 - One thing you remind yourself of daily18:45 - Question 4 - What is something you have added to your life or changed your perspective that you have learned from the Cadets since being here? 25:30 - Question 5 - Thing you are most looking forward to getting back to once the pandemic is over?28:00 - Question 6 - Top quality you look for in a prospective Cadet-wrestler?30:15 -  Question 7 - Christmas traditions question get sidetracked by stories about dogs!39:00 - Outro - Keep living the SPAR Life!

0:00 - Life after a being a student-athlete…time to get a job!3:15 - Why Coach Foley got into coaching5:25 - Autonomy as a coach, but a few mistakes along the way7:30 - Coaching is not just wrestling practice9:15 - Developing a coaching philosophy10:00 - Each student-athlete is motivated differently12:50 - Learning from coaching peers14:00 - Defining Coaching moments15:00 - Identifying as a wrestler vs. a coach16:00 - Coaching at USCGA17:00 - Being Vulnerable17:30 - Core root of the Foley Coaching Philosophy19:30 - Dylan Foley peeling back onions21:00 - Topics for Party Conversations23:30 - Not good at saying “No”25:00 - Important moments at USCGA26:30 - Bratland and Foley's first fight!29:00 - The passion and resume is expanding30:00 - Coach Foley and Coach Bratland are building USCGA wrestling31:30 - It's more than just winning the NCAA Championship32:00 - Final thoughts

0:00 - Intro1:00 - Coach Foley talks about his recruiting process and how he ultimately makes his college decision.7:00 - Another coaching change for coach Foley10:00 - Coach Foley let's go of the University of Iowa dream11:00 - Freshman Season - and the start of developing new mentors and support system14:00 - Sophomore season begins15:30 - Cutting weight breakdown story19:20 - How not placing at Regionals drives Coach Foley reevaluate how he views himself21:30 - Coach Foley develops a "Mantra" and how impactful that was for him during his 3rd season in college.25:00 - The hard work and mental training pays off!26:42 - The power of a strong support system29:35 - Turning points to becoming an All-American, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly35:35 - Senior year NCAA experience36:30 - Coach Bratland and Coach Foley cross paths for the first time 45:30 - Identity was tied to an NCAA Title 45:45 - Where to from here? 

0:00 - 2:45 - Coach Foley's athletic and coaching accomplishments3:00 - 4:50 - What it was like growing up and wrestling in Massachusetts 4:50 -6:15 - Coach Foley's wrestling start - the story.7:00 - 9:000 - Coach Foley's wrestling coach is a hockey player, and the start of his competitive wrestling journey.9:00 - 10:00 - Coach Foley gives credit to his support system.10:00 - 11:30 - I am having fun and but I got a lot better!11:30 - 13:00 - Wrestling just got serious!13:00 - 17:00 - Wrestling coaches background 17:00 - 24:00 - Tough love given.24:00 - 26:15 - Coaching Change adds some adversity26:15 - 28:00 - The hockey coach gets Coach Foley ready for his senior season.28:00 - 30:00 - The college search begins30:00 - 30:42 - College Decision was made!

0:00-7:00 - Rundown of the week in Coast Guard Wrestling7:00 - 10 :00 - Phil Rogers talks about the Running Light and it's value.10:00 - 11:00 - Missions of the Coast Guard from the Running Light11:00 -14:30 - Missions straight from the USCG Website and Phil Rogers explains that some missions every boat in the Coast Guard performs. 14:30 -  17:00 - The color of the boast matters!  Knowledge bomb!17:00 - 19:45 - Phil Rogers talks about his journey to USCGA and why he chose the SPAR Life over the Naval Academy.19:45 - 21:00 - 9 Majors at USCGA to graduate 70% stem21:00 - 25:00 - Cool fact, your major doesn't always dictate your occupation or path in the CG25:00 - 26:00 - What the Coast Guard does in one day! Saves 10 lives a day!26:00 - 29:00- Use your "Why" to find your path to USCGA and Phil Roger's story about sharks and sailing on Eagle, which ultimately led him to choosing USCGA.29:00 - 30:00 - Small school and networking is highly sought after and something USCGA offers.30:00 - Know your "Why" and the missions of USCGA

Some true stories, some maybe not so true stories...you decide!  Ten folklore stories that you might hear while at the United States Coast Guard Academy.0:00-8:30- Catching up with USCGA wrestling-updates of the past week. National Gratitude month, CGA Crossfit Games, Scavenger Hunt and more!!  Tune in for the story about the spicy donut!8:30-10:45- 1. Chapel Light Story10:45-13:20 - 2. USCGA Bear Mascot Story13:20-14:40- 3. The Chase Hall riddle14:40-17:35 - 4. The Hidden Museum17:35-19:40 - 5. Alternate location for USCGA19:40-21:34 - 6. The Hidden Tunnels at USCGA21:34-22:10- 7. Athletics Hall of Fame22:10-25:00- 8. The Henriques Room Ceiling25:00- 29:00 -9. Why are you hiding that large chain?29:00 - 31:30 -10. The SPARs

0:00- 2:10-Accomplishments aren't a big deal to Coach Bratland.  Coach Bratland tells the tattoo story!2:10-3:25-Coach Foley tells a story about his tattoo!3:25-9:45-Coach Bratland talks about his path to being hired and why he decided to apply for the head wrestling coach position at the United States Coast Guard Academy.9:45-13:30Coach Bratland talks to his wife Lindsi and decides to take the position as the Head Wrestling Coach of the United States Coast Academy.  Coach Bratland answers the #1 questions he gets from recruits.13:30-19:00-Coach Bratland talks about how adversity/obstacles and his "Aha moments" has shaped his demeanor and who he is today.19:00-21:00-Coach Foley talks about a great book and what he learned from it.21:00-22:30-Coach Foley talks about choices and although hard, we choose our hard!  He also gives Coach Bratland some compliments!!22:30-25:30-Coach Bratland talks about how you should never stop supporting people because you never know when you words will be impactful.25:30-28:30-Coach Bratland tells parents, recruits, etc. what he would tell them about  how they would be treated if they came to the United States Coast Guard Academy.

0:00 - 2:50 - Coach Bratland makes easy recruiting work for Milboy2:50 - 6:30 - The Wartburg Experience, Coach Bratland's first tournament in a Wartburg singlet, Coach Bratland gets ejected!6:30 - 8:00 - Coach Bratland discusses Lollipop Moments (Ah Ha Moments), what they are.8:00- 12:30The Ravil experience and how this Lollipop Moment  helped Coach Bratland turn the corner, and break down mental barriers preventing him from being successful.  Once you make up your mind to not quit...it gets harder and harder to quit! 12:30 - 13:37 - Coach Bratland didn't have mental toughness, emotional intelligence...just work harder meant physically harder to him, not working on mental skills.13:37 - 14:30 - Coach Foley tells a story of some of Milboy's compliments to Coach Bratland14:30 - 16:35 Why mental toughness and emotional intelligence are important!  Confidence in self and fighting are more important than winning.16:35 - 18:30 - Which Wartburg national championship team is the best national championship team?18:30 - 21:20 - Coach Bratland discusses why he got into coaching.  21:20 - 25:40 -Transformative experiences and mentors that have helped shape Coach Bratland's coaching philosophy, and used all of those experiences to overcome adversity and doubt.25:40 - 31:40 - Coach Bratland's mindset now, and his story of when he competed in a Navy Seal Fitness screener.31:40 - 33:15 - Looking for a challenge is fun!  

0:00-2:03 - Introduction of guest Coach2:03-4:51 - Not bragging, but bragging talk - a list of guest Coaches credentials not only in wrestling, but Strength and Conditioning credentials as well.4:51-10:00 - Guest Coach introduces himself and gives some background information about himself such as where he grew up, where he went to high school, and drops some BIG names such as a world champ that are also from this tiny rural town.  These guys along with a wrestling family provided role models for Coach during his youth.10:15-14:30- Stories of early wrestling years and early adversity, and how Coach dealt with this adversity, sticking with the sport and having a successful high school career.14:30- 16:50 - Coach heads to college as part of the #1 recruiting class in the country along 4x undefeated NCAA  Champion Cael Sanderson.  He talks about this experience and the continued adversity he faced at ISU.16:50- 19:00 - Coach leaves ISU and heads to a division 3 school.  Again, trials and tribulation push Coach to leave school once again.  This new adventure did not include wrestling or school, but a life of manual labor. 19:00-22:00 -  Coach takes a high school coaching position at his alma mater and speaks how this experience  begins to shape his outlook on coaching.  This experiences teaches him how much he doesn't know about coaching and how to treat student-athletes. 22:00-24:00 Coach starts to figure it out and along with some persuasion coach makes some important decisions for his future.

In this Episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss The Tail End.  This article was written by Tim Urban and can be found on his blog at www.waitbutwhy.com.  We encourage you  to check it out!!  This article puts in perspective not only how important time is, but also what we do with our time.  Live with intention!

In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss the topic of Essentialism.  Made popular by Greg McKeown's book "Essentialism" The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.  Also, check out "Chasing Excellence" podcast episode 145 where Greg interviews Ben Bergeron.  Do more by doing less!

In this episode of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley revisit what living the The SPAR Life means.  They revisiting a few topics from their very first podcasts and ultimately the reason this podcast was started.

In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley talk with First Class Cadet wrestler Jessup Pawelczyk.  Jessup is taking on a physical challenge of completing Hero Workout "Murph"  Listen in as he talks about his challenge and how it has changed him both physically and mentally.

In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley speak with United States Coast Guard 1970 graduate Tom Mills.  Tom wrestled at the Coast Guard Academy where he was a 2x New England Conference finalist and 2x NCAA Qualifier.Tom tells some exceptional stories about his time at USCGA and how this guided him to becoming a lawyer and opening his own law firm.  Tom was either "Lucky or Good", but he always found a way to surround himself with great mentors to guide him on an upward trajectory to accomplishing his goals.

In episode 13 of the SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley talk with the Coast Guard Academy's new Head Volleyball Coach, Mark Thomas.  Coach Thomas tells them how things came full circle when he was hired as the Head Volleyball Coach at USCGA.  Coach Thomas talks of his values and philosophy as he looks to build Coast Guard Volleyball into a national contender!

In this episode of The SPAR Life, Dr. Snow educates Coach Bratland and Coach Foley about the philosophy of Objectivism.  What it is and how it can be implemented it your life in the pursuit of happiness.

In Episode 11 of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley welcome back a fellow host.  They also answer a few questions from listeners in regards to money, passion, and the trade secrets of coaching at USCGA.

In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley continue to talk about Swab Summer (Boot Camp).  They interview Senior Chief John Lercara as he takes us through Swab summer through the eyes of someone that has boots on the ground.  Senior Chief Lercara talks about his role in Swab summer, the value of it to the so-to-be cadets, and about his career in the United States Coast Guard.

As the Coast Guard Academy's Swab Summer just ended, Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss what Swab Summer is and what type of experience the young men and women of the United States Coast Guard Academy just had for the last seven weeks.

In S2, Episode 8, of the SPAR Life, Coach Bratland and Coach Foley talk with LTJG Matt McAllister.  Matt is a former Coast Guard Academy grad and wrestler.  His email to Coach Bratland sparked the Lead From the Front episode, so we decided to get him on the show to discuss the email, what he is doing now, and the lessons he learned at the Coast Guard Academy and on the wrestling team that has allowed him to LFtF or Lead From the Front.  Matt's Lead From the Front mentality helps build culture, get buy-in, and to be the tip of the spear in leadership.  

In this episode Coach Bratland and Coach Foley discuss an email they received from a former Coast Guard wrestler on leadership, culture, and its importance in not only coaching wrestling, but in any team, unit, family, etc. 

In this Episode of The SPAR LIFE Coach Bratland and Coach Foley test their knowledge of each other as show host Dr. Snow presents the first ever USCGA Wrestling Coaches, "The Newlywed Game!

In this episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow have Coast Guard Wrestling's 2x National Qualifier and NWCA All-American Patrick Irwin on to discuss his upcoming future plans and his most recent challenge of running four miles, every four hours, for forty-eight hours.

In this Episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow talk about pursuing excellence in your chosen field.  This may be your occupation, your education, a sport, or just something you enjoy doing.  They also discuss past stories and mistakes they have made and how they have used those experiences to be better versions of themselves today.

In episode Three of season Two, Coach Bratland, Coach Foley and Dr. Snow...talk about the Netflix survival show, "Alone".  They dive into the mental battle of what it takes to be the last person standing.For more information check out the Joe Rogan podcast with Season 6, Alone winner Jordan Jonas.Click here to watch the Joe Rogan Interview w/ Jordan JonasQ and A with Jordan Jonas season 6 winner of AloneHereClick below www.jordanjonas.com

In this Episode of The SPAR Life Dr. Snow and Coach Bratland put Coach Foley on the "hot seat".  Coach Bratland and Dr. Snow dive deep into the inner workings of Coach Foley with 20ish questions about his life, philosophy, role models, and if he thinks a Hot Dog is a sandwich.  If you ever wanted to get to know Coach Foley then this is an episode you cannot miss!!

Does the Quarantine got ya down and the number on the scale up?  Listen to Ep. 1 of Season 2 of The SPAR Life for some tips, stories, and advice on how Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow have kept their workouts going during the quarantine.

In this episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr. Snow discuss the parable of the Mexican Fisherman and the American Business Man.  An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, that it only took a little while. The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish. The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor."The American scoffed. "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."The Mexican fisherman asked, "But señor, how long will this all take?"To which the American replied, "Fifteen or twenty years.""But what then, señor?"The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions.""Millions, señor? Then what?"The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

In this episode Kevin, Dylan, and Robyn discuss the highly controversial Netflix documentary "The Game Changers".  Are plant based diets the next step to unlocking your athletic potential?  Find out in this episode of The SPAR Life!

In this Episode Coach Bratland, Coach Foley, and Dr Snow discuss work/life balance.  Do successful people in their field have work/life balance?  How does society define work/life balance?  Sometimes you just need to take a Dyl-day and watch the Patriots play.

In Episode 23 of The SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan are joined by guest Dr. Robyn Snow.  In the second episode of a two-part weight cutting series the group discusses weight cutting, how to cut weight properly and the effects of poor weight cutting.  If you want to learn how to improve your performance through weight cutting this episode will help!

In this episode of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan discuss weight cutting in the sport of wrestling.  They dive into why athletes cut weight, some common myths and some of the key factors that really impede performance.  The episode is a preface to part 2 where they will talk more specifically about how to cut weight to be the best version of yourself in competition.

In this episode Coach Foley puts Coach Bratland on the hot seat, asking him thought provoking and imaginative questions that will help you get to know more about Coach Bratland.  Small disclaimer...In the movie Point Break the character's name is Bode not Brody. 

In this episode Kevin and Dylan discuss a winning philosophy vs. a performance based approach to athletic or academic performance.

In this episode Kevin and Dylan discuss their brand, The SPAR Life, and how they use social media to spread their message to their team, fans, and alumni.  Social media is a popular and powerful tool that is an amazing, free resource that anyone can use to spread their brand!

In this episode of the SPAR Life, Dylan flies solo as he discusses his 30 day challenges and the goals he has set for himself for the month of October.Starting from a challenge from a friend, find out how Dylan tries to make small improvements in his day-to-day life by developing habits that become a lifestyle.What goals will you conquer this month?

In episode 17 of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan discuss Kevin's experience spear gun fishing with wrestler and avid spear gun fisher Paul Detwiler.  Kevin's experience spurred a conversation about getting out of your comfort zone and if this is necessary to being the best version of yourself.  Adversity and discomfort create a vulnerability that as adults we don't like to admit often.  As coaches and parents we are the all knowing Yoda's to our children and athletes.  How important is it to hold on to the believe we are invincible vs. admitting we have fears, too?

In episode 16, Kevin and Dylan take their discussion of character one step further.  We all know good things happen to good people, but good things also happen to bad people.  How important is moral character such as lying, cheating, and stealing when determining a person's athletic, occupational success or personal potential?  Can a person be at the top of their profession despite lacking a moral compass?  Tune in to find out how core values can help guide you in decision making and becoming the best version of yourself.

In this episode of the SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan discuss the latest in the Antonio Brown-NFL saga and the balance of talent versus character. While New England celebrates the signing of a super-talent, Dylan laments the apparent character flaws in the star wide receiver. How important is character in the formula of success? Find out on this episode! 

In this episode Kevin and Dylan are joined by Lindsi Bratland the owner of Pure Barre Waterford.  We discuss raising your standard beyond what is considered "common" to the new standard of "uncommon".  The people you surround yourself with and the habits you create for yourself are not an overnight phenomenon to change.  The process is a journey that is unique to each of us.  Wherever you are in your self optimization journey the principles of the "uncommon" are invaluable to helping us create the habits required to reach our goals! 

In this episode Kevin and Dylan discuss their new hashtag #SetYourStandard.The conversation goes from individual ownership of choices, to a discussion on genetic predisposition, and to the role parents play in offspring's potential.What standard are you setting for yourself? 

In this episode of the SPAR Life Dylan is at the National Wrestling Coach Association Leadership Academy where he catches up with fellow leadership grad Cam Simaz.Cam was a 4x D1 All-American for Cornell, winning the 2012 National Championship. Naturally inquisitive, he and Dylan hit it off right away, finding out they had plenty of similarities - Including coaching at military schools.Cam is now the Assistant Coach at SDSU, and discusses his journey through coaching, the relationships he's made along the way, and the standards he set for himself in order to reach the heights he did as an athlete. 

In this episode of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan discuss the definition of a coach and explain why the dictionary definition does not encompass what it takes to be a successful coach.  Successful coaching is similar to owning and operating a boutique fitness studio.  If you have ever stepped into a well run boutique fitness studio you will understand and appreciate how the experience is revolved around YOU...your fitness goals, your experience, your community!  Relationships create the experience that make successful student-athletes and successful boutique fitness studios!