Ways To Win

Author Ben Kaplan stops by to talk to Craig about writing his new book, Pipeline to the Pros: How D3, Small College Nobodies Rose to Rule the NBA,with the help of a childhood friend. Kaplan answers a question about how they maintained a successful friend/colleague dynamic. Then Ben discusses his own basketball journey, what makes "D3 guys" so special, and the unique connection he has with TNT Sports host Ernie Johnson.

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Former NCAA men's basketball coach and Philly legend Phil Martelli joins Craig to talk about facing new chapters in life and work. Martelli answers a question about making major career transitions. Then, he outlines basketball’s deep Philly roots, praises listening as an underrated skill, and talks coaching high school basketball with Geno Auriemma.

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joins Cal and Craig to talk about what it’s like managing some of the biggest names in sports. Roberts answers a listener question about handling pressure and what drives his desire to succeed. Then he talks growing up in a Japanese-American military family, joining UCLA baseball as a walk-on, and of course the Shohei Ohtani of it all.

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The head coach of the champion South Carolina Gamecocks joins Craig on her celebration tour. First she answers a listener's question about the role discipline has played in her career both on the court and on the sideline. Then the two talk about how Dawn instills discipline into her teams, and upholds the winning habits that make South Carolina a powerhouse basketball program.

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First up, Cal checks in to talk about athlete mental health, and assembling a roster at Arkansas. Then, former NFL quarterback Alex Smith joins Craig to discuss mentoring Patrick Mahomes, overcoming a devastating injury, and how he handled anxiety and self-doubt during his career.

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To start, Coach Cal checks in from his new office at Arkansas and talks about how he’s building his staff, establishing a new culture — and what it means to transition from one phase to another. Then former star Kentucky guard and 12-year NBA vet Rex Chapman talks with Craig about how he overcame some of the rockiest periods in his personal and professional life. At the end of the day, whether in sports or in life, it’s all about the teammates you surround yourself with.

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Championship-winning MLB manager and coach Joe Maddon sits down to chat with Craig. Joe helps a listener with some team-building advice. Then he lays out how he built a winning culture and a historic World Series run with the Cubs. Lastly, Joe explains the ingredients that make up great teams, why influencers make him laugh, and how his mom still holds him accountable.

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As the WNBA season nears, ESPN/SEC basketball analyst and Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings joins the show. She dives into the “pressure” #1 draft pick Caitlin Clark is under, tips for making it through the league’s training camp gauntlet, and what she learned during her own leap to the pros. Tamika also shares some poignant lessons from her college coach, the luminary Pat Summitt.

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March Madness is over (congrats to South Carolina and UConn!) and award-winning ESPN/NBC broadcaster LaChina Robinson stops by to debrief with Craig. She speaks on her experience watching the total solar eclipse in Cleveland, the qualities that make Dawn Staley a living legend, and storylines she’s got her eyes on with the WNBA season around the corner. LaChina also shares her mission to pave the way for the next generation of media talent through her non-profit, Rising Media Stars.

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Craig catches up with Coach Cal in Phoenix to react to Kentucky’s stunning knockout, what’s next for him and the team and how he’s approaching recruitment and roster construction in the new world of the transfer portal and NIL deals.

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Head coach of the Connecticut Sun and ESPN analyst Stephanie White drops by to talk shop. She and Craig explore the women's tournament and its stars, the long-awaited rise of "WBB," and her preparation for the upcoming WNBA season. Also, Coach White reminisces on her journey to a national championship (and a Wade Trophy) at Purdue as a player, and of course, tells us who she's got winning the women's title.

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TNT Sports basketball analyst Grant Hill takes a break from calling tournament games to kick it with Craig. They dive into the madness on the men’s side, including big upsets, inspirational coaches, and what makes teams successful in March. Grant takes a short trip down memory lane, recounting his own tournament experiences playing for the legendary Coach K at Duke. And, we hear about the other Coach K (Kara Lawson, that is) and Grant’s thoughts on the women’s side.

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Coach Cal walks us through his preparation for Kentucky’s first round matchup with Oakland. Find out how his mindset changes (or doesn’t) come tournament time and how he helps his team soak in the moment. Plus, Cal gives us the scoop on his go-to tournament meals and movies that help him take his mind off of the grind.

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We kick off March Madness! President Barack Obama (and Craig’s favorite brother-in-law) drops by to break down his bracket. Find out who’s in his Final Four and how far he thinks Coach Cal’s Kentucky Wildcats will go (even if Cal doesn't want to know). Plus, the guys chat about how Cal's preparing his players for the first round of the tournament and what it takes to lead teams under pressure.

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Ways To Win will begin March 19th, during March Madness. It's one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Millions tune in to see who will become a champion. With Cal’s Kentucky Wildcats in the hunt, Craig will dial-up the hall-of-fame coach to learn all about the wins, losses and lessons along the way.

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