Most Recent “Building with Brick” Video Podcasts
Episode 19 (Parts 1 – 3): Ruth Murray, RN, BSN. – Ruth talks about a holistic, scientific method of connecting the Brain and the Body.
Episode 18: Consultant Chuck Smrt . – Chuck explains the how the NCAA Name, Image & Likeness Program works.
Episode 17: Consultant Chuck Smrt . – Chuck explains the who, the why, the what and the when of the new rules Transfer Portal rules.
Episode 16: Excerpt from book “So, You want to be a Coach” – the story of a corporate executive who made a drastic career change at the age of 50 to become a head men’s college basketball coach
Episode 15: Excerpt from book “America: Lost in Place – an analysis of life growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s vs. today
Episode 14: Jerry Reynolds – 35 Years an an NBA King
Episode 13: Chris Godfrey (Parts 1-4) – never giving up but surrendering to God led to the Super Bowl
Episode 12: Bill O’Connor (Parts 1-4) – a profile in resilience going from being cut as a frosh to becoming a HOF college coach
Episode 11: Rich Niemann (Parts 1-4) – From high school state champion to college star to the NBA & ABA, this 7-footer has seen it all
Bonus Episode: Joe Brickner is the guest on Redeemer Radio’s “The Sandwich Generation” podcast hosted by NY Giant Super Bowl Champ Chris Godfrey discussing winning teams and relationships
Episode 10: Tony Garofalo (Parts 1-4) – Chicago Cubs head trainer details his trip from high school volunteer student trainer to the big leagues
Episode 9: Mike Tharp (Parts 1-4) – International journalist Mike Tharp shares his story of how sports & coaches helped shape his distinguished career
Episode 8: Richard Konzem (Parts 1-4) – from freshman track manager to Senior Associate Athletic Director at Kansas University
Episode 7: John Brown (Parts 1-4) – Mizzou All-American, Olympian, 1st Round Pick of Atlanta Hawks
Episode 6: Analyzing the Final Four – A Coach’s Perspective
Episode 5: Coach Larry Holley (Parts 1-4) – Top Ten of All-Time Winningest College Men’s Basketball Coaches
Episode 4: A Memorial Tribute to Coach Chic Downing
Episode 3: Coach Bob Seggerson (Parts 1-4) – Ohio High School Hall of Fame Coach
Episode 2: Ken Berry (Parts 1-4) – Chicago White Sox All-Star Center Fielder
Episode 1: Introduction to “Building With Brick” Podcasts
Audio/Video Podcasts Format & Other Venues
Ruth Murray – Brain & Body Connections (Part 3)
- What is the Developmental Pyramid?
- What are some “hacks” that can be used to deal with sleeplessness, constipation, etc.
Ruth Murray – Brain & Body Connections (Part 2)
- Client Success Stories, including athletic teams
- Live examples of actual brain gym and rhythmic movement exercises
Ruth Murray – Brain & Body Connections (Part 1)
- RN & BSN, Brain Gym® expert
- describes & demonstrates how Brain Gym® & Rhythmic Movement Training address neurological issues
Chuck Smrt – Explaining the NCAA Transfer Portal
- Founder & President of The Compliance Group (TCG)
- explains how the NIL works
- differentiates between Collectives and Individual NIL groups
Chuck Smrt – Explaining the NCAA Transfer Portal
- Founder & President of The Compliance Group (TCG)
- 23 years of NCAA Consulting Experience
- 17+ years with NCAA Compliance Group
Excerpt from Book “So, You want to be a Coach…”
Audio Only
This is a short excerpt from Dr. Brickner’s first book, which is the story of a Corporate Executive who became a Head Men’s College Basketball Coach on his 50th birthday.
Excerpt from Book “America: Lost in Place” (Musings at 70+)
Audio Only
This is a short excerpt from Dr. Brickner’s latest book, which is an analysis of life growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s vs. today. Dr. B provides a summary of his findings and recommendations on helping America reach its potential.
Jerry Reynolds – 35 Years as an NBA King
- Assistant Coach
- Head Coach
- Director of Basketball Operations
- General Manager
- TV Broadcast Color Commentator
Chris Godfrey – putting others first
In Part 4 Chris talks about:
- John Cardinal O’Connor’s surprise guidance revelation
- Why he wrote “That’s Where I Live” & started Life Athletes
- Becoming involved in the Corps of Renewal and Charity (CORAC)
- His wise advice to players and coaches
Chris Godfrey – much more than a football player
In Part 3 of 4 Chris discusses:
- how his faith grew after his Green Bay experience
- his wife Daria, her faith & the sacrifices she made
- his book, “That’s Where I Live”
- his Christian organization Life Athletes
Chris Godfrey – from USFL to Super Bowl Champ
In Part 2 Chris discusses:
- how his life changed at age 23
- moving from def lineman to off guard
- teammates who were “Players who made plays”
- coaching mentors
- what the pre-Super Bowl locker room was like
Chris Godfrey – from Middle School Football to Super Bowl Champ
In part 1 of 4 Chris talks about:
- growing up in Detroit and being mentored early for success
- having to move to Florida his high school senior year
- coming back to Michigan to play for the Wolverines
- how playing for Bo Schembechler prepared him for the NFL
Bill O’Connor – Shared experiences from 41 years of coaching
In Part 4 of 4, Coach O’Connor talks about:
- any career regrets?
- advice for young coaches
- practices being relevant, competitive, and repetitive
- staying healthy & close to the game in retirement
Bill O’Connor – becoming Rockhurst U’s coach
In Part 3 of 4 Bill talks about:
- difference between coaching at 2 yr vs 4 yr college
- recruiting to a 4-year school
- attendance at today’s basketball games
- how his faith influenced his program
- how difficult a coach’s wife’s life can be
Bill O’Connor – lost his dad at 9 but still became HOF coach
In Part 2 of 4 Bill talks about:
- who his mentors were
- what he learned from his mentors
- recruiting to a remote location
- differences between small and major college players
Bill O’Connor – from being cut as a frosh to a HOF college coach
In Part 1 of 4 Bill talks about:
- Growing up in an Irish Catholic ‘hood
- Being cut from the team as a freshman in hs
- Being a senior hs starter on his top KC ranked team
- playing college basketball at a small college power
Rich Niemann – Advice from Expeirence
In Part 4 of 4 Rich provides advice on:
- getting to the next level as a player
- coaches relating to players
- coaching girls versus boys
- choosing a career
Rich Niemann – life after pro ball
In Part 3 of 4 Rich talks about:
- Choosing to become a teacher
- Keeping his mind and body healthy
- Volunteering in Retirement
- How Catholic Education and faith has guided him over the years
Rich Niemann – finding his way thru the NBA/ABA
In Part 2 of 4 Rich talks about:
- coaches from high school thru the pros
- Life lessons learned from teammates & coaches
- Why AAU after the pros
- Career after bball
Rich Niemann – from 2nd string high school freshman to the NBA
In Part 1 of 4 Rich talks about:
- at 7-foot, how basketball chose him
- winning a high school state championship
- playing college basketball at St. Louis U
- playing pro ball in both the NBA and the ABA
Bonus Episode: Coach Joe Brickner is interviewed on Redeemer Radio’s “The Sandwich Generation” Podcast by NY Giant Super Bowl Champion Chris Godfrey discussing winning teams and relationships
Tony Garofalo – Cubs Head Trainer shares his wisdom
In Part 4 of 4 Tony talks about:
- 3 of the highlights of his career
- how his faith influenced his career
- career regrets
- advice for those wanting to be athletic trainers
Tony Garofalo – Cubs Head Trainer, youngest in the Majors
In Part 3 of 4 Tony talks about:
- Founding the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society
- Where PBATS is today
- his relationship with players like Bobby Mercer & Bruce Sutter
Tony Garofalo – Cubs Head Trainer learning in the Minor Leagues
In Part 2 of 4 Tony talks about:
- Moving from college to the Cardinals’ Rookie League team
- what/who he experienced at the Cardinals’ AA farm club
- becoming the youngest AT in the majors
- how much athletic training has changed
Tony Garofalo – Chicago Cubs Head Trainer
In Part 1 of 4 Tony talks about:
- his early sports experience & where he got his competitive spirit
- progressing from high school to college to pro baseball as an athletic trainer
- why and how he chose Athletic Training as a career path
- his mentors along the way
Mike Tharp – advice for journalist wanna-be’s
In Part 4 of 4 Mike talks about:
- how Catholic Ed formed his work ethic
- faith life after 6 war zone experiences
- his latest fight with bone marrow cancer
- journalism careers & schools of journalism
- advice for pursuing a coaching career
Mike Tharp – the war zone years
In Part 3 of 4 Mike talks about:
- his experience in North Korea
- how basketball intertwined with his reporting career
- the effect agent orange has had on him personally
- lessons he learned from being in 6 war zones during his career
Mike Tharp – sports & journalism connection
In Part 2 of 4 Mike talks about:
- Coaches who influenced his journalism career the most
- Lessons from sports that most influenced his writing
- His take on today’s journalists
- basketball in foreign countries vs. foreign cultures
Mike Tharp – the early years
In Part 1 of 4 Mike talks about:
- Who influenced him to excel
- Where he got his competitive spirit from
- Becoming part of a college nat’l championship team as a walk-on
- How his high school and college teammates became life-long friends
Richard Konzem – faith, family, & leadership
In Part 4 of 4 Richard talks about:
- how his faith influenced how he managed his job
- how his job affected his family life
- how he hires people based on a set of principles he has developed
Richard Konzem – job change guidance
In Part 3 of 4 Richard talks about:
- how a new AD can make an impact
- his favorite memorabilia in his basement “museum”
- the importance of building relationships
- adjustments from going from an AD to being a coach
Richard Konzem – opportunities to learn from the best.
In Part 2 of 4 Richard talks about:
- his time working with Roy Williams, Bill Self & a myriad of KU football coaches
- interesting stories of hiring Coach Williams & the moment he knew Coach was leaving for North Carolina
- his favorite & least favorite KU assignments
Richard Konzem – from freshman track manager to Sr. Associate AD at KU.
In Part 1 of 4 Richard talks about:
- cut as a high school basketball freshman
- found way to stay intimately involved in athletics
- mentored by legendary KU track coach Bob Timmons
- lands KU job after getting Master’s at USC
John Brown had his #50 jersey retired and lifted to the rafters at Missouri in 2019.
In Part 4 of 4 John talks about:
- What role his faith played in his career/life
- His post-basketball business success
- Any regrets & a Calvin Murphy story
- Coaching as an occupational option
- His advice for young coaches
John Brown, from NBA to Europe to AAU age-division basketball.
In Part 3 of 4 John discusses:
- His favorite teammates, including Pete Maravich
- NBA Players that made plays
- The change in today’s NBA game
- Why he kept playing after his pro career
John Brown – Mizzou All-American, Olympian, Atlanta Hawks’ 1st Round Pick
In Part 2 of 4 John Discusses:
- Coaching differences at the high school, college and pro levels
- The 1972 Olympics
- His European Pro Experience
- How he Invested his pro earnings
John Brown was all-State, all-American, an Olympian & on the 1973-74 all-NBA Rookie team.
In Part 1 of 4, John talks about:
- His high school bball experience
- His college recruitment
- His success at the University of Missouri
- the coaches he most respected
Analyzing the Final Four
Coach Joe Brickner takes a short detour from his normal weekly in-depth interviews with successful coaches to spend time on this week’s podcast analyzing the four teams remaining in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. He looks at each team’s strengths and weaknesses & then predicts who will win Saturday & Monday.
In Part 4 of 4 of Coach Holley’s interview he talks about:
- any career regrets
- how his wives handled being a coach’s wife
- how he is staying close to the game
- why he wanted to be a coach & advice to young coaches
- his plans to write a book
In Part 3 of 4 of the series Hall of Fame Coach Larry Holley discusses:
- his recruiting strategy and network
- his take on the “Players Make Plays” concept
- the hurdles he faced in taking his college from NAIA D1 to NCAA D2
In Part 2 of 4 of the series Hall of Fame Coach Larry Holley discusses:
- who his coaching mentors were and what he learned from them
- what tactical strategies he used early in his career vs. later in his career
- how his faith influenced the way he coached
- if he had ever been ejected from a game over his 51 year career
Hall of Fame Coach Larry Holley‘s 919 career wins make him one of only 10 four-year college coaches (NCAA and NAIA) to amass 900 career wins.
In Part 1 Coach Holley talks about:
- his competitive nature
- his success in high school
- how he made his college choice
- why coaching after college
Personal Remembrance of Coach Matthew “Chic” Downing, 1949 – 2021.
In Episode 4 Coach Brickner talks about Chic Downing the teammate, the coach, the friend. Chic passed away February 22. Dr. B talks about:
- how their friendship grew
- stories only he and Chic knew about.
- what a great heart this man had
In Part 4 of 4 of the series Coach Seg talks about:
- dealing with potential scholarship players and their parents
- how he used his assistant coaches and managers
- creating a difficult playing schedule for his teams
- writing a weekly article for the local newspaper, The Lima News
In Part 3 of 4 Ohio High School Hall of Fame Coach Seggerson talks about:
- how his wife, Janie, dealt with being the spouse of a high school coach
- how his faith was incorporated into his coaching
- the concept of “Players Make Plays”
- his perception of the differences in coaching in high school vs. college
In Part 2 of 4 of the series Ohio Hall of Fame Coach Seggerson talks about:
- college coaching career opportunities
- dealing with parents as a coach
- how he dealt with losing 5 games by a total of 8 points in the Ohio High School Final Four before winning the championship on the final possession.
Bob Seggerson, Ohio High School Hall of Fame Coach
Coach Seg won 518 games in 32 years including the state championship in #518. In Part 1 of 4 of the series Coach Seg talks about:
- where he got his competitive edge
- his personal college recruiting experience
- what he learned from his college coach and other mentors.
Ken Berry, Chicago White Sox all-star (Part 4 of 4)
In Part 4 Ken discusses:
- his views on various concepts that are espoused in Coach Brickner’s book “So, You want to be a Coach…”
- Ken’s children’s books and his latest novel
Ken Berry, Chicago White Sox all-star (Part 3 of 4)
In Part 3 Ken talks about:
- how his coaching schedule affected his wife and their marriage
- his faith and how it affected his coaching
- getting fired
Ken Berry, Chicago White Sox all-star (Part 2 of 4)
In Part 2 Ken talks about:
- what he took away from playing for specific major league managers
- who were his mentors
- developing the whole person in his role as manager/coach
Ken Berry, Chicago White Sox all-star (Part 1 of 4)
In Part 1 Ken discusses:
- growing up in Topeka and where he got his competitive edge
- progressing through minor leagues to make the majors
Introduction to “Building with Brick” – Foundational Wisdom on Coaching, Careers, and Christ
Dr. Joe Brickner briefly explains how and why he decided to create a podcast based on the success of his book “So, you want to be a Coach…”
Audio/Video Podcasts Format
“Building with Brick – Foundational Wisdom on Coaching, Careers, and Christ” Video Podcasts are a series of interviews with successful coaches in not only sports, but business and ministry as well. Dr. Joe Brickner is a former corporate executive who changed careers at the age of 50 to become a head men’s college basketball coach. In “Building with Brick” he talks with successful coaches in a one-on-one interview format. Discussions include each coach’s specific coaching principles, motivation techniques and coaching philosophies. Stories are shared to provide examples of these concepts by the interviewees.
What’s Discussed
Also discussed in the interviews are the core principles laid out in Dr. Brickner’s book, “So, You want to be a Coach…” His book leads the reader through Coach Brickner’s journey from the corporate suite to the basketball court. The interviewed coach will discuss these core principles as they relate to their own coaching experiences. How their Christian faith entered into their coaching/managing will also be addressed.
Each episode of the “Building with Brick” Audio/Video Podcast will be entertaining as well as educational. Viewers will not only enjoy each podcast but will also be pleased with the take-aways received when watching each episode of Building with Brick.
Always entertaining, always educational – that is the goal of Building with Brick.
How Often and How Are You Notified
Each month a new guest will be interviewed by Coach Brickner. Most episodes will be divided into three or four parts, with each part being released in consecutive weeks. To be automatically notified of when each new episode is published, simply go to the “Newsletter Sign-up” page on this website and subscribe. It’s that easy!
Other Venues
The video podcasts can also be viewed on Dr. Brickner’s YouTube Channel. Each episode will be released on the same schedule as the website’s audio/video podcast.
An audio only version of each podcast can be accessed by going to the “Building with Brick” Audio Podcast page on this website or on any of the major podcast channels.
