In this episode, JD Gravina, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Western Illinois University, joins Tyson to share his inspiring journey from leaving a stable computer engineering career to pursue his passion for coaching. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of coaching at both high school and college levels, the importance of grit, resilience, and embracing failure, as well as the impact of personal loss and servant leadership. Listeners will gain insights into betting on oneself, building strong teams, the value of perseverance and empathy in both sports and life, and so much more.

Topics in this conversation include:

• JD’s Career Leap: From Computer Engineering to Coaching (0:26)
• Early Influences and Family Background (1:52)
• Realizing Coaching Was His Calling (3:44)
• Facing Doubts and Social Pressures After Career Change (5:22)
• Financial Sacrifices and Early Coaching Jobs (7:10)
• Lessons in Grit and Perseverance from Small Town Coaching (11:39)
• Transitioning from High School to College Coaching (16:27)
• Building Confidence and Overcoming Early Setbacks (19:12)
• Advice for Young People on Taking Risks (21:43)
• Leadership Philosophy and Servant Leadership (25:16)
• Teaching Grit and Resilience to Athletes (27:20)
• Handling Personal Challenges and Supporting Players (29:59)
• Impact of Personal Loss and Grief on Coaching (33:03)
• Building a Supportive Coaching Staff (38:22)
• The Role of Purpose in Coaching and Life (40:59)
• Raising a Family in a Coaching Environment (43:09)
• The Value of Failure and How to Discuss It with Players (47:41)
• Advice for Those Afraid to Leave the Safe Path (51:19)
• What “All Grit No Quit” Means to JD Gravina (54:27)
• Connecting with JD and Parting Thoughts (56:46)

All Grit, No Quit is the podcast for anyone who’s ever been knocked down and refused to stay there. Hosted by entrepreneur and comeback coach Tyson Lawrence, each episode features real, unfiltered conversations with people who’ve battled adversity and came out stronger. From personal loss to professional failure, these are the stories of grit, resilience, and relentless determination. If you’re facing a fight of your own or just need a reminder that you’re built for more—this show is for you. Subscribe now at AllGritNoQuitPodcast.com and join the movement.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tyson Lawrence sits down with Rafi Kohan, author of "Trash Talk," to explore the fascinating world of verbal gamesmanship. Together, they unpack the history, psychology, and cultural impact of trash talk across sports, business, and everyday life, from ancient traditions to modern social media. Listeners will learn how trash talk shapes resilience, mental toughness, team cohesion, and leadership, with practical insights and real examples from legends like Muhammad Ali and Gary Payton. Key takeaways include understanding the fine line between banter and bullying, the importance of context and intent, how the tactics of trash talk can build grit and high-performance mindsets in any arena, and so much more.

Topics in this conversation include:

• Rafi Kohan’s Career and Writing Journey (1:47)
• Why Study Trash Talk? (3:00)
• Trash Talk’s Ancient Origins & Ubiquity (7:04)
• Trash Talk & Mental Toughness (12:28)
• Functions and Strategy Behind Trash Talk (13:47)
• Defining Effective Trash Talk (14:50)
• Timing and Science of Trash Talk (20:38)
• Competitive Incivility: Where’s the Line? (26:52)
• Personal Accountability vs. Bullying (33:10)
• Media, Race & the Stigmatization of Trash Talk (36:05)
• Trash Talk in Women’s Sports (42:01)
• The Social Media Effect on Trash Talk (45:38)
• Trash Talk’s Place in Business & Teams (51:44)
• Internal Banter, Team Cohesion & Leadership (59:00)
• Reconciling Leadership Styles: Lessons from Kobe & Jobs (1:06:24)
• The Toughest Interview: Chasing Gary Payton (1:08:25)
• The Art of Trash Talk: Ali, Intent, and Adaptability (1:10:03)
• What “All Grit, No Quit” Means — Willpower & Resilience (1:11:34)
• Connect with Rafi & Closing Remarks (1:14:36)

All Grit, No Quit is the podcast for anyone who’s ever been knocked down and refused to stay there. Hosted by entrepreneur and comeback coach Tyson Lawrence, each episode features real, unfiltered conversations with people who’ve battled adversity and came out stronger. From personal loss to professional failure, these are the stories of grit, resilience, and relentless determination. If you’re facing a fight of your own or just need a reminder that you’re built for more—this show is for you. Subscribe now at AllGritNoQuitPodcast.com and join the movement.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Topics in this conversation include:

• Terry Nooner’s Basketball Journey: From Player to Coach (0:26)
• Facing Adversity and Learning From Roy Williams (3:06)
• The Importance of Grit and Mental Toughness in College (4:54)
• Becoming a Team Leader and Lessons From Senior Year (6:15)
• Transitioning From Player to Coach, Family Influence (7:34)
• Early Coaching Experiences and Building a Top AAU Program (9:00)
• Consistency and Work Ethic as Keys to Success (12:01)
• Moving Between Coaching Jobs and Adapting to New Environments (13:26)
• Challenges at Maryland and the NBA Transition (15:00)
• Taking On New Responsibilities at Texas (17:20)
• Balancing Family Life and Coaching Demands (19:42)
• Involving Family in His Coaching Journey (23:39)
• Teaching Perseverance and Mental Toughness to Athletes (27:08)
• Using Tough Practice Scenarios to Build Resilience (32:40)
• Sacrifices Required for Greatness in Athletics (35:00)
• Pushing Through Hard Times and Building Grit (39:00)
• Achieving the Head Coach Position and Family Celebration (44:54)
• Support From Friends and Mentors in the Coaching World (48:41)
• The Power of Visualization and Believing in Yourself (51:40)
• Dealing With Imposter Syndrome as a New Head Coach (54:29)
• Final Reflections on Perseverance and Grit (58:49)
• Connecting with Coach Nooner and Parting Thoughts (1:02:58)

All Grit, No Quit is the podcast for anyone who’s ever been knocked down and refused to stay there. Hosted by entrepreneur and comeback coach Tyson Lawrence, each episode features real, unfiltered conversations with people who’ve battled adversity and came out stronger. From personal loss to professional failure, these are the stories of grit, resilience, and relentless determination. If you’re facing a fight of your own or just need a reminder that you’re built for more—this show is for you. Subscribe now at AllGritNoQuitPodcast.com and join the movement.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.