Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast
Join Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock as they dive into weekly conversations about transformational coaching, stewardship, and performance safety. The Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast is a place for all coaches to join in on a conversation to help grow the game of basketball. Look forward to weekly episodes including conversations with coaches from across the country and around the world engaging in conversations around new concepts in the game of basketball.
Episodes
Points to Ponder - The Butterfly Effect
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Point to Ponder. On this episode, Mike shares the idea of the Butterfly Effect and his reflections from the 2026 Canada Basketball Nationals in Sherbrooke Quebec.
Kiera Lyons - Head Coach, Women's Basketball Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon sits down to chat with Kiera Lyons, the Head Coach of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Women's Basketball team. Kiera talks about her transition from athlete to coach, and the many roles in sport that she's held along her journey. She expands on building a program and establishing a culture for a young program and share
Point to Ponder - We Are All Learners
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This is another reflection from his time spent in Italy this summer at the Transforming Basketball Camp, working with coaches and athletes from around the world.
Jason & Danah Arnold - Performance Safety
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Jason and Danah Arnold. Jason and Danah hold many roles including as Team Managers for the Women's High Performance Program as well as running their own swim school, called True Blue Swim School. Jason and Danah are true pioneers in the world of Performance Safety and explore the ideas behind coach, athlete
Points to Ponder - Space, the Final Frontier
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This time from his experience at the Canada Basketball National Championships in Sherbrooke Quebec. Mike explore his thoughts on space and spacing.
CB Nationals Recap & The New Train to Train
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon catchup and debrief the conclusion of the Women's Canada Basketball Nationals Championship in Sherbrooke Quebec. They share some stories, some of the stories from the week, and what they love about Nationals. Then, they transition to sharing about the new revised Train to Train workshop and what coaches can expect if they
Points to Ponder - The Fingerprints Behind the Photo
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares a point to ponder on his reflection from his trip up to Yellowknife. This blog highlights all of the people who help make the game a great place to be. To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Ajay Sharma - Interim Head Coach, Women's Basketball Brock University
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay talks with veteran coach Ajay Sharma about a career built through mentorship, film study, and hard-won lessons from national championship runs. Ajay shares insights from legends like Anson Dorrance and Bobby Knight, the power of simple, repeatable language like "win the fight," and how competitive drills such as Game to T
Points to Ponder - Playing the Course You're On
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares a story of his time up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and how his time playing golf, allowed him to reflect on the various theories around skill acquisition. To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Pauline Lordon - From Player to Coach Developer
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Pauline Lordon, longtime coach, educator, mentor, and learning facilitator who has coached at every level of the game, from community basketball to university and national team programs. Pauline shares lessons from her coaching journey, the mentors who shaped her, and her thoughts on mentorship, building trust, cr
Points to Ponder - The Beautiful Game
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another Points to Ponder, this time about his reflection on the FIFA World Cup.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Chantal Vallee - Head Coach, University of Windsor Women's Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are joined by Chantal Vallee, Head Coach of the University of Windsor Women's Basketball Team. Chantal joins the podcast to share her extensive journey and history in coaching. She recounts stories of winning 5 straight USports National Championships, being the first Female head coach in the CEBL, and her new book that she recently publ
Points to Ponder - Defending Your Position
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Points to Ponder, this time on what it means to Defend Your Position. This episode does a deep dive on the intricacies of supporting athletes to become more intentional in guarding the ball.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Jhanelle Peters - Mental Performance in Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Jhanelle Peters. Jhanelle is a registered Psychotherapist and is the former Mental Health Clinician for the Toronto Raptors. She talks about about helping athletes perform under pressure and explores why anxiety isn't the enemy but useful information. Jhanelle also breaks down her "normalize, reframe, refoc
Points to Ponder - Batman and Robin, the Dynamic Duo
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares a Point to Ponder about Batman and Robin, Yes, you read that correct, but it's not quite what you think. Tune in to learn more about how the goal should be to develop athletes who can be both!To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Marissa Lindquist - Head Coach, Women's Basketball University of Alberta Augustana
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Marissa Lindquist, the Head Coach of the Women's Basketball team at the University of Alberta Augustana. Marissa was also the head coach of the 17U Team Alberta Women's team that won Gold at Canada Summer Games in 2025. Marissa explores her coaching journey as a former athlete and taking over a program for
Points to Ponder: The Missing Link in the Constraints-Led Approach
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Points to Ponder. This one revolving around the idea of using the Constraints-Led Approach in basketball and what we as coaches might be missing in our application.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
BONUS - Community Super Clinics and Kimberley Super Clinic Recap
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock share exciting news about Canada Basketball’s new partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to offer more Community Super Clinics across the country. From there, Coach Mike reflects on the meaning of stewardship, why it matters in sport, and how we can all play a role in leaving the game b
Jodi Gram - National Team Coaching, Mentorship, & Reflection
In this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike MacKay sits down with longtime coach, educator, and mentor Jodi Gram to explore the relationships, risks, and reflections that have shaped her coaching journey. From being tapped on the shoulder for opportunities she never thought she was ready for, to leading in high-performance environments and now mentoring the next generation of c
Points to Ponder - Gordie Herbert Podcast #2 Planning with Clarity
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another Points to Ponder, this time reflecting on his second conversation with Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Gordie Herbert.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Gordie Herbert Part 2 - Style of Play, NBA and FIBA differences, and much more
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike MacKay sits down with Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Gordie Herbert for a second conversation to dive deeper into Coach Herbert's coaching philosophy, style of play, NBA and FIBA differences, and much more. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the mind of a National Team head coach and an episode you definite
Points to Ponder - Gordie Herbert Conversation Follow-up
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike Mackay shares another Point to Ponder. This time, it's a follow-up on the conversation that Coach Mike had with Senior Men's National Team Coach Gordie Herbert and some of the lessons coaches can take away from his style and philosophy around the game.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: h
Gordie Herbert Part 1 - Head Coach, Senior Men's National Team
On this special episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are extremely excited to welcome the new Head Coach of the Senior Men's National Team, Gordie Herbert to the podcast. Coach Mike chats with Coach Herbert about his journey from playing on the National team, to coaching in Europe, to finding his way back to lead his country. Coach Herbert shares his personal coaching philosophy a
Points to Ponder - Languishing in the Familiar
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder on the term, Languishing. Not familiar with Languishing? Listen to the podcast to find out!To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Mailbag Episode - Answering Your Questions
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock take some time to answer some of the questions that coaches have submitted from across the country. The conversation covers all sorts of topics from Transition Defense to Performance Safety. To submit a question of your own, send an email to coaching@basketball.ca with "Podcast Question" in the sub
Points to Ponder - Defensive Decision Making
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike explores the UAE compass as it relates to defensive decision making.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlhLifetime Game Plan Pro Membership (Available until June 15th, 2026): gameplanbasketball.caFree Game Plan account required to access the Lifetim
Feedback and Crucial Conversations
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon discuss the topics of delivering feedback to athletes to help prepare coaches for having those crucial conversations. Mike and Brandon explore different types of feedback, when to give feedback, and how to set yourself up for success ahead of time. Then, the coaches finish the episode with some scenarios that coaches may e
Points to Ponder - Feedback and Clarity
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder on the importance of Clarity in delivering Feedback.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlhLifetime Game Plan Pro Membership (Available until June 15th, 2026): gameplanbasketball.caFree Game Plan account required to acc
Jon Goodwillie - Video Breakdown: Transition Offense and Transition Defense
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Jon Goodwillie is back in the studio to breakdown game film with Coach Mike MacKay. Jon and Mike chat through offensive and defensive transition concepts and provide coaches with ideas on what to look out for when watching film. To view the video version of this podcast, head on over to Game Plan (gameplanbasketball.ca) and subscribe to Ga
Points to Ponder - Designing the Vibe
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Points to Ponder, detailing his experience getting spend the weekend shadowing the Portland Fire's coaching.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
The 4 Levels of Leadership
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching podcast, Brandon and Mike talk through the important topic of Leadership. Through leadership, they explore Mike's 4 Levels of Leadership along with the core tenants of Transformational Leadership. Then, as the episode wraps up, they hit the film room to break down some on-court concepts.
Points to Ponder - When Silence Becomes the System
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Mike shares another Point to Ponder, this time on the Social System that exists within teams.To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Jon Goodwillie - Former Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach & Senior Men's National Team Assistant Coach
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are extremely excited to welcome Jon Goodwillie onto the podcast. This is the first episode of a 2-part sitdown with Jon that explores his coaching journey as well as stories from his time coaching in the NBA and with the National team. This is an episode you do not want to miss!
Points to Ponder - Vibe Coding
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another one of his Points to Ponder. This time, he shares an AI analogy, of Vibe Coding and how it relates to coaching Basketball. This one will really get you... pondering!If you're interested in receiving the written versions of the blog, sign-up here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Reflection - Learning to Think about your Thinking
In this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon Brock and Mike MacKay explore reflection as one of the most important, and most overlooked, skills in coaching. Moving beyond the traditional end-of-practice debrief, they unpack how reflection can be used before, during, and after training to help athletes think more critically, make better decisions, and take greater ownership of
Points to Ponder - Are we Guiding or are we Guessing
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares his recent Points to Ponder Blog post titled are we Guiding or are we Guessing, which explores the intentionality of coaching and teaching. This is a great quick episode if you're thinking about the ways in which you implement your coaching. Sign-up to receive the Points to Ponder Blog as soon as it's released by signing up her
Betsy Butterick - Coaching "Kids These Days"
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Betsy Butterick, coach, communication specialist, and author of Kids These Days, to discuss how coaches can better connect with and coach today’s athletes. The conversation explores co-creation, communication, emotional regulation, failure recovery, and the importance of care and connection before challenge. Betsy
Points to Ponder - When Coaches Step Back: What 3x3 Can Teach Us About Leadership, Emotion, and the Storm
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This time, on his observations watching a Youth 3x3 event. Listen and consider some of the benefits that 3x3 can provide your basketball programs!If you're interested in receiving the text version of this blog post, subscribe to receive them here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Motivation - Are you Building Fear or Freedom
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike and Brandon dive into the concept of motivation through a practical coaching lens, exploring how everyday coaching decisions can shape, shift, and sometimes unintentionally disrupt athlete motivation. Building on ideas from self-determination theory, they unpack the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and intr
Points to Ponder - The Mentors we Don't Always See
On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike share his most recent blog post remembering some of this mentors who have recently passed away. Sign-up to receive the blog post as soon as it comes out here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Alan Keane - MVNT Sports - Coaching Through Curiosity
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Alan Keane, performance psychologist, coach developer, and co-founder of MVMT Sports, to discuss coaching with care, developing self-aware athletes and coaches, and designing learning environments that translate to performance in the storm. Their conversation explores the principles of care in coaching, including
Points to Ponder - They didn't just win the NCAA, They Grew Into It
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike explores his recent Points to Ponder Blog Posts on the NCAA Division 1 Men's and Women's Championship teams. Specifically on the growth that those coaches and teams experienced that allowed them to have success. If you're interested in reading the full Blog Post, head to gameplanbasketball.ca. If you're looking to receive the Blog Pos
Intentional Practice Planning - Part 2
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon continue their discussion on intentional practice planning. This episode does a much deeper dive into the what's and the how's of practice planning and encourages coaches to consider the smaller details of what they include in their plans to ensure that their activities align with their intention and intended impact.
Dianna Ros - Head Coach, University of Toronto Women's Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike is joined by Dianna Ros, Head Coach of the University of Toronto Women’s Basketball team. Dianna shares her path through the game—from being a standout player at McGill University to national team involvement, her first head coaching opportunity at Bishop’s, and now guiding the University of Toronto Varsity Blues program. Togeth
Bonus Podcast - Kimberley Super Clinic and USports Nationals
On this Bonus episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon sit down for a quick catchup on what's been happening in basketball in Canada. On this episode, Mike and Brandon will recap their recent trip to Kimberley BC, the Women's USports National Championship, and some of the recent NCAA basketball games.
Intentional Practice Planning - Part 1
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon sit down to chat through getting a team up and running for the spring season and the intentional thought process that goes into Planning a Practice. This is Part 1 of a 2 Part series on Practice Planning and is designed to help coaches consider some critical pre-planning elements before they get to a practice.
Christa Eniojukan - Head Coach, York Women's Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Christa Eniojukan, Head Coach of the York University Women's Basketball team. Christa shares her journey from playing to coaching, her time as a teacher, her time with the National team, and balancing wearing multiple hats as a coach and mother.
Team Selection - Planning for Success From the Start
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Brandon and Mike explore ideas around team selection. The podcast explores topics that a coach might want to consider when it comes to selecting a team. What to consider before your tryout starts, how to facilitate a tryout with performance safety, and most importantly, how to select and deselect athletes with dignity.
Isabel Ormond - Head Coach, McMaster Women's Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon and Mike sit down with Isabel Ormond to explore the ideas, habits, and philosophies shaping her growth as a coach and educator. From metacognition to mentorship, and from reading widely to embracing imperfection, Isabel offers clear, thoughtful insights that coaches at every level can learn from.Key Topics DiscussedThe Scholar-Coac
Dave Maxin - Understanding Referee Points of Emphasis for Coaches
On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Coach Mike is joined once again by Manager of Officials Development David Maxin from Canada Basketball. On this episode, Mike and Dave discuss the National Points of Emphasis that the referees across the country have been focusing on this past season. This is a great one for coaches who are looking to understand more of the language and rul
Carly Clarke - TMU Women's Basketball Head Coach, Senior Women's National Team Assistant Coach
On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Carly Clarke, to talk about her coaching journey, building relationships, establishing culture, and stories from a long career. Carly also explores developing assistant coaches and navigating the highest pressure moments in the game. This is a podcast you won't want to miss!
Coaching in the Storm
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon explore coaching in the storm of the game. Importantly, they explore the different practice environment coaches can design to help encourage the type of learning and transfer that can help get the concepts taught in practice to show up in the game. There are lots of visual elements in this podcast and if you're looking to
Ashley Hoitink - Provincial Team and Transformational Coaching
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Ashley Hoitink, winner of the Mike MacKay Transformational Coaching award and Manitoba Provincial program coach. Ashley shares her journey in coaching, ways in which she emphasizes building relationships, and planning to compete at a summer nationals. *Note this episode was recorded in the Spring of 2025.
Tracking and Monitoring (Analytics)
On this episode of the Canada Basketball coaching podcast, Mike and Brandon follow-up on the episode with Phil Jevtovic that focused on Performance Analytics to talk about Tracking and Monitoring. In the episode, the coaches explore the importance of planning and environment design as well as the surprising role that interventions play in our coaching (it's not what you think). Then they explore d
Understanding Criteria Fouls with Referee Dave Maxin
Ever wonder what goes into the decision-making process for officials when making close calls in a split second? On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching podcast, Coach Mike is joined by Dave Maxin, the Manager of Officials Development at Canada Basketball. On this episode, Dave breaks down what criteria fouls are in FIBA and what the difference is in the game. This podcast has lots of vid
Marlo Davis - U19 Women's National Team Head Coach
On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Marlo Davis, the Head Coach of the U19 Women's National Team to talk about his journey from playing to coaching, coaching styles, and building relationships with the athletes he works with.Editor Notes: This was an episode recorded back in 2025 before the team competed.Tune in and enjoy!Visit gameplanbasketball.ca
Performance Safety
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon sit down to reflect on the episode with Keira Dyck and explore more concepts around Performance Safety. The coaches chat through some important concepts like coaching through Clarity, Compassion, and Curiosity, as well as balancing the Challenge and Support the athletes we work with are facing.
Phil Jevtovic - Assistant General Manager, Men's 3x3 and HP Analytics
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Phil Jevtovic, Assistant General Manager of Men's 3x3 and High Performance Analytics to talk about Phil's journey in basketball and how he ended up as an Assistant Coach with the Senior Men's National Team. This episode does a deep dive into using 3x3 to teach the game as well as using performance analytics in bas
Keira Dyck - Coaching with Compassion in Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Keira Dyck, a Master's student at the University of Saskatchewan and Provincial Team assistant coach to discuss her journey in basketball, along with her research surrounding coaching with compassion.
2025 Year in Reivew
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Mike and Brandon sit down to review some of the trends in basketball from the past year. From the resurgence of motion offenses and zone defenses, the coaches explore some of the big concepts that really took off. Happy Holidays
Murriel Page - Assistant Coach, Senior Women's National Team
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Murriel Page, Assistant Coach for the Senior Women's National Team. The conversation explores the unexpected journey of a coach from Mississippi State to Team Canada, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with players and specializing in post play. Murriel reflects on her pride in coaching and the u
Stewardship in Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon and Mike sit down to chat about Stewardship in the Game of Basketball. Mike provides a recap of his recent clinics in Montreal, Victoria, and Toronto which all surround the idea of building Stewardship. He follows up the learnings from those clinics with some stories that help to bring home the idea along with why it's so important
Micaëlla Riché - Executive Director, Layup Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike sits down with Micaëlla Riché — former NCAA Division I athlete, coach, Executive Director of Layup Basketball, and now a doctoral researcher exploring coaching methodology and athlete psychosocial needs.Key Topics Discussed1. Coaching as Stewardship & the Human Side of the GameMicaëlla and the hosts explore why coaches must act as
Mike Meeks – Assistant General Manager Men's High Performance
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike MacKay sits down with Mike Meeks, the Assistant General Manager of Men's High Performance at Canada Basketball. Coach Meeks, who shares his journey in basketball from a young athlete to a successful coach. They discuss the influence of coaches, the differences between North American and European coaching styles, and the importance of
Welcome to the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast
Welcome to the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast!Join Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock as they preview and setup the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast. Look forward to weekly episodes including conversations with coaches from across the country and debrief conversations around new concepts in the game of basketball.
