Live.Learn.Sports. is your all-access pass to the heart of the game, no matter the level. Hosted by Dr. John Tobin, a sports veteran with an incredible 46 years of coaching experience, this isn't just another sports talk show. We bridge the gap between the pros, college athletes, and youth development, providing unfiltered insights and timeless wisdom that spans the entire sports ecosystem. Dr. Tobin taps into his lifetime of knowledge and sits down with a diverse lineup of coaches, players, trainers, and insiders to explore what it really takes to succeed—from the X's and O's to the mental game and life lessons learned on the field. Whether you're a seasoned coach, a dedicated player, a parent navigating youth sports, or a lifelong fan, you'll LEARN something new and LIVE the passion of sports with every episode. Subscribe and step into the locker room with Coach Tobin!
Matthew Pinard | The Doors, Prophecy, and the Spiritual Realm
In this episode, John sits down with author Matthew Pinard for a wide-ranging conversation about his life, spiritual experiences, and unusual connection to Jim Morrison and The Doors.
Matthew shares why he believes Morrison’s lyrics contain spiritual and prophetic meaning, how the band’s music has influenced his understanding of his own life, and the experiences that inspired his books, including The New Wine. He also tells the story of Paxton, a young boy diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, and explains how that relationship shaped his beliefs about prayer, miracles, life after death, and the spiritual realm.
The conversation also explores reincarnation, supernatural signs, artificial intelligence, biblical prophecy, spiritual warfare, the return of Jesus, and Matthew’s belief that the visible world is only part of a much larger reality.
The views and interpretations shared by guests are their own and are presented as part of an open conversation about faith, spirituality, and personal experience.
15 Jun 2026
Harvey Araton | Youth Sports, NIL, and the Game We’re Losing
[AUDIO ONLY EPISODE]
In this episode of Live Learn Sports, Coach Tobin sits down with award-winning sports journalist and author Harvey Araton for a wide-ranging conversation on basketball, journalism, youth sports, and the changing landscape of athletics.
Harvey shares stories from growing up in Staten Island, his early days at the Staten Island Advance, his years covering sports for The New York Times, and his memories of legends like Willis Reed and the great Knicks teams of the 1970s. The conversation also explores how youth sports have become a massive industry, the pressure facing young athletes and families, and how NIL, the transfer portal, and money have reshaped college athletics.
It’s a thoughtful, nostalgic, and honest conversation about what sports used to be, what they have become, and what we should remember about why kids play in the first place.
8 Jun 2026
Robert Ticer | Coaches, Community, and Coming Home
In this episode of the Live Learn Sports Podcast, John sits down with Prescott Valley Chief of Police Robert Ticer for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Prescott, playing basketball, serving in law enforcement, and coming home to lead the community that helped shape him.
Chief Ticer shares stories from his days at Prescott High School, the coaches and mentors who influenced him, his early love for basketball, his career in law enforcement, and what it means to serve people he grew up with. The conversation also touches on family, marriage, grandkids, community leadership, traffic safety, old-school coaching, and the lasting impact adults can have on young people.
This episode is full of humor, local history, basketball memories, and meaningful reflections on influence, service, and legacy.
1 Jun 2026
The Backburner Story | Family, Business, and Serving the Community
In this episode, John sits down with local entrepreneur and Backburner Family Restaurant owner, Nick Calia, to hear the story behind one of Prescott Valley’s favorite gathering places. From growing up in Arizona and pursuing a career in firefighting to buying a small restaurant with his brother and navigating economic downturns, COVID, and nearly two decades of business ownership, Nick shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, family, hard work, and serving a community.
Along the way, the conversation explores employee culture, entrepreneurship, homeschooling, raising kids, financial wisdom, and why success isn’t always tied to a college degree. Nick’s daughter also joins the discussion, offering a glimpse into the family values that have helped shape both the restaurant and the people behind it.
Whether you’re a business owner, coach, parent, student, or simply someone who loves a good small-town success story, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.
Presented by: Chino Valley Heating & Cooling and Monterith Real Estate.
4 May 2026
George Hayes | The Game That Never Ends
John sits down with longtime friend George Hayes for a conversation packed with Staten Island basketball memories, old-school CYO rivalries, St. Peter’s stories, undefeated teams, legendary coaches, and the kind of friendship that can only come from decades of shared history.
George also shares about his life after basketball, from building a career in IT to raising athletic kids, retiring into full-time RV life, and finding a new competitive outlet in pickleball. Along the way, John and George talk about staying active, coaching the right way, the pressure parents put on young athletes, and why sports should build more than just players.
27 Apr 2026
Kevin Tucker | Hoops, Mentors, and Miracles
In this episode, John sits down with Kevin Tucker for a meaningful conversation about basketball, Staten Island, second chances, and the people who shape a life. Kevin reflects on growing up on Staten Island, getting cut from early teams, finding his way through basketball, playing at Curtis, Staten Island Community College, and Stetson, and eventually building a long career in education. Along the way, he shares stories of coaches who believed in him, the teammates who pushed him, the miracle of surviving a near-death accident, and why he now sees life as something to be deeply grateful for.
20 Apr 2026
Ralph Menar | From Staten Island to New York Basketball History
In this episode, Coach Tobin sits down with longtime coach, player, mentor, and basketball lifer Ralph Menar for a wide-ranging conversation full of unforgettable stories from the New York basketball world. From St. Peter’s High School memories and legendary coaches like Mo Hicks, to Puerto Rico, youth basketball, player development, nutrition, and some of the most talented names to come through New York City hoops, this episode is a deep dive into the people, places, and moments that shaped the game. It’s part basketball history, part personal reflection, and all heart.
13 Oct 2025
Billy Gazonas | The Secret Training of a Hermann Trophy Winner
This episode is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Billy Gazzonis, former Hartwick College soccer legend and winner of the Hermann Trophy, the highest individual honor in U.S. college soccer. Alongside his former classmate, John, Billy recounts his incredible journey from a heavily-injured high school player to the nation's best collegiate athlete. His path was defined by a moment of crushing rejection from his college coach, who told Billy he simply wasn't good enough to play on the varsity team. This doubt became the fuel for his intense commitment to "secret training," a philosophy of relentless, solitary practice that was focused on building internal conviction rather than external praise.
Billy shares the mental rigor behind his success, emphasizing the crucial need for "speed of thought" and 360-degree vision on the field, constantly looking and thinking three to four plays ahead. He contrasts his disciplined lifestyle with the college party scene and reflects on the quiet humility instilled by his family. This story is an essential listen for any athlete, parent, or coach, as it provides a powerful blueprint for transforming injury, rejection, and adversity into the unwavering dedication required to achieve excellence.
12 Oct 2025
Sandy Moss | A Great Adventure of Storms, Friendship & Faith
What happens when adventure collides with friendship — and both are pushed to their breaking point? In this episode, author and journalist Sandy Moss shares the true story behind her award-winning book, Terrible Loyalty, the gripping account of two men who set out to sail across the Pacific and found themselves fighting not just the ocean, but each other.
Sandy takes us behind the pages to explore how the voyage tested courage, faith, and the meaning of loyalty itself. Through storm-tossed nights and moments of raw honesty, the story reveals how deep friendship can endure even in life’s fiercest tempests.
It’s a story about risk, redemption, and what it really means to stay faithful—to your purpose, your people, and the call of adventure.
12 Oct 2025
John Moore | How a Basketball Camp Changed Everything
What started as a summer basketball camp became the turning point of Coach John Moore’s life — both personally and professionally. In this episode, the longtime Westmont coach and current University of San Diego assistant shares how a chance connection through Steve Lavin led to meeting his wife, Rachel, at the legendary Lavin Basketball Camp — what he calls Steve’s “greatest assist.”
From coaching alongside basketball icons to learning under legends like Chet Kammerer and Randy Pfund, Moore’s journey through small-college gyms and big-time programs offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the game. He reflects on the rich history of the Lavin Camp, its culture of excellence, and how it shaped generations of coaches and players across the West Coast.
More than X’s and O’s, Coach Moore talks about why he built his entire coaching philosophy around one simple idea: every basket should come from an assist. It’s a conversation about legacy, humility, and love — both for the game and for the people who make it worth playing.
11 Oct 2025
Drew Martin | From Staten Island to Ireland
In this episode, we’re joined by Drew Martin—former St. Peter’s standout, Cornell basketball player, and international professional. Drew shares his incredible journey from a unique Amish-Irish upbringing to the Ivy League, and later to playing and coaching basketball in Ireland.
He opens up about the values that kept him grounded amid peer pressure, how basketball became a vehicle for life lessons, and even the time his college coach—an intense Bobby Knight disciple—punched him during a game. Drew also reflects on his professional life as a global CIO, his spiritual journey walking the Camino de Santiago, and the people who shaped his perspective on generosity, leadership, and purpose.
From Staten Island street smarts to international influence, Drew’s story is a testament to discipline, integrity, and finding meaning through sport and service.
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