It's all about the Team

Hosted by Jim Tressel

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Sep 2026

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About the show

It’s All About the Team is a compelling new podcast series hosted by Jim Tressel that delves into the heart of teamwork. Often individual achievement takes the spotlight, but this podcast shifts the focus to the collective power of people working together towards a common goal. It will explore successful and unsuccessful examples of teams.

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60 recent

September 15, 20261 hr 20 min

Ep. 62 | Senator Jon Husted

“You’re never going to play here.” Jon Husted remembers hearing those words as a seventh-string running back at the University of Dayton. He went on to become an All-American and a national champion. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted joins Jim Tressel on “It’s All About the Team” to share the story behind his journey from foster care and adoption to college football and the U.S. Senate. Growing up in rural Ohio, Husted learns the value of hard work from his parents and finds coaches who help him pursue opportunities he never knew existed. He recalls the challenge of earning his place at Dayton, the decision to turn down a coaching opportunity with Nick Saban and the unexpected path that leads him into public service. Husted and Tressel discuss learning from losses, earning trust and surrounding yourself with people who make the team stronger. Husted also shares a message for anyone who feels overlooked or held back by earlier mistakes: “You’re not trapped by your past.” Watch the full conversation, share the lesson that stays with you and subscribe for more episodes of “It’s All About the Team.” #JonHusted #JimTressel #ItsAllAboutTheTeam

September 11, 20261 hr 19 min

Ep. 61 | Tyson Gentry: The Power of Never Giving Up

Former Ohio State football player Tyson Gentry joins Jim Tressel on a new episode of “It’s All About the Team” to discuss his journey as a Buckeye, the practice injury that left him paralyzed and the people who helped him move forward. Gentry reflects on earning a spot as a walk-on, competing for playing time and embracing changing roles within the team. He recounts the April 14, 2006, scrimmage in which he broke his neck and shares how a letter he had written to encourage rehabilitation patients found its way back to him during one of his most difficult moments. Through stories about his family, coaches, teammates and medical staff, Gentry explains how his understanding of teamwork grew after his injury. He also discusses the support of his wife, Megan, his foundation’s work helping families affected by spinal cord injuries and lessons from his book, “Once a Buckeye.” The conversation explores perseverance, sacrifice and the impact a teammate can make—even when life changes the role they expected to play.

November 18, 20251 hr 24 min

Ep. 58 | Anthony Gonzalez: NFL, Congress, CEO

Anthony Gonzalez’s journey is one of the most remarkable transformations in modern leadership — from catching touchdowns in the NFL, to shaping policy as a U.S. Congressman, to now leading in the business world as a CEO. In this powerful conversation with Jim Tressel, Gonzalez opens up about what he learned from Tony Dungy, how the locker room prepared him for the halls of Congress, and why leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about service, humility, and consistency. He reflects on lessons from his family’s Cuban immigrant roots, his time at Ohio State, and how those experiences shaped his mission to create impact beyond the game. Whether it’s leading in Washington or building companies that invest in people, Gonzalez shares the mindset that’s carried him through every chapter. This episode is packed with raw honesty, mentorship wisdom, and stories that will inspire anyone chasing purpose in life — on or off the field. Watch until the end for his candid thoughts on leadership, faith, and fatherhood in today’s hyperconnected world. #Leadership #NFL #AnthonyGonzalez #JimTressel #BackInTheHuddle #Congress #Motivation #CEO #OhioState #TonyDungy #Inspiration

October 28, 202539 min

Ep. 57 | Jim Kelly

🏈 From 4 Super Bowls to 4 Cancer Battles — Jim Kelly’s Story Will Inspire You In this powerful episode, Jim Kelly sits down with Jim Tressel to talk about football, family, faith, and what it really means to never give up. From growing up in East Brady, PA, to leading the Buffalo Bills to four straight Super Bowls, Jim Kelly knows what it takes to win — and lose — with grace. But his biggest victories came off the field: overcoming unimaginable loss and fighting cancer again and again with faith and courage. 💬 “It’s not about the four Super Bowls we lost… it’s about never giving up.” This conversation dives deep into leadership, resilience, and the mindset it takes to keep going when life hits the hardest. 🎧 Watch now and be reminded that real strength isn’t about trophies — it’s about heart. #JimKelly #BuffaloBills #Motivation #Faith #Leadership #Inspiration #JimTressel #ItsAllAboutTheTeam

September 30, 20251 hr 14 min

Ep. 56 | Lee Thomas, Mark Summers, & Bill Summers: From Baldwin Wallace to Business Leaders

🌟 Ep. 56 | Lee Thomas, Bill Summers, & Mark Summers 🌟 What do sports, brotherhood, and leadership have in common? Everything. In this powerful episode of It’s All About the Team, Coach Jim Tressel sits down with Lee Thomas, Bill Summers, and Mark Summers to talk about lessons that go beyond the field: ✅ How teamwork and accountability shape your future ✅ The importance of mentors and learning from mistakes ✅ Fraternity bonds that last a lifetime and drive success ✅ Why culture always beats strategy in sports, business, and life ✅ The true meaning of brotherhood, family, and resilience From football fields to boardrooms, this episode proves that success is built on trust, culture, and the people you surround yourself with. 👉 Watch now and discover how to build stronger teams, better leaders, and lasting success. #Leadership #Teamwork #JimTressel #ItsAllAboutTheTeam #Brotherhood #culture

August 26, 20251 hr 12 min

Ep. 54 | Andy Andrews: 20+ Million Books Sold Worldwide

What does it really take to build a winning culture — on the field, in business, and in life? 🏆 In this powerful conversation between Jim Tressel and bestselling author Andy Andrews, you’ll hear stories that will change the way you think about leadership, resilience, and success. From living under a pier after losing both parents at 19, to writing a book rejected by 51 publishers before becoming one of the “5 Books You Should Read in Your Lifetime” on Good Morning America… Andy’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. 🚨 Key Moments You’ll Hear: 🔥 “You are who you hang around — and you become what you read.” 🔥 “The wrong question kept Bob Beamon from ever breaking his record again.” 🔥 “You’re going to try? No — you have to decide.” 🔥 “Don’t get mesmerized by the résumé — culture always wins.” 🔥 “True culture wins all the time — and you can’t fake culture.” Whether you’re an athlete, leader, entrepreneur, or parent, these lessons will inspire you to push past average, stop settling for “great,” and relentlessly pursue the best. 👉 If you’re ready to learn how to compete with culture, think differently, and lead at the highest level, this episode is for you. ✨ Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of It’s All About the Team. #Leadership #Teamwork #Motivation #JimTressel #AndyAndrews #CultureWins

August 12, 20251 hr 19 min

Ep. 53 | Bernie Kosar & Mike Tomczak

In this episode of "It's All About the Team," we're joined by two of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of football, Mike Tomczak and Bernie Kosar. They share incredible stories and life lessons from their time in the NFL, discussing championship teams, impactful teammates, and the importance of perseverance. 00:00:00 - Introductions 00:02:38 - The Chicago Bears Championship Team 00:05:26 - The Dallas Cowboys & Life Lessons 00:16:43 - Teammates Who Made a Difference 00:18:54 - Leadership from the 1993 Super Bowl Team 00:20:00 - The 1984 Big Ten Championship Team 00:22:43 - A Teammate from the 1983 National Championship 00:34:21 - Life Lessons from Football 00:44:21 - Mentorship & The Importance of Body Language 01:05:10 - Mount Rushmore of Quarterbacks 01:08:18 - Final Remarks #NFL #Football #podcast #sports #quarterback #footballpodcast #nflpodcast #footballlegends #Bears #BearsNation #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation #Cowboys #GoBucks #BuckeyeNation #OhioState #MiamiHurricanes

July 29, 202526 min

Ep. 52 | Back In The Huddle: Episodes 44-51 Review

🔥 Back in the Huddle: The ULTIMATE Team-Building Playbook! 🔥 Ever wonder what makes a truly great team? We're diving back into the best of "It's All About the Team" to bring you 4 game-changing strategies that will revolutionize how you build and lead! In this power-packed episode, you'll discover: The #1 Key to Success: Why hiring the RIGHT staff is non-negotiable for ANY organization, big or small. (Hint: It's not just about expertise! ) The "How You Do Anything" Mindset: Learn why excellence in one area spills over into EVERYTHING you do – and how to apply it to your team! The Power of Words: Uncover how your words can build or break team culture, and why positive communication is more crucial than ever. Get Them In Early! The secret to fostering a lifelong team mentality by engaging people from a young age. Featuring wisdom from coaching legends like Trent Dilfer, PJ Fleck, and Sherry Hare, plus insights from business leaders like Drew Sparrow (Sia) and Rick Blaze, this episode is a masterclass in leadership and team dynamics. Don't miss these essential takeaways that have resonated with so many! If you're ready to build an unstoppable team, hit play NOW! #TeamBuilding #Leadership #Motivation #Success #Culture #Hiring #SportsPsychology #BusinessGrowth #ItsAllAboutTheTeam #PodcastHighlights

July 15, 20251 hr 15 min

Ep. 51 | Drew Sparacia - GBX Group: Historic Real Estate Preservation Group

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Drew Sparacia from GBX Group, as he reveals the incredible work of revitalizing commercial historic buildings across the nation! In this eye-opening episode, discover how GBX Group has successfully transformed over 200 properties, preserving history and breathing new life into urban centers. From identifying and acquiring to rehabilitating and preserving, learn about the unique philosophy and powerful impact behind their projects in 25 states across the United States. If you're fascinated by architectural restoration, urban development, or simply love a good success story, this episode is a must-watch! #GBXGroup #DrewSparacia #HistoricPreservation #CommercialRealEstate #UrbanRenewal #BuildingRestoration #RealEstateDevelopment #Podcast #Interview #Viral #Architecture #History #CommunityImpact

July 1, 202555 min

Ep. 50 | Esther Buschau - The Cafaro Company: Managing 30 Million SF of Commercial Real Estate

Join us for an incredible episode of "It's All About the Team" featuring Esther Buschau, a true force in the world of commercial real estate! ✨ Discover the fascinating story behind The Cafaro Company, one of the nation's largest privately held shopping center developers with 30 million sq ft across 14 states! Esther reveals how her unique upbringing – from learning hospitality with "an extra empty plate" at dinner to her parents turning an old liquor store into a parish feeding the community – shaped her incredible leadership style and understanding of teamwork. In this must-watch episode, you'll learn: What it really takes to lead a massive enterprise and foster a thriving team culture. The surprising lessons from childhood that built a foundation for success. Why "the mission" always comes first and how it unites a team. The power of continuous communication in keeping everyone on the same page. Plus, a hilarious story about a sudden job offer and a challenging drive! Esther Buschau embodies true dedication and community spirit. If you're passionate about leadership, company culture, or just love inspiring success stories, this episode is for you! #TheCafaroCompany #EstherBuschau #Leadership #Teamwork #RealEstate #ShoppingCenterDevelopment #ItsAllAboutTheTeam #Podcast #BusinessInsights #Community #Inspiration #ViralPodcast