The Leave It Better Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Spiking it to Cancer Through Precision Treatments, with Dr. Mariaelena Pierobon Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Just like you need the right player in the right position to win in volleyball, new cancer treatments are putting the right methods in place to help patients beat their disease. Dr. Mariaelena Pierobon is at the forefront of the battle to create precision medical solutions, specialized for individual cancer patients. Dr. Pierobon's work might be complicated, but the way she explains it is easy to understand: more people are getting more tomorrows.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

The 100/100 Approach: Coach Becky Schmidt on Volleyball Performance Preparation Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Hope College Coach Becky Schmidt and her teams have been to the NCAA Division III Tournament 15 different times in 20 years. Find out what it takes to sustain that sort of intensity and talent! Becky also shares how she utilizes her assistant coaches for maximum effect. Volleyball has changed over the years. Hear why your coaching methods may not be keeping up with the times.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

Humor and Healing: How Michigan Coach Kathy DeBoer Overcame Her Stroke Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

We all have setbacks, but the Michigan State University Hall of Famer Kathy DeBoer's setback nearly killed her. Kathy suffered a devastating stroke while she was Executive Director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, forcing her to learn how to talk and use parts of her body all over again. She tells Janice about the health risks she ignored, and about how positivity, persistence, and humor are helping her recover.

Kathy still has a challenging time speaking, but her strong will and hilarious attitude will leave you laughing while feeling inspired.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

The Heart of Coaching: Mentorship and Growth, with Ann Schilling Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

"If you stop learning, you need to stop coaching." That's the motto of Bayside Academy Head Coach Ann Schilling; a legendary volleyball coach with over 37 years of experience. Janice and Ann discuss her journey in coaching, her philosophy on leadership and team culture, and her personal battle with breast cancer. Ann shares how her cancer diagnosis changed her entire outlook on life and her relationship with God. Hear about the significant experiences that have shaped her methods of passing on life lessons to her young athletes. This powerful conversation highlights the significance of resilience, faith, and the impact of sports on personal growth.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

A Trainer for the Next Generation of Volleyball Stars, Cathy Noth Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

From hall-of-fame player, to the best personal trainer volleyball has to offer, Cathy Noth is here to tell you her methods to shaping young athletes into future stars. As a former Nebraska Husker and NCAA champ, Cathy became the first Nebraska female student-athlete to have her jersey retired. Listen for great step-by-step advice on how to help players improve their skills, and what parents can do today to help their kids.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

Empowering Voices: The Impact of Dig Pink Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

The Volleyball Cancer research Charity tournament, Dig Pink, is making lasting impacts, much of it thanks to several young leaders in high school across the country. The conversation revolves around the experiences of the teenage ambassadors of the Side-Out Foundation's Dig Pink program. Learn about their personal motivations, and the big lessons they've discovered as leaders in their schools, teams, and communities.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

Coaching Players AND Their Parents, with Roger Anderson Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

You can coach your players, but how do you coach their parents? Roger Anderson, Head Coach and Director of Health and Wellness at Westborough High School in Massachusetts shares his insights on coaching philosophy, the importance of community support. Hear why student-athlete well-being and mental toughness is significant on the court. Coach Anderson also shares the core values he instills in his athletes, and the lessons he imparts to both players and parents.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

A Coaching Career Built on Incredible Connections, with Ruth Nelson Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

If you want to be the best, you need experience. That’s where Ruth Nelson shines. As a volleyball coach at all levels of the sport over many decades, Ruth walks us through her lessons with some of the most influential volleyball figures in the history of the sport. A must listen to episode for young and aspiring coaches! Veteran coaches will appreciate Ruth’s stories and connections.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

Winning Wisdom & Fun Stories with 2x Olympic Medalist and NCAA Champ Haleigh Washington Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Hot off the court from the 2025 Paris Olympics with her Silver medal, Team USA’s Haleigh Washington shares the heart-pounding moments, the skills that carried the team, and how American volleyball can change its messaging.

Also, get Haleigh’s take on who the best players in the world are right now.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

From the Volleyball Court to the Lab – Our Fight Against Cancer, with Dr. Emanuel Petricoin Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

A special episode with a unique message of hope. The sport of volleyball is the carrier for the Side-Out Foundation’s mission to end breast cancer. On the frontlines of that mission is Dr. Emanuel Petricoin. He’s a pioneering researcher in personalized medicine, and Co-Director of the Center of Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine at George Mason University. Hear how his work with the Side-Out Foundation is helping transform how we treat breast cancer.

Links mentioned:

For more information go to www.side-out.org.
Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digpink
Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

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