Welcome to Da Coach's Corner for August 2025!

The purpose is to inform, inspire and have a little fun along the way.

If you want to find out what coaching can do for you get in touch with me here.

Summer Fun The hot weather streak here in July & August is just what we live for. I've been biking along the Lakefront Trail, then jumping into the cool, clear water of Lake Michigan in Evanston. And there's our Farmers' Market for its bounty of fresh produce -- no garden needed. It's a short season but a treat to bask in the warmth. ☀️

The G.O.A.T. of Cycling Speaking of biking, let's hear it for Tadej Pogacar, winner of his 4th Tour de France. At only 26, he's poised to win many more. Each Tour is over 2,000 miles in 21 days, an amazing endurance feat -- I may not ride that far in a year!Just for fun there are mountains to climb -- I'm stickin' to the flatlands here. 🚴

What a Long, Strange 60-YEAR Trip It's Been If you thought 2015's Fare Ye Well was the Grateful Dead's last hurrah, guess again: Dead & Company, their latest incarnation, is playing 3 shows in Golden Gate Park to commemorate 60 years. One writer speculated they might be the first "immortal rock band" -- don't bury 'em yet. 🎸

Moment of Silence Please R.I.P. Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame player and great human being. During his 15 seasons he was the undisputed leader of a rising Cubs team. I attended the "Sandberg Game" in 1984 -- he hit 2 late-inning homers to beat the Cardinals, making him an instant legend and fan favorite. He will be missed. 🙏

I'm Faring Well Oh, yeah -- lest I forget, I have another anniversary of my 21st birthday this month. (I don't know why but this seems to happen every year ...😎)

War, Continued Israel 🇮🇱 and Ukraine 🇺🇦 continue their battles to establish peace in their countries. Global democracy is at stake here -- it matters to all of us. For humanitarian aid you can donate to the neutral International Red Cross here. ❤️

Book Recommendations I read 50+ non-fiction books a year -- it's where I find ideas to help my clients grow their business. Below are the ones I read this past month.

The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football Bill Belichick shares how to attain, then (more importantly) sustain success. A must-read even for non-NFL fans.

Loud and Clear: The Grateful Dead’s Wall of Sound and the Quest for Audio Perfection. Here's how the band, the sound technicians and the road crew created the monstrous Wall of Sound that revolutionized rock concert sound systems. (If you'd like a sample of the musical clarity it manifested, check out this show from 1974.)

This Dog Will Change Your Life A loving tribute to dogs from Elias Weiss Friedman, The Dogist, who has photographed thousands of these unconditional love machines.

John Hancock: First to Sign, First to Invest in America's Independence This bio explains why John Hancock should be revered like other Founding Fathers. He was first to sign the Declaration of Independence, funded much of our military effort and headed the first Continental Congress -- in essence, the first President of the USA.

Try Hard Creative Work in Progress Here's an insightful book about the challenges of staying creative in the music world from a guy I'd never heard of, Max Kerman, who founded a successful Canadian rock band I also never heard of, the Arkells. His ideas would apply to any entrepreneurial endeavor: Passion + Curiosity + Hard Work.

Gettysburg: The Tide Turns An Oral History In early July, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg turned out to be the deciding conflict of the Civil War. You'll read quotes from both North and South participants on the action and the horror of this struggle.

Brain Bytes Quick Answers to Quirky Questions About the Brain Is there a love hormone in the brain? Can I learn while I'm asleep? Is laughter really the best medicine? How does coffee wake me up? All and more will be revealed in this one.

Deadheads and Christians You Will Know Them By Your Love This one explains the similarities between these two seemingly diverse groups.

Financial Advisors I coach Financial Advisors around the country to help them grow their clientele. I always want to meet FA's, branch managers and/or fund wholesalers anywhere in the US. Your introductions are greatly appreciated. 

Audio Recommendation Want great ideas from Earl Nightingale, Brian Tracy, Tony Robbins and other personal development superstars? You can always go to Nightingale.com for hundreds of hours of motivational/inspirational/educational audios to help you stay on track with success.

Contribution  There are lots of ways you can "Pay It Forward" for good karma. If you want to contribute to a military veteran's transition to a civilian job like I do, sign on as a mentor with ACP American Corporate Partners Mentoring Program. Also, the American Red Cross will always welcome you to donate blood. 👍

Healing Thoughts If you would be so kind, please take a moment to send healing energy as I do daily to individuals you know who have serious health challenges or are dealing with difficult circumstances. Every positive thought helps, thanks. 🙏