Jim Shapiro: Transforming Lives through Football and Faith

Transforming Lives Through Football and Faith

Join Greg Inglin as he welcomes Jim Shapiro, renowned head football coach and dedicated foster care parent, for an authentic discussion on character development, the art of positive coaching, and foster parenting. Known for building team culture at King’s High School, Jim’s approach to transforming lives through faith and football goes far beyond the scoreboard. Over 32 years, he has shaped the lives of young athletes and fostered over two dozen children, showing that fostering children and coaching football both share deep lessons in selflessness and resilience.

Jim shares powerful stories about fostering children—how embracing the joys and challenges of being a foster care parent has influenced his work with young men on the football field. He explains why building team culture starts with encouragement and how positive coaching creates lasting change. You’ll hear about overcoming negative self-talk, the power of words and mentorship, and proven strategies for character development that work for coaches, parents, and business leaders.

What You Can Expect from This Episode:

- Jim Shapiro's personal journey as a coach, foster dad, and mentor

- The emotional challenges and rewards of foster care and adoption

- Lessons from coaching legends and using love, not fear, as motivation

- Building team culture through selflessness and encouragement

- How sports and faith intersect to shape resilient leaders

- Advice for young coaches, parents, and business leaders alike

Guest Resources:

Jim on Twitter/X: @JimShapiro

Better Fundraising: betterfundraising.com

About Guest: Jim Shapiro has led Kings High School football for over three decades, mentored thousands of teens, and fostered 24 children. He is an author, nonprofit advisor, and passionate advocate of character-driven leadership.

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Want to skip to the good part? Here’s this episode’s segments:

00:00 The Journey of Foster Care and Adoption

06:59 Coaching as a Calling

12:56 The Impact of Coaches

18:56 The Power of Words and Encouragement

22:28 The Power of Self-Talk

23:35 Balancing Aggression and Sportsmanship

26:11 Transforming Young Men Through Coaching

27:36 The Evolution of Coaching Style

29:23 The Reward of Mentorship

30:32 Navigating Parent Relationships

32:17 Transformational Coaching Principles

33:16 Teaching Selflessness to Young Athletes

35:30 The Impact of Technology on Coaching

36:38 Navigating Disappointment and Loss

39:14 Encouragement for Young Coaches

41:01 Investing in Continuous Learning