Lasso Lessons: Ted on Life, Leadership & Learning

S3E8: "We'll Never Have Paris"

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:58:13 -0300

Ted worries that Dr. Jake plans to propose to Michele. Nate wants Jade to label their relationship. Keely deals with the fallout of a leaked video.

Join Cathy and Mike as they break down Season 3, Episode 8 of “Ted Lasso”, “We’ll Never Have Paris” with an eye towards adult development and leadership. How can you recognize whether your workplace has a culture of trust, and what can you do when facing a setback? Take a sad song, and make it better!

S3E7: "The Strings that Bind Us"

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:47:11 -0400

Keely & Jack and Nate & Jade navigate the ways of love. Sam anxiously awaits the arrival of his father, and gets into an online fight with the British Home Secretary about the fate of stranded refugees. Ted, Beard, and Roy pursue “total football” using some unorthodox training techniques.

Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S3E7, “The Strings that Bind Us” with an eye toward adult development and leadership. Jane Austen and Adam Smith amongst a “nation of shopkeepers”. How can you set a new strategy and get other people to embrace it?

S3E6: "Sunflowers"

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:58:00 -0400

Coach announces, “No curfew”: How will everyone spend their free night out in Amsterdam? Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S3E6 of “Ted Lasso”, “Sunflowers”. The team bogs down, Trent serves as mentor to Colin, Rebecca gets cozy with Gezellig, and Ted is inspired by Van Gogh and Tex Winters.

How can you use RAPID to make better decisions, and what would it mean to derive inspiration by making creativity a habit?

S3E5: "Signs"

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:15:00 -0300

In the wake of their big loss to Nate and Rupert's Westham, Richmond is struggling to get a win. Rebecca ponders maternity, Keely must fire a friend, and Ted deals with a (surprising) bully. Join Cathy and Mike as they break down Ted Lass Season 3, Episode 5, “Signs” with an eye towards leadership and adult development.

They discuss: The Dunning Kruger Effect, Compliment Sandwiches, No Rules Rules (again), and Jerry McGuire. What to do about truly problematic people, and what do disproportionate and proportionate responses look like? Finally, making purposeful choices a la Viktor Frankl.

S3E4: "Big Week"

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:47:17 -0300

With the big game between Rebecca’s Richmond and Rupert’s West Ham looming, will Ted and Nate reconcile? Join Cathy and Mike as they break down Season 3, Episode 4 of “Ted Lasso”, “Big Week” with an eye towards adult development. How should you deal with a big mistake at work? And what does it mean to rewrite a story that you hold about someone?

Mentioned in the show:

Cathy speaks with Jen LaChance

S2E12: "Inverting the Pyramid of Success"

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:04:00 -0300

Should they stay or should they go? We finish out the second season of “Ted Lasso” with “Inverting the Pyramid of Success” in which it seems like almost everyone has to make a decision about parting: Sam must decide if we will follow Edwin Akufo back to Africa or stay with Richmond–and Rebecca. Keely must deal with how to tell Rebecca she will be moving on from Richmond to run her own business. And hard on the heels of revealing Ted’s panic attacks, Nate casts his lot with Rupert and West Ham.

Join Cathy and Mike as they break down the season finale, and learn about the power of accepting responsibility for your mistakes as well as the benefits of active listening.

Extra: Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, Tier 2

S2E11: "Last Train to Royston"

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:07:03 -0300

Dr Sharon is on her way out, Sam may depart as well, Nate continues to stew, "Vanity Fair" is featuring Keeley as a business leader, and Trent reveals Ted’s big secret. Cathy and Mike return to break down S2E11 of “Ted Lasso”, “Last Train to Royston” with an eye towards lessons in adult development and leadership. Join them as they check out the Nigerian art and life lessons from the forest, and discuss the pitfalls of the underappreciated high performers as well as who wants to be the boss and who doesn’t.

S3E3: ”4-5-1”

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 12:31:43 -0300

How do you solve a problem like Zava? Join Cathy & Mike as they discuss lessons of leadership and adult development from S3E3 of “Ted Lasso”, “4-5-1”. A brief history of literary prognostications. MacGuffins. Jesus Christ, Eurostar. Job shadowing and the necessity of supervision. The myths(?) of the 10x coder and the 80/20 rule.

Watch:

Prisencolinensinainciusol

Everybody Knows

S3E2: “(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea”

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 03:19:40 -0300

Fresh starts abound: Trent writes a book, Keely hires a friend, and Rebecca pursues a Euro-star. Join Cathy and Mike as they discuss S3E2 of Ted Lasso “(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea” with an eye towards lessons in leadership and adult development.

S3E1: ”Smells Like Mean Spirit”

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:42:34 -0300

Newly promoted to the Premier League, Richmond AFC is picked to finish last by the press–while Rupert’s West Ham is picked to end up near the top! Rebecca worries that Ted isn’t worried enough, but Keely advises to “let Ted be Ted”. Ted, though, seems more concerned about while he’s still in London, far from his son.

Join Cathy & Mike as they discuss “Ted Lasso” with an eye toward lessons in leadership and adult development. Keely and Nate learn to adapt to new roles, and new workplaces. How to harness the power of metaphor and “systems thinking”. Finally, can you navigate the changing emotional landscape of the contemporary office?

Mentioned in the Pod:

The Miracle of Castel di Sangro

The Ghost Map

The Fifth Discipline

S2E10: ”No Weddings and a Funeral”

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:10:38 -0300

After the death of Rebecca’s father, self-awareness burgeons. Join Cathy and Mike as they discuss leadership lessons and adult development in "Ted Lasso". The whole team dons dress shoes, and Nate worries about his suit. Rebecca and Ted share their fathers’ betrayals, and we discuss how they respond to trauma. Roy can’t stop joking about Keely’s ruminations on death. Jami and Roy both pledge their love to Keely. This episode is packed with musical references: Molly and Nick Drake; Elvis Costello & Nick Lowe; and yes, Rick Astley. Come make meaning with us!

S2E9: ”Beard After Hours”

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 03:31:00 -0300

After the big loss, Beard battles his personal demons while exploring a different side of Richmond. Join Cathy & Mike as they explore lessons in leadership and adult development in Ted Lasso. The original After Hours as part of a larger subgenre. Scorsese meets Joe Frank. A Blue Moon hangs over Wembley. The haunting of Gary Lineker and Thierry Henri. The downside of Cognitive Reframing. The British class system meets billiards and Imposter Syndrome results. Is Beard finding his religion, and is Dance his god? And what do you do when you or a co-worker find your personal troubles encroaching on your work space?

S2E8: ”Man City”

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 03:19:00 -0400

With the big game looming, Dr. Sharon crashes, Jami knocks down a bully, Rebecca and Sam finally get together, and Ted makes a stunning (and yet maybe expected) revelation. Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S2E8 of Ted Lasso, “Man City”.

Brené Brown shows up again. Different modes of coaching: Supervision, Management, & Leadership. Admitting mistakes at work: What does the Trust Equation tell us about the impact?

S2E7: ”Headspace”

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:09:00 -0400

Keely needs space, Nate mocks Colin, and Ted isn’t quite ready to engage in therapy. Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S2E7 of Ted Lasso: “Headspace” with an eye towards lessons in leadership and learning. We once again discuss how to have Difficult Conversations and Cathy provides an approach to deal with Immunity to Change: What to do when you need to make an important change but something is holding you back.

Mentioned in the Show:

Lisa Lahey on Brene Brown’s podcast Part 1 and Part 2.

“If music be the food of love” on BBC

S2E6: ”The Signal”

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 04:30:00 -0400

Everyone is stuck in a bad pattern; how can they escape? Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S2E6 of "Ted Lasso, The Signal”, with an eye towards lessons in leadership and adult learning. Esther Perel finally shows up, and Brene Brown reappears. Ever more fathers and sons. Birth of a “Wonder Kid”. Difficult Conversations and curious questions. How do you deal with stress: Fight, flight, or freeze?

S2E5: ”Rainbow”

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 03:08:00 -0300

Nate seeks status, Roy strives to discover where he belongs, and Rebecca seeks love. Join Cathy and Mike as they break down “Ted Lasso” S2E5, “Rainbow” with an eye towards lessons in leadership. It’s Rom-Communism at its best at Richmond AFC when Ted provides the light in the Dark Forest. Cognitive Reframing, redux. The Hero’s Journey–and branding!?! Power poses and calm clarity in the-winner-takes-all society. And Cathy explains her complex feelings regarding role plays.

“Swinging on a Rainbow” by Frankie Avalon

“She’s a Rainbow” by the Rolling Stones

S2E4: ”Carol of Bells”

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 03:57:00 -0300

It’s Christmas time in Richmond. The Higginses throw a party, Roy & Keely go in search of a cure to a noisome problem, and Ted and Rebecca bear gifts. Join Cathy and Mike as they break down “Ted Lasso” S2E4, “Carol of Bells” with an eye towards lessons in leadership. The “Trust Equation” returns, morale runs high, and how is and isn’t a workplace like a family?

Other podcasts mentioned:

Coach Ron Adams on Coaching Superstars on the Knowing Kenning podcast

“Julia” with Betsy West and Julie Cohen on the Top Docs podcast

S2E3: ”Do the Rightest Thing”

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 03:54:00 -0300

Rebecca’s young protege maybe teaches her a thing or two. How will Sam deal with Dubai Air? And can Jamie find a way back? Cathy and Mike break down S2E2 of Ted Lasso, “Do the Rightest Thing,” with an eye towards lessons in leadership.

John Wooden warrants yet another cameo. Is Rebecca a reverse anger translator? Gen X vs Gen Y on bringing your values to work. And what to make of “Led Tasso”.

S2E2: ”Lavender”

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 04:10:00 -0300

Join Cathy and Mike as they look at Season 2, Episode 2: “Lavender”. Even by “Ted Lasso” standards, this episode is jam-packed with storytelling. Jamie wants to return to the team, Roy considers career alternatives, Nate grows into his role, and Dr. Sharon rebuffs Ted’s attempts to get to know her better. Fathers and sons abound: Hamlet, Prince Hal, & The Prince of Tides. And is Ted evolving his decision-making process?

Referenced in the pod:

Anarchy in the UK

Tear it Up

Bad to the Bone

S2E1: ”Goodbye Earl”

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 03:02:00 -0300

And we are back! With Season 3 scheduled for later this summer, we thought we should catch up on Season 2. So here’s our take on S2E1: “Goodbye Earl”. After the death of a beloved mascot, Danny now believes that “Football is Death”. Nate isn’t the best new manager, Roy struggles with life off the pitch, Rebecca wonders about her new boyfriend, and Ted can’t quite handle the sports psychologist that they have brought in to help Danny. Cathy and Mike discuss the challenges of cross-cultural communication; starting out as a new manager; coaching vs. therapy; and the importance of vulnerability in your personal life–and even at work.

Discussed in this pod:

Brene Brown’s Ted talks and her book Dare to Lead

Radiohead’s Karma Police

Aime Mann’s Wise Up

Squeeze’s Goodbye Girl

Extra: Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, Tier 2

Tue, 03 May 2022 02:43:00 -0300

In this special edition of Lasso Lessons, join Mike as he explores the traits on the second tier of John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success in light of Nate’s rant: Self-control, Alertness, Initiative, Intentness. Just in time for the NBA playoffs!

Mentioned in the Pod:

S1E3: “Trent Crimm, The Independent”

S1E7: “Make Rebecca Great Again”

S1E10: ”The Hope that Kills You”

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 02:43:00 -0400

We’ve come to the end of the first season, and so much has changed. Join Cathy and Mike for their breakdown of S1E10 of "Ted Lasso: The Hope that Kills You." British pessimism, and Ted’s optimism. Trick plays or elaborate set pieces? A brief history of white boards. Richmond, London & Lake Placid, New York. A spit take too far? Freud finally makes the pod, and Cathy finally gets a chance to discuss polarity theory. The poetry of Donald Rumsfeld, and why 4-square matrices belong on PowerPoint slides. The dangers of the extremes. Cognitive reframing returns, and Blue Ocean Strategy emerges. Join us in the new year for season two of Lasso Lessons, and you’ll never walk alone.

Books mentioned on the pod:

Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems

Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant

S1E9: ”All Apologies”

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 01:52:19 -0400

Join Cathy and Mike as they break down Ted Lasso S1E9, “All Apologies.” On first hearing Smells Like Teen Spirit. Fenway Park (Boston) vs. Camp Nou (Barcelona). The later career of Thierry Henry. Is Keely telepathic? Boom Chicago and the origins of Ted Lasso. More Rupert vs. Ted. Turns out Rebecca is actually good at apologies! Difficult conversations. And Cognitive Reframing returns.

Books Mentioned:

Why Won’t You Apologize: Healing, Big Betrayals, and Everyday Hurts

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most

Bonus: Weird Al’s Smells Like Nirvana

S1E8: ”The Diamond Dogs”

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:44:44 -0300

It’s the day after, everyone must deal with the consequences, and Ted and Rupert engage in a pointed contest. Join Cathy and Mike as they discuss S1E8 of Ted Lasso. Birth of The Diamond Dogs. Shakespeare vs Walt Whitman. Emotional Intelligence spawns EQ. How cognitive reframing can help with emotional hijacking. Does lack of curiosity kill the cad? And Ted’s origin story.

In Memoriam: Aaron Beck on Cognitive Restructuring.

Bonus:

47 Milk Puns

Snopes on “Be curious, not judgemental”

S1E7: ”Make Rebecca Great Again”

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 13:39:48 -0300

The team heads to Liverpool, an impossible match is won, and strangers collide. Join Cathy and Mike as they discuss S1E7 of “Ted Lasso: Make Rebecca Great Again”. “Hotel California”, Glasgow, Scotland. The leisurely pace of “The Rockford Files”. Brett’s sports jacket. Ted’s hair as emotional barometer. Transformational storytelling. The dangers of catastrophizing and Nate’s turn as insult comic. Finally, towards a new “old” Rebecca?

In memoriam: Neil Stroul.

Also in the pod:

Celeste’s “Strange”.

S1E6: ”Two Aces”

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:55:44 -0300

Danny Rojas shows up, words lose their meaning, and a curse befalls the team. Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S1E6 of “Ted Lasso: Two Aces”. Semantic satiation. Ted’s anger as motivation. The “No Schadenfreude Zone”. Negative reinforcement and Pavlov’s Tartt. And healthy competition meets David Mamet.

Also in the Episode:

Ted’s “Practice” speech and Allen Iverson

The “Dutch angle”

Evil Spock and Bizarro Superman

Peaky Blinders

Seinfeld lingo

S1E5: ”Tan Lines”

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:03:11 -0300

Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S1E5 of Ted Lasso, “Tan Lines”. Ted’s work/life balance. Transparency and curiosity in communications. Immunity to change. And the no “jerks” rule.

Also in the pod:

Robert Keegan’s Immunity to Change

Robert Sutton’s The No [Jerk] Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One that Isn’t

Bonus: What the British Say and What They Really Mean

S1E4: ”For the Children”

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 01:52:28 -0300

Join Cathy and Mike for our breakdown of S1E4 of Ted Lasso, “For the Children”. This episode of Ted Lasso is jam-packed with advice. Find out who in FC Richmond’s extended family follows Netflix’s 4 A's of Feedback--and who most definitely doesn’t. Also: Buffy and the 2 Ruperts. The power of “holding environments” and perspective-taking. Finally, are you Team Lasso or Team Seinfeld?

Also on the pod:

No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hasting and Erin Meyer

Ronald Heifetz, Leadership without Easy Answers

Stuff Mr. Giles Says (caution: period background music)

No hugging, no learning

S1E3: ”Trent Crimm, The Independent”

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 01:18:36 -0300

Join Cathy and Mike as we break down S1E3 of Ted Lasso, “Trent Crimm, the Independent”. What does Lincoln’s assassination have to do with Ted Lasso? Cathy in London. Why does Ted give the books he does? The influence of John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success on Ted’s coaching philosophy. And the importance of “leadership declarations”.

Also discussed in the pod:

Our American Cousin

The Beautiful and Damned

Ender’s Game

A Wrinkle in Time

Bonus: Overanalyzing every book in Ted Lasso

S1E2: ”Biscuits”

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:28:43 -0300

Join Cathy and Mike as they break down S1E2 of Ted Lasso, “Biscuits”. Cathy and Mike play a little “First concert/Best concert”, and uncover the origin of Mike’s Ben & Jerry’s addiction. They introduce a new pyramid: Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs”. Then they try some chin chin and reveal how Sam’s snack relates to “Biscuits with the Boss”. What’s up with “What up With That?” And how you can use the “Trust Equation” when taking on a new leadership role.

Also mentioned:

Richmond

Chekhov's gun and Knives Out

The original Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop

San Francisco sourdough bread

Beatlemania vs The Ramones

Beastie Boys vs The Spice Girls

The Trusted Advisor

The Rolling Stones

Bonus: A primer on British desserts

S1E1: ”Pilot”

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 17:20:50 -0300

Cathy and Mike break down Ted Lasso S1E1: "Pilot". Find out why Ted learns everyone's names, and maybe even over-praises Nate's sports drink. While Coach Beard reads up on soccer tactics, Ted indulges in Kerouac: how is this an example of "Inclusive Leadership"? Ted vs. Rebecca in communications styles. And learn how you too can flip the pyramid for organizational success!

Also Mentioned:

Inverting the Pyramid: the book & the organizational principle

The Key to Inclusive Leadership

Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums

Barry Jentz on challenges to sense-making