SELLEST OSAST
Episode Title:
The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 75: Author Interview with Alex Holt
Episode Summary:
What if the most important thing a coach can develop isn't an athlete's performance—but their character?
In this milestone Episode 75, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, sit down with Alex Holt, author of The Character Code, to explore the lasting impact coaches, parents, and mentors can have on the next generation.
Alex shares the personal experiences that shaped his approach to coaching and character development, including the coaches who corrected him when he needed it, believed in him when he made mistakes, and ultimately gave him opportunities to grow. His story demonstrates how a coach's influence can extend far beyond the scoreboard and into the person an athlete eventually becomes.
The conversation also explores the three-dimensional athlete—physical, mental, and spiritual—and why coaches need to recognize that every interaction can leave a lasting impression. Alex explains how his Character Code workbook takes those principles further through reflection exercises, team discussions, accountability challenges, and practical character-building drills for coaches, athletes, and parents.
Whether you're a coach, parent, mentor, athlete, or someone who works with young people, this episode offers a powerful reminder to look beyond temporary wins and focus on the person you're helping build.
What You'll Hear:
The story behind The Character Code
How one coach's correction changed Alex's life
Why coaches have a responsibility beyond winning games
The importance of believing in athletes beyond their performance
Why athletes should be developed physically, mentally, and spiritually
How a coach's words and actions can leave a lasting impact
The critical role parents play in character development
Why parents need to model the values they expect from their children
How Alex's Character Coin became part of his work with young athletes
How the workbook turns character principles into practical action
Why reflection, accountability, and intentional conversations matter
The difference between developing an athlete and developing a person
Quote to Remember:
“Talent may open the door, but it's ultimately character that determines what happens once you walk through it.”
Guest Featured in This Episode:
Alex Holt — author of The Character Code, certified chaplain, pastor, character coach, longtime safety leader, former college football player, and mentor to young athletes.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Character Code
The Character Code Workbook
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author support
Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world
Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn
Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase The Character Code for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only. 👉 https://jusserv.net/waitlist
Key Takeaway:
A scoreboard measures what happened in the game. Character reveals what the game is helping build in the person.
Coming Next:
More conversations with Smart Publishing authors about the stories behind their books, the lessons that shaped their messages, and how their books can create meaningful impact beyond the page.
