When we watch sports, we watch the surface: the goals, the speed, the final score. But Colin Cerniglia, Sports Journalist for the Charlotte Observer, is looking for something else.

In this episode, we dive into the "human undercurrent"—the invisible cues and personal values that dictate whether a team rises or crumbles. Colin, author of Culture of Excellence and a veteran of both the corporate recruiting world and the sports press box, takes us on a journey through the high-stakes decisions of the New York Yankees and the protective leadership of coaches like Dean Smith.

But leadership isn’t just found in stadiums. Colin pulls back the curtain on his own life, from his obsessive quest to write an unauthorized biography of rock legend Don Henley to a sobering reality check in his own home during a postpartum crisis. We close with a moving tribute to the "first hero" in his life—his grandfather—and the legacy of decency that remains long after the scoreboard is turned off.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Recruiter’s Lens: Why judging talent based on "charm" alone is a recipe for failure.
• The Coach’s Shield: How great leaders protect their players from the noise.
• The Henley Rabbit Hole: A detour into 1960s Texas yearbooks and investigative obsession.
• The Legacy of Decency: What a grandfather’s quiet life teaches us about being remembered.

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• Connect with Colin Cerniglia:

  • Official Substack: CERNIG – The home for Colin’s latest writing, including updates on his Don Henley biography project.

  • The Book: Culture of Excellence: What We Can Learn From The Yankees About Leadership – Colin's deep dive into the organizational secrets of baseball’s most storied franchise.

  • Professional Hub: Talent 409 – Colin’s leadership academy and consulting firm.

  • Podcast: 2 Jocks & A Schlub – A weekly mix of sports, beer, and "nonsense" hosted by Colin and friends.

  • Writing Portfolio: Muck Rack – A collection of Colin's sports journalism and features.

  Follow Colin on Social Media:

  • X: @cjcernig

  • Instagram: @cjcernig

  
  

The Crown is back at the Bank, and the stakes couldn't be higher. In this episode of First Sip, special guest Moisés Linares, MLS on Apple TV Spanish Language PxP Announcer! We break down the high-tension Queen City Derby as Charlotte FC looks to snap a spring slide against a surging FC Cincinnati. With both teams separated by just a single point in the Eastern Conference, Saturday’s clash at Bank of America Stadium is a pivot point for the 2026 season.

Welcome to First Sip from the Charlotte FC Podcast, our look at Charlotte FC visiting New York City FC this Saturday, April 18, at Citi Field in New York.Last weekend was a frustrating stumble. Charlotte FC didn't bring their best against the Eastern Conference leaders, Nashville SC, dropping points at home against a rotated squad. But soccer moves fast. Midweek, Dean Smith rotated his own squad and secured a massive US Open Cup win to cleanse the palate and rest the starters.Now, the focus shifts to a massive road test and a bitter reunion. Charlotte FC is heading north to face NYCFC. This is the team that ended the Crown's 2025 season, knocking them out of the playoffs and completely neutralizing their style of play. NYCFC currently sits ahead of Charlotte in the early table, but there is one massive difference this time around: Charlotte has Pep Biel on the pitch.To help us break down this Eastern Conference heavyweight clash, we are stepping inside the broadcast booth. We are thrilled to be joined by former USWNT star and current MLS on Apple TV Match Analyst, Lori Lindsey!