The Pure Athlete Podcast

In this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, the guys take an honest and thoughtful look at how faith intersects with youth sports—and the challenges parents and coaches face in keeping priorities aligned.They dive into the growing visibility of faith in sports, discussing both the opportunities and concerns that come with that. From there, the conversation gets personal—exploring how faith shapes their own identities as parents, coaches, and competitors, and sharing authentically where they still fall short.This episode tackles real questions parents wrestle with every day:How do you keep sports from becoming your child’s identity?What does it actually mean to “play for something bigger”?How should faith show up in wins, losses, and adversity?How do you handle pressure, performance, and even Sunday sports conflicts?With candid stories and practical perspective, the guys emphasize a powerful theme: sports are a tool—not the foundation. The goal isn’t just to raise better athletes, but to raise grounded, resilient young people whose identity goes far beyond the scoreboard.If you’re a sports parent trying to navigate faith, competition, and culture, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a much-needed reset on what really matters.

What’s it really like to cover the Olympics? How do elite athletes—and parents—handle pressure, disappointment, and big life moments? In this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we sit down with Emmy-winning sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, host of Things No One Tells You and longtime ESPN, Fox, and NBC sports reporter/anchor, to dive into her experiences from the Olympic desk, the power of mindset, and the human side of sports.Lindsay shares:Her inside look at the 2026 Winter Olympics, working alongside legendary athletes and analysts.The emotional highs and lows of pressure-filled competition—on ice, in hockey rinks, and on the field.Real talk about parenting young athletes: navigating team selections, setbacks, and helping kids build confidence.Stories that prove even top-tier sports parents sometimes lose their cool… and what they learn from it.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers a rare glimpse at the triumphs, failures, and lessons that shape sports at every level. Get ready for laughter, emotion, and insight from someone who’s seen it all—on TV, in the Olympics, and at home.Tune in and discover why the journey, not just the scoreboard, defines a true athlete.

On this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, the guys sit down with Kaden Elliss of the Atlanta Falcons (signed with New Orleans Saints a week after this recording) for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond football.Kaden shares his incredible journey—from being overlooked in recruiting and chasing a dream at quarterback, to carving out a career in the NFL through grit, faith, and relentless belief. But what truly defines his story is family. Growing up in a household of 12, with seven adopted siblings, Kaden opens up about how adoption shaped his identity, his values, and his purpose.Brought to you by Promise 686 (promise686.org), an organization dedicated to placing vulnerable children into safe, loving homes, this episode dives deep into:The life-changing impact of adoption and what “family” really meansNavigating doubt, setbacks, and the recruiting processWhy multi-sport athletes have an edge (and why specialization can hurt development)Faith under pressure—and representing your beliefs in the heat of competitionLessons from the NFL on leadership, discipline, and consistencyThis is more than a football story—it’s a conversation about purpose, perspective, and the people who shape who we become.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. John Delony, we go deeper into the realities of youth sports culture and what it means for families today. From the pressures of travel sports to the rising anxiety among young athletes, Dr. Delony offers honest and thought-provoking insight for parents trying to do the right thing.We discuss the difference between true shared experiences and the pressure that can come with elite youth sports. Dr. Delony also shares why kids often absorb the stress of the adults around them, how sports can either help or harm a child’s mental health, and why loving the game matters more than mastering it at a young age.The conversation also touches on issues facing today’s teenagers—including social media, sports gambling, and the growing pressures of modern culture—and what parents can do to guide their kids through it all.If you're a parent navigating youth sports, this episode offers practical wisdom about raising resilient kids, keeping perspective, and making sure the game stays healthy for the whole family.

Youth sports can build resilience, character, teamwork, and lifelong confidence.But they can also quietly become something else.In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Dr. John Delony — bestselling author, two-time PhD, and host of The John Delony Show — joins the Pure Athlete team to unpack the hidden emotional weight many kids are carrying in today’s sports culture.From travel ball schedules that dominate family life to parents unknowingly tying their self-worth to their child’s performance, Dr. Delony challenges us to ask a deeper question:Are our kids playing for themselves… or for us?This episode dives into:Why youth sports still have incredible valueThe danger of kids feeling responsible for regulating their parents’ emotionsHow to know if you’ve crossed the line from supportive to over-investedWhy family dinners, marriage health, and shared values must come before the sports calendarThe “Uncle Rico” effect and living vicariously through your kidsWhy adult loneliness may be fueling the travel sports explosionDr. Delony doesn’t attack sports — he loves them. He was an athlete. His kids play today. But he offers a clear warning: Don’t make your child carry the emotional weight of your identity.If you’re a sports parent, coach, or leader who wants to build healthy families — not just successful athletes — this conversation is essential listening.Part 2 drops next week.