The Pure Athlete Podcast

Softball icon Jennie Finch-Daigle is our guest on this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast. Jennie shares her youth sports story with us as a multi-sport athlete, and how that helped her develop her softball skills and abilities. She talks about the role her parents played in her development, how she developed as a young pitcher, and compares her college recruiting experiences to those of today. Jennie also shares about playing travel softball as a high schooler, and shares some incredible stories and memories from her Olympic experience, including a profound story from standing on the podium receiving her gold medal. Finally, as a mom of three young athletes trying to navigate the crazy world of travel baseball/softball, football, club volleyball, and more, Jennie gets very real about the challenges and the fun of making this journey as a parent, and provides advice to today's young athletes and parents.

One of the top players in MLB, Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr is this week's guest, and you don’t want to miss it. In 2024, Bobby was the runner-up in the American League MVP voting, posting incredible offensive numbers and winning a Gold Glove at shortstop for the Kansas City Royals in only his third big-league season. Not long ago, Witt was playing travel and high school ball in Colleyville, Tx. The son of a MLB pitcher, Witt bucked current trends and never had a private hitting lesson until after high school, and instead of focusing on launch angles and hitting bombs (which he did plenty of), he focused on hitting the ball hard to all fields and eliminating strikeouts. Bobby shares some of his approach to hitting, his commitment to getting better which led to a Gold Glove in 2024, what his mom and dad taught him about character and humility, and much more.

How can we help our kids develop grit? How do parents help, or hinder, their kids from reaching their full potential, in sports, or life? What are the keys to developing mental toughness in our kids? Do your kids suffer from FOMU (Fear of Messing Up) and how can you help them overcome it, in sports and life? These are just some of the questions we explore this week as we welcome Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, Inc. and a sought-after expert on parenting and leadership development of Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids. The author of more than 30 books, Dr. Elmore is a sought-after speaker and expert, appearing on numerous news shows, TED, dozens of Fortune 500 companies, and has worked with numerous professional sports teams in the MLB, NBA, and NFL, as well as some of college’s top programs. Parents and coaches don't want to miss this episode.

Future first-round NFL draft pick, Inky Johnson’s life changed forever with a single tackle at the University of Tennessee. A ruptured artery left his right arm paralyzed, almost taking his life, and Inky shares the challenges he faced to even get to the University of Tennessee, as well as his story coming back from the life-altering injury. You will be inspired as he shares about his faith and determination, the importance of character, and his own experiences as a sports dad.

This week's guest is 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2019 World Cup Champion MALLORY PUGH SWANSON. As the USWNT’s leading scorer in the 2024 Olympics, including scoring the only goal in the gold medal game, Mal has overcome injuries, doubt, and much more along her journey to the top of the soccer world. Her journey began like many young girls today, playing youth soccer from an early age, as well as playing basketball, and running track until high school. Mal talks about the areas she excelled from the beginning, as well as the areas she had to work hard to develop in her teen years. She also authentically shares about various periods of adversity she faced, including a time when she thought she had lost her passion for the game. She talks about the pivotal moments of life that helped her regain her belief, the role her faith has played in her journey, and the joy of winning a gold medal.

At the end of the day, Youth and High School sports should always be fun, but what if a young athlete has big goals and aspirations? What if they want to become the best athlete they can be, pursing a dream of playing for their high school varsity team, at the college level, or even becoming a professional athlete? Many sports families are pursuing those goals from a young age, and we think that’s fantastic. But you should be aware of the challenges you’ll encounter. You should have a roadmap to help your young athlete become the best version of themselves on the field, court, pool, or track. On this episode the guys discuss all of this...Britt as an "all in" dad of a D1 athlete, Brad as an "all-in" sports dad and high school AD, and Jeff as a former highly accomplished athlete and current sports dad and coach.

Join us today as we welcome former 6x Silver Slugger and 7x MLB All-Star catcher Brian McCann! Brian shares his experiences growing up as the son of a college baseball coach and how his dad played a key role in helping shape his sports journey, which ultimately led to a very successful career in the MLB. Brian gives his thoughts on the current state of youth baseball today and sheds some light on some of the struggles that he has with the evaluation process of youth baseball players.Brian also dives into his thoughts on the 2024 World Series as well as shares some entertaining stories during his own MLB career, including some of his favorite moments playing alongside Pure Athlete's own Jeff Francoeur. You don't want to miss this one!

Fueling your body with the right fuel is critical to an athlete's ability to operate at peak performance. Professionals in every sport have discovered the value of regulating what they eat, how much they eat, and when they eat. Young athletes are no different...adapting strong nutritional habits can be a key factor in taking performance to elevated levels, impacting energy levels, stamina, and recovery for young athletes. On today's episode, former college basketball player and current sports nutritionist Kelsey Poulter shares her experience and expertise with us as we discuss the importance of nutrition to athletic performance, answer specific questions related to training, recovery, game preparation, and so much more as she shares information and practical advice for parents, coaches, and young athletes.

If you're a sports parent, and especially if you have multiple kids, you know what we're talking about. Today's youth sports culture is so consuming, it's a challenge to keep sports from dominating our family life. We want to do all the things to help our kids achieve their sports goals, but we also have family goals that are equally important (or maybe more important in the long run). How do we juggle it all? How do we ensure that our families aren't going in five different directions all the time, and missing out on simply being together? How do we ensure that our non-sports kids aren't constantly taking a back seat to the high-level athlete in the family? ON this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad (with 14 kids between them) discuss their own challenges in these areas including some tips and ideas that will help you come on on the other end of the sports journey with a healthy family dynamic.

11-year NFL QB Nick Foles is our guest on this episode, sharing great insights from his sports story that began as a multi-sport athlete growing up in Texas to becoming the Super Bowl MVP for the Philadelphia Eagles. Foles discusses how he developed his abilities as a youth and high school player, how he handled disappointment and adversity in college including how close he game to quitting, how he handled being a backup in the NFL who rose to the occasion to lead his team when his number was called. He also talks about becoming a sports dad himself, sharing his thoughts on the challenges in youths sports today. Finally, Nick answers five fun, rapid-fire questions from Jeff that allow us to get to know him a little better. Nick is known for being one of the best, high character guys on and off the field, and you will be inspirited listening to him.

Renowned sports psychologist Dr Caroline Silby has spent the last few decades working with high performance athletes in a variety of sports, including several Olympic Gold Medalists. On this episode, she shares her expertise, techniques, and tools to help young athletes achieve BELIEF, the mental state that enables maximum performance in the biggest moments. The guys talk with her about how young athletes develop belief, how they regain it if lost, how parents can contribute to both increased and diminished belief. They also discuss when parents should consider having their kids work with a mental performance expert, how to find a qualified one, and many more aspects of developing the right mindset for your young athlete.

The intensity of youth sports is increasing, and that's not debatable. Kids are playing more at younger ages - more practices, more tournaments, more games. More pressure to perform exists, and the expectations are higher than ever. As a result of these factors, the risk of burnout is also greater than ever. We've all heard the phrase "burnout," but what is it and what does it really look like? What are the factors that create burnout? What are the signs that my kid is experiencing it? And what steps can parents and coaches take to mitigate the risks of this happening? On this episode, the guys discuss the burnout issue in a comprehensive way, sharing from their personal experiences and from recent research It's easy to believe that burnout will never happen to your kid, but if you don't have a good understanding of the issues, you won't recognize it until it's too late.

Former NFL player, Head Coach, College Head Coach and current ESPN NFL Analyst Herb Edwards guests on this episode, and his reputation as a guy with vast experience who always shoots straight with his opinions is evidenced as he talks with the guys. In addition to sharing his own youth sports story, including the impact of his parents who allowed Herm to steer his own ship, he also shares interesting stories from his time as an NFL coach, including a fascinating story about 9/11 as the new coach of the New York Jets. Coach Edwards also talks about his time coaching the Arizona State Sun Devils, discussing the transfer portal, NIL, and some advice for parents. Finally, Herm shares his philosophy on coaching that is applicable to coaches at all levels.

3x Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings joins the show, sharing her continued passion for volleyball (beach and indoor), and for the growth of women's sports. Kerri shares how her love for volleyball began at an early age, in the midst of playing multiple sports and loving the "free play" aspect of childhood sports that was strongly encouraged by her parents. She also shares her experiences and development as a club and high school player who was eventually recruited to play Indoor at Stanford, where she became a 4x All American, NCAA Player of the Year, and NCAA Champion. Kerri also shares what drew her from Indoor to Beach, discusses her thoughts on what makes a great teammate, shares her advice on playing both club AND school volleyball, and also talks about her 1440 organization. In addition, as a mom of three young athletes, Kerri discusses her approach to sports parenting.

We welcome former NFL 2x Pro Bowl QB Matt Schaub to the show on this episode! Matt played for 17 yrs in the NFL, after a stellar college career at the University of Virginia including being the ACC Player of the Year in 2002 and the NFL Passing Yards Leader in 2009. Matt was a 3-sport star in high school, and as a current sports dad of a son and four daughters. Matt shares his youth sports story, and discusses today's youth sports culture, including his thoughts on specialization, and on parenting. He also talks about overcoming adversity throughout his sports career, and shares his thoughts about the importance of leadership development and which of his teammates he most admired for leadership during his NFL career.

Does social media have a big potential impact on the youth sports journey? You bet it does. With teens averaging over 4 hours per day on social platforms, and 68% of pre-teens active on at least one social platform, we need to understand the impact on our young athletes. On this episode, we discuss the positive role social media can play in helping young athletes with motivation, skill development, key learnings, and recruiting. In addition, most of the discussion is focused on creating awareness for young athletes, parents, and coaches on the negative influence social media can have on the youth sports journey. Studies point to perfectionism, performance comparisons, body image issues, self promotion/absorption issues, bullying and much more that add even more pressure and stress on young athletes, contributing to anxiety, depression, and emotional withdrawal. Parents and coaches need to be aware of these issues, and be intentional with boundaries and/or guidance to help their young athletes pursue their goals in a healthy way.

On this episode, one of America's favorite and most respected sportscasters joins the guys and begins by sharing his thoughts about the upcoming final season of Inside the NBA, as well as a hilarious story involving Charles Barkley. EJ then opens up about his days as a walk-on first baseman for the Georgia Bulldogs, his experience being cut his sophomore year, and his thoughts on the current state of youth sports. In addition, EJ will inspire and challenge you as he shares his experience as a father of six, on "blackberry moments," and on the things that matter most in life. You will enjoy this episode and we hope you share it with others.

Former MLB Star Matt Holliday and his wife Leslee are raising their four kids in today's complex world of youth sports. Their oldest two boys shared their dad's passion for baseball, and their talent led the family into the crazy world of travel ball. As a senior in high school, Jackson became the first pick in the MLB draft. His brother, now a high school senior, looks to following a similar path. Their younger son and daughter had other passions, which Matt and Leslee were equally committed to supporting. In this episode, Matt and Leslee share their hearts for how they wanted to raise their kids, not just as athletes, but as high-character people. They share how they are navigating the craziness of sports and other activities to support their kid's dreams, but not at the expense of their marriage, their family life or their faith. You will be challenged and encouraged to hear Leslee's and Matt's hearts and wisdom as a sports mom and dad trying to get all of it right.

We kick off Season 3 with a great conversation with Baylor Men's Head Basketball Coach Scott Drew, one of college basketball's most successful and most respected coaches. Coach Drew shares how his basketball playing days ended early in high school due to his size, but he pursued his passion for the game as a coach. He discusses the incredible influence his dad had on him, his coaching philosophy, how he stays balanced in the midst of the demands of big time college basketball, his approach to recruiting people who fit his program, and so much more. Coach Drew also shares about the role his faith plays in how he coaches and develops his players, and he shares his answers to five rapid-fire questions from Jeff. You may not be a Baylor fan before listening to this episode, but you will likely be after listening.

On this season's final episode, Jeff and Britt address a number of questions and comments from listeners covering a wide range of youth sports topics, including some controversial ones. The guys also share some of their favorite, most impactful moments from Season 2, including important advice from Falcons QB Kirk Cousins and Coach Tony Dungy. This video is sponsored by Guardian Sports, the nations leading impact reducing soft-shell helmet cover engineered for impact reduction. For more visit guardiansports.com. This episode is also sponsored by Booster Enterprises Inc, the leading high school athletics fundraising partner. For more info, go to choosebooster.com-- Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

If you're playing youth sports, you're experiencing winning and losing regularly. Some experience one more than the other, but over the course of time, we all experience both. As parents and coaches, how do we teach young athletes the value of responding properly to both? Do we even model the right responses, or are we also too caught up in the results? On this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad discuss why we all want to win, the positive aspects that result, while also talking about the positive aspects of losing (yes, there really are some). They also share their thoughts on the bad responses to both winning and losing, from arrogance to sour attitudes, from kids and parents alike. Finally, we've all seen ugly examples of really poor responses to both winning and losing and the guys call some of these out as a reminder to all of us to seize these opportunities to teach out young athletes to compete to win, to win with grace, and to respond to losing with the right attitude. This episode has something for everyone - don't miss it. This video is sponsored by Guardian Sports, the nations leading impact reducing soft-shell helmet cover engineered for impact reduction. For more visit guardiansports.com. This episode is also sponsored by Booster Enterprises Inc, the leading high school athletics fundraising partner. For more info, go to choosebooster.com-- Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Former NBA star Jamal Crawford is our guest on this episode, sharing his youth sports story of growing up with the game of basketball in Seattle. Jamal dove into a wide array of topics in this week's episode.How did he develop his elite ball handling skills? How did his parents impact his journey? What was his recruiting process like? He even shares the secret to how he won the NBA 6th Man award three times and which award meant more than any other. Finally, he gives his thoughts on the changes he would like to see with AAU, and how he is taking a different approach with coaching the athletes on his own team.Don't miss this episode! Thanks for tuning in!This video is sponsored by Guardian Sports, the nations leading impact reducing soft-shell helmet cover engineered for impact reduction. For more visit guardiansports.com. This episode is also sponsored by Booster Enterprises Inc, the leading high school athletics fundraising partner. For more info, go to choosebooster.com-- Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

On today's episode, Brad and Britt talk to Dr Abigail Federer, a leading sports concussion specialist at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, shares her expertise and experience treating both male and female young athletes with concussion injuries. Brad introduces the subject by discussing his son's story of suffering concussions while playing three different sports, including the concerns shared by many parents of young athletes. Dr Feder dispels some of the myths and outdated treatment protocols for concussed athletes, discusses common symptoms and markers, and informs parents on what to do if they suspect their child may have a concussion. Immediately following Dr Feder's segment, the guys discuss concussion prevention with the founder of Guardian Sports, who provide innovative safety equipment recently approved by the NFL, and currently being used by every NFL team and many NCAA programs. They share the benefits of Guardian caps, along with the proven data, that is transforming head safety for football players of all ages. This episode is sponsored by Guardian Sports, the nations leading impact reducing soft-shell helmet cover engineered for impact reduction. For more visit guardiansports.com

Super Bowl Champion Tight End Ben Watson is our guest on this week's episode. Not only was Ben a 2nd Team All-SEC player at the University of Georgia and a first round pick in the NFL draft, Ben also had an outstanding 15 yearr career in the NFL, playing for the Patriots, Browns, Saints, and Ravens. In addition to his on-field success, Ben has always been known as a man of strong character, as evidenced by his being awarded the Bart Starr Award in 2018. During our conversation, Ben shares his youth sports story growing up in South Carolina, his passion for soccer as a youngster, how he developed as a football player, and his outlook on college football as an SEC Network analyst. We also heard some great stories from his career including interesting insights from his time catching passes from Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Finally, he shares the many lessons he learned from his parents and as a parent of 7, including on character and leadership. Thanks for listening!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

On this week's episode, the guys discuss toxic behavior and culture in youth sports. While we all love youth athletics, if you've been involved for any length of time you have likely encountered toxic parents. These parents can be disruptive, yelling inappropriate comments or remaining silent when they should address bad behavior. We've even experienced or heard stories of toxic coaches who try to win at all costs, play their own kids at the best positions, or require contracts to play on a 10u team. We'll also jump into some discussions about toxic teammate behavior and the overall toxicity level of the current youth sports culture. Thanks for tuning in!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

This week, Jeff, Britt, and Brad unpack some of the most important moments from the recent speeches given by Tom Brady and Roger Federer, two of the best and most admired athletes of all time, who share key lessons and insights from their inspirational journeys.--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

This week we’re excited to have Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & NHL MVP….former professional hockey defenseman, Chris Pronger! Considered one of the all-time great defenseman, Chris stopped by the pod to share some of the wisdom he gained on the way to the top of hockey. He didn't hesitate to show us the intensity and passion he has for the game and youth sports. It left us feeling inspired and motivated, and we're sure you'll feel the same way. Thanks for tuning in this week!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

New Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is our guest in Part 2 from this month's Pure Athlete Live event in front of 1500+ athletes, parents, and coaches in Atlanta. Kirk shares his youth sports story, lessons learned from his dad, how he overcame a season-ending injury in the first game of his junior year in high school, his college experience, the disappointment of being taken in the 4th round of the NFL draft, and even the role his faith played in each of those situations. Kirk's authenticity and wisdom is both insightful and inspiring, so tune in, and don't forget to catch Part 1 if you missed it!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

New Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is our guest in Part 1 from this month's Pure Athlete Live event in front of 1500+ athletes, parents, and coaches in Atlanta. In this episode, Kirk shares his youth sports story, lessons learned from his dad, how he overcame a season-ending injury in the first game of his junior year in high school, his college experience, the disappointment of being taken in the 4th round of the NFL draft, and the role his faith played in each of those situations. Kirk's authenticity and wisdom is both insightful and inspiring, and we hope you'll tune into Part 2, dropping on June 5!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we're welcoming Nicole Lyon, a mental health expert, former elite college swimmer, and co-owner of Roots Therapy in Atlanta. Not only does Nicole have experience specializing in sports performance and mental health for young athletes, she's also an NCAA Champion swimmer from the University of Georgia, who participated in her first Olympic Trials at the age of 14.Nicole's experience in both fields gives her the knowledge to speak on facing immense pressure as an athlete, overcoming the mental and physical challenges of injuries, dealing with sports-related depression, and much more! --Follow us @puereathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Today we are thrilled to have one of America’s most admired and respected sports figures, Coach Tony Dungy on the show! Coach Dungy is a Hall of Famer, Super Bowl winner as a player AND coach, two-time coach of the year and best-selling author. This accomplished legend stops by to share his personal story as well as many stories from his days as a player and coach, weaving in great insights for parents, coaches, and players.We're so excited to have a true icon and role model on the show today, so buckle up for the wisdom and encouragement of Coach Tony Dungy!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com--Grab tickets to our live show featuring Kirk Cousins!https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/pure-athlete-live/pa-live-atlanta

On this special Mother's Day episode, Catie Francoeur, Kay Lee, and Kathie Williams join their husbands to share their perspectives on being sports moms. They discuss the roles they play in supporting and encouraging their kids, including helping them maintain a balance between sports and other important aspects of their lives. They also share how they are able to encourage family priorities and even out their husbands' sometimes overly intense and competitive nature. There are many versions of sports moms across America; some are super intense on game day and others just want to help their kids enjoy the ride, but in all cases, we want to honor all they do to strengthen their kids, their husbands, and their families. Happy Mother's Day!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com--Grab some tickets to our live event featuring Kirk Cousins!https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/pure-athlete-live/pa-live-atlantaLive from Atlanta on May 20th

It's finally game day and a chance to pay off all of those hard hours of work and practice. A day meant for relaxation and having fun with other parents as we watch our athletes compete oftentimes morphs into something entirely different. For those of us who have experienced it, we know there are three major components to game day for parents: before the game, during the game, and after the game. Each of these aspects comes with their own challenges that can be both enjoyable and stressful. There are times we're able to help our young athletes and other times when we're just making it harder for them; so how can we know when we're doing our part?Jeff, Britt, and Brad sit down to discuss the best and most challenging parts of being a parent on game day, encouraging parents and athletes to take stock of their own approach while being intentional at making the most of this sacred day in sports.--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com--Grab tickets to our live event in Atlanta featuring Kirk Cousins! May 20th at 6:30 pm!https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/pure-athlete-live/pa-live-atlanta

Lacrosse legend Paul Rabil stops by the pod today to talk about his career, youth sports, and the future of the game. From starting out in Major League Lacrosse to creating the Premiere Lacrosse League, Paul's fingerprints are all over the lax world. This icon of the game graciously offers his insight and advice into lacrosse, coaching, specialization at a young age and much more. So stick around as one of the lacrosse GOATs gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his career and what it takes to become successful on and off the field. Thanks for tuning in!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Former professional soccer player and 3-time Olympic gold medalist Heather Mitts sits down with the guys in this week's episode! Heather shares her inspirational path from youth sports to the Olympic stage, reflecting on the pivotal moments and people that impacted her career. How valuable is versatility on the field? Should I prioritize winning or development? From these questions to many more, Heather's advice will help you as you find your own path whether you're an athlete or a parent. Heather's simple message resonates strongly in an oftentimes cloudy youth sports environment: embrace failure, follow your passions, and above all, find joy in your sports journey. Don't miss this enriching and insightful discussion with Heather Mitts!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Join Jeff, Britt, and Brad as we celebrate all that is GREAT about youth sports in this week's episode! From the lasting memories to the valuable bonds that are formed, youth sports have long been an integral part of being an athlete and a parent. We dig into some of the valuable lessons and important people an athlete will encounter along their journey. We also cover why there is simply no replacement for the mental and physical rewards that youth sports offers to its athletes and the parents guiding them through this amazing experience. From favorite memories to lasting regrets to essential pump-up music, we're giving youth sports the honor it deserves!You'll soon grow to love the beautiful world of youth sports, so join us as we discuss why we believe it to be such a critical experience.--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Join us today as we welcome former MLB All-Star pitcher and World Series Champion, Adam Wainwright! Adam takes us on a journey through his upbringing in the game of baseball, detailing the path that led him to become a dominant force on the mound, amassing 200 career wins with the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam also treats us to a glimpse into his new world in country music, including what it was like to grace the stage at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.Adam digs into everything from his favorite coaches to his best advice for young pitchers and their parents. He chats to the guys about navigating adversity and even sheds some light on how nerves can influence both your baseball pitch and vocal pitch. Adam Wainwright is bringing the heat today, so it's not one you want to swing and miss!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Join us today as the guys chat with Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas phenomenon. With the mantra "Fans first. Entertain always," Cole has revolutionized the game of baseball by drawing inspiration not only from legends on the diamond, but from iconic figures like P.T. Barnum and Walt Disney. Under his innovative leadership, the Bananas have transformed from a simple summer collegiate team into a household name, boasting over 15 million social media followers and a staggering 2 million-person ticket waitlist. So tune in today to discover the history of the Bananas, the creation of Banana Ball, and even what it takes to become a Banana yourself as we dive deep into the unique and wacky world of Jesse Cole!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Today, we're joined by Dr. Joel Seedman, a renowned doctor of kinesiology and an elite exercise trainer. With a client roster featuring top-tier athletes like Chris Carson, Younghoe Koo, and Taylor Heinicke, Dr. Seedman brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. From professional athletes to aspiring young talents, his expertise spans across all ages and sports. In this episode, Dr. Seedman shares his insights on topics like movement, flexibility, posture, and even the effects of barefoot training. He discusses some key questions including the appropriate age to begin weight training, how to prevent injuries, the importance of proper technique, and the benefits of sport-specific movements. So grab a friend and tune in to gain some valuable insights from the unique perspective of Dr. Seedman!--Support the pod and grab some Pure Athlete Merch until Friday, March 22! Thanks so much for listening!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Join us on today's episode as we sit down with former MVP and World Series Champion first baseman, Ryan Howard. Ryan takes us on a journey that began playing numerous sports as a kid in St Louis and continued all the way through his rapid ascent to stardom with the Philadelphia Phillies, sharing insights on becoming the quickest player in history to hit 100 and 200 home runs. He shares the secrets behind his powerful swing development from a young age, as well as the invaluable advice he received from none other than Barry Bonds. Plus, discover Ryan's favorite ballpark, his favorite coach, and much more as we delve into the remarkable career of one of baseball's most prolific hitters.--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Get ready to kick off March Madness in style as we welcome one of the foremost voices of the game, Clark Kellogg! Join Clark and the guys as he shares his wisdom on March Madness and the current landscape of college basketball while reflecting on his own journey from the courts of Ohio State to first-round pick for the Indiana Pacers. With over three decades of commentary experience, Clark brings insights and advice from the front lines of the sport and offers his own unique perspective as a sports parent of three Division One athletes. What does the future of college sports look like? How do we keep sports fun for our kids? What's it like working with Charles Barkley? Don't miss the chance to hear all of this and more from one of the most respected voices in college basketball as you prep for the madness of March!--Follow us @pureathleteincwww.pureathleteinc.com

Today, join us as we dive deep into the world of travel sports. While travel has long been a crucial aspect of a young athlete's journey, it has slowly become an increasingly draining and expensive endeavor. How much is too much? What’s the right age to get started? What's the true cost? Are we doing it for our children or ourselves? Many athletes and parents are adamant that travel is one of the best parts of the youth sports experience— so let's keep it that way! We're delving into all of these pressing questions and even reading through some listener comments as we guide you through the exhilarating yet rapidly evolving world of travel sports.--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

Today we are thrilled to welcome ESPN College Gameday host and one of the most recognizable voices in college sports, Rece Davis! With more than 30 years of experience covering college athletics and a vast amount of insight from his own journey as a sports parent (his son played baseball at Princeton and Duke, captaining both teams), Rece offers a fascinating perspective on the modern age of youth sports that will leave you better equipped for the road ahead. So, join us as we dive into discussions about broadcasting, parenting, Rece’s favorite college campuses, and much more.--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

Join us as we speak with NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler, Matt Ryan! Not only does he bring his perspective as a legend on the field, but also his experience as a CBS Analyst and father of three kids in youth sports. We're diving deep into Matt's wild ride through the world of sports, from his early days of playing defensive end to becoming a top NFL quarterback!Ever wondered what the game-day routine of an MVP looks like? Where would he have drafted himself if he was the Falcons' GM? Maybe you're curious about some behind-the-scenes Super Bowl scoop or what he thinks of modern youth coaches? Well, hang tight, because Matt talks about all of that and more.Whether you're an NFL fanatic, rep the Falcons, or just love sports, this one's for you! So grab a seat and soak up some wisdom from one of the greats!--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

Today we’ve got Heisman Trophy and National Championship-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel! Danny joins us to share a glimpse into the early days of his sports career and how it impacted his success later on, whether as quarterback of the Florida Gators or on the pickleball court. So tune in to hear from one of the greatest players college football has ever seen for a behind the scenes look at playing for Steve Spurrier and some life lessons that will change the way you approach your own career. You don’t want to miss it!--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

MLB All-Star and 2023 Home Runs Leader, Matt Olson, steps up to the plate in part two of our live event from Peachtree Corners, GA. Joined by Jeff, Britt, Brad, and an audience of approximately 1000 people, Matt delves into the insights of his inspiring career from youth sports to stardom. From his early days of shooting hoops, to walking in the footsteps of familiar legends at Parkview High, and ultimately reaching the pinnacle of his sport, his journey is sure to inspire you. Don't miss this chance to hear one of the world's most prolific hitters give valuable advice and even some behind the scenes info as he answers questions from the live audience!--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

More than 1000 parents, coaches, and young athletes came together to chat about the hottest topics in youth sports at our first ever Pure Athlete Live event in Peachtree Corners, GA. In Part 1, we're breaking down some of these key discussions and tackling some youth sports questions from our live audience.--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

Join Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux as he sits down with the guys to delve into his legendary baseball career. Maddux shares valuable insights ranging from arm care to pitching philosophy that played a crucial role in propelling him to the status of an all-time great. He also discusses some of the toughest batters he faced and reveals his favorite pitchers in today’s game. From his humble beginnings in little league to his well-deserved induction into Cooperstown, Maddux unveils his immense knowledge of baseball and sports.--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

NFL great Tom Brady credits Alex Guerrero, his personal trainer, for being a huge part of his career achievements and longevity. As this week's guest, Alex shares some of his approaches to help athletes recover quickly and maximize performance, as well as his thoughts on what led to Tom becoming the NFL GOAT. Tune in to improve your own health and longevity in athletics while getting a behind the scenes look at the best NFL career of all time!--Follow us @pureathleteincPureAthleteInc.com

The Pure Athlete Podcast welcomed Dabo Swinney, David Pollack, Carli Lloyd, Austin Ekeler, Julie Foudy, Chipper Jones, Dan Orlovsky, and many more to the show in 2023. Jeff, Britt, and Brad sit down to look back at some of their favorite moments from the past year and to revisit some of the lasting insights and lessons.