The Pure Athlete Podcast

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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Support the pod and grab some Pure Athlete Merch until Friday, March 22! Thanks so much for listening!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

Today, ESPN's Matt Stinchcomb joins the guys to dive into the changing landscape of college sports, particularly the economic engine of it all: college football. Matt brings a deep knowledge, thoughtful analysis, and reasoned perspective as we talk about the current and future state of the sport. We'll dive into topics such as NIL, the transfer portal, super conferences, recruiting, and much more. These new issues will significantly impact the journey that young athletes (high school and younger) across the country will have to travel to reach their dreams.

Joining us today is one of the world’s leading researchers and experts on injury prevention. Dr. Neeru Jayanthi, the Director of Emory Sports Medicine and Research, chats with the guys about healthy training models and sport specialization for young athletes. Dr. Jayanthi has been on HBO’s Real Sports, ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, while also working with MLB, NFL, US Soccer, ATP/WTA Tennis, among others. We discuss his research on thousands of young athletes on topics such as:

- high intensity sports impact on young athlete bodies

-research results on risk-rewards of early age sport specialization

-injury propensity for male vs female athletes

-load management advice by age

-benefits of multiple sport playing

-benefits of "free-play" sports activities

-benefits of multi-sport participation and breaks

Former MLS star and current MLS TV Analyst Taylor Twellman shares his youth sports story as a multi-sport athlete who played both baseball and soccer in college before going all-in on soccer. Taylor had a prolific soccer career as a 2x Golden Boot winner and MLS MVP. He shares some strong opinions about American soccer, our current youth sports cullture, advice for parents, and advice for coaches.

NASCAR driver Chase Elliott joins us as we finally break into motorsports on this week's episode. Chase shares the road he has travelled to get to where he is today, from racing go-carts at 6 yrs old to racing full-size cars at 13. He shares insights learned throughout his journey, talking about the influence of his parents, what it takes to succeed in his sport, how he deals with pressure and adversity, and much more.

Should parents coach their kids and if so, what’s the right approach? How/when should parents engage with coaches when things aren’t going well for their kid? Should winning be a goal when coaching young kids? Jeff Francoeur, Britt Lee, and Brad Williams dive into these topics and more on this episode.

Today’s guest is former WNBA player and first round pick Kelley Cain. Kelley shares her story of winning four state championships in high school as a USA Today, McDonalds, and Parade All American. Her high school success led her to a great college career as a Tennessee Volunteer under legendary coach Pat Summit. Kelley shares insights from her journey including how being a soccer goalie during her early years benefitted her basketball, how she had to have some difficult conversations with her dad about needing him to be a parent more than a coach, and what made Coach Summitt so successful as a leader.

In recognition of Veterans Day, our guest this week is ESPN/Sirius XM college basketball analyst Chris Spatola. Chris was a 4 yr starter on ARMY’s basketball team, who upon graduation from West Point, served our country as an Army officer from 2002 - 2007. As the son of a coach, Chris shares his youth/high school sports story, how he achieved his dream of playing D1 ball, what he learned as an assistant coach at Duke University, and some interesting perspective from being the son-in-law of Coach K.

The guys talk to young athletes and parents about what it takes to set and achieve big sports goals, including when and how to set goals, how to work towards your goal, whether grit can be developed, how parents should respond when kids aren't working hard enough, and much more.

The guys talk to 2023 Open Champion and U.S. Ryder Cup player Brian Harman. Brian shares his youth sports story that surprisingly began with a love of baseball that ultimately led to his college golf days at UGA. He also shares his Ryder Cup experience, how he’s worked at controlling his emotions on the course, and so much more.

The guys spend time with U.S. women’s soccer Hall of Famer Julie Foudy, winner of two Olympic Gold Medals and two World Cup Championships. Julie shares her sports story from youth sports to a long, decorated soccer career, and also discusses her thoughts as a women’s sports advocate, as the founder of a girls sports leadership academy, and as a real sports mom to a teenage boy and girl.

The guys talk a little playoff baseball before welcoming 9-yr NFL running back Danny Woodhead to the show. Danny shares his inspiring story of grit and belief, overcoming the naysayers in high school, college, and all the way to the NFL.

The guys talk to former MLB player Brandon Guyer, who is a mental performance coach with the Los Angeles Angels and the University of Virginia Baseball team, among others. Brandon shares his expertise and tools to help young athletes develop a strong mindset and mental approach to their sport and to life.

Jeff, Britt, and Brad discuss comments and questions sent in by listeners, covering topics such as year-round sports, specialization, discovering your kids’ passion, keeping sports fun, and much more.

The guys sit down with 15-year MLB veteran and manager of Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Mark DeRosa. They discuss family, friends, and what it was like to play multiple sports at an Ivy League University!

In today's episode, the guys talk with one of ESPN’s most popular personalities and co-host of the Marty and McGee show, Marty Smith.

Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler sits down with the guys this week. They talk all things youth sports, from youth football practices leading all the way to his NFL debut. He even convinces everyone why we should draft him in fantasy leagues this season!

Britt and Brad sit down with 7-year NFL Quarterback and 2017 Super Bowl Champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, Carson Wentz. They discuss his North Dakota youth sports journey, including his high school and college football successes, along with his foundation, Audience of One.

The guys sit down with well-known sports dietician and Founder of Eleat Sports Nutrition, Angie Asche. They cover a wide array of topics, including healthy habits for athletes, fueling through food, what to eat on a long tournament day, the best ways to hydrate, and more.

We hear from 2x National Champion and 3x College Football Coach of the Year, Clemson Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney in our Season 2 Premiere. Coach Swinney talks about his youth sports journey, parenting his own kids, and his unique approach to coaching in the current state of college football.

On our final episode of Season 1, the guy recap some of the most important moments, address some key questions from members of our audience, and share a sneak peek into Season 2.

In our 30th episode, the guys talk with Super Bowl champion and 14 year NFL kicker Ryan Succop. Ryan shares his youth sports story as a soccer, baseball, and basketball player, as well as insights on handling pressure, what made Tom Brady such a great teammate, and so much more.

The guys talk to Duke basketball legend and 14 yr NBA player Shane Battier. Shane shares his youth sports story becoming Michigan’s Mr Basketball, his unique college recruiting approach, how he became known as one of the best defenders and teammates in basketball, his on-court battles with Kobe Bryant, and other important insights to help young athletes, parents, and coaches.

The guys have a an engaging conversation with Atlanta Braves legend and MLB Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, one of the best and smartest hitters of all time. Chipper shares his youth sports story and great insights for young athletes and hitters of all levels.

The guys have a great conversation about Sportsmanship in Youth Sports, discussing what Sportsmanship is (and isn’t), why it matters, and how parents and coaches teach it to young athletes.

The guys have a great conversation with Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones, winner of two Gold and two Silver medals. Cullen is the first African-American swimmer to hold a world record, and is a very positive, insightful athlete with an inspiring story and some great insights around pursuing your passion, leveraging sports to prepare for life, handling pressure, and so much more. Don’t miss this episode.

The guys talk talk to sports and performance science expert, Dr. Mark Kovacs, who works with numerous pro athletes and teams and is the former Director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. Mark shares important and relevant information on strength and conditioning, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention and other topics to help young athletes maximize performance in the healthiest way possible.

The guys talk to SEC network analyst and New Orleans Saints pro bowl and super bowl champ safety Roman Harper. Roman shares his youth sports story growing up in Prattville, Alabama to the University of Alabama, as well as insights he learned along the way to a stellar NFL career with the Saints and Carolina Panthers.

This episode features ESPN pro football analyst and 12-yr NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Dan shares his youth sports journey to UConn and the NFL, along with great insights he learned along the way and is applying as a sports dad to his four kids.

The guys talk to Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine, whose youth sports story includes being drafted in the MLB and NHL the same week. In addition, Tom shares great insights from his travel ball playing days in baseball and hockey, as well as from his days as a sports parent and coach.

From her high school soccer team to 2x World Cup champion and 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, soccer legend Carli Lloyd joins us to talk all things youth sports - from her own story to advice for coaches and young athletes.

“What age should my kid begin to specialize in a sport?” “How do I best coach a team with a wide array of skill levels?” “How do I use lessons in sports to teach lessons in life?” In our 20th episode, these, among others, are some of the questions the guys team up to answer in our first ever Pure Athlete Mailbag!

The guys talk to Hall of Fame pitcher and MLB broadcaster John Smoltz. In addition to sharing his youth sports story, Smoltzie shares great insights for young athletes, parents, and coaches, as well as valuable baseball-specific advice for young pitchers.

Our guest is well-known sports psychologist and mental wellness expert Dr. Armando González. Dr. Mondo works with numerous pro athletes such as Dansby Swanson, Lindsey Vonn, Charles Goodwin, Mallory Pugh, among others. Our discussion with him explores the cultural challenges our young people are facing, and he shares great insights and thoughts for young athletes, parents, and coaches to help maximize mental performance and prioritize overall mental wellness.

The guys interview Rowdy Gaines, a 3x Olympic gold medalist, 11x world record holder, 8x NCAA Champion, International swimming hall-of-famer, and sports media’s “voice of swimming” for the last 30 years. In this episode, Rowdy recalls his youth sports experiences; from being cut from high school sports teams to standing on the Olympic podium.

NBA shooting great Dell Curry, father to Steph, Seth, and Sydel, shares stories from his own playing days, as well as parenting insights learned from helping his kids navigate their own journeys in sports and in life.

Philadelphia Phillies All-Star catcher JT Realmuto shares his youth sports story as a multi-sport athlete, discussing the challenges and highlights along his journey to the big leagues. 

Step into the batter's box with National Softball Hall of Fame inductee Jessica Mendoza. Lessons learned growing up and growing into a four-time Collegiate All American, two-time Olympic Medal winner, and a pretty fantastic mom.

ESPN College Football Analyst David Pollack shares insights from his youth sports journey that led him to become a 3x All American defensive end for the University of Georgia and a first round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals. 

At the beginning of a new year, Jeff, Britt, and Brad reflect on some of their favorite moments from interviews in 2022, discussing important takeaways and lessons for young athletes, and parents, and coaches. They also look ahead to what's to come in 2023.

Former Duke star and current ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas shares his youth sports story and discusses coaching, life lessons from sports, sports parenting, and his book Toughness among other relevant youth sports topics.

Ranked as high as #8 in the world, John Isner shares his story of choosing tennis over basketball, his work ethic to achieve his goal of playing college tennis and beyond, and what sports have taught him about life.

Dansby Swanson shares his youth sports story, including his love of basketball and baseball, and the origins of his focus on winning that led him to become a College World Series and MLB World Series champion.

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, but he now is in high demand as a professional speaker, sharing his story of faith, determination, overcoming adversity, and character development to professional, college, and youth sports teams and athletes. Don’t miss this inspiring episode.

A College Football Hall of Famer and NFL first round draft pick, Matt Stinchcomb shares his story - from a great community youth sports experience to the University of Georgia to the NFL.

One of the greatest volleyball players of all time, Misty May Treanor shares her youth sports story, including important lessons and experiences she learned on the road to becoming a 3x Olympic Gold Medalist.

A childhood cancer survivor, Bailey Moody shares her inspiring story of grit and commitment to pursue her love of basketball, all the way to a bronze medal in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games and two wheelchair basketball national championships at the University of Alabama.

The son of an NFL punter, Austin Riley grew up playing multiple sports while chasing his dream of playing major league baseball. In this episode, Austin shares his story of grit and hard work, on his way to becoming a first round draft pick and All-Star third baseman for the Atlanta Braves.

Quarterback Jason Campbell shares his youth sports story and its impact on his development as a player and as a person, from his Taylorsville, MS high school to SEC Player of the Year at Auburn University to first-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins and a 9-year NFL career.

Jeff Francoeur shares his youth sports experiences, including some of his best memories, his biggest life lessons, and how he and his parents navigated the journey.

In our debut episode, Jeff Francoeur interviews Pure Athlete co-founders Britt Lee and Brad Williams about the story behind Pure Athlete and how it evolved - from an idea, to a book, to a brand. In addition, they will discuss the content Pure Athlete will be sharing to inform and inspire young athletes, parents, and coaches to help them successfully navigate their youth sports journeys.