The Pure Athlete Podcast

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  182: The Mental Game of Youth Sports: What Parents & Coaches Need to Know with Dr. Ben Freakley 15.09.2026 50min

  Britt, Brad, and former U.S. Soccer captain Carlos Bocanegra sit down with Dr. Ben Freakley for a practical conversation on the mental side of youth sports. Freakley, a military brat and former college soccer player and coach, traces his path from a painful VMI loss that pushed him into sports psychology, to work with Army Rangers, the Toronto Blue Jays’ mental performance department, and building Atlanta United’s high-performance staff alongside Bocanegra. He now leads Ready, Set, Resilient and consults with athletes, coaches, and high performers.The discussion centers on cognitive load: how parents yelling from the stands, coaches barking from the sideline, and a kid’s own inner voice create “noise” that makes it harder to play. Freakley explains why coaches (and parents) should cut feedback to one or two clear points, triage what actually matters, and save the rest for later. He offers a simple post-game framework he uses with his own high-school football-playing sons—goals, honest reflection on what went well, what to improve, and a plan for next time—aimed at building self-awareness rather than delivering a play-by-play critique.Freakley shares his expertise and a hot take on developing confidence, and he talks a length about stressing process over results.Bocanegra and Freakley also share what they looked for in young academy players beyond speed and skill: kids who showed up every day, competed, and figured things out when they weren’t the most gifted.Freakley's closing billboard for every youth field: Love your kid. Unconditional positive regard. No conditions of worth tied to points, minutes, or wins. “You’re enough.” A grounded, coach-and-parent-friendly episode on reducing noise, building process, and keeping the relationship first.
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  181. Call-In Show #1: "My Husband Is Too Hard On My Son In Sports” 08.09.2026 34min

  Welcome to The Pure Athlete Call-In Show, where we have REAL CONVERSATIONS with REAL PARENTS & COACHES, discussion REAL SITUATIONS and CHALLENGES. On the is episode we talk to three moms, one dad, and one middle school soccer coach about challenges each are facing along their youth sports journeys. Jeff, Britt, and Brad share their perspectives and advice, based on their own experiences and observations.If you want to talk to the guys on a future call-in episode, go to pureathlete.com/call and submit your information or send us a dm at any of our social media platforms! We would love to hear from you, and sharing your story may help other parents or coaches going through similar situations!
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  180. Notah Begay: His Unlikely Journey to the PGA Tour & Payne Stewart Award 01.09.2026 48min

  Notah Begay III joins The Pure Athlete Podcast for a conversation about character, preparation, and what it actually takes to last.Jeff, Britt, and Brad sit down with Begay during Tour Championship week to talk about the surprise of winning the Payne Stewart Award, the speech in a room full of peers (Scheffler, McIlroy, and the people who built the show), and the path that made the honor feel almost impossible: a public course on Albuquerque’s west side, unpaid work at nine, a hard home life, and the long odds facing Native kids on reservations.Begay is blunt about early specialization, the mentors who opened doors (and helped him raise an SAT score in 90 days), surviving the Atlanta airport at 14 with no cell phone, and why Stanford felt like another planet. He explains how few jobs there really are on Tour, why one bad year can send you all the way back to “Go,” and what he learned standing next to Tiger Woods for 40 years—from the range the morning after a major to why confidence comes from preparation, not from having “done it before.”A conversation about golf, grit, and raising kids who still love the game.
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  179. The Keys To Helping Your Young Athlete Physically Thrive with Dr. Katie Friedman 25.08.2026 26min

  Brad and Britt sit down with Dr. Katie Friedman—pediatrician, pediatric ER physician, mom of young athletes, co-founder of Forever Freckled, and creator of Big Time youth athlete vitamins (livebigtime.com).Katie makes the case that youth sports remain one of the most powerful environments for kids: they build grit, teach kids how to fail and keep going, get them off screens, support physical health, and instill habits that transfer to school and adulthood. She also talks honestly about the hard parts—injuries, pressure to return too soon, and the daily scramble of late practices and fast food.Key topics include:What she actually sees in the ER: fractures, dislocations, lacerations—and a surprising spike in serious injuries from e-scooters and e-bikesConcussion red flags, when to go to the ER, and why kids should be symptom-free before returning to playSleep as the most overlooked (and free) performance tool—aim for 9–10+ hours and get screens out of the bedroomPractical nutrition: breakfast as fuel, simple carbs before games, smaller meals/snacks kids will actually eat, and giving yourself grace on the 9:30 p.m. pizza nightsWhy she created Big Time after her son’s injury and her own questions about fueling growing athletesAdvice to sports parents: the work is worth it even if they never play college ball—focus on the child and the lessons, not just the scoreboardA grounded, practical conversation for parents who want their kids to thrive in sports without losing the point of it.https://livebigtime.com
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  178. Alex Rodriguez: Lessons & Insights From A Storied MLB Career 18.08.2026 42min

  14-time All-Star, three-time AL MVP, and 2009 World Series champion Alex Rodriguez joins Jeff, Britt, and Brad for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the highlight-reel numbers.A-Rod traces his path from a Washington Heights childhood (his father leaving when he was 10, his mother’s extraordinary work ethic, and a stretch on food stamps) to Miami, where baseball, basketball, and football became his outlet and purpose. He explains why playing up with older kids as a late-July birthday was an unexpected advantage, how quarterbacking and point-guard vision translated directly to shortstop, and why he believes today’s early-specialization culture is hurting young athletes.The former Westminster Christian star makes a passionate case for fundamentals over launch angle and exit velo: start with the bunt, the hit-and-run, and elite defense. He talks about the two coaches who shaped him for a decade, the value of curiosity and listening (even at the height of his stardom), and the mental approach that let a 18-year-old phenom survive the spotlight.Parents and coaches will especially appreciate his advice on the ride home, process over results, keeping kids off electronics and radar guns before 17, and why the best players he’s ever seen were “black-belt fundamentalists.” Rodriguez also shares the behind-the-scenes story of his trade to the Yankees and reflects with rare vulnerability on early success, self-awareness, and how becoming a more present father has changed him.A must-listen episode packed with practical wisdom for anyone raising or coaching the next generation.
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  NEW SEASON 5 PREVIEW with Jeff, Britt, & Brad 12.08.2026 14min

  Jeff, Britt, and Brad preview the new season with summer recaps, laughs, and big plans ahead. Jeff shares behind-the-scenes stories from Cooperstown and Andruw Jones’ Hall of Fame induction—hanging with Mike Tomlin, chatting with Tony La Russa, and experiencing “baseball heaven” with the legends. Brad and Britt trade notes on family time, beach trips, yard work, and a special first ice-cream moment with a granddaughter.Then they look ahead: Pure Athlete Baseball’s continues to add great new content and the guys talk about what's coming on that platform. And, the guys discuss a brand new format coming to enable interaction and engagement with parents, kids and coaches around the country, discussing their youth sports journeys in a real-life way.Season 5 begins next week. Stick around—you’re not going to want to miss it.
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  PA Replay: Andruw Jones — From Curaçao to Cooperstown 29.07.2026 50min

  This week, we're revisiting our conversation with newly inducted MLB Hall of Famer Andruw Jones. Andruw reflects on the journey that took him from Curaçao to the major leagues, the importance of character and discipline, and the lessons he's learned through baseball and fatherhood. It's a timeless conversation filled with wisdom for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.
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  PA Replay: GOING ALL IN....What You Need To Know 14.07.2026 52min

  Youth and high school sports should always be fun. But what if a young athlete has big goals? What if they dream of making the varsity team, earning a college scholarship, or even competing professionally?Many families begin pursuing those dreams at a young age—and we think that's great. But that journey also comes with challenges. Having a healthy roadmap can help your young athlete maximize their potential while still enjoying the process and becoming the best version of themselves on the field, court, pool, or track.We're revisiting this episode because the lessons, advice, and insights are just as relevant today as when it first aired.
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  PA Replay: Bobby Witt Jr. — From MLB Son to MLB Star 30.06.2026 42min

  In 2024, Bobby finished as the runner-up for the American League MVP Award after delivering an incredible season at the plate while also winning his first Gold Glove at shortstop in just his third year in the majors.Not long ago, though, Bobby was playing travel and high school baseball in Colleyville, Texas. Despite being the son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt Sr., he took a different path than many of today's top prospects. He never took a private hitting lesson until after high school. Rather than chasing launch angles and home runs (though he hit plenty of those), Bobby focused on making hard contact to all fields, limiting strikeouts, and becoming the most complete player he could be.Bobby shares his approach to hitting, the relentless work ethic that helped him become a Gold Glove-winning shortstop, the lessons his parents taught him about character and humility, and so much more.We're bringing back this replay of our conversation with Bobby Witt Jr.—one that's still packed with valuable and relevant insights for players, parents, and coaches.
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  177. What's Broken in American Youth Soccer—and How We Fix It with U.S. Soccer Legend Carlos Bocanegra 24.06.2026 57min

  In this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad sit down with U.S. Soccer legend and former US World Cup Captain Carlos Bocanegra to share his story from his remarkable journey—from playing multiple sports as a kid in Southern California, to starring at UCLA Bruins, becoming MLS Rookie of the Year, competing in two FIFA World Cups, and playing in some of the world’s top leagues, including the English Premier League. He also reflects on the lessons he learned along the way and why playing multiple sports helped shape his athletic career.The conversation then shifts to youth sports, where Carlos offers his passionate assessment of the current youth soccer landscape in America. He discusses the challenges facing youth development, the importance of positive coaching environments, why fundamentals matter more than winning at young ages, and what parents should look for when choosing a sports program for their children.Whether you're a soccer fan, a parent navigating youth sports, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind elite athletes, this episode delivers valuable insights on development, resilience, leadership, and helping kids fall in love with sports the right way.Topics Covered:The impact and excitement of the 2026 World CupCarlos Bocanegra’s path from youth athlete to World Cup captainLife in MLS and the English Premier LeagueThe value of multi-sport participationWhy technical skill development mattersChallenges in youth soccer todayHow parents can identify healthy sports environmentsBalancing development and winning in youth sportsBuilding a better future for young athletesPlus, Carlos shares why he believes improving the youth sports culture is one of the most important opportunities facing American soccer today.
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  PA Replay: Former MLS Star & USMNT Player Taylor Twellman 16.06.2026 50min

  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.
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  176. I9 Sports' Madison Gates: How to Give Kids a Positive Early Sports Experience 09.06.2026 34min

  In this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, hosts Britt and Brad sit down with Madison Gates, VP of Marketing at i9 Sports and former University of Michigan soccer standout, D1 player, and coach.They explore one of the biggest challenges parents face today: how to introduce young kids to organized sports in a positive, healthy way. With youth sports shifting toward earlier specialization, intense travel teams, and skyrocketing pressure, many families feel overwhelmed and worried their kids will fall behind or burn out.Madison shares her personal journey—from multi-sport youth athlete to college star—and discusses the real issues plaguing youth sports: parental “keeping up with the Joneses,” early burnout, overuse injuries, and the loss of simple childhood fun. She explains how i9 Sports offers a refreshing, contrarian approach: fun-first, multi-sport leagues for ages 3–14, with just one practice and game per week, age-appropriate coaching, and a strong emphasis on building confidence, character, and a sense of belonging.The conversation dives deep into i9’s Games for Girls campaign, which aims to get 500,000 girls playing annually by 2030. They discuss survey insights on what girls and parents value most (spoiler: winning is at the bottom), the importance of positive coaching, girls-only programming, and strategies to keep girls in sports through the critical middle school years when dropout rates spike.Whether you’re a parent trying to make the right first sports decision, concerned about burnout, or looking for a more balanced youth sports experience, this episode delivers practical wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice.Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation that puts kids first.Listen now and visit i9sports.com to find a local program near you.
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  175. David Pollack: How My Perspective Changed Through My Kids' Sports Journey 02.06.2026 46min

  In this powerful return episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we welcome back former CFB Hall of Fame and the host of the popular podcast See Ball. Get Ball, David Pollack, three and a half years after his first appearance.Now raising a 17-year-old son who just committed to Clemson football and a 16-year-old daughter who’s a standout basketball player, David delivers raw, honest, and deeply practical insight into how sports parenting evolves as kids move through high school. From shifting roles — moving from “commander” to “coach” to eventually “friend” — to learning how to give your children true ownership of their journey, David explores the challenges, failures, and wins that come with raising athletes.He also opens up about the realities of the modern recruiting process in a transactional, NIL-influenced world, how to support your child without taking over, and why surrounding them with the right people and culture matters more than ever. Finally, David shares candidly about his wife Lindsay’s major brain surgery and ongoing battle with cancer, how their family has grown stronger through adversity, and the powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and perspective they’ve gained.Listeners will hear David’s signature intensity as he discusses:Why parenting gets harder (but more meaningful) as kids gain independenceThe importance of letting kids own their journey — even when it’s uncomfortableHow to balance support with space in recruiting and athleticsBuilding family values that outlast sportsThe power of praying for “hard” things and watching your kids rise through themWhat coaches and parents need to prioritize for long-term success and character developmentFilled with humor, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent, coach, or young athlete navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports.Tune in now and be reminded that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s growth, faith, and enjoying the journey together.Also, check out David's new book...Every Day Counts: Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.
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  174. Reclassifying - The Controversial Extra Year in Youth Sports 27.05.2026 26min

  In this candid episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad tackle one of the hottest and most controversial topics in youth sports today: reclassification — holding kids back a grade, primarily for athletic advantages.The guys break down:What reclassification really means and how it’s shifting from a rare academic decision to a common sports strategyThe potential benefits for late bloomers and physical developmentThe serious downsides — social and emotional impacts, disrupted friendships, academic considerations, and long-term opportunity costsWhy some high school programs quietly encourage it and how club/travel teams have adapted with grad-year rulesReal talk on whether that extra year actually leads to D1 scholarships or just creates unfair advantagesWith honesty and zero judgment, the hosts share personal stories, coach and athletic director perspectives, and question whether we’re putting athletics above the holistic development of our kids. They also explore the broader trend of older athletes in high school and college sports.This is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth sports. The conversation is nuanced, thought-provoking, and far from black and white.What do you think? Have you reclassified your child? Did it work out — or do you regret it? Drop your experiences in the comments or send us a message. We want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.Listen now and join the conversation.
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  173. The State of Youth Sports with Aspen Institute's Project Play Director Tom Farrey 19.05.2026 39min

  In this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we sit down with Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Project Play and a longtime voice in youth sports. With decades of experience and groundbreaking research, Tom shares the latest data on participation trends, the impact of commercialization, early specialization, and the growing influence of NIL at younger ages.Discover powerful lessons from Norway’s remarkably successful youth sports model, why joy and love of the game matter more than wins at young ages, the importance of multi-sport play, and practical ways communities can drive real change through the “power of the permit.”Whether you’re a parent, coach, or youth sports leader, this conversation delivers honest insights, hope, and actionable ideas for building healthier, more inclusive youth sports environments.Tune in for a big-picture look at where youth sports stands today — and where it’s headed.#YouthSports #ProjectPlay #ParentingInSports #AspenInstitute
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  172. Will Summer Fun Set My Kid Back in Sports? ASK US ANYTHING #1 15.05.2026 35min

  Jeff, Brad, and Britt tackle real parent questions we've received in our first installment of a practical, no-nonsense Q&A series we call ASK US ANYTHING. From travel ball decisions to tackle football, handling losses, tough coaches, and creating balance in a year-round sports culture, the guys share honest perspectives and insights from their own experiences as parents and coaches.Key topics include:Should a dominant 12U baseball player join elite national travel teams that “just show up” for tournaments, or stay local and play with friends?When is the right age to start tackle football? (Flag vs. full contact, teaching proper tackling technique, and knowing your child)Helping a 10-year-old who cries after every soccer lossHow to handle a bad umpire who tells your team to “throw in the towel”Should you let your kid quit a sport when it gets hard?Tough coaching vs. toxic coaching — where’s the line?How we manage the tension of wanting to create great summer experiences like summer camp, vacations, and free time with the desire to continue growth in your sport.The episode closes with a great conversation with Mike Murillo of Academy Camps — a unique sports-specific sleepaway camp that combines high-level coaching and training in a variety of sports with traditional camp fun (no phones, color wars, electives, ropes course, and more). Academy Camps is a smart hybrid option for families who want both athletic development and real summer memories.Whether you’re navigating tryouts, burnout, playing time, or just trying to do youth sports the right way, this episode is packed with relatable advice you can actually use.https://academycamps.com
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  171. Catie Francoeur: Behind the Scenes With A Sports Mom 12.05.2026 1t 3min

  This week on The Pure Athlete Podcast, we celebrate moms with a special guest — sports mom, wife, and chaos coordinator extraordinaire, Catie Francoeur.Catie joins Jeff, Britt, and Brad for an honest, funny, and heartfelt conversation about raising four kids in the middle of the youth sports whirlwind. From travel softball and lacrosse to forgotten cleats, late-night flights, emotional car rides, and “recalibrating” family priorities, this episode pulls back the curtain on what life really looks like for a modern sports family. Both moms and dads will enjoy and recognize many of the topics discussed, such as:The pressure today’s kids and parents feel in youth sportsBalancing competition, faith, marriage, and family lifeHelping kids navigate anxiety, confidence, and identitySupporting children who love different sports — or no sport at allWhy effort and character matter more than stats and trophiesThe behind-the-scenes role moms play in keeping everything togetherAlong the way, Catie shares wisdom, vulnerability, and plenty of laughs — including stories about travel ball chaos, parenting failures, emotional postgame moments, and even Jeff getting kicked out of a flag football game.Whether you’re a sports mom, sports dad, coach, or parent trying to survive the busy youth sports years, this episode is packed with relatable stories, encouragement, and perspective.Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfect kids or perfect parents — it’s raising healthy, resilient kids who know they’re loved no matter the scoreboard.
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  170. UGA AD Josh Brooks: What's Going On In College Sports…Part 2 05.05.2026 45min

  What does the future of college sports really look like—and how will it impact youth and high school athletes?In Part 2 of this topic, we sit down with Josh Brooks, Athletic Director at the University of Georgia, to break down the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics—from NIL and the transfer portal to the realities of recruiting, roster building, and long-term athlete development.Josh shares his journey from college equipment manager under Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher to leading one of the top athletic programs in the country. But beyond the wins and championships, this conversation dives deep into what truly matters—both as a leader and as a sports dad.We cover:Why youth sports should prioritize development over winningThe impact of NIL and the transfer portal on college athleticsWhat parents and athletes need to understand about recruiting todayThe importance of fit: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated”How track and other individual sports teach real growth and accountabilityThe shrinking opportunities in non-revenue sports—and what it means for the futureWhy identity shouldn’t be tied to your child’s sportPractical advice for athletes chasing college opportunities (at any level)Josh also shares candid thoughts on parenting in youth sports, the pressure culture surrounding kids today, and how to keep sports fun while still pursuing excellence.Whether you're raising a young athlete, coaching, or navigating the path to college sports, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective from someone at the highest level of the game.
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  169. Clemson AD Graham Neff: What's Going On In College Sports...Part 1 28.04.2026 58min

  In Part 1 of this 2-part series, the guys sit down with Clemson Athletic Director Graham Neff for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the rapidly changing world of college sports.From NIL and the transfer portal to scholarships and recruiting, Graham breaks down what’s really happening—and what it means for today’s athletes. He shares his personal journey into college athletics, offers practical advice for students who want to work in sports, and explains why opportunities are actually expanding across all levels and sports.The conversation also tackles big questions around player loyalty, the business of college athletics, and where things are headed next. Whether you're a parent, athlete, or fan trying to make sense of it all, this episode delivers clarity, perspective, and real insight from someone in the middle of it.Key themes:The reality of NIL, revenue sharing, and recruiting todayHow student-athletes can still find opportunity at every levelWhy college sports are becoming both more complex—and more valuableAdvice for athletes navigating the modern landscapeA must-listen for anyone serious about understanding the future of college athletics.
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  168. How Great Pitchers Are Made: Inside the Mind of Pitching Ninja Rob Friedman 21.04.2026 36min

  What does it really take to develop an elite pitcher—and are we getting it wrong with today’s youth athletes?In this episode, we sit down with Rob Friedman—better known as the creator of Pitching Ninja—to break down the evolution of pitching, the science behind velocity, and the biggest mistakes parents and coaches make with young players.From coaching his own son to a college career at Georgia Tech baseball to building one of the most trusted platforms in baseball, Rob shares insights that every parent, coach, and player needs to hear.We dive into:Why velocity is dominating the game—and the risks that come with itThe truth about early specialization and “pitcher-only” kidsHow to choose the right pitching coach (and red flags to avoid)When kids should start tracking velocity and throwing breaking pitchesThe mindset and habits that separate good pitchers from great onesRob also gives practical advice for parents navigating today’s high-pressure youth sports environment, including pitch counts, injury prevention, and how to keep the game fun while still pushing for growth.Whether your child is just starting out or chasing the next level, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom to help you develop athletes the right way.Resources Mentioned:Unhittable by Rob Friedman