Be Valiant - Powered by Valiant Sports Society

Epizodes

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  Be Valiant Rewind | When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes (Part 3) – The Athlete's Perspective with Will Proctor 12.08.2026 1h 5min

  Be Valiant Rewind | When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes (Part 3) – The Athlete's Perspective with Will Proctor In this special Be Valiant Rewind, we're revisiting the powerful conclusion of our three-part conversation with the Proctor family. After hearing from sports dad Jeff Proctor and sports mom Lisa Proctor, the final chapter belongs to the athlete himself. Former Division I baseball player Will Proctor shares his remarkable journey from one of the nation's top high school prospects to the emotional realities of performance anxiety, career-ending injury, identity loss, and ultimately discovering a new purpose beyond the game. Will speaks candidly about the pressure he placed on himself, what it felt like to watch his lifelong dream unexpectedly change, and how he found healing by embracing a new path as a filmmaker. His story is a powerful reminder that our worth is never defined by the sport we play—and that sometimes life's greatest setbacks become our greatest opportunities. If you haven't heard the beginning of this family's story, start with Part 1: "Be There for the Journey" with Jeff Proctor, available here: https://playfearless.org/episodes/jeff-proctor-be-there-for-the-journey Continue the Conversation at PlayFearless.org This episode is just the beginning. Visit PlayFearless.org to explore even more free resources created specifically for sports parents, including: • Full Be Valiant podcast episodes and video interviews • Expert articles and trusted youth sports organizations • Curated YouTube playlists for sports parents • Guest information and additional educational resources designed to help families create healthier youth sports experiences Because better-informed sports parents create healthier outcomes for young athletes. Be Valiant. Play Fearless. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind | When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes – A Mother's Perspective with Lisa Proctor 05.08.2026 1h 7min

  Be Valiant Rewind | When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes (Part 2) – A Mother's Perspective with Lisa Proctor In this special Be Valiant Rewind, we're revisiting Part 2 of our powerful three-part series with the Proctor family. After hearing from sports dad Jeff Proctor, this conversation shifts to the perspective only a mother can provide. Lisa Proctor shares the emotional journey of raising a son whose dream of playing Major League Baseball seemed within reach—until unexpected challenges, mounting pressure, and ultimately injury changed the course of his life. She reflects on the highs of watching Will become one of the nation's top baseball prospects, the heartbreak of seeing him struggle, and the unwavering role parents play when their child's identity becomes intertwined with their sport. This is an honest conversation about resilience, unconditional support, and the importance of loving your child for who they are—not what they achieve. If you haven't listened to the beginning of the story, start with Part 1: "Be There for the Journey" with Jeff Proctor, available here: https://playfearless.org/episodes/jeff-proctor-be-there-for-the-journey Then continue with Part 3, where former Division I baseball player Will Proctor shares the athlete's perspective on performance anxiety, identity, injury, and finding purpose beyond the game. Continue the Conversation at PlayFearless.org This episode is just the beginning. Visit PlayFearless.org for free resources created specifically for sports parents, including: Full Be Valiant podcast episodes and video interviews Expert articles and trusted youth sports organizations Curated YouTube playlists for sports parents Guest information and additional educational resources to help families create healthier youth sports experiences Because better-informed sports parents create healthier outcomes for young athletes. Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Barry Buetel - Soccer Dad, on What Really Matters in Youth Sports 29.07.2026 1h 3min

  Some conversations deserve a second listen. In this Be Valiant Rewind, Todd Merkow revisits one of the most honest and relatable conversations about youth sports parenting with longtime sports broadcaster and father of three daughters, Barry Buetel. Despite a career spent around professional sports, Barry admits he was completely unprepared for the emotional reality of becoming a youth sports parent. Together, Todd and Barry reflect on the pressure, the sidelines, the coaches, the recruiting process, and the mistakes they made along the way. More importantly, they discuss what they wish they had understood from the very beginning. Whether your child is just starting youth sports or your family is deep in the club sports journey, this episode is filled with practical perspective on what truly matters—and what simply doesn't. In this episode you'll hear: Why even experienced sports professionals can be blindsided by youth sports parenting. How parents can unintentionally become part of the pressure. Why development and relationships matter more than wins and scholarships. The importance of choosing the right coach and the right environment. Why Barry believes the greatest gift youth sports gave his family wasn't trophies—it was time together. If you've ever questioned your decisions as a sports parent, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone—and that it's never too late to refocus on what matters most. Because years from now, your children won't remember every score. They'll remember how you made them feel. Be Valiant. Play Fearless. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Kevin McCabe (Arizona Dean of High School Sports), "Let Them Be Kids" 22.07.2026 1h 9min

  In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Todd revisits his conversation with longtime friend and Arizona high school sports voice Kevin McCabe, known by many as the "Dean of Arizona High School Sports." With more than 40 years covering athletes, coaches, schools, and communities across the state, Kevin brings a rare perspective as both a broadcaster and a sports dad. He and Todd discuss the changing landscape of youth and high school sports, the pressure created by club sports, recruiting expectations, parent behavior, specialization, coaching dynamics, and the emotional realities families face along the way. Kevin also shares lessons from raising his own five children through sports, including the importance of communication, letting kids define their own journey, and remembering that the goal is not just scholarships or championships, but growth, joy, confidence, and life experience. This conversation is a reminder for sports parents to stay positive, keep perspective, trust their gut, and help lift up the young athletes around them. Be Valiant. Play Fearless. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Liz Masakayan - On Youth Sports, Let Them Play — Olympic Volleyball Player and Coach 15.07.2026 1h 3min
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Jody Jackson on the Pressure Behind the Pitcher's Circle and Quarterback Position 08.07.2026 1h 9min

  Longtime Arizona sports broadcaster Jody Jackson has spent her career around elite athletes, but some of the most important lessons she's learned came as a sports parent. In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Jody shares the journey of raising two highly competitive athletes—Connor, a collegiate quarterback, and Caitlin, a standout softball pitcher—while navigating the realities of youth sports, club teams, coaching, recruiting, tryouts, and the emotional highs and lows that come with them. Jody reflects on the intense world of club volleyball and softball, the pressure placed on young athletes, the challenges of balancing competition with enjoyment, and the importance of allowing children to develop at their own pace. She also shares powerful insights about resilience, character, and why a child's value should never be tied to athletic performance. Whether discussing heartbreaking tryouts, difficult losses, recruiting decisions, or the lessons learned from adversity, Jody offers a thoughtful and refreshing perspective that every sports parent can benefit from. Most importantly, she reminds us that while sports can be a powerful teacher, our children are so much more than athletes. Key topics include: The realities of club sports and youth sports culture Raising a quarterback and a pitcher Mental health, confidence, and handling failure Multi-sport participation and specialization The role of coaches and parents in athlete development College recruiting, transfer portals, and finding the right fit Why character and work ethic matter more than talent A conversation filled with honesty, perspective, and valuable lessons for every sports family. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Linda Santo, What Ron Santo's Legacy Taught Her About Youth Sports Pressure 01.07.2026 1h 3min

  In this Be Valiant Rewind, Todd Merkow revisits a powerful conversation with Linda Santo, sports parent, longtime sports media executive, and daughter of Chicago Cubs legend and MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo. Growing up around one of baseball's most beloved figures gave Linda a unique perspective on sports, competition, and what truly matters. But even with a Hall of Famer as her father, she found herself facing the same challenges many parents encounter today: club sports, private coaching, roster cuts, scholarship dreams, performance pressure, and the emotional roller coaster that comes with raising young athletes. Linda shares the very different journeys of her two sons through youth and high school baseball, including the heartbreak of being cut, the realities of the club sports system, and the lessons learned from watching talented kids navigate confidence, anxiety, and expectations. Along the way, she reflects on what her father would think about today's youth sports culture and why he believed kids should focus less on mechanics and more on simply enjoying the game. This episode is a reminder that success in sports is rarely a straight line, that adversity can become a powerful teacher, and that the ultimate goal isn't raising great athletes—it's raising healthy, resilient young adults. In this episode: Growing up as the daughter of MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo What Ron Santo taught his grandchildren about sports and pressure The rise of club baseball and youth sports specialization How cuts, setbacks, and failure shaped Linda's sons Why multi-sport participation matters The mental health challenges young athletes face today What parents should do—and stop doing—after games Keeping perspective when scholarship and pro dreams take over Whether you're raising a baseball player, a soccer player, or any young athlete, this conversation offers valuable lessons on helping kids compete, grow, and most importantly, keep their love of sports alive. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: The D1 Dream vs. The Reality of College Sports | Dr. Robert Dranoff, former Conference Commissioner 24.06.2026 1h 16min

  As youth sports become increasingly focused on scholarships, recruiting, NIL, and the pursuit of Division I athletics, many families lose sight of what truly matters: finding the right fit for their child. In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Todd Merkow sits down with former East Coast Conference Commissioner Dr. Robert "Bob" Dranoff, a lifelong college athletics leader, professor, and sports parent, to discuss the realities of college sports and the lessons parents need to hear. Bob shares insights from decades spent in collegiate athletics, including why Division II and Division III opportunities deserve far more attention, how the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting, the truth about athletic scholarships and NIL earnings, and why balance, academics, and personal growth should remain at the center of every athlete's journey. The conversation also explores the growing mental health challenges facing young athletes and the role parents play in helping their children navigate pressure, expectations, and the pursuit of success. Whether your child dreams of playing in college or simply loves competing, this episode offers practical perspective on how sports can serve young people—not the other way around. Key Topics: The reality of Division I recruiting Why Division II may be the best-kept secret in college athletics NIL, scholarships, and the transfer portal Mental health and athlete well-being Finding the right college fit Keeping sports fun and meaningful What every sports parent should prioritize About Bob Dranoff: Bob Dranoff is the former Commissioner of the East Coast Conference and a longtime college athletics administrator who has served at the Division I, II, III, and junior college levels. Today, he teaches at St. John's University and St. Joseph's University while continuing to advocate for student-athlete development and well-being. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: "No One Has Youth Sports Figured Out" | Steve Borelli, USA Today 17.06.2026 1h 4min

  In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Todd Merkow sits down with Steve Borelli, longtime USA Today journalist, youth sports columnist, coach, and sports dad, for one of the most insightful conversations we've had about the realities of raising young athletes. Drawing from years of experience on the sidelines and hundreds of conversations with parents, coaches, and athletes, Steve shares practical wisdom on everything from travel sports culture and early specialization to recruiting, pressure, parent behavior, and what kids actually need from us. Why do so many parents feel trapped in unhealthy sports environments? What are the warning signs that a team or club may not be the right fit? Do college coaches really prefer multi-sport athletes? And how can parents support their children without becoming part of the pressure? Steve also discusses lessons from his interviews with former MLB All-Star Todd Frazier, golf legend Annika Sorenstam, and other sports figures who have navigated youth sports as parents themselves. Key topics include: • The red flags parents should watch for in youth sports programs • Why "you're not getting scouted at 12" is a message every parent needs to hear • The importance of multi-sport participation and athlete development • The 24-hour rule and the car ride home after games • What college coaches are really looking for • Travel sports, recruiting, and maintaining perspective • Why fun in sports is more important—and more complex—than most people realize Whether you're just starting your family's youth sports journey or are deep in the travel sports world, this conversation offers valuable perspective, practical advice, and reassurance that you're not alone. Because at the end of the day, great sports parenting isn't about having all the answers—it's about learning, growing, and making decisions that are in the best interest of your child. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Mike Strati | Creating a Healthy Sports Culture for Your Child 10.06.2026 1h 4min

  In this special "rewind" of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with longtime friend, former collegiate and national team soccer player, coach, consultant, and sports parent Mike Strati for one of the most insightful conversations we've had about youth sports culture. Drawing from his experiences as an athlete, coach, and father of three, Mike shares a refreshingly honest perspective on what really matters in youth sports. From the importance of multi-sport participation and finding the right coach, to navigating toxic environments, managing expectations, and helping kids develop a lifelong love of sports, this episode is packed with practical advice for parents at every stage of the journey. You'll hear why Mike believes: • Kids should play as many sports as possible for as long as possible • Parents need to be intentional about choosing coaches and teams • The car ride home matters more than most parents realize • Early specialization often does more harm than good • Youth sports should prepare kids for life—not just college athletics Most importantly, Mike reminds us that youth sports are ultimately about helping our children grow, learn, build relationships, and discover who they are. Whether you're just beginning your family's sports journey or you're deep in the competitive youth sports world, this conversation offers timeless lessons that every sports parent should hear. Watch the full video episode and subscribe on our YouTube channel, and visit PlayFearless.org to learn more about Valiant Sports Society's mission to help parents safeguard the mental and physical well-being of youth athletes. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Mark Hilinski |Athlete Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & the Conversations That Can Save Lives 03.06.2026 1h 7min

  Some conversations are too important to be heard only once. This week, we're revisiting one of the most impactful episodes of Be Valiant with Mark Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski's Hope and father of former Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski. After losing Tyler to suicide in 2018, Mark and his wife Kim turned unimaginable grief into a national movement dedicated to improving mental health awareness, education, and support for student-athletes. Through Hilinski's Hope, they have reached hundreds of college campuses and helped spark critical conversations about mental health in sports. In this powerful discussion, Mark shares the story of Tyler's life, the warning signs that weren't obvious, the lessons learned as a sports parent, and what families, coaches, and athletes can do to create environments where asking for help is not only accepted—but encouraged. We also explore athlete identity, the pressures of competitive sports, the importance of multi-sport participation, the role parents play in supporting their children's emotional well-being, and why mental health conversations should begin long before a crisis occurs. Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of young people, this is a conversation that deserves your attention. Key takeaway: "Let's not let the crisis be the first time we talk about it." Learn more about Hilinski's Hope at Hilinskishope.org.   Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Charli Turner Thorne | Hall of Fame College Basketball Coach on Mental Health, Toughness & Youth Sports Culture 27.05.2026 1h 9min

  Former Arizona State women's basketball coach and Hall of Famer Charli Turner Thorne joins Valiant Sports Society CEO Todd Merkow for one of the most important conversations Be Valiant has had about youth sports, mental health, coaching culture, and parenting. Over a 25-year coaching career at ASU, Charli built nationally respected programs centered not just on performance, but on mental wellness, emotional resilience, leadership, and athlete development. In this Mental Health Awareness Month re release, she shares what parents, coaches, and athletes urgently need to understand about today's sports environment. Topics include: The growing mental health challenges facing young athletes Why injuries can trigger anxiety, depression, and identity loss The difference between healthy toughness and harmful pressure What parents should (and shouldn't) say after games How coaches impact athlete mental health far beyond the scoreboard Why multi-sport athletes are often healthier mentally and physically The danger of "fear of other people's opinions" in today's youth sports culture Why parents should ask colleges about mental health support during recruiting The importance of culture, joy, balance, and purpose in sports Charli also opens up about her own experiences as a sports parent, the evolution of her coaching philosophy, and why she believes the best coaches develop the whole person — not just the athlete. This episode is a powerful reminder that youth sports should build confidence, resilience, connection, and joy — not fear, burnout, or emotional harm. Guest:  Charli Turner Thorne - Former Ariozna State University Women's Basketball Coach Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Madison Merkow | Injuries, Pressure & Mental Health in Youth Sports 20.05.2026 1h 7min

  During Mental Health Awareness Month, we're revisiting one of the most personal and important conversations we've had on Be Valiant. Todd sits down with his oldest daughter, Madison Merkow, for an honest discussion about the emotional realities of youth sports; including pressure, injuries, recruiting, confidence, identity, burnout, and the mental health struggles that often go unseen by parents, coaches, and teammates. Madison shares her journey from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball, the impact injuries and concussion had on her confidence and mental well-being, the pressure surrounding college athletics, and why so many young athletes lose their love for the game. Together, Todd and Madison explore: the emotional toll of injuries in sports fear and confidence after concussion recruiting pressure and college expectations supportive vs harmful coaching environments the importance of communication at home how parents can better support their athletes emotionally preserving joy in youth sports This episode is a raw parent-athlete conversation designed to help families better understand the mental and emotional side of competitive sports. If you're a parent, coach, or athlete navigating the pressures of youth sports, this conversation matters.   Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  I Lost Myself After Youth Soccer: Sydney Merkow's Story of Identity Loss, Eating Disorder, Anxiety & Healing 13.05.2026 1h 8min

  Content Note: This episode includes discussion of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm thoughts, and mental health struggles related to youth sports. In this deeply personal episode of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow sits down again with his daughter Sydney to talk about what happened after her youth soccer journey ended. Sydney opens up about identity loss, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, eating disorder struggles, and the painful process of finding herself beyond the sport that once defined her. This conversation is honest, emotional, and necessary for parents of youth athletes. Sydney shares what she wishes parents understood, how pressure builds silently, why athletes often hide their struggles, and how healing became possible through therapy, writing, self-reflection, and learning to reconnect with joy. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  She Looked Fine on the Field: What Youth Sports Was Really Doing to My Daughter 06.05.2026 1h 6min

  In this powerful re-release of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow sits down with his daughter Sydney Merkow to reflect on her youth sports journey while she was still playing competitive soccer. From the outside, Sydney's story looked like success — championships, leadership, and high-level competition. But beneath the surface, a very different reality was unfolding. Sydney opens up about the pressure, anxiety, injuries, and mental toll that built over time — including vocal cord dysfunction, concussions, and the early signs of deeper struggles that often go unnoticed in youth sports. This episode sheds light on what many athletes experience but rarely say out loud — and what parents may not see until it's too late. As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, this conversation is a reminder that performance does not always equal well-being. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Linda Flanagan: What Youth Sports Can Be (Part 2) 29.04.2026 1h 1min

  In this follow-up conversation, Linda Flanagan returns to Be Valiant to move beyond the problems in youth sports and focus on what parents can actually do to create a better experience for their kids. After unpacking what youth sports has become in Part 1, this episode shifts to a more empowering conversation—centered on perspective, priorities, and the choices families can make to take back control. Linda shares real-world insights from her experience as a parent, coach, and author of Take Back the Game, including how to navigate pressure from clubs, how to think about specialization, and why outcomes like college sports and elite competition are often misunderstood. We also explore what true "success" in youth sports really looks like—and why it has far more to do with long-term health, enjoyment, and identity than wins, rankings, or scholarships. This episode dives into: • Why stepping back can actually benefit your child's development • How to evaluate team culture and coaching environments • The importance of multi-sport participation and avoiding burnout • What parents should prioritize when making youth sports decisions • How to help kids maintain a healthy identity beyond their sport Linda also shares a powerful reminder for parents: youth sports are not as important as they've been made to feel—and that realization can be incredibly freeing. If Part 1 helps you understand the system, this conversation is about navigating it with more clarity, confidence, and intention. Because youth sports doesn't have to stay what it is today—it can be something better. Watch this Epsiode Here Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Be Valiant Rewind: Linda Flanagan | What Youth Sports Has Become (Part 1) 22.04.2026 1h 10min

  Before sharing my newest conversation with Linda Flanagan, I wanted to bring back our original discussion—because this is where the conversation started. In this episode, Linda, author of Take Back the Game, joins me for a powerful look at what youth sports has become. From the pressure parents feel to the commercialization of the system, to the growing concerns around mental health, identity, and early specialization, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the reality many families are navigating today. Linda brings a unique perspective as a former athlete, longtime coach, parent of three, and journalist who has spent years studying the evolution of youth sports. Together, we explore how we got here, and why so many well-intentioned parents find themselves caught in a system that feels overwhelming, confusing, and at times, misaligned with what's best for their kids. We talk about: The fear that drives youth sports decisions today The pressure to specialize early—and why it can backfire How identity can become too tied to a single sport The disconnect between what parents want and what the system demands Why youth sports can feel far more important than it actually is This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Linda. In Part 2, we shift from understanding the problem to exploring what youth sports can be—and how parents can start making more confident, informed decisions for their families. If you're a parent trying to navigate the youth sports journey, this is an important place to start. Because before we can change the experience—we have to understand it. Watch epsiode here  Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Barry Buetel: A Girl Dad's Youth Sports Journey Through Pressure, Mistakes, and What Really Matters 15.04.2026 1h 3min

  What really happens when a lifelong sports professional becomes a youth sports parent? In this episode of Be Valiant, Host Todd Merkow sits down with longtime friend and broadcaster Barry Buetel to unpack the real, often emotional journey of raising three daughters in youth sports. Despite decades in professional sports, Barry shares how unprepared he felt stepping into the youth sports environment—and how quickly things like pressure, sideline behavior, and the pursuit of scholarships can change a parent's perspective. Together, they explore: • The shock of entering competitive youth sports as a parent • The difference between development and winning—and why it matters • How sideline behavior impacts every child, not just your own • The emotional toll youth sports can take on families • The importance of relationships, culture, and choosing the right coach • Why, in the end, it's about time together—not outcomes This is an honest, relatable conversation about mistakes, growth, and what it really means to support your child through sports.   Final Thought If you're a parent navigating youth sports, remember: You're allowed to walk away from the wrong team. You're allowed to demand a better culture. And most importantly—you're allowed to lead your family in a way that's right for your kids. Be Valiant. Play Fearless. Powered by Valiant Sports Society For more info and resources go to www.PlayFearless.org Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Jonathon Carone: Healthy Sports Parents, Fear, Failure, and Letting Kids Find Their Own Path 08.04.2026 1h 2min

  Jonathan Carone, founder of Healthy Sports Parents, joins Valiant Sports Society CEO & Founder, and host, Todd Merkow to talk about what youth sports parenting looks like when the focus shifts from pressure and performance to joy, growth, and long-term development. In this episode, Jonathan shares how his own experience as an athlete, coach, and dad shaped his mission to help parents better understand the emotional side of youth sports. He explains why kids need safe opportunities to fail, why parents must learn to identify the fears driving their decisions, and why so much of youth sports culture becomes unhealthy when adults try to control outcomes too early. Todd and Jonathan also discuss rec vs. travel sports, early specialization, communication between coaches and parents, the importance of letting kids develop on their own timeline, and why most parents want to do better — they just have never been taught how. This is an honest and insightful conversation for any parent trying to lead with more awareness, confidence, and courage in the youth sports journey. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant.  Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.   © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.
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  Liz Masakayan: An Olympic Volleyball Player and Coach's Perspective on Youth Sports 01.04.2026 1h 3min

  In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with former Olympian, elite beach volleyball player, and coach Liz Masakayan for a candid, real-world conversation about what youth sports has become—and what it should be. Drawing from her experience as both an athlete and coach, Liz breaks down the growing tension between structure and freedom in youth sports. From the pressures of tryouts and early specialization to the realities of team dynamics, confidence, and development, this episode challenges many of the assumptions parents and athletes carry into the process. Todd and Liz explore: Why so many athletes are moving from indoor to beach volleyball The difference between control and ownership in an athlete's journey How early labels and positional decisions can limit development The importance of accountability, communication, and resilience What parents get wrong—especially from the sidelines Why adversity, not comfort, leads to long-term growth This is not a theoretical conversation—it's grounded in lived experience, real challenges, and honest perspective. If you're a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete trying to find your path, this episode will help you think differently about development, competition, and what truly matters. Be Valiant. Play Fearless Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.