Ep. 138: Does Character Matter in Sports?
Most parents want their kids to develop strong character—but how often is it truly prioritized in the pursuit of youth sports success? Pure Athlete identifies character as one of its five core pillars, and in this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad break down why it matters. They explore how character is developed, why it’s essential both on and off the field or court, and the critical roles parents and coaches play in the process.
Plus, the guys open the show with a major announcement you won’t want to miss.
Ep. 137: The Parent Coach: The Rewards, the Risks, and the Rules to Follow
Balancing the roles of parent and coach can be both incredibly rewarding and unexpectedly challenging, and after many requests to explore this topic, Britt and Brad share lessons from their own journeys while Jeff adds perspective from coaching his own kids. They discuss why parents should consider getting involved—even as assistants—especially at younger ages, and they explain what “daddy ball” looks like and how it impacts other players and families. As kids grow older and the tension between the two roles becomes harder to manage, the guys offer practical guidance to help parents coach with intention, fairness, and wisdom.
Ep. 136: Hall-of-Fame Pitcher Billy Wagner
2025 MLB Hall of Fame inductee Billy Wagner joins us to share how a right-handed kid became a dominant left-handed closer with 422 saves and seven All-Star nods. He reflects on overcoming a tough childhood, starring in football and baseball at Division III Ferrum College, and becoming an unlikely first-round pick. Billy also gives a peek behind the scenes of his Cooperstown induction weekend and the legends he met along the way. Now a successful high school coach and dad to two rising players, he offers valuable advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches in today’s game.
Ep. 135: Former American Tennis Player & Commentator Sam Querrey
On this episode, we’re joined by Sam Querrey — one of America’s top tennis players of the past two decades. A 10-time ATP champion and former world No. 11, Sam shares his journey from growing up in California to turning pro straight out of high school. He reflects on career highlights, including wins over Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal, and what it was like facing Federer. Sam also weighs in on the future of U.S. tennis, his transition into pickleball, and his new role as a tennis analyst. With his trademark humor, Sam makes this episode both insightful and entertaining.
Ep. 134: Megan Cannon: The Truth About Moms in Youth Sports
Some moms are as passionate about youth sports as dads—and even those who aren’t are deeply involved because they care about their kids. In this episode, Megan Cannon, former D1 soccer player, coach, mental health counselor, and mom of two young athletes, joins us to discuss moms’ roles in youth sports. Beyond being the “team mom,” they help maintain family balance, support kids’ emotional needs, temper dad’s sports intensity, and often coach, too. This episode offers encouragement for moms and valuable insight for dads.
Ep. 133: Former World #1 Tennis Player Lindsay Davenport
Former World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport joins Jeff and the team to share her “accident” rise to tennis stardom. Raised in a volleyball family with an Olympian father, she chose tennis instead, turning pro as a teen and winning multiple Grand Slams, Olympic gold in 1996, and later becoming a coach. Now a sports mom with kids excelling in tennis and volleyball, Lindsay discusses following her own path, turning pro young, and whether today’s players should go pro or play college tennis.
Ep. 132: Youth Sports Parenting Goals: 5 Game-Changing Goals for Raising Great Kids
When youth sports end for your kids, what do you hope they—and you—take away from the experience? Friendships? Scholarships? Life lessons? Have you ever stopped to think about it? In this episode, the guys talk about the importance of setting sports parenting goals that help guide your decisions along the journey. They share five key goals for parents to consider—ones that can inspire you to create your own vision for what you want your family’s youth sports experience to be.
Ep. 131: NBA Champ & Olympic Gold Medalist Derrick White
In this episode, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White shares his journey from an overlooked multi-sport athlete in Colorado to NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist. He reflects on overcoming doubt, earning his way from Division II to the pros, and learning to stop being his own toughest critic. Derrick also shares lessons from his time with Team USA alongside LeBron, Steph, and KD.
Ep. 130: 14-Year NFL Veteran & Pro Bowl Tight End Greg Olsen
In this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad talk with 3x Pro Bowl Tight End, 14-year NFL veteran, and NFL on Fox analyst Greg Olsen. Greg shares insights from his youth sports journey, coaching his kids, and founding YouthInc, offering advice on guiding and supporting young athletes both on and off the field.
Ep. 129: Youth Sports Parenting: How to Deal with Bad Coaches, Favoritism, and Yelling
What should you do when your child’s coach isn’t being fair? Or when winning seems to matter more than development? What if the coach is constantly yelling at the players? In this episode, the guys dive into common challenges parents and kids face in youth sports, offering practical insight on when to step in, when to stay out, and how to use these moments to teach valuable life lessons. The discussion is honest, engaging, and full of perspective for every parent navigating the youth sports journey.
Ep. 128: National Champion, Alabama QB & ESPN Analyst Greg McElroy
On this episode, we talk with ESPN college football analyst and host of the Always College Football podcast, Greg McElroy. Greg shares his journey to becoming a National Champion quarterback at Alabama, offering inspiring lessons for young athletes. His stories from playing under Coach Nick Saban are both entertaining and insightful, and his reflections on the challenges of youth sports provide encouragement for athletes of all kinds.
Ep. 127: Sports Psychologist & Counselor Dr. Riley Nickols: Understanding & Supporting Mental Health in Youth Athletes
Dr. Riley Nickols, sports psychologist and founder of Mind, Body, Endurance, shares insights on mental health in youth sports—covering performance anxiety, perfectionism, eating concerns, and the emotional toll of injury. He offers guidance for parents and coaches on recognizing signs, supporting young athletes, and promoting overall well-being.
Ep. 126: Cy-Young Award Winner & MLB Ace Chris Sale
While rehabbing from a fractured rib, Cy Young winner Chris Sale joins Jeff, Britt, and Brad to talk baseball, youth sports, and parenting. Once a late bloomer himself, Chris shares how he went from an 87-mph high school pitcher without a D1 offer to a star at Florida Gulf Coast and, eventually, a big-league ace. He discusses the turning point before his junior year, arm care for young pitchers, when to throw curveballs, and his approach to parenting three young athletes—offering great insights for kids, parents, and coaches alike.