The Pure Athlete Podcast

Latest Episodes:

123. "TAKE BACK SPORTS" with ESPN Executive Kevin Martinez Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

“Take Back Sports” is a major new Youth Sports initiative from ESPN focused on some of the critical challenges in Youth Sports. This week, Kevin Martinez, who heads up this initiative for ESPN, joins us to talk about four critical areas of challenge in Youth Sports and what the Take Back Sports initiative is doing to help bring about solutions that will impact the next generation and the future of youth sports. Kevin transparently discusses the reasons ESPN has taken an active role in helping address today's challenges in youths sports, as well as some of the partners that are joining in this endeavor.

PA Replay: Parenting on Game Day Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

Enjoy this special replay of this timeless topic that originally aired in May of 2024.

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.

122. 7x National Champion HC Nick Saban Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Head Coach Nick Saban won seven national championships on his way to being known as the GOAT of college football coaches. On this episode, Coach Saban shares his story of how he reluctantly got into coaching - he had planned to be in the car dealership business - as well as insights into his thoughts about player development and a commitment to individual excellence and value over winning. He also talks about leadership, his toughest challenges as a coach, and what his doubt taught him about accountability that shaped his leadership style. Finally, Coach Saban also shares his thoughts on NIL, the transfer portal, and the state of college football.

PA Replay - Hall of Fame Pitcher Greg Maddux Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

For all of you who missed this popular episode, we are bringing it to you again. Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux 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.

121. LA Rams HC Sean McVay Pt. 2 Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Pt. 1 of our interview with Sean!

120. LA Rams HC Sean McVay Pt. 1 Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

In 2017, Sean McVay became the youngest NFL head coach in the modern era, at 30 years old. In his second year, Coach McVay led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance and three years later he became the youngest head coach to ever win a Super Bowl. In Part 1 of our conversation with Coach McVay, he shares the story of his love for sports as a high school state champion quarterback and an elite level youth soccer player whose passion for preparation, grit, and leadership qualities were the foundation for his success both on and off the field. Coach McVay talks with great humility and authenticity about the influence of his parents and his grandfather (the GM for the multi-Super Bowl winning 49ers), the high school and pro coaches that mentored him, what he has learned about investing in others, and so much more. This episode will inspire coaches, young athletes, and parents about the value of sports, of teammates, and of the life lessons that translate to who we become off the field - you don't want to miss it.

119. Super Bowl Champ & Pro Lacrosse Player Chris Hogan Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Chris Hogan is our guest on this week's episode and man, is his story an inspiring one. Not recruited heavily as a football player, Chris signed a full scholarship with Penn State as a Lacrosse player. After playing LAX for 3 yrs, he transferred to Monmouth University to play football, with no aspirations to play beyond college. Several years later, Chris made the Buffalo Bills roster, after being cut from multiple other NFL teams, where he played for several years before the Patriots picked him up, and everything changed. Chris talks about the winning culture he experienced with the Patriots and playing with Tom Brady, his Super Bowl experiences and much more in his story of overcoming adversity. He also talks about returning to lacrosse as a professional player after retiring from the NFL, and as a father of four, his thoughts on today's youth sports culture and being a sports dad.

PA Replay - Hall of Fame Pitcher John Smoltz May 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

118. Former NFL QB and Current QB Coach Jordan Palmer May 27, 2025

Show notes

Jordan Palmer grew up in the shadow of his older brother, Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. Jordan wasn't a starter on his high school team until his senior year, and he attended the one D1 school that offered him a scholarship, UTEP. And while his story was full of adversity, he remained committed to reaching his full potential, eventually spending several years playing as a backup QB in the NFL, UFL, and the Arena Football League. Jordan's commitment to his craft led him to become a "go-to" quarterbacks coach, working with numerous high-profile NFL and College quarterbacks still today. In addition, Jordan is also a highly successful entreprenuer, having co-founded of several very successful businesses, including his latest venture. Thread Performance. Jordan shares his journey as a player, coach, and sports dad with our guys in this episode.

117. D1 Training Founder Will Bartholomew: The Power of Performance Training for Young Athletes May 21, 2025

Show notes

After winning the 1998 National Championship at Tennessee and serving as Captain of the 2001 team, Will Bartholomew's football career ended in his first year with the Denver Broncos due to a devastating knee injury. Will took his passion for sports and training and founded D1 Training, one of the nation's fastest growing performance training centers for young athletes, with over 150 locations (and growing) across the United States. As a dad of three athletes, one playing D1 football, Will shares valuable insights into the world of youth sports from his own experiences as a player and dad. Will also shares valuable information for our audience on the importance and impact of formalized training, why it matters, when kids should begin, and much more. In addition to what Will shares on this episode, he provides much more with over 20 episodes on Pure Athlete's PA+ platform, found at pureathlete.com.

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