The Pure Athlete Podcast

Excited to replay this inspiring and insightful interview we did in 2023 with 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. He also shares his thoughts about what he is currently living our as a sports dad to his four boys.

Trying to wear both the parent hat and the coach hat at the same time can be both a fantastic and perilous experience (yes, both of those are true), and we’ve received many requests to discuss both the positive and challenging factors that come into play. Britt and Brad share their experiences and Jeff talks about his current approach with his kids as a backdrop to the discussion. From there, they talk about the many reasons that parents should consider coaching their kids, even as an assistant and especially at younger ages. They also define "daddy-ball" in terms of what it looks like in youth sports, as well as the impact it has on other families. As the kids get older, the challenges with trying to wear both hats become more difficult to manage, and the guys provide some tips to consider to help parents approach coaching with purpose and wisdom.

Billy Wagner, a 2025 MLB Hall of Fame inductee and former elite closer, shares his journey from a small-town kid to a major league superstar with 422 saves. He opens up about his emotional induction weekend and reflects on his childhood adversity that shaped his path. Now a high school coach, he discusses the importance of balancing parenting with coaching, advocating for multi-sport participation to fight early specialization. He also provides valuable insights into pitching development and encourages patience for young athletes. A must-listen for parents and aspiring players!

Sam Querrey, a former top American tennis player with 10 ATP titles, shares his journey from a multi-sport youth to making the pro tour decision over college. He reflects on the current state of U.S. tennis, discussing the best players poised for grand slam success and his own iconic wins against legends like Djokovic and Nadal. Querrey also delves into his transition to pickleball, broadcasting nerves, and offers advice for young athletes to embrace various sports. His humor and insights make for an engaging conversation.

Some moms are as passionate (or more) about youth sports as dads, and even those who aren’t are often deeply involved because they are passionate about their kids. On this episode, Megan Cannon, a former D1 soccer player, high school coach, mental health counselor, and most importantly, mom of two young athletes and wife to a passionate sports dad, joins us to talk all about moms' roles in youth sports. Going way beyond the role of TEAM MOM, moms often take the lead in maintaining family balance, recognizing emotional needs (not just the physical needs) of young athletes, offsetting some of dad's sports intensity, and yes, some also are great coaches to our kids. This episode will encourage and challenge moms, and there is a lot here for dads to understand and learn from as well.

Former World Number One tennis player Lindsay Davenport joins Jeff and the guys on this episode, and her journey to the top of the tennis world is anything but typical. In fact, Lindsay refers to it as the "accident" story. Raised in a volleyball family, with her father an Olympian, Lindsay was expected to eventually leave tennis behind and follow in those footsteps. Instead, she charted her own path, turning pro as a teenager and going on to win multiple Grand Slam titles, an Olympic Gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games, and later becoming a coach to some of today’s top women’s players.Beyond her storied career, Lindsay is also a dedicated sports mom. Her son was one of the world’s top junior tennis players and is now competing at the collegiate level for Stanford. Meanwhile, her daughter is following the family’s volleyball legacy and will be playing for USC next year. Lindsay discusses pursing her dream when it wasn't what her parents wanted. She also talks about the decision she made to turn pro at an early age, and gives her opinion on whether today's elite players should turn pro or play in college. And, for tennis fans, she shares some great inside info on the world of tennis.

The intensity of youth sports is increasing, and that's not debatable. Kids are playing more at younger ages - more practices, more tournaments, more games. More pressure to perform exists, and the expectations are higher than ever. As a result of these factors, the risk of burnout is also greater than ever. We've all heard the phrase "burnout," but what is it and what does it really look like? What are the factors that create burnout? What are the signs that my kid is experiencing it? And what steps can parents and coaches take to mitigate the risks of this happening? On this episode, the guys discuss the burnout issue in a comprehensive way, sharing from their personal experiences and from recent research It's easy to believe that burnout will never happen to your kid, but if you don't have a good understanding of the issues, you won't recognize it until it's too late.

This week we replay one of our favorite interviews 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!

When youth sports are over for your kids, what do you hope they and you got out of it? Community? College Scholarships? Life Lessons? Have you even thought about it? We believe that setting some sports parenting goals will help you make decisions along the journey that help you arrive at your desired destination. On this episode, the guys discuss all of that, while suggesting five big parenting goals for parents to consider. Your goals don’t have to match these, but hopefully they will spur parents on to make your own!

On this episode, we sit down with Gary Downs, father to Ohio State Cornerback Caleb Downs and Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs. As a former NFL running back himself, Gary took a very proactive approach to help his kids develop their skills, work ethic, and character to enable their success. He and his wife, also an elite athlete, set the bar high in terms of pursuing excellence in all they do. In the midst of playing multiple sports at elite levels, they ensured that their kids prioritized faith, character, and school, while also pursuing their on-field endeavors. He talks about the difficulty of being a coach and a parent, the value of never complaining about a coach to their kids, when they let their kids suffer through tough situations and so much more.