Podcast
The Pure Athlete Podcast
Hosted by Jeff Francoeur · EN
Former MLB player Jeff Francoeur and PA co-founders Britt Lee and Brad Williams interview well-known pro/college athletes, coaches, and topical experts to gain insight into the world of youth sports, in order to equip and inspire young athletes, parents, and coaches to successfully navigate their sports journeys. For more info, visit www.pureathleteinc.com
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
173. The State of Youth Sports with Aspen Institute's Project Play Director Tom Farrey
2w ago00:39:49Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →172. Will Summer Fun Set My Kid Back in Sports? ASK US ANYTHING #1
2w ago00:35:58Tap to summarizeJeff, 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
Transcribe →171. Catie Francoeur: Behind the Scenes With A Sports Mom
3w ago01:03:50Tap to summarizeThis 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.
Transcribe →170. UGA AD Josh Brooks: What's Going On In College Sports…Part 2
4w ago00:45:18Tap to summarizeWhat 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.
Transcribe →169. Clemson AD Graham Neff: What's Going On In College Sports...Part 1
Apr 2800:58:46Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →168. How Great Pitchers Are Made: Inside the Mind of Pitching Ninja Rob Friedman
Apr 2100:36:57Tap to summarizeWhat 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
Transcribe →167. Why “Never Push Your Kid” Isn’t Great Advice for Sports Parents
Apr 700:51:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we dive into one of the most challenging and emotional questions parents and coaches face: how hard should you push your kids in sports? From early development through the high school years, we unpack what “pushing” really means—and where the line exists between healthy accountability and harmful pressure.Through honest stories and personal experiences, we explore the tension between wanting the best for your kids and knowing when to step back. We talk about effort vs. results, preparation vs. performance, and why pushing for attitude, consistency, and work ethic matters far more than stats or outcomes. You’ll hear real-life examples of getting it right—and getting it wrong—and how those moments shape not just athletes, but young adults.We also break down how pushing should evolve as kids grow, why middle school years are so critical, and how parents can shift from hands-on guidance to helping their athletes take ownership. Whether you’re a parent in the thick of it or a coach trying to lead the right way, this episode will challenge your perspective and give you a clearer framework for developing resilient, motivated athletes—without sacrificing the relationship that matters most.
Transcribe →166. The Intersection of Faith and Youth Sports for Families
Mar 3100:55:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, the guys take an honest and thoughtful look at how faith intersects with youth sports—and the challenges parents and coaches face in keeping priorities aligned.They dive into the growing visibility of faith in sports, discussing both the opportunities and concerns that come with that. From there, the conversation gets personal—exploring how faith shapes their own identities as parents, coaches, and competitors, and sharing authentically where they still fall short.This episode tackles real questions parents wrestle with every day:How do you keep sports from becoming your child’s identity?What does it actually mean to “play for something bigger”?How should faith show up in wins, losses, and adversity?How do you handle pressure, performance, and even Sunday sports conflicts?With candid stories and practical perspective, the guys emphasize a powerful theme: sports are a tool—not the foundation. The goal isn’t just to raise better athletes, but to raise grounded, resilient young people whose identity goes far beyond the scoreboard.If you’re a sports parent trying to navigate faith, competition, and culture, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a much-needed reset on what really matters.
Transcribe →165. NBC Sports' Lindsay Czarniak: From Sport Anchor to Sports Mom
Mar 2400:54:40Tap to summarizeWhat’s it really like to cover the Olympics? How do elite athletes—and parents—handle pressure, disappointment, and big life moments? In this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we sit down with Emmy-winning sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, host of Things No One Tells You and longtime ESPN, Fox, and NBC sports reporter/anchor, to dive into her experiences from the Olympic desk, the power of mindset, and the human side of sports.Lindsay shares:Her inside look at the 2026 Winter Olympics, working alongside legendary athletes and analysts.The emotional highs and lows of pressure-filled competition—on ice, in hockey rinks, and on the field.Real talk about parenting young athletes: navigating team selections, setbacks, and helping kids build confidence.Stories that prove even top-tier sports parents sometimes lose their cool… and what they learn from it.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode offers a rare glimpse at the triumphs, failures, and lessons that shape sports at every level. Get ready for laughter, emotion, and insight from someone who’s seen it all—on TV, in the Olympics, and at home.Tune in and discover why the journey, not just the scoreboard, defines a true athlete.
Transcribe →164. 7-Yr NFL LB Kaden Elliss: Faith, Family, & Football
Mar 1700:55:31Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, the guys sit down with Kaden Elliss of the Atlanta Falcons (signed with New Orleans Saints a week after this recording) for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond football.Kaden shares his incredible journey—from being overlooked in recruiting and chasing a dream at quarterback, to carving out a career in the NFL through grit, faith, and relentless belief. But what truly defines his story is family. Growing up in a household of 12, with seven adopted siblings, Kaden opens up about how adoption shaped his identity, his values, and his purpose.Brought to you by Promise 686 (promise686.org), an organization dedicated to placing vulnerable children into safe, loving homes, this episode dives deep into:The life-changing impact of adoption and what “family” really meansNavigating doubt, setbacks, and the recruiting processWhy multi-sport athletes have an edge (and why specialization can hurt development)Faith under pressure—and representing your beliefs in the heat of competitionLessons from the NFL on leadership, discipline, and consistencyThis is more than a football story—it’s a conversation about purpose, perspective, and the people who shape who we become.
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