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
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Special Feature: U.S. Soccer Hall Of Famer Carlos Bocanegra Previews U.S. vs Australia World Cup Match
5d ago00:04:59Tap to summarizeIn our second special bonus feature on the World Cup, Jeff continues the conversation with soccer legend and former World Cup captain Carlos Bocanegra.With the U.S. riding high after a dominant 4-1 opening win over Paraguay, Carlos previews the upcoming USA vs. Australia match. He breaks down the tactical chess match ahead: how Australia is likely to sit deeper, clog the midfield, force play wide, and limit the space that Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and the U.S. attackers exploited so effectively in Game 1. Carlos also highlights the American squad’s pace, technical quality, and attacking threats — especially Folarin Balogun’s hot streak — while discussing whether Australia will press high to disrupt U.S. rhythm.The duo addresses Christian Pulisic’s calf concern and why the precautionary substitution in the second half against Paraguay was the right call. Carlos shares his thoughts on other major matches to watch (France, Argentina, England), the electric tournament atmosphere, and the unique fan experiences happening across the U.S.Packed with insider tactical insight, excitement, and fun stories, this episode is a must-listen for soccer fans and casual supporters alike as the World Cup heats up.
Transcribe →Special Feature: Former World Cup Captain Carlos Bocanegra Analyzes U.S. Victory Over Paraguay
6d ago00:10:17Tap to summarizeIn this special World Cup segment, Jeff is joined by soccer legend Carlos Bocanegra — former UCLA standout, World Cup captain, MLS Rookie of the Year, and U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer.With the World Cup back on North American soil for the first time in over 30 years, Jeff and Carlos break down the electric atmosphere, the growth of soccer in the U.S., and the thrilling 4-1 opening win for the United States against Paraguay. Carlos delivers an insider’s tactical breakdown of the U.S. team’s standout performance including his thoughts on why this squad finally matches elite international teams in speed, technical quality, and tactical awareness.They also celebrate the magic of the tournament — from Cape Verde’s heroic draw against Spain to Morocco going toe-to-toe with Brazil — and discuss how heat, travel, and home support could level the playing field. Carlos shares his favorite teams to watch and surprise contenders as the competition heats up.Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just getting caught up in the World Cup excitement, this episode delivers expert insight, fun stories, and pure passion for the beautiful game.
Transcribe →PA Replay: Former MLS Star & USMNT Player Taylor Twellman
1w ago00:50:18Tap to summarizeFormer MLS star and current MLS TV Analyst Taylor Twellman shares his youth sports story as a multi-sport athlete who played both baseball and soccer in college before going all-in on soccer. Taylor had a prolific soccer career as a 2x Golden Boot winner and MLS MVP. He shares some strong opinions about American soccer, our current youth sports cullture, advice for parents, and advice for coaches.
Transcribe →176. I9 Sports' Madison Gates: How to Give Kids a Positive Early Sports Experience
2w ago00:34:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, hosts Britt and Brad sit down with Madison Gates, VP of Marketing at i9 Sports and former University of Michigan soccer standout, D1 player, and coach.They explore one of the biggest challenges parents face today: how to introduce young kids to organized sports in a positive, healthy way. With youth sports shifting toward earlier specialization, intense travel teams, and skyrocketing pressure, many families feel overwhelmed and worried their kids will fall behind or burn out.Madison shares her personal journey—from multi-sport youth athlete to college star—and discusses the real issues plaguing youth sports: parental “keeping up with the Joneses,” early burnout, overuse injuries, and the loss of simple childhood fun. She explains how i9 Sports offers a refreshing, contrarian approach: fun-first, multi-sport leagues for ages 3–14, with just one practice and game per week, age-appropriate coaching, and a strong emphasis on building confidence, character, and a sense of belonging.The conversation dives deep into i9’s Games for Girls campaign, which aims to get 500,000 girls playing annually by 2030. They discuss survey insights on what girls and parents value most (spoiler: winning is at the bottom), the importance of positive coaching, girls-only programming, and strategies to keep girls in sports through the critical middle school years when dropout rates spike.Whether you’re a parent trying to make the right first sports decision, concerned about burnout, or looking for a more balanced youth sports experience, this episode delivers practical wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice.Tune in for an honest, hopeful conversation that puts kids first.Listen now and visit i9sports.com to find a local program near you.
Transcribe →175. David Pollack: How My Perspective Changed Through My Kids' Sports Journey
3w ago00:46:20Tap to summarizeIn this powerful return episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we welcome back former CFB Hall of Fame and the host of the popular podcast See Ball. Get Ball, David Pollack, three and a half years after his first appearance.Now raising a 17-year-old son who just committed to Clemson football and a 16-year-old daughter who’s a standout basketball player, David delivers raw, honest, and deeply practical insight into how sports parenting evolves as kids move through high school. From shifting roles — moving from “commander” to “coach” to eventually “friend” — to learning how to give your children true ownership of their journey, David explores the challenges, failures, and wins that come with raising athletes.He also opens up about the realities of the modern recruiting process in a transactional, NIL-influenced world, how to support your child without taking over, and why surrounding them with the right people and culture matters more than ever. Finally, David shares candidly about his wife Lindsay’s major brain surgery and ongoing battle with cancer, how their family has grown stronger through adversity, and the powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and perspective they’ve gained.Listeners will hear David’s signature intensity as he discusses:Why parenting gets harder (but more meaningful) as kids gain independenceThe importance of letting kids own their journey — even when it’s uncomfortableHow to balance support with space in recruiting and athleticsBuilding family values that outlast sportsThe power of praying for “hard” things and watching your kids rise through themWhat coaches and parents need to prioritize for long-term success and character developmentFilled with humor, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent, coach, or young athlete navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports. Tune in now and be reminded that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s growth, faith, and enjoying the journey together.Also, check out David's new book...Every Day Counts: Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.
Transcribe →174. Reclassifying - The Controversial Extra Year in Youth Sports
4w ago00:26:49Tap to summarizeIn this candid episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad tackle one of the hottest and most controversial topics in youth sports today: reclassification — holding kids back a grade, primarily for athletic advantages.The guys break down:What reclassification really means and how it’s shifting from a rare academic decision to a common sports strategyThe potential benefits for late bloomers and physical developmentThe serious downsides — social and emotional impacts, disrupted friendships, academic considerations, and long-term opportunity costsWhy some high school programs quietly encourage it and how club/travel teams have adapted with grad-year rulesReal talk on whether that extra year actually leads to D1 scholarships or just creates unfair advantagesWith honesty and zero judgment, the hosts share personal stories, coach and athletic director perspectives, and question whether we’re putting athletics above the holistic development of our kids. They also explore the broader trend of older athletes in high school and college sports.This is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth sports. The conversation is nuanced, thought-provoking, and far from black and white.What do you think? Have you reclassified your child? Did it work out — or do you regret it? Drop your experiences in the comments or send us a message. We want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.Listen now and join the conversation.
Transcribe →173. The State of Youth Sports with Aspen Institute's Project Play Director Tom Farrey
May 1900:39:49Tap 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
May 1500:35:58Tap 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
May 1201:03:50Tap 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
May 500:45:18Tap 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.
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