Especially for Athletes Podcast

A viral 9U baseball video has parents everywhere talking. After a young player hits what should have been the biggest home run of his life, an opposing coach appeals a technicality that erases the moment. Was it within the rules? Yes. Was it the right thing to do? In this episode, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss what youth sports are really supposed to accomplish. Are we trying to win youth g...

In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith explore one of the foundational principles of Especially for Athletes: Seek to Be Your Best, Not the Best. Through the story of Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda's emotional celebration after a personal record and Kobe Bryant's powerful perspective on becoming an "overachiever," they discuss why comparison steals joy and how at...

In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith tackle one of the greatest challenges facing youth sports today: patience. Too often athletes are labeled too early as stars or failures before their bodies, confidence, and abilities have fully developed. Through powerful insights about development, confidence, work ethic, and a moving story from Cameron Stewart about hi...

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss men's mental health, the stigma surrounding emotional struggles, and the courage required to ask for help. Using the story of NBA All-Star Kevin Love and his public battle with panic attacks and anxiety, they explore why mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical injuries. Whet...

A conversational interview hosted by Dustin Smith, alongside Justin Miller, with former NFL quarterback Ty Detmer. The coaches discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, contrasting the mindset and environments of modern student-athletes with past generations. They dive deep into the impacts of social media, the complexities of the modern college recruiting system, and the timeless importance...

In this episode of the Sportlight Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith revisit a powerful lesson from Paralympian and former BYU football player Jeff Griffin. After a tragic accident ended Jeff’s dream of playing football, he learned that resilience is not always about refusing to quit—it is sometimes about having the courage to redirect your energy and dream a new dream. This episode is especial...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Dustin Smith and Shad Martin revisit a powerful insight shared by former NFL All-Pro Eric Weddle about the “fine line between average and great.” What follows is a deep discussion on consistency, sacrifice, self-motivation, preparation, humility, and the daily habits that separate people who merely dream from people who actually develop great...

What separates athletes who reach their potential from those who fall short? In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Dustin Smith sits down with Brandon Doman (former San Francisco 49er and BYU QB & Coach) and Justin Miller (former Southern Utah University QB) for a powerful conversation about preparation, self-belief, opportunity, grit, patience, and leadership. With more than...

In this week’s Especially for Athletes podcast, professional golfer and former BYU standout Keanu Akina shares what it really means to “Win the Hour”—and why smart work beats just working harder. From grinding alone across Europe to learning how sleep, nutrition, and balance actually fuel performance, Keanu opens up about the unseen challenges of chasing a dream at the highest level. He also share...

In this week’s Especially for Athletes podcast, former University of Utah tight end Cole Fotheringham shares how a simple shift in mindset—seeing your opponent as your “dance partner”—can unlock your best performance and change the way you compete. He opens up about overcoming fear-based thinking from coaches, parents, and within himself, and how learning to play free instead of fearful transforme...

We sat down with former Southern Utah University QB, and long-time E4A member Justin Miller. He reflected on how the principles of E4A have shaped him and helped him as he has navigated his athletic career. We also talked about the difference of being present and being engaged. Key Takeaways from the Podcast Being present is not enough—be engaged. True influence comes when we give our full attenti...

In this episode, Tim LaComb takes us behind the scenes of one of the most memorable eras in BYU basketball — and reminds us that the real legacy of sports isn’t found in banners, but in becoming the kind of person others trust, love, and respect. Listen to the full episode now and discover how integrity and goodness create greatness that outlives the game. ⸻ Especially for Athletes: • Website: htt...

In this powerful and thoughtful episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, hosts Dustin Smith and Shad Martin sit down with Cody Hagen , standout wide receiver at Brigham Young University , to discuss far more than football. From elite performance and resilience to mental health, social media pressures, and competing without contempt, Cody offers a rare, honest look into the life of a Divisio...

In this captivating episode of "Especially for Athletes Podcast," we have the privilege of sitting down with All-Pro NFL Safety and New England Patriot, Brenden Schooler. Join us as we dive deep into Brenden's remarkable journey, exploring the core values of work ethic, resilience, and the invaluable lessons learned both on and off the field.  Brenden shares insights into his experiences play...

Resilience isn’t always forged in the big, dramatic moments. More often, it’s built quietly—hour by hour, decision by decision—when no one is watching. In Episode 157 of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Navy Midshipman linebacker Marcus Bleazard shares a powerful perspective on resilience that applies to every athlete, student, and leader navigating demanding seasons of life. Marcus describes...

Midseason can feel heavy for girl basketball players. The excitement of the season has worn off, bodies are tired, roles may feel unclear, and confidence can quietly slip. In Episode 156 of the Especially for Athletes, former Division I player and coach Alli Bills speaks directly to athletes living in that tension—and offers perspective that is both grounding and empowering&nbs...

In this week’s E4A Podcast, we sat down with longtime friend and football coach Paul Peterson , who has coached hundreds of college athletes and raised five boys of his own. His message to parents: we must be more intentional . Paul sees a growing trend—kids struggling not because they lack talent, but because well-meaning adults unintentionally teach them to rely on excuses. He put it simply: “Ki...

Ashley Matern may not be a household name—yet—but her story is one of the most powerful we’ve ever shared on the Especially for Athletes podcast.   A world-class tumbler, Ashley has faced the highest highs and the lowest lows in one of the most demanding sports in the world. After a devastating leg injury in 2023—featuring a cracked tibia and torn ligaments—most assumed her career was over. B...

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, we sit down with NCAA National Champion Ashton Lunt (formerly Ashton Riner), whose journey from small-town athlete to BYU record-holder is as inspiring as it is instructive. Ashton opens up about winning the 2022 national title in the javelin, the intense pressure she felt as a top-ranked athlete, and the deep personal battles she fa...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we’re joined by Ammon Montenegro and Aislee Meachum, two standout cheerleaders at Brigham Young University who are not only athletes at the top of their game, but also thoughtful leaders and examples of how to balance faith, resilience, and intentionality in a fast-paced world. Whether you’re an aspiring college athlete, a current high school...

In our conversation with Ridgeline High School volleyball coach Jaicee Roden , one principle came through loud and clear: the athletes who rise to the top are the ones who learn to eliminate distractions. Coach Roden, who has led some of Utah’s most competitive volleyball programs, shared how she’s seen the mental side of sports evolve in the age of constant connection. “Kids today have bigger bat...

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Utah Jazz forward George Niang—a seasoned NBA veteran whose journey from Iowa State star to ten-year pro is packed with lessons every athlete should hear. George opens up about the emotional side of being traded, how to embrace your role without losing your identity, and why simply showing up every day gives you an edge over...

This week, we’re joined by Coach Randy Simkins, the head softball coach at Utah Tech University. Coach Simkins is the only college coach in Utah history to lead teams at the JUCO, DII, and DI levels — all from the same office. But his impact goes far beyond wins and titles. In this episode, Coach Simkins shares wisdom from decades of experience in coaching and recruiting. We talk about what it rea...

Every athlete has felt it—the quiet voice that says “I don’t belong here.” In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, we tackle imposter syndrome head-on and explore the power of self-talk in building unshakable confidence. Shad shares personal stories, insights from athletes like Tanner Allen and Michael Jordan, and compelling neuroscience that proves what you say to yourself matters...

This week’s episode features NBA player and Utah State legend Sam Merrill. His journey—from quiet gym hours to big-stage moments—reminds us that greatness grows from daily choices. Sam’s counsel hits three Especially for Athletes principles head-on: Be Resilient, Win the Hour, and Seek to Bless, Not to Impress. Here are a few highlights to discuss with your team or family—and a...