My Future Podcast

Can you chase elite sports while building a future outside of competition? In this episode of My Future Podcast, Carson talks about one of the biggest questions young athletes face: Should you go to college while chasing elite sports… or go all-in on training? After finishing 5 AP exams and returning from the first outdoor USAT event of the year at Gator Cup, Carson reflects on balancing school, a...

Watching the Winter Olympics as an Athlete — And What Alysa Liu Taught Me Watching the 2026 Winter Olympics hit different this year. As I grow in my own journey as an archer, I’m not just seeing medals but rather, I’m seeing and noticing mindset. Pressure. Joy. Balance. And that’s what really stood out to me about Alysa Liu. In this episode, I share what her decision to step away, reset, and retur...

Hey, it’s Carson and this episode is all about something that’s helped me grow faster than anything else: asking. I’m talking about the power of just putting yourself out there. Whether it’s asking for advice, feedback, an opportunity, or just a chance to connect: one brave, intentful, honest message can open doors you never imagined. I share how a cold LinkedIn message led to meeting a college co...

🎯 The Power of Fear How to Use It, Face It, and Overcome It What if fear isn’t something holding you back... but something pointing the way forward? In this episode, Carson breaks down a mind-blowing story from Yahoo Finance about Steve Jobs and the creation of the first iPhone, and how one moment of fear almost stopped it all. But it’s not just about tech or business. This story hits really deep...

🎙️ My Future Podcast — Representing Team USA at WAYC 2025 🇺🇸🏹 Hello, it’s Carson, and I just got back from my first- ever international archery comp: the World Archery Youth Champs in Winnipeg, Canada! In this episode, I’m breaking down what it was like repping Team USA 🇺🇸, matching my PB in quals, shooting through wild wind, meeting archers from all over the world, and learning what internationa...

I’ll be honest — this episode got real. I break down a powerful quote from Olympic legend Apolo Ohno that shook me: “Every time we play someone else’s scoreboard, we trade a flicker of our life candle for applause that doesn’t last.” That hit deep. Because I’ve found myself chasing validation that didn’t even matter. In school. In sports. Even online. So in this episode, I dive into what really de...

What’s up! I’m Carson Chan... high schooler, recurve archer, and yeah... a fan of graduation speeches. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 powerful commencement speeches from 2025 (and a couple all-time greats) that seriously left a mark on me. We’re talking lessons from Harvard, Stanford, Steve Jobs, Katie Ledecky, and more. Each one has something worth hearing, about finding your own rhythm, choosing...

In this episode of My Future Podcast , I’m diving into one of the most exciting opportunities out there for teens like us which is Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) . Whether you're an athlete, a content creator, or just someone who loves building things online, NIL is changing the game by letting students earn money and build real businesses while still in high school. I've been reading a ton on th...

And we're back! After a whirlwind few weeks at the World Archery Youth Championship trials and the Gator Cup in Florida (yep, I qualified for WAYC in Winnipeg!), I’m finally back with a fresh episode of My Future Podcast . This time, I’m talking about resilience, what it really means when you’re balancing top-level archery and tough AP exams. I dive into what it’s like to step back when you need t...

This week, we’re talking about something every serious athlete faces: mental bullies. You know the type — annoying trash talkers, flexers, and ego monsters who throw you off your rhythm without breaking any rules. I’ve been there too. Dealing with that now. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to protect your peace, sharpen your mental game, and stay locked in on YOUR goals and dominate — no m...

Kindness and gratitude aren’t just good vibes — they’re power moves that level up your game, on and off the line. In this episode of My Future Podcast , I’m talking about something that doesn’t always get enough attention in competitive sports — especially for us younger athletes: kindness, gratitude, and perspective. I’ll share how helping others, cheering on your teammates, and saying thank you...

This episode is a big one: I’m diving deep into why archery should totally be an NCAA sport—and what it would take to make that happen. I’m sharing stories from my time at the Stanford Summer Journalism Program, breaking down the current college archery scene, and comparing it to sports like golf that have already made it into the NCAA spotlight. We’ll talk about varsity teams, scholarships, Title...

It’s my 16th birthday! 🎂🥳 In this special episode of My Future Podcast , I’m reflecting on the past few years—the wins, the challenges, and the lessons that shaped me. From joining robotics to discovering archery, starting Charity Arrows, and launching this podcast, every step has been a wild ride. I’m talking about the importance of finding your people, pushing past failure, and learning from l...

Being a student-athlete means constantly juggling school, practice, competitions, and family life. Some weeks feel like a total blur, and burnout is real. This episode breaks down practical strategies to help you stay on top of everything, including: ✅ Time management hacks that actually work 💰 How to afford sports without going broke 📚 Staying on top of school even when practice eats up your f...

Your mindset — and the people you surround yourself with — can make or break your success. In this episode of My Future Podcast , Carson Chan dives into the mental side of archery and life, inspired by top archer Casey Kaufhold and backed by research from Harvard and Stanford. Learn how Casey uses positive self-talk, why your tribe matters, and how building mental strength can help you stay focuse...

Marvel just teased that Hawkeye might return for Season 2—and as an archer, I need to talk about it! 🏹 From Kate Bishop’s rise to insane trick shots, archery on the big screen is getting better than ever. But why does this matter for real-life archers? In this episode, we break down how shows like Hawkeye are bringing more people into the sport, why Hollywood’s take on archery is evolving, and wh...

Hey everyone, it’s Carson! Today, we’re diving into something everyone deals with — disappointment. Whether it’s missing a big opportunity, struggling with personal goals, or watching your favorite team lose ( looking at you, Chiefs fans ), setbacks happen. We’ll break down Super Bowl 2025, where the Kansas City Chiefs fell short of their historic three-peat against the Philadelphia Eagles, and wh...

🎯 Want to compete like a champion? Whether you're getting ready for an archery tournament, a big game, or even a school competition, preparation is the key to success. In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to train your mind and body so you can walk in confident and ready to dominate. 🔥 Here’s what you’ll learn: ✔️ Why top athletes start preparing weeks (or even months) in advance ✔️...

Archery… with donkeys?! 🎯🐴 Yeah, you heard that right! In this episode, we’re diving into an awesome new program that combines archery with animal-assisted learning. Imagine shooting arrows while hanging out with donkeys who love being part of the action (and maybe even helping collect arrows!). This is archery like you’ve never seen before—fun, therapeutic, and totally unique. Tune in to find o...

The 2025 archery season is here, and it’s already shaping up to be epic! 🎯 In this episode, I’m sharing my competition plans, from USAT tournaments to the World Archery Youth Championships trials. Plus, we’ll talk about must-watch events, why this season is a game-changer (hello, U15 USAT!), and how you can get involved—whether you’re competing or just soaking in the action. Oh, and don’t miss th...

🎧 Episode Highlights: Why Hard Work Beats Inspiration This week on My Future Podcast , we’re diving into one of Thomas Edison’s most famous quotes: “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Here’s what you can expect: 💡 The story behind Edison’s incredible work ethic, including the 10,000 experiments that led to the invention of the light bulb. 💪 A life-changing piece of advice from my m...

In this episode of My Future Podcast , we dive into the life-changing lessons from W. Timothy Gallwey’s classic, The Inner Game of Tennis . Whether you’re an athlete, a student, or just someone aiming to improve, this episode is packed with insights to help you unlock focus, trust your instincts, and embrace growth. I’ll break down key concepts like overcoming self-doubt (Self 1 vs. Self 2), findi...

🎙️ My Future Podcast: Making Goals Stick in 2025 🎯 Hey, everyone! Welcome to My Future Podcast and a brand-new year! I’m Carson — archery enthusiast, high schooler, and your guide to building goals that actually stick. In this episode, we’re diving into how to set meaningful goals and create systems to stay committed throughout 2025. Did you know that 43% of people give up on their New Year’s res...

2025 is almost here , and I’m not just making resolutions — I’m building the future I want, and I’m inviting you to do the same. In this episode, I’ll share my strategies for owning your growth, staying curious, and shifting your mindset to make big things happen. From the work ethic of Caitlin Clark to the optimism of President Jimmy Carter and the bold moves of Ryan Reynolds, I’m breaking down h...

🎄 A Carson Christmas Reflection This week on My Future Podcast , we’re diving into the magic of Christmas and what it means to hit pause, look back, and feel grateful. From the wins to the losses, every moment has shaped this year into something unforgettable. I’m sharing stories about the people who’ve had my back, the adventures that have broadened my horizons, and the lessons I’ve learned abou...