Fred Minnick
Pin It Forward
Welcome to Pin It Forward , the podcast where wrestling grit meets parenting wisdom, hosted by Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former wrestler, and Dr. Brandon Mason, an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State and Radiologist. As parents of young wrestlers themselves, Fred and Brandon draw on their deep roots in the sport and their firsthand experiences to guide listeners through the highs and lows of raising kids in wrestling—and youth sports in general. Having seen too many parents yelling from the sidelines at tournaments, Fred and Brandon are on a mission to hel...
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Episodes
The Power of High School Coaches With Keith Massey, Hall of Fame Member 03.02.2026 1:09:15
Brandon's high school team Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, was inducted into the Dan Gable Wrestling Hall of Fame. And his coach Keith Massey joins the show to talk about what it takes to be a successful coach at all levels. In addition to Brandon, Massey coached Trent and Travis Paulson, who were state champions, All-Americans at Iowa State, members of U.S. freestyle World tea...
Building Champions: Ben Clymer, Head Coach of Faith Christian Academy 27.01.2026 1:02:03
Fred and Brandon chat with Ben Clymer, the head coach of the elite Faith Christian Academy. Coach Clymer has built a high school empire, creating D1 wrestlers left and right. His belief in building wrestlers will surprise many, as he cares more about character and faith than talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
World Champion Vougar Arujau: The Art of Coaching 20.01.2026 43:40
Note: This episode endures a few technical difficulties., but the conversation still flows! World Champion Vougar Arujau, who's also the father of World and NCAA champ Vito Arujau, highlights the importance of understanding individuality in sports and the challenges of parenting young athletes. Vougar shares his insights on coaching and the delicate balance of supporting children in their sports...
Wrestling Toughness: Hurt vs. Injured 13.01.2026 51:45
Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick explore the physical toll of wrestling and understanding the differences between being hurt and an actual injury. Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NDSU Head Coach Obe Blanc: Why Character Matters 06.01.2026 1:05:57
Brandon's former teammate at Oklahoma State, NDSU head coach Obe Blanc emphasizes a 360 approach to coaching, focusing on both athletic and personal development. He cites the importance of character and effort over past accolades in recruiting athletes. This fun episode also showcases a few anecdotes from Obe's and Brandon's college days. Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: htt...
Wrestling Lessons For Life With Terry Steiner, USA Wrestling Women’s Head Coach 30.12.2025 1:03:02
The great Terry Steiner joins Brandon and Fred to discuss holiday traditions, weight management, the importance of family time, and the life lessons learned through the sport. They delve into the transition from athlete to coach, the growth of women's wrestling, and the philosophy behind effective coaching and communication. Chapters 00:00 Holiday Traditions and Food Culture 04:00 Wrestling and We...
Best of 2025 23.12.2025 49:14
A look back on Pin It Forward's first year! Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lee Roper On The Pursuit of Winning 16.12.2025 1:05:12
Cowboys RTC coach Lee Roper join Fred and Brandon to discuss the pursuit and power of winning, outlining what it takes to become an elite wrestler for both the parents and athletes. Roper, a former University of Northern Iowa coach, details the desired gains at youth, middle school and high school levels. And Coach Roper also gives us all something to ponder when we cite "crazy parents" at tournam...
Coleman Scott Debates Accountability vs. Crazy Parenting in Wrestling 09.12.2025 46:00
In an electrifying episode that begins with a hypo ethical food journey toMexico, Coleman Scott returns to the show to discuss accountability for your kids vs. being a crazy parent. Is it a fine line? Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Popularity in Mexico 03:38 The Culinary Delights of Mexico 06:43 Wre...
How To Teach Kids Wrestling Techniques At Home 02.12.2025 51:38
Fred and Brandon discuss cool ways to teach kids technique at home. Just don't do these in restaurants. That will get you in trouble. Just ask Fred. Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thanksgiving: Food and Discipline in Wrestling 25.11.2025 15:06
In this short episode, Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick share a few wrestling memories from past Thanksgivings. Mason, a former All American at Oklahoma State, has some advice for wrestlers chowing down this Thanksgiving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emotional Resiliency: Joey McKenna Shares His Childhood Wrestling Routine 18.11.2025 1:03:02
2025 US Open Champion, PanAm champion and 3X NCAA All American Joey McKenna joins Fred and Brandon to share the story of how he became known as "Joey Bag of Donuts," his famous pull up bar and how his youth lessons still help him today. Support our Sponsor, Defense Soap. Get 15% off any purchase with the coupon code FORWARD. https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choi...
Coleman Scott Returns to Discuss Fear of Failure 11.11.2025 1:05:59
All athletes face failure and adversity. This week, Brandon and Fred visit with their first returning guest--NCAA Champ and Olympic Bronze Medalist Coleman Scott--to discuss coping with fear, failure and how his preparation prepares athletes for the biggest stages. Support our Sponsor, Defense Soap. Get 15% off any purchase with the coupon code FORWARD. https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/...
Talking 'Ws' with Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck 04.11.2025 49:38
With Fred and Brandon, Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck explores the significance of encouragement, the role of parents, and the emotional impact of competition on young athletes. Shuck shares insights on coaching styles, youth development, and the recruiting process, highlighting the need for a supportive environment that nurtures a love for the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wrestling Comm...
Jax Forrest Wins U23 Worlds As a High Schooler! His Dad, Howard, Shares The Wrestling Journey of the Forrest Family 28.10.2025 49:41
This week's special guest is Howard Forrest, a dedicated father of seven and a passionate supporter of his children's athletic pursuits, particularly in wrestling. The father of world team member and No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit Jax Forrest, Howard shares insights into the challenges and joys of parenting young athletes, emphasizing the importance of encouragement, confidence-building, and mainta...
Building Champions: The Young Guns Philosophy with Coach John Strittmatter 21.10.2025 47:40
Hosts Fred Minnick and Brandon Mason discuss the world of youth wrestling with John Strittmatter, a prominent coach and founder of the Young Guns Wrestling Club. They explore the origins of Young Guns, the importance of fostering a love for the sport, and the balance between effort and results in youth athletics. This and other episodes are sponsored by Defense Soap: https://www.defensesoap.com Ch...
The Wyatt Hendrickson’s Story Told By His Dad Todd Hendrickson 14.10.2025 46:50
Todd Hendrickson has stories about his son, Wyatt, who won the 2025 NCAA heavyweight title, is the current RAF heavyweight belt holder and 2025 World Team member. And he shares them all on Pin It Forward. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:21 The Early Days of Wrestling: Wyatt's Journey Begins 04:41 Mental Game: Support and Encouragement in Wrestling 06:34 Celebrating Success: The...
When Should Wrestlers Switch Clubs? 07.10.2025 46:26
In this episode of Pin It Forward, hosts Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason delve into the topic of transferring clubs, exploring when and why athletes might consider making a change. The conversation highlights the impact of coaching styles, the signs that indicate a need for change, and the role of competition in athlete development. They also touch on the cultural and religious aspects of wrest...
Special Guest Coleman Scott, Olympic Bronze Medalist, Offers Lessons for Wrestling Parents 30.09.2025 54:13
"The Farm," a fantastic wrestling training facility, founder Coleman Scott joins Fred and Brand, who was Coleman's teammate at Oklahoma State. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the spirit of wrestling, and it set the perfect backdrop for our conversation. 00:00:00 - Welcome to The FarmIntroduction to the podcast setting and guest Coleman Scott. 00:01:00 - Wrestling Dads and Lessons LearnedC...
Wrestling Dreams: Should Your Child Compete Nationally Or Specialize? 23.09.2025 42:45
In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, we dive into the specialization of children in wrestling and the timing for entering national tournaments. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Specialization in Wrestling00:01:00 - The Chaos of Youth Sports00:02:30 - Comparing Wrestling to Other Sports00:03:30 - When to Start National Tournaments00:05:00 - The Importance of Tough Competition00:06:00 - Life Exp...
Sports Psychologist Offers Mindfulness and Mental Preparation Tips 16.09.2025 53:22
In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, particularly wrestling, and the critical role parents play in shaping their children's experiences and identities as athletes. Our guest, Kevin Andrews, a licensed professional counselor and sports psychologist at Oklahoma State University, shares invaluable insights from his extensive work with athletes ac...
Special Guest Zoheir El Ouarrage (Oklahoma State RTC Coach): How Parents Can Foster Success in Young Wrestlers 09.09.2025 49:38
In this episode of the Pennant Forward podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Zoheir El Ouarrage, Oklahoma State Developmental Coach and a well-respected figure in the wrestling community. Our conversation revolved around the critical role of parents in youth wrestling and how their involvement can significantly impact a child's experience and development in the sport. 00:00:00 - Introduction to...
When Do College Coaches Start Looking at Young Wrestlers? 02.09.2025 30:35
In this episode of the Pin It Forward, we dive into a topic that resonates deeply with parents who are passionate about wrestling and want to see their children excel at the collegiate level. Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason explore the critical question: When do college coaches start looking at young wrestlers as potential recruits? 00:00:00 - Introduction and Stain Story00:01:00 - Wrestling Po...
The Weight of Wrestling: Navigating Nutrition and Weight Cutting for Young Athletes 26.08.2025 28:31
In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick, dive into a topic that resonates deeply with wrestling parents: the complexities of weight cutting and nutrition in youth wrestling. We kick off the episode by reminiscing about a memorable moment in wrestling history involving Wyatt Hendrickson and his father, highlighting the emotional connections that come with t...
Managing Pre-Match Nerves: Tips for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents 19.08.2025 42:29
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of competition. We discuss how to handle losses gracefully and the need for parents to provide unconditional support, regardless of the outcome. Dr. Mason shares insights on how to foster a winning mindset while also preparing children for the inevitable challenges they will face in sports and life. As we wrap up, we ref...
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