Especially for Athletes Podcast

Especially for Athletes
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Especially for Athletes (“E4A”) is a movement designed to inspire athletes, and those with whom they associate, to maximize their athletic potential and to use their talents, social influence, and their "Sportlight" to assist and lift others. E4A is seeking to build a culture of athletes focused on changing lives through better use of the attention and influence that accompanies their position. E4A provides education, training and motivational tools to inspire athletes to focus on doing more, and becoming more than just a great athlete.Schools, teams, youth organizations, and individual athletes are encouraged to become E4A certified and join the growing group of athletes of all ages and skill levels including college and professional athletes in committing to the E4A promise and wearing proudly their Eyes Up-Do the Work wrist band.

  1. 15h ago

    182. In the Arena: Setbacks, Pressure, and Leadership with Ty Detmer, Jaren Hall, and Jeremiah Jensen (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of this compelling panel discussion on the Especially for Athletes podcast, co-hosts Dustin Smith and Justin Miller, sports anchor Jeremiah Jensen, and football icons Ty Detmer and Jaren Hall dive deep into the emotional and mental side of sports. The conversation tackles the heavy realities of injuries, self-doubt, and the transition when a major chapter of life comes to a close. The panel shares powerful lessons on leadership, the impact of coaching with compassion rather than fear, and how athletes and everyday individuals can embrace high-pressure moments instead of running from them. Key Discussion Points Navigating Career Transitions: Jaren Hall opens up about his journey in the NFL, dealing with concussions, getting released, and ultimately shifting his perspective to find fulfillment beyond football. Controlling the Controllables: Ty Detmer reflects on facing unexpected benchings in the NFL and coaching, reminding listeners that we cannot control everything—only our attitude and effort. The Danger of Comparison: Justin Miller discusses his gritty, non-traditional path inspired by Tom Brady and why comparing yourself to others steals your journey. Coaching with Love, Not Shame: The panel shares insights from legendary coaches like Lavelle Edwards and Kalani Sitake, emphasizing that true respect and peak performance come from trust and compassion, not screaming. Embracing Pressure: Practical advice on how to treat pressure as a privilege, build confidence through preparation, and live by Theodore Roosevelt’s "Man in the Arena" creed.Brought to You By Our Sponsors The Murdock Family Foundation Mountain America Credit Union Redmond Re-Lyte &COLLAR (Use code E4A for 15% off at andcollar.com)Make sure to turn on notifications so you don't miss our next episode. Visit e4a.org to support our mission or bring E4A to your school. Eyes up, do the work. 00:32:17 - Jaren's NFL Story and Dealing with Setbacks 00:36:58 - Turning the Page on Life Chapters and Ty's "Play and Clear" Mantra 00:38:47 - Ty on Doubt: The 1%, the Philadelphia Benching, and Controlling the Controllables 00:42:32 - Justin Miller's Lessons Learned and Focusing on Personal Improvement 00:46:46 - Dustin's Story: The Triple-Overtime State Final and the Process of "Becoming" 00:52:17 - Lessons from Coaches: LaVell Edwards, Kalani Sitake, and Leading with Love and Trust 01:02:17 - Handling Pressure: Privilege, Preparation, the Puka Nacua Throw, and Justin's Three Tools 01:09:37 - Closing: "Man in the Arena" and Empathy from Parents #### Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast #### Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    182. In the Arena: Setbacks, Pressure, and Leadership with Ty Detmer, Jaren Hall, and Jeremiah Jensen (Part 2)

  2. 6d ago

    181. Brighter than Ever: Media, NIL, and the Modern Athlete's Sportlight with Ty Detmer, Jaren Hall, and Jeremiah Jensen (Part 1)

    The sports world has changed forever. In an era where every smartphone is a media outlet, the spotlight on athletes has never been brighter—or heavier. In this compelling episode, sports media veteran Jeremiah Jensen and former BYU football standouts Ty Detmer and Jaren Hall sit down with Dustin Smith and Justin Miller to discuss the massive shift in amateur and collegiate athletics. From the unprecedented scrutiny of social media and viral clips to the chaotic, "Wild West" landscape of NIL and high school recruiting, our guests pull back the curtain on the mental health toll, locker room dynamics, and the commercial pressures facing today's young competitors. What You Will Hear In This Episode The 24/7 Digital Fishbowl: Ty Detmer and Jaren Hall contrast playing in past eras with today's social media climate, where a single viral clip or tweet can follow an athlete anywhere. Jaren Hall’s Historic Spotlight: Jaren reflects on stepping in as the first Black starting quarterback at BYU in 2019, the intense national media storm that followed, and how he learned to block out the noise. Inside the NIL Locker Room: An honest look at the financial evolution of college sports—from early 2021 adoption and locker room friction to revenue sharing, and why Jeremiah Jensen compares modern NIL chasing to a lottery ticket. The High School "Wild West": A deep dive into how booster money, bags of cash, and transfer culture have trickled all the way down to high school (and even little league), creating unprecedented pressure for families. Film vs. Team First: Ty Detmer shares a revealing story about a 16-year-old starter begging to stay in a blowout game just to pad his highlight reel, and why the love of attention is threatening the love of the game. A Warning to Parents: Examining how parental pride and social media posting can inadvertently add heavy mental health burdens onto young athletes. Brought to You By Our Sponsors Redmond Re-Lyte &COLLAR (Use code E4A for 15% off at andcollar.com) Mountain America Credit Union The Murdock Family FoundationMake sure to turn on notifications so you don't miss Part 2, where we dive into overcoming adversity, playing under legendary coach LaVell Edwards, and Kalani Sitake's unique leadership style. Visit e4a.org to support our mission or bring E4A to your school. Eyes up, do the work. 00:32:17 - Welcome, the Re-Record and Meet the Guests 00:34:52 - Sponsor Shout-Outs 00:36:02 - The Sportlight Is Brighter Than Ever 00:38:38 - Ty on Growing Up Without Social Media 00:40:27 - Jaren on Being BYU's First Black Starting QB and the Media Spotlight 00:45:04 - NIL in the Locker Room 00:48:05 - Jeremiah on NIL, the "Lottery Ticket" and the Bad Actors 00:51:51 - NIL Trickling Down to High School 00:54:40 - Ty on the "Wild, Wild West" in Arizona 00:57:28 - Why the Super-Team Transfers Make Sense 00:59:39 - Transfers, the 1% of the 1% and the Traps for Families 01:03:18 - "Coach, I Need Film": Chasing Highlights Over Wins 01:06:27 - Parents, Social Media and the Pressure on Kids 01:08:42 - Wrap-Up, a Preview of Part 2 and Sponsors #### Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast #### Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    181. Brighter than Ever: Media, NIL, and the Modern Athlete's Sportlight with Ty Detmer, Jaren Hall, and Jeremiah Jensen (Part 1)

  3. Oct 13

    180. Coach VJ on Confidence, Pressure & Mental Strength

    What if feeling discouraged, uncomfortable, or afraid doesn't mean you're mentally weak—but that you're actually developing resilience? In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Dustin Smith and Justin Miller sit down with Vera Jo Bustos (Coach VJ), a former professional basketball player, three-time college All-American, author, and founder of Mentality Solutions. Coach VJ shares practical mental performance strategies to help athletes, parents, and coaches rethink resilience, manage pressure, and build lasting confidence. In this episode, you'll discover: Why resilience doesn't feel good when you're actually developing it. How to turn pregame nerves and butterflies into excitement. Why mental performance training is just as important as physical preparation. The difference between confidence built on validation and confidence built from within. Why the pressure of a playoff game shouldn't change the skills you've practiced. How mindset, self-talk, and courage help athletes perform under pressure. Why athletes sometimes need to stop listening to themselves and start talking to themselves. How parents can help young athletes develop independence by allowing them to face challenges. Why you should never tell yourself "no" before giving yourself an opportunity to succeed. Coach VJ also explains the difference between mental health and mental performance, shares lessons from studying Kobe Bryant, and challenges athletes to step outside what she calls their "dead zone." Whether you're an athlete preparing for a big game, a parent supporting a young competitor, or a coach helping your team develop mental strength, this conversation offers valuable insights you can put into practice. Learn more about Coach VJ: Mental Performance Coaching: https://www.mentalitysolutions.com Speaking and Events: https://www.coachvj.com #EspeciallyForAthletes #CoachVJ #MentalPerformance #MentalStrength #Resilience #SportsPsychology #AthleteMindset #Confidence #WinTheHour 00:32:17 - Meet Coach VJ: From Professional Athlete to Mental Performance Coach 00:36:05 - Why Resilience Doesn't Feel Good 00:38:55 - Escape Your Comfort Zone: Enter the Dead Zone 00:40:36 - Mental Performance vs. Mental Health 00:44:13 - The Body Buzz: Turning Butterflies into Excitement 00:50:13 - How to Handle Pressure in Big Games 00:52:18 - It's Not Just Another Game—But the Skills Are the Same 00:56:51 - Where Does Your Confidence Come From? 00:57:48 - Three Outer Sources of Confidence 01:01:49 - Training Your Body, Craft, and Mind 01:02:49 - Three Inner Sources of Confidence 01:05:17 - The Power of Self-Talk: Words of Power or Poison 01:06:17 - Why Courage Comes Before Confidence 01:07:30 - Make Somebody Else Tell You No 01:08:56 - How Comparison Steals Confidence 01:10:49 - Kobe Bryant and the Mental Game 01:15:25 - Do Male and Female Athletes Need Different Coaching? 01:16:57 - Why Parents Must Let Athletes Struggle 01:19:16 - Connect with Coach VJ #### Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast #### Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    180. Coach VJ on Confidence, Pressure & Mental Strength

  4. Oct 1

    179. Golden State Warriors Forward George Niang

    In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we're replaying our interview from episode #150 with (former Utah Jazz) Golden State Warriors 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 most. He shares stories from locker rooms with NBA superstars like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green—and what their work ethic taught him about staying ready. We dive into core E4A principles like Win the Hour, Be Resilient, and Compete Without Contempt, as George shares powerful insights on: • Why work ethic is a competitive advantage• Balancing humility with hunger• The importance of being coachable and consistent• How a simple high-five or kind word can change someone’s life• And how to use your SportLight to lift others This conversation is loaded with wisdom, humor, and heart—and it’s a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. 🎧 Listen now, share with a teammate, and remember to keep your eyes up and do the work. #### Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast #### Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad MartinProduced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    179. Golden State Warriors Forward George Niang

  5. Sep 23

    178. Utah Jazz Director of Operations Austin Ainge

    What do NBA teams really look for when evaluating players?Utah Jazz Director of Operations Austin Ainge joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to share lessons from a career spent evaluating talent and building professional basketball teams.Austin discusses why character matters in scouting, what great leadership really looks like, why the best leaders also know how to follow, and why “losing yourself in the team” can improve both performance and happiness.He also shares insights on handling social media and outside noise, developing resilience, taking mental health seriously, competing fiercely without hating your opponent, and what professional teams look for beyond talent.From high school athletes to coaches and parents, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside professional sports—and a reminder that the athletes who make the biggest impact aren't always the loudest. They're the ones who make everyone around them better.Eyes up. Do the work. 00:32:17 - Getting Started with Austin Ainge 00:35:51 - Welcome & Austin's Basketball Background 00:37:30 - Building Teams Around the World 00:39:08 - How NBA Teams Evaluate Talent 00:40:57 - Character Matters: What Scouts Look For 00:42:08 - What Makes a Great Leader? 00:44:11 - Great Leaders Also Know How to Follow 00:45:09 - Lose Yourself in the Team 00:47:32 - The “Holy Grail” of Talent and Character 00:50:34 - Humility: Think of Yourself Less 00:52:37 - Individual Goals vs. Winning 00:54:49 - Win the Hour: Cutting Out the Noise 00:57:30 - The Impact of Social Media on Athletes 01:00:41 - Mental Health in Professional Sports 01:04:32 - Why Coaches Should Take Mental Health Seriously 01:06:40 - Building Resilience in Young Athletes 01:09:16 - Compete Without Contempt 01:11:50 - Dustin's Legendary 120-Foot Putt 01:12:56 - Closing Thoughts ⸻ Especially for Athletes: Website: https://e4a.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ X: https://x.com/E4Afamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    178. Utah Jazz Director of Operations Austin Ainge

  6. Sep 16

    177. Just Take the Next Step with Guest Hunter Rasmussen

    At 20 years old, former Spanish Fork High School three-sport athlete and football captain Hunter Rasmussen was accidentally shot in the leg during a hunting trip. Doctors later told him he had been approximately ten minutes from bleeding to death.What followed were weeks in the hospital, multiple surgeries, a life-threatening infection, and ultimately the amputation of his lower leg. But Hunter’s story didn’t end there.In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Hunter shares the remarkable journey from the moment of the accident through years of recovery and learning to walk again. He talks about the lessons sports had unknowingly taught him for this moment, what resilience means when progress literally happens one step at a time, the importance of taking care of yourself without becoming consumed with yourself, and how keeping your “eyes up” can help you see both the road ahead and the people around you.Hunter also shares the role his faith played throughout the experience, including moments in the hospital when he struggled to understand how everything could possibly “work out.”This is a powerful conversation about resilience, perspective, faith, service, and continuing to move forward when life looks nothing like you expected. Socials:Instagram- @1_legged_hunterTikTok-1leggedhunter Key Moments: 00:32:17 - Meet Hunter Rasmussen 00:35:27 - Hunter’s Story: Sports, Hunting & Growing Up 00:37:30 - Choosing to Serve a Mission 00:39:29 - Returning Home & Starting Life Again 00:40:34 - The Hunting Trip That Changed Everything 00:41:52 - Realizing He Had Been Shot 00:42:27 - The Makeshift Tourniquet That Saved His Life 00:44:12 - “Your Life Flashes Before Your Eyes” 00:45:22 - Fighting to Stay Awake 00:46:37 - “Everything’s Going to Work Out” 00:47:29 - Emergency Surgery & Compartment Syndrome 00:48:39 - Unable to Move His Foot 00:49:25 - Hearing the Word “Amputation” 00:50:27 - A Life-Threatening Infection 00:51:35 - Losing His Leg 00:52:29 - Only a 10–15% Chance of Keeping His Knee 00:53:23 - The Turnaround Doctors Couldn't Explain 00:54:35 - Learning to Walk Again 00:57:58 - What Resilience Means to Hunter 00:59:15 - How Sports Prepared Him for Adversity 01:00:25 - “Just Keep Going” 01:02:43 - What “Eyes Up, Do the Work” Means to Hunter 01:05:20 - Looking Up Helps You See Others 01:06:27 - Take Care of Yourself—Then Help Others 01:09:17 - Reframing Difficult Experiences 01:13:03 - Faith, Adversity & the Story of Joseph 01:15:47 - Pits, Potiphar, Prison—and Your Pharaoh Moment ⸻ Especially for Athletes:Website: https://e4a.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/X: https://x.com/E4AfamilyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast⸻Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad MartinProduced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    177. Just Take the Next Step with Guest Hunter Rasmussen

  7. Sep 2

    176. Southern Utah University Gymnast Kendall McGuire

    Southern Utah University gymnast Kendall McGuire joins Dustin Smith and guest host Justin Miller for a conversation about the mindset behind competing at the NCAA level.Kendall shares her journey from beginning gymnastics at two years old to competing for one of the nation’s top gymnastics programs, along with her work as a sideline reporter for SUU football and her aspirations to someday work in the NFL or NHL.The conversation dives into the unique mental demands of gymnastics, overcoming fear after falls, Simone Biles and the “twisties,” mental health in athletics, body image and developing a healthier relationship with food.Kendall also shares one of the most powerful ideas from the episode: athletes often spend too much time thinking about everything they have to sacrifice and not enough time recognizing everything they gain.Instead of thinking, “I have to go to practice,” Kendall learned to think, “I get to go.”She explains how that simple reframe helped her appreciate the friendships, strength, discipline, opportunities and experiences gymnastics gave her.Kendall also discusses being fully present in practice, SUU Gymnastics’ motto to “underthink it,” accepting accountability, learning from failure, becoming comfortable with discomfort and leaning on teammates who care enough to tell you the truth.A great conversation for athletes, parents and coaches about gratitude, resilience, mental health and learning to enjoy the process. Featured Moments: 00:32:17 - Welcome & Meet Kendall McGuire 00:33:48 - Life as an SUU Sideline Reporter 00:37:50 - Kendall’s Dream of Working in Sports Media 00:39:11 - Fear, Falling & the Mental Side of Gymnastics 00:42:12 - Simone Biles, the Twisties & Athlete Mental Health 00:47:26 - Body Image, Nutrition & Eating Disorders in Gymnastics 00:55:36 - The Sacrifices Behind Becoming a College Gymnast 00:57:42 - “I Get To” Instead of “I Have To” 00:59:33 - Growing Up Without Being Attached to Social Media 01:00:22 - Staying Present in Practice 01:02:17 - SUU Gymnastics: “Underthink It” 01:03:48 - How Athletes Can Keep Sports Fun 01:05:23 - Reframing Sacrifice as Opportunity 01:07:09 - Stop Focusing on What You’re Missing 01:08:36 - Resilience After Setbacks 01:13:18 - The Teammate Who Told Kendall the Truth 01:16:31 - Getting Out of Your Own Head 01:19:36 - “What If It All Goes Right?” 01:21:05 - Finding People Who Truly Support You 01:22:04 - Support Without Making Excuses 01:24:39 - Growth Requires Getting Uncomfortable 01:27:33 - Final Thoughts & Good Luck to Kendall 01:28:35 - Eyes Up. Do the Work. ⸻ Especially for Athletes: Website: https://e4a.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/X: https://x.com/E4AfamilyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQJoin the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Justin MillerProduced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    176. Southern Utah University Gymnast Kendall McGuire

  8. Aug 20

    175. Associate Athletic Director of Mental Health for BYU Athletics, Braden Brown

    Mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation in sports. In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Braden Brown, Associate Athletic Director of Mental Health for BYU Athletics, to discuss how athletes can train their minds just like they train their bodies. Braden explains why working with a mental health professional can be every bit as valuable as working with a strength coach, nutritionist, or position coach—and why asking for help should be viewed as a commitment to getting better, not a sign of weakness. We also discuss handling pressure and intrusive thoughts, perfectionism and imposter syndrome, competing without becoming combative, the unique pressures facing female athletes, what parents can do to support their kids, and the importance of developing an identity beyond sports. This is an important conversation for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the mental side of sports. Instagaram and facebook handles @Drbradenbrown 00:32:17 - Meet Braden Brown: Mental Health at BYU Athletics 00:33:12 - How Mental Health in Sports Has Changed 00:36:01 - What Braden Does With BYU Athletes 00:38:13 - Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health 00:39:27 - Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength 00:43:08 - Why Elite Athletes Are Talking About Mental Health 00:45:34 - Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body 00:47:13 - Understanding Yourself as an Athlete 00:50:09 - Handling Pressure: Notice, Accept, Commit 00:52:30 - Perfectionism, Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome 00:54:54 - Compete Without Being Combative 00:58:55 - Mental Health & Female Athletes 01:02:32 - What Parents of Athletes Need to Know 01:03:39 - Parents: Listen More, Coach Less 01:05:51 - Talk to Your Kids About More Than Sports 01:07:09 - The Danger of an Athlete-Only Identity 01:08:27 - Who Are You Without Your Sport? 01:14:01 - Building an Identity Beyond Athletics 01:15:52 - How Serving Others Helps Mental Health 01:20:50 - Keep Youth Sports Fun 01:24:41 - Closing Thoughts & Connecting With Braden ⸻ Especially for Athletes: Website: https://e4a.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ X: https://x.com/E4Afamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    175. Associate Athletic Director of Mental Health for BYU Athletics, Braden Brown
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About

Especially for Athletes (“E4A”) is a movement designed to inspire athletes, and those with whom they associate, to maximize their athletic potential and to use their talents, social influence, and their "Sportlight" to assist and lift others. E4A is seeking to build a culture of athletes focused on changing lives through better use of the attention and influence that accompanies their position. E4A provides education, training and motivational tools to inspire athletes to focus on doing more, and becoming more than just a great athlete.Schools, teams, youth organizations, and individual athletes are encouraged to become E4A certified and join the growing group of athletes of all ages and skill levels including college and professional athletes in committing to the E4A promise and wearing proudly their Eyes Up-Do the Work wrist band.

Information

  • Creator
    Especially for Athletes
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2025 © Especially for Athletes Podcast
  • Show Website
    Especially for Athletes Podcast

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