you can't fool you podcast

Rockne O'Leary

The podcast aims to empower high school and college students, especially athletes, with practical advice, inspiration, and resources. By focusing on health, wellness, personal growth, and lifestyle, the podcast will be an educational platform where students can learn valuable skills and insights to help them succeed both on and off the field.

  1. JAN 17

    The State of Youth Sports: Pressure, Identity, and Burnout

    Summary In this episode, Rockne O'Leary delves into the evolving landscape of youth sports, reflecting on his personal experiences as an athlete and the pressures faced by young competitors today. He discusses how the rise of social media has transformed youth sports into a performative activity, where external validation through likes and comments can overshadow the intrinsic joy of playing. O'Leary emphasizes the dangers of early specialization, where children define their identities too early based on their sports, potentially leading to burnout and a loss of passion when faced with challenges such as injuries or not making a team. Rockne also critiques the current youth sports culture, which often prioritizes competition and travel teams over the fundamental enjoyment of the game. He shares insights on the importance of fostering a love for sports, encouraging kids to play multiple sports to develop a broader range of skills and reduce the risk of burnout. He concludes by urging parents to create supportive environments that prioritize understanding and communication, rather than projecting their own expectations onto their children. Ultimately, O'Leary advocates for a return to the core values of sports: teamwork, resilience, and fun. Takeaways Sports have shaped my values and resilience.Identity becomes dangerous when tied to a sport.We need to prioritize love for the game over competition.Kids should play multiple sports to avoid burnout.Parental expectations can negatively impact a child's experience.Sound bites "Most of who I am today was built through being an athlete." "It starts shaping an identity too early." "What is this car ride home going to be like?" Articles https://www.nbc26.com/sports/youth-sports/burnout-by-age-13-a-look-at-the-dropout-rate-in-youth-sports https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sport-between-the-ears/202408/navigating-the-modern-youth-sports-terrain

    21 min
  2. 09/14/2025

    Anthony Bacon: Building Confidence in Young Athletes

    Summary In this episode of the UK4U podcast, Rockne O'Leary speaks with Anthony Bacon, a seasoned coach with over 30 years of experience. They discuss the importance of multi-sport participation for youth athletes, the challenges of coaching in today's environment, and the impact of technology and social media on sports. Anthony shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the need for preparation, discipline, and building confidence in young athletes. He also reflects on memorable moments from his coaching career and the differences between coaching boys and girls. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering a supportive environment for athletes and the role of coaches in their development. Takeaways Multi-sport participation helps avoid burnout in young athletes. Coaches should prioritize communication with student-athletes over parents. Memorable coaching moments often come from seeing athletes succeed in life. Girls tend to be more fundamentally sound and open in communication than boys. Technology has changed the way sports are coached but fundamentals remain the same. Discipline in practice is essential for success in games. Confidence in athletes comes from preparation, not just outcomes. Social media can be a tool for promoting athletes but should be managed carefully. Coaches need to adapt to the changing landscape of youth sports. Building a supportive environment is crucial for athlete development. Sound bites "You need a couple assholes on your team." "You can't get better without practice." "You have to learn to handle hard better."

    51 min
  3. 08/22/2025

    Greg Mink: Building Young Men Through Football

    Summary In this episode of the You Can For You podcast, host Rockne O'Leary welcomes Coach Greg Mink, who shares his extensive journey with Garnet Valley football. From his early days as a player to his current role as a coach and announcer, Mink reflects on the evolution of the program, the impact of Coach Ricci's philosophy, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights memorable moments in football history, the significance of character building beyond the game, and the engagement of youth in the sport. As the new season approaches, Mink expresses excitement for the young players stepping onto the field, emphasizing the values of teamwork and preparation. Takeaways Coach Mink has been with Garnet Valley for over 22 seasons. The community plays a vital role in supporting the football program. Coach Ricci's philosophy emphasizes character and teamwork. Memorable moments in football often go beyond just wins and losses. Youth engagement is crucial for the future of the program. Building character is as important as developing football skills. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for young players to shine. Preparation and mindset are key to success in football. The camaraderie built during practices and camps lasts a lifetime. Inclusivity in the program helps foster a strong team spirit. Sound bites "It's not just about winning and losing." "It's a tough commitment, but it's worth it." "The greatest fumble recovery in history." The Vertigo Centre www.thevertigocentre.com Garnet Valley Football https://www.garnetvalleyfootball.com/ IG: @garnetvalleyfb X: GarnetValleyFB

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The podcast aims to empower high school and college students, especially athletes, with practical advice, inspiration, and resources. By focusing on health, wellness, personal growth, and lifestyle, the podcast will be an educational platform where students can learn valuable skills and insights to help them succeed both on and off the field.