Especially for Athletes Podcast

Especially for Athletes
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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. 6d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Jul 29

    174. Tanner Wall, BYU Safety and Las Vegas Raider

    Former BYU safety and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Tanner Wall joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to discuss resilience, leadership, mental preparation, and why pursuing excellence in every area of life makes you a better athlete.Tanner shares his remarkable journey from preferred walk-on to All-Big 12 safety, the lessons he learned from Kalani Sitake and Jay Hill, and why competing with respect—not hatred—helps athletes perform at their highest level.In this episode you'll learn: Why great competitors don't need contempt to compete How to gain an edge through intentional preparation Why "how you do one thing is how you do everything" The difference between watching film and studying film How relationships shape your future Why excellence off the field leads to excellence on itWhether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or fan, this episode is filled with practical principles to help you become your best both on and off the field. 00:32:17 - Welcome & Introducing Tanner Wall00:33:07 - Choosing BYU Over Scholarship Offers00:36:19 - Betting on Yourself as a Preferred Walk-On00:41:13 - Why He Never Considered Transferring00:43:00 - Resilience, Patience & Finding an Edge00:47:28 - Mentors Who Changed His Career00:51:00 - Compete Without Contempt00:55:05 - Controlling the Controllables in the NFL00:58:32 - Watching Film vs. Studying Film01:03:04 - Winning the Hour Through Intentional Living01:05:35 - How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything01:08:19 - Social Media, Priorities & Time Management01:12:32 - Competing Fiercely Without Losing Character01:16:08 - Using Your Spotlight to Bless Others01:20:11 - Eyes Up. 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-bMMQJoin the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    174. Tanner Wall, BYU Safety and Las Vegas Raider

  6. Jul 22

    173. The Mental Game That Separates Great Athletes | Bryker Hurdsman

    Every athlete experiences highs and lows. The difference between athletes who continue to grow and those who burn out isn't talent—it's how they think. Former BYU baseball standout Bryker Hurdsman joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to discuss the mental side of sports, why staying emotionally steady matters, why athletes should enjoy playing multiple sports, and how focusing on the process instead of the outcome changes everything. In this episode you'll learn: Why Bryker wishes he had continued playing multiple sports The importance of developing a daily process How to stop letting bad games define you Why confidence comes from discipline—not results Lessons from BYU's mental performance coaching How sports prepare you for life after athleticsWhether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode will help you think differently about success. Remember... Eyes Up. 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-bMMQJoin the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin + Justin MillerProduced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    173. The Mental Game That Separates Great Athletes | Bryker Hurdsman

  7. Jul 15

    172. Are Parents Stealing Their Kids' Self-Esteem? | Character Is Built Through Struggle

    A brain surgeon recently shared a powerful observation: "If you do too much for your kids, you build your self-esteem by stealing theirs." That one sentence sparked one of our favorite parenting conversations.Why do parents feel compelled to rescue their children from every disappointment? What happens when we remove every obstacle from our athlete's path? And how do we help our children become resilient without abandoning them?In this episode, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss why struggle isn't the enemy—it may be one of life's greatest teachers.If you're raising athletes (or future adults), this episode is for you.Eyes Up. Do the Work. 00:32:17 - Introduction00:32:47 - The Brain Surgeon's Quote00:34:32 - Why Parents Naturally Want to Protect Their Kids00:37:37 - Helicopter Parenting vs. Bulldozer Parenting00:40:27 - Are We Protecting, or Preventing Growth?00:44:02 - The Difference Between Harmful Pain and Productive Struggle00:47:32 - Helping Instead of Rescuing00:50:37 - Sports as a Laboratory for Resilience00:53:17 - The Frozen Peach Tree Story00:56:37 - When Protection Becomes the Problem00:59:12 - Practical Advice for Parents01:01:32 - Final Thoughts: Eyes Up. 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-bMMQJoin the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin SmithProduced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    172. Are Parents Stealing Their Kids' Self-Esteem? | Character Is Built Through Struggle

  8. Jul 9

    171. Sports Are a Tool… Don't Be a Tool

    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 games—or raise resilient adults? If you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation will challenge the way you think about competition, teaching, and long-term success. Remember: Sports are a tool to shape young people into who they're meant to become. Eyes Up. Do the Work. Timestamps: 00:32:17 - Introduction 00:33:02 - The Quote: "Always Have the End in Mind" 00:34:32 - The Viral 9U Baseball Video Explained 00:37:37 - The Controversial Appeal That Erased the Home Run 00:40:32 - Why Adults Lose Perspective in Youth Sports 00:45:12 - Coaching Is Teaching, Not Just Winning 00:47:22 - The 10-Year-Old Tennis Story 00:50:17 - Learning to Lose with Character 00:52:42 - What Sports Are Really Supposed to Teach 00:55:52 - Advice for Parents and Coaches 00:59:22 - Final Takeaway: Sports Are a Tool... Don't Be a Tool⸻ 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-bMMQJoin the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin SmithProduced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    171. Sports Are a Tool… Don't Be a Tool
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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
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2025 © Especially for Athletes Podcast
  • Show Website
    Especially for Athletes Podcast

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