Especially for Athletes Podcast

Especially for Athletes
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Self-Improvement
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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. 5d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jun 30

    170. Seek to Be Your Best, Not the Best

    In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith explore one of the foundational principles of Especially for Athletes: Seek to Be Your Best, Not the Best. Through the story of Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda's emotional celebration after a personal record and Kobe Bryant's powerful perspective on becoming an "overachiever," they discuss why comparison steals joy and how athletes can find lasting fulfillment through growth, effort, and personal improvement. This episode is a powerful reminder that true success comes from maximizing your own potential—not from measuring yourself against everyone else. Key Takeaways 1. Comparison Is the Thief of JoySocial media has made it easier than ever for athletes to compare themselves to others instead of focusing on their own growth. 2. Personal Progress Deserves CelebrationAthletes should celebrate personal bests and growth, even when they don't finish first. 3. Greatness Is About BecomingThe greatest athletes focus on maximizing their potential rather than protecting a reputation. 4. Kobe Bryant Was an OverachieverKobe wanted to be remembered not just as talented, but as someone who maximized every gift he was given. 5. Compete Against Yesterday's Version of YourselfThe healthiest comparison is comparing who you are today with who you were yesterday. 6. Fill the Tank, Then Empty the TankSuccess comes from fully preparing and then giving everything you have when the opportunity arrives. 7. Appreciation Matters More Than RecognitionPeople need to know they are valued for who they are and the effort they give—not just the results they produce. 00:32:17 - Introduction00:33:17 - Why Comparison Is More Dangerous Than Ever00:36:17 - The Difference Between Being the Best and Being Your Best00:39:47 - The Story of Polish Sprinter Ewa Swoboda00:42:32 - Why Athletes Must Celebrate Progress00:44:17 - How to Avoid Complacency and Discouragement00:46:47 - Ralph Waldo Emerson and Learning From Others00:50:17 - Kobe Bryant's Final Interview00:53:17 - Becoming an Overachiever00:56:47 - Progress Over Outcomes00:59:17 - Coaching Athletes to Celebrate Growth01:03:17 - Appreciation vs Recognition01:07:17 - Fill the Tank, Then Empty the Tank01:09:47 - Final Thoughts01:10:17 - 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

    170. Seek to Be Your Best, Not the Best

  7. Jun 23

    169. Be Patient: Every Athlete Develops on a Different Timeline

    In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith tackle one of the greatest challenges facing youth sports today: patience. Too often athletes are labeled too early as stars or failures before their bodies, confidence, and abilities have fully developed. Through powerful insights about development, confidence, work ethic, and a moving story from Cameron Stewart about his son Tyson, Shad and Dustin remind parents, coaches, and athletes that development is not linear and that some of the greatest athletes are simply late bloomers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone tempted to judge potential too quickly. Key Takeaways1. Don't Label Athletes Too EarlyChildren develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially at different rates. Success—or struggle—at age 10 does not predict success at age 18.2. Puberty Changes EverythingMany athletes who appear average before puberty become exceptional later as their bodies and confidence develop.3. Focus on Growth, Not Playing TimeInstead of demanding opportunities, ask: "What do I need to do to improve?" Growth should always come before entitlement.4. Let Kids ExploreYoung athletes should be allowed to try different sports and activities until they discover where their talents and passions align.5. Love of the Game MattersIf a child still loves a sport, don't pull them away simply because they aren't currently the best player.6. Struggle Builds Valuable SkillsAthletes who must work for opportunities often develop resilience, work ethic, and perseverance that become major advantages later.7. There Are Lessons on the BenchAthletes learn just as much from fighting for playing time as they do from standing on the podium.00:32:17 - Introduction: Why Youth Sports Needs More Patience00:33:37 - The Danger of Labeling Kids Too Early00:36:27 - Why Puberty Changes Everything00:37:52 - Cameron Stewart's Story About His Son Tyson00:38:57 - How Parents Should Approach Playing Time Conversations00:41:42 - Why Late Bloomers Matter00:42:37 - When Should Kids Quit a Sport?00:45:02 - Family Rules About Commitment and Finishing Seasons00:46:02 - James Clear's "Explore vs. Exploit" Principle00:47:27 - Finding Your Lane Through Exploration00:48:17 - Final Advice for Parents and Coaches00:49:37 - Lessons Learned from Cameron Stewart's Example00:50:07 - 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

    169. Be Patient: Every Athlete Develops on a Different Timeline

  8. Jun 16

    168. Kevin Love and the Courage to Ask for Help

    In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss men's mental health, the stigma surrounding emotional struggles, and the courage required to ask for help. Using the story of NBA All-Star Kevin Love and his public battle with panic attacks and anxiety, they explore why mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical injuries. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or teammate, this conversation will help you better understand the importance of checking on others, speaking up when you're struggling, and creating environments where people feel safe asking for help. Key Takeaways 1. Mental health struggles are real—even when you can't see them. Just because an injury isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't serious. Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks can impact performance and quality of life just as much as physical injuries. 2. Asking for help is not weakness—it is courage. Real strength is not pretending everything is fine. Real strength is having the humility and courage to admit when you're struggling and seek help. 3. Success does not immunize anyone from mental health challenges. Kevin Love was an NBA All-Star at the height of his career when he experienced a panic attack. Mental health struggles can affect anyone regardless of talent, success, popularity, or income. 4. Coaches and parents should keep their eyes up. Great coaches don't just develop athletes; they develop people. Pay attention to behavioral changes and create safe opportunities for athletes to talk. 5. Great teammates notice and respond. LeBron James's response to Kevin Love's article is a model of leadership. Great teammates don't judge; they support. 6. Silence is the greatest ally of mental health struggles. Mental health issues often remain hidden because people fear what others will think. Honest conversations break down stigma and create healing. 7. One person's courage can help thousands. When Kevin Love shared his story publicly, he gave countless others permission to seek help and realize they weren't alone. Links Full ESPN interview with Kevin Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW2LVIp9QcU Kevin Love's Player Tribune article - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something00:32:17 - Introduction: Men's Mental Health Month00:34:17 - Kevin Love's Panic Attack Story00:37:02 - Why Mental Health Injuries Are Different00:38:17 - Dustin Shares His Own Experience with Panic Attacks00:41:47 - Why Athletes Often Stay Silent00:43:32 - The Stigma Around Mental Health00:45:32 - Courage vs. Weakness00:47:17 - Why Athletes Fear Asking for Help00:49:17 - What Coaches Can Do00:53:17 - Why Admitting You Need Help Is Courage00:55:17 - Kevin Love's Decision to Speak Out00:57:17 - Why Mental Health Is Harder to Discuss Than Physical Health01:00:17 - LeBron James's Powerful Response01:02:17 - Leadership and Looking Out for Teammates01:05:17 - Freedom Through Honest Conversations01:08:17 - Final Message to Athletes, Coaches, and Parents01:11:17 - 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-bMMQJoin the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin SmithProduced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

    168. Kevin Love and the Courage to Ask for Help
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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
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2025 © Especially for Athletes Podcast
  • Show Website
    Especially for Athletes Podcast

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