The Pure Athlete Podcast

Jeff Francoeur

Former MLB player Jeff Francoeur and PA co-founders Britt Lee and Brad Williams interview well-known pro/college athletes, coaches, and topical experts to gain insight into the world of youth sports, in order to equip and inspire young athletes, parents, and coaches to successfully navigate their sports journeys. For more info, visit www.pureathleteinc.com

  1. 1d ago

    David Pollack: How My Perspective Changed Through My Kids' Sports Journey

    In this powerful return episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we welcome back former CFB Hall of Fame and the host of the popular podcast See Ball. Get Ball, David Pollack, three and a half years after his first appearance. Now raising a 17-year-old son who just committed to Clemson football and a 16-year-old daughter who’s a standout basketball player, David delivers raw, honest, and deeply practical insight into how sports parenting evolves as kids move through high school. From shifting roles — moving from “commander” to “coach” to eventually “friend” — to learning how to give your children true ownership of their journey, David explores the challenges, failures, and wins that come with raising athletes. He also opens up about the realities of the modern recruiting process in a transactional, NIL-influenced world, how to support your child without taking over, and why surrounding them with the right people and culture matters more than ever. Finally, David shares candidly about his wife Lindsay’s major brain surgery and ongoing battle with cancer, how their family has grown stronger through adversity, and the powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and perspective they’ve gained. Listeners will hear David’s signature intensity as he discusses: Why parenting gets harder (but more meaningful) as kids gain independenceThe importance of letting kids own their journey — even when it’s uncomfortableHow to balance support with space in recruiting and athleticsBuilding family values that outlast sportsThe power of praying for “hard” things and watching your kids rise through themWhat coaches and parents need to prioritize for long-term success and character development Filled with humor, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent, coach, or young athlete navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports. Tune in now and be reminded that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s growth, faith, and enjoying the journey together. Also, check out David's new book...Every Day Counts: Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.

    46 min

  2. May 27

    Reclassifying - The Controversial Extra Year in Youth Sports

    In this candid episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad tackle one of the hottest and most controversial topics in youth sports today: reclassification — holding kids back a grade, primarily for athletic advantages. The guys break down: What reclassification really means and how it’s shifting from a rare academic decision to a common sports strategyThe potential benefits for late bloomers and physical developmentThe serious downsides — social and emotional impacts, disrupted friendships, academic considerations, and long-term opportunity costsWhy some high school programs quietly encourage it and how club/travel teams have adapted with grad-year rulesReal talk on whether that extra year actually leads to D1 scholarships or just creates unfair advantages With honesty and zero judgment, the hosts share personal stories, coach and athletic director perspectives, and question whether we’re putting athletics above the holistic development of our kids. They also explore the broader trend of older athletes in high school and college sports. This is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth sports. The conversation is nuanced, thought-provoking, and far from black and white. What do you think? Have you reclassified your child? Did it work out — or do you regret it? Drop your experiences in the comments or send us a message. We want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Listen now and join the conversation.

    27 min

  3. May 19

    The State of Youth Sports with Aspen Institute's Project Play Director Tom Farrey

    In this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we sit down with Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Project Play and a longtime voice in youth sports. With decades of experience and groundbreaking research, Tom shares the latest data on participation trends, the impact of commercialization, early specialization, and the growing influence of NIL at younger ages. Discover powerful lessons from Norway’s remarkably successful youth sports model, why joy and love of the game matter more than wins at young ages, the importance of multi-sport play, and practical ways communities can drive real change through the “power of the permit.” Whether you’re a parent, coach, or youth sports leader, this conversation delivers honest insights, hope, and actionable ideas for building healthier, more inclusive youth sports environments. Tune in for a big-picture look at where youth sports stands today — and where it’s headed. #YouthSports #ProjectPlay #ParentingInSports #AspenInstitute

    40 min

  4. May 15

    Will Summer Fun Set My Kid Back in Sports? ASK US ANYTHING #1

    Jeff, Brad, and Britt tackle real parent questions we've received in our first installment of a practical, no-nonsense Q&A series we call ASK US ANYTHING. From travel ball decisions to tackle football, handling losses, tough coaches, and creating balance in a year-round sports culture, the guys share honest perspectives and insights from their own experiences as parents and coaches. Key topics include: Should a dominant 12U baseball player join elite national travel teams that “just show up” for tournaments, or stay local and play with friends?When is the right age to start tackle football? (Flag vs. full contact, teaching proper tackling technique, and knowing your child)Helping a 10-year-old who cries after every soccer lossHow to handle a bad umpire who tells your team to “throw in the towel”Should you let your kid quit a sport when it gets hard?Tough coaching vs. toxic coaching — where’s the line?How we manage the tension of wanting to create great summer experiences like summer camp, vacations, and free time with the desire to continue growth in your sport. The episode closes with a great conversation with Mike Murillo of Academy Camps — a unique sports-specific sleepaway camp that combines high-level coaching and training in a variety of sports with traditional camp fun (no phones, color wars, electives, ropes course, and more). Academy Camps is a smart hybrid option for families who want both athletic development and real summer memories. Whether you’re navigating tryouts, burnout, playing time, or just trying to do youth sports the right way, this episode is packed with relatable advice you can actually use. https://academycamps.com

    36 min

  5. May 12

    Catie Francoeur: Behind the Scenes With A Sports Mom

    This week on The Pure Athlete Podcast, we celebrate moms with a special guest — sports mom, wife, and chaos coordinator extraordinaire, Catie Francoeur. Catie joins Jeff, Britt, and Brad for an honest, funny, and heartfelt conversation about raising four kids in the middle of the youth sports whirlwind. From travel softball and lacrosse to forgotten cleats, late-night flights, emotional car rides, and “recalibrating” family priorities, this episode pulls back the curtain on what life really looks like for a modern sports family. Both moms and dads will enjoy and recognize many of the topics discussed, such as: The pressure today’s kids and parents feel in youth sportsBalancing competition, faith, marriage, and family lifeHelping kids navigate anxiety, confidence, and identitySupporting children who love different sports — or no sport at allWhy effort and character matter more than stats and trophiesThe behind-the-scenes role moms play in keeping everything together Along the way, Catie shares wisdom, vulnerability, and plenty of laughs — including stories about travel ball chaos, parenting failures, emotional postgame moments, and even Jeff getting kicked out of a flag football game. Whether you’re a sports mom, sports dad, coach, or parent trying to survive the busy youth sports years, this episode is packed with relatable stories, encouragement, and perspective. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfect kids or perfect parents — it’s raising healthy, resilient kids who know they’re loved no matter the scoreboard.

    1h 4m

  6. May 5

    UGA AD Josh Brooks: What's Going On In College Sports…Part 2

    What does the future of college sports really look like—and how will it impact youth and high school athletes? In Part 2 of this topic, we sit down with Josh Brooks, Athletic Director at the University of Georgia, to break down the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics—from NIL and the transfer portal to the realities of recruiting, roster building, and long-term athlete development. Josh shares his journey from college equipment manager under Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher to leading one of the top athletic programs in the country. But beyond the wins and championships, this conversation dives deep into what truly matters—both as a leader and as a sports dad. We cover: Why youth sports should prioritize development over winningThe impact of NIL and the transfer portal on college athleticsWhat parents and athletes need to understand about recruiting todayThe importance of fit: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated”How track and other individual sports teach real growth and accountabilityThe shrinking opportunities in non-revenue sports—and what it means for the futureWhy identity shouldn’t be tied to your child’s sportPractical advice for athletes chasing college opportunities (at any level) Josh also shares candid thoughts on parenting in youth sports, the pressure culture surrounding kids today, and how to keep sports fun while still pursuing excellence. Whether you're raising a young athlete, coaching, or navigating the path to college sports, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective from someone at the highest level of the game.

    45 min

  7. Apr 28

    Clemson AD Graham Neff: What's Going On In College Sports...Part 1

    In Part 1 of this 2-part series, the guys sit down with Clemson Athletic Director Graham Neff for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the rapidly changing world of college sports. From NIL and the transfer portal to scholarships and recruiting, Graham breaks down what’s really happening—and what it means for today’s athletes. He shares his personal journey into college athletics, offers practical advice for students who want to work in sports, and explains why opportunities are actually expanding across all levels and sports. The conversation also tackles big questions around player loyalty, the business of college athletics, and where things are headed next. Whether you're a parent, athlete, or fan trying to make sense of it all, this episode delivers clarity, perspective, and real insight from someone in the middle of it. Key themes: The reality of NIL, revenue sharing, and recruiting todayHow student-athletes can still find opportunity at every levelWhy college sports are becoming both more complex—and more valuableAdvice for athletes navigating the modern landscape A must-listen for anyone serious about understanding the future of college athletics.

    59 min

  8. Apr 21

    How Great Pitchers Are Made: Inside the Mind of Pitching Ninja Rob Friedman

    What does it really take to develop an elite pitcher—and are we getting it wrong with today’s youth athletes? In this episode, we sit down with Rob Friedman—better known as the creator of Pitching Ninja—to break down the evolution of pitching, the science behind velocity, and the biggest mistakes parents and coaches make with young players. From coaching his own son to a college career at Georgia Tech baseball to building one of the most trusted platforms in baseball, Rob shares insights that every parent, coach, and player needs to hear. We dive into: Why velocity is dominating the game—and the risks that come with itThe truth about early specialization and “pitcher-only” kidsHow to choose the right pitching coach (and red flags to avoid)When kids should start tracking velocity and throwing breaking pitchesThe mindset and habits that separate good pitchers from great ones Rob also gives practical advice for parents navigating today’s high-pressure youth sports environment, including pitch counts, injury prevention, and how to keep the game fun while still pushing for growth. Whether your child is just starting out or chasing the next level, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom to help you develop athletes the right way. Resources Mentioned: Unhittable by Rob Friedman

    37 min
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4.9
out of 5
222 Ratings

About

Former MLB player Jeff Francoeur and PA co-founders Britt Lee and Brad Williams interview well-known pro/college athletes, coaches, and topical experts to gain insight into the world of youth sports, in order to equip and inspire young athletes, parents, and coaches to successfully navigate their sports journeys. For more info, visit www.pureathleteinc.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Francoeur
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jeff Francoeur
  • Show Website
    The Pure Athlete Podcast

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