The Pure Athlete Podcast

Jeff Francoeur
  • 4.9 (227)
  • Sports

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. 18h ago

    The Keys to Helping Your Young Athlete Physically Thrive with Dr. Katie Friedman

    Brad and Britt sit down with Dr. Katie Friedman—pediatrician, pediatric ER physician, mom of young athletes, co-founder of Forever Freckled, and creator of Big Time youth athlete vitamins (livebigtime.com). Katie makes the case that youth sports remain one of the most powerful environments for kids: they build grit, teach kids how to fail and keep going, get them off screens, support physical health, and instill habits that transfer to school and adulthood. She also talks honestly about the hard parts—injuries, pressure to return too soon, and the daily scramble of late practices and fast food. Key topics include: What she actually sees in the ER: fractures, dislocations, lacerations—and a surprising spike in serious injuries from e-scooters and e-bikesConcussion red flags, when to go to the ER, and why kids should be symptom-free before returning to playSleep as the most overlooked (and free) performance tool—aim for 9–10+ hours and get screens out of the bedroomPractical nutrition: breakfast as fuel, simple carbs before games, smaller meals/snacks kids will actually eat, and giving yourself grace on the 9:30 p.m. pizza nightsWhy she created Big Time after her son’s injury and her own questions about fueling growing athletesAdvice to sports parents: the work is worth it even if they never play college ball—focus on the child and the lessons, not just the scoreboard A grounded, practical conversation for parents who want their kids to thrive in sports without losing the point of it. https://livebigtime.com

  2. Aug 18

    Alex Rodriguez: Lessons & Insights From A Storied MLB Career

    14-time All-Star, three-time AL MVP, and 2009 World Series champion Alex Rodriguez joins Jeff, Britt, and Brad for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the highlight-reel numbers. A-Rod traces his path from a Washington Heights childhood (his father leaving when he was 10, his mother’s extraordinary work ethic, and a stretch on food stamps) to Miami, where baseball, basketball, and football became his outlet and purpose. He explains why playing up with older kids as a late-July birthday was an unexpected advantage, how quarterbacking and point-guard vision translated directly to shortstop, and why he believes today’s early-specialization culture is hurting young athletes. The former Westminster Christian star makes a passionate case for fundamentals over launch angle and exit velo: start with the bunt, the hit-and-run, and elite defense. He talks about the two coaches who shaped him for a decade, the value of curiosity and listening (even at the height of his stardom), and the mental approach that let a 18-year-old phenom survive the spotlight. Parents and coaches will especially appreciate his advice on the ride home, process over results, keeping kids off electronics and radar guns before 17, and why the best players he’s ever seen were “black-belt fundamentalists.” Rodriguez also shares the behind-the-scenes story of his trade to the Yankees and reflects with rare vulnerability on early success, self-awareness, and how becoming a more present father has changed him. A must-listen episode packed with practical wisdom for anyone raising or coaching the next generation.

  3. Aug 12 ·  Bonus

    NEW SEASON 5 PREVIEW with Jeff, Britt, & Brad

    Jeff, Britt, and Brad preview the new season with summer recaps, laughs, and big plans ahead. Jeff shares behind-the-scenes stories from Cooperstown and Andruw Jones’ Hall of Fame induction—hanging with Mike Tomlin, chatting with Tony La Russa, and experiencing “baseball heaven” with the legends. Brad and Britt trade notes on family time, beach trips, yard work, and a special first ice-cream moment with a granddaughter. Then they look ahead: Pure Athlete Baseball’s continues to add great new content and the guys talk about what's coming on that platform. And, the guys discuss a brand new format coming to enable interaction and engagement with parents, kids and coaches around the country, discussing their youth sports journeys in a real-life way. Season 5 begins next week. Stick around—you’re not going to want to miss it.

  4. Jul 29

    PA Replay: Andruw Jones — From Curaçao to Cooperstown

    This week, we're revisiting our conversation with newly inducted MLB Hall of Famer Andruw Jones. Andruw reflects on the journey that took him from Curaçao to the major leagues, the importance of character and discipline, and the lessons he's learned through baseball and fatherhood. It's a timeless conversation filled with wisdom for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

  5. Jul 14

    PA Replay: GOING ALL IN....What You Need To Know

    Youth and high school sports should always be fun. But what if a young athlete has big goals? What if they dream of making the varsity team, earning a college scholarship, or even competing professionally? Many families begin pursuing those dreams at a young age—and we think that's great. But that journey also comes with challenges. Having a healthy roadmap can help your young athlete maximize their potential while still enjoying the process and becoming the best version of themselves on the field, court, pool, or track. We're revisiting this episode because the lessons, advice, and insights are just as relevant today as when it first aired.

  6. Jun 30

    PA Replay: Bobby Witt Jr. — From MLB Son to MLB Star

    In 2024, Bobby finished as the runner-up for the American League MVP Award after delivering an incredible season at the plate while also winning his first Gold Glove at shortstop in just his third year in the majors. Not long ago, though, Bobby was playing travel and high school baseball in Colleyville, Texas. Despite being the son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt Sr., he took a different path than many of today's top prospects. He never took a private hitting lesson until after high school. Rather than chasing launch angles and home runs (though he hit plenty of those), Bobby focused on making hard contact to all fields, limiting strikeouts, and becoming the most complete player he could be. Bobby shares his approach to hitting, the relentless work ethic that helped him become a Gold Glove-winning shortstop, the lessons his parents taught him about character and humility, and so much more. We're bringing back this replay of our conversation with Bobby Witt Jr.—one that's still packed with valuable and relevant insights for players, parents, and coaches.

  7. Jun 24

    What's Broken in American Youth Soccer—and How We Fix It with U.S. Soccer Legend Carlos Bocanegra

    In this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad sit down with U.S. Soccer legend and former US World Cup Captain Carlos Bocanegra to share his story from his remarkable journey—from playing multiple sports as a kid in Southern California, to starring at UCLA Bruins, becoming MLS Rookie of the Year, competing in two FIFA World Cups, and playing in some of the world’s top leagues, including the English Premier League. He also reflects on the lessons he learned along the way and why playing multiple sports helped shape his athletic career. The conversation then shifts to youth sports, where Carlos offers his passionate assessment of the current youth soccer landscape in America. He discusses the challenges facing youth development, the importance of positive coaching environments, why fundamentals matter more than winning at young ages, and what parents should look for when choosing a sports program for their children. Whether you're a soccer fan, a parent navigating youth sports, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind elite athletes, this episode delivers valuable insights on development, resilience, leadership, and helping kids fall in love with sports the right way. Topics Covered: The impact and excitement of the 2026 World CupCarlos Bocanegra’s path from youth athlete to World Cup captainLife in MLS and the English Premier LeagueThe value of multi-sport participationWhy technical skill development mattersChallenges in youth soccer todayHow parents can identify healthy sports environmentsBalancing development and winning in youth sportsBuilding a better future for young athletes Plus, Carlos shares why he believes improving the youth sports culture is one of the most important opportunities facing American soccer today.

  8. Jun 16

    PA Replay: Former MLS Star & USMNT Player Taylor Twellman

    Former MLS star and current MLS TV Analyst Taylor Twellman shares his youth sports story as a multi-sport athlete who played both baseball and soccer in college before going all-in on soccer. Taylor had a prolific soccer career as a 2x Golden Boot winner and MLS MVP. He shares some strong opinions about American soccer, our current youth sports cullture, advice for parents, and advice for coaches.

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4.9
out of 5
227 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
    197
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jeff Francoeur
  • Show Website
    The Pure Athlete Podcast

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