Inner Athlete Podcast

Inner Athlete Performance Pty Ltd

The Inner Athlete Podcast is were we discuss all things youth athlete development and youth mentoring for parents, coaches, and youth athletes. Each week Trent and the team present new topics. We discuss areas on how we can best support youth athletes in terms of their physical preparation for competition, developing habits to create long-term success, return to training from injury, overcoming physical, delving deeper into the preparation of some of our athletes, and much more... Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with the release of weekly episodes.

  1. 14h ago

    Ep. 148 Concussion Technology in Youth Sport: What Parents, Coaches & Athletes Need to Know

    Concussion technology is becoming more common in youth sport — from smart mouthguards and wearable sensors to protective headgear and emerging brain health tools. But what can these technologies actually tell us, and do they always make athletes safer? In this episode of The Inner Athlete Podcast, Trent speaks with leading concussion researcher and neurophysiologist Prof. Alan Pearce about the role of smart mouthguards, head impact sensors, wearable technology, protective headgear, GameGear-style devices, and other emerging concussion tools in sport. They discuss what these technologies can measure, what they may miss, and why they should not replace clinical judgement, good coaching, athlete education, and careful return-to-play decision-making. Trent and Prof. Pearce also look at the influence of marketing and social media claims, including supplements such as creatine and fish oil, and why parents, coaches, athletes, and health professionals need to interpret concussion research carefully. Topics include: • Smart mouthguards and head impact sensors • Wearable technology in concussion management • Protective headgear and concussion risk • Technology versus clinical judgement • Social media and supplement claims • Youth athlete safety and brain health • The future of concussion management in sport For youth athletes, the goal is not just more technology. It is better decisions, better education, and a more informed approach to athlete safety. Ready to support your young athlete’s long-term development? Book a FREE Discovery Call with Inner Athlete here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/contact-us Download our free parent guide, From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently, here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/from-frustration-to-confidence-790716

    21 min

  2. Jun 10

    Ep. 147 Could Your Child Be Missing the Signs of Concussion?

    Concussion is one of the biggest athlete safety issues in sport today. But what actually happens to the brain after a head injury, and how can parents know when their child may need more support? In this episode of The Inner Athlete Podcast, Trent speaks with leading concussion researcher and neurophysiologist Prof. Alan Pearce about what parents, coaches, athletes, and health professionals need to understand about concussion, recovery, and safer return-to-play decisions. This conversation breaks down why concussion recovery is not always as simple as symptoms disappearing, and why a head knock can affect more than just how an athlete feels in the moment. In this episode, Trent and Prof. Pearce discuss: • What can happen inside the brain after a concussion • Why symptoms do not always tell the full recovery story • How concussion may affect movement, coordination, learning, mood, and performance • Whether current return-to-play protocols are doing enough to protect athletes • What parents, coaches, and athletes should watch for after a head injury • The benefits and limitations of emerging concussion technology • What recent cases, including Eli Katoa, may mean for the future of athlete welfare • Where concussion research and brain health in sport could be heading next This episode is especially valuable for parents of young athletes, as well as coaches, trainers, athletes, and health professionals who want a clearer understanding of concussion management, athlete safety, and long-term brain health. Protecting young athletes takes more than simply passing a protocol. It takes better education, better support, and a long-term approach to athlete development. Ready to support your young athlete’s long-term development? Book a FREE Discovery Call with Inner Athlete here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/contact-us Download our free parent guide, From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently, here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/from-frustration-to-confidence-790716

    22 min

  3. Jun 3

    Ep. 146 Concussion in Sport: What Every Sports Parent Needs to Know

    Concussion in sport is one of the most important conversations in athlete health today — but what really happens to the brain after a head injury? In this episode of The Inner Athlete Podcast, Trent is joined by leading concussion researcher and neurophysiologist Prof. Alan Pearce for a clear, evidence-informed discussion on sports concussion, brain health, concussion recovery, head trauma, athlete safety, and return-to-play protocols. Together, they explore why concussion recovery is not always as simple as symptoms going away, and why parents, coaches, athletes, and health professionals need to understand what can happen after a head knock. In this episode, Trent and Prof. Pearce discuss: • What happens inside the brain after a concussion • Why concussion symptoms do not always reflect full recovery • How concussion can affect movement, coordination, learning, mood, and performance • Whether current concussion protocols are doing enough to protect athletes • What parents, coaches, and athletes should look for after a head injury • The benefits and limitations of emerging concussion technology • What recent cases, including Eli Katoa, mean for the future of athlete welfare • Where concussion research and brain health in sport may be heading next This episode is valuable listening for sports parents, coaches, athletes, trainers, and health professionals who want to better understand concussion management, safer return-to-play decisions, and long-term brain health. Tune in to learn why protecting athletes from concussion requires more than simply passing a protocol — and why better education matters at every level of sport. Ready to support your young athlete’s long-term development? Book a FREE Discovery Call with Inner Athlete here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/contact-us Download our free parent guide, From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently, here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/from-frustration-to-confidence-790716

    22 min

  4. May 27

    Ep. 145 Why Young Athletes Burn Out Before Their Best Years

    In this episode of The Inner Athlete Podcast, Trent sits down with Dr. Paul Gamble to discuss why so many young athletes are burning out before they reach their potential. They explore the risks of early specialisation, overtraining, injury, and the pressure on kids to train and compete like professionals too soon. Dr. Gamble also shares what actually supports long-term athlete development, including movement variety, confidence, enjoyment, strength and conditioning, and understanding biological vs chronological age. Inside this episode: Why early specialisation can be a problem The hidden risks of overtraining in youth sport Why kids shouldn’t train like professionals How free play supports athletic development The role of parents and coaches in long-term growth What sustainable athlete development really looks like A must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes who want to build high-performing young athletes without sacrificing health, enjoyment, or longevity in sport. Ready to support your young athlete’s long-term development? Book a FREE Discovery Call with Inner Athlete here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/contact-us Download our free parent guide, From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently, here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/from-frustration-to-confidence-790716

    26 min

  5. May 20

    Ep. 144 Long-Term Youth Athlete Development vs Early Specialisation

    In this episode of The Inner Athlete Podcast, Trent sits down with Dr. Paul Gamble to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing parents, coaches, and youth athletes today: Are young athletes training, specialising, and competing too much, too early? With experience across elite sport systems in the UK, New Zealand, and Canada, Dr. Gamble shares a practical and evidence-based perspective on long-term athlete development, early specialisation, and the growing pressure on kids to perform like professional athletes before they are physically, mentally, or emotionally ready. Trent and Paul unpack the risks of burnout, overtraining, repetitive injuries, and early drop-out, while exploring why movement variety, free play, strength and conditioning, biological age, and enjoyment all play a critical role in helping young athletes develop safely and sustainably. This episode is essential listening for parents of youth athletes, coaches, and young athletes who want to understand what true athletic development looks like — not just for early success, but for long-term performance, confidence, resilience, and success in sport. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why early specialisation is often misunderstood What the research says about elite athlete development How overtraining and repetitive injuries can affect young athletes Why professionalising kids’ sport too early can backfire The importance of free play and movement variety How biological age differs from chronological age The role parents and coaches play in long-term success What sustainable youth athletic development should really look like If you’re a parent wondering how to help your child become stronger, faster, more confident, and less injury-prone without burning out, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of how to support their development the right way. Ready to support your young athlete’s long-term development? Book a FREE Discovery Call with Inner Athlete here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/contact-us Download our free parent guide, From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently, here: https://inner-athlete.com.au/from-frustration-to-confidence-790716

    25 min

  6. May 13

    Ep. 143 Early Specialisation in Youth Sport: Training Too Early, Burnout & Long-Term Development

    On this episode of The Inner Athlete Podcast, host Trent sits down with Dr. Paul Gamble to unpack one of the biggest questions in youth sport development today: Are young athletes specialising and training too early? With experience across elite sport, long-term athletic development, and youth performance systems in the UK, New Zealand, and Canada, Paul shares a grounded look at the realities of modern youth sport — and the risks of treating kids like mini-professionals too soon. Trent and Paul discuss: Why early specialisation in youth sport is often misunderstood What the research says about elite athlete development The dangers of premature professionalism Overtraining, burnout, and injury risk in young athletes Why free play still matters for athletic development How parents and coaches can create healthier youth sport environments The difference between biological age and chronological age What athleticism really means for long-term performance This episode is packed with practical insights for parents, coaches, and young athletes who want to build sustainable success in sport — without sacrificing enjoyment, health, or long-term development. Ready to support your young athlete with the right guidance? Book your FREE Discovery Call today at https://inner-athlete.com.au/contact-us  and get instant access to From Frustration to Confidence: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently at https://inner-athlete.com.au/from-frustration-to-confidence-790716

    29 min

  7. Apr 15

    Ep. 142 Why Strength Alone Stops Working: What Parents & Youth Athletes Need to Know

    Many parents and young athletes assume that getting stronger in the gym automatically leads to better performance on the field—but it’s not that simple.  In this episode, we break down why strength alone eventually stops translating into real sporting improvement, and what actually helps performance carry over to game day. We explore the difference between gym strength and sporting strength, and unpack the role of coordination, force production, tendon elasticity, and movement efficiency in youth athlete development.  You’ll also learn how fatigue, previous injuries, and repetitive training can influence performance. Ready to support your young athlete with the right guidance?  Book your FREE Discovery Call today and instantly access From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently.

    20 min

  8. Apr 8

    Ep. 141 The Truth About Strength Training for Youth Athletes: It’s Not What You Think

    Most people think strength training for youth athletes is about heavier weights, bigger muscles, and gym PBs. But that doesn’t automatically improve sporting performance. In this episode, we break down the difference between gym strength and game-ready strength, and why max lifts in controlled environments don’t always transfer to the speed, fatigue, pressure, and unpredictability of sport. We also challenge the idea that bigger always means better, showing why muscle size is often a by-product—not the goal—of effective training. You’ll learn how strength really transfers to speed, acceleration, repeat efforts, and injury resilience through qualities like coordination, tendon function, reactive strength, and force speed. A must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes who want to better understand what strength training should really achieve. Ready to support your young athlete with the right guidance? Book your FREE Discovery Call today. and instantly access From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently

    21 min
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About

The Inner Athlete Podcast is were we discuss all things youth athlete development and youth mentoring for parents, coaches, and youth athletes. Each week Trent and the team present new topics. We discuss areas on how we can best support youth athletes in terms of their physical preparation for competition, developing habits to create long-term success, return to training from injury, overcoming physical, delving deeper into the preparation of some of our athletes, and much more... Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with the release of weekly episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Inner Athlete Performance Pty Ltd
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Inner Athlete Podcast
  • Show Website
    Inner Athlete Podcast

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