Cleats and Carpool Podcast

Cleats and Carpool

Hey fellow baseball parents, coaches, and young sluggers! If you're deep in the world of 12U travel ball — juggling tournament schedules, endless carpools, snack duty drama, and those "why did the ump call that?" debates — this is your new favorite spot. I'm the assistant coach (and chief chauffeur) on my son's team, and my occasional co-host is none other than my 12-year-old son, Xander — the kid who knows more about launch angles than most adults, but still asks for post-game ice cream like it's a pro contract perk. The Cleats and Carpool Show is our fun, no-BS podcast where we talk real youth baseball: tips for players crushing it on the field, coaching hacks that actually work, parent survival strategies (because let's be honest, those weekend tournaments test us all), and plenty of laughs about the chaos we love. Whether you're a coach looking for fresh drills, a parent wondering if that new bat is worth the hype, or a player dreaming big — we've got stories, insights, and light sarcasm to keep it real (and fun).

Episodes

  1. APR 10

    Mastering the Umpire Challenge in Youth Baseball: 3 Strategies to Keep Confidence High

    This episode explores how young baseball players, parents, and coaches can handle bad umpire calls with resilience and respect. It offers practical strategies from youth, college, and pro levels to maintain confidence and sportsmanship despite challenging zones and umpire mistakes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Umpires in Youth Baseball 01:18 Understanding Umpires as Humans 03:59 Impact of Bad Calls on Young Players 05:04 Three-Step Process for Handling Bad Calls 07:36 Respecting Umpires While Competing 09:31 Strategies for Catchers to Work with Umpires 23:12 Advice for Umpires to Improve the Game 25:29 The Future of Umpiring Technology 26:09 Building Resilience in Young Players 27:11 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 33:41 outro.mp4 Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com

    34 min

  2. MAR 23

    Sprinkler Chaos & Comeback Kids: Our Final Indoor Tournament Madness

    A lively recap of a youth baseball team's indoor tournament experience, highlighting key lessons on resilience, aggression, and training strategies for young players, parents, and coaches. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com

    11 min

  3. MAR 12

    When Your Kid Wants to Quit (Or You Secretly Want Him To)

    This episode tackles the tough topic of kids wanting to quit sports, especially baseball, during puberty. It explores why kids drop out, how size and puberty affect performance, and practical advice for parents and coaches to support resilience and love for the game. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 The Pressure of Youth Sports 01:23 Understanding Why Kids Quit 05:13 The Impact of Puberty on Performance 07:52 Advice for Young Athletes 11:01 Supporting Your Child as a Parent 14:17 Navigating the Quitting Conversation 17:12 Finding Joy in the Game 20:03 outro.mp4

    20 min

  4. MAR 4

    Selecting the Right Team/Organization for Your Kid, Culture Over Wins, Red Flags, When to Leave

    This episode explores the critical role of team culture in youth sports, emphasizing respect, support, and development over winning at all costs. Learn how positive environments foster lifelong love for the game and build confident, resilient players. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com

    1h 5m

  5. FEB 27

    Dealing With Playing Time Drama

    This episode tackles the complex topic of playing time in youth baseball, offering insights from coaches, data, and personal stories. Learn how to handle bench drama, foster development, and turn challenges into growth opportunities for players, parents, and coaches. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Baseball Dynamics 03:01 Coaching Perspective on Playing Time 06:04 Best Practices for Coaches and Parents 09:01 Navigating Parental Involvement 12:14 The Challenge of Coaching Your Own Child 14:44 Strategies for Handling Bench Time 18:08 Real-Life Coaching Dilemmas 21:01 Lessons Learned from Team Dynamics 37:41 Modeling Responses to Change 40:46 Insights from Coaches on Playing Time 51:43 The Importance of Balanced Playing Time 01:06:08 Key Takeaways for Parents, Coaches, and Players

    20 min

  6. FEB 18

    The Arm Care Episode Every Parent Needs To Hear

    In this episode of the Cleats and Carpool podcast, Coach Bryan Young discusses the critical aspects of arm care for youth baseball players. He emphasizes the importance of structured throwing programs, the dangers of velocity obsession, and the significance of proper mechanics. The episode also covers the necessity of strength training and nutrition in preventing injuries, as well as the role of parents in advocating for their children's health in sports. Bryan highlights the need for coaches to prioritize arm care over winning trophies and concludes with a discussion on the ongoing debate between traditional long toss and driveline training methods. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Baseball and Arm Care 04:46 Foundation of Throwing Programs 08:28 Velocity Obsession in Youth Baseball 11:40 Importance of Mechanics 14:08 Pitch Smart Guidelines 17:42 Myths About Strength Training 20:44 The Role of Nutrition in Arm Care 29:11 The Reality of Youth Coaching 36:26 Driveline vs. Traditional Long Toss 40:01 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    14 min

  7. FEB 12

    Things Parents Wish Baseball Coaches Knew

    In this episode of the Cleats and Carpool podcast, Coach Bryan dives into the dynamics of youth baseball, focusing on the perspectives of parents and coaches. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, fair playing time, and the mental aspects of coaching. The discussion also highlights the need for balance in young athletes' lives, advocating for multi-sport participation to prevent burnout. The episode wraps up with actionable insights for coaches and parents to foster a positive environment for youth sports. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Baseball Dynamics 05:11 Communication: The Key to Parent-Coach Relationships 11:28 Playing Time: The Heart of Parental Concerns 19:48 Effort vs. Talent: Recognizing Player Contributions 29:01 The Mental Game: Impact of Coaching on Player Confidence 31:00 The Impact of Yelling in Coaching 37:02 Balancing Sports and Life 50:04 The Importance of Rest and Recovery 57:08 Communication and Support in Youth Sports

    22 min

  8. FEB 4

    Parent Code of Conduct: What Baseball Coaches Wish More Parents Knew

    Summary In this episode of the Cleats and Carpool Podcast, Coach Bryan discusses the Parent Code of Conduct - the unwritten rules of youth baseball, focusing on the importance of team culture, sideline behavior, communication with coaches, social media etiquette, and the critical car ride home. He emphasizes that fostering a positive environment is essential for the development of young athletes and that parents play a crucial role in this process. The conversation is filled with practical advice and insights aimed at improving the youth sports experience for everyone involved. Takeaways Culture beats wins every single time. The sidelines are for support, not second guessing. Parents should be positive role models. Social media should be used to build community, not conflict. The car ride home should be a safe space for kids. No immediate critiques after games; focus on effort instead. Parents should reinforce team values at home. Teach kids to show good sportsmanship. Burnout is a real issue in youth sports. We're all in this for the kids. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports Culture 02:51 The Importance of Team Culture 06:10 Sideline Behavior and Parental Support 09:08 Communicating with Coaches 11:00 Social Media Etiquette for Parents 15:12 The Car Ride Home: A Sacred Space 17:49 Big Picture Wisdom from Coaches 20:53 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

    16 min

  9. JAN 28

    The Real Cost of Travel Baseball in 2026

    Travel baseball in 2026 isn't just about stolen bases and strikeouts—it's a major family budget decision! In this solo episode of The Cleats and Carpool Show, Coach Bryan breaks down the REAL costs of travel baseball in 2026, backed by fresh data and real-talk tips to keep the game fun without going broke. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! You can find us on: Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. You can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your listener questions or stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com

    19 min

  10. JAN 21

    The Tryout Process: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

    This episode dives deep into the often mysterious world of youth baseball tryouts, pulling back the curtain on what happens from a coach's perspective. As hosts—an assistant coach and his 12U player son—we'll share insider insights, personal stories, and practical advice to help parents, kids, and fellow coaches navigate the process. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our growing community! We are also on:Facebook Instagram X TikTok Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. YOu can also DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about or just say whats up, brother! Share your stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com

    21 min

  11. JAN 21

    Why We Chose Travel Baseball Ball – Was It Worth It?

    In this episode of the Cleats and Carpool podcast, the hosts reflect on their journey from the inception of the podcast to the evolution of youth sports, particularly baseball. They discuss childhood memories, the transition from T-ball to travel ball, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of family support. The conversation also delves into the financial and time commitments associated with travel baseball, the significance of mental health, and the lessons learned through teamwork and resilience. Ultimately, they explore whether travel ball is worth the investment, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and being true to oneself. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our Facebook & Instagram community! Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about. Share your stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 The Birth of the Podcast 06:01 The Transition to Baseball 11:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on Sports 18:05 Growth and Development in Baseball 22:01 Early Experiences in Organized Sports 26:15 The Challenges of Rec Ball 29:59 First Tryouts and Initial Impressions 33:59 The Shift to Competitive Play 37:59 The Financial Realities of Travel Ball 45:12 The Importance of Mechanics in Baseball 49:47 Budgeting for Youth Sports 50:34 The Hidden Costs of Travel Baseball 52:37 The Emotional Impact of Youth Sports 54:04 Time Commitment in Travel Baseball 57:35 The Risk of Burnout in Young Athletes 01:06:47 Injury Prevention and the Importance of Rest 01:07:13 The Value of Travel Ball at 12U 01:08:34 Building Brotherhood Through Travel Ball 01:09:56 The Role of Parents in Travel Ball 01:10:50 The Importance of Competition in Growth 01:11:52 Balancing Baseball and Free Time 01:12:50 Communication Between Players and Parents 01:13:44 Underrated Aspects of Travel Ball 01:17:55 Overrated Expectations in Travel Ball 01:20:55 The Need for Hard Work Beyond Games 01:21:24 The Benefits of Multi-Sport Participation 01:22:58 Prioritizing Growth Over Winning 01:23:26 Is Travel Ball Worth It? 01:25:44 Encouraging Passion in Sports

    1h 31m

  12. EPISODE 1

    Introduction to Cleats and Carpool Podcast

    Welcome to the exciting launch of the Cleats and Carpool podcast, where the love of baseball meets the realities of family life. Join Coach Bryan and his son Xander as they share their adventures and misadventures in youth baseball, making this journey relatable and fun for parents, coaches, and young athletes alike. Watch on Youtube! Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes or bonus content and clips. Join our Facebook & Instagram community! Discuss new episodes, start your own conversation. DM us topics that you would love for us to talk about. Share your stories by shooting us an email at cleatsandcarpool@gmail.com

    5 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Hey fellow baseball parents, coaches, and young sluggers! If you're deep in the world of 12U travel ball — juggling tournament schedules, endless carpools, snack duty drama, and those "why did the ump call that?" debates — this is your new favorite spot. I'm the assistant coach (and chief chauffeur) on my son's team, and my occasional co-host is none other than my 12-year-old son, Xander — the kid who knows more about launch angles than most adults, but still asks for post-game ice cream like it's a pro contract perk. The Cleats and Carpool Show is our fun, no-BS podcast where we talk real youth baseball: tips for players crushing it on the field, coaching hacks that actually work, parent survival strategies (because let's be honest, those weekend tournaments test us all), and plenty of laughs about the chaos we love. Whether you're a coach looking for fresh drills, a parent wondering if that new bat is worth the hype, or a player dreaming big — we've got stories, insights, and light sarcasm to keep it real (and fun).

Information

  • Creator
    Cleats and Carpool
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cleats and Carpool

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