Forged Youth | Legacy Within

Producer: Mariel Nichole
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Forged Youth: Legacy Within What if the conversations you needed most as a teen athlete were finally being had, openly, honestly, and with purpose? Forged Youth: Legacy Within is the podcast that equips youth athletes (ages 12–24), their parents, and coaches with the mental tools, emotional resilience, and life insight to rise above the noise and grow into strong, intentional human beings. Each episode features real, raw conversations with professional athletes, CEOs, and cultural leaders sharing what they wish they knew when they were younger. We unpack topics like mental grit, overcoming adversity, identity beyond sport, and building a life of purpose, even when things fall apart. Hosted by former elite athlete and mental health advocate Mariel Nichole Anderson, this podcast is your companion through the messy middle of chasing big dreams, and becoming someone even bigger in the process. Because you weren’t born to just survive sport. You were made to be forged by it.

  1. Ep. 39 - Multiple Teams, More Drama: What Youth Sport Culture Gets Wrong - Q&A with Mariel and Jordan

    4D AGO

    Ep. 39 - Multiple Teams, More Drama: What Youth Sport Culture Gets Wrong - Q&A with Mariel and Jordan

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Forged Youth's Q&A episode, Mariel and Jordan are responding to a real post from a hockey parent, and it opens up one of the most common conversations happening in youth sport right now: should my kid be playing on more than one team? The short answer? It's complicated. And at 11 years old? Probably not. In this episode, we dig into what's really driving the push for more ice time, more teams, and more commitment at younger and younger ages, and what kids actually need to develop into great athletes and even better humans. Here's what we get into: → The real cost of a 3-hour round-trip commute for an 11-year-old → Why unstructured play is one of the most underrated development tools → Deliberate practice: how to grow when you're the best player in the room → Teaching leadership early and why it matters more than goals → Following your kid's lead vs. knowing when to say no as a parent → What recruiters and coaches are actually looking for beyond skill Real talk, just two people who've lived it from the ice to the coaching floor. Train your mind. Build your grit. Forge your legacy. Join our free 'Forged Youth' Skool group for more parent support! Support the show

    25 min
  2. Ep. 38 - Lessons from Skateboarding Culture with Hippie Mike

    MAR 24

    Ep. 38 - Lessons from Skateboarding Culture with Hippie Mike

    Send us Fan Mail What if one of the best environments for developing resilient athletes… had no structured practices, no yelling coaches, and no guaranteed success? In this episode, we sit down with Hippie Mike to explore what decades in skateboarding culture can teach us about athlete development, mindset, and long-term growth. Having taught thousands of athletes and helped shape some of today’s top pros, Mike shares why skateboarding creates a unique environment where failure isn’t feared but expected. And more importantly… embraced. We dive into:  • Why falling is one of the most important skills young athletes can learn  • How unstructured environments build creativity, resilience, and confidence  • The role of mentorship vs. traditional coaching  • Why too much structure can actually limit development  • How athletes build self-belief by figuring things out on their own The best athletes are the ones who learned how to adapt, persist, and grow through failure. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will shift how you think about development, confidence, and what it really takes to improve. 👤 About Hippie Mike Hippie Mike has been immersed in the world of skateboarding since 1986 and has spent decades developing and mentoring athletes at all levels. Over the years, he has coached and influenced thousands of skateboarders, including several who have gone on to become top professionals in the sport. He is the owner of multiple small businesses, including HMI Skate Park in Hope, BC, where he continues to mentor and support the next generation of athletes in a positive, community-driven environment. Hippie Mike has also played a significant role in growing the skateboarding community through event leadership, having organized and run more than 350 skateboard events over the past 20 years. Among these is the long-running Hippie Mike’s Tour de Surrey, a decade-long series that became a staple in the local skateboarding scene. Through his work, he has remained committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to develop not only their skills, but also confidence, resilience, and a lifelong passion for the sport. Join our free 'Forged Youth' Skool group for more parent support! Send a donation to keep HMI Skate Park alive Support the show

    1h 7m
  3. Building True Confidence: What Every Athlete (and Parent) Needs to Know | With Shawnee Harle

    MAR 17

    Building True Confidence: What Every Athlete (and Parent) Needs to Know | With Shawnee Harle

    Send us Fan Mail What actually builds confidence in athletes? In this powerful conversation, Mariel sits down with  Shawnee Harle, Olympian, sport psychology expert, and one of Canada’s most respected voices in athlete development, to unpack the truth about confidence, identity, and the pressures young athletes face today. From Olympic teams to youth sport, Shawnee has spent decades helping athletes perform at their best while staying grounded in who they are beyond the scoreboard. In this episode, she shares practical insights on how athletes can build real confidence, how parents and coaches can support development without adding pressure, and why the most important lessons in sport often happen far away from the podium. Inside this episode, we explore: 🏆 Why confidence isn’t something you “have” — it’s something you build 🧠 The difference between performance identity and personal identity 🔥 How athletes can respond to failure, pressure, and setbacks 👨‍👩‍👧 What parents and coaches can do to create healthier sport environments 🎯 Why long-term development matters more than early success This episode is a must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to understand the mental side of sport, develop resilient competitors, and build confidence that lasts far beyond the game. Because sport isn’t just about winning, it’s about who you become along the way. https://www.shawneeharle.com/ Support the show

    50 min
  4. Ep. 37 - Finding Joy Again in Youth Sports: Q&A with Mariel and Jordan

    MAR 10

    Ep. 37 - Finding Joy Again in Youth Sports: Q&A with Mariel and Jordan

    Send us Fan Mail How do you motivate your child to give their best in sport… without making them lose their love for it? That’s the question Mariel and Jordan tackle in this Q&A episode. A parent of a swimmer asked how to motivate their child to swim as fast as they can while still enjoying the sport. It’s a challenge that nearly every sports parent eventually faces. Because at some point, the excitement fades. Early morning practices become harder, friends start doing other things, and the grind of competition and expectations starts to weigh on young athletes. In this conversation, we unpack the deeper truth about motivation and why trying to “force” it usually backfires, exploring how athletes build sustainable drive through identity, discipline, and reconnecting with their personal “why.” We also discuss the hidden factors that cause many young athletes to lose their spark, including burnout, pressure, and the mental barriers that coaches often don’t have the time or training to address. Tune in for practical strategies parents can use to support their athlete’s mindset without creating unnecessary pressure or expectations. Because the goal is to raise resilient humans who know how to handle adversity, take ownership, and continue growing long after sport ends. Train your mind. Build your grit. Forge your legacy. Join our free 'Forged Youth' Skool group for more parent support! Support the show

    27 min
  5. Ep. 36 - There's No Straight Path to Success with Ben Boudreau

    MAR 3

    Ep. 36 - There's No Straight Path to Success with Ben Boudreau

    Send us Fan Mail What if the path to your dream isn’t straight? What if it zigzags through setbacks, detours, risks, and reinvention? In this episode, we sit down with Ben Boudreau, a former professional hockey player and coach, to unpack what it really means to chase a dream for nearly two decades. Born into a hockey family, Ben grew up around the rink. But his journey wasn’t a typical “blue-chip prospect” story. He went undrafted. He stepped away from hockey. He pursued television and film. He worked at CBC. He waited tables. And then, on a free agent tryout he almost didn’t attend... his life changed. What followed was 900+ professional games across North America and Europe, championship wins, head coaching roles, life-changing risks, fatherhood, and a relentless commitment to the dream of one day lifting the Stanley Cup. In this episode, we dive into: Why there is no straight path to successThe courage it takes to bet on yourselfHow support systems fuel risk-takingThe difference between motivation and inspirationWhy character beats talent every timeWhat separates average players from great onesHow work ethic is developed — not inheritedWhy giving back builds real leadershipBalancing fatherhood with ambitionHow to handle self-doubt when the future feels uncertainBen shares openly about getting cut, getting back up, doubling down during uncertainty, buying a house during a pandemic without knowing if hockey would return and winning a championship because he refused to quit. Because in the end, success isn’t about the straight path, it’s about staying on the train long enough to see where it goes. 👤 About Ben Boudreau "I was born into a hockey family. My father Bruce, a former NHL player then currently playing in Germany, was where I was born. It wasn't until I was 5 years old that I grew up in Niagara through my mother and father's divorce. I had a very normal childhood in the city of St. Catharines where I went on to pursue my education through Television and Film. Upon graduating and working at CBC downtown Toronto, my life took a big turn after signing a free agent professional hockey contract, which led to the last 18 years chasing my dream of trying to lift the Stanley Cup one day. Through the last 18 years I have amassed over 900 professional games of being on the ice or behind the bench. I won a championship in 2021 with the Fort Wayne Komets. I have two boys, 4 and 8, that were both born in Indiana and now currently living in Niagara, pursuing my dream of one day trying to lift the Stanley Cup."  Join our free 'Forged Youth' Skool group for more parent support! Check out Boudreau Hockey Follow Ben on  Facebook Instagram Support the show

    49 min
  6. Chilliwack Giants Special: Who Are You Without the Game? with Sean Millington

    MAR 3 ·  BONUS

    Chilliwack Giants Special: Who Are You Without the Game? with Sean Millington

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a career and a life that lasts? Longevity. Identity. Resilience. In this special episode promoting the Building Resilience On & Off the Field event on March 5th, we sit down with CFL legend Sean Millington to talk about what sustains performance and what sustains a person. Known as “The Diesel,” Sean built a 13-year professional career through power, consistency, and grit. But behind the accolades was something deeper: a mindset built for endurance. In this conversation, we explore: The difference between short-term success and long-term impactWhy identity cannot be tied solely to sportHow adversity shapes characterThe responsibility athletes carry beyond the scoreboardWhat it means to build something that lastsHow young athletes can prepare for life beyond the gameSean shares openly about growth, maturity, and perspective and why the scoreboard can’t define who you are. On March 5th, Sean will bring this message live to the stage at: Building Resilience On & Off the Field 📍 Chilliwack Cultural Centre 🎟 Free event (tickets required) An evening designed to equip youth athletes, parents, and coaches with the mindset and tools to thrive long after the final whistle. Reserve your free tickets here! About Sean Millington Sean Millington is a former Canadian Football League running back and one of the most respected Canadian players in CFL history. Best known for his dominant years with the BC Lions, Sean played 13 seasons in the CFL and earned a reputation for power, consistency, and grit, earning the nickname “The Diesel.” A two-time Grey Cup champion, Sean was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian twice and remains one of the top Canadian rushers the league has ever seen. Beyond his on-field success, Sean has been inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the Simon Fraser University Hall of Fame, recognizing both his athletic excellence and long-term impact on the game. Since retiring from football, Sean has continued to build his legacy as a broadcaster, actor, and mentor, using his voice to share lessons on identity, resilience, and life beyond sport. His story speaks to the importance of longevity, character, and building something that lasts far beyond the scoreboard. Support the show

    1h 12m
  7. Chilliwack Giants Special: The Unseen Work Behind Success with Angus Reid

    FEB 26 ·  BONUS

    Chilliwack Giants Special: The Unseen Work Behind Success with Angus Reid

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to last 13 years in professional football? Consistency. Preparation. Leadership. In this special episode promoting the Building Resilience On & Off the Field event on March 5th, we sit down with former CFL veteran Angus Reid to talk about what truly builds lasting success. Angus spent 13 seasons anchoring the offensive line for the BC Lions - one of the most demanding and least glamorous positions in sport. No headlines. No spotlight. Just daily accountability and relentless preparation. In this conversation, we unpack: Why durability is a mindset before it’s physicalThe power of showing up consistently, even when no one noticesWhat leadership actually looks like inside a locker roomWhy preparation builds confidenceThe long-term impact great coaches have on young athletesHow doing the unseen work shapes who you becomeAngus shares lessons learned in the trenches about discipline, identity, and the responsibility athletes carry to leave environments better than they found them. On March 5th, Angus will be sharing this message live at: Building Resilience On & Off the Field 📍 Chilliwack Cultural Centre 🎟 Free event (tickets required) An evening designed to equip youth athletes, parents, and coaches with tools for resilience, confidence, and long-term growth. Reserve your free tickets here! About Angus Reid Angus Reid is a former Canadian Football League offensive lineman and long-time centre for the BC Lions, where he built a 13-year professional career defined by leadership, durability, and consistency. A two-time Grey Cup champion, Angus was a multiple-time CFL All-Star and served as a team captain, anchoring the offensive line and setting the standard for professionalism both on and off the field. Known for his work ethic and resilience, he became a trusted leader in one of the most demanding positions in football. Following his playing career, Angus transitioned into leadership development as a speaker, author, and mentor. He is the author of Thank You, Coach, a reflection on the mentors who shape athletes and leaders, and continues to inspire individuals and teams through lessons on preparation, accountability, and legacy. Angus’s journey highlights the power of showing up, doing the unseen work, and leading in a way that leaves others better. Support the show

    55 min
  8. Ep. 35 - The Psychology Behind Sustainable High Performance with Chris Bodman

    FEB 24

    Ep. 35 - The Psychology Behind Sustainable High Performance with Chris Bodman

    Send us Fan Mail What separates talented athletes from consistent performers? Psychological skill. In this episode of the Forged Youth Podcast, we sit down with performance psychologist Chris Bodman, founder of LMNTARY Performance, to unpack what it truly means to develop the athlete’s mind. Even the most physically capable athletes fail when they lack the mental tools to handle pressure, identity, emotion, and expectation. In this conversation, we explore: Why mental skills are they’re foundationalHow athletes tie identity to outcomes (and why that’s dangerous)The psychological cost of neglecting mental preparationThe difference between sustainable motivation and fragile confidenceHow to build emotional regulation under pressureWhy self-awareness is the starting point for growthHow parents and coaches can normalize the internal work required for performanceBecause if we train the body without training the mind, we leave potential untapped. 👤 About Chris Chris Bodman is a Performance Psychologist and founder of LMNTARY Performance, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals cultivate the athlete's mind — whether they compete in sport, business, or life. With a background working alongside elite athletes across multiple sports, Chris' work focuses on the intersection of performance psychology, behavioural science, and practical application — translating complex research into tools that work in the real world. Chris's approach is rooted in evidence but delivered with clarity. He believes the best insights aren't academic theories locked in journals, but practical frameworks that athletes can implement immediately. His philosophy: mental skills aren't "soft skills" — they're the foundation of sustainable high performance. Prior to founding LMNTARY Performance, Chris worked in elite sport environments where he witnessed both the transformative power of psychological preparation and the devastating cost of neglecting it. He saw talented athletes derailed not by lack of ability, but by inability to manage the mental demands of competition. He watched young performers tie their entire identity to results, leaving them vulnerable when outcomes didn't align with effort. These experiences shaped his mission: to democratise performance psychology and make it accessible beyond elite sport. Through LMNTARY Performance, Chris delivers the Limitless Programme — a 16-week cohort-based experience that helps individuals develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, sustainable motivation, and goal-directed behaviour. The programme combines psychology-backed frameworks with daily practice, helping participants build mental skills the same way they'd build physical ones: through consistent, deliberate training. Chris's work has supported company founders, competitive athletes, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigating career transitions. What unites them is a commitment to growth and willingness to do the internal work that external success requires. Today, through LMNTARY Performance, Chris is committed to equipping the next generation with the psychological tools they need not just to perform, but to thrive. Join our free 'Forged Youth' Skool group for more parent support! Check out the LMNTARY performance program Follow Chris on  Linkedin Instagram Support the show

    1h 24m
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About

Forged Youth: Legacy Within What if the conversations you needed most as a teen athlete were finally being had, openly, honestly, and with purpose? Forged Youth: Legacy Within is the podcast that equips youth athletes (ages 12–24), their parents, and coaches with the mental tools, emotional resilience, and life insight to rise above the noise and grow into strong, intentional human beings. Each episode features real, raw conversations with professional athletes, CEOs, and cultural leaders sharing what they wish they knew when they were younger. We unpack topics like mental grit, overcoming adversity, identity beyond sport, and building a life of purpose, even when things fall apart. Hosted by former elite athlete and mental health advocate Mariel Nichole Anderson, this podcast is your companion through the messy middle of chasing big dreams, and becoming someone even bigger in the process. Because you weren’t born to just survive sport. You were made to be forged by it.

Information

  • Creator
    Producer: Mariel Nichole
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Forged Youth | Legacy Within
  • Show Website
    Forged Youth | Legacy Within