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In this episode, Mariel sits down with Andrew Marshall, a Certified Master Coach and 3rd-degree Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, to explore the mindset lessons that turn good athletes into exceptional humans. From his early years in baseball and football to finding his true calling in martial arts and coaching, Andrew shares how pain, injuries, and setbacks shaped his philosophy of growth. Together, they unpack the dangers of perfectionism, the balance between competitiveness and joy, and the importance of belonging over fitting in. Andrew’s story is a roadmap for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to build resilience, develop self-awareness, and create long-term success, both in sport and in life.

"I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and have spent a number of years living on the Big Island of Hawai’i with my wife and son. Growing up, all I wanted to do was be outside and play sports. Baseball and football were my main focus. After high school, I turned to Jiu Jitsu, boxing, and MMA. Following a series of setbacks and injuries, I committed fully to Jiu Jitsu and began exploring coaching as my professional path. That journey led me deep into healing, mindset, and personal transformation. I immersed myself in meditation, spiritual disciplines, nutrition, physical therapy, functional strength training, and advanced coaching methods. Over time, I built a coaching practice focused on helping others embody their highest potential, not just in their professional performance, but as whole human beings. In my younger years, I struggled with mindset, physical health, and simply knowing how to take care of myself. I’m grateful now to offer others the kind of guidance I once needed, so they can live with strength, clarity, and alignment, and fully step into the truth of who they are." - Andrew

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In this episode, Mariel and Jordan dive into one of the most debated topics in youth sports: should kids focus on one sport or play multiple? Pulling from real-life coaching and parenting experience, they unpack the balance between commitment and freedom, structure and fun. From learning how to teach accountability to knowing when it’s okay to miss practice, or even walk away from a sport, they explore what it really means to raise athletes who love the game and stay resilient.

They also tackle how to know when to rest vs. push through, how visualization can be a game-changer during recovery, and the “don’t quit on a bad day” rule every athlete (and parent) should live by.

🎙️ Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this one’s packed with the real conversations that help young athletes grow both in sport and in life.

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Before Forged Youth became a movement, it started as survival.

In this raw, unfiltered, and deeply human episode, Mariel Anderson, founder, athlete, and mental resilience coach, shares her origin story for the first time without filters.

Growing up as a top-tier volleyball player, Mariel was introduced early to the power of mental training: visualization, emotional regulation, and focus. But at just 15 years old, everything changed when she was assaulted at a tournament, an event that shattered her world, derailed her athletic dreams, and forced her to rebuild her identity from the inside out.

With striking honesty, Mariel talks about the years that followed: the silence, the shame, the struggle to find support, and how those same mindset tools she learned for sport became the lifelines that helped her survive trauma, navigate chronic pain, and ultimately reclaim her purpose.

Now, as the founder of Forged Youth, she’s turning that pain into power, teaching athletes and parents the skills that saved her: how to train the mind, process emotion, and face adversity with courage.

Joined by co-host Jordan Owens, this conversation goes far beyond sport, it’s about the cost of silence, the importance of safe spaces, and the beauty that can emerge when we stop hiding our story and start using it to help others heal.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, trauma, and recovery. Please listen with care and reach out for professional or community support if needed.

🎧 This is the story that started it all.

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What does it take to bounce back when life (and sport) knocks you down? In this episode, David 'Jacko' joins Mariel to share powerful lessons on resilience, mindset, and confidence. From his own journey through challenges to coaching young athletes, Jacko breaks down what separates those who plateau from those who rise.

We dive into why confidence built only on “winning” won’t last, how to reframe setbacks into growth, and the habits athletes (and their parents) need to support true mental strength. Whether you’re an athlete chasing big goals, or a parent learning how to support your child’s journey, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right away.

David Jackson aka ‘Jacko’ is a Master Instructor with the Oxygen Advantage. A former professional rugby player, accredited UKSCA Strength & Conditioning coach, NASM performance enhancement & corrective exercise specialist on a mission to make breathwork a normal part of our everyday lives.

"In 2013 a traumatic brain injury and a seizure on the rugby pitch forced me to retire from professional rugby and also impacted my breathing patterns negatively for years. It can be simple day-to-day stress or poor habits that have built up over a long time that have changed your breathing patterns but what I know is that if I can change mine after my head injury you can improve yours too.

During my professional rugby career, I wish we knew then what we know now about how breathing can massively impact and improve our performance. Now as a Master Instructor with the Oxygen Advantage, I work with clients ranging from fitness and sports enthusiasts looking to improve their sporting performance, to GP doctor referrals with clients needing to address stress and anxiety issues through breathing, and everything in between.

My passion for sports and sharing what I wish I knew back when I played, has led me to work with professional athletes and teams in a variety of sports like rugby union, football, triathlon, mountain biking, swimming, athletics at national and international levels."

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In this episode, Mariel sits down with Jordan Owens to explore the lessons sport teaches far beyond the rink. From resilience and mental toughness to leadership and building strong relationships, Jordan shares how his hockey journey shaped his perspective on life after sport.

He reflects on overcoming adversity, the importance of adaptability, and how athletes can redefine success for themselves once their competitive careers end. Packed with insights for athletes, parents, and coaches, this conversation is about more than sport... it’s about growth, identity, and leading with purpose.

Jordan Owens is a former professional hockey player turned creative strategist, coach, and storyteller. After a 12-year pro career that took him across North America and Europe — including signing with the New York Rangers and playing in top leagues in Denmark, Germany, Italy, and the UK — Jordan now helps others develop the mindset, clarity, and discipline needed to pursue their potential, both on and off the ice.

Through his company, Origin Creative, he works with entrepreneurs and organizations to bring ideas to life through strategy, storytelling, and digital tools. But at his core, Jordan is a communicator and mentor. Whether it’s through coaching, keynote speaking, or his YouTube channel A Tribe Called Owens — where he captures honest, human conversations — his goal is to help people better understand themselves, trust their voice, and take meaningful action.

Jordan knows firsthand the challenges young athletes face — from pressure and self-doubt to the transition out of sport. His approach blends experience, empathy, and real-world tools to help the next generation navigate the journey with confidence and purpose.

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In this episode, Mariel introduces a new member of the Forged Youth team: former professional hockey player, Jordan Owens. After a 12-year pro career that took him across North America and Europe (including signing with the New York Rangers and playing in top leagues in Denmark, Germany, Italy, and the UK), Jordan now helps others develop the mindset, clarity, and discipline needed to pursue their potential, both on and off the ice. Together, Mariel and Jordan tackle real questions from parents about how to support their athletes without piling on extra pressure. From helping kids find their voice with coaches, to handling performance anxiety, to creating a healthy balance between sport and everyday life, this conversation gives parents practical tools to foster resilience, confidence, and joy in their athletes.

Whether your child is chasing high-level goals or simply learning to love the game, this episode is filled with insights that help you step back, cheer loud, and raise strong, independent athletes.

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In this powerful and personal episode, Mariel is joined by longtime friend and 5th-degree black belt Mike Blom, a dedicated martial artist and national-level competitor, who’s getting ready to represent Canada at the ITF World Championships in Croatia.

From ninja turtles and Power Rangers to the intense, disciplined world of Taekwondo, Mike shares the deeply human side of martial arts. He opens up about what it really means to step into the ring, not just to fight, but to face yourself. Together, Mike and Mariel explore the mental fortitude required to keep showing up when you’re bruised, doubted, or afraid.

🔍 In this episode, we dive into:

• 🥋 Mike’s origin story in martial arts, and how he went from an uncoordinated kid to a 4-time Team Canada athlete
• 🤯 What martial arts teaches about mental strength, humility, and getting back up after a loss
• 💬 His go-to fight mantra: “No one can beat me”—and what that really means (hint: it’s not about winning)
• 👊 How he handles pressure, chaotic opponents, and the unknown
• 🧠 Why routines, self-talk, and learning to lose well are essential to success—not just in sport, but in life
• 💡 Advice for young athletes and parents navigating fear, overwhelm, and competition burnout

You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for the mindset behind mastery.

🎯 Whether you're a coach, a parent, a competitor, or someone fighting battles of your own, this conversation is packed with perspective-shifting insights on resilience, emotional regulation, and the kind of quiet confidence that can only be forged through adversity.

📣 Mike is funding his own trip to Worlds!!! (Which is something many people don’t realize about amateur elite athletes. If you’re moved by this episode and want to support a true warrior on his journey, click HERE to go to the GoFundMe and help get him to Croatia.

This is about more than medals. It’s about heart, legacy, and the courage to keep coming back, no matter the outcome.

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🎙️ Inside Volleyball Tryouts: Playing Time, Fair Play & Earning Your Spot

In this special episode, Mariel sits down in person with editor and longtime volleyball coach Kyle to dig deep into the real conversations happening around youth volleyball. From the evolution of "Fair Play" rules to the pressure of earning playing time, this candid discussion unpacks the growing tension between development and competition.

Whether you're a parent wondering why your kid isn’t starting, or an athlete trying to figure out how to stand out at tryouts—this episode has insights for you.

🔥 Topics include:

• Why “Fair Play” isn’t always fair
• How private coaching is reshaping the game
• The life lessons kids should be learning from sport
• What parents might be missing about the value of playing

If you’re navigating the youth sports world, this one is a must-listen.

Does your athlete have the skill, but still find themselves stuck on the bench?

Parents tell us the hardest part isn’t the losses, it’s watching their child’s confidence and passion fade when they don’t get fair opportunities.

At Forged Youth, we don’t just train skills, we build resilience, confidence, and clarity so athletes know how to thrive, even when the game doesn’t go their way.

If you want your athlete to protect their confidence no matter how much court time they get, start with our free tools! Click the link below for mental toughness boosters.

https://stan.store/Forged-Youth