Épisodes

  • Wrestling Dreams: Should Your Child Compete Nationally Or Specialize?

    Wrestling Dreams: Should Your Child Compete Nationally Or Specialize?
    Sep 23 2025
    In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, we dive into the specialization of children in wrestling and the timing for entering national tournaments. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Specialization in Wrestling00:01:00 - The Chaos of Youth Sports00:02:30 - Comparing Wrestling to Other Sports00:03:30 - When to Start National Tournaments00:05:00 - The Importance of Tough Competition00:06:00 - Life Experiences in Sports00:07:30 - Memorable Family Moments00:09:00 - Assessing Competition Levels00:10:30 - Listening to Coaches00:12:00 - The Role of Coaches in Tournament Decisions00:13:30 - Finding Success in Wrestling00:15:00 - The Value of Individual Coaching00:16:30 - Wrestling Experiences and Stories00:18:00 - The Benefits of Wrestling Camps00:19:30 - Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation00:21:00 - The Debate on Specialization00:22:30 - Childhood Activity and Health00:24:00 - The Importance of Staying Active00:25:30 - Complementary Sports for Wrestlers00:27:00 - Concerns About Football and Injuries00:28:30 - Personal Injury Stories00:30:00 - The Impact of Specialization on Injuries00:31:30 - Finding Balance in Training00:42:00 - Conclusion: The Wrestling Family Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    43 min
  • Sports Psychologist Offers Mindfulness and Mental Preparation Tips

    Sports Psychologist Offers Mindfulness and Mental Preparation Tips
    Sep 16 2025
    In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, particularly wrestling, and the critical role parents play in shaping their children's experiences and identities as athletes. Our guest, Kevin Andrews, a licensed professional counselor and sports psychologist at Oklahoma State University, shares invaluable insights from his extensive work with athletes across various sports. 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Pin It Forward Podcast00:00:49 - Introducing Kevin Andrews00:01:40 - Kevin's Background and Role at Oklahoma State00:02:27 - The Importance of Identity in Young Athletes00:03:44 - Fear of Making Mistakes in Sports00:06:35 - The Impact of Parenting on Athlete Performance00:07:54 - Kevin's Approach as a Father00:10:04 - Balancing Winning and Enjoyment in Sports00:12:21 - The Role of Winning in Youth Sports00:12:26 - Observing Athletes Before and After Matches00:13:34 - The Flow State in Competition00:15:22 - Overcoming Internal Criticism00:17:19 - Supporting Children in Sports00:19:15 - Managing Post-Match Conversations00:22:10 - The Importance of the Car Ride Home00:23:08 - Setting Expectations for Teenagers00:24:18 - Creating a Supportive Environment for Athletes00:26:29 - Mindfulness Techniques for Athletes00:27:11 - Dealing with Tournament Chaos00:30:09 - Managing Family Dynamics at Tournaments00:32:10 - The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes00:42:10 - Navigating the Challenges of Social Media00:47:59 - Instilling Values Through Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    53 min
  • Special Guest Zoheir El Ouarrage (Oklahoma State RTC Coach): How Parents Can Foster Success in Young Wrestlers

    Special Guest Zoheir El Ouarrage (Oklahoma State RTC Coach): How Parents Can Foster Success in Young Wrestlers
    Sep 9 2025
    In this episode of the Pennant Forward podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Zoheir El Ouarrage, Oklahoma State Developmental Coach and a well-respected figure in the wrestling community. Our conversation revolved around the critical role of parents in youth wrestling and how their involvement can significantly impact a child's experience and development in the sport. 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:00:21 - Zo's Journey to America and Coaching00:01:56 - Positive Aspects of Wrestling Parents00:02:41 - Examples of Good Wrestling Parents00:05:15 - John Smith's Parenting Style00:06:12 - Everyday Parents and Their Impact00:08:08 - Coaches' Perspectives on Kids' Results00:10:12 - The Problem with Instant Replay in Youth Sports00:11:24 - Focus on Development Over Immediate Success00:12:23 - The Importance of a Safe Space for Kids00:13:34 - Handling Losses and Parental Reactions00:15:34 - Scenarios: Handling Common Tournament Issues00:19:50 - Forgetful Kids and Parental Responses00:21:50 - Parental Involvement in High-Level Wrestling00:24:41 - Balancing Coaching and Parenting00:26:26 - Parental Involvement in Adult Wrestlers' Lives00:28:07 - The Fine Line Between Support and Pressure00:30:41 - Creating Positive Experiences for All Kids00:34:00 - Building Relationships Beyond Wrestling00:37:11 - The Importance of Good Behavior in Sports00:39:49 - The Role of Parents in Youth Sports00:40:16 - The Ice Cream Tradition After Practice00:42:15 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections00:44:35 - Encouraging Enthusiasm in Young Wrestlers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    50 min
  • When Do College Coaches Start Looking at Young Wrestlers?

    When Do College Coaches Start Looking at Young Wrestlers?
    Sep 2 2025
    In this episode of the Pin It Forward, we dive into a topic that resonates deeply with parents who are passionate about wrestling and want to see their children excel at the collegiate level. Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason explore the critical question: When do college coaches start looking at young wrestlers as potential recruits? 00:00:00 - Introduction and Stain Story00:01:00 - Wrestling Podcast Introduction00:01:30 - When Coaches Start Looking at Wrestlers00:02:30 - State Tournaments and College Coaches00:03:30 - Spotlight on the Raney Twins00:04:30 - The Importance of National Competitions00:05:30 - Parents' Role in the Recruiting Process00:06:30 - The Value of Commitment Over Talent00:07:30 - Building Relationships with Coaches00:08:30 - The Importance of Camps and Exposure00:09:30 - Navigating the Recruiting Process00:10:30 - Scholarship Realities in College Wrestling00:11:30 - The Role of Grades in College Admissions00:12:30 - Competing Against the Best00:13:30 - The Impact of Roster Caps00:14:30 - Final Thoughts on Pursuing Coaches00:15:30 - The Importance of Effort and Attitude00:16:30 - Building Relationships with College Coaches00:17:30 - The Role of Regional Training Centers00:18:30 - Encouraging Kids Without Pressure00:19:30 - Closing Thoughts on Wrestling and Life00:20:30 - Conclusion and Final Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    31 min
  • The Weight of Wrestling: Navigating Nutrition and Weight Cutting for Young Athletes

    The Weight of Wrestling: Navigating Nutrition and Weight Cutting for Young Athletes
    Aug 26 2025
    In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick, dive into a topic that resonates deeply with wrestling parents: the complexities of weight cutting and nutrition in youth wrestling. We kick off the episode by reminiscing about a memorable moment in wrestling history involving Wyatt Hendrickson and his father, highlighting the emotional connections that come with the sport. However, we quickly pivot to a more serious discussion about the pressures young athletes face regarding weight management. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Iconic Wrestling Moment00:01:00 - The Importance of Nutrition and Weight Cutting00:02:02 - Mental Aspects of Weight Cutting for Young Wrestlers00:03:44 - Youth Weight Cutting Concerns00:05:08 - The Impact of Weight Cutting on Performance00:06:25 - Personal Experiences with Weight Cutting00:07:23 - The Movement Against Weight Cutting00:08:47 - Navigating Weight Classes in Youth Wrestling00:09:39 - Cultural Influences on Weight Cutting00:10:36 - Parental Guidance on Weight Management00:11:56 - Hydration and Nutrition for Competitions00:12:22 - Nutrition Strategies for Wrestlers00:14:02 - The Balance of Nutrition and Growth00:15:29 - Challenges of Feeding Kids Healthy Foods00:17:04 - The Role of Processed Foods in Children's Health00:18:22 - Finding Ways to Encourage Vegetable Consumption00:19:34 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Nutrition00:25:45 - Wrap-Up and Future Guests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    29 min
  • Managing Pre-Match Nerves: Tips for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents

    Managing Pre-Match Nerves: Tips for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents
    Aug 19 2025
    Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of competition. We discuss how to handle losses gracefully and the need for parents to provide unconditional support, regardless of the outcome. Dr. Mason shares insights on how to foster a winning mindset while also preparing children for the inevitable challenges they will face in sports and life. As we wrap up, we reflect on the life lessons that wrestling imparts, from work ethic to accountability. We encourage parents to maintain a steady presence, helping their children navigate the ups and downs of competition without adding to their stress. Join us for this insightful conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a shared passion for supporting young athletes. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow wrestling parents, and pin it forward! 00:00:00 - Introduction to the PodcastWelcome back to the Pin It Forward podcast, discussing parenting and wrestling. 00:00:10 - Meet Dr. Brandon MasonIntroduction of Dr. Brandon Mason and his accomplishments. 00:00:38 - Parenting ChallengesDiscussion on the evolving relationship with children as they grow. 00:01:42 - The Joy of ParentingReflections on the gift of being a parent and shaping children's lives. 00:02:33 - Managing Pre-Match NervesIntroduction to the topic of managing nerves before competitions. 00:03:21 - Flow State in WrestlingExplaining the concept of flow state and its importance in performance. 00:04:24 - Role of Sports PsychiatristsThe increasing presence of sports psychologists in athletics. 00:05:17 - Stress in Wrestling TournamentsDescribing the stressful environment of wrestling tournaments. 00:06:49 - Eliminating Pre-Tournament StressTips on reducing stress before tournaments for both parents and kids. 00:08:48 - Individual Needs of AthletesRecognizing that every child has different needs and coping mechanisms. 00:10:02 - Warm-Up RoutinesThe importance of physical warm-ups before matches. 00:10:33 - Technology and FocusDiscussing the impact of devices on children's focus before matches. 00:11:59 - Handling Competition PressureManaging expectations when facing highly ranked opponents. 00:13:49 - Coping with LossesHow to support children after a loss and maintain a positive mindset. 00:15:56 - Mindfulness TechniquesUsing mindfulness to manage anxiety and nerves. 00:19:17 - Timing for Mat PreparationFinding the right time for kids to get ready for their matches. 00:21:11 - The Role of CoachesThe importance of having a calm and steady coach during competitions. 00:22:56 - Nutrition and Hydration PlansThe significance of proper nutrition and hydration for performance. 00:25:25 - Lessons from WrestlingHow wrestling prepares children for challenges in life. 00:28:32 - Encouraging a Strong Work EthicThe importance of effort and accountability in sports. 00:30:57 - Final Thoughts on Parenting and WrestlingConcluding thoughts on the joys and challenges of parenting in sports. 00:36:26 - Closing RemarksWrap-up of the episode and encouragement to share the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    42 min
  • The Parents Role In Young Wrestlers

    The Parents Role In Young Wrestlers
    Aug 12 2025
    In the debut episode of Pin It Forward, hosts Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former wrestler, and Dr. Brandon Mason, an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State and Radiologist, kick off their podcast with a passionate mission to guide parents in nurturing young wrestlers without the pressure that often plagues youth sports. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Pin It Forward Podcast00:00:14 - Purpose of the Podcast00:00:44 - Personal Experiences with Wrestling00:01:55 - The Impact of Parental Pressure00:03:33 - Wrestling vs. Team Sports00:04:20 - Encouragement Over Criticism00:05:42 - Brandon's Wrestling Background00:08:01 - The Role of Supportive Coaches00:09:43 - The Importance of Trust in Relationships00:10:56 - Verbal Criticism vs. Physical Criticism00:12:52 - Building Resilience in Young Athletes00:16:06 - Effort Over Outcome00:19:11 - The Balance of Toughness and Support00:20:40 - Future Topics for the Podcast00:24:40 - Conclusion and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Voir plus Voir moins
    27 min