

Youth Inc. with Greg Olsen
Youth Inc.
Youth sports in America are at a crossroads — and Greg Olsen is here to lead the conversation forward. As a former NFL All-Pro tight end, youth coach, and father of three, Greg brings unmatched passion and perspective to Youth Inc, the podcast redefining how we think about sports, parenting, and the next generation of athletes.
Each week, Greg sits down with top athletes, coaches, scientists, entertainers, and everyday sports parents to explore what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in youth sports. From mental health to coaching culture, specialization to equity, no topic is off-limi
Each week, Greg sits down with top athletes, coaches, scientists, entertainers, and everyday sports parents to explore what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in youth sports. From mental health to coaching culture, specialization to equity, no topic is off-limi
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 19min
MLB Legend Mo Vaughn on Building Better Ballplayers | Youth Inc.
Greg sits down with three-time All-Star and AL MVP Mo Vaughn to talk about what it really takes to help kids succeed in baseball. They discuss early specialization, the importance of playing multiple sports, and how coaches can create a positive and consistent environment for young athletes. Mo shares his approach to building confidence, developing skills the right way, and focusing on long-term growth instead of short-term wins.

Oct 21, 2025 • 51min
Building Winners: Tony Vitello on Culture, Development & the Future of College Baseball
Greg talks with Tennessee Baseball coach Tony Vitello about his coaching philosophy, building team culture, and navigating the modern college baseball world of transfer portals and recruiting. The conversation shifts to youth baseball and the problems Tony sees with how young players are being developed today. He talks about the pressure kids face, the lost art of proper sequencing in development, and what parents should look for in coaches.

Oct 14, 2025 • 41min
James Clear on Building Habits That Last for Young Athletes
In this episode of Youth Inc., Greg sits down with James Clear, bestselling author of Atomic Habits, to talk about how parents and coaches can help young athletes develop the right habits—on and off the field. They discuss the power of identity-based habits, how to create systems that support growth, and why the small things done consistently matter more than big moments. James also shares practical strategies to help kids stay motivated, build confidence, and create lasting change without burning out.

Oct 7, 2025 • 50min
Jeff Francoeur Previews MLB Playoffs, Talks Athlete Development, Mental Fitness & More w/ Greg Olsen
Greg sits down with former MLB All-Star and current MLB broadcaster Jeff Francoeur to discuss what it really takes to develop elite athletes. As the founder of PureAthlete, Jeff shares his philosophy on youth sports development, emphasizing the importance of mental fitness alongside physical training.Jeff opens up about the pressures young athletes face today, how to build resilience and confidence, and why a holistic approach to development matters more than early specialization. Drawing from his 12-year MLB career and work with youth athletes, he offers practical insights for parents, coaches, and athletes looking to maximize their potential.The pair also talk the MLB playoffs, what it takes to get all the way to the Fall Classic, and more.

Sep 30, 2025 • 38min
Adrian Wojnarowski on The Changing College Basketball Landscape & Life After ESPN
Greg Olsen sits down with Adrian Wojnarowski — better known as “Woj”, former ESPN insider — to talk about his surprising new role as the General Manager of St. Bonaventure basketball.They dive into what it’s like running a college program, how the transition from breaking NBA news to building a roster has challenged him, and the lessons he took from years of watching the league’s top players up close. Woj also shares stories from his insider days and how they shape the way he approaches leadership now.

4 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 45min
Steve Magness on the Mental Side of Youth Sports and Peak Performance
Steve Magness, an author and performance coach known for his work on mental resilience in sports, shares his expertise in this engaging discussion. He emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and supportive coaching over punitive methods for youth athletes. They cover strategies for balancing internal and external motivation, the benefits of focusing on the process instead of outcome goals, and the necessity of allowing kids to face failures to develop coping skills. Magness also highlights the value of unstructured play and protecting time for rest.

Sep 16, 2025 • 47min
Missy Franklin on Motherhood and Instilling a Love for Sports
Missy Franklin joins Greg Olsen to share her journey from Olympic success to motherhood and life after swimming. They talk about the lessons she learned early in her career, how she approaches parenting today, and why instilling a love for sports matters more than chasing medals. A heartfelt conversation about growth, perspective, and family.

Sep 9, 2025 • 37min
Pardon My Take's Big Cat Talks Family, Parenting, and Youth Sports Culture
What’s it really like to be a parent at youth sports events? Big Cat sits down with Greg Olsen to talk about the ups, downs, and lessons that come with raising kids in sports. They cover everything from sideline dynamics to parenting styles, sharing stories that feel all too familiar for anyone who’s been there. A conversation that’s equal parts insightful and entertaining.

Sep 2, 2025 • 57min
CJ Stroud on Character, Leadership, and the Future of Quarterbacks with Greg Olsen
CJ Stroud joins Greg Olsen on Youth Inc to talk about what matters most—faith, family, and resilience. From his journey as a young quarterback to becoming a leader in the NFL, CJ opens up about the lessons he’s learned on and off the field. They explore the challenges of playing at every level, the importance of mentorship, and what it means to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person.This episode is in partnership with Unrivaled Sports. Unrivaled Sports is a leading national youth sports organization creating unforgettable experiences in baseball, softball, flag football, soccer, and action sports. The brand's portfolio spans iconic destinations and programs such as Cooperstown All Star Village, Ripken Baseball, Diamond Nation, Unrivaled Flag, Rocker B Ranch in Texas, and Under the Lights Flag Football. In 2025, Unrivaled Sports will welcome more than one million young athletes and over two million visitors across the country.

Aug 26, 2025 • 42min
Ryan Day on Building Culture, Ohio State Football & Choosing the Right Path
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day joins Greg Olsen for a conversation about more than just wins and losses. Day unpacks the non-negotiables that define Buckeye football, the intangibles he prioritizes over highlight reels when recruiting, and the message he gives his own son about what really matters when choosing a program. It’s a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and learning how to do things the right way—even when nobody’s watching.This episode is presented in partnership with RCX Sports. To learn more, visit: https://www.youth.inc/learn/get-your-kid-playing-sports-with-rcx-sports


