

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 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.

Sep 23, 2025 • 45min
Steve Magness on the Mental Side of Youth Sports and Peak Performance
Steve Magness joins Greg Olsen to dive into the mental side of sports. They explore strategies for building resilience, maintaining focus under pressure, and cultivating the mindset of elite athletes. This episode is packed with practical techniques that athletes, coaches, and parents can apply both on and off the field.

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

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 28min
Malcolm Gladwell & Dr. Michael Gervais on the State of Youth Sports and More
Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author known for his insights on success, joins Dr. Michael Gervais, a leading sports psychologist, to dive deep into youth sports. They discuss the immense pressures kids face from parents and society, stressing the need for joy and personal growth over competition. The duo also highlights the significance of mental skills in sports, examines the impact of nontraditional sports on youth, and addresses the crucial balance between enjoyment and pressure in shaping young athletes' experiences.

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 7min
Tom Brady on Youth Sports, Broadcasting and His Relationship with Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen sits down with Tom Brady to talk about Brady’s youth sports journey, his competitive drive, his perspective as a youth sports parent and how his own childhood experiences shaped the athlete—and father—he is today. They also discuss their work at Fox and their close relationship in their first interview together since Brady became a broadcaster.Youth Inc. is proud to present this episode 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 5, 2025 • 1min
Youth Inc Preview: Tom Brady, Malcolm Gladwell and more
Welcome back to Youth Inc, a Youth Sports Podcast hosted by Greg Olsen. We are here today to bring you a quick message: We are so back. Starting next Tuesday, we are rolling out some of the biggest interviews we have ever done, beginning with TOM BRADY. Yes, Greg Olsen and Tom Brady spoke publicly for the first time about their Fox broadcasting situation, Tom's youth sports experiences as an athlete and as a parent, and more. We will bring you a fresh episode every Tuesday thereafter, with Malcolm Gladwell and Dr. Michael Gervais coming August 19th. All you need to do is subscribe to this feed, and get the new episodes as they come in. The world of Youth Sports can be hard to navigate, but we are ready to make that whole experience a bit easier for everyone involved. Thanks for listening, see you next week.