Youth Inc. with Greg Olsen

Greg sits down with actor Jerry Ferraraurage) and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, co-hosts ofThrowbacks for an honest, nostalgic conversation about sports, competition, and growing up. The trio dives into lessons from parenting and coaching, and how adversity shapes character both on and off the field, and more. From keeping the passion alive to finding balance in today’s youth sports culture, this episode is a reminder of why we all fell in love with the game in the first place.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with RCX Sports. To learn more, visit https://www.youth.inc/rcxsportsGreg sits down with Super Bowl champion and father of two, Chris Long, for an authentic conversation about parenting, purpose, and the values learned through sports. Together, they reflect on growing up in athletic families, the pressures facing young athletes today, and how parents can strike the right balance between discipline and fun. Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.youth.inc/newsletterFor more, visit https://www.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.