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
Jun 8, 2022 • 1h 12min
Tom Farrey on youth sports access, the quality of local sports teams and the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports
Greg sits down with Tom Farrey, the founder of the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program. The pair discuss the issue of access & resources for kids in youth sports (8:03), the importance of lifting the quality of local sports teams (19:22) and the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, developing a higher standard for youth sports organizations (36:53).
Greg also reacts and takes listener questions.
Rate, review, subscribe and submit your questions on social @YouthInc
Jun 1, 2022 • 55min
Rick Macci on training the Williams sisters, managing parents, and assessing true greatness
Greg sits down with legendary tennis coach Rick Macci, who was recently portrayed in the Oscar-winning film King Richard. The pair discuss Rick's process with parents (13:51), his experiences with pros like Serena (49:56) and how to spot the next great pro tennis competitor (24:25).
Greg also reacts to a New York Times article about tennis academies recruiting younger kids, and takes listener questions.
Rate, review, subscribe and submit your questions on social @YouthInc.
May 25, 2022 • 1h 23min
Dale Earnhardt Jr and Kyle Busch on Legacy, Parenting and Embracing Expectations
Greg is joined by two NASCAR legends: Dale Earnhardt Jr and Kyle Busch, for a special sit down episode in Charlotte, NC. The three discuss the balance between support and failure (21:51), losing and sportsmanship (48:18), how to manage and embrace expectations (1:06:52). Plus, Greg and producer Tasha take listener questions.
Please rate, review and subscribe. Follow us on social media and submit your questions for Greg at @YouthInc on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
May 18, 2022 • 51min
Project Play Summit Panel on Access to Youth Sports, Rec Leagues, and Finding Quality Coaches
Live from the Project Play Summit in Washington, DC, Greg sits down with a panel of experts in the space:
Jean Lee Batrus, MLB/MLBPA Youth Development Foundation
Jason Sacks, Chief Development Officer, Positive Coaching Alliance
Jose Corona, VP, Programs/Partnerships - Eat.Learn.Play Foundation
The group discusses the challenges that influence participation and access to sports (8:43), quality and positive coaching at the youth level (24:09) and how to address the needs and wants of different kids and communities through sport (20:00).
Please rate, review and subscribe. Follow us on social media and submit your questions for Greg on social media: @YouthInc.
May 11, 2022 • 1h 3min
Jim Boeheim on Coaching His Sons, Recruiting and the New Era of NIL and Transfer Portal
Legendary college basketball coach Jim Boeheim joins Greg on the show to discuss "the best season he's ever had" coaching his sons (10:44), recruiting challenges and wins (24:12) and how he's handling the new era of collegiate athletics (40:52).
Please rate, review and subscribe. Follow us on social media and submit your questions for Greg at @YouthInc.
Special thank you to our presenting sponsor: Invisalign.
May 4, 2022 • 1h 17min
Mike Brey on the recruiting landscape, his coaching philosophy and the impact of Coach K
Notre Dame's Head Men's Basketball Mike Brey joins Youth Inc this week. Greg and Coach Brey talk about the college recruiting landscape (19:35), his coaching philosophy and what he learned from Duke's Coach K (31:13) and the importance of developing confidence in a team (47:42).
Please rate, review and subscribe. Follow us on social media and submit your questions for Greg at @YouthInc.
Special thank you to our presenting sponsor: Invisalign.
Apr 27, 2022 • 1h 23min
Malachi & Eric Nelson on Decommitting from Oklahoma, USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley and NIL Deals
Los Alamitos High School Quarterback and Recent USC commit Malachi Nelson and his father Eric Nelson joins Youth Inc this week. Greg and Malachi talk Sport Specialization (19:52), recruiting landscape and following Lincoln Riley to USC (37:57) and the impact of NIL deals for college athletes (58:44).
Apr 20, 2022 • 1h 27min
Russell Wilson on the trade, his youth coaching philosophy and the importance of self talk
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson joins Youth Inc. just weeks after his recent trade from the Seattle Seahawks. Greg and Russell discuss how to balance playing multiple sports at the youth level (31:31), using imagery in parenting and coaching (49:28), and the effect of the language on a child's athletic abilities and skills (58:20).
Apr 13, 2022 • 1h 23min
Keith Tkachuk
Legendary National Hockey League player Keith Tkachuk joins Youth Inc. today to share his experience in American hockey. Greg and Keith discuss the regional nature of hockey (20:11), the huge commitments some youth hockey players make to excel (29:50) and the importance of trusting the coaches as a parent (55:22). Please rate, review and subscribe. Follow us on social media and submit your questions for Greg at @YouthInc.Special thank you to our presenting sponsor: Invisalign.
Apr 6, 2022 • 1h 20min
Eric Weddle
Greg is reunited with his friend, NFL veteran and recent Super Bowl champion Eric Weddle. Eric and Greg discuss Eric's experience growing up as a multi-sport athlete (17:21), the balance between pushing your child and taking their lead (28:17) and Eric's core coaching philosophies in anticipation of his new head football coach role (1:08:41). Please rate, review and subscribe and follow us on social media @YouthInc. We love hearing from you!Special thanks to our presenting sponsor: Invisalign.
