I Lost Myself After Youth Soccer: Sydney Merkow's Story of Identity Loss, Eating Disorder, Anxiety & Healing

Be Valiant Rewind: Linda Santo, What Ron Santo's Legacy Taught Her About Youth Sports Pressure

In this Be Valiant Rewind, Todd Merkow revisits a powerful conversation with Linda Santo, sports parent, longtime sports media executive, and daughter of Chicago Cubs legend and MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo. Growing up around one of baseball's most beloved figures gave Linda a unique perspective on sports, competition, and what truly matters. But even with a Hall of Famer as her father, she found herself facing the same challenges many parents encounter today: club sports, private coaching, roster cuts, scholarship dreams, performance pressure, and the emotional roller coaster that comes with raising young athletes. Linda shares the very different journeys of her two sons through youth and high school baseball, including the heartbreak of being cut, the realities of the club sports system, and the lessons learned from watching talented kids navigate confidence, anxiety, and expectations. Along the way, she reflects on what her father would think about today's youth sports culture and why he believed kids should focus less on mechanics and more on simply enjoying the game. This episode is a reminder that success in sports is rarely a straight line, that adversity can become a powerful teacher, and that the ultimate goal isn't raising great athletes—it's raising healthy, resilient young adults. In this episode: * Growing up as the daughter of MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo * What Ron Santo taught his grandchildren about sports and pressure * The rise of club baseball and youth sports specialization * How cuts, setbacks, and failure shaped Linda's sons * Why multi-sport participation matters * The mental health challenges young athletes face today * What parents should do—and stop doing—after games * Keeping perspective when scholarship and pro dreams take over Whether you're raising a baseball player, a soccer player, or any young athlete, this conversation offers valuable lessons on helping kids compete, grow, and most importantly, keep their love of sports alive. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Be Valiant Rewind: The D1 Dream vs. The Reality of College Sports | Dr. Robert Dranoff, former Conference Commissioner

As youth sports become increasingly focused on scholarships, recruiting, NIL, and the pursuit of Division I athletics, many families lose sight of what truly matters: finding the right fit for their child. In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Todd Merkow sits down with former East Coast Conference Commissioner Dr. Robert "Bob" Dranoff, a lifelong college athletics leader, professor, and sports parent, to discuss the realities of college sports and the lessons parents need to hear. Bob shares insights from decades spent in collegiate athletics, including why Division II and Division III opportunities deserve far more attention, how the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting, the truth about athletic scholarships and NIL earnings, and why balance, academics, and personal growth should remain at the center of every athlete's journey. The conversation also explores the growing mental health challenges facing young athletes and the role parents play in helping their children navigate pressure, expectations, and the pursuit of success. Whether your child dreams of playing in college or simply loves competing, this episode offers practical perspective on how sports can serve young people—not the other way around. Key Topics: * The reality of Division I recruiting * Why Division II may be the best-kept secret in college athletics * NIL, scholarships, and the transfer portal * Mental health and athlete well-being * Finding the right college fit * Keeping sports fun and meaningful * What every sports parent should prioritize About Bob Dranoff: Bob Dranoff is the former Commissioner of the East Coast Conference and a longtime college athletics administrator who has served at the Division I, II, III, and junior college levels. Today, he teaches at St. John's University and St. Joseph's University while continuing to advocate for student-athlete development and well-being. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Be Valiant Rewind: "No One Has Youth Sports Figured Out" | Steve Borelli, USA Today

In this Be Valiant Rewind episode, Todd Merkow sits down with Steve Borelli, longtime USA Today journalist, youth sports columnist, coach, and sports dad, for one of the most insightful conversations we've had about the realities of raising young athletes. Drawing from years of experience on the sidelines and hundreds of conversations with parents, coaches, and athletes, Steve shares practical wisdom on everything from travel sports culture and early specialization to recruiting, pressure, parent behavior, and what kids actually need from us. Why do so many parents feel trapped in unhealthy sports environments? What are the warning signs that a team or club may not be the right fit? Do college coaches really prefer multi-sport athletes? And how can parents support their children without becoming part of the pressure? Steve also discusses lessons from his interviews with former MLB All-Star Todd Frazier, golf legend Annika Sorenstam, and other sports figures who have navigated youth sports as parents themselves. Key topics include: • The red flags parents should watch for in youth sports programs • Why "you're not getting scouted at 12" is a message every parent needs to hear • The importance of multi-sport participation and athlete development • The 24-hour rule and the car ride home after games • What college coaches are really looking for • Travel sports, recruiting, and maintaining perspective • Why fun in sports is more important—and more complex—than most people realize Whether you're just starting your family's youth sports journey or are deep in the travel sports world, this conversation offers valuable perspective, practical advice, and reassurance that you're not alone. Because at the end of the day, great sports parenting isn't about having all the answers—it's about learning, growing, and making decisions that are in the best interest of your child. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports SocietyBe Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Be Valiant Rewind: Mike Strati | Creating a Healthy Sports Culture for Your Child

In this special "rewind" of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with longtime friend, former collegiate and national team soccer player, coach, consultant, and sports parent Mike Strati for one of the most insightful conversations we've had about youth sports culture. Drawing from his experiences as an athlete, coach, and father of three, Mike shares a refreshingly honest perspective on what really matters in youth sports. From the importance of multi-sport participation and finding the right coach, to navigating toxic environments, managing expectations, and helping kids develop a lifelong love of sports, this episode is packed with practical advice for parents at every stage of the journey. You'll hear why Mike believes: • Kids should play as many sports as possible for as long as possible • Parents need to be intentional about choosing coaches and teams • The car ride home matters more than most parents realize • Early specialization often does more harm than good • Youth sports should prepare kids for life—not just college athletics Most importantly, Mike reminds us that youth sports are ultimately about helping our children grow, learn, build relationships, and discover who they are. Whether you're just beginning your family's sports journey or you're deep in the competitive youth sports world, this conversation offers timeless lessons that every sports parent should hear. Watch the full video episode and subscribe on our YouTube channel, and visit PlayFearless.org to learn more about Valiant Sports Society's mission to help parents safeguard the mental and physical well-being of youth athletes. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. www.PlayFearless.org Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.

Be Valiant Rewind: Mark Hilinski |Athlete Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & the Conversations That Can Save Lives

Some conversations are too important to be heard only once. This week, we're revisiting one of the most impactful episodes of Be Valiant with Mark Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski's Hope and father of former Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski. After losing Tyler to suicide in 2018, Mark and his wife Kim turned unimaginable grief into a national movement dedicated to improving mental health awareness, education, and support for student-athletes. Through Hilinski's Hope, they have reached hundreds of college campuses and helped spark critical conversations about mental health in sports. In this powerful discussion, Mark shares the story of Tyler's life, the warning signs that weren't obvious, the lessons learned as a sports parent, and what families, coaches, and athletes can do to create environments where asking for help is not only accepted—but encouraged. We also explore athlete identity, the pressures of competitive sports, the importance of multi-sport participation, the role parents play in supporting their children's emotional well-being, and why mental health conversations should begin long before a crisis occurs. Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of young people, this is a conversation that deserves your attention. Key takeaway: "Let's not let the crisis be the first time we talk about it." Learn more about Hilinski's Hope at Hilinskishope.org [https://www.hilinskishope.org]. Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society Powered by Valiant Sports Society Be Valiant. Play Fearless. PlayFearless.org [https://www.playfearless.org] Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show. © 2026 Valiant Sports Society. All rights reserved.