169. Be Patient: Every Athlete Develops on a Different Timeline

169. Be Patient: Every Athlete Develops on a Different Timeline

In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith tackle one of the greatest challenges facing youth sports today: patience. Too often athletes are labeled too early as stars or failures before their bodies, confidence, and abilities have fully developed. Through powerful insights about development, confidence, work ethic, and a moving story from Cameron Stewart about his son Tyson, Shad and Dustin remind parents, coaches, and athletes that development is not linear and that some of the greatest athletes are simply late bloomers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone tempted to judge potential too quickly. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. DON'T LABEL ATHLETES TOO EARLY CHILDREN DEVELOP PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND SOCIALLY AT DIFFERENT RATES. SUCCESS—OR STRUGGLE—AT AGE 10 DOES NOT PREDICT SUCCESS AT AGE 18. 2. PUBERTY CHANGES EVERYTHING MANY ATHLETES WHO APPEAR AVERAGE BEFORE PUBERTY BECOME EXCEPTIONAL LATER AS THEIR BODIES AND CONFIDENCE DEVELOP. 3. FOCUS ON GROWTH, NOT PLAYING TIME INSTEAD OF DEMANDING OPPORTUNITIES, ASK: "WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO IMPROVE?" GROWTH SHOULD ALWAYS COME BEFORE ENTITLEMENT. 4. LET KIDS EXPLORE YOUNG ATHLETES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO TRY DIFFERENT SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES UNTIL THEY DISCOVER WHERE THEIR TALENTS AND PASSIONS ALIGN. 5. LOVE OF THE GAME MATTERS IF A CHILD STILL LOVES A SPORT, DON'T PULL THEM AWAY SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY AREN'T CURRENTLY THE BEST PLAYER. 6. STRUGGLE BUILDS VALUABLE SKILLS ATHLETES WHO MUST WORK FOR OPPORTUNITIES OFTEN DEVELOP RESILIENCE, WORK ETHIC, AND PERSEVERANCE THAT BECOME MAJOR ADVANTAGES LATER. 7. THERE ARE LESSONS ON THE BENCH ATHLETES LEARN JUST AS MUCH FROM FIGHTING FOR PLAYING TIME AS THEY DO FROM STANDING ON THE PODIUM. 00:32:17 - INTRODUCTION: WHY YOUTH SPORTS NEEDS MORE PATIENCE 00:33:37 - THE DANGER OF LABELING KIDS TOO EARLY 00:36:27 - WHY PUBERTY CHANGES EVERYTHING 00:37:52 - CAMERON STEWART'S STORY ABOUT HIS SON TYSON 00:38:57 - HOW PARENTS SHOULD APPROACH PLAYING TIME CONVERSATIONS 00:41:42 - WHY LATE BLOOMERS MATTER 00:42:37 - WHEN SHOULD KIDS QUIT A SPORT? 00:45:02 - FAMILY RULES ABOUT COMMITMENT AND FINISHING SEASONS 00:46:02 - JAMES CLEAR'S "EXPLORE VS. EXPLOIT" PRINCIPLE 00:47:27 - FINDING YOUR LANE THROUGH EXPLORATION 00:48:17 - FINAL ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND COACHES 00:49:37 - LESSONS LEARNED FROM CAMERON STEWART'S EXAMPLE 00:50:07 - EYES UP, DO THE WORK ⸻ Especially for Athletes: * Website: https://e4a.org * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

168. Kevin Love and the Courage to Ask for Help

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss men's mental health, the stigma surrounding emotional struggles, and the courage required to ask for help. Using the story of NBA All-Star Kevin Love and his public battle with panic attacks and anxiety, they explore why mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical injuries. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or teammate, this conversation will help you better understand the importance of checking on others, speaking up when you're struggling, and creating environments where people feel safe asking for help. Key Takeaways 1. Mental health struggles are real—even when you can't see them. Just because an injury isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't serious. Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks can impact performance and quality of life just as much as physical injuries. 2. Asking for help is not weakness—it is courage. Real strength is not pretending everything is fine. Real strength is having the humility and courage to admit when you're struggling and seek help. 3. Success does not immunize anyone from mental health challenges. Kevin Love was an NBA All-Star at the height of his career when he experienced a panic attack. Mental health struggles can affect anyone regardless of talent, success, popularity, or income. 4. Coaches and parents should keep their eyes up. Great coaches don't just develop athletes; they develop people. Pay attention to behavioral changes and create safe opportunities for athletes to talk. 5. Great teammates notice and respond. LeBron James's response to Kevin Love's article is a model of leadership. Great teammates don't judge; they support. 6. Silence is the greatest ally of mental health struggles. Mental health issues often remain hidden because people fear what others will think. Honest conversations break down stigma and create healing. 7. One person's courage can help thousands. When Kevin Love shared his story publicly, he gave countless others permission to seek help and realize they weren't alone. LINKS * Full ESPN interview with Kevin Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW2LVIp9QcU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW2LVIp9QcU] * Kevin Love's Player Tribune article - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something [https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something] 00:32:17 - Introduction: Men's Mental Health Month 00:34:17 - Kevin Love's Panic Attack Story 00:37:02 - Why Mental Health Injuries Are Different 00:38:17 - Dustin Shares His Own Experience with Panic Attacks 00:41:47 - Why Athletes Often Stay Silent 00:43:32 - The Stigma Around Mental Health 00:45:32 - Courage vs. Weakness 00:47:17 - Why Athletes Fear Asking for Help 00:49:17 - What Coaches Can Do 00:53:17 - Why Admitting You Need Help Is Courage 00:55:17 - Kevin Love's Decision to Speak Out 00:57:17 - Why Mental Health Is Harder to Discuss Than Physical Health 01:00:17 - LeBron James's Powerful Response 01:02:17 - Leadership and Looking Out for Teammates 01:05:17 - Freedom Through Honest Conversations 01:08:17 - Final Message to Athletes, Coaches, and Parents 01:11:17 - Keep Your Eyes Up and Do the Work ⸻ Especially for Athletes: * Website: https://e4a.org * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

167. Anchored Where Your Feet Are with Ty Detmer

A conversational interview hosted by Dustin Smith, alongside Justin Miller, with former NFL quarterback Ty Detmer. The coaches discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, contrasting the mindset and environments of modern student-athletes with past generations. They dive deep into the impacts of social media, the complexities of the modern college recruiting system, and the timeless importance of football IQ, baseline fundamentals, and mental preparation. 00:32:17 - The Impact of the Smartphone Era on Young Athletes 00:40:01 - The Evolution of Coaching Delivery 00:43:09 - Ty's Recruiting Experience and Navigating the Recruiting Process Today 00:49:59 - Preparation and Taking Advantage of Opportunities 00:55:25 - Embracing Where Your Feet Are in High School 00:58:50 - Developing Your Attributes 01:01:57 - How Offensive Football Continues to Change 01:07:22 - Modern QB Coaching 01:13:57 - Ty's Mentors Throughout His Career 01:18:59 - A Message to Incoming High Schoolers and Parents ⸻ Especially for Athletes: * Website: https://e4a.org * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

166. Dream a New Dream

In this episode of the Sportlight Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith revisit a powerful lesson from Paralympian and former BYU football player Jeff Griffin. After a tragic accident ended Jeff’s dream of playing football, he learned that resilience is not always about refusing to quit—it is sometimes about having the courage to redirect your energy and dream a new dream. This episode is especially meaningful for athletes facing graduation, transition, disappointment, or the closing of a chapter. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Resilience sometimes means redirecting, not quitting. When one door closes, the challenge is to take the lessons, discipline, and strength you gained and put them toward something new. 2. Some dreams have a shelf life. Athletic careers, seasons, and chapters eventually end, but the growth from them can last forever. 3. The lessons of sports are not reserved for stars. Every athlete can learn discipline, sacrifice, teamwork, toughness, and how to pursue a worthy goal. 4. Don’t stop dreaming just because one dream ends. A closed door may be the beginning of a better chapter. 5. Where your focus goes, your energy flows. Part of maturity is deciding where your energy belongs next. Chapter Timestamps 00:32:17 — Introduction to the Episode   Shad and Dustin introduce the format and the focus on powerful clips from past guests. 00:32:55 — Jeff Griffin’s Story   Shad introduces Jeff Griffin, a former BYU football player and Paralympian whose life changed after a 40-foot fall. 00:34:22 — When a Dream Ends   The discussion turns to athletes graduating or facing the end of their playing careers. 00:38:53 — Dreaming a New Dream   Shad introduces the central idea: resilience includes knowing when to dream a new dream. 00:39:35 — Is Redirecting the Same as Quitting?   Dustin reflects on the difference between quitting and moving on with purpose. 00:42:04 — Redirecting Energy   Shad explains that redirecting energy is different from giving up. 00:46:46 — Dreams Have a Shelf Life   Dustin shares that some goals are lifelong, while others are meant for a season. 00:49:22 — Lessons from Sports Continue After Sports End   Shad emphasizes that sports prepare athletes for future goals, even after their playing days are over. 00:51:12 — Living a Dream You Didn’t Know You Had   Shad shares Ammon Montenegro’s example of redirecting from football to cheer. 00:53:29 — Closed Doors Can Open Better Doors   Shad reflects on how Jeff Griffin may have done even greater things because of the door that closed. 00:55:24 — Asking, “What’s My New Dream?”   Shad shares a personal reflection about becoming an empty nester and redirecting energy in life. 00:56:09 — Final Thoughts   Dustin reminds listeners that yesterday’s dreams can prepare us for tomorrow’s greater purpose. 00:58:03 — Closing Message   Athletes are encouraged to get after it during the summer and, when needed, dream a new dream. ⸻ Especially for Athletes: * Website: https://e4a.org * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

165. The Fine Line Between Average and Good

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Dustin Smith and Shad Martin revisit a powerful insight shared by former NFL All-Pro Eric Weddle about the “fine line between average and great.” What follows is a deep discussion on consistency, sacrifice, self-motivation, preparation, humility, and the daily habits that separate people who merely dream from people who actually develop greatness. The conversation explores why we often romanticize greatness instead of recognizing the discipline behind it, why consistency matters more than motivation, and how small daily choices eventually become extraordinary outcomes. The episode also dives into practical ways athletes, parents, coaches, and young people can create routines of excellence and build resilient habits that last. This episode is a reminder that greatness usually isn’t dramatic—it’s accumulated. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Greatness is usually accumulated, not inherited. * Consistency matters more than temporary motivation. * Small daily choices create long-term success. * Most people romanticize greatness because it removes responsibility from themselves. * Preparation allows people to capitalize on opportunity. * Humility is essential if you want to improve. * Motivation fades quickly; disciplined routines endure. * Sacrifice is often the difference between average and great. * Winning the battle with yourself is the most important competition. * Developing skill requires patience and repetition long before anyone notices. Main Topics & Timestamps 15:23 — Why revisit old podcast moments? Dustin and Shad explain the new podcast format and why certain past conversations deserve deeper attention. 19:29 — Why do we romanticize greatness? Discussion on why people often attribute success to talent instead of discipline and sacrifice. 24:04 — Capitalizing on opportunity The role of preparation, timing, and work ethic in becoming successful. 26:52 — Greatness is accumulated Why consistency matters more than flashes of motivation. 28:38 — “You’ll never go broke taking a profit” A football analogy about small victories and daily progress. 32:03 — Motivation vs. consistency Why self-motivation matters more than external inspiration. 35:39 — Tactical plans create progress How routines and daily habits help athletes avoid procrastination. 38:33 — Humility and seeking mentorship Why improvement requires asking successful people for help. 43:09 — Routine creates greatness Building systems and habits instead of waiting to “feel motivated.” 46:11 — Talent vs. skill Why talent alone is never enough without disciplined development. Full Episode with Erik Weddle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWnB-UzhfdY&list=PLjow7UW4zcvU3CC2U5jUnrGEIbhbwhm0b&index=115 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWnB-UzhfdY&list=PLjow7UW4zcvU3CC2U5jUnrGEIbhbwhm0b&index=115] ⸻ Especially for Athletes: * Website: https://e4a.org * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ * X: https://x.com/E4Afamily * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ Join the conversation using #E4APodcast ⸻ Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO