Be Valiant

Ep. 1 Why Be Valiant? The Parent’s Journey Through Youth Sports - Monologue by Todd Merkow (Host of Be Valiant and founder of Valiant Sports Society) - Audio

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In this opening monologue, the founder and CEO of Valiant Sports Society, Todd Merkow introduces the Be Valiant podcast and shares his personal journey as a youth sports dad. From the highs of watching his daughters grow through sport to the struggles of navigating toxic cultures, financial pressures, and difficult coaching environments, Todd sets the stage for the conversations ahead. This episode lays out the mission of the Valiant Sports Society — to empower parents with knowledge, tools, and fearless decision-making so their kids can thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally in sports. Listeners will hear why multi-sport participation matters, how to spot the difference between tough and abusive coaching, and why culture at home and within teams shapes everything.