Be Valiant

Be Valiant: The Podcast for Fearless Sports Parenting is a thoughtful, real-world guide for those navigating the complex and emotional world of youth sports. Hosted by Todd Merkow, the founder and CEO of Valiant Sports Society, the show brings together a wide range of voices — from parents who’ve been in the trenches, to former youth athletes now reflecting on their journeys as adults, to experts in mental performance, physical health, and orthopedic care. Coaches, trainers, and thought leaders join the conversation to share firsthand insights on what young athletes truly need to thrive — and why parent education is essential to that success. With a focus on honesty, growth, and fearless support, Be Valiant empowers parents to lead with purpose, patience, and perspective — increasing the likelihood that their kids not only develop in healthy, positive ways but also have the most fun possible along the way.


All Episodes

12/10/2025

Ep. 17 Episode 9 - Coaching Beyond the Game: Leadership and Legacy with Charlie Turner Thorne, former Arizona State University Women’s Basketball Coach

12/10/2025

Ep. 16 Episode 9 - Coaching Beyond the Game: Leadership and Legacy with Charlie Turner Thorne, former Arizona State University Women’s Basketball Coach (Audio)

12/03/2025

Ep. 15 Episode 8 - Taking Back the Game: A Conversation with Linda Flanagan

12/03/2025

Ep. 14 Episode 8 - Taking Back the Game: A Conversation with Linda Flanagan (Audio)

11/26/2025

Ep. 13 Episode 7 - High School Sports, Culture, and Community with Kevin McCabe the “Dean of AZ High School Sports

11/26/2025

Ep. 12 Episode 7 - High School Sports, Culture, and Community with Kevin McCabe the “Dean of AZ High School Sports (Audio)

11/19/2025

Ep. 11 Episode 6 - College Sports, Change, and the Youth Connection with former College Commissioner Bob Dranoff

11/19/2025

Ep. 10 Episode 6 - College Sports, Change, and the Youth Connection with former College Commissioner Bob Dranoff (Audio)

11/12/2025

Ep. 9 Episode 5 - Travel Sports, Pressure, and Perspective with Steve Borelli, USA Today

11/12/2025

Ep. 8 Episode 5 - Travel Sports, Pressure, and Perspective with Steve Borelli, USA Today (Audio)

11/05/2025

Ep. 7 Episode 4 - Coaching, Culture, and Sports Parenting: A Conversation with Mike Strati

11/05/2025

Ep. 6 Episode 4 - Coaching, Culture, and Sports Parenting: A Conversation with Mike Strati (Audio)

10/29/2025

Ep. 5 Episode 3 - From the Sidelines to the Pitch: A Dad–Daughter Soccer Journey Conversation with Sydney Merkow

10/29/2025

Ep. 4 Episode 3 - From the Sidelines to the Pitch: A Dad–Daughter Soccer Journey Conversation with Sydney Merkow (Audio)

10/21/2025

Ep. 3 Episode 2 - From the Stands to the Sand: A Dad–Daughter Sports Journey Conversation with Madison Merkow

10/21/2025

Ep. 2 Episode 2 - From the Stands to the Sand: A Dad–Daughter Sports Journey Conversation with Madison Merkow (Audio)

10/14/2025

Ep. 1 Episode 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